Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1904-01-15

cdIotA4S clAdA 1XC wa
~ a handsome, dashing young
sailor, the 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.
VERY 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?"
1T cannot be the Alliancew ex-
claimed Dale in great surprise, as he
shaded his eyes and gazed intently
In the direction Of the setting sun mt
a large war ship which was edging in
shore toward the harbor Of Scarbor-
Ough, which apparently sheltered
numerous convoy Of merchant ships.
"'Tis indeed sher' replied Jones
sternly. II 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 strong eff
fort COMPRISING his lips passionately
in a way which promised trouble for
Captain Landais and the Alliance, q
new and handsome frigate, the best
of Jones' squadron. After a 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 a small
cr 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
terly.
"And those two white fellows for
ward there" continued Dale, reaching
out from the harbor'-
Are the Scraps and the Soarbor-
ough," interrupted the captain. III the
Information sent us by O'Neill be cor
rect"
would he were herev exclaimed
Dale.
"1es, he Is himself q host" said
Jones sadly. 1--WE are fearfully short
handed-O'Neill gone, and Henry and
Cutting Lunt. our third and fourth Of.
icers, both absent. The Frenchmen
are an unknown quantity. have only
you. Dale, and Stacey and Nease and
the boys. Of course; but can depend
upon YOU"
Upon me-upon all Of u.s." replied
Dale CALAMITY, ito the death itselfw
II know it," said the captain, smil-
ing and laying his hand affectionately
upon the young mans shoulder. ''They
are very young. though" he continued
gravely, "for such desperate work al
this promises to be. but they are brave
hearts and true. They will do theiI
best. doubt not"
with you to command them. sir
they'll not be found wanting, l am
sure" said the enthusiastic Dale, who
was devotedly attached to his great
commander. There vast little pause
"Messieurs," said Jones, turning to
ward a little. group Of French officer
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'
ed in the artillery, I believer asked
the captain of a fine looking veteran
The Frenchman bowed. "Will you a.
sist Lieutenant Dale in working the
battery on the main deck? 1t is an IN
usual place for a soldier, but we arc
very short Of experienced officers. YOU
understand the handling Of great guns
1t would be a great favor"
ANY place which enables him h
fight the enemy is a good place for q
soldier, my captain. am at Lieuten
ant Dale's service" replied the gallant
old soldier.
You, vicomte and gentlemen" said
Jones, turning to De Chamillard. WIKI
was attended by several subalterns
will take charge of the soldiers on thu
quarter deck and forecastle. desire
continuous small arm fire ito play
upon the decks and tops of the Eng
lish ships"
''Sir captain" smilingly answered d.
Chamillard, a dapper, dainty LITTLE
man. as he in turn bowed profoundly
laying his hand on his sword. mot q
man shall escape my marine infantry
answer for them and for my friend!
here as WELL" he added, indicating hi
say clad lieutenants, who emulated thi
vicomte in the profundity Of their salu
tations.
Remember, gentlemen" said Jones
his face lighting. IDS for the honor o.
America-and Of France. Mr.. Brooks,
he said to an alert young midshipmar
who was acting as his signal Officer
and aid, signal the Pallas to edg'
of to the east and engage the smallel
ship of the enemy The big fellow !!
our game, meSsieurS. Sect They ar,