Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1914-01-29

AA0 ." q oBatAOi vi cRaA a. q
thought he turned.
Men of the Gnat, overheard" h
roared. Dynamite.
Suiting action to his words, he dive
swiftly into the dark waters, and tn
next instant the Port Of Tampa va
startled by an explosion which shat
tered the windows OF the hotel an
brought thousands rushing out into tn,
night.
Holton's first thought, as soon as hi.
head emerged above the water. was t
make sure of his position. which for
tunately was not ten yards from thai
occupied by the Gnat. He made her il
several strokes. and was fished ovel
the side by a sailor.
The man at the wheel had lighted
red flare. and by this means the other
to their vessel. Beyond a few bruises,
all were uninjured.
In the meantime Holton was not too
busy 10 notice that the explosion had
thrown the harbor into wild confusion.
Rowboats were everywhere, having
sprung on the water as though by
magic. and the decks of the transports
were flashing in every direction: and
mems voices arose in a babel OF con-
fusion.
As soon as practicable Holton chang
ed his water-soaked clothing and went
ashore. leaving the Gnat TO continue
her patrol.
There was little doubt in his mind
that the men in the vessel we're bent
on the destruction of the transports:
that the explosives aboard her we're
TO be placed under the sterns Of a
dozen or more OF the steamships. and
then set on by a single electric spark.
Ho,-on believed that the tug had gone
as near to the slip as she intended to
so when he discovered her. and that
conducted from the row boat towing
astern.
Dawn was approaching as Holton
waited for the Gnat to make her in
shore turn. and as the light was now
iltering across the heavens he follow
ed his usual custom OF putting out OF
the bay for a look at things on the
open water. The air Of the morning.
fresh and cool. blew against his ace
and filled him with inspiration.
Today the transports would leave for
Cuba. his period of nightly grind would
end. and he. too. would start for the
battle-ground: for in his pocket were
orders to report to Admiral Sampson
for further instructions the moment
the transports were safely OF the Gu
ban coast. And then?
No such Juror as attended their
previous sallies from port marked
their departure this time. The ardent
public had grown a bit weary OF sue
cessive good-bys. and remained away
from the waterfront. so that the only
eclat that marked the occasion was
furnished by the soldiers themselves.
Holton. trailing along in the little
mat. viewed with joyous eyes the scene
spread before him. and truly 1t was
one remarkable in many ways. Over
seven miles OF water stretched the
fleet. the transports steaming in long
stately line. flanked by grim. leaden,
hued torpedo boats and gunboats
which flew here and there. megaphon
ing orders to the transport.
On the third day. Romano Key anc
the blue mountains were raised to star
board. On June 20 the fleet was of
the Cuban coast. twenty miles from
Santiago. Here the Seguranca. tn,
headquarters ship. steamed away from
the other transports. and went I'D to
ward Aserraderos.
Holton. hardly knowing what wa
up. following his instructions not {,
lose this vessel. steamed after her an
eventually made out the mouse-colore
bulk OF the New York. flagship O
Simpsons squadron.
Mindful OF his orders to report to tn
commander-in-chief as soon as tn
transports were off the coast, Holto
put the Gnat under full Roadway. an
o lay alongside the war-ship's gan,
way. He knew most of the compan
aboard her. and was warmly welcome
as he went up the ladder.
Presently an orderly returned with
summons for Holton. Sampson wa
standing by a table as Holton entere
and saluted. The young officer ha
never seen him before. and he We've
with great and kindling interest tn
grave man with his thoughtful for
head. his steady. scholarly blue eye
his white beard and mustache.
The admiral looked at Holton for
moment. and then he said:
MIR. Holton. | fear | am about
ask you to undertake a dangerous mi
sion"