Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-25

after a moments reflection. no wag-
rs ATE needed. I'll do it because Ina
eond of the girl and Darlington. too
can overhaul them before nightfaIl
without doubt and III be glad 20 do il.
although Just exactly what warrant
have for stopping an American ship
on the high seas aud taking froutanex
another mans wife I can hardly say
II can help you in that. admiral
AS TO warrant, IL you'll bring TO the
other ship and give me boat crew.
iii so aboard the American and do
the rest. Mistress Deborah, I am sure.
viii come willingly"
Don't be too sure Of that" returned
the admiral. don't count upon a wom-
an until she's your own. and don't
count too much upon her after that.
as Darlington might say"
Nevertheless. / think I speak by
the card" said Sir Charles.
VERY well, you know best. Hav-
ing been a bachelor all my life. 4
know more about ships than women
but bark ye. Seton. this one thing
Don't you come back 70 the ship after
I put you aboard that trader. with
only Miss Deborah. The two have to
come together. OF so together. yoU
understand"
Yes. sir"
The admiral struck the bell on the
table beside him. Instantly the ma
rine orderly popped in the door.
My compliments 60 the Officer OF
the deck" said the admiral to the
orderly. "and ask him TO beg Captain
Beatty to favor me with his presence
in the cabin"
yes. sir" returned the orderly. ss-
luting.
A moment after-an incredibly short
time II seemed to Seton, who was un-
aware of the way in which an ad-
mirars requests are obeyed-Captain
Beatty, the officer mentioned present
ed himself before the admiral
You wish to see me, admiral?"
Yes. Beatty. BY the way, let me
present TO You Sir Charles Seton OF
the Sussex light infantry. captain I'm
his majestys land forces. Seton, this
is the Honorable Archibald Beatty
my flag captain. Beatty, will you get
the Britannia under way at once?"
Yes. sir" returned the captain
Are the rest OF the feet to follow
u.s."
NO" answered the admiral. "sig-
nal to the rest OF them TO disregard
the movements OF the commanderin-
chief Then signal 20 the Renown for
Lascelles 10 take command until we
return"
Very good. sir" returned the cap
tain. And what course shall we lay?'
That which will get us into the
channel quickest. and then as due
east As the wind will let us I'll be on
deck, however. before you're ready for
that"
There are several boat parties
ashore, admiral. do you wish me to
wait for them7"
NO, sir, you will weigh az once
Very good sir" returned the cap
tain, saluting and turning away.
And Beatty" the admiral called AZ
ter him. "A drop OF navy sherry with
me before you go"
Thank you. admiral" said Beatty.
hlling his glass.
I'll give YOU a toast. Sir Charles
said the admiral
Tvs NfAAlntu the tolNlef-
"A short cruise and the women at
the end OF IT,"
I drink to that with ali my hearth
returned Sir Charles.
And I also" said Captain Beatty.
greatly mysuhed. although ] don't
understand exactly"
We're going TO chase Yankee
merchant ship. Beatty. and take -
couple OF ladies in whom Sir Charles
Is interested or OF s."
"A coupled" cried Beatty
I'm only Interested in one OF them
said Sir Charles warmly.
ITS a runaway sweetheart and q
runaway wife. Beatty" continued the
admiral. Lady Darlington and Mis-
tress Deborah Slocum"
And which one is Sir Charles inter-
ested in?" asked the sailor. smiling
In Mistress Slocum, OF course
laughed the admiral. Now, captain
he continued. assuming his quarter
deck manner, Il want you 10 get the,
ship under way In the quickest pos
sible time. Let's show this land
lubber here what his mapesty's navy
can do when it's in dead earnest
Imagine there are a dozen Frenchmen
out there, all boiling for a fight, ana
bear a hand!"
"Ay, ay, sir" said Beatty, salutinG
and Withdrawing from the cabin.
A moment later there came family
through the bulkheads the shrIlT
whistllng OF the boatswain and his
mates, followed by a deep cry: 49,
"All hands up anchor!"
~