The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-11

ly back TO their own country. There were
rather more than 500 OF them altogether,
transfer Of them TO the mainland fully
occupied US until within half an hour Of
sunset.
As we were by that time pretty we'll
tagged out. and as IL was manifestly too
late to make any progress worth speak
ing OF on our way back 10 the creek that
night. we resolved 10 remain until day.
light upon the island. which we did with
cut receiving molestation or annoyance
of any kind from anybody.
At o'clock on the following morning.
having previously breakfasted we start
ed down the river. keeping a bright look
cut for the French boat all the way down
and exploring all the most likely creeks
and indentations on the south bank OF
the river without discovering any trace
or her. This protracted search so serious
ly delayed our progress that we were two
whole days making the passage back to
the creek and on arrival there we dis
covered that three survivors OF the
French party had turned up on board
the Vestale the previous day, reporting
the capture OF the boat by the natives,
and the massacre OF all hands except
the three who had managed somehow to
slip their bonds and make good their es-
cape In a canoe. They had reported that
their capture was due 20 our abandon
ment of them, II appeared. and the in
sinuation, which Capt Vernon had indig-
nantly repudated had occasioned a very
serious outbreak OF III feeling between
the two ships, so much so indeed that
the commander OF the Vestale had left
the river In high dudgeon on the morn
ing OF the day OF our arrival. refusing
absolutely 10 Cooperate with us any fur
ther. | was, of course, subjected TO a
very severe cross-examination by Capt
q.
narrative OF the affair which was con-
f1rmed in every particular by poor old
Mildmay. soon satisfied him that the fault.
IL fault there was. rested not with us;
and both Mildmay and myself were fully
exonerated from all blame Nav more
the master generously represented my de-
fence OF the battery In such n light that
| received the skipper's highest commen-
cations and renewed promises OF support
and assistance In my career
At sunrise next morning we weighed
and stood out 60 sea. bound on a cruise
To the westward
The next two months passed away I'm
the most drearily uneventful manner the
ship being at sea the whole time. At the
end OF that period, being In lat. s. and
long r. on our way back to the Congo.
the ship standing 10 the northward and
eastward AT tho time, under all plain sail.
with light baffing southeasterly airs, the
lookout aloft. Just before being relieved
at noon. reported two sail. close together.
hove TO broad on our Ice bow. The usual
form or questions being duly put by Ar
mitage. who happened 20 be the officer
or the watch. the further Information
was elected that one Of them was a brig
and the other n full-rigged ship; but OF
what nationality they were II was diffi-
cult TO say. nothing but the heads OF
their top-gallant-sails being visible above
the horizon from our fore-topmast cross
trees The matter being reported 10 Capt
Vernon, orders were given for our course
10 be so altered as 20 allow OF our edg-
ing down upon the strangers; the fac,
OF their being hove 10 40 close together
having n somewhat suspicious appear
ance
Continued on Monday)