Morris tribune., 1905-11-25

presented pictures OF decentralization as
painful as they were unusual
Kenlpthorne, having been a tried and
successful naval commander in his
younger days, had striven, with some
success SO far as his own ship was
concerned, to stem the prevailing tide
Of ruin, and the Mary Rose was per-
| haps one of the best frigates in the
service, which, however, was not say
ing great DEAL He could not of
course better the character Of the
crew which had been provided for
him, nor could he entirely resupply
the ship or make good her faulty and
deficient equipment, but he did the
best he could. King James had sent
him as one of his best admirals across
the sea to the important island of Ja-
maica, then the headquarters OF the
West India squadron.
The admiral was seated In the cabin
Of the frigate that night cogitating up
on his plans when his thoughts were
interrupted by the rattle Of oars, indi-
eating the arrival of boat. The
sound of the approaching boat came
family through the open stern win
dows Of the cabin under the high poop
deck.
The ship was more or less deserted.
The sick men had been put ashore.
Most Of the crew and the officers as
well had followed them. They would
not be back until the morrow, when
Sir John had orders to get away in
pursuit Of Hornigold's pinnace. With
the captain in the cabin, however, was
the old master Of the ship, a man
who had been promoted to that rank
after the famous fight with the AL
gerines because of his gallantry in that
action. Kempthorne was consulting
with him about the necessary arrange
ments before sailing the next day.
AS the admiral heard the noise made
by the oars in the oarlocks he raised
his voice, and, calling sentry, for
there was half platoon Of soldiers
on board who had not yet been allowed
liberty he bade him ascertain If the
approaching boat was one containing
the governor.
At the same time the admiral arose.
buckled on his sword and made ready
to go on deck to meet Lord CARING
ford should it prove to be his expected
visitor. Pausing moment to say
final word to the master, he was con-
scieus Of something striking the ship
Before he could formulate the idea
that a boat must have hit the bends
there were several similar shocks.
The old master, who happened to be
unarmed, stepped forward.
"That will be boat, SIR" he said
quickly, striking against the side of
the ship. There's another and an
other"
''Let us go on deck at once" said
Kempthorne, stepping forward. AS
he did so the silence was broken by
q Wild terrified cry. A moment after
the sentry on the quarter deck outside
the entrance to the poop cabin fred his
piece. The shot was followed by the
sound Of heavy fail. A sharp, i'm
perious voice cried quickly:
t"The ship Is ours! Waste no time!
Overheard with him! Clap to the
hatch coversw
The necessity for concealment out
side was apparently at amend. The
heavy covers We're flung down upon
the hatehes and secured The ship
was filled with a confused babel Of
many voices and tramping feet. At
the sound OF the shot the admiral and
the master sprang to the door, but be-
fore they could pass the entrance it
was flung violently OPEN and man
richly dressed after the fashion of ia
maica, followed by tall, savage look
ing half breed, a compound Of negro
and indian, clad in q gorgeous livery,
each with pistol and sword, sprang in !
to the room and forced the two men
back AS soon as he could recover
himself Kempthorne whipped out his
sword. He found himself covered, |
however, as did the master, with a
pistol
''Throw down your sword" cried
Morgan iercely, sand yield yourselves
without quarter!!''
"Who are you that ask ?"
"Sir Henry Morgan"
'You bloody villafn,'' cried Kemp |
''dare you attempt to take the |
kings shipT'
'9That for the king" answered Nor
gan, waving his sword. 'sWho are
your
''Sir John Kempthorne, admiral and
vice governor Of Jamaica"
"You would .fain fill my station,
would you, sir?"
II would not descend to the station
Of pirate, robber, a murderer, a.
'S'death, silencev' roared Morgan
furiously 1.-The ship is ours! I've a
message for the king. Wilt carry it?'
81 would not insult my. royal master
by carrying message from such as
you
"You will have it, shouted Morgan
white with rage, lunging forward at
him.
Their blades crossed in an instant,
and at the same moment the old mas