Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-08-20
had been dumped upon bis deck
which he cnrtninlr .uan uri4h A.

ness OF an ancient philosopher, there
was in his appearance no outward evi-
dence OF the tremendous qualities in
herent in the man save in the spar
king, flashing, piercing eye, which
plunged through and through those
upon whom its glances were fastened
with the keenness OF sword blade.
His men were wont to say that he
could look even a frigate into striking
her colors If given an opportunity
The hardest ruflian cringed like cur
before him, and this when he was
peaceful and quiet. When he grew
angry which was rare, his passion was
like Washington's. blasting and appall
ing. He was perfectly quiet now,
however, and he stood by Dale's side
Mt the break of the poop looking over
the bows of the ship toward the en-
envy.
AS she swept forward through the
peaceful sea fragrance of balm and
spicery and myrrh, which seemed TO
suggest the many voyages Of the old
ship in the distant tropic ATTITUDES,
chung about the decks and pcrvaded
the gentle air already redolent with
the sweet scent of new mown hay
from the not distant shore. 1t was as
calm and sweet an autumn night as
ever falls across the tired earth. The
land breeze blew softly across the
decks The bright radiance of the Elo-
rious moon of harvest sparkled and
wavered and fllckered with sinuous,
restless brillinncy on the tossing wa
ter ahead. All the busy notes of prep
aratfon had died away. There had
come over the hearts of all in that
moment before the approaching crisis
a little silence which bespoke recog
milton Of the gravity OF the impending
conflict. The mellow toned bell for
ward was striking the time-two, four,
six. seven bells in the second dog
watch, half after o'clock The min
utes were being rung away for some
Of the men upon the decks of the
great old ship; for many of them the
bell would strike no more. Some who
had gazed carelessly upon the setting
sun would not see ii rise again.
Laughter ceased, jest failed, ana some
y
onward turned, murmured the name Of
God in belated petition. Even the
most hardened and Indifferent sailor
felt the influence of the hour and was
still
or on the starboard bow the Pallas
was calamity speeding toward her dis
tant foe. The Alliance, having paid
no attention to repeated signals, was
still edging in toward the convoy. The
Scraps, with her topsail TO the mast,
her men at quarters, ports open, Ian
terms lighted. was grimly waiting As
Jones eye fell upon the Alliance his
lips were tightened. A black shadow
swept across his face which BODIED i'll
for Landais again. When Dale, stand
ing by his side, ventured to break his
reverie by bitter comment uuou the
detection of the frigate. Jones remark
ed:
"Never mind sir The fewer we are
the more honor we shall gain by tax
ing them"
But in the main the two officers kept
silent watch together. Even the chat
terinG Frenchmcn caught the contagion
of the portentous moments and stood
in quiet ranks prepared and ready. It
was no quarrel of theirs, this in which
they fought, but their old and ever
present hatred of England gave them
inspiration enough for the conflict
The breeze freshened slightly. and rs
the Richard drew nearer the Serapis
the latter swung her ponderous main
yard and slowly filed away. The two
ships were sailing Mt right angles 10
each other the Richard slightly ahead
of the Scraps, which was moving to
cross her bow.
Shall go to the batteries now, can.
tain?" asked the first lieutenant.
Eyes, I think you would better" an
swered Jones, stretching out his hand
"Goodby, sir" said the other, grasp.
ing it firmly.
"Goodby. God bless you, Richard"
said the older man. looking gravely at
his beloved subordinate.
"And you, SIR" returned Dale. with
an unusual accent of tender affection
Then he turned and ran rapidly TO his
station
pass the word quickly" said Jonee
to young Brooks, "for the men TO de.
liver their fire promptly and together
when the word is given Not gun il
TO be discharged until the order. Aft
er that, as rapidly as possible"
AS the fleet footed midshipman ran
along the decks little murmur of ex.
element arose. There was a shifting
Of positions. Men sprang to their sta
lions. Hoarse whispers came from
the gun captains as the smoldering
matches or glowing loggcrheads We're
handed to them by their subordinates
'Silence fore and aft the decksp'
came the clear voice of the captain
The murmurs died away as young
Brooks sprang up the ladder and re-
ported that everything was ready. The
boy officers choked down something
that rose in their throats as they walk
ed neryously up and down their divi-
sions. A heeting thought they gave to
home, mother hours of play so far
away. 1t was the first battle for many
of them. Down on the berth deck in
front of the hatchway little Payne
looked to the printing of his pistols
and WHISPERED word or two to his
men, who stood with their muskets
pointing down through the gratings
covering the hatchway. He wished he
had been up on deck with the rest,
fighting q great gun or attached TO the