The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1900-02-09
A TALE OF THE SEA.


young From its sides protrudcd the black
muzzles Of wars weapons; the flag OF
proud and naughty nation iluttercd from
It's masthead across its decks trod sea-
men and marines OF nations naval force.
Occasionally its commander scanned the
broad expanse OF water eagerly seeking the |
prey he awaited. That commander had
proud record to uphold; he saw IN the con-
iAct which he so impatlently awaited an
opportunity to brighten the ulster OF an
already brilliant name IN naval history. NO
thought Of defeat passed through ms mind;
the men, the ship, tue training were all
bis with which to wrest victory from an
enemy.
Flowing its way rapidly through the wa
tiers OF tile same ocean towards the east was
another great vessel from whose sides gram
wars weapons also proiruded, from whose
masthead there huttered the glorious EN-
blem oi young but valiant nation; upon
whose decks there trod men az brave as
any who ever sailed the seas. As the GOOD
! ship plunged through the waves. her bll-
.owy canvas catching every zephyr OF the
gentle breeze, her commander stood upon
1 Ais quarterback and scanned the ocean LOT
/ the enemy lying IN wait. lie, too, had no
| fear for the result of the contact which he
was seeking; he knew the men who served
I his guns; he knew the ship OF which ne
/ vas 50 capable a master; he knew that
mutiny lurkcd aboard the decks OF his en-
envy because OF unjust impressmcnt into an
willing service, and be knew that has cause
was just.
sail ahoy." called the lookout at the
| masthead OF the waiting vessel.
Where away is the sail:" asked the
waiting captain.
TO the northwest, sir. replied the SAILOR
a.oit.
What does she look like?' again queried
the captain.
Il large ship, sir, standing toward us, re
piled the sailor.
All was excitement aboard the waiting
vessel. Were the grim weapons Of war to
speak defiance TO a young nation, or was the
oncoming vessel but a peaceful merchant
man OF another country! The waiting cap
tain climbed aloft that through his glasses
he might get a better view OF the oncoming
ship. but her colors had been lowered Tor
The moment. and nothing could he tod. but
he would not be taken unawares-
Clear ship for action! rang from the
quarterback.
The hoarse call Of the boatswan's mate
rang through the waiting vessel; the drum
and fife beat TO quarters; the careful tram
ing Of long years told in every quarter, even
though mutiny was aboard. The great guns
we're released from their lashings; bulkheaui
were knocked away; pistols, cut'asses
boarding pixies, battle axes and ammunition
were piled upon the decks Buckets OF sanC
were paced at convenient points 10 take M
curse from mems blood when i should b'
spilled upon the polished decks, and guard
were set to watch those serving IN Tor
eign navy against their wishes, IN order I
shoot the first man who shirked his work
The scenes OF confusion ceased, the prep
arations were made, and all awaited tn
oncoming Of the strange vessel. Would
prove friend or foe!
Across the waters the waiting captai
watched the oncoming vessel, graceful as
white winged bird, answering 10 the sIgn
est wish Of her commander. His years {
seamanship forced from him an exclam'
ton Of admiration as the ship winch he wa
TO tight luticd and tackled so beautifully
But still the flag he was waiting Tor, u
flag that would tell him whether he face
friend or foe. was not displayed. Then su'
denly it huttered from the masthead, ~
flag Of a nation at war with his own, and !
knew that the enemy for whom he had wal
ed was before him.
''Booml Boom Booml" Three iron me
senrers Of hate shot out from the sides OF u
waiting vessel and Travelled across the W
ter. only to fall short OF the mark Tor wtlt
they were intended
= On came the other vessel, and soon
tongue OF fame leaped from its side and I
IRON BAH sped through the rigging OF u
waiting enemy.
The battle was on: shot swiftly ioliow'
shot. and the iron messengers sped backwa
and forward seeking nation : vengcan'
\. As the great ships poured iorth tAelr v
ieys. as the tongues OF flame leaptd fro
the sides; as the iron balls shot across I
waters seeking human targets, me gre
n ships trembed in every timber and roll
backward and forward IN the waters win
= were soon 10 run with blood.
- Aoft the iron balls were crushing throu
- the masts and sails; beneath they We
IN crashing through the great timbers OF
p ships sides and through the ranks OF
II. men.
IN AT the guns men were working with mis-
n, and main coats, waistcoais. and even shi
he had been discarded in an effort 20 gain gre
az or freedom. powder boys were seaihptr
~ hitler and thithcr with needed ammuniti
n that the guns might not be stopped; Q
=, n, GERS trod the decks behind the gunns
~ speaking words OF encouragement, or oil
l'e ing sharp criticisms. or giving harsh
re- Gers; from the main tops MARINES and :
ors w.re picking off the Toe with rifles W
on opportunity offered
50 The decks Of the vessel that had lain
ice wait ran thick with the blood Of hsr saii'
~ Beneath her decks the surgeons were /
~ riedly dressing the wounds 81 the strick
~. Dead men. or those for whom there was
~ hope OF life, were thrown into the sea,
~ make room for others. The cries Of
wounded and dying rang out above the 7
al. Of the guns, and still the battle ragged
DO The captain who had SO conhder
re. awaited the coming Of the foe had not fol
his the easy victory OF which he had orean
do The name that had never known de-
lie seemed destined to meet a most terrible
- a, the hands of despiscd antagonist, Fl
=" whom he had expected SO little OPPOSITE
Aboard his ship there reigncd the utn