The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-02-26
AN INTERESTING
NAVAL INCIDENT
Conclusion Of the Thrilling Tale Of the
Seas Begun Last Week, in Which an
Inmate Gives his Experience in the
American Navy.
HELP CAME TOO LATE
Written By 4I2S)


was held in the grip of devasting
drought and famine.
The United States had slipped
several cargoes of wheat into that
section of the country and turned it
over to the missionaries for distri-
button among the starving multi
tudes.
The lower classes, who in fact
were the only ones suffering from
the scarcity, claimed that the mis-
sionary had sold the wheat to the
Chinese merchants, who in turn
were holding it at a price, vastly
higher than the 2 Horing classes were
able to pay.
The result was. that these provin-
ces were over run with marauding
bands, burning, pillaging. murder
ing; with their attention turned par
tlcularly toward the wealthy Chinese
and foreign missionaries.
About three o'clock the launch
was reported, returning. Everyone
crowded aft, curious, quiet and ex-
pectant.
Saluting the officer of the deck as
he stepped aboard the captain said,
Mr.. Howe, sound quarters, pass
the word. lay aft the ships company"
Quietly and quickly the men as
sembled, lining up alongside the
starboard rail. Captain Hougan,
with his officers drawn up in semi
circle behind him, stood facing them.
His kindly, rugged face was grave
and his short cropped, iron. grey
moustache seemed to fairly bristle
as he began to speak, Men, some
of us have very dangerous mission
before us tonight. An undertaking
which may cost some of you your
lives. Mr.. Brant, the consul here,
has received word, by faithful
Chinaman who managed to slip
through, that the mission, forty
miles up the river has been sur
rounded by band OF Boxers. Mccain
the missionary asked that help be
sent Immediately as he could not
hold out much longer. This was
four days ago. How things are now
we have no way of knowing. / am
going to send the steam launch,
with cutter in tow, up the river
tonight, and if possible bring out the
missionaries and their converts.
Volunteers step forward"
The Volunteers
To man the entire line surged
forward.
The captain looked at them a
moment with half smile. Thank
you men," ne said, Il knew as
Turning to his officers he asked.
which of you junior officers wish to
take charged" As with the men. 20
they advanced as one, and saluted.
along their eager faces
the captain addressed young junior
lieutenant. Mr.. Dowd, take charge
and pick your men. Make all nec-
essarv preparations. use your own
Judgment and be ready to shove off
as soon as it is dark. Report to me
when all is in readiness.''
AS quietly and as unconcernedly
as though he had been ordered to
carry the captains regrets ashore
to dance that evening, Mr.. Dowd
picked his men. Steam launches
crew step out" he said, and passing
quickly along the line. as the boys
iostled and showed to get in the
front, he chose them one by one and
sent them to join the launches crew.
Then retreat was sounded and
the men hurried forward.
EVERYBODY turned to-" The steam
launch was hoisted and handed in
her skids and painters were soon
busy giving her and the fourth cut
ter coat of darg grey, war color
paint. The machinlsts were secur-
ing the sheet steel canopy coverings.
The gunuer's gang, breaking all
practice records were mounting the
guns. A one FOUNDER automatic on
the bow of the launch, capable of
throwing two-hundred and fifty
shrapnel minate, and in the stern
sheets, two Col,s automatics; ver;ta-
BILE engines of destruction, discharg-
ing seven-hundred and fifty 3O-3O
shells a minute, while in the bow of
the cutter was placed gatling gun.
a small army in itself.
At seven-thirtv the word was
passed. Lay aft the landing party :"