The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-11-13
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BOYS IN COMMAND,

LleuleHdnl hlCnaru Ddle,
ESMI saluting smartly. He was
- handsome, dashing young
sailor, the picture of sea gallantry as
he ran lightly up the ladder from the
main deck and stopped before the little
captain of the Bon Homme Richard.
standing on the weather side of the
poop surveying the scene.
Very good, SIR said the little man.
nodding his head, but not turning
toward his executive officer. Look
yOnder," he added, pointing ahead and
toward the shore. What do you make
that, sir?'
1T cannot be the Alliancer' ex-
claimed Dale in great surprise, as he
shaded his eyes and gazed intently
In the direction of the setting sun at
large war ship which was edging in
shore toward the harbor of Scarbor-
ough, which apparently sheltered
numerous convoy of merchant ships.
"'Tis indeed sher' replied Jones
sternly. Il have repeatedly signaled
to Captain Landais to follow in our
wake-to form line ahead. If we get
out of this thing safely He stopped,
repressed his feeling by strong eff
fort, COMPRISING his lips passiOnately
in way which promised trouble for
Captain Landais and the Alliance, a
new and handsome frigate. the best
of Jones' squadron. After 4 momen-
tary pause the commodore, a man of
few words in time of action at least.
turned toward the stern of his ship.
Look aft there, too" he added
"That will be the Pallas. of course"
said Dale as his eye fell upon small
er ship which was following the Bon
Homme Richard. "And the Vengeance.
SIR"
There! Hull down on the horizon.
fleeing like a coward" said Jones bit
terry.
And those two white fellows for
ward there" continued Dale. reaching
out from the harbor'-
Are the Scraps and the Scarbor-
0ugh." interrupted the captain, IF the
Information sent us by ONeill be cor
rect"
Would he were herer exclaimed
Dale.
Yes. he is himself host" said
Jones sadly. 1--WE are fearfully short
handed-O'Neill gone. and Henry and
Cutting Lunt, our third and fourth Of
fcers. both absent. The Frenchmen
are an unknown quantity. | have only
you, Dale, and Stacey and Mease and
the boys. of course; but 1 can depend
upon you"
upon me-upon all of u.s." replied
Dale CALAMITY, "to the death itselfv'
81 know it" said the captain, smil-
ing and laying his hand affectionately
upon the young mans shoulder. They
are very young. though" he continued
gravely. "for such desperate work as
this promises to be. but they are brave
hearts and true They will do their
best. doubt not"
with you to command them. sir
IneyII not be ROUND waning, / am
sure said the enthusiastic Dale, who
was devotedly attached to his great
commander. There was little pause
"Messieurs," said Jones, turning to-
ward a little group of French officers
who were standing on the lee side of
the poop. At the captains word they
stepped forward and saluted graceful
ly.
Colonel de Weibert, you have serv-
ed in the artillery. | believer asked
the captain of a fine looking veteran.
The Frenchman bowed. will you as
sist Lieutenant Dale in working the
battery on the main deck? 1t is an un-
usual place for soldier. but we are
very short of experienced officers. You
understand the handling OF great guns
1t would be n great favor"
ANY place which enables him to
fight the enemy is a good place for ii
soldier, my captain. | am ut Lieuten-
ant Dale's service" replied the gallant
old soldier
You, vicomte and gentlemen" said
Jones. turning to De Chamllard. who
was attended by several sllbalterns,
will take charge of the soldiers on the
quarter deck and f0recastIe. | desire
a continuous small arm Sre to play
upon the decks aud tops of the Eng
fish ships
''Sir captain" smilingly answered De
Chamillard. dapper. dainty little
man. as he in turn bowed profoundly.
laying his hand on his sword, mot a
man shall escape my marine infantry.
l answer for them and for my friends
here as WE'LL he added, indicating his
gay clad lieutenants, who emulated the
vicomte in the profundity of their salu-
tationS.
Remember. gentlemen" said Jones.
his face lighting. . It's for the honor of
America-and of France. Mr.. Brooks"
he said to an alert young midshipman
who was acting as his signal officer
and aid. signal the Pallas to edge
off to the east and engage the smaller
ship Of the enemy The big fellow is
our game. messiaurs. See. They are
forming line ahead and are waiting for
us. Brave fellows Quartermaster,"
lie cried, stepping to the break of the
poop and looking down at the old sea-
man and his mates stationed at the
wheel, dye see those two ships?"
"Aye, aye, SIR" answered the veteran
tar. shading his eyes with his hand
and peering eagerly ahead. 81 sees
'em, yer honor"
That's WELL The one ahead, near
est the shore, is our mark. ! intend
to round to on her port bow. Mind
your course!'
Every good. sir" answered the steers
man, giving a knowing squint at the
lifting sails and shifting the wheel p
few spokes.
''Now, gentlemen" continued the
D,xS