Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1905-12-02

the ocean. Spain was at peace with
/ all the world at that time, and the two
/ frigates would have been ample to
ward off the attack of any Of the small
piratical craft which had succeeded the
buccaneer ships of the Caribbean. The
Spaniards had no idea that such a yul-
ture as Morgan was afioat; therefore,
although they had sighted the Mary
Rose long before she had seen them. be-
cause they kept better watch, they
came on fearlessly and without hest
tatton. 1t was evident to the expert
enced officers among them that the yes
! sci was an English frigate, and as Eng
| land was a country with which there
was profound peace at the time they
| apprehended nothing.
The position Of the approaching ships
with reference to one another was
somewhat peculiar. The first and
smaller frigate was perhaps half mile
ahead Of her consorts, who were sail
ing side by side, cables length apart.
Morgan at once determined to attack
them. He knew that he possessed the
handiest ship, and he believed that he
had discovered way to master the
other three. The two frigates were
the most dangerous antagonists. II he
could dispose of them the galleon
would be at his mercy. He did not
hesitate to encounter such odds, and
even In the minds Of the craven part
Of the crew one English ship was
thought to be good for any three
Spaniards that ever foated.
Presently Morgan sprang down upon
the forecastle and faced his men.
Lads" he said, chose are Spanish
ships"
aye, aye, sir" came from one an
other as he paused a moment to let
the significance of his announcement
sink in.
"And," he continued, raising his
voice so that it was audible through
out the ship, "the great one will be
one of the plate ships homeward bound
but she'll never get there-from
Porto Bello!"
A perfect yell of delight drowned his
further remarks. The men shrieked
and shouted and hurrahed at the joy
GUS announcement, as If all they had
to do was to go aboard and take the
ships. When the hullabaloo had sub
sided, Morgan continued:
''I'm glad to see you take 1t so brave
ly, for while there is treasure enough
under her matches to make us all rich,
yet We'll not get it without fight, for
yonder are two heavily armed frigates.
Well have to dispose OF them before
we get at the galleon. It means q
little fighting, but think Of the prizew
he cried, playing skillfully upon the
cupidity Of his men. "Some Of us will
lose the number of our messes perhaps
before nightfall, but" he continued,
making a most singular and effective
appeal, "there will be more to divide
for each man that is left alive. Are
you with me?"
''To the deathv' cried young Teach,
who had come forward and mingled
with the crowd, lifting naked cutlass
as he spoke. His cry was taken up
and repeated, first by one and then
another, until the whole body was yell
ing frantically to be given chance
to fight the Spanish ships.
That's WELL" said Morgan grimly.
Master Teach, here, will command
forward on the fo'c'sl. Raveneau and
Velsers shall attend to the batteries in
the waist l appoint you, Hornigold, |
to look after the movements Of the |
ship. See that the best hands are at |
the wheel and have sail trimmers |
ready My Portuguese friend, you may |
look to the after gums Now to your |
stations. Cast loose and provide! Man |
the larboard battery! See everything |
is ready, but hold your fire and keep |
silence under pain Of death! Yon
frigate over there we'll strike first |
She'll be unprepared and unsuspecting
One good blow ought to dispose Of
her"
AS he spoke the men hurried to their
stations. There was no lack of skill
on the frigate, and now was seen the
value Of Morgan's constant drilling.
The cannon of the ship were cast loose
sTo the DEATHS
ea-.stfa-s.sf + e. n