The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-01-09
In the U'asp's Nest
BY CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY.
Copyright, 1902 by Charles scribners sons1
BY CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY.
CHAPTER xxx.
Last Letters Home,

These remarks greeted with enthusiastic
trated even to the cabin, where Captain Blakey
Writing report to the secretary of the of the
events of the past few cruise since he
hao taken his departure from LOrient.
After the smashing of the Avon the escape
from the other Ships very presence convinced
the American that the English channel had now be-
come too hot to hold him, since it apparently
swarmng cruisers in couples which would infa-
libby get him if continued longer in those waters
iakey determined to down toward the pathway of
the South American Indian ships in the hope
OF overhaulng valuable prizes perhaps fall
ing IN with soop like the Froic other
for the Wasp, on which he could try temper his
ship again.
There is no denying the that barring the great
Constitution. he luckest and most eff
hcent ship of the navy The officers and worked
like clock work together possessed with
such sublime self-eonfdence that there nothing
they would have hesitaed attack. Of course they
could not hope to make many prizes in their
ground as in the crowded English channel but
their luck had not yet deserted Them during the
early part of the next month they
aole brgs both of which burned, and the 14th
or September they brought to another large hand
some orlg after long hard chase, during which the
or1g made stout resistance, being armed eight
guns.
-. This brig proved to be the most valuable prize
tine cruise She from Bordeaux, France bound to
Pensacola, and loaded brandy Wine silks lace
and other costly French notions. hasy examination
of her manifest lading indicated to Bakely
that she must be worth thousand dol
lars and as the Wasp far from more I'M
lequented waters the captain decided take the
of sending her in.
He selected Midshpman Geisinger the senior mid
TShlpmsn Oh the snip to command her
and directed him to endeavor to make some southern
port charleston or Savannah, where
mot usually so vigorously maintained by British
gave him prize of twelve men picked men at
mat and ordered Ned Boston to with him
slstan Presenting their old relationship and the
AFFECTION in which his captain held him, Boston re-
spectfuy against being sent aVav from the
~ WASP. --'A' ''e
Why" said the captain, smiling down at the ear
nest flushed face of the lad he him in
me cabin Il thought you would like to Mr.
IL shall not attempt to take the Wasp home for two
port in three weeks She looks like fasf 20 ne IN
added CHANGING out of the after port know she
IS an Amercan-bult ship. She the privateer
Sir: before the British captured her and renamed her
Mr. Geisinger is careful fellow, have no doubt
Therefore little risk. See what a chance Won
have to get on shore before the of US The wasp
as done well on this cruise, too, the young
captain, cheerfully, and you will be marked Officer
b.: simply letting it be known that you belong to her.
@ I'd rather stay here, sir" Boston, his face
flushing with eager desire. II wouldn't be happy even
at home if the Wasp at doing things and
was not in her You know, sir, REFERS think she
IS tt luckles ship ahoat and we wouldn't exchange
OF ner to get into the Constitution herself"
But your home, you know?" r-.. .
"Gh. Captain Blakely," said Boston, sadly, you
~ There is the commodore -..
Yes sir He is very kind to very proud
my own father, you know, sir, and since have been
out on this cruise especially often thought of it.
bus I was christened at my mother was buried
there You know were running toward the place
where was picked up and maybe-maybe-so thing
might happen"
, NY 1adn said the captain gravely, laying his
ings. Well shall stay with me-"
THANK you, sir" said boy, his face breaking
into a smile 'thank
But can give you no hope of finding out anything
down here about your people The ocean, you know
is big place, and the ship but speck upon
1T, much less human being" ~..:- - :,
II know it. sir, but have hada of queer feel
Ing ever since we left Orient, that might find INV
father or he and it has been growing upon me But
whether do not, don't to leave the Wasp on
account sir. don't to leave you either he
went boldly
You shall not, then. will Gesneer take her
IN alone thought was doing you a favor"
- NO. sir; you don't favor by taking me awav
from tho ship as long she is afoat.
Very Well. answered Blakely. run along now
AMI tell the officer of the deck the word tn
1ock of work and drills let all hands write let
ers, and do you write yourself Boston to old Com
modore Little He will be delighted to hear from Won
"Ay, SIR" cried the delighted boy saluting and
scampering off again.