The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-11-01

of day the Isabel was rapidly mo uns
toward the open sea Although there
was no man-of-war in sight, the Brit
ish dag was waving from her staff
If an enemy should appear would The
| ruse be successful? Possibly; but the
federals have grown suspicious Of tie
deception.
Straight for the gudf stream; ano
eleven knots in the course. Thirteen,
fourteen, fifteen, if necessary: but 10
danger may appear. Coal is scarce,
and must be held in reserve.
The sky was clear and the sunshine
warm. A gentle breeze blew over the
decks, and the sea was calm and TT ans
Parent. There was no work, save b.
turns for the engineers, iremen anC
helmsmen. The chief engineer sat be-
side the cabin, spinning yarns 10 n
crew who rolled On the deck at his
feet.
The captain and his wife, under the
sOftening influence of the occasion,
yielded to the feelings of a second hOn-
eymoOn.
The purser paid court to the young
lady in a cozy retreat at the slern.
ward discomfort, while apparently read
ing his book. As to her he harbored a
secret kept close within his breast
He had an ever presence remembrance
OF himself earnestly declaring his ar
lection for her-an affection born IL
mere admiration, but growing Though
the months with irresistible fervOr; Till
it made bold to speak in earnest plea,
only to be rejected. "a good wish,
Mr.. Purser, for your pleasure, bat be-
var hIW your fancy is bestowed
"A sail to the ~larboard" comes the
cry. What is it? What says Iue
glass?
"A cruiser, slrely2'
Does she see us?"
There is no reason why she Toes
not"
Port, Full speed ahead" AM Of
shoots the Isabel with "a tremOr of ex-
element.
The Eruiseri is bearing obliquely across
the stern of the Isabel. What is Ter
object? Everyone looks to the OUT
There is q chase after another boat
running due east Of the rear. How
could she have escaped notice before:
Possibly, h desired to divide the at
ton Of the pursuer between herself and
the Isabel. Hardly such an ugly pur-
pose, kt us hope; but only a mere &C.
cident of the chase.
The cruiser continues at a safe lis
lance, drawing but slightly closer; hut
now her range becomes better; and
suddenly there is a puff of white smoke
and n ball splashes in the direction or
the Isabel, though far short Of its
target. Another follows, with little bet
ter result than the first.
Ten points to the larbOard!'
The cruiser gradually sinks below
the hoTizon; and all is easy again.
The day passed without further in
cident. The breezes were soft, the iii
balmy, and everything peaceful. 50
likewise the night, and again the next
day. Not Il sail wax to be seen.
The captain and pilot stood at the
prov. shelton reports us fifty miles
to the southeast" the captain re-
marked I'VE had better lay to till
shutdown, and keep a sharp lookout.
We are getting on dangerous ground.
AS evening drew near, the light
breeze suddenly changed to a stiff
wind, which transformed the gently
rolling pillows into short, quick waves
Of forbidding aspect. The Isabel
could no longer listlessly drift. The
wind was driving her further away out
to sea.
Make toward the north" came the
order; but the wind interfered.
Only seven knots could be made; and
the gale grew worse. No time ;ould
be lost, as darkness was falling. What
could be done? Still further to the
north" commanded the captain. ITO
rush in with the wind!"
TWO hours have gone, and gale has
subsidized, though the night is dark
and the sea noisy and rough. That
is good for the UNI
Mr.. Pilot, head for the bar the
captain called out. I'VE must save cur
time. There are two lights to the lar
board n n to the rear. A cruiser
may be encountered at any moment.
Be cautious, and have a sharp eye Cor
the feet!"
What bearings now"
CLOSE under the beach, ten miles
from the bar" the chief officer ex-
planned. E.
In front the lights are numerous;
the blockaders are ~oongregating ear
the inlet. The purpose is plain, to
thwart the opportunity for blockade
runners, which the stormy night af-
forded. An uncertain venture 70 run
the gauntlet; but the frolic is the
greater for that.
Three hours past midnight. and the
work must be done before day. The