The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-30
--THE
SLAVE SQUADRON
A THRILLING TALE OF ADVENTURE
By HARRY COLLNGwOOD
CHAPTER XVII.

away aloft, there. and clear the
wreck" he exclaimed, "and, for Heavens
ak. Mr.. Armitage. see II you cannot
triple the fellow. Ten minutes more
end he will be out OF range; then good
by 10 him. / wish 10 goodness our people
lt home would condescend 10 take les
4 on In ship-bullding from the men who
\ urn out these slavers; we should then
pave a chance OF making a. capture occa-
4 ionally."
I Whilst the skipper had been thus giving
}ent 10 his rapidly increasing chagrin.
t;mellie had walked forward: and pres
1 intly l caught sight OF him STOPPING
,iown and squirting along the sights of
Lhe gun which had just been reloaded
nd run out. A few seconds OF anxious
\ <uspense followed, and then came a fash
~ a sharp report followed the next mo-
(nent by a ringing cheer from the men
pad been shot away in the slings.
n The craft at once shot UP Into the
Wind and lay apparently at our mercy.
b Ram us alongside him. Mildmay," ex-
laimed the skipper In an ecstacy OF de-
ight. Stand by with the graphing irons
fore and aft Mr.. Smellie, stand by TO
lead party on board him forward; l will
ttend to matters aft here"
. II really looked for a moment as though
I've actually had the brig; but chill of
disappointment thrilled through when
aw how splendidly she was handled The
Fnan who commanded her was evidently
Equal to any emergency. for no sooner
Did the craft begin to luff into the wind
Ehan he let fly his after braces, shivered
|fs main topsail, and hauled his head
heets over TO windward. and-after
ause which must have sent the hearts OF
VII on board into their mouths-the brig
{pegan 10 pay off again. until. by a deft
nd dainty manipulation OF her canvas
he was actually got dead before the
Wind, when the main yard was squared
nd away she went once more but little
he worse for her serious mishap.
II her skipper. however. was a thorough
eaman, TO, too, was old Mldmay.
1 That experienced veteran soon saw how
fnatters were tending. and though he was
lnabie TO ram us alongside in accord
nee with Captain Vernon's theoretically
y expressed desire. he placed the Daphne
Gquare In the wake and TO windward OF
khe brig. and within half cables length
~ her thus, 10 some extent. taking the
wind out Of her sails, the effect OF which
; Tas that we Immediately began to gain
The crew OF the brig now worked al
kheir stern -chasers with redoubled en-
Hrgy. and our running gear soon began 20
kent have avoided this by sheering away
Nm TO one or other OF the briggs quarters,
4 he position we then held was so com
banding, that the skipper resolved 10
MAINTAIN IL. I'VE must grin and bear H."
Taid he. 'it will not be for long: another
sfve minutes will place us alongside Edge
Gown a trihe toward his port quarter,
board her on that side. then at the last
homent. sheer sharply across his stern
ind range up on his starboard- side; IL
Way possibly save US broadside as we
rfoard. Mr.. Smellie. kindly load both
batteries with round and grape, II you
sSlease: we will deliver our broadside and
'foard I'm the smoke"
II Within the specified FIVE minutes we
langed up alongside the brig. delivered
llur broadside. receiving hers in return.
.fer hands proving too smart 10 let us
'lscape that; our graphing irons were
way we went on board her fore and
n, being perhaps n second ahead OF the
'lrig's crew, who actually had the hardi-
sfood to attempt 10 board US. We were
itoutly met by az motley. and, at the
sIame time. as ruffanly n set OF men as
"a has ever been my lot TO encounter; and
most desperate struggle forthwith en-
3ued. Captain Vernon OF course took care
~ be first on board: but ! stuck close TO
Dis coat-tails. and almost the first indi-
dual we encountered was no less por-
3 ronage than our old acquaitance. M. lie
F'reton himself He preseed fercely for
Fard and at once crossed swords with
&he skipper who exchanged two or three
passes with him; but the two were soon
.epafateu Dy tne surBlnR crOWd OF COM
5atants. and then found myself face 20
. ace with him I was ~ no means a
lkilled swordsman, and To tell the truth
<elt somewhat nervous for moment as
tis blade Jared and rasped upon mine.
SSy great good fortune. however. sua-
eeded in parrying his first thrust. and
|he next instant-how Il happened I
4 |ould not possibly say-he reeled back
yards with my sword blade right
Through his body. Leaving him dying. as
| thought. on deck. / Immediately pressed
[ninutes was kept pretty busy. first with
tne antagonist and then another. Finally,