Morris tribune., 1905-03-04


nearer. Then the Mellish filled away
and presently, wearing round on hel
/ heel, went off before the wind and. all
her lights having been extinguished
faded speedily away in the darkness
The boats were hoisted on the Ranger;
she braced up on the port tack and took
the place vacated by the Mellish. But
these things had not happened without
attracting some attention
The captain of the vessel next ahead
Of the Mellish had heard the pistol
shots and shouting. Luffing up into the
wind to check his own Roadway, he
made out second ship in the darkness
alongside his next astern. In doubt
as to what was happening, but certain
that something was wrong, he acted
promptly and caused blue light to be
burned on his forecastle. This was
the agreed signal Of danger, and It i'm
mediately awakened the unsuspecting
feet into action. Several of the ships
at different intervals in the long line
repeated the signal, which was finally
answered by the frigate, hull down
ahead. The coryet, half mile away
perhaps responded Immediately and,
wearing short round, came to on the
other tack and headed for the last of
the line, beating to quarters the while.
All the lanterns Of the Ranger were
again extinguished and the men sent
quietly to their quarters, with the
! strictest injunctions not to make
sound or fire gun until ordered under
pain of death. Every other prepara-
ton had long since been made for ac-
ton, so the officers slipped on their
boarding caps, loosened their swords
in their sheaths and looked to the
printing of their pistols; then, receiving
their final commands, departed quietly
to their several stat1ons-Simpson, now
occupying the position Of first lieuten-
ant vacated by Seymour, having charge
Of the batteries, and Wallingford, on
deck with the captain, in command Of
the sail trimmers, who were clustered
about the masts, the. sloop being still
heavily manned.
Man the starboard battery" said the
captain in a low but distinct voice.
men, we've got our work cut out for
us tonight. No cheering until the first
shot is fired, and no firing till l give the
order, and then, all together, give it to
them. Do you understand"
A chorus of subdued AYE, ayes" in
Dictated that the orders were heard.
''Mr. Wallingford. do you stand ready
to back the main topsail when she is
alongside, though if she attempts to
pass in front of us we'll up helm and
take her on the port side. Two Of you
afterguards go below and bring up the
captain of the Mellish. Lively! We
shall soon have the sloop down On us"
In a few moments the unfortunate
British skipper was standing on the
poop deck beside Captain Jones.
snow, my man, you are the master
of the Mellish, are you not?"
81 was a few moments ago." replied
the man sullenly.
'Well, you are to stand right here
and answer halls just as tell you. Do
you understand"
eyes"
y
and if he hesitates to answer, or an
swers other than I tell him, blow his
brains out Now we have nothing to do
but wait. Keep her a good full at the
helm there"
"Aye, aye, sirr" replied the veteran
4uartermaster, stationed at the con.
Meanwhile the Juno had come abeam
Of the vessel next ahead of the Ranger |
and the conversation which followed |
was as plainly audible in the latter |
ship as had been the beating to quar- [
ters just after she wore
Providence ahoy therer' came from
The Juno. what is the matter? What
are you burning blue lights for?"
Nothing is the matter with us. sir,
but we heard pistol shots and cries on
the Mellish astern and thought we
saw two ships instead Of one. It's so
oeastly black tonight we couldn't
make out anything very well.'
"All right; better keep off little,
,ut of the way | will run down and
zee what's wrong" Is+a4aas&sas
The present course of the Juno would
lave brought her across the bows Of
he Ranger, but the ships were near
ng so rapidly that collision would
lave resulted, so the Juno was kept
way little and soon ran down on
he lee bow of the Ranger. The two
hips were thus placed side by side.
he Ranger on the port tack having the
advantage Of the weather gauge Of the
Juno. which had the wind free, an adj
,antage the captain Of the English
hip would never have yielded with
nut an effort had he imagined the
haracter of the ship opposite him.
The battle lanterns Of the Juno were
lighted, the ports triced up, and she
resented brilliant picture of gal
ant ship ready for action. The
Ranger, black as the night and silent
s. death, could barely be discerned in
i'm outline from the Juno.
"Mellish ahoyy'
"Ahoy, the JUNIOR
'sWhat's wrong on board Of your
Nothing. siry'