New-York tribune., 1907-08-11

shots from the latter would send either tramp OF
liner 10 the bottom.
His meditation was interrupted by the sound OF
ears pulling with the short, sharp, measured stroke
of much training The moon was now completely
Cbscred bv the cloud rack required effort and
sfrainng of the ewes 10 make out boat approaching
from the direction Of the warship. He wondered
what its errand could be At this time OF the nlght,
Strengthened up. and made his way ait along the
rail peering out into the dark
\ voice hailed Spanish, is your ladder un-
sung."
The watch was about 70 answer the unusual ques-
ton but the master put out a restraining hdnd lie
chose 20 answer himself
Yes. What do YOU want
Want 10 come aboard Have business with the
Captain Zeke hestated for a moment. while below
hum the boat held IN suspense Come on
he finally called
hull 10 the ladder and the stiffness OF the night
Captain Zeke heard whispered instruct ions Then
the FIRST STEP on the ladder 70 be followed by
many OF hers which pattered they came, evidently
barred for the visit.
Captain Zeke stood at the head, barring the way,
until dimly in the half light inquire TeSendent IN
gold laced uniform climbed up from below Behind
an the crcaking steps others also uniformed,
and steadily mounting They came detertninedIy
For a moment Captain Zeke tempted 70 lash out
wit his FIST but rcConsIdeTed. lie gave Way and
wait ed for the officer announce himself while the
sailors mounted by one, advanced upon the
deck and. headed by junior officer, came INTO
quick formation and halt.
The offcer in command. shown 10y his epaulets
70 be a Lieutena turned 70 Captain Leke and with
calm uohteness SAID. Il have the honor 10 inform
YOU that war has been declared between your Coun-
trv and Spain. You therefore my prisoner. and
the shin S hereby taken in the name of His Majesty
King Alfonso MIL
Captain Zeke made no reply. alt though the mate,
who had come up behind, was evidently in fighting
mood and edged round to his side with clenched
fists His superior reached out a steady hand and
gave his arm a quick hard squeeze. The mate looked
at him wonderingy.
Il trust YOU viii surrender without useless and
unpleasant resistance the Lieutenant said.
We'll that depends" the Captain answered.
Wen talk this over a little First. want 70 know
what vessel you're from. Second, want TO know
what you're going to do with us.
And them" Queried the officer
well, if YOU show these things, | suppose
there's nothing to do but turn her over to You. If
that your gunboa out there we aren fools enough
TO try to fight"
The officer started to speak; but Captain Zeke
held up his hand No, not here, he said. We
can least be gentlemen with each other, and be
fore | her over l still the host. We shall go
below to the saloon.
He turned toward the companionwav, followed
by the two Spanish officers. His mind working
with rapidtV 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 offing, and had boarded the Lord
Cod There was a traditionary enmity between him
and Captain Joe; but-well, hang it ALT Joe was an
American and
Somehow his mind flashed back t1 II boy
hood, and in this quick when Ioes fate rested
IN his hands. the enmity seemed very trivial. 1t
would be tough luck
TO lose ship. His steps