The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-18
CHAPTER XXI.
The Boat In the Pass.

1t was evening". The Maidstone was
beating to and fro off the mouth Of the
harbor of Brest. The wind was still blow
ing hard on shore and the French ships
were securely bottled up. They could not
beat out of the narrow channel. At least
it would be a dangerous undertaking and
the game would be scarcely worth the
candle. Therefore the Maidstone. al
though her approach had been' noticed
long since. had been permitted to come
close as she dared unhindered.
q The position of the English frigate was
somewhat precariOus also On lee-shore
in a half-a-gale of wind. i'll unfrequented
and most dangerous waters, only con-
sumlnate seamanship and unremitting
vigilance could save her from disaster. 1t
was there. not only in Grafton himself.
but in his dashing young subordinate as
well. The two. by carefully watching the
ship. managed to keep their distance
safely from the reefs under their lee.
From the foretop-mast cross-trees by
the aid Of a good glass Grafton had dis
covered unrn istakable signs of preparation
in the French fleet still wind-bound in
the harbor. Many boats were passing be-
tween the ships and the shore. troops
were being embarked. and provisions and
supplies taken on board the huge line-of-
battle ships and the frigates. 1t was quite
evident that a movement of some sort
was in contemplation; and it was more
than probable that as soon as the wind
served. taking advantage of the absence of
! the lolockaders, the French would put to
sea. 81 49, 49, 80
That was news of the highest import =
ance. If they could learn the destination
of the fleet there would be nothing left to
be desired except an opportunity of meet
ing them; an Opportunity Hawke would
make if he were given the vestige of a
chance.
"Hatfeld.' said Grafton. as he came
down from the oss-trees for the last
| time it being too dark to see farther.
| Il have changed my mind, I am going
ashore to see if I can not find out some
! thing about the plans Of the French fleet
| And you want me to go with your
| mo. that can not be. You must look
| after the ship. I will take the dinghy and
| one man, old Jabez Slocum. Now, mark
| know of under the lee of the Chateau
de Josselin, about which 1 told you.
! shall effect an entrance to the castle i'm :
| mediately, and see If there is anything
to be learned there. If not. / will take
Jabez and we will sail boldly into the
harbor and find out what we can
| And you will see Maden1oiselle de Ro-
| ham, = S..
Perhaps hope so, though that is not
my main purpose. At least would go even
| If I knew she were not there. Now, If I
| am not back by eight bells, midnight, you
| will brace up and make the best Of your
way to Torbay and tell Sir Edward what
we have learned.
| Eyes, but you will hardly have time to
get there and back by midnight, Captain
! Grafton Don't you think it would be bet
| ter to make it, say, eight bells in the mid
! watch, or 4 o clock in the morning? I'd
hate nightly to run away and leave you
VERY WE'LL answered Grafton, that
| will give me more time, and perhaps II
! would be better not to leave without ex-
hausting. every possible opportunity OF
getting information as to the destination
I of the French fleet. for there is no doubt
!. in my mind that they intend to move"
~, Nor in mine = 49,. "a
Very we'll then. we.ll make it eigh,
| bells in the midWatch. =
| And If you are not back then; T m tc
make the best Of my way to Torbas. OF
Plymouth. or wherever i can find Sir Ed
ward deliver the dispatches and tel
i what we have seen:' s45 .s .F:
That's it Now need not tell you tc
watch the ship carefully on this hard lee
shore, and when YOU start for Hawke, il