The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-08-09

of the brig was flied with silent con-
fusion. The men sprang like big cats
10 their stations The little guns of
the vessel were soon cast loose and
provided, and, having been double
shotted, were run out again and
good turn taken with the slde-tackles
to hold them. The wind was coming
stronger now but still in fitful puffs.
from the southwest. Singularly
enough, the fog seemed to be rising
against the wind,
Presently. by the watchful young
commanders direction, the sall-trim-
mers braced about the yards to take
advantage of the rising breeze, and
tho Boxer began slowly to forge
through the water. II was the first
time in several days that she had
enjoyed good Storage way, and all
hands watched her travel with feel
ings of great relief Before she had
gathered much way, however, they
heard again the sound which had
awakened them to action. Five bells
this time came floating up from the
southwark as before On this occa-
sion the sound was clearer and more
distinct, showing that the approaching
vessel had drawn nearer The deep
quality of the tones denoted that the
bell was large one.
by CAD, Stanhope, that bell doesn't
swing on anything under heavy
frigate," said Grafton; were in for it
this time unless we can make some
distance with this brisking breeze
while the fog holds. What's she maxi
ing?"
About two knots, think. sir" an
swered Stanhope. looking over the side
at the sluggish water slowly drawing
past; maybe two and a half, no
more"
"'Tis a cursed slow boat but Brit
lsh ships are not built for running,
they leave that for t'other fellows
wish now the fog would hold little
longer. Keep your weather eye lift
ing there. Jabez," continued Grafton.
turning to old Sloeum. who still stood
at the wheel; don't lose bit of it,"
GAY. ay. sir" replied the old
Yankee. shifting his quid as he gave
a careful squint at the top-sails, which
the wind was scarcely strong enough
to fill II went lose none OF. yer
honor"
For few anxious moments the brig
held on. Presently in spite of their
desires. the Two officers perceived that
the fog was indeed going. However.
there was nothing 10 he done. 1t was
still too thick to see anything dis
tinctly. so they held on steadily At
II O'Clock from the other ship. they
heard again the sound of the bell.
which now rang six times. She. too.
had been feeling the wind. and was
evidently edging along in their wake.
which was pure chance. for they had
given her no sign of their presence.
"Confound the luck" said Grafton:
whatever she is. she's right after us.
By the sound. should say We haven't
gained a fathom,"
Lost. rather" suggested Stanhope
DIS UIlk no tDtt a. OIL III tHin SUI
of breeze. and it's so ftful no one can
tell
BY heaven. the wind has shifted
again, We're aback. Shift the helm
there, All hands to the Ice braces"
cried Grafton. as the wind suddenly
swung about and took tbs ship aback.
Fortunately 10 was not blowing
strong enough to do any damage, al
though the wind vas increasing 10
force with every moment But before
the Boxer paid on. the fog suddenly
lifted. II was brushed away froLl
them as if if had been swept aside By
a gigantic hand The Eray mist in
front OF them gave place to radiant
golden light The tossing White
capped waves. instead of showing the
siekly leaden color Of he past few
dasz. were throrn into briIlisat blue