Imperial Valley press., 1910-12-10

ship it was evident, although when it came to plain sailing the Hiram and Susan had no vantage-indeed, was at a disadvantage.
 That was handsomely done, my girl said Captain Hubbell admiring- ly.
 Thank you, father" returned su- san in a matter-of-fact tone, as if i were, as indeed it was, a matter of course that she should do the thing smartly and properly.
 She shot another long look over the lee quarter
 We gained something on her by the move, but we don't hold the ad- vantage. See how she walks up on us. I'll try her again on the wind"
 "Tis useless" answered the cap tain; I've tried her half dozen times during the night"
 Again Susan's orders were carried out smartly, and the Hiram and Susan was once more brought to the wind on the starboard tack.
 Again the evolution was followed on the frigate, and this time more smart ly than before. A careful scrutiny did not convince Susan that she had gained appreciably by the two ma neuvers, and she rapidly came to the conclusion that with the two vessels on the same tack she presented a big ger target to the broadside of the frigate. Therefore, once more she threw her vessel before the wind, and once more the frigate followed her eX- ample. It was evident that the end was imminent and certain.
 There was nothing to do in the way of seamanship to shake off the pur- suer Captain Hiram and his daughter stared long time at the frigate. She was drawing nearer with every minute Seamanship had failed, but there was still sometAing to be done.
 This time the captain took charge himself. A few rapid orders and the two ships were sailing side by side.
 What are you going to do, father?"
 I'm not going to give up yet" he said, without a fight
 What! Match this little merchant ship against yon frigate?" expostulated Mr. Conant in astonishment
 ''I am," said Captain Hiram firmly, and you will oblige me by seeing my orders are carried out"
 Very good, sir" said the mate.
 Get the men to the guns. Go for ward yourself on the forcastle and clear off the long tom. If we can man age to wing her perhaps we can shake her off"
 But, sir Mir. Conant ventured fur ther, " the minute we open fire she'll do the same, and"-
 You bandy words with my father!" cried Susan.
 Peace, my child" said Captain Hi ram, MT Conant is doing what he thinks is his duty, but I swear I'll not strike that flag yonder"-he pointed back to the Stars and Stripes-"with- out a fight for it, even if it sinks the ship"
 Think of your daughter, sir" said MT. Conant.
 And I would rather go down with him than surrender cried Susan.
 MT COnant was as brave as lion, but he was not foolhardy. To be sure, Captain Hiram had. She had been the ship did not belong to him, and he had not for her that affection which the captains home for these many years, and he loved her as he loved his native land.
 The men heard with surprise the order to get to quarters and cast loose the guns. They had had their lesson, however and, though reluctant, they obeyed.
 Presently all was ready. The tar paulins were taken off the pivot gun forward, and the gun, a long 12-pound- CT, was loaded and primed. The six and four pounders in the broadside were useless at this range, but the long tom could do some damage. At that date frigates only carried long 1S-pounders, and not many of those and while there were score of long