Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-06-28

II of the Juno, the Mellish,
| Which had escaped in the
| tSzSY dark without pursuit from
the neet. after witnessing the success
ful termination of the action between
the two sloops of war. was heading
about northwest by west for Massa-
chuSctts bay and Boston. with single
IFS in her topsails and close hauled
| , :he starbOard tack. SeymOur's Or
crs had left him sufficient discretion
IS to lis destination, but Boston being
the nearest harbor held by the Amer
leans. he had deemed 1t best to try to
make that port rather than incur
furthnv risk Of recapture by making
the l. uger voyage to Philadelphia.
The weather had turned cloudy and
cold: there was a decided touch OF
winter in the air. The men were muf-
fled up in their pea jackets. and the
little squad Of prisoners. tramping up
and down, taking exercise and air un-
der strong guard, looked decidedly
uncomfortable. not to say disgusted,
with the situation.
1t had been a matter Of some diff
fculty to disarm the prisoners, espe-
| cially the soldiers, and to feed and
properly exercise them; but the end
had been successfully arrived at
through the prudence and ability Of
Seymour. who was well aided by Tai
bot and Wilton. and who proflted
much by many valuable suggestions
born of the long experience Of the old
| boatswain.
On this particular afternoon. about
ten days before Christmas. the young
| captain. now confident Of carrying his
prize into the harbor, felt very much
relieved and elated by his apparent
,, command Of the situation. He knew
what godsend the ships cargo. which
! he and Talbot had ascertained to be
even more valuable than had been
represented. would be to the American
army. 1t might be said without exag-
geration that the success of the great
cause depended upon the fortune Of
that one little ship under his COM
mand. Talbot had properly classified
and inventoried the cargo according to
orders and was prepared to make i'm
mediate distribution Of it upon the ar
rival in port. Both of the young men
We're as happy as larks. and even the
thought Of their captured friends did
not disquiet them as 1t might under
less fortunate circumstances. for among
the captives on the Mellish was Colo
mel Seaton of the highlanders, whom
they trusted to be able to exchange for
Colonel Wilton. and they did not doubt
in that case that Katharine would re-
turn with her father.
While indulging themselves in these
rosy dreams, natural to young men
in the elatiOn of spirit consequent upon
the events of their short and exciting
cruise-the capture and successful es-
cape of the transport. the apparent as
surance of bringing her in, and the
daring and brilliant night action which
they had witNessed-they had neither
of them ventured to touch upon the
subject uppcrmost in each heart-the
love each bore for katharine-and the
subject still remained sealed book
between them. The cruise was not yet
over, however. and fate had In store
for them several more exciting occur
rences to be faced. Seymour. often ac-
companied by Talbot. and Wilton. al
ways accompanied by Bentley. kept
watch and watch on the brief cruise or
the transport. Shortly after midday or
the third day. about three bells in the
afternoon watch. or half after O'Clock.
Seymour. whose watch below 1t was.
was called from the cabin by old Bent
ley. who informed him that suspi-
cious sail had been seen hull down to
the northeast and Wilton had desired
that his commanding officer be In
formed of it, Scizing u glass and
springing to his feet. he FASTENED Oh
deck.
We'll. Mr.. Wilton" he said to that
young officer. proud Of his responsible
ties. YOU keep good lookout. Where
away is the sail repOrted?'
BROAD off the weather bow. sir. due
north of us. You can't see her from
the deck yet" replied Wilton. flushing
with pride ut the compliment.
Seymour sprang into the main rig
ging and rapidly ascended to the cross
trees. glass in hand. There he speed
lily made out the topgallant sails OF a
large ship. having the wind ON the
quarter apparently and slowly coming
into view. He subjected her to long
and careful scrutiny, during which the
heads of her topsails rose, confirming
his first idea that she was u ship OF
war and, if so, without doubt one OF
tie enemy. She was coming down
steadily. and If the two vessels contin-
ued OH their present courses they
would pass each other within gunsh0t
distance In few hours, thing not to
be permitted under any circumstances
If it could be avoided. He continued
his inspection a moment longer and
then. closing the glass, descended to
the deck with all speed by sliding down
the hack STAY
Forward. there" he shouted. Call
the ot;l az watch. and be quick about
It! II Hip. step below and ask Mr..
Talbot . ccme. on deck at once. Bent
ley, III; seems to be frigate or a
heavy sloop going free. She will be
down on us in few hours If We don't
change our course. Take look at
her, man." he said, handing him the
glass. "and let me know what you
think of her."
While the men were coming on deck
Bentley ieaped into the mizzen rigging
and ran up the shrouds with an agility
surprising in one Of his gigantic figure
and advanced age. After rapid sur
vey he came down swiftly. Its an
English frigate and not doubt OF 1t.
sir. ana rising very fast"
81 thought so. Man the weather
braces. Up with the helm! Bear a
hand now. my hearties! Now, then. all
together. Brace in" He himself set
good example to the short crew, who
fastened to obey his rapid commands,
by assisting the two seamen stationed
aft to brazil In the spanker. In which Ia
Dor he. was speedily joined by Talbot
who had come on deck. Young Wilton
and Bentley lent the same assistance
~ f-R