Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-08-20


terly.
"And those two white fellows for
ward there" continued Dale. "reaching
out from the harbor''-
care the Scraps and the Scarbor-
ough," interrupted the captain. eff the
information sent us by O'Neill be cor
rect"
Would he were herew exclaimed
Dale.
Yes, he is himself host" said
Jones sadly 1--WE are foarfuly short
handed-O'Neill gone. and Henry and
Cutting Lunt our third and fourth Of
floors, both absent. The Frenchmen
are an unknown quantity. | have only
you, Dale, and Stacey and Mcase and
the boys. Of course; but l can depend
upon YOU"
Upon me-upon all of u.s." replied
Dale CALAMITY, ito the death ITSELF"
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,
they'll not be found wanting. I am
sure" said the enthusiastic Dale, who
was devotedly attached to his great
commander There was a little pause.
"Messeurs," 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 saute6 graceful
ly.
Colonel de Weibcrt, you have scrv-
ed in the artillery. | believer asked
the captain of Il fine looking veteran.
| Tho Frenchman bowed. will you as
sist Lieutenant Dale in working the
battery on the main deck? 1t is an un-
usual place for a soldier. but we are
very short Of experienced officers. You
understand the handling Of great guns.
1t would he a great favor"
ANY place which enables him to
fight the enemy is good place for u
soldier. my captain. l am at Lieuten-
ant Dale's service" replied the gallant
old soldier.
"You. vicomte and gentlemen" said
Jones. turning to De Chamillard. who
was attended by several subalterns,
will take charge of the soldiers on the
quarter deck and fOrecastle. | desire
continuous small arm fire to play
upon the decks and tops of the Eng
liSh ships"
Sir captain" smilinCly answered De
Chamiiard. Il dapper. dainty little
man, as he in turn bowed profoundly,
| laying his hand on his sword. not n
man shall escape my marine infantry.
| answer for them and for my friends
here as WE'LL" he added. indicating his
gay clad licutenants, who emulated the
vicomtc in the profundity of their salu-
tations.
Remember. gcntlcmen." said Jones.
his face lighting. its for the honor OF
America and of France. Mr.. Brooks, "
he said to an alert young midshipman
WHO was acting as his signal officer
ana aid. signal the Pallas to edge
| of to the east and engage the smaller
ship of the enemy. The big follow is
our game. mcsSicurS. See, They are
forming line ahead and are waiting for
us. Brave fellows. Quarterrnaster, "
he cried. stepping TO the break of the
poop and looking down at the Old sea-
man and his mates stationed ut the
wheel. "d'ye see those two shps?"
aye, aye. sir" answered the veteran
! tar, shading his eyes with his Land
and pccring eagerly ahead, 81 sees
! 'cm. 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
Very good. sir" answered the steers
man, giving a knowing squint at the
lifting sails and shifting the wheel a
few spokes.
"Now, gentlemen" continued the
captain. ITO Your stations all. But
stay Mr. Brooks, direct the sailing
master, purscr and the junior officers
to come up on the quarter deck"
In short time the two older officers
and Il little band of youths whose ages
ranged from twelve to seventeen years
stood before the captain and salutcd
His eyes fell tcndarly upon the boys;
so youthful and immature were they
f. he charged with the heavy respon-
abilities of the coming hour. which
would have devOlvcd upon the older
men but for their unfortunate absence
Young gentlemen" he said quietly
accident has thrust you into positions
Of great responsibility which other
wise YOU might not have been called
upon To fill for years. We are about
70 engage two powerful ships Of the
I enemy. The Richard is heavily over
matched in everything except in the
spirit and courage of her officers and
mon. am determined-nay. we are
all determined, are we not?-that the
flag which floats above us shall never
be struck. We may be sunk, but we
will not surrender | shall try to dc
my part; you will, l doubt not, dc
yours"
AYE, aye, sir!'
I'VE will, sir.'
Count on us to the death, sirr
broke forth from the impetuous youths
who clustered about the captain.
"Rcmrmhcr that we are fighting not
only to uphold the honor of our flag
in the face of the most arrogant navy
on the ocean. but to rescue from q
shameful death-if it be not unhappily
too late-one of our brother officers
who would give his life to be here"