The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-09-07
BY CYRUS
TOWNSEND
BRADY.

FL
The weather had turned cloudy and
cold; there was decided touch Of
winter in the air. The men We're muf-
| fled up in their pea jackets, and the
little squad of prisoners, tramping up
and down, taking exercise and air un-
der a strong guard, looked decidedly
uncomfortable, not to say disguised,
with the situation
It had been a matter of some diff
6culty to disarm the prisoners, espe-
cially the soldiers, and to feed and
properly exercise them; but the end
had been successfully arrived at
through the prudence and ability of
Seymour. who was we'll aided by Tai
bot and Wilton, and who profted
much by many valuable suggestions
born of the long experience Of the old
boatswain
On this particular afternoon. about
ten days before Christmas, the young
captain, now confident of carrying his
prize into the harbor, felt very much
relieved and elated by his apparent
command of the situation. He knew
what godsend the ships cargo, which
he and Talbot had ascertained to be
even more valuable than had been
represented would be to the American
army. 1t might be said without exag-
geration that the success of the great
cause depended upon the fortune of
that one little ship under his COM
mand. Talbot had properly classified
and lnventoried the cargo according to
orders and was prepared to make i'm
mediate distribution of it upon the ar
rival in port. Both of the young men
were as happy as larks, and even the
thought of their captured friends did
not disquiet them as it might under
less fortunate circumstances, for among
the captives on the Mellish was Colo
mel SeatOn of the highlanders, whom
they trusted to be able to exchange for
Colonel Wilton, and they did not doubt
in that case that Katharine would re-
turn with her father
While INDUCING themselves in these
rosy dreams, natural to young men
in the elation of spirit consequent upon
the events of their short and exciting
cruise-the capture and successful es-
cape of the transport, the apparent as
surance Of bringing her in, and the
daring and brilliant night action which
they had witnessed had neither
Of them ventured to touch upon the
subject uppermost in each heart-the
| love each bore for Northumberland the
| subject still remained a sealed book
between them. The cruise was not yet
for them several more exciting occur
rences to be faced. Seymour, often ac-
| companied by Talbot, and Wilton, al
ways accompanied by Bentley, kept
watch and watch on the brief cruise Of
the transport. Shortly after midday of
the third day, about three bells in the
| afternoon watch, or half after o'clock,
Seymour, whose watch below it was,
was called from the cabin by old Bent
ley, who informed him that a suspi-
cious sail had been seen hull down to
the northeast, and Wilton had desired
that his commanding officer be in
formed of it. Selling a glass and
springing to his feet, he fastened on
deck. 3d.
'Well, Mr.. Wilton" he said to that
young officer, proud Of his responsible
ties, 'you keep good lookout Where
away is the sail reported?''
Broad off the weather bow, sir, due
north of us. You can't see her from
the deck YETI replied Wilton, flushing
| with pride at the compliment.
Seymour sprang into the main rig
ging and rapidly assembled to the cross
trees. glass in hand. There he speed
lily made out the topgallant sails of
large ship, having the wind on the
quarter apparently and slowly coming
into view. He subjected her to a long
and careful scrutiny, during which the
heads of her topsails rose, confirming
his first idea that she was a ship of
war and. if so, without doubt one of
the enemy. She was coming down
steadily, and if the two vessels contin-
| ued on their present courses they
would pass each other within gunshot
distance in few hours, a thing not to
be permitted under any circumstances
| if it could be avoided He continued
| his inspection a moment longer and
| then, closing the glass, descended to
the deck with all speed by sliding down
the back stay.
forward, therev' he shouted. Call
the other watch, and be quick about
it! Philip, step below and ask Mr..
Talbot to come on deck at once. Bent
ley, that seems to be a frigate or
heavy sloop going free. She will be
down on US in few hours if we don't
change our course. Take look at
her, man, he said, handing him the
glass, "and let me know what YOU
think of her.
While the men were coming on deck
Bentley leaped into the mizzen rigging
and ran up the shrouds with an agility
surprising in one of his gigantic figure
and advanced age. After rapid sur
vey he came down swiftly. Its an
| English frigate and NOT q douh+ of #