Smyrna times., 1901-08-21

shovelS, some hammers, others old
chairs, billets of wood, table legs-in
short, anything that came first to hand
and the entire party moved in a solid
body down to MizzentOp, that part of
their stronghold nearest the Mole.
While consulting what was next to be
done they were near being surprised by
considerable party of dismounted Wig
ilantes, who, having skirted around the
base of the hills, were then advancing
upon their rear. At tie same time an
other force appeared in front, and the
party seemed about to be surrounded.
"Stick together, boys, and Wen drive
these fellows before us down to the
Mole, and if we reach that we are
safe" said one of the leaders.
No sooner said than done. Without
giving the party approaching their rear
time to catch up the tars charged upon
the company of vigilantes in front, and.
throwing some down the steep side of
the Mizzentop hill, knocking down 9TH
ers and driving the remainder before
them, they fought their way calamity
down through the narrow street lead
ing to the Mole and reached the plaza
at its extremity without serious injury
being done to any of them.
On reaching the plaza they were
stopped by 4 multitude of the people
who had cOngregated there to witness
the capture of Jack. Forcing their way
through there and still keeping the Wig
ilantes at bay, they finally made their
way to the water stairs, but there, alas.
there was no boat to receive them. This
was an emergency which had not been
foreseen by our tars, who now saw
themselves caught in trap-the water
at their backs, the police in front and
flank. But they did not give up. They
asserted their privilege to render them
selves on board without the aid Of the
vigilantes, while the latter demanded
GERS.
Come and take us" was again the
cry. and the police and the multitude
closed in upon the little band, charging
upon them with swords and lances.
Our fellows, who had intrenched them
selves behind some spiles, defended
themselves desperately with stones, of
which there was a plentiful supply at
hand. and not few Chilean. skulls
bore witness to the accuracy of their
aims.
All this passed within plain view of
us who were on board, impatient and
excited witnesses of our shipmates' de.
| fense.
As ever and anon a Chilean would
fall victim to some well aimed missile
a little subdued shout would 90 ur
from the crowd congregated upon the
| forecastle, while low murmur attend
! ed a similar misfortune to one of oul
| fellows. But now the battle grew fierc
er. The police pressed on by the multi
tude behind, charged desperately ant
succeeded in dislodging a part of tn,
sailors, who were driven by main force
off the wharf and into the water.
Some few of these were fortunate
enough to be picked up by several mer
| chant vessels crews which CHANGED t
be there, but these rapidly pulled away
! from the scene Of action, fearful of get
ting their boats stove by some of the
| rocks which soon began to fly. Those
| still remaining in the water clung Il
spiles and floating timber and were
there helpless and at the mercy Of thC
police, who stood above them throwing
! pieces of rock upon their heads. Tht
little band on shore still defended them
selves as best they could and maintain
ed their position behind the timbers.
But a few minutes more and ou
boats were ct the stairs, and, making
last mad rush at their assailants, ou
tars. picking up their wounded, raj
hastily down the stairs, the boats shov
ed off, and all was over Those in tn
water had of course been picked VI
first. The boats arrived none to soon t.
save our men. Many of them wer
wounded and several so badly hurt a
to be confined to the sick bay the great
er part of the voyage home. To wha
extent the police force of Valparais
was injured in the melee we neve
learned, as we sailed the succeeding
morning for Rio, which port was to b
our last this side of home.