Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-08-09
[coNTISuEnl

"Oh. father" whispered Katharine.
| cl.ncing to the colonel. what do you
thin: it is? See that English flag"
Kate. I'm morally sure that it Is an
American ship. 1t is just the plan and
size of those ordered by congress in
10. One of those ships should be in
commission by now. If l am right.
this should be the Randolph. saw
her a dozen times in Philadelphia, and
if that's not she shall never pretend
| to know ship again"
But did you hear what Captain VIM
cent saidy' continued Katharine.
"Eow many guns would the Randolph
carry:"
about forty. and most of them
small ones at best" answered the colo
mel. with sigh.
The two ships were much nearer
now. and their disparity in force was
apparent even to the most unskillful
eye.
The little ship can't nght this great
Il Que, ldtucI, Sdh ~
NO, my dear-that Is, not with any
chance Of success. But fear, or hope,
rather, that they mean to engage US
and sacrifice themselves in order not
to allow US to capture the little feet,
| probably prizes. of yonder. The man
who commands her is q hero, certain
ly."
"Just what Mr. Seymour would DO.
oh. if it were he" she exclaimed, clasp
ing her hands, her eyes filling with
tears at the possibility.
well, it may be- of course. He was
certain to be posted captain soon. and
it's like him truly. But, Kate. the
ships are drawing nearer every mo-
ment. You must so below in case OF
action, my dear"
"Yes. Miss Wilton" said Desborough.
who had at that moment approached
them. looking very handsome, having
heard the last words Of the colonel,
I'VE have arranged safe place for you
and your maid in the cable tiers, way
below the water line and out of the
way Of shot, though l hardly expect
much Of it from that fellow. Will you
allow me to conduct you there! Per-
haps you, too, colonel, would be safer
if you would
Pardon me, sir, unless force Is used
I shall remain on deck. The idea OF
me. sir-skulking in the hold during an
action! Why, sir
"And the idea Of me, either. doing
the same thingr said Katharine de-
family in ringing voice in which
| there was clear echo Of her fathers
determination.
Both men looked at her, smiling.
"Oh, you are different, Miss Wilton"
said DesborOugh.
NO Use. katharine; you must CO."
added her father.
"Oh, please"
"My daughter
"Oh. father. let me stay just little
| longer! There is no danger yet. Take
Chloe down. if you will, Mr.. Desbor-
| ou.h. and have u place ready for me.
| I'll 20 down when the battle begins
indeed | will. father!' she continued
| entreatingly.
| Well" said the colonel uncertainty.
"let her stay little longer, my lord.
| Very well. sir" replied Desborough.
| bowing and turning forward.
| Here. you Jack. take this girl below
| and stow her away in the cable tiers
by the main hatch" he said. pointing
| to Chloe, who was led unreSistingly
| away. her teeth chattering with un-
| defined but none the less overwhelming
| terror. The colonel stepped forward
beside Captain Vincent, and Desbor-
ough descended 10 the main deck to
| superintend The fighting OF the bat
| tcrics. While Katharine, grateful for
| the respite and determined not to go be-
low at all. stepped aft in the shelter
| of the rail. her heart already beating
| madly, as the two ships approached
each other in silence.