Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-08-13

But your ward, my lord-shc is with
him" said the captain.
Bring her, too. then" the old man
answered passionately.
'But the crew-the men-uot before
them ALI" said Coventry, striving to
gain time.
before heaven itself the olfcnse was
given" said the admiral. losing all
control over himself in his fury. land
the punishment shall have equal pub
liclty." 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
'Impossibe" exclaimed Pearson.
'Escaped!' said the admiral, turning
to the captain. Had you no sentry to
watch them, sH?"
ayes, my lord, certainly" said Pear
son.
"Let him be tried and shot forth.
with. then for gross neglect of duty In
permitting
MY lord, the sentry is innocent"
interrupted Coventry. II replaced
him. l alone am guilty"
Worse and worse. You knew they
escaped. sir?" said the admiral.
Il did. Twas to prevent discovery
took his place." replied his son bow
Ing. Captain Pearson opened his
mouth TO speak, but his superior ST.
fenced him with wave of his hand.
bitter fight ragged in tho 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 strained and I'M
natural voice. 'let the court martial
which passed judgment upon the pris-
oner be reconvened at once to try Ma
jor Edward Coventry for disobedicnce
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 he
correct-in short for conduct unbecom-
ing an officer and gentleman"
Surely not that last my lord" said
Coventry, impulsivey raising his hand
in depreca ton.
The admiral hesitated. looking long
and earnestly at his handsome son |
You may leave off the part about con
duct unbecoming an officer and n gen
tleman, Pearson, he answered.
Thank you, sir" said Coventry
Gratefully.
Good heavens, my lord" cried Pear |
son. The punishment is death. |
pray YOU
silence, sir,' he cried sternly. "You |
have your order. Shah be more mer.
ciful to this gentleman than to the poor
marine | would have had shot n mo |
ment since for less than he has doneT"
But he is your son. Have mercy ON
him, my lord
SO much the more imperative that |
he should receive justice, not mercy, |
from me. Besides, from this hour he is
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"
TT is just" said Coventry, no less
resOlutely than his father Il expected
it. 1t was for her did it,"
There was a sudden hustle upon the
deck forward
Sail ho. Light no. Light ho" rang
out from n dozen rough throats.
Where away?" said the officer OF
the watch.
off the starboard quarter" was the
reply there coming up from Flam.
borough head"
They will be the Bon Hommc Rich
ard and the rest of that scoundrelly
pirate squadron, Captain Pearson.
saw them off Bridlington bay this aft
said the admiral
I'VE will 20 out and meet them at
once, with your permission my lord"
cried the captain enthusiastically. All
hands up anchor Mr.. Pascoc. 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 lights!'
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 heayed away ms Justify az n
crew hOmeward bound from a foreign
station.
Good luck TO you, Captain Pearson"
said the admiral turning away. Bring
lim back a prisoner or siuk him ouJ I
will pledge you my word your kings
sword shall be laid upon your shout
1ers. Would that were younger and
might 20 with you! But my duties as
we'll prevent me. Goodby'
Shiny lord my father said Gov
entry, who had stood unnoticed in the
excitement of the moment.
"Do | see You still here, sir?" an
swered the admiral coldly.
II would ask favor Of you, sir, as
is-as my father"
ASK no favors of father sir, You
nave none"'
Let me beg Of the man, then" said
1oventry resolutely, 1--WE are about to
,ngage the enemy. For God s sake. sir.
or the love of my mother do not con
lemn me TO inaction now Let me
serve as the humblest volunteer! You
shall not regret it,
The old man hestated. He was a In.
ne could not forget it. His heart was
hrobOing beneath his iron exterior and
appearance of outward composlre.