The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1904-04-02
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BOYS IN

xviii.
THE BOYS IN COMMAND.
90 HE ship is clear. SIR" said
Lieutenant Richard Dale.
saluting smartiy. He was
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.
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?"
ut cannot be the Alliancer" ex-
claimed Dale In great surprise. as he
shaded his eyes and gazed intently
in the direction Of the setting sun at
large war ship which was edging In
shore toward the harbor Of Scarbor-
ough. which apparently sheltered a
numerous convoy OF merchant ships.
"'Tis indeed sher' replied Jones
sternly. Il have repeatedly signaled
to Captain Landais to follow in U
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 q way which promised trouble for
Captain Landais and the Alliance. a
new and handsome frlgate. 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" be added.
THAT will be the Pallas. Of course"
said Dale as his eye fell upon q small
er ship which was following the Bon
Homme Richard. "And the Vengeance.
STRIP
"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 free the harbor'-
"Are the Scraps and the Scarbor-
ough.' interrupted the captain. "if the
information sent us by o'Neill be cor
rect"
would he were herew exclaimed
Dale.
"Yes. he IL himself a host" said
Jones sadly. I'VE are fearfully short
handed-O'Neill gone. and Henry and
Cutting Lunt. our third and fourth Of
fcers. both absent. The Frenchmen
are an unknown quantity. have only
you. Dale. and Stacey and Mease and
the boys. Of course: but can depend
upon you"
Upon me-upon oil Of u.s." replied
Dale g~nllantly. ito the death itself"
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 az
this promises to be. but they are brave
hearts and true. They will do their
best. ! doubt not"
"With you tn command them. sir,
sseyu not he found wanting. ! Urn
sure" said the enthusiastic Duie. who
was devotcdly attached to his great
commander. There was a little pause.
"Messieurs." said Jones. turning to-
ward a little group Of Frenrh officers
who were standing on the lc, side of
the poop. At the captains word they
stepped forward and saluted graceful.
~.
Colonel de Weibert, you have serv.
ed In the artillery. I believer asked
the captain Of n nne looking veteran.
The Frencbman bowed. Twill you az.
sist Lieutenant Dale In working the
battery on the main decki 1t il an un.
usual place for a soldier. but we arc
very short Of experienced officers. You
understand the handling OF great guns
It would be q great favor"
ANY place which enables him to
aght the enemy IL a good place for q
soldier. my captain. am at Lieuten.
ant Daie's service" replied the gallant
old soldier.
"You. vicnmte and gentlemen" said
Jones. turning to De Chamillard. who
was attended by several subalterns,
'will take charge OF the soldiers on the
quarter deck and f~orecastle. desire
Z continuous small arm Ere to play
upon the decks and tops Of the Eng
fish ships"
s'Sir captain" smilingly answered De
Chamillard. a dapper. dainty little
: man. ~ he In turn bowed profoundly,
laying his hand on his sword. mot a
man shall escape my marine infantry
! answer for them and for my friends
here 40 we'll" he added. indicating his
gay clad iieutenants. who emulated the
viconte In the profundity Of their sala'
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 midshipmar
who was acting as his signal officer
and aid. essignal the Pallas to edge