The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-10-30

gratefully.
Good heavens, my lord.' cried nnur
son. 1.-The punishment is GIJtA,
pray YOU
silence, sir.' he cried sternly "Yo,
have your order Shall / be more mer
ciful to this gentleman than to the poor
marine l would have had shot q mo.
ment since for less than he has done!"
But he is your son. Have mercy on
him, my lordr'
$50 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 infleXibly. LET the prisoner be
confined under double guard; you will
see that he at least does not escape
you"
ut is just" said Coventry, no less
resolutely than his father. 81 expected
1t. 1t was for her / did it."
There was a sudden hustle upon the
deck forward.
Sail no! Light no! Light hor' rang
out from dozen rough threats.
where away?' said the officer of
the watch.
"Off the starboard quarter" was the
reply-''there, coming up from Flam-
borough head"
ard and the rest of that scoundrelly
pirate squadron, Captain Pearson.
saw them off Bridlington bay this aft
ernoon,' said the admiral.
1--WE 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 lightsr'
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 a
crew homeward bound from foreign
station.
"Good luck TO you. Captain Pearson"
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 Shout
ders. Would that l were younger and
might go with you! But my duties as
well prevent me. Goodby."
''Sir-my lord-my father!" said Gov
entry, who had stood unnoticed in the
excitement of the moment.
"Do l see you still here, sir?" an
swered the admiral codly.
81 would ask a favor of you, sir, as
as-as my father
ASK no favors of father sir! You
have nonev'
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 inaction now! Let me
serve as the humblest volunteer! You
shall not regret it,
The old man hesitated. He was a ia
ther 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 l see you l shall have to
prefer them. therefore let me not look
upon your face again, sir. Do you I'M
derstandr'
"Yes, yes; goodby, sir!' said the
young man brokenly. 81 thank you and
bless you for this Tomorrow l shall
plead my cause in higher court.
Think of me kindly, SIR
"And you have done this work and
wrecked yourself for a woman! You
have been fool, sir! What woman
that ever lived was worth it," said the
admiral shortly
'This one," replied his son. 81 loved
her. l love her STILL"
The two men looked at each other in
silence. The admiral relented little
it was for the last time-and drew the
boy to him. He lifted his head to the
sky in silent prayer.
GAIL hands make salt" hoarsely cried
the boatswain at the instance OF the
executive officer. Lay aloft, topman!
The admiral turned away and Gov
entry was alone. He walked over to
Captain Pearson
"Father gives me a chance to die"
he said. "Please assign me to some
duty"
81 am glad to hear it." said the cap
tain, his face lighting up. 1--WE are
short lieutenant; l confide to you the
forward division of the main deck bat
terry. Do your best with it,
81 hope to serve it WELL" said the
young officer, saluting proudly and
springing toward his station.
"Anchor's away, STRIP cried the Of
ficer forward on the forecastle.
"Man the topsail sheets and hal.
yards, let fall, sheet home, hoist
awayw roared the captain, himself
seizing the trumpet AS the broad
folds of canvas dropped from the wide
reaching yardarms, the noble ship
gathered away and sailed out to try
her fortune.