Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-12-25


the punishment shall have equal pub
Iicity." The midshipman who had has
tened below now came running on deck
in terror.
There's no one there, my lord!
They've gOne-eScaped, sir!'
impossible" exclaimed Pearson.
"Escapedr' said the admiral, turning
to the captain. Had you no sentry to
watch them, sir?"
Yes. my lord, certainly" said Pear
son.
LET him be tried and shot forth
with, then, for gross neglect of duty in
'My lord. the sentry is innocent"
interrupted Coventry. Il replaced
him. alone am guilty."
'Worse and worse! You knew they
escaped. sirY' said the admiral.
Il did. Twas to prevent discovery l
took his place." replied his son, bow
ing. Captain Pearson opened his
mouth to speak. but his superior ST.
fenced him with a wave of his hand.
A bitter fight ragged in the old mans
bosom, but he saw his duty and knew
1t must be done. There was long and
awful pause. When the admiral spoke
again it was in an altered tone. He
had regained his self control.
Captain Pearson he said slowly
and deliberately in a strained and un-
natural voice, "let the court martial
which passed judgment upon the pris-
oner be reconvened Mt once to try Ma
jor Edward Coventry for disobedience
Of orders In time Of war; for aiding and
abetting the escape Of an enemy and
for knowingly declaring forged order
purpOrting to bear my signature to be
correct-in short, for conduct unbecom-
ing an officer and gentleman"
"Surely not that last, my lord" said
Coventry. impulsively raising his hand
in depreciation.
The admiral hesitated, looking long
and earnestly at his handsome soa.
you may leave off the part about con
duct unbecoming an officer and a gem
tleman. Pearson" he answered.
ThafiK you, sfr." said Coventry
gratefully.
Good heavens, my lordw> cried Pear.
son. The punishment is death,
pray you
silence. sir" he cried sternly. "You
have your order. Shall be more mer.
ciful to this gentleman than to the pool
marine l would have had shot a mo-
ment since for less than he has doneT
But he is your son. Have mercy OH
him, my lordv'
$50 much the more imperative that
he should receive justice, not mercy
from me. Besides, from this hour he IL
no longer son Of mine," said the old
man infexibly. LET the prisoner be
confined under double guard; you will
see that he at least does not escape
you"
1T is just" said Coventry, no less
resOlutely than his father. II expected
It 1t was for her did It."
There was a sudden hustle upon the
deck forward.
Sail no! Light no! Light hov' rang
out from a dozen rough threats.
where awayT said the officer of
the watch.
"Of the starboard quarter" was the
reply-"there, coming up from Flam.
borough head"
They will be the Bon Homme Rich
ard and the rest Of that scoundrelly
pirate squadron, Captain Pearson. l
saw them OF Bridlington bay this aft.
ernoon," said the admiral.
I'VE will go out and meet them at
once, with your permission, my lord, "
cried the captain enthusiastically. "All
hands up anchor! Mr.. Pascoe, show
the signal for the Scarborough to get
under way. Lively! We have him now
men! This is our chance at last!
There's prize money and honor for you
by yonder lightsv'
With wild cheers the eager crew
broke for their stations. The capstan
bars were shipped and manned, and
the clanking pawls clicked merrily as
the men heaved away as Justify as q
crew homeward bound from a foreign
station.
Good luck to you, Captain Pearson y
said the admiral. turning away. Bring
him back prisoner or sink him, and
will pledge you my word your kings
sword shall be laid upon your shoul-
ders. Would that I were younger and
might 60 with you! But my duties as
well prevent me. Goodby."
"Sir-my lord-my fatherv" said Gov
entry, who had stood unnoticed In the
excitement of the moment
do I see you still here, sir?" an
swered the admiral coldly.
Il would ask favor of you, sir, as
as-as my father"
ASK no favors Of a father, sir! You
have none!'
Let me beg Of the man, then," said
Coventry resolutely. 1--WE are about to
engage the enemy. For Gods sake, sir,
for the love Of my mother, do not con-
denim me to tnaction now! Let me
serve as the humblest volunteer! You
shall not regret it."
~-S WV AAoA AcoAtdlcO. ne was IA.
Their in spite Of what he had said. and
he could not forget it. His heart was
throbbing beneath his iron exterior and
appearance Of outward composure.
Cor he replied at last. "You are
free Of any charges until tomorrow.
When next I see you I shall have to
prefer them. therefore let me not look
upon your face again, sir. Do you I'M
derstandT"
Yes, yes; goodby, sirr said the
young man brokenly. IT thank you and
bless you for this. Tomorrow shall
plead my cause in a higher court
Think Of me kindly, SIR
And you have done this work and
wrecked yourself for a woman! You
nave been a fool, sir! What woman
that ever lived was worth it," said the
admiral shortly.
This one" replied his son. II loved
her. love her still"
The two men looked at each other in
silence. The admiral relented q little
1t was for the last time-and drew the
boy to him. He lifted his head to the
sky in silent prayer.
All hands make SAIL" hoarsely cried
the boatswain at the instance of the
executive officer. Lay aloft, topmanr'
The admiral turned away and Gov
entry was alnuo M x-.,,-a