Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-11

shots from the latter would send either tramp or
liner the bottom.
His meditation was interrupted by the sound of
oars pulling with the Short sharp, measured stroke
OF much training The moon was now completely
Cbscured by the cloud rack; required effort and
straning of the eyes to make out boat approaching
from the direction of the warship. He wondered
what its errand could be at this time OF the night,
Strengthened up, and made his way aft along the
rail, peering out into the dark.
A voice hailed in Spanish, Is your ladder I'M
slung?"
The watch was about to answer the unusual ques
ton, but the master put out restraining hand He
chose to answer himself.
Yes. What do you want!
Want to aboard. Have business with the
Captain Zeke hesitated for moment, while below
him the boat was held in suspense. Come on,
he finally called.
The boat slowly pulled alongside the big black
hull to the ladder and in the stiffness of the night
Captain Zeke heard whispered instructions. Then
came the first step the ladder, to be followed by
many others, which battered as they came evidently
barred for the visit.
Captain Zeke stood at the head, barring the way,
until diny in the half light, figure resplendent in
gold laced uniform climbed up from below. Behind
on the creakng steps were others, also uniformed,
and steadily mounting. They determinedly.
For a moment Captain Zeke was tempted to lash out
with his fist, but reconsidered. He gave way and
waited for the officer to announce himself while the
sailors mounted one by one, advanced upon the
deck, and, headed by junior officer, came into
quick formation and halt.
The officer in command, shown by his epaulets
to be Lieutenant, turned to Captain Zeke, and with
calm politeness said, Il have the honor to inform
YOU that war has been declared between your coun-
try and Spain. You are therefore my prisoner and
the ship hereby taken in the name of His Majesty
King Alfonso KILL
Captain Zeke made no reply, although the mate,
who had come up behind, evidently in fighting
mood and edged round to his side with clenched
fists. His superior reached out steady hand and
gave his quick hard squeeze. The mate looked
At him wonderingly.
Il trust you will surrender without useless and
unpleasant resist ance" the Lieutenant said.
We'll that depends" the Captain answered.
We'll talk this over little First, want to know
what vessel you're from. Second, l want to know
what you're going to do with US
And them" queried the officer
We'll, if you show me these things, l suppose
there nothing to do but turn her over to you. If
that your gunboat out there, aren't fools enough
to try to fight"
The officer started to speak; but Captain Zeke
held up his hand No, not here" he said I'VE
can at least be gentlemen with each other, and be-
fore turn her over still the host We shall go
below the saloon.
He turned toward the companionway, followed
by the two Spanish officers. His mind was working
with rapidty War had been declared between the
United States and Spain the little gunboat had en-
tered the harbor, been informed that American
ship lay in the ofing, and had boarded the Lord
Nelson in the darkness believing her to be the Cape
Cod. There Evolutionary enmity between him
and Captain Joe; but-we hang it all! Joe was
American and
hood and in this quick when Joes fate rested
in his hands, the enmity seemed very trivial 1t
would be tough luck
70 lose a shin His