Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-07-30

1t was under the command of Jones
himself who had grown inpatient at
the delay.
81 am sorry to interrupt a tetc.a-tcte,
gentlemen" he cried.
You are beaten again, Major Coven-
try" said O'Neill calmly. "Thc odds
are in our favor now. Throw down
your arms instantly, you dogs" he
shouted to the English soldiers. Back,
out of the way, Miss Howard"
He sprang to her side and clasping
her around the waist as if she had been
child, lifted her out Of the line of fire.
The jealous Coventry noticed two
things did not release her, nor did
she struggle TO get away. The sullen
soldiers rallied about Coventry and
presented their arms threateningly;
they had no mind either to yield with
out fight
stand by shouted Jones to the ma
rincs in his boat and to the gunners
forward.
"Stop, for Gods sake stop. Captain
Jones. You have been good To me-
cried Elizabeth. now struggling family
TO escape from the grasp of O'Neill. II
know that you are gentleman. That
officer is my bctrothcd. Withhold your
fire, They will retire. There must be
no hloodshed. You promised to set me
free and in safety ashore and leave me
there. Co. l entreat you.'
STEADY, lads. steady" cried Jones.
stopping out of the boat. And you,
| SIR" to the English officer, will you
withdraw quietly, taking your lady
with you. of course, if we engage to do
the same? You arc outnumbercd, and
we can clrc you to pieces. Take the
word of an older fighter, your honor
will be safe. -ir.'
"You are right. sir; its best. l must
needs submit, | suppose" said Coven-
try. r>signing himself the more grace
fully to the inevitable. as he could then
receive his love again. Come, Lady
Elizabeth"
Now. why didn't you protest when
was captured z" said O'Ncill. releasing
her waist. but still holding her hand.
could it be because wanted You to
he with me-" she whispered caught
off her guard in spite of herself, with
blush covering her face.
"God bless you for that and goodby,"
he said. bowling over her hand. "A
year, give me year. He turned
and walked away.
Sir" said Coventry, sheathing his
sword and walking down to whore
Jones stood upon the sand. 1--WE have
been msinformed concerning you. |
have had little interview with your
first lieutenant which has convinced
me that | was wrong. and this talk
has added to my knowledge As an
| officer of the king | offer you my hand.
Whatever your political or personal
affiliations may be. | am glad to rec
ognlze in you gentlemen of merit and
distinction. | trust to he able to re-
pay the obligation you have laid upon
me and my betrothed on Some future
occasion. We are fricnds:~
Sir" replied Jones, II love a gal
liant foe. | shall remember you. l
thank you for your courtesy"
And as WE'LL" added O'Nell.
at is not the practice of the Amer
lean navy" continued Jones, "to force
ships of war and bloody battles be-
tween loving hearts. Mistress How
ard, fare you well. The Ranger. her
officers and crew are yours if you wish.
If we should be met by another ship
with you in command, we strike TO
you without blow
"F,liZaboth." said Coventry macnan-
mously, can you not bid your friends
goodby:"
Il shall ever remember Captain John
Paul Jones" said Lady Elizabeth,
stepping forward and. giving the little
captain her hand to kiss, "and shall
never forget Lieutenant O'Ncill."
will You wait one year for him.
he whispered as he bowed low over her
hand.
Come and see" she answered, and
turned away.