The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-28
CHAPTER XVII

The brig Sunrise, British war sloop, spent several days cruising between England and the Nether- lands without sighting any foreign sails worthy of her attention. She headed then for the Atlantic by way of the Strait ot Dover.
 At Ramsgate, a port at the Straits eastern entrance, the Sum- rise put in for fresh water and supplies. This was fortunate for local farmers and produce men. Bumboats carrying fruits and vegetables, fowl and even live stock swarmed around the ships hull like dirty undersized ducks around swan.
 During their exercise period on deck the two American prisoners noted these things, though the presence of their guards prevented their discussing it. It was not un- til they were in the prison hold again that Cabell Banks said con- fidently: This is our time to eS- cape. But none of your leg-over- the-taffrail stuff in broad day. light"
 Not that again." Jerry agreed. His back had healed thanks to youth and good blood, but caution had laid hold of him. He was de- termined to escape if his heart continued to beat in his body, but he would not again lose precious time in abortive attempts. He now asked Cabell Banks, ought we try to go together?"
 Better together than singly, l think. I will take my brains and your muscle"
 What have you worked out?"
 "A couple of well-placed blows from your fist. Followed by brib- cry, of course. How much money have you got on you?"
 Jerry emptied his pockets and found that he had less than four pounds. This was but fraction of what Cabell carried, but the latter generously decided that they must pool their resources.
 Its a tidy sum we've got be- tween us" Cabell said. well be lucky if it's not taken away from us Well, bribery comes high and we'll have to bargain like true Yankees to make it reach" To- night, they agreed, was the tune to act. There'd be enough noise on board to cover typhoon.
 When a British ship put into a home port it was customary to all low shore leave to sailors and to permit visitors to come aboard. In thiE way various groups managed to come on board if they were persist ent enough relatives, friends, haWkers, farmer with produce, illicit liuuor dealers and other characters even less desirable. The officers of the Sunrise did not concern them selves at Ramsgate. With war ahead they wanted the good will Of the crew and no assertions. They them selves were enjoying shore leave.
 On the night in question the only officer remaining on board was a second lieutenant. He, with a few midshipmen, had been left with the remarkable task of keep ing order on a ship about to put to sea for long war cruise, its decks this night more like a country fair than a gun brig.
 It was no fantastic matter, then, for Jerry Whitfield with Cabeil Banks assistance to strike down, bind and gag the marine who came to lower their supper to them, and to exit by the open hatch; to treat a second sentry guarding the hatch in the same well-planned manner; to return him to the hold and bind him se- curely; to divest these two ma rines of their outer garments and to don them with more haste than taste. With the hatch then shut and locked behind them they mingled with the crowd on deck and looked about to see what fate offered them.
 It was not easy for the two American prisoners to walk the deck of the Sunrise in their newly