The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1914-03-27
CHAPTER XII.
Destroying a Fleet.


1t was we'll past dawn when Holton
awoke. He was in a panic of fear that
he had permitted valuable time to
elapse. He rose to his feet stiffly and
broke through the bushes until the
blue sea lay beneath him. His eyes
were strained to the left, where the
stern OF the flagship was swinging to-
ward him. He noticed black smoke
belching from the tunnels. Evidently
the New York was leaving her station
when the ships of the enemy were pre-
pairing to come out of the harbor
where they had been bottled up for
so long.
Cold sweat stood out upon Holton's
forehead, and, hastily throwing aside
his coat and tearing off his shirt, he
took from beneath it white signal
flag, which he had carried around his
body for days against just this emer-
gency.
Breaking off a branch and knotting
the corners of the flag to it, he sprang
tensely into position.
The flagship was leaving beyond
ward him, and 1t was growing smaller
The admiral going away, of all
times In desperation he raced along
the hill, trying to catch an angle
where his signaling would be seen.
Finally, seeing the futility of fur
Their running, Holton stopped, and be-
gan swinging the flag right left, right
| Of xrrffh MI Aua
ten minutes he repeated the T. e. call,
but without eliciting the slightest re-
Spouse. and SO, ceasing his exertions
he watched the New York move away
with tears springing from his eyes,
The Brooklyn had swung broadside
to him. and the picturesque ram bow
and the tall tunnels we're as clearly
cut against the sea as a cameo. Ad-
miral Schley. he knew, was on board
her, and must OF necessity be the COM
mander-in-chief pending SIMPSONS re-
turn. So 1t was to this rakish craft
that he now turned his attention.
Walking to a point as nearly abreast
of her as he could get, he began snap
ping the flag right and left, in the eff
\
could only get her now, and could de-
liver his message, there was no doubt
that the New York could be recalled
by a signal gun. So simple did this
seem that he wondered why he had
not thought Of 1t before.
He swung his flag with fresh erdor,
but it was as though he were signaling
| 10 O.,
concerned. Holton could see a launch
leaving the Indiana for the Massachu-
SETS Everything was peaceful. From
the city drifted the sweet notes of the
matin bells and through the trees he
could catch glimpses of the red roofs
and the blues and greens and browns
of the houses Of Santiago.
HoIton redoubled his efforts with
the flag. 1t seemed as II he had moved
his arms to and fro for an hour with
out response. He had to rest. He low
cred the flag and was leaning on the
staff when suddenly from the bridge
of the Brooklyn he saw a futter OF
bunting.
AS he looked he read that vessels
Cdll iCllCIs NO uOuuL nOW NhCy haN
seen his signal and were making In
Quiries. Quickly raising his flag over
his head he repeated his e. e. call and
then, as he caught the answering
flashes OF white from the Brooklyn
he began his messages. And this IL
how 1t read;
Message to admiral from IAeuten
ant Holton."
"All right. Ready"
"Cervera's feet viii leave the har
Dor this morning."
There was a pause. Holton waved
his flag frantically.
did you get it?"
There was still no answer. Finally
1t came.
Repeat"
Holton scowled.
"Cervera's fleet will leave the har
Dor this morning"
There was another pause.
who are your"
Lieutenant Holton. United State
navy"
After a short walt the flag on thu
Brooklyn. flashed again