Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-10-28

the Sutherland and the approaching
cutter.
Boat ahoy!"
"The Porcupine!" promptly an
swered a rather small man in the
stern-sheets Of the boat, giving the
name of the vessel he commanded
and following his reply with the sharp
command, "Way enough! In bows!"
AS he spoke he motioned to mid
shipman who sat beside him. Follow
ing his officers direction, the helm
was put over and the boat swept gent
ly alongside the gangway, the men
unshipping the oars at the same time.
Leave keeper in the boat and let
the men 60 aboard the ship" con-
tinued the officer, rising, "then have
the boat dropped astern. You will
follow me on deck, Mr.. Robson" he
added, as he seized the manropes and
ran rapidly up the battens to the gang
way.
"Good evening, Capt. Grafton" said
the officer of the deck, removing his
cap and bowling low to the newcomer
as he stepped aboard. "The general
has been asking for you"
"Ah, good evening, Hatfield! You
say the general is waiting for me?
Where is he?"
"In the cabin yonder, sir"
That's we'll. Will you have me an
nounced?"
"Mr. Giles" said Hatfield, turning to
his midshipman, present my compli-
ments to the general and say that
Capt. Grafton is here to see him.
"Ay, ay, sir!" replied the boy, touch
ing his cap and springing aft toward
the cabin.
"Tis a fine night, Hatfield" re-
marked Grafton, as they stood wait
ing.
Indeed yes, SIR"
"And a good time for our enterprise.
I believe it is set finally for this even
ing"
T believe so, sir. The orders have
been sent around to all the ships"
"And time enough" responded Graf
ton. 1--WE cannot stay in this cursed
river much longer. Winter will soon
be on US"
"The generals compliments to Mr..
Hatfield, and will Capt. Grafton please
come below in the cabin?" interrupted
the midshipman.
"By the way, Hatfield" said Graf
ton, as he turned to follow the mid
shipman, where are Capt. Rous and
the admiral?"
Below sir, in the admiral's cabin,
supervising the details for the even
ing. Do you go with them, captain"
81 believe that am to have charge
of the debarkation," answered Grafton
heartily; would you like to GOT?
Indeed I would, sir"
every we'll, I'll speak to Capt. Rous.
I shall doubtless see you again In
few moments"
Presently Grafton entered the cabin.
"Ah, Grafton, glad to see you'll" said
a tall, thin man seated at table, who
appeared to be very i'll. Prompt as
usual, see."
"You said nine o'clock, general, and
you know we sailors can be quite as
punctual as you gentlemen Of the ar
my-wind and tide permitting, OF
course"
"Well, captain, but stay! You
will excuse us, Monckton, and gentle
men all, I am sure" said the general,
turning to his most trusted subor-
dinate and three or four staff officers
with whom he had been in consulta-
ton, 81 have something Of a private
nature to say to Capt. Grafton, and
with your permission-no, no, keep
your seats!" he added, as he saw
them rising, 1--WE will withdraw to the
inner cabin. You see, have two
rooms, Grafton, by the courtesy OF
Capt. Rous, luxurious quarters for
soldier in the course Of an active cam
paign."
The two men, bowling to the officers,
who returned their salutations with
elaborate courtesy, withdrew into the
inner cabin. Motioning the sailor to
a seat the general sank down on a
transom, rested his elbow on the post
sill, leaned his head upon his hand,
and gazed through the open port to-
ward Cap-Rouge. Grafton did not
presume to break the silence.
"Philip," he said at last, turning
about and leaning forward toward his
friend, 1--WE try it tonight"
Eyes, James,"
"And you are to have charge Of the
boats"
'"lnank you for that"
81 wanted a good man upon whom
I could depend. There must be no mis-
carriage here if We can help 1t. 'Tis
our last chance. You saw Admiral
Saunders, as l requested?"
Eyes, and he delays sailing for a
short time longer, though he takes q
great risk"
"A noble fellow!" exclaimed the
young general heartily. IF he fails
to take the town, will ever bear testi-
mony that our want Of success was
not due to any lack Of cooperation
on his part"
Shall we succeed, think you,
| Wolfe?" asked Grafton.
What think you Of the prospects
yourself?"
81 am a sailor, know little Of such
things. Give me the deck Of ship
and l am at home. l fear nothing
there-unless it be lee-shore-but on
land 1 prefer your views"
"Shall we fail? God knows!" muir
INJURED Wolfe softly. half soliloquizing.
| II friad To turn fhair flank ON the