The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-10-02
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ing to the taffrail and looking benlno
her at the pursuing ships.
Their commanders seemed to realize
this, too, for they once more began to
try long shots at us. But though two
Tell very close no harm was done.
About half past Patterson left the
bridge and came down to where we
were sitting aft. He held chart in his
hand, and when he came up with us he
knelt down and pinned it to the deck.
May draw your attention to this
chart?' he said as soon as his prepare
tions were complete. "You will remem-
Der that the first time we were ever
chased it was in this very place. Well,
on that occasion we managed to escape
by taking this channel between these
two reefs. Our pursuer, as doubtless you
have not forgotten, drew too much wa
ter and could not follow us. Now, if
you are willing to chance it we might
try the same plan again"
What do you think?" asked Allie,
turning to me. 1T is desperate risk
to run, but then we must remember
that we are in a desperate position. y
knelt down upon the deck and care
fully examined the chart. 1t showed q
long, struggling reef shaped something
like wriggling snake, with an opening
IN the middle just wide enough, if the
measurements were to be depended up
on, to permit our vessel to pass through.
4 Ono fact xros sole ov;don< ool %hok 80,
that if we did get through we should be
saved.
II am for CHANGING it, said after
j had given the matter proper consider
alton.
Then we will follow your advice. .
said Allie. 1--WE will try the passage. !"
s Every good, y Patterson answered
quietly, and, having rolled up the chart,
he returned to the bridge.
After that for nearly half an hour we
raced on at full speed, the warships
coming after us as fast as their steaming
capabilities would permit.
Then our pace began somewhat to
abate, and, looking ahead, could dis
tinguish in the gathering dusk what
looked like an unbroken line Of breakers
stretching away for miles to port and
starboard, from far out in the open sea
almost to the ragged coast line on our
left. Our course had long since been al
tered, and now we were steering direct
~ for the troubled water. The pace was
still terrific. but we were slowing down
perceptibly.
st45a - a oyaso 70 tho -
said Ale, leading the way up on to the
bridge eff we make mistake and
touch, we shall go to pieces in five min
utes. Let us therefore keep together,
husband mine. -
We stood to windward Of the pinnacle
and watched what was about to happen.
The breakers were scarcely half y mile
ahead, the warships perhaps six miles
astern.
Then two men crawled into the
chains and set the leads going. The
second officer was sent forrard to rec
onnoiter, and Patterson, Diminishing the
steersman, took the wheel himself. The
third officer was stationed at the tele-
graph.
Suddenly Patterson drew himself up,
spun the spokes with preliminary
twist to see that all was in working or
der, and then turned to his subordinate
at the telegraph.
Stop her!' he cried.
The bell tinkled in the engine room
and answered on the bridge. The throb-
Z bing Of the propeller ceased as if by
magic, and next moment we were only
moving forward by our own impetus.
Almost before one could think we were
among the breakers, but still going for.
ward I glanced at Patterson out Of the