Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1905-03-11

xNSaa.Ey udFk Wlluout PURSUIT LloiA
the feet. after witnessing the success
full termination of the action betweeL
the two sloops of war, was heading
about northwest by west for Massa
cilusetts bay-and Boston, with single
reefs in her topsails and close hauled
ON the stArboard tack. Seymour's or
ders had left him sufficient discretion
as to his destination. but Boston being
the nearest harbor held by the Amer
leans he had deemed it best to try to
make that port rather than incur
further risk of recapture by making
the longer voyage to Philadelphia.
The weather had turned cloudy and
Cold there was a decided touch or
winter in the air. The men were muf
fed up in their pea jackets, and the
little squad of prisoners, tramping up
and down. taking exercise and air I'M
der strong guard, looked decidedly
uncomfortable, not to say disguised.
with the situation.
1t had been a matter of some diff
ficu1ty 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 well aided by Tai
bot and Wilton, and who profited
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 a 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 eyag-
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
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 a Colo
mel Seaton of the highIanders. 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 indulging themselves in these
rosy dreams. natural to young men
i'm 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-they had neither
Of them yentured 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
over, however, and fate had in store
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 glass and |
gpringing to his feet, he FASTENED on !
deck. ea~+s,es. ,-,-,
We'll Mr.. Wilton he said to that
young officer, proud Of his responsible
ties. '.you keep good lookout. Where
away is the sail reportedT'
BROAD Oft the weather bow, sir. due |
north of us You can't see herzfrem /
the deck yet" 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 long
and careful scrutiny. during which the
heads of her topsails rose, confirming
his first idea that she was ship Of
%yar and, IL SO. without doubt one OIL
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. thing not to
Re permitted under any .circumsta
II it could be avoided. He Continued
his inspection moment longer and.1
then. closing the glass. descended to
the deck with all speed by sliding down
4he back stay.
FORWARD. :there" he shouted Call
aale other watch. and be quick about
10! Philip. step below and ask Mr.
Talbot to come on deck at once. Bent
ley. that seems to be frigate or