Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-12-03

that fellow. What's he doing now?
I Fore Cad. he's got a gun over the
quarter stern chaser. Must have
arms on board"
The Ranger was rushing through
the water again at rapidly increasing
rate, almost burying her lee cathead in
The foaming sea under the freshening
| breeze. and was now very near the
Maidstone. which at this moment dis
charged the small stern chaser which
had been dragged astern, the shot
from which passed harmless through
the bellying foresail above their heads.
give her another. Price" said o.
NELL upon a nod from Jones.
Into her this time, sir?"
YES anywhere you like"
The Ranger luffed again, losing a
little distance as she did so. but wealth.
ering appreciably on the stranger, and
this time the flying splintors from the
stern of the chase showed that the shot
had met its mark There was a sud
den scattering of the men upon her
quarter, and most Of them disappeared,
but the young girl could be seen hold
ing on to the weather spanker wang
and apparently looking defantly at
them. O'Neill took up the glass and
examined her
Faith. sir, she looks as pretty as
she Is brave. See for yourself. sir" he
added as he handed the telescope to the
captain, VINO took careful look at her
through the glass.
You have good eye fol the beau
tiful," he replied. smiling. even at
long range Secure the bow chaser sir;
we are within musket range OF her"
While this was being done the Ran
ger had CTept up on the stranger till
her bow began to overreaCh the wealth
er quarter OF the other vessel. As they
held on recklessly together suddenly
the speed Of the chase was diminished.
Her helm was put down, and with
sails Quivering and swaying she swung
up into the wind.
We have her now" said Jones,
springing On the rail and leaning over
forward; nay. it's too late. Missed
stays! by heaven. she's in irons! She's
doomed Aft there, steady with the
helm, Give her a good fun
In the next instant, with a crash
heard ABOVE the roar of the storm even
upon the other ship, the i'll tated Maid
stone drove upon the reef brOadside
on. The shock Of meeting was tremen
dOus. Her masts were snapped short
on like pipestems; the bowling gale
Jerkcd them over the sides, where they
Numbered and beat upon the ship with
tremendous force The girl disappear
ed.
Breakers ahead" on the instant
roared out a half dozen voices in the
forecastle.
Breakers on the starboard bow"
came the wild cry from all sides.
Down with the helm-hard down."
shouted O'Neill. with u seaman's ready
instinct, without waiting for the cap
tain. There was a moment OF cOnfu-
sion on the deck.
Steady with the helm-steady, sir"
cried Jones In his powerful voice, with
an imperious wave of his hand ST
lcn,e fore and aft the decks. Every
man to his station. Keep her good
full, quartermaster. Keep that helm as
you have II. Look yOnder sir" he
added, pointing to larbonrl to another
danger. Ready about, stations for
stays! Aft with you, Mr.. O'Ncill. and
see that the helm is shifted exactly as
| direct. Make no mistake! Lively,
men, for your lives"
The eager crew sprang to their sta
tons There was another moment or
two of confusion, and as they settled
down the silence was broken only by
the wind and waves The water was
sCethlng and whirling under the fore
foot Of the Ranger, The reefs upon
which the Maidstone had crashed were
dangerously near. But the keen eye of
the captain had seen on the other side
| "a slender needle of rock over which
the waves broke in seething fury as it
thrust itself menacingly out Of the an
cry ocean. They were right among the
reefs, and only the most complete
knowledge and consummate seaman
ship could save them. They were there.
CONTINUED Tomorrow