Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1904-01-09
CHAPTER XVIII.

Lieutenant hlCudIu bdlc,
Ss saluting smartly. He was
SssE9 IL handsome, dashing young
aSalor. TIE picture of sea gallantry as
he ran lightly up the ladder from the
main deck and stopped before the little
captain of the Bon HOmme Richard.
standing on the weather side Of the
poop surveying the scene.
every good, SIR" said the little man,
nodding his head, but not turning
toward his executive officer. Look
yonder." he added, pointing ahead and
toward the shore. What do you make
that, SIR
at cannot be the Alliance" ex-
claimed Dale in great surprise, as he
shaded his eyes and gazed intently
in the direction of the setting sun at
a large war ship which was edging in
shore toward the harbor Of Scarbor-
pugh which apparently sheltered
numerous convoy of merchant ships.
"'Tis indeed shev' replied Jones
sternly. Il have repeatedly signaled
to Captain Landais to follow in our
wake-to form line ahead. If we get
out Of this thing safely He stopped,
repressed his feeling by a strong eff
fort. comprising his lips passionately
in a way which promised trouble for
Cartain Landais and the Alliance,
new and handsome frigate, the best
of Jones squadron. After momen-
tary pause the commodore, a man Of
few words in time of action at least.
turned toward the stern Of his ship.
"Look aft there, too" he added.
'"That will be the Pallas, of course"
said Dale as his eye fell upon small
Ier ship which was following the Bon
Homme Richard. "And the Vengeance,
sir?''
''There! Hull down on the horizon,
fleeing like a coward" said Jones bit
4erly.
"And those two white fellows for
ward there" continued Dale. reaching
Dut from the larbor"-
care the Scraps and the ScarbOr-
Dugh." interrupted the captain. IF the
information sent us by O'Neill be cor
rect"
"WouId he were herev' exclaimed
Dale.
"Yes. he is himself a host" said
Jones sadly. 1--WE are fearfully short
handed-O'Neill gone, and Henry and
Cutting Lunt. our third and fourth Of
ficers, both absent. The Frenchmen
are an unknown quantity. l have only
you, Dale, and Stacey and Mease and
the boys, of course; but | can depend
.apon you"
- ''Upon me-upon all Of u.s." replied
Dale calamity, "to the death itself!'
81 know it," said the captain, smil-
ing and laying his hand affectionately
npon the young mans shoulder. "They
ara 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" -
49, "With you to command them, sir
they'll 49, Je found wanting, l am
sure" :s4i,l the enthusiastic Dale, who
was devo,cdly attached to his great
commander. There was 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 saluted graceful
, ly.
''COlonel de Weibert, you have serv-
I'd in the artillery, l believer asked
the captain Of fine looking veteran.
The Frenchman bowed. will you as
battery on the main deck? 1t is an I'M
usual place for a soldier. but we are
very short of experienced officers. You
understand the handling Of great guns
1t would be great favor"
ANY place which enables him to
Aght the enemy is good place for
soldier. my captain. | am at Lieuten-
ant Dale's SERVICE" replied the gallant
old soldier
"You, vicomte and gentlemen" said
Zones, turning to De Chamillard, who
was attended by several subalterns,
will take charge Of 'ehe soldiers on the
quarter deck and forecastle. | desire
continuous small arm fire to play
upon the decks and tops Of the Eng
dSh ships. 81. > 7i"}iSsi =
''Sir captain" smilingly answered De
Chamiliard. dapper. dainty little
man. as he in turn bowed profoundly,
laying his hand on his sword, mot
man shall escape my marine infantry
I answer for them and for my friends
here as WELL" he added, indicating his
gay clad lieutenants, who emulated the
vicomte in the profundity of their salu-
tations.
Remember, gentlemen" said Jones,
his face lighting, "'tis for the honor Of
America-and Of France. Mr.. Brooks"
he said to an alert young midshipman
who was acting as his signal officer
and aid. "signal the Pallas to edge
OF to the east and engage the smaller
ship Of the enemy. The big fellow is
our game, niessieurs. See! They are
forming line ahead and are waiting for
us. Brave fellows! Quartermaster,"
he cried, stepping to the break of the
poop and looking down at the old sea-
ouH hiS otoS sfofio of tho