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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors: Tales of
+1812, by James Barnes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors: Tales of 1812
+
+Author: James Barnes
+
+Illustrator: R. F. Zogbaum
+             Carlton T. Chapman
+
+Release Date: May 17, 2011 [EBook #36136]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YANKEE SHIPS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Greg Bergquist and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+YANKEE SHIPS AND YANKEE SAILORS:--TALES OF 1812
+
+
+[Illustration: "It was Lieutenant Allen!"]
+
+
+
+Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors:--Tales of 1812
+
+
+By
+
+James Barnes
+
+Author of "Naval Engagements of the War of 1812"
+"A Loyal Traitor," "For King or Country," etc.
+
+
+With Numerous Illustrations by
+R. F. Zogbaum and Carlton T. Chapman.
+
+
+New York
+The Macmillan Company
+London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd.
+1897
+
+_All rights reserved_
+
+Copyright, 1897,
+By The Macmillan Company.
+
+Set up and electrotyped October, 1897. Reprinted November, 1897.
+
+_Norwood Press
+J. S. Cusbing & Co.--Berwick & Smith
+Norwood Mass. U.S.A._
+
+
+
+
+_To my Brother_
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+In presenting this volume of "Tales of 1812" it is not the intention of
+the author to give detailed accounts of actions at sea or to present
+biographical sketches of well-known heroes; he wishes but to tell
+something of the ships that fought the battles, whose names are
+inseparably connected with a glorious past, and to relate incidents
+connected with the Yankee sailors who composed their crews--"A Yankee
+Ship and a Yankee Crew"--thus runs the old song; it is to exploit both
+in a measure that is the intention of this book. Brave fellows, these
+old-time Jackies were. Their day has gone by with the departed day
+also, of the storm-along captains, the men who carried sail in all
+sorts of weather, who took their vessels through dangerous passages
+unmarked by buoys, with only the fickle wind to drive them, who sailed
+into the enemy's cruising-grounds, and counting on the good Yankee pine
+and live oak, had perilous escapes and adventures which fiction cannot
+exaggerate. It stirs one's blood to read of these. Surely, it will not
+arouse a hatred for by-gone enemies, to hark back to them.
+
+The incidents made use of in the following pages are historical, or at
+least authentic--some may perhaps come under the head of tradition.
+Tradition is historical rumor; it may be proved by investigation to be
+actual fact, or it may be accepted at its face value, on account of its
+probability. To investigate, one is led to break open and dissect and
+sometimes we destroy a wealth of sentiment in the proceeding; by
+casting aside tradition that is harmless we destroy the color of
+history; we may lose its side lights and shadows that give vividness
+and beauty to the whole effect. It has not been a spirit of research
+into the science of history, or a chance for deep delving into figures
+and records, that has animated the author, although he has drawn upon
+state papers for material, and all correspondence and important
+references can be vouched for. He has endeavored to refreshen the
+colors by removing the dust that may have settled. He has touched the
+fragile bric-a-brac of tradition with the feather duster of
+investigation. There is sufficient excuse for everything that is
+written in this book. Facts are not lacking to prove much here to be
+true. It will not confuse our historical knowledge to accept it thus.
+
+We can draw accurate conclusions as to what kind of men these fine old
+fellows were; how they looked; how they spoke and acted. Their deeds
+are part of the nation's record, and their ships exist now in the shape
+of a few old hulls. We can mark how carefully and strongly they were
+constructed; we can imagine them swarming with men and quivering
+beneath the thunder of broadsides. The author has tried to put the
+sailor back upon his ship again. Here we have the old tales now retold;
+retold by one who loves to listen to them, therefore to talk about
+them. This is his prologue to the telling, and that is all there is to
+it.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                                  Page
+
+Allen, of the _Chesapeake_                           1
+
+Reuben James, Able Seaman                           23
+
+The Men behind the Times                            33
+
+The Coward                                          51
+
+The Scapegoat                                       87
+
+The Loss of the _Vixen_                            109
+
+In the Harbor of Fayal                             125
+
+The Escape of Symington                            147
+
+The Narragansett                                   171
+
+Fighting Stewart                                   195
+
+Two Duels                                          215
+
+Dartmoor                                           235
+
+The Rival Life-Savers                              259
+
+Random Adventures                                  271
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations
+
+
+                                                  Opposite Page
+
+"It was Lieutenant Allen!"                                   18
+
+"Reuben James sprang forward"                                30
+
+"'What d'ye mean by attackin' a peaceful whaler?'"           47
+
+"Carefully he lowered away"                                  79
+
+"'Stay here no longer--though I would have you with me'"    104
+
+"Everything was done that good seamanship could direct"     120
+
+"There was a figure crawling up below him"                  141
+
+"She came about like a peg top"                             167
+
+"Over fence and hedge"                                      190
+
+"A discussion that grew more heated every moment"           212
+
+"'I observed it,' said the Lieutenant"                      225
+
+"The deadly volley"                                         258
+
+"'Now we have him, lads!'"                                  268
+
+
+
+
+ALLEN, OF THE _CHESAPEAKE_
+
+
+Give a ship an unlucky name, and it will last throughout the whole of
+her career. A sailor is proverbially superstitious, and he clings
+jealously to tradition.
+
+It is told that when the frigate _Chesapeake_ was launched she stuck
+fast on the ways, and did not reach the water until the following day,
+which was Friday. Although she was a fine vessel to look at, she
+grounded upon the bar upon her first attempt to sail, and, when once
+free, behaved herself in such a lubberly fashion that those who
+witnessed her starting out declared she was bewitched. Even after many
+changes had been made in the length of her masts, in the weight of
+spars, and the cut of sails, still she was considered by many a
+failure. And, although her sailing qualities improved as time went on,
+yet her bad name stuck to her, as bad names will.
+
+Given this drawback, the unlucky captain of such a craft finds it
+difficult to recruit a proper crew, and must often be content with
+green hands, or the riffraff disdained by other ships' masters.
+
+Commodore James Barron, who had been ordered to the _Chesapeake_, was a
+brave officer. He had succeeded the peppery Commodore Preble in command
+of the fleet that had so successfully negotiated the operations before
+Tripoli, and there he had won for himself a name and reputation.
+Nevertheless, he was not entirely popular with his officers. They
+failed to find in him the graciousness of manner and deportment, the
+strict adherence to the lines of duty, and yet the kindliness of
+thought and conduct that distinguished young Captain Bainbridge; and
+they missed, strange to say, the iron hand and stern rule of Preble,
+the martinet.
+
+Just before sailing from the Capes to relieve the _Constitution_ on the
+Mediterranean station, the _Chesapeake_ had recruited, from Delaware
+and Maryland, a green crew. Not above fifty of her complement were
+men-of-warsmen. Perhaps one hundred more had seen service in deep-sea
+craft, and had made long cruises; but the rest, numbering probably one
+hundred and fifty, were longshoremen or landsmen. Lying inside the
+mouth of Chesapeake Bay were several British men-of-war. As was usual
+when in American ports, they were compelled to watch their crews most
+closely, for the higher pay and the better treatment, which cannot be
+denied, had tempted many an impressed seaman to leave his ship, and
+take refuge under the American flag.
+
+It was claimed by Vice-Admiral Berkeley in command of the English
+fleet, that four British sailors had deserted from the _Melampus_,
+and joined Barron's frigate. The following correspondence passed
+between Robert Smith, the Secretary of the Navy at Washington, and
+Commodore Barron, in relation to the matter. It explains in the best
+way possible, how affairs stood at the outset.
+
+    WASHINGTON, April 6, 1807.
+
+    _To Commodore James Barron_:--
+
+    SIR: It has been represented to me that William Ware, Daniel
+    Martin, John Strachan, John Little, and others, deserters from a
+    British ship of war at Norfolk, have been entered by the recruiting
+    officer at that place for our service. You will be pleased to make
+    full inquiry relative to these men (especially, if they are
+    American citizens), and inform me of the result. You will
+    immediately direct the recruiting officer in no case to enter
+    deserters from British ships of war.
+
+    ROBT. SMITH.
+
+To this letter Commodore Barron made haste to reply, and the following
+is taken _verbatim_ from his note to the Secretary:--
+
+    "William Ware was pressed from on board the brig _Neptune_, Captain
+    Crafts, by the British frigate, _Melampus_, in the Bay of Biscay
+    (in 1805).... He is a native American, born at Bruce's Mills, on
+    Pipe Creek, in the county of Frederick, Maryland, and served his
+    time at said mills. He also lived at Ellicot's Mills, near
+    Baltimore, and drove a waggon several years between Hagerstown and
+    Baltimore. He also served eighteen months on board the U.S.
+    frigate, _Chesapeake_, under the command of Captain Morris and
+    Captain J. Barron. He is an Indian-looking man.
+
+    "Daniel Martin was impressed at the same time and place; a native
+    of Westport, in Massachusetts, about thirty miles to the eastward
+    of Newport, Rhode Island; served his time out of New York with
+    Captain Marrowby of the _Caledonia_; refers to Mr. Benjamin
+    Davis, merchant, and Mr. Benjamin Corse, of Westport. He is a
+    colored man.
+
+    "John Strachan, born in Queen Ann's County, Maryland, between
+    Centreville and Queenstown; sailed in the brigantine _Martha
+    Bland_, Captain Wyvill, from Norfolk to Dublin, and from thence to
+    Liverpool. He then left the vessel and shipped on board an English
+    Guineaman; he was impressed on board the _Melampus_, off Cape
+    Finisterre; to better his condition he consented to enter, being
+    determined to make his escape when opportunity offered; he served
+    on board said frigate two years; refers to Mr. John Price and ----
+    Pratt, Esq., on Kent Island, who know his relatives. He is a white
+    man, about five feet seven inches high.
+
+    "William Ware and John Strachan have protections.[1] Daniel Martin
+    says he lost his after leaving the frigate.
+
+          [1] Papers proving their American citizenship.
+
+    "John Little, _alias_ Francis and Ambrose Watts, escaped from the
+    _Melampus_ at the same time, are known to the above persons to be
+    Americans, but have not been entered by my recruiting officer."
+
+The foregoing proves beyond all manner of doubt what ground Commodore
+Barron had in taking the stand he did further on in the proceedings.
+But Admiral Berkeley was a very proud, obstinate man. His feelings had
+been hurt by the refusal of the Yankee commodore to give up his men,
+and he bided his time.
+
+On Monday, June 22, 1807, the _Chesapeake_ put to sea with her
+ill-assorted and undisciplined crew. In the harbor of Lynnhaven lay the
+British squadron under the command of Commodore Douglass, acting under
+the orders of Vice-Admiral Berkeley. It consisted of the _Bellona_,
+seventy-four, the _Triumph_, seventy-four, the _Leopard_, fifty, and
+the _Melampus_, thirty-eight. Why it was that the _Leopard_ was
+selected for the work which was to follow, is easy to surmise.
+Vice-Admiral Berkeley had determined, at all hazards, to search the
+American vessel to ascertain if she had in her complement those
+"British seamen" who had deserted from the fleet. Barron's refusal to
+allow a search made of his vessel while she was in port had been backed
+up by the United States Government. This had exceedingly exasperated
+the English commander, and he determined to wait until the _Chesapeake_
+was at sea before putting his cherished project into practice. As soon
+as the _Chesapeake_ set sail, the _Leopard_ was despatched to bring
+her to. The _Melampus_ was not sent because she was too near the
+_Chesapeake's_ armament, and resistance might be successfully made to
+any attempt at high-handed interference. Nor did he take the trouble to
+despatch one of his seventy-fours, which might have brought the
+_Chesapeake_ under her guns, and compelled her to submit by the law
+that "might makes right"; but the _Leopard_ was sent because she was
+just large enough to insure success, and yet to humble the American
+from the mere fact that he must inevitably yield to a vessel to which
+he should by rights make some resistance.
+
+It was a calm day with just enough wind to move the ships through the
+water. The _Leopard_, that had really got under way first, overhauled
+the smaller vessel, after a few hours' sailing. At three o'clock, when
+forty-five miles off shore, she hove to across her bows, and the slight
+wind that had wafted them from the Capes died away almost at the
+moment. Hailing the American ship's captain, Humphreys stated that he
+would like to send despatches by her--a privilege always accorded one
+friendly nation by another.
+
+On the _Chesapeake's_ deck, chatting with the officers, were two lady
+passengers, who were bound with four or five gentlemen passengers for
+the Straits. Part of the cabin had been allotted to the use of the
+ladies and their maids. As they had come on board at a late hour, their
+trunks and luggage were yet on the deck. Amicable relations existed
+between America and England, and there was nothing especially
+unfriendly in the attitude of the English frigate, although her action
+excited much comment on board the ship, and gave rise to many surmises.
+Captain Barron was on the quarter-deck, when news was brought to him
+that the _Leopard_ had lowered a boat with an officer in it, and that
+it was making for the _Chesapeake's_ side. The ladder was dropped,
+the side boys were piped to the gangway, and Barron himself stepped
+forward to greet the Lieutenant, extending his hand and welcoming him
+graciously. Standing close by was Dr. John Bullus, a passenger, the
+newly-appointed consul to the Island of Minorca, and the naval agent to
+the United States naval squadron in the Mediterranean.
+
+"Captain Humphreys' compliments," began the Lieutenant. "And he
+requires the privilege of searching this vessel for deserters."
+
+"What are their names, may I ask?" inquired Barron.
+
+The officer replied, reading from a list he carried in his hand, but
+describing the men as subjects of "His Majesty, King George."
+
+When he had finished, Barron frowned.
+
+"There has been a careful and full inquiry into the cases of these
+seamen," he said at last, "and after a minute investigation into the
+circumstances, the British Minister, Mr. Erskine, is perfectly
+satisfied on the subject, inasmuch as these men were American citizens,
+impressed by officers of the _Melampus_. This gentleman," turning
+to Dr. Bullus, "our naval agent, is particularly acquainted with all
+the facts and circumstances relative to the transaction. He received
+his information from the highest possible source."
+
+"From none less than the Honorable Robert Smith, the Secretary of our
+Navy," put in Dr. Bullus, "and I am most willing to go on board the
+_Leopard_ and inform your commander to that effect, Mr. Erskine----"
+
+"I do not recognize Mr. Erskine in this business," interrupted the
+young Lieutenant arrogantly. "Nor do I wish to talk with any one but
+Captain Barron. There is much more to be said."
+
+Barron took the doctor to one side. "You will pardon me for placing you
+in a position to receive such an insult. I did not suppose it
+possible."
+
+"Make no mention of it," was the return; "I understand." With that the
+agent walked away.
+
+The Englishman could not have helped noticing the confusion upon the
+American's decks. The crew were engaged under the direction of the
+petty officers in coiling away the stiff, new running-gear and cables,
+men with paint-pots and brushes were touching up the bulwarks and paint
+work; others were polishing the brass; and it was altogether a peaceful
+scene that struck his eye, even if the presence of the ladies had not
+added the finishing touch.
+
+On the quarter-deck, leaning carelessly against the railing, was a
+young officer, Lieutenant William Henry Allen, third in rank. He was
+but twenty-three years of age, a tall, boyish-looking fellow, with
+beautiful features, clear eye and complexion, and ruddy cheeks. He
+noticed the glance the English officer had given, and his face clouded.
+He was near enough to hear what passed between Barron and the
+Lieutenant.
+
+"It is of such importance," went on the latter, continuing his previous
+remarks, "that I should desire to speak to you in private, sir. If we
+could but retire to your cabin----"
+
+"With the greatest pleasure in the world," Barron returned, indicating
+that the Lieutenant should precede him; and with that they disappeared
+from view. Once seated at the cabin table, the Englishman broached the
+subject without preamble.
+
+"Commodore Douglass," he began, "is fully determined to recover the
+deserters that are now harbored on board this ship. It is my desire to
+warn you that it is best that you submit to a peaceable search, and in
+return my commanding officer will permit you to do the same, and if any
+of your men are found in our complement, you are welcome to take them
+with you. This should bear great weight in helping you to form your
+decision. Here is his letter."
+
+Captain Barron took the paper, broke the seal, and read as follows:--
+
+    _The Commander of H.B. Majesty's ship, "Leopard," to the Captain
+    of the U.S. ship, "Chesapeake":_--
+
+    AT SEA, June 22d, 1807.
+
+    The Captain of H.B. Majesty's ship, Leopard, has the honor to
+    enclose the Captain of the U.S. ship, _Chesapeake_, an order from
+    the Honorable Vice-Admiral Berkeley, Commander-in-chief of His
+    Majesty's ships on the North American Station, respecting some
+    deserters from the ships (therein mentioned) under his command, and
+    supposed to be now serving as part crew of the _Chesapeake_.
+
+    The Captain of the _Leopard_ will not presume to say anything in
+    addition to what the commander-in-chief has stated, more than to
+    express a hope that every circumstance respecting them may be
+    adjusted in a manner that the harmony subsisting between the two
+    countries may remain undisturbed.
+
+"As I before remarked," said the Lieutenant, noting that Barron had
+finished the letter, "Captain Humphreys offers you the privilege of a
+mutual search."
+
+Captain Barron smiled. The idea that he should find any of his own men
+serving on board King George's vessel was rather amusing.
+
+"I have missed none of my crew," he said quietly, "and, while grateful
+for the privilege, I do not desire to make use of it."
+
+"And your answer?" broke in the Lieutenant.
+
+"You will take this letter, that I shall write, to Captain Humphreys,
+give him my best compliments, and of course inform him that I regret
+that I can neither avail myself of his courtesy, nor with honor can I
+permit a search to be made of my vessel."
+
+"As you decide," returned the Lieutenant, sententiously.
+
+For some minutes nothing was heard from the cabin. Barron was busily
+employed in inditing the epistle, and when it was delivered, the two
+officers came out together.
+
+The following is a copy of the letter to Captain Humphreys:--
+
+    _To the Commander of His Majesty's ship, "Leopard":_--
+
+    AT SEA, June 22d.
+
+    I know of no such men as you describe. The officers that were on
+    the recruiting service for this ship were particularly instructed
+    by my government through me not to enter any deserters from H.B.
+    Majesty's ships. Nor do I know of any being here. I am also
+    instructed never to permit the crew of any ship under my command to
+    be mustered by any other than their own officers. It is my
+    disposition to preserve harmony, and I hope this answer to your
+    despatch will prove satisfactory.
+
+    J. BARRON.
+
+The Englishman was escorted to the side, and once in his boat, his
+crew, as if urged to special exertion, made all haste to gain their
+ship.
+
+Allen turned and spoke to Benjamin Smith, the First Lieutenant. "I do
+not like the look of things," he said.
+
+"Nor I," responded Smith, advancing toward the Captain, who had stopped
+to speak to one of the lady passengers. He saluted his commander, and
+speaking in a low voice, he suggested the propriety of asking the
+ladies to retire below, and of clearing ship.
+
+"Tut, tut," replied Barron, carelessly; "you are over-nervous, Mr.
+Smith. My letter to Captain Humphreys will convince him that our
+actions are perfectly proper and peaceable, while any movement to prove
+to the contrary might lead him to suppose that I wished to precipitate
+some trouble. Nothing will occur, I warrant you."
+
+"Had we not better open the magazines, sir?" asked Captain Gordon,
+coming up at this moment.
+
+"It is not necessary," Barron returned, and once more joined the
+ladies.
+
+The keys of the magazine are always kept in the possession of the
+ship's captain, and by him they are handed to the gunner, and are never
+delivered to any one else. As was customary, the _Chesapeake's_
+broadside guns were loaded and shotted, for a ship generally sailed
+with them in this state of preparation; but they were not primed, and
+but thirteen powder horns had been made ready, and they were locked
+safe in the magazine. Around the foremast and in the cable tiers were
+plenty of wads and sponges, and ready on deck, before each gun, was a
+box of canister. But there were no matches prepared for service.
+
+The peaceful work went on. The crew continued touching up the paint
+work, and in the sunlight the brass shone brightly. From the galley
+came the clatter of dishes, and from below came the sound of a
+sea-song, chanted by one of the men off watch.
+
+Barron called Captain Gordon to him on the quarter-deck. "Captain,"
+said he, "I think that fellow yonder hailed us a moment since; I could
+not make out what he said however. Perhaps we had better send the men
+to their stations quietly."
+
+"Very good, sir," returned the Captain, and he strolled forward
+leisurely, for he, like Barron, suspected no surprise.
+
+Allen had left the quarter-deck and had stepped forward to speak to Mr.
+Brooks, the sailing-master. They stopped at the entrance to the galley,
+which was in a caboose or deckhouse. Suddenly Lieutenant Smith looked
+out across the water at the _Leopard_, that was swinging lazily
+along at about the distance of a pistol shot.
+
+Surely he could not be mistaken. The muzzle of one of the forward guns
+was slewing around to bear upon the ship. Probably they were just
+exercising; but there! another followed suit, and then three more, as
+if moved by one command. His face blanched. What could it mean? But one
+thing! He whirled and saw that Barron had gone below to his cabin.
+Rushing to the ladies, he grasped them by the arms and having hardly
+time to make explanations, he hurried them to the companionway.
+
+"Below as far as you can go! Down to the hold!" he cried. "Don't stop;
+don't talk!"
+
+As he spoke he could scarce believe his eyes. A burst of white smoke,
+with a vivid red dash of flame from the centre, broke from the forward
+gun on the _Leopard's_ main deck. There was a crash just abaft the
+break of the forecastle. A great splinter fully six feet long whirled
+across the deck. The shock was felt throughout the ship. A man who had
+been painting the bulwarks fell to his knees, arose, and fell again.
+His shoulder and one arm were almost torn away; his blood mingled with
+the paint from the overturned pot. He shrieked out in fright and agony.
+
+"Beat to quarters!" roared Lieutenant Smith.
+
+Up from below the men came tumbling. Barron ran from his cabin, with
+his face as white as death. "To quarters!" he roared, echoing the
+Lieutenant's order.
+
+Everything was confusion. The men gathered at the useless guns. The
+belated drummer began to sound the roll. Hither and thither rushed
+officers and midshipmen. The green hands stood gawking about; some
+overcome by fear and the suddenness of danger, plunged down the
+companionway. Where were the matches? Where were the priming horns?
+Barron turned to go to his cabin for the keys to the magazine. They
+were locked in the drawer of his heavy desk, and now there came another
+shot. It struck fair in the bulwarks, and the hammocks and their
+contents were thrown out of the nettings. Three men were wounded by the
+shower of splinters. And not a shot was fired yet in return.
+
+"Matches! give us the matches!" roared some of the men at the guns, as
+they tried to bring their harmless weapons to bear upon the Englishman.
+
+A deadly broadside struck the helpless _Chesapeake_. Blocks and spars
+fell from aloft. Suddenly from the entrance of the deckhouse ran a
+hatless figure. Men made way for him. It was Lieutenant Allen! His jaws
+were set and his eyes were glaring. Tossing between his hands, as a
+juggler keeps a ball in the air, was a red hot, flaming coal.
+
+"Here, sir!" cried one of the gunner's mates. "This one's primed, sir.
+For God's sake, here, sir!"
+
+Just as Allen reached forward, a shot from the _Leopard_ struck the
+opening of the port. The man who had spoken was hit full in the breast.
+Five of the eight surrounding the piece fell to the deck, wounded by
+the murderous splinters. But Allen dropped his flaming coal upon the
+breech of the gun, and pushed into place with his scorched and
+blackened fingers.
+
+It was the lone reply to the Englishman's dastardly gun practice! For
+fifteen minutes the _Leopard_ fired steadily by divisions.
+
+Covered with blood that had been dashed over him from the body of the
+man the round shot had killed, Allen ran aft. The ship was full of
+groans and shrieks and cursing. Forth from the cabin came Barron. He
+looked an aged, heart-broken man. When he saw the young Lieutenant, he
+stepped back a pace in horror. The scene of carnage on the deck
+unnerved him.
+
+"The keys! the keys!" shrieked Allen, almost springing at his
+commander's throat. "Let us fight, if we must die!"
+
+The thought that flashed through Barron's mind must have been the
+uselessness of resistance, the terrible death and destruction, and the
+inevitable loss that would be sure to follow. Almost resting himself
+upon the group of officers, he raised both hands above his head, the
+palms open and outstretched.
+
+"Haul down the flag!" he ordered faintly.
+
+A sailor, standing near by, caught the words and springing to the
+halliards, down it came, tangling almost into a knot, as if to hide its
+folds. The _Leopard_ ceased her murderous work; but the confusion was
+great on board the _Chesapeake_. Men wept like babies. Wounded men were
+being carried below. Curses and imprecations on the English flag and on
+the distant ship rent the air. Many openly cursed their own commander.
+
+"Tell him to come here, and look at this!" cried an old sailor,
+pointing to one dead body on the deck. "Then will he lower the flag?
+Give us a chance, for God's sake, to fight like men!"
+
+Barron had hurried into the cabin.
+
+"Send for the officers of the ship." They were all there to a man,
+except the surgeon, who was busy down below. "Your opinions,
+gentlemen," he faltered. There was not a sound. Captain Gordon was
+silent. Tears were rolling down the First Lieutenant's cheeks. He tried
+to speak, and could not.
+
+"Sir, you have disgraced us!"
+
+It was Allen speaking. To save his life he could not have helped
+blurting out what he felt to be the truth. Barron spread out his arms
+weakly, then dropped his head into his hands. It was then presumed that
+he was wounded also, for blood was running down his wrists. They left
+him there.
+
+What use the rest of the story? The search was made, four men were
+taken. All claimed to be Americans; they were prepared to prove it.
+Captain Humphreys refused to accept the surrender of the vessel.
+Barron, hitherto known as brave and capable, was dishonored and
+relieved from all command, was sentenced to five years retirement
+without pay. Oh yes, the British Admiral was sentenced also. Of course
+the Board of Admiralty could not recognize such doings. They even made
+apologies and all the rest of it, and returned two of the men, all
+there were left, for one was hanged and another died. They sentenced
+their Vice-Admiral with a smile of covert approval, and they promoted
+him shortly afterwards.
+
+The unfortunate officers who had been innocent parties to the surrender
+felt keenly their position. They could not go through explanations to
+every one. They became morbidly sensitive upon the subject. No less
+then seven duels grew out of the affair, and Allen, who had fired the
+gun, wrote to his father thus: "If I am acquitted honorably, if Captain
+Barron is condemned, you may see me again. If not, never."--Poor Allen!
+No disgrace shall ever be attached to his name. He died of wounds
+received while bravely fighting on the deck of his own little vessel,
+the _Argus_, some years later, and he was buried in foreign soil by a
+guard of honor of his enemies, who appreciated his bravery and worth.
+
+As for the _Chesapeake_, her bad name clung to her. And of her end,
+there is much more to tell that will be told. But "Remember the
+_Chesapeake_" became a watchword. This was the beginning, that was the
+beginning of the end.
+
+
+
+
+REUBEN JAMES, ABLE SEAMAN
+
+
+This is a story that has oft been told before. But in history, if a man
+becomes famous by one act, and be that act something worth recording,
+it will stand being told about again. So if this be an old yarn, this
+is the only apology for the spinning, and here goes for it:--
+
+Reuben James may be well remembered by men who are yet living, for he
+died but some fifty years ago. He was born in the state of Delaware, of
+the good old "poor but honest" stock. Sailor boy and man was Reuben,
+with a vocabulary limited to the names of things on shipboard and the
+verbs to pull and haul. He went to sea at the age of thirteen years,
+and in 1797, when only a lad of sixteen, although he had already made
+three or four cruises of some length, he was captured by a French
+privateer during the quasi-war between this country and the citizen
+Republic of France. Upon his liberation, Reuben made up his mind to
+serve no longer in the merchant service, but to ship as soon as
+possible in the best frigate that flew our flag; and as his
+imprisonment lasted but some five or six months, he soon found
+opportunity for revenge. Upon returning to the States he was fortunate
+enough to find the old _Constellation_ in port picking up her crew.
+This was in the year 1799, and the old ship was then in command of the
+intrepid Commodore Truxtun, and he was her commander when she gave such
+a drubbing to the French frigates _Insurgente_ and _Vengeance_, which
+taught the citizens a lesson, and brought to an end, as much as any
+other thing, the ridiculous situation of two nations not actually at
+war fighting one another at sea whenever they met. In these actions
+young James distinguished himself. He was by nature fearless to the
+verge of recklessness, and he was probably in trouble, on account of
+his devil-may-care propensities, more than once. In 1804, he sailed in
+the frigate _United States_ to the Mediterranean, and when young
+Stephen Decatur sailed into the harbor and successfully destroyed the
+captured frigate _Philadelphia_, which the Tripolitans had anchored
+beneath their batteries, Reuben James was one of the first to
+volunteer. He returned from the successful accomplishment of the
+design, impressed with the young leader's courage and magnetism, and as
+often is the case between a beloved officer and the man who serves
+under him, there grew up in the young sailor's heart--he and Decatur
+were about the same age--a wild desire to do something to prove his
+devotion. The affection of brave men for one another leads to deeds of
+noble self-sacrifice, and Reuben James's chance was to come. Every time
+that he was assigned to boat duty in the many skirmishes and little
+actions, before the harbor of Tripoli, Reuben succeeded in going in
+Decatur's boat, and one day to his delight he was promoted to be
+cockswain, which must have proved that Decatur's keen eye had noticed
+him.
+
+On the 3d of August, 1804, early in the morning, the orders were sent
+throughout Commodore Preble's fleet to prepare for a general attack to
+take place as soon as it was broad daylight. The American force
+consisted of the _Constitution_ and a number of gunboats of the same
+style and size as those composing the Tripolitan forces. Everything was
+ready on time, but the lack of wind prevented the action from taking
+place until late in the afternoon, when the _Constitution_, preceded by
+three of the American gunboats, entered the harbor. There were nine of
+the Bey's crack vessels, composing the eastern wing, waiting not far
+from shore. The three Yankee gunboats bore down upon them without
+hesitation, in gallant style. In slap-bang fashion, they sailed right
+into the Tripolitans and captured, cutlass in hand, the three leading
+ones. The other six fled and came plashing up the harbor, working their
+heavy sweeps for all they were worth.
+
+A few minutes after their retreat, one of the other vessels that, to
+all appearances, had surrendered, broke away and started up the harbor,
+scrambling along as fast as she could go. Decatur in his small boat was
+not far away. There was a mist of battle smoke hanging over the water,
+and for an instant he did not notice what was going on; but when he did
+hear what had happened, all the fierce daring in his nature was
+aroused, and mingled with the anger and desire for revenge, it
+completely swept him away. He was told that the Tripolitan commander,
+who had just made his escape, had treacherously risen upon the prize
+crew sent on board of him, after he had struck his flag, and with his
+own hands had killed Decatur's beloved brother James. When this news
+reached him, Decatur did not falter.
+
+"After him!" he cried to his crew. "Put me alongside of him!"
+
+"We'll put you there, sir," said Reuben James, who was at the tiller.
+And out of the smoke into the plain view of the guns of the battery and
+also of the American captives, who had viewed the whole affair from the
+window of their prison, the little boat started in the wake of the
+felucca, whose force of men outnumbered hers by three to one. They
+gained at every jump, and in a few minutes they had run their little
+boat alongside, thrown down their oars, and to a man had scrambled on
+board the Tripolitan. Decatur had set his eye upon a red-turbaned
+figure that he knew to be the leader. This man had killed his brother!
+Almost before the bowman had laid hold of the enemy's gunwale, he had
+made a flying leap off it and gained the deck. Ignoring every risk,
+scarcely pausing to ward off the many blows that were aimed at him, he
+made straight for the man in the red turban. The pirate was armed with
+a long spear and one of those deadly curved scimitars, sharp as steel
+can stand it, capable of lopping off a limb at a single stroke; drawing
+back he aimed a full-length thrust as soon as Decatur confronted him,
+for he must have read his fate in the determined look on the latter's
+face. Decatur dodged skilfully and tried to come to closer quarters;
+but the Tripolitan by great agility succeeded in keeping out of the
+way, and once more he lunged. This time as Decatur parried his
+sword-blade broke off at the hilt; dropping it, he laid hold of his
+enemy's spear, and in the wrestle for its possession, he succeeded in
+tripping up the Turk, and both fell upon the deck. The red-turbaned
+one, freeing one hand, drew a dagger from his waist-cloth, and just as
+he was about to plunge it into the body of the young American, Decatur
+managed to draw a small pistol, and lifting himself on his elbow, blew
+off the top of his opponent's head.
+
+Revenge was his. But what about our friend Reuben? The only reason that
+Decatur had not been killed in the early part of the struggle by the
+many blows that were aimed at him--for the American boarding party
+numbered but twelve all told--was the fact that seaman Reuben James was
+close behind him, warding off blow after blow. Disdaining to protect
+himself, his right arm was rendered useless, so that he had to shift
+his cutlass to his left hand. He was slashed seven times about the
+body. A cut on the shoulder made him drop his weapon, and just at this
+moment he saw that Decatur was lying upon the deck with his foeman over
+him. Behind him a sinewy man was aiming a deadly blow directly
+downward. Reuben James sprang forward. His right arm was useless and
+his left almost so. There was nothing he could interpose between that
+deadly blow and his beloved commander but his life! Trying weakly to
+push back the Tripolitan, he leaned forward swiftly and caught the blow
+from the scimitar on his own head. It fractured his skull, and he fell
+insensible to the deck.
+
+But a Yankee sailor is a hard man to kill--in three weeks cockswain
+James was at his post again. His recovery was no doubt due to his
+wonderful constitution and his youth.
+
+[Illustration: "Reuben James sprang forward."]
+
+As soon as the war with Great Britain was declared, Reuben made all
+haste to join his old commander, and he served in the frigate _United
+States_ when she captured the _Macedonian_, and afterwards in the
+_President_ when she took the _Endymion_. In both actions he got as
+near Decatur as he could, and in the last-named conflict he received
+three wounds. Although suffering greatly, he refused to leave the deck
+until after the _President_ had struck her flag to the squadron that
+captured her, whereupon Reuben James was carried below weeping--not
+from pain or anguish, but from sheer mortification and grief.
+
+At Decatur's funeral he wept again, honest fellow, and whenever he came
+to port he would visit his commander's grave. Reuben was in actual
+service until the year 1836, when he arrived in Washington for the
+purpose of obtaining a pension. He was suffering very much at this time
+from an old musket-shot wound that had caused a disease of the bone of
+his leg. It was exceedingly painful and becoming dangerous. After
+consultation the doctors ordered amputation, and as he lay in the
+hospital the decision was announced to him. With his old indifference
+to danger, and his reckless spirit, Reuben replied in the following
+words:--
+
+"Doctor, you are the captain, sir. Fire away; but I don't think it is
+shipshape to put me under jury masts when I have just come into
+harbor."
+
+The day after the operation Reuben was very low, and it was thought
+that he had but a few hours to live. The old sailor himself declared
+that he had reached the bitter end of his rope, appeared resigned to
+his fate, and begged the surgeon to "ease him off handsomely while he
+was about it."
+
+"Reuben," said the doctor, "we have concluded that we will give you a
+good drink and allow you to name it. What will you have, brown stout or
+brandy toddy?"
+
+"I s'pose I won't take another for a long time, sir," Reuben responded,
+with a twinkle in his eye. "So just s'pose you give us both; which one
+first it doesn't much matter."
+
+He prided himself that he had been in ten fights and as many
+"skrimedges," and as he was a favorite character, he was allowed to
+celebrate each in turn as they came around, so his happy days were
+many. There was one subject to which, however, no one could ever
+refer--Decatur's sad and untimely end. Always in his heart Reuben bore
+a deep and lasting love, and an ever-living admiration for the man
+whose life he had saved; and those friends of the young Commodore
+always treated the old sailor with the greatest of deference. Had
+Decatur lived, it is safe to state that wherever he went Reuben would
+have gone also, and if the latter had not walked bare-headed and
+weeping at his officer's funeral; and had it been the other way about,
+with Reuben being put to earth, Decatur would have been there, if
+possible, hat in hand, to shed a tear of sorrow.
+
+
+
+
+THE MEN BEHIND THE TIMES
+
+
+Out of the north they came in their grimy, bluff-bowed ships--the men
+behind the times! Three years away from home; three years outside the
+movement of human government, of family life, ignorant of the news of
+the world.
+
+The years 1811 and 1812 were remarkable ones in the annals of the
+whaling industry; vessels that had been cruising for months unrewarded
+managed to fill their holds, and now, deep laden, they were returning
+from the whaling grounds, singly or often in companies of a half-score
+or more. They were ugly vessels, broad and clumsy, with heavy spars and
+great wooden davits. They stenched of blubber and whale oil, and they
+oozed in the warm sun as they labored southward, out of the realms of
+ice and night into the rolling waters of the Pacific. They buffeted the
+tempestuous weather of the Horn and climbed slowly northward along the
+coasts of the Western hemisphere.
+
+Sailing together homeward bound for New England in the fall of the year
+was a fleet of these Arctic whalers--no matter their exact number or
+their destinations. For the beginning, let it suffice that the vessel
+farthest to the west was the good ship _Blazing Star_ of New Bedford.
+
+Captain Ezra Steele, her skipper, had made a mental calculation, and he
+knew exactly the profits that would accrue to him from the sale of the
+barrels of sperm oil that now filled the deep hold of his ship. It was
+his custom in fine weather to count these barrels and to go over all
+these calculations again and again. He was a part owner of the _Blazing
+Star_, and he had made up his mind exactly what he was going to do with
+the proceeds of this cruise. He knew that just about this time of the
+year, his wife and many other wives, and some who hoped to be, would be
+watching for the sight of welcome sails. The Captain wondered if his
+daughter Jennie would accept young Amos Jordan's offer of marriage. He
+and Amos had talked it over. Amos was his first mate now, and the
+Captain had been thinking of staying at home and sending the young man
+out in command of the _Blazing Star's_ next cruise; but perhaps Jennie,
+who had a will of her own, had married; or who knows what might have
+occurred? It is now late October of the year 1812, and a great deal can
+happen in three years, be it recorded.
+
+Captain Ezra had all the sail that she could carry crowded on the
+stiff, stubby yards of his vessel. He was anxious to get home again,
+but the wind had been baffling for some days, hauling about first one
+way, then another. Now, however, they were getting well to the north,
+and the continued mildness of the air showed that probably they had
+entered the waters of the Gulf Stream. The Captain was dressed in a
+long-tailed coat and yellow cloth breeches thrust into heavy cowhide
+boots that had become almost pulpy from constant soaking in the sperm
+oil. He noiselessly paced the deck, now and then looking over the side
+to see how she was going.
+
+The old _Blazing Star_ creaked ahead with about the same motion and
+general noise of it that an oxcart makes when swaying down a hill. From
+the quarter-deck eight or ten other vessels, every one lumbering along
+under a press of stained and much-patched canvas, could be seen, and a
+few were almost within hailing distance. All were deep laden; every one
+had been successful.
+
+"Waal," said the Captain to himself, "if this wind holds as 'tis, we'll
+make Bedford light together in about three weeks."
+
+The nearest vessel to the _Blazing Star_ was the old _Elijah Mason_.
+She had made so many last voyages, and had been condemned so many
+times, and then tinkered up and sent out again, that it always was a
+matter of surprise to the worthy gentlemen who owned her when she came
+halting along with her younger sisters at the end of a successful
+cruise. Her present captain, Samuel Tobin Dewey, who had sailed a
+letter of marque during the Revolution, was a bosom friend of Captain
+Steele. Many visits had they exchanged, and many a bottle of rare old
+Medford rum had they broached together. As Captain Ezra turned the
+side, he saw that they were lowering a boat from the _Elijah Mason_,
+and that a thick, short figure was clambering down to it. So he stepped
+to the skylight, and leaning over, shouted into the cabin.
+
+"Hey, Amos!" he called, "Captain Dewey's comin' over to take dinner
+with us. Tell that lazy Portugee to make some puddin' and tell him to
+get some bread scouse ready for the crew. We'll keep 'em here for
+comp'ny for our lads."
+
+In a few minutes he had welcomed Captain Dewey, who, although almost
+old enough to remember when his ship had made her maiden voyage, was
+ruddy and stout in his timbers and keen of voice and eye. But by the
+time that a man has been three years cooped up in one vessel, his
+conversational powers are about at their lowest ebb; every one knows
+all of the other's favorite yarns by heart, and so the greeting was
+short and the conversation in the cabin of the _Blazing Star_ was
+limited. It was with a feeling of relief that the captains heard the
+news brought to them by a red-headed, unshaven boy of seventeen, that
+there was a strange sail in sight to the northwest. The two skippers
+came on deck at once. About four miles away they could make out a
+vessel heaving up and down, her sails flapping and idle. For, a common
+occurrence at sea, she lay within a streak of calm. Her presence had
+probably been kept from being known before by the slight mist that hung
+over the sea to the west and north. The long, easy swells were ruffled
+by the slight wind that filled the sails of the whaling fleet, and were
+dimpled to a darker color. But where the stranger lay there was a
+smooth even path of oily calm. Beyond her some miles the wind was
+blowing in an opposite direction. She lay between the breezes, not a
+breath touching her.
+
+"What d'ye make her out to be, Ezra?" asked Captain Dewey, his fingers
+twitching anxiously in his eagerness to take hold of the glass through
+which Captain Steele was squinting.
+
+"Man-o'-war, brig," responded the taller man. "Sure's you're born,
+sir."
+
+"You're jest right," responded Dewey, after he had taken aim with the
+telescope. "I'll bet her captain's mad, seein' us carryin' this breeze,
+an' she in the doldrums. We'll pass by her within three mile, I reckon.
+She may hang on thar all day long an' never git this slant of wind at
+all. Wonder what she's doin aout here, anyhow?"
+
+In about ten minutes Captain Ezra picked up the glass again. "Hello!"
+he said. "By Dondy! they've lowered away a boat, an' they are rowin'
+off as if to meet us. Wonder what's the row?" A tiny speck could be
+seen with the naked eye, making out from the stretch of quiet water.
+The crew of the _Blazing Star_ had sighted her also, and at the
+prospect of something unusual to break the monotony, had lined the
+bulwarks. Suddenly as the boat lifted into the sunlight on the top of a
+wave, there came a flash and a glint of some bright metal. In a few
+minutes it showed again. Captain Ezra picked up the glass.
+
+"By gum!" he exclaimed; "that boat's chuck full of men all armed. What
+in the name of Tophet can it mean?"
+
+"Dunno--I'd keep off a little," suggested Captain Dewey.
+
+The helmsman gave the old creaking wheel a spoke or two in response to
+the Captain's order.
+
+"She's baound to meet us anyhow," put in the lanky skipper. "What had
+we better dew?"
+
+"Got any arms on board?" inquired Dewey. "Look suspicshus. Think I's
+better be gettin' back to my old hooker," he added half to himself.
+
+Amos Jordan, the first mate, was standing close by. "I reckon we've got
+some few," he said.
+
+"Git 'em aout," ordered the Captain, laconically; "and, Cap'n Sam, you
+stay here with us, won't ye?"
+
+Amos started forward. In a few minutes he had produced four old
+muskets, and a half-dozen rusty cutlasses. But there were deadlier
+weapons yet on board, of which there were a plenty. Keen-pointed
+lances, that had done to death many a great whale; and harpoons, with
+slender shanks and heads sharp as razors. And there were strong arms
+which knew well how to use them. The Captain went into the cabin and
+came back with three great, clumsy pistols. One he slipped under his
+long-tailed coat, and the two others he gave to Captain Dewey and Amos
+Jordan. There were twenty men in the _Blazing Star's_ own crew. The
+visitors from the old whaler added five more, and with the three mates
+and the two captains, five more again. In all there were thirty men
+prepared to receive the mysterious rowboat, and receive her warmly
+should anything be belligerent in her mission.
+
+"I dunno what they want," said Captain Ezra; "but to my mind it don't
+look right."
+
+"Jesso, jesso," assented Captain Samuel.
+
+A plan was agreed upon; a very simple one. The men were to keep well
+hid behind the bulwarks, and if the small boat proved unfriendly, she
+was to be warned off the side, and if she persisted in trying to board,
+then they were to give her a proper reception. The suspense would not
+be long. The boat was now so close that the number of men in her could
+be counted distinctly. There were eighteen in all, for the stern sheets
+were seen to be crowded. The brig at this moment lay in her own little
+calm, about two miles directly off the starboard beam. The rest of the
+whaling fleet had noticed her, and had sighted the approach of the
+armed cutter also. They were edging off to the eastward, evidently
+hailing one another and huddling close together. But the _Blazing
+Star_, with just enough wind to move her, held her course.
+
+All was suppressed excitement, for the armed small craft was now within
+a half a cable's length. "Ship ahoy!" hailed an officer in a short,
+round jacket, standing up. "Heave to there; I want to board you!"
+
+"Waal," drawled Captain Ezra, through his nose, "I dunno as I shall.
+What d'ye want?"
+
+There was no response to this; the officer merely turned to his crew:
+"Give way!" he ordered, and in half a dozen strokes the cutter had slid
+under the _Blazing Star's_ quarter. The man in the bow turned and made
+fast to the main chains with a boat-hook. Captain Steele was smoking an
+old corncob pipe. He looked to be the most peaceful soul in the world
+as he stepped to the gangway, but under his long coat-tails his hand
+grasped the old horse-pistol. Several heads now showed above the
+bulwarks. The strange officer, who had evidently not expected to see so
+many, hesitated. Captain Ezra blew a vicious puff of smoke from between
+his firm lips.
+
+"Better keep off the side," he said; "we don't want ye on board; who be
+ye, anyhow?"
+
+"Damn your insolence, I'll show you!" cursed the stranger. "On board
+here, all you men!" He sprang forward. Captain Ezra did not pull his
+pistol. He stepped back half a pace and his eye gleamed wickedly. The
+unknown had almost come on board when he was met full in the chest by
+the heel of Captain Ezra's cowhide boot. Now the Captain's legs were
+very long and strong, and aided by the firm grasp he had on both sides
+of the gangway, the gentleman in the round, brass-buttoned jacket flew
+through the air over the heads of his crew in the boat below and
+plumped into the water on the other side. One of the men in the boat
+instantly drew a pistol and fired straight at the Captain's head--the
+ball whistled through his old straw hat! But that shot decided matters.
+It was answered by the four old rusty muskets, the last one hanging
+fire so long that there was a perceptible time between the flash in the
+pan, and the report. Two men fell over on the thwarts of the small
+boat. The man who had fired the pistol sank back, pierced through and
+through by the slender shank of a harpoon. But the crowning effect of
+this attempt to repel boarders occurred just at this minute. A spare
+anchor, that had been on deck close to the bulwarks, caught the eye of
+Amos Jordan. "Here, bear a hand!" he cried, and with the help of three
+others he hove the heavy iron over the bulwarks. It struck full on the
+cutter's bows, and crushed them as a hammer would an eggshell. The
+shock threw most of the occupants from off the thwarts; the boat filled
+so quickly that in an instant they were struggling in the water--one
+man gained the deck, but a blow on the head from the butt of Captain
+Dewey's pistol laid him out senseless. One of the _Mason's_ crew hurled
+a lance at one of the helpless figures in the water. It missed him by a
+hair's-breath.
+
+"Avast that!" roared Captain Ezra. "We don't want to do more murder!"
+
+The officer who had been projected into the deep by the Captain's
+well-timed kick had grasped the gunwales of the sunken boat. His face
+was deathly white; thirteen of his crew had managed to save themselves
+by laying hold with him. One of them was roaring lustily for some one
+to heave a rope to him. To save his life, Captain Ezra could not help
+grinning.
+
+"Waal," he said, "this is a pretty howdy do. Ye kin come on board naow,
+if ye want tew, only leave them arms whar they be." As if in obedience
+to this order, a sailor in a blue jacket with a white stripe down each
+arm and trimming the collar, unbuckled his heavy belt with his free
+hand and cast his cutlass far from him. Two others followed suit.
+
+"Naow," said Captain Ezra, "one at a time come on board, an' we'll find
+aout what ye mean by attackin' a peaceable whaler with dangerous
+weapons, who's homeward baound an' hain't offended ye."
+
+The first man up the side was a red-cheeked, black-whiskered
+individual, who mumbled, as he sheepishly gazed about him: "Douse my
+glims but this is a bloody rum go."
+
+"Tie 'im up," ordered Captain Ezra. The man submitted to having his
+hands made fast behind his back.
+
+"Now for the next one," said Captain Ezra, blowing a calm puff of smoke
+up in the air, and watching it float away into the hollow of the
+mainsail. In turn the thirteen discomfited sailors were ranged along
+the bulwarks, and no one was left but the white-faced officer, clinging
+to the wreckage of the boat that was now towing alongside, for one of
+the crew had heaved a blubber-hook into her, at the end of a bit of
+ratline.
+
+"Spunky feller, ain't he?" suggested Captain Ezra, turning to Captain
+Dewey, who, in the excitement had taken two big chews of tobacco, one
+after another, and was working both sides of his jaws at once. "The
+last t' leave his sinkin' ship. That's well an' proper."
+
+The young man--for he was scarcely more than thirty--needed some
+assistance up the side, for Captain Ezra's boot-heel had come nigh to
+staving in his chest.
+
+"Naow, foller me, young man," Captain Ezra continued, walking toward
+the quarter-deck. He ascended the ladder to the poop, and the dripping
+figure, a little weak in the knees, guarded by a boat-steerer armed
+with a harpoon, obeyed and followed. As the Captain turned to meet him
+he noticed that the man in uniform still had his side-arms.
+
+"I'll trouble you for that thar fancy blubber-knife, young man," he
+said, "an' then I'll talk t' ye." The officer detached his sword from
+his belt and handed it over. He had not offered yet to say a word.
+
+"Naow," said Captain Ezra, holding the sword behind his back, "who be
+ye, an' what d' yer want? as I observed before."
+
+"I'm Lieutenant Levison of His Majesty's brig _Badger_."
+
+"Waal, ye ought to be ashamed of yourself," broke in Captain Ezra.
+
+[Illustration: "'What d'ye mean by attackin' a peaceful whaler?'"]
+
+"I am," responded the young man. "You may believe that, truly."
+
+"Waal, what d'ye mean by attackin' a peaceful whaler?"
+
+"Why, don't you know?" replied the officer, with an expression of
+astonishment.
+
+"Know what?"
+
+"That there's a war between England and America?"
+
+"Dew tell!" ejaculated Captain Steele, huskily, almost dropping his
+pipe. He stepped forward to the break of the poop.
+
+"Captain Dewey," he shouted, "this here feller says thar's a war."
+
+"So these folks have been tellin'," answered the Captain of the _Elijah
+Mason_; "but I don't believe it. They're pirates; that's what they be."
+
+"Gosh, I guess that's so," said Captain Ezra. "I reckon you're
+pirates," turning to the officer. "I hain't heard tell of no war."
+
+"We are not pirates," hotly returned the young man. "Damn your
+insolence, I'm an officer of His Britannic Majesty, King George!"
+
+"Tush, tush! no swearin' aboard this ship. What was you goin' to do,
+rowin' off to us?"
+
+The officer remained silent, fuming in his anger. "I was going to make
+a prize of you; and if I had you on board ship, I'd----"
+
+"Belay that!" ordered Captain Ezra, calmly. "Ye didn't make a prize of
+me, an' you're aboard my ship. Don't forgit it."
+
+"Well," broke in the young man, angrily, "what are you going to do with
+me?" Captain Dewey had by this time come up on the quarter-deck,
+followed by the mates.
+
+"I presume likely," said the skipper of the _Blazing Star_, rather
+thoughtfully, "I presume likely we'll hang ye."
+
+The Englishman--for all doubts as to his nationality were set at rest
+by his appearance and manner of speech--drew back a step. His face,
+that had grown red in his anger, turned white again, and he gave a
+glance over his shoulder. The brig, hopelessly becalmed, lay way off
+against the horizon.
+
+As he looked, a puff of smoke broke from her bows. It was the signal
+for recall. He winced, and his eye followed the glance of the stalwart
+figure with the harpoon that stood behind him.
+
+"For God's sake, don't do that!" he said hastily. "I tell you, sir,
+that there is a war. There has been war for almost four months now.
+Upon my word of honor."
+
+The two captains exchanged looks of incredulity. Suddenly the
+prisoner's face lit up. "I can prove it to you," he said excitedly.
+"Here is a Yankee newspaper we took from a schooner we captured off the
+Capes five days ago."
+
+"_The New Bedford Chronicle_, by gosh!" exclaimed Captain Ezra, in
+astonishment, taking the soaked brown package. He spread it out on the
+rail.
+
+"It's true, Cap'n Sammy, it's true," he continued excitedly. "Thar's a
+war; listen to this," and he read in his halting, sailor manner, the
+startling headlines: "The Frigate _Constitution_ Captures the British
+Frigate _Guerriere_. Hurrah for Hull and his Gallant Seamen! Again the
+Eagle Screams with Victory."
+
+There was much more to it, and Captain Ezra read every word. "Young
+man," he said at last, "I owe ye an apology. If ye'll come daown into
+our cabin, I kin mix ye a toddy of fine old Medford rum. Between lawful
+an' honest enemies there should be no hard feelin's, when the fate of
+war delivers one into the hands of 'tother. Cap'n Sammy," he observed
+as he reached the cabin, "if we had really knowed thar was a war, we'd
+a gone back and took that thar brig."
+
+"Yaas," returned Captain Dewey, "we be summat behind the times."
+
+His eyes twinkled as he glanced out of the cabin window. Still becalmed
+and almost hull down, H.M.S. _Badger_ was but a speck against the
+horizon.
+
+The Englishman drew a long deep breath.
+
+"Come, sir," spoke up Captain Ezra. "Don't get down hearted. 'Live an
+learn,' that's my motto. We're drinkin' your good health, sir, join
+right in."
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the _Blazing Star_ arrived in port, she turned over to the United
+States authorities an officer and twelve men, prisoners of war.
+
+
+
+
+THE COWARD
+
+
+He said that he had been impressed into the English service from the
+brig _Susan Butler_, of New York. But what grounds the boarding officer
+had taken in supposing him to be a British subject would puzzle most.
+The cocked-hats generally left a merchant vessel's side with the pick
+of the unfortunate crew. The qualifications necessary for a peaceable
+Yankee merchant sailor to change his vocation and become a servant of
+King George were plain and simple in 1810: ruddy cheeks--crisp curling
+hair--youth, health, and strength, why! of English birth and parentage
+most certainly! What use the papers stating that his name was Esek
+Cobb, or Hezekiah Brown? His home port or natal town Portsmouth, N.H.,
+Bath, Me., or Baltimore? He spoke the mother tongue; he was an A.B. His
+services were needed to fight old England's enemies, and away he would
+go in the stern sheets of the press boat, bitter curses on his lips and
+irons on his wrists.
+
+But this straight-haired, Indian-featured, narrow-shouldered half-man
+who stood there on the _Constitution's_ deck, with his soaked, scanty
+clothes, clinging to his thin, big-jointed limbs, why in the name of
+the Lion or the Unicorn, or the Saint or the Dragon, for that matter,
+had they chosen him? He told his tale in a low, whimpering voice, with
+his eyes shifting from one deck-seam to another--Five years in the
+Royal British Navy!--Five years of glorious service of the one who
+rules the common heritage of all the peopled earth--Five years of
+spirit-murdering slavery.
+
+Not six cable-lengths away, a dark shape against the lights of the
+town, lay the great ship from whose side he had lowered himself in the
+darkness to swim to the shelter of the smart, tall-sparred frigate,
+over whose taffrail he had watched his country's flag swinging in the
+sunlight, tempting him all the day. He had fought against the swiftly
+running tide until at last--just as his strength had left him--he had
+been hauled on board by the anchor watch, and now his one prayer was
+that they would not give him up. The men who stood about looked
+pityingly at his shivering figure. A middy, attracted by the commotion,
+had hastened aft to find the officer of the deck. The forecastle people
+murmured among themselves.
+
+"Captain Hull won't give you up, lad," said one, laying his hand on the
+poor fellow's shoulder.
+
+"This ship is not the _Chesapeake_," said another; "don't ye fear,
+man."
+
+"Here's the Leftenant," put in another--"'tention!"
+
+"What's going on here?" asked a low voice.
+
+The sailor who had last spoken touched his cap.
+
+"I was down making the running-boat fast to the boom, sir, when I hears
+a faint cry, and I sees a man in the water just alongside, sir. I lays
+hold of him, and thinkin' it's one of our crew, sir, we gets him
+quietly at the forechains; then we sees as how he ain't one of us,
+sir,--he says."
+
+"That'll do; let him speak for himself. Where did you come from, my
+man?"
+
+"From the _Poictiers_, yonder, sir. For the sake of mercy don't give me
+up!"
+
+"Are you an American?"
+
+"Yes, sir; God's truth, I am."
+
+"Your name?"
+
+"McGovern, sir."
+
+"Where were you born, McGovern?"
+
+The stern, matter-of-fact inquiry could scarce conceal the pity in the
+tone; but it was the officer-voice speaking.
+
+"In Water Street, New York, sir, not far from the big church--Oh, for
+the love of----"
+
+"You speak like an Irishman."
+
+"My parents were Irish, your honor, but I was born in the little house
+fourth from the corner. You won't let them---- Oh, God help me!"
+
+The sturdy rocking beat of oars near to hand off the port quarter
+caused an interruption. The fugitive gave a quick glance full of terror
+in the direction of the sound; then he dropped forward upon his knees;
+his whimpering changed to a hoarse weeping whisper.
+
+"Don't give me up; I'd rather die--save me--save me," he croaked.
+
+One of the watch came hurrying aft. "There's a cutter here at the
+gangway," he said in a low voice, saluting the Lieutenant.
+
+"Very good, my lad," responded the latter. "Take this man below, give
+him dry clothes and a place to sleep."
+
+Two men helped the abject creature to his feet and led him sobbing to
+the forward hatchway. The Lieutenant stepped to the side.
+
+"On board the cutter there," he called, "what do you want at this hour
+of night?" Well he knew, and he spoke as if the answer had been given.
+
+"On board the frigate," was the reply. "We're looking for a deserter;
+he started to swim off to you; has he reached here?"
+
+The Lieutenant disdained deception. "We fished a half drowning man out
+of the water a few minutes since," he replied quietly, leaning over the
+gangway railing.
+
+"He's a deserter from my ship; I'll be obliged if you will hand him
+over.--This is Lieutenant Colson, of the _Poictiers_."
+
+"Sorry not to grant Lieutenant Colson's request; the man claims
+protection as an American. Captain Hull will have to look into the
+matter.--This is Lieutenant Morris, of the _Constitution_."
+
+"I should like to see Captain Hull at once. In bow there, make fast to
+the gangway."
+
+"Hold hard, sir. The Captain is asleep; I cannot waken him."
+
+"I demand you do--you are in one of His Majesty's ports."
+
+"I know that well enough--keep off the side, sir." There was a moment's
+silence, and then the same level tone was heard addressing some one on
+the deck. "Call the guard; let no one come on board the ship to-night."
+
+There was the sound of some movement on the _Constitution's_ deck;
+the fast ebb tide clopped and gurgled about the vessel's counter
+mirthfully. The Englishman, standing erect in the stern sheets of the
+little cutter bobbing against the frigate's side, hesitated.
+
+"On board the frigate, there!"
+
+"Well, sir, in the cutter!"
+
+"Heark'ee! You'll repent this rashness, I can warrant you that, my
+friend; you will pay high for your damned Yankee insolence, mark my
+words. Shove off there forward" (this to the bowman)--"shove off there,
+you clumsy fool! Let fall!"
+
+There had been no reply from the bulwarks to the Englishman's burst of
+temper; but Lieutenant Morris stood there drumming with his fingers on
+the hilt of his sword, and looking out into the darkness. Then an odd
+smile that was near to being scornful crossed his face, and he turned
+quietly and began the slow swinging pace up and down the quarter-deck.
+That Captain Hull would sanction and approve his conduct, he did not
+have the least suspicion of a doubt; if not on general principles, on
+account of a certain specific reason--to be told in a few short
+words:--
+
+It had happened that three days previous to the very evening, a steward,
+who had been accused of robbing the ward-room mess of liquor, and
+incidentally of drunkenness arising from the theft, was up for
+punishment--somehow he had managed to take French leave by jumping
+out of a lower port. He had been picked up by the running-boat of the
+flagship. At once he had claimed to be a subject of King George, and,
+needless to record, the statement was accepted without question--whether
+he was or not bore little weight, and cuts no figure in this tale.
+Suffice it: Captain Hull's polite request for the man's return was
+laughed at, very openly laughed at, and the Admiral's reply was a
+thinly veneered sneer--why, the very idea of such a thing!
+
+Now here was a chance for that soul-satisfying game of turn and turn
+about. Lieutenant Morris, as he paced the broad quarter-deck, felt sure
+he had voiced Captain Hull's feelings, and then he began a little
+mental calculation, and as he did so, slightly quickened his stride,
+and came a few paces further forward until he was opposite the port
+gangway. There he stopped and looked out at the swinging anchor lights.
+Six hundred odd guns against forty-four! And then there were the land
+batteries and the channel squadron probably outside. But actually, what
+mattered the odds? On the morrow there was going to be something to
+talk about, that was fact, and Lieutenant Morris smiled as brave men do
+when they look forward to contest, and know they have right with them.
+The poor, whimpering dog who had claimed protection was probably not
+worth his salt, and was certainly not needed; but rather than give him
+up, Isaac Hull would go to the bottom (in his very best, brand-new
+uniform, Morris knew that well enough), and with him would go four
+hundred sturdy lads by the right of their own manly choice.
+
+"And egad they'd have company," Morris reasoned out loud, with that
+strange smile of his.
+
+Captain Hull heard the news and all about it at breakfast, and the only
+sign that it interested him in the least was the fact that he rubbed
+his heavy legs in their silk stockings (he generally wore silk in port)
+contentedly together beneath the table, and disguised a wide smile with
+a large piece of toast.
+
+"Have the man given a number and assigned to a watch, Mr. Morris," was
+his only comment to the Lieutenant's story.
+
+That was simple enough. But the heavy, red-faced Commodore, although
+prone to extravagant indulgence in expansive shirt frills, jewelry, and
+gold lace, usually went at matters in the simplest manner and after the
+most direct fashion. There did not appear to be any question on this
+present occasion; he to all appearances dismissed the subject from his
+mind; but Morris knew better--"Wait," said he to himself, "and we will
+see what we will see." And although this is the tritest remark in the
+world, it was more or less fitting, as will be shortly proved.
+
+At nine o'clock a letter arrived from the English Admiral. It was
+couched in the usual form, it was full of "best compliments," and
+bristled with references to "courtesy and distinguished conduct in the
+past," and it was signed "Obd't servant." But it said and meant plainly
+enough: "Just take our advice and hand this fellow over, Captain
+Hull,--right away please, no delay; don't stop for anything. He
+deserves to be abolished for presuming that he has a country that will
+protect him."
+
+The word had flown about the decks that the English cutter was
+alongside with a message from the flagship. The crew had all tumbled up
+from below, and a hum of voices arose from the forecastle.
+
+"Bill Roberts, here, he was on watch when they hauled 'im on board,
+warent ye, Bill?--I seed him when they brought 'im below--he had the
+shakes bad, didn't he, Bill?" The speaker was a short, thickset man,
+who had a way of turning his head quickly from side to side as he
+spoke. His long, well-wrapped queue that hung down his back would whip
+across from one shoulder to the other.
+
+"We thought it was one of yesterday's liberty party trying to get back
+to the ship," responded the man addressed as Bill. "But when we got him
+on deck we seed as how he warent one of us, as I told the First Luf.
+Did you see his back, Tom, when we peeled his shirt off?"
+
+"God a' mercy! I seed it."
+
+Well those marks were known. Deep red scars, crisscrossed with heavy,
+unhealed, blue-rimmed cuts, feverish and noisome.
+
+"He was whipped through the fleet ten days ago. So he says. I don't
+know what for, exactly; says he found a midshipman's handkerchief on
+deck, and not knowin' whose 'was, put it into his ditty box--some such
+yarn.--Jack here, he tells of somethin' like that, when he was
+impressed out of the _Ariadne_ into the old _Southampton_, don't ye,
+Jack?"
+
+"Yes, but damn the yarn--this fellow--where is he now?" asked a tall,
+light-haired foretopman, around whose muscular throat was tattooed a
+chain and locket, the latter with a very red-cheeked and exceedingly
+blue-eyed young person smiling out through the opening in his shirt.
+
+"He's hidin' somewhere down in the hold, I reckon," answered a little,
+nervous man; "nobody could find him this morning; guess he's had all
+the spunk licked out of him."
+
+"I've heard tell of that before," remarked the tall foretopman. "His
+spirit's broke."
+
+Just at this moment the English Lieutenant who had borne the message
+from the Admiral hurried up from the cabin where he had been in
+consultation with Captain Hull. His face was very red, and he gave a
+hasty glance at the crowded forecastle, as if trying to enumerate the
+men and their quality. Then he hastened down the side, and when he had
+rowed off some dozen strokes he gave the order to cease rowing. Then
+standing up he looked back at the frigate he had left, taking in all
+her points, the number of her guns, and marking her heavy scantling
+with a critic's eye. Then he seated himself again, and pulled away for
+the flagship.
+
+His departure had been watched by four hundred pairs of eyes, and this
+last act of his had not been passed by unnoticed.
+
+"Takin' our measure," observed Bill Roberts, cockswain of the Captain's
+gig, turning to Tom Grattan, the thickset, black-headed captain of the
+maintop. The latter grinned up at him.
+
+"There'll be the Divil among the tailors," he said.
+
+The tall foretopman, who was standing near by, folded his heavy arms
+across his chest.
+
+"We'll have some lively tumbling here in about a minute, take my word
+for that, mates," he chuckled, "or my name's not Jack Lange"; and as he
+spoke, Captain Hull, followed by all of his lieutenants, came up on
+deck. The Captain turned and spoke a few words to Mr. Cunningham, the
+ship's master. The latter, followed by three or four midshipmen,
+hurried forward. Some of the men advanced to meet him.
+
+"All of you to your stations," he ordered quietly. "Gunners, prepare to
+cast loose and provide port and starboard main-deck guns. The rest
+stand by ready to make sail if we get a wind off shore."
+
+He gave the orders for the capstan bars to be fitted, and turning to
+the ship armorer he told him to provide cutlasses and small-arms for
+the crew.
+
+Quietly boarding-nettings were made ready to be spread, the magazines
+were opened, even buckets of sand were brought and placed about; sand
+to be used in case the decks became too slippery from the blood. Down
+in the cockpit the doctor had laid out his knives and saws on the
+table. In five minutes the _Constitution_ had been prepared for
+action. And all this had been accomplished without a sound, without a
+shouted order or the shrilling of a pipe!
+
+Captain Hull inspected ship. Silent, deep-breathing men watched him as
+he passed along. At every division he stopped and said a few words.
+"Lads, we are not going to give this man up upon demand. Remember the
+_Chesapeake_. We are going to defend ourselves if necessary, and
+be ready for it." He made the same speech in about the same words at
+least half a dozen times. Then he went into his cabin and donned his
+best new uniform, with a shining pair of bullion epaulets. This done,
+he gave a touch to his shirt frills before the glass and went on deck.
+
+Signals were flying in the British fleet, and now the forts were
+displaying little lines of striped bunting. There was scarce breeze
+enough to toss them in the air. The sleepy old town of Portsmouth
+looked out upon the harbor. Soon it might be watching a sight that it
+never would forget. Perhaps history would be made here in the next few
+minutes, and all this time the fugitive lay cowering among the
+water-butts in the mid-hold.
+
+A breeze sprang up by noon, and the two nearest vessels of the fleet, a
+thirty-eight-gun frigate, and a razee of fifty, slipped their moorings
+and came down before it. A hum of excitement ran through the Yankee
+ship. There was not sufficient wind to move her through the water; but
+the capstan was set agoing, and slowly she moved up to her anchor. As
+the smaller English vessel drifted down, it was seen that her men were
+at quarters. It was the same with the razee. But without a hail they
+dropped their anchors, one on each side of the _Constitution's_ bows,
+at about the distance of a cable's length. There they waited, in grim
+silence. The men made faces at one another, and grimaced and gestured
+through the open ports. The officers, gathered in groups aft, paid no
+attention to their neighbors.
+
+There followed more signalling. A twelve-oared barge left the flagship
+for the admiralty pier. From the direction of the town came the sounds
+of a bugle and the steady thrumming of drums. A long red line trailed
+by one of the street corners. Already crowds began to gather on the
+housetops and the water-front. Some clouds formed in the west that
+looked as if a breeze might be forthcoming. Hull watched the sky
+anxiously.
+
+The midday meal was served with the men still at their posts. There was
+no movement made on either side. Toward evening the wind came. No
+sooner had it ruffled the surface of the water than the _Constitution_,
+whose cable had been up and down all the day, lifted her anchor from
+the bottom, and with her main topsail against the mast, she backed away
+from her close proximity to her neighbors. Then, turning on her heel,
+she pointed her bow for the harbor mouth. It was necessary for her to
+sail past every vessel in the fleet. Drums rolled as she approached.
+Men could be seen scurrying to and fro, and as she passed by the
+flagship, a brand-new seventy-four, her three tiers of guns frowned
+evilly down, and a half-port dropped with a clatter. A sigh of relief
+went up as the _Constitution_ passed by unchallenged.
+
+There were but three vessels now to pass,--a sloop of war, a large
+brig, and a forty-four-gun frigate that lay well to the mouth of
+the harbor. The latter, apparently in obedience to signals, was
+getting in her anchor and preparing to get under way; but before the
+_Constitution_ had reached her the breeze died down, and before
+twilight was over it was dead calm. Hull dropped his anchor, and close
+beside him, the Englishman dropped his. He was at least two minutes
+longer taking in his topsails. It continued calm throughout the early
+watches of the night. At three o'clock in the morning there was a sound
+of many oars. The officers were on the alert. "They are coming down to
+attack us in small boats," suggested one of the junior lieutenants. But
+soon it was perceived that such was not the intention, for in the dim
+light the big brig could be seen approaching, towed by a dozen boat's
+crews working at the oars. There was no reason for longer maintaining
+any secrecy, and Hull called his crew to quarters in the usual fashion.
+The sounds might have been heard on shore; but the brig, when she had
+once reached a berth on the American's quarter, dropped her anchor
+quietly.
+
+With the gray of morning came a new wind from the westward, and with it
+the _Constitution_ slipped out of port, the two vessels that had
+menaced her all night long not making a movement to prevent her going.
+Once well out in the channel, the feeling of suspense was succeeded by
+one of relief and joy. The fugitive, soaked with bilge water, shivering
+and hungry, emerged from his hiding-place as he felt the movement of
+the vessel's sailing.
+
+"How is that man McGovern doing?" asked Captain Hull of Lieutenant
+Morris, who was dining with him in the cabin. "He ought to be of some
+use after the trouble and worry he has caused us."
+
+"I'm sorry to say he isn't," responded Morris, shrugging his shoulders.
+"He isn't worth powder. Why, even the forecastle boys cuff him about
+and bully him! He not only lacks spirit, but he is one of those men, I
+think, who are somehow born cowards. But he has been a sailor at some
+time or other, I take it, although he told me that he was only cook's
+helper in the galley on board the _Poictiers_. That's his billet now on
+board of us, by the way."
+
+It was true: McGovern not only bore the name of a coward, but he looked
+it, every inch of him. His shifty eyes would lift up for an instant,
+and then slide away. His elbow was always raised as if to ward off a
+blow. He acted as if he expected to have things thrown at him. He
+invited ill treatment by his every look, and he received many blows,
+and many things were thrown at him. And the unthinking made fun of all
+this, and used him for their dirty work, and he did not resent it. He
+took orders from the powder-monkeys, and cringed to the steerage
+steward. As to the officers and midshipmen, he trembled when they
+approached him, and after they had passed he would spring forward and
+hide somewhere, panting, as if he had escaped some danger. The sight of
+the boatswain deprived him of the power of speech. He acted like a cur
+that had been whipped, and in fact he lived a dog's life. And yet for
+this man, those who despised him would have gone to the bottom. Aye,
+and cheerfully, for behind him lay the question soon to be cause enough
+for the shedding of much blood.
+
+When the _Constitution_ reached New York, McGovern disappeared.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was early in the month of June, 1812. There was evidence of a
+feeling of great uneasiness that prevailed throughout the length and
+breadth of the country. In the coffee-houses and taverns, at the
+corners of the streets, in the gatherings in drawing-room or kitchen,
+there was but one subject talked about--the approaching war with
+England. It was inevitable, naught could prevent it, was the opinion of
+some; while others, more cautious, saw nothing in the approaching
+strife but the dimming of the American star of commerce which had
+arisen, and death to progress in arts and manufactures. Their flag
+would be swept from off the sea; the little navy of a handful of ships
+would have to be dragged up into the shallows, and there dismantled and
+perhaps never be set afloat again. Little did they know of the glorious
+epoch awaiting. The makers of it were the sailormen in whose cause the
+country was soon to rise.
+
+Jack Lange was hurrying along Front Street; he had been transferred
+from the _Constitution_ to the _Wasp_. It was but a moment before that
+he had landed. He had the tall water-roll in his gait. He was very
+jaunty in appearance, with his clean, white breeches very much belled
+at the bottom, his short blue jacket and glazed cap, and from the smile
+on his face one could see that he was very well pleased with himself.
+The half-fathom of ribbon that hung over his left ear would
+occasionally trail out behind like a homing pennant. He was bound for
+Brownjohn's wharf, where he knew he might fall in with some of his old
+messmates and gather up the news. As he luffed sharp about a corner he
+passed some one hurrying in the opposite direction. It was a man of
+about thirty years of age. His arms were held stiff at his side, and
+his face was twitching nervously. His eyes were rolling in excitement.
+Jack Lange turned, and lifting one hand to the side of his mouth, he
+shouted: "Ship ahoy, there!" The other man whirled quickly, and the two
+stood looking at one another for an instant before either spoke. Then
+the big sailor advanced.
+
+"What's the hurry, messmate?" he said. "This is McGovern, isn't it?
+Don't you remember me?"
+
+"Sure I remember you," returned the other in a voice with a touch of a
+rich brogue. "Have you heard the news?" he added suddenly, his hand
+trembling as he touched Lange on the arm.
+
+"What is it--about war?" asked Jack, eagerly.
+
+"Aye, the war, d'ye mind that? There'll be great doings before long!"
+
+"I suppose they'll lay the navy up in ordinary, and we poor fellows
+will join the sorefoots with a musket over our shoulders."
+
+"Not a bit of it; they're going to outfit and sail to meet 'em,"
+responded McGovern. "I'm off to tell my folks."
+
+The news was all about the town. People were running hither and
+thither, clapping on their hats, women called to one another from the
+windows of the houses, crowds commenced to gather. Suddenly Jack
+hesitated. Surely it was a cheer, a rousing, sailors' cheer, off to the
+left down the alley! He listened again, and giving a hitch to his
+breeches, he started in a lumbering, clumsy gait, swinging his cap
+about his head. "Hurray!" he bellowed at top lung as he saw in a crowd
+gathered before one of the little taverns the uniforms of some of the
+_Constitution's_ men, and recognized also Bill Roberts, and his old
+messmate Grattan.
+
+When the _Wasp_ sailed again, she carried between her decks as fine a
+crew as ever hauled a rope or manned a yard. Some of the men who had
+served on board the _Constitution_ now swung their hammocks in the
+crowded forecastle of the little sloop.
+
+Grattan and Roberts were in the same watch, the port, which was in
+charge of young Lieutenant James Biddle. Jack Lange was in the other
+watch, and with him were two of the _Constitution's_ men,--the little,
+black-eyed gunner, and a heavy, thickset man, who at first glance
+appeared to be too fat and clumsy ever to be a topman; yet he was, and
+one of the best.
+
+Lange was stowing away his hammock but a few hours after the _Wasp_ had
+gotten under way, when the short, thickset man approached him.
+
+"D'ye see who is on board with us?" he asked. He pointed forward.
+
+There, sitting with his back against the bulwarks was the Coward, his
+eyes staring straight before him, and his fingers and toes--for he was
+bare-footed--working nervously. Soon there came an order to shorten
+sail. There was a scramble to the shrouds, and among the first to reach
+them was McGovern. Close beside him was the fat topman.
+
+"Out of the way, you swab!" he cursed, striking out with his elbow.
+"This is man's work," he added. "Out of the way, can't you!"
+
+The hot blood rushed to McGovern's face. He hesitated. At that moment
+some one pushed him from behind, and before he knew it he had been
+hustled off the bulwarks to the deck. Without a glance behind him he
+slunk down the hatchway. And so he went back to rinsing the dishes in
+the galley.
+
+Inside of three months the _Wasp_ was back in port again. Once more
+McGovern disappeared. No one missed him, and no one thought about it.
+
+On the 13th of October Captain Jacob Jones set sail again in his trim
+vessel, but just before the _Wasp_ had left her moorings a boat rowed
+with quick, nervous strokes put out from shore. The man at the oars was
+doing his best to catch the sloop of war before she should gain
+headway. In the stern sheets sat an old woman. Now and then she would
+encourage the man pulling at the oars. There was a short, choppy sea,
+and both figures in the little boat were soaked with spray.
+
+Suddenly the topsails filled, the headsails blew out with a vicious
+snap, and just as the sloop lurched forward, the little boat was
+abreast the forechains. The man dropped the oars, and, springing
+outboard, managed to catch the lower shroud; with agility he hauled
+himself up arm's length and sprawled over the bulwarks, down on deck.
+It was McGovern, and his strange coming on board had been observed by
+many. He arose quickly and gaining the shrouds once more, he waved his
+hand. "Good-by, mither!" he cried, and then he turned back to greet a
+burst of laughter. But all hands were too busy with the getting under
+way to pay much attention to him, and he disappeared below.
+
+The next morning it blew a heavy gale, and for four days the wind
+lasted, and even after the danger had passed the day broke with a heavy
+swell on the sea and the weather yet boisterous. The _Wasp's_ previous
+cruise had been uneventful. She had failed to fall in with the enemy,
+and now this continued stress of weather made the sailors, ever prone
+to find reasons in their superstitions, to think that they must have
+aboard with them a Jonah; some one who brought ill luck, and why they
+should have settled upon poor McGovern it would be hard to tell.
+Perhaps he was ignorant of the reason for the new meaning of the looks
+of dislike and suspicion that were cast at him, or perhaps he failed to
+notice them. At any rate he made no comment.
+
+Surely it was not his fault if the second day out, during the height of
+the storm, the jibboom had carried away, and two of the starboard watch
+went with it and were lost.
+
+There was a great deal of excitement attending this particular
+daybreak, the morning of the 18th, for the night before, after the
+clouds had cleared away and the stars had shone brightly forth, several
+large sails had been reported to the eastward. Captain Jones had laid
+his course to get to windward of them, so as to have the weather-gage
+when day came. The vessels had disappeared as the weather had thickened
+a little, and now all hands had gathered on deck, and the sloop was
+romping along through the slight drizzle, almost dipping her yard arms
+at times in the heavy seas that raced past.
+
+"There they are.--Sails off the lee bow, two points away!" shouted a
+lookout from the forecastle. It had cleared a trifle, and there they
+were, sure enough, seven vessels, and nearer to, was a trim man-of-war
+brig. She was edging up slowly, taking in sail as she did so, and the
+_Wasp_ swung off to meet her.
+
+"English, begad!" exclaimed Captain Jones. "Have the drummer beat to
+quarters, Mr. Biddle, as soon as you get down the topgallant yard and
+shorten sail."
+
+"Very good, sir.--Hello, she shows the Spanish flag."
+
+"Never mind that; she's English, I'll bet a thousand."
+
+Biddle bawled out the orders, and the usual helter-skelter rush, from
+which emerges such careful work and such wonderful precision, followed.
+But the first man to gain the weather shrouds this time was McGovern.
+Since the news that the enemy had been sighted had been passed below,
+he had been very much in evidence. Instead of his greasy scullion's
+rags, he wore a clean suit of canvas. His white shirt was trimmed with
+blue silk, and his long hair, that usually straggled down his cheeks,
+was twisted into a neat queue down his back. He paid no attention to
+the questions addressed to him, took no heed of the merriment (for men
+will jest on strange occasions); but kept his eyes shifting from the
+group of officers on the quarter-deck, to the oncoming vessel that was
+plunging heavily in the great seas. When he had seen the Spanish flag,
+his face had fallen; but Bill Roberts was standing close beside him.
+
+"Never mind that, my lads!" he roared to those about him. "No one but a
+John Bull or a Yankee would bring his ship along like that; take my
+word for it, my hearties!" and then had come the order to shorten sail.
+
+McGovern was across the deck like a shot, at least three feet in
+advance of the next man, who, as luck would have it, was the short, fat
+topman before referred to. Whatever he may have thought was McGovern's
+proper sphere and natural instincts, it required but a glance to show
+that he knew what he was about as he started clearing away the parel
+lashings and then unreeving the running-gear. It requires but two men
+at the masthead to make fast the downhauls and look out for the lifts,
+and on this occasion there were two pairs of skilful hands at work. The
+older seamen looked into McGovern's face wonderingly; but the latter
+was going silently about his work, occasionally looking out across the
+rolling white of the sea at the little brig that would soon be within
+gunshot. He could plainly make out the red coats of the marines grouped
+along the rail. "Sway away!" and the topgallant yards came safely down
+to the deck. The men were at quarters now, and the matches were
+lighted.
+
+"Well done, McGovern!" exclaimed the fat sailor, with a shamefaced
+smile. "Well done, McGovern!" called one of the midshipmen, grasping
+him by the arm. "Here, take No. 2 at this twelve-pounder. Do you know
+the orders, lad?"
+
+"Yes, sir, yes," answered the Coward, excitedly. "I was captain of a
+gun once, o' truth I was."
+
+But a pistol shot's distance now separated the two vessels. Captain
+Jones hailed through his trumpet. Down came the Spanish flag, and there
+was the red cross of England! The brig let go a broadside; but just
+before she did so, the sound of a cheer had come down on the wind.
+
+There is no time to describe the details of the action. But few of the
+_Wasp's_ crew had been in actual combat before. Soon there were deep
+red spots on the deck; there were groans and curses, and much sulphur
+smoke. Occasionally the muzzles of the guns would dip deep into the
+water as the _Wasp_ hove down into the hollow of the surge. A sharp
+crack aloft, and down came the main topmast, and with it fell the
+topsail yard. It tangled in the braces, and rendered the headsails
+useless. The Englishman was playing havoc with the rigging, braces,
+and running-gear of the _Wasp_. Grape and round shot were mangling
+everything aloft.
+
+There had been a few men in the foretop when the action had commenced.
+One of them was Roberts. Suddenly glancing up from his gun, McGovern
+saw a sight that made him start and cry out, pointing. There was Bill
+trying weakly to haul himself over the edge of the top. Blood was
+running from a wound in his forehead, and his left arm hung useless;
+his leg was hurt also. But he was still alive and dimly conscious. At a
+sudden lurch of the vessel, he almost pitched forward down to the deck.
+Then as McGovern watched him, he appeared to give up hope, and,
+twisting his hand into the bight of a rope, he lay there without
+moving. But no man could live there long! Splinters were flying from
+the masts; blocks were swinging free and dashing to and fro; new holes
+were being torn every second in the roaring, flapping sails. It may
+have been that no one else had time to think about it; but McGovern did
+not hesitate. He threw down the sponge and jumped into the slackened
+shrouds.
+
+[Illustration: "Carefully he lowered away."]
+
+"Come out of that, you fool!" somebody shouted at him from below; but
+he did not pause. A round shot whizzed by his elbow. A musket-ball
+carried away a ratline above his head, just as he reached forward. He
+felt as if a hot flame had licked across his shoulder, and in an
+instant more his white shirt was white no longer, and was clinging to
+his back. But it was nothing but a graze, and, undaunted, he kept on
+ascending. He hauled himself into the top. There lay a dead marine,
+shot through the temple. Now he bent over the prostrate sailor. Yes, he
+was alive! Roberts was breathing faintly. Despite the interest and
+excitement of the action men were watching him from below. But he must
+work fast if he was to save a life--a bullet at any time might complete
+the work already begun. He tried to lift the heavy figure on to his
+shoulders, but found he could not. But good fortune! One of the
+halliards had been shot away aloft, and hung dangling across the yard.
+McGovern saw the opportunity. Passing the bitter end of it around
+Roberts' body, close underneath the arms, he made it fast. Then passing
+the rest of it through the shrouds he gave first a heave that swung the
+prostrate figure clear of the blood-stained top, and then carefully he
+lowered away until at last the body reached the deck.
+
+Somehow the musket-balls had stopped their humming through the upper
+rigging, and even the firing of the _Wasp_ had slackened, as McGovern,
+reaching for one of the stays, rode down it safely and reached the
+deck. And now occurred a thing that has been unchronicled, and yet has
+had its parallel in many instances of history. A cheer arose, a strong,
+manly cheer,--it came from across the water; it preceded by an instant
+the roaring of the hoarse voices close about him. But McGovern's ear
+had caught it.
+
+"Hark!" he cried, pushing his way forward to reach his station. "Hark,
+they're cheerin'! They must have thought we've struck. We'll show 'em!"
+He picked up his sponge again.
+
+Now the firing became incessant. Steadily as the blows of a hammer were
+delivered the telling shots from the _Wasp's_ port divisions. The
+flames of powder scorched the enemy's bows. All at once there came a
+crash. The jibboom of the Englishman swept across the deck, tearing
+away the shrouds and braces, and then with a heave and a lurch the
+vessels came together, grinding and crunching with a sound of
+splintering and tearing of timbers as they rolled in the heavy sea.
+
+There was not a man on board the _Wasp_ that did not expect to see
+the English sailors come swarming over the bow of their vessel, and
+drop down to fight in the old-fashioned way, hand to hand and eye to
+eye. But there must have been some delay. For an instant there was a
+silence except for the ripping of the Englishman's bow against the
+_Wasp's_ quarter. But the red-crossed flag was still flying.
+
+Captain Jones saw his opportunity. The enemy lay in so fair a position
+to be raked that some of the _Wasp's_ guns extended through her bow
+ports. The men, who, without waiting for orders had caught up cutlasses
+and boarding-pikes, were ordered back to their stations, and at such
+close quarters the broadside that followed shattered the enemy's
+topsides as might an explosion on her 'tween decks. Two guns of the
+after division, loaded with round and grape, swept her full length.
+
+But some of the more impetuous of the crew had not heard, or perhaps
+had not heeded the order to return to their stations. Jack Lange had
+made a great leap of it, and had caught the edge of the Englishman's
+netting. As an acrobat twists himself to circle his trapeze, he swung
+himself by sheer strength on to the bowsprit, and gaining his feet, he
+stood there an instant, then he jumped over the bulwarks on to the
+enemy's deck and disappeared. The handful of men who had sought to
+follow his leadership had all failed their object, for a slant of the
+wind had hove the two vessels so far apart that they were almost clear
+of the tangle of shrouds and top-hamper that had made them fast. But
+one man had made a spring of it and had caught the bight of one of the
+downhauls that was hanging free. Hand over hand he hauled himself up to
+the nettings, and after considerable difficulty--for he was all but
+exhausted--he succeeded in getting his body half-way across the
+bulwarks, and then with a lurch he disappeared. During all this, not a
+shot had been fired. Every one had watched with anxiety the strange
+boarding party of two. What would be the outcome of it? Suddenly, as
+the sails that had been tearing and flapping, filled, and the noise
+subsided, a strange sound came down from the direction of the other
+vessel. It was like a great chorused groan--the mingling of many voices
+in a note of agony! Then with a crash they met again, the English ship
+fouling hard and fast in the _Wasp's_ mizzen rigging. Lieutenant
+Biddle, followed by a score of armed boarders, jumped upon the bulwarks
+and endeavored to reach the other vessel and be the first on board. In
+this he would have succeeded had not little Midshipman Baker caught his
+officers coat-tails and endeavored to emulate his eagerness. But at
+last the Lieutenant and his followers gained the deck, there to be
+witness of a wonderful sight.
+
+There was a wounded man limply leaning against the wheel. Three
+officers were huddled near the taffrail--but one was able to stand upon
+his feet; the other two were badly wounded. Jack Lange and McGovern the
+Coward had possession of the ship. But somehow, overcome by the sight,
+they had not left the forecastle, and it was Lieutenant Biddle's own
+hand that lowered away the flag.
+
+His Majesty's sloop of war _Frolic_ was a prize. Frightful had been the
+carnage! But twenty of the English crew were fit for duty. She was a
+charnel ship. The _Wasp_ had lost but five men killed, and but five men
+wounded. Among the latter was Bill Roberts. Although he was shot three
+times, the surgeon declared that he would live.
+
+To and fro the boats plied busily. The _Frolic's_ masts fell shortly
+after she had been boarded, and now every effort was made to repair
+damages and take care of the many wounded and the dying.
+
+Every one talked about McGovern, he who had been the Coward; he who
+had cringed to the loblolly boys, and who had taken orders from the
+ward-room steward; who had washed dishes and dodged blows; _he_ was the
+hero of the day. And how did he take all this new glory, the admiring
+glances and the remarks of his messmates? Not as a vainglorious seeker
+of reputation, not as a careless daredevil who had risked recklessly
+his life for the mere excitement; but as a cool-headed, brave-hearted
+man, who while there was yet work to do found no time to think of what
+had been done. He was reincarnate, as if during the fire and smoke,
+when the hand of death was everywhere, the spirit to do, and dare, had
+been born within him. Forgotten had been the red scars of the
+disgracing cat that seared his back. Here was his chance to show what
+was in him; to even up matters with the power that had almost crushed
+his soul. Every shot from the _Wasp's_ side made his heart beat with
+joy. The born fighter had been awakened. He craved for more, and
+animated by this feeling he went about his work with a half-delirious
+strength that made him accomplish the task of two men. All eyes were on
+him. His officers had marked him.
+
+"Sail ho!" called down one of the men who was clearing away the
+wreckage aloft. "Sail ho! off the starboard bow."
+
+Driven by the strong breeze that had blown throughout the morning a
+great sail was bearing down, looming larger and larger every minute.
+The _Wasp_ cleared for action. The _Frolic_, aided by the little jury
+masts that had been hastily rigged, was ordered to bear away to the
+southward before the wind. The _Wasp_, wounded and bedraggled as she
+was, bore up to meet the oncomer.
+
+Slowly the great shape rose out of the water, sail by sail. A tier of
+guns! another! and a third!--a seventy-four! With two ridges of white
+foam playing out from her broad bow, she bowled along and passed so
+close that her great yard arms almost overshadowed the little wounded
+sloop. There came the sound of a single gun, and at this imperious
+order the _Wasp's_ flag fluttered to the deck. It had not needed this
+sight of the red cross curling and uncurling across the white expanse
+of new sail to mark her as one of the great guard ships of old England.
+English she was from truck to keelson, and long before she fired that
+disdainful shot the gunners of the _Wasp_ had put out their smoking
+matches.
+
+And McGovern had watched her come with an ever-changing expression in
+his eyes. His face, flushed with excitement and victory, had paled.
+Once he had started as if to run below and hide. There was something
+familiar in those towering masts and that gleaming white figurehead,
+and as she sailed on to retake the little _Frolic_, McGovern was
+compelled to hold fast to the bitts to prevent himself from falling.
+The ports were crowded with jeering faces. The quarter-deck rail was
+lined with laughing officers, in cocked hats and white knee-breeches.
+Under her stern gallery he read the word _Poictiers_! From that he
+glanced up at the main yard arm. Men had swung there at the end of a
+rope--yes, he had once seen a convulsive, struggling figure black
+against the sky. Men would swing there again! The maxim that 'a
+deserter has no defence' recurred to him. He glanced about. Close by
+was a chain-shot, two nine-pound solid shot connected by a foot of
+heavy links. Like one afraid of being seen, he skulked across the deck
+as he had skulked in the days before. He reached the side where part of
+the bulwarks had been torn away, and crouching there he passed the end
+of his heavy belt through a link of the chain, and without a sound
+lurched forward, all huddled up, and struck sideways in the water.
+
+
+
+
+THE SCAPEGOAT
+
+
+It was a famous dinner party that Captain William Bainbridge, Commander
+of the Charlestown Navy Yard, gave on the night of the 31st of May,
+1813. In those days gentlemen sat long at a table; they knew good wines
+when they tasted them, and if they drank a great deal at a sitting,
+they sipped slowly.
+
+The cloth had been removed, and upon the shining mahogany rested two
+or three cut-glass decanters filled with the best Madeira. Captain
+Bainbridge sat at the head of the table, in a high-backed oaken chair;
+he was dressed in a blue uniform coat, with the gold-braided lapels
+thrown back over his wide chest. In his snow-white shirt frill there
+nestled a sparkling jewel given to him by the Sultan of Turkey, upon
+the occasion when Bainbridge had brought the old frigate _George
+Washington_ into the harbor of Constantinople and there for the first
+time displayed the flag of the United States.
+
+The candles had burned low in the candelabra, a silence had fallen upon
+the company; it was evident that something had interrupted the easy
+flow of wit and conversation. Captain James Lawrence, the guest of the
+evening, was in full uniform, with epaulets and great gold buttons as
+big as half-dollars. He sat opposite Captain Bainbridge, with both
+elbows on the table, cracking walnuts and eating them as if to stave
+off hunger; his face was flushed, and a frown was on his brow. A young
+man of not more than twenty, with a gleaming mass of gold braid on his
+left shoulder, the mark of the lieutenant, had the next seat to him; he
+was nervously drumming on the table with his finger-nails. Occasionally
+he would glance from Lawrence to Bainbridge, and then at the two other
+officers who were sitting there in constrained silence.
+
+Well did they all know how easy it was for the word to be spoken that
+would fire the smouldering mine, and change what had been a jovial
+gathering to the prologue of a tragedy. Men had to be careful how they
+spoke in those days. There could never be any brawling or careless
+flying of words; courtesy and gallantry limited their power of personal
+offence; but epithets or implications once given expression could not
+easily be withdrawn. Men who had been friends and who had fought for
+the same cause would, with the stilted hat-tipping and snuff-offering
+fashion of the time, meet one another in the gray of morning under
+God's sky and do one another to the death.
+
+At last Lawrence spoke.
+
+"Are you not judging me harshly in this matter, sir?" he said. "You say
+you doubt my caution." His gaze shifted from the brilliant jewel in
+Bainbridge's breast to the frank, manly face above.
+
+"Your caution; yes, Captain," was the return; "your courage, my dear
+sir, never."
+
+Lawrence cracked another walnut with a loud report. "Surely in my
+little affair with the _Peacock_ you have granted that I used judgment;
+and in regard to the distribution of prize money, which has not seemed
+to suit our mutual views----"
+
+Bainbridge interrupted him. "That is a question apart from our present
+discussion, sir," he said. "I pray that you will postpone it. But I can
+only say for the benefit of all concerned that I do not doubt an easy
+adjustment. For what you decide must perforce be agreeable to me."
+
+"You are my senior----"
+
+"And for that reason I have taken the opportunity, as you have brought
+up the subject, to express my opinions. I cannot order you; it is
+outside my province or my wish. Before the company you have brought up
+this matter, and for that reason I have discussed it. Every one must
+agree that the Department authorities at Washington have treated you
+most unhandsomely. Had you been given the command of the _Constitution_,
+as was first intended and promised you, and were she in a condition
+to put to sea, I should say nothing but what would encourage you to
+exercise despatch."
+
+"Ah, if I but had the _Constitution_ and her crew," put in Lawrence,
+with a sigh; "if I but had them." Suddenly he brought his strong,
+clenched fist down upon the table with a crash: "Then this English
+captain would not be flaunting his flag at the harbor mouth, daring me
+to come on and fight him; shaming us all here where we lie at anchor!
+The _Chesapeake_ is ready!"
+
+"Ah, but she is the _Chesapeake_," interrupted Bainbridge.
+
+"True enough; but why not give me the chance to wipe the stain from off
+her name?" He suddenly arose, and leaning across the table spoke
+quickly and vehemently. "Order two hundred of the _Constitution's_ men
+on board of her, and I will sail out and give battle to-morrow! I doubt
+not, nor do I fear the consequences. I ask this of you as a proof of
+friendship."
+
+In his excitement, Lawrence upset one of the tall wine-glasses. It
+tinkled musically, and, reaching forward, he filled it to the brim, and
+Bainbridge waited until this had been done.
+
+"I cannot grant your request, Captain Lawrence," he said quietly at
+last. "Your ship is in no condition to go out and fight at the moment.
+She has a green crew. Her running-gear has not been tested."
+
+"Then let me go into the yard and call for volunteers!" Lawrence
+interrupted hotly.
+
+"I cannot prevent you taking men who are not busily employed; but I
+shall not order men from work. 'Twould be sanctioning your action."
+
+The mine was on the point of being fired; the fatal word was trembling
+on Lawrence's lips. The boy lieutenant half rose from his chair; but
+Lawrence controlled himself with an effort. He may have realized how
+senseless it would have been to impute to William Bainbridge lack of
+courage. He may have thought of the wicked consequence of such a
+speech. But he was obstinate. His nature was not one to be thwarted
+easily. Throwing back his shoulders and looking around the table, he
+raised the brimming wine-glass to his lips.
+
+"Then, here's to the success of the _Chesapeake_!" he blurted, and
+drained it to the bottom. "I shall go out and fight this fellow
+to-morrow," he added sullenly. "You gentlemen," turning to the others,
+who were all officers of his luckless ship, "shall share with me the
+honor." Turning, he walked to the side of the room and picked up his
+cloak and heavy bullion-edged cocked hat.
+
+"Sir, to you good evening."
+
+Bainbridge was about to speak; but on second thought he remained silent
+and bowed slowly. Without a word Lawrence, followed by three of his
+officers, left the room. The young Lieutenant lingered. His face had
+flushed when his captain had spoken the word "glory," and yet the calm,
+dispassionate judgment of Bainbridge had appealed to him. He was a
+beautiful lad, this officer, with long-lashed eyes like those of a
+young girl. His light brown hair curled softly over his white forehead.
+One would expect nothing but laughter and song from those lips, and it
+needed the strong, square-cut jaw to give the note of decision and
+character to his face. It redeemed it from being too classical; too
+beautifully feminine. He loved James Lawrence, his commander, and truly
+a boy's love for a man who excites his admiration is much like a
+woman's in its tenderness and devotion. Lawrence had been a father to
+him, or better, an elder brother, for the _Chesapeake's_ commander was
+but thirty-two years of age.
+
+Young William Cox had been much at Captain Bainbridge's house since the
+_Chesapeake_ had dropped her anchor in the Charles River, and the
+Commandant had watched with approval the mutual attraction that existed
+between the young officer and the beautiful Miss Hyleger, who was the
+sister of Bainbridge's wife. He probably knew what was going through
+the young man's mind. As he followed after the others Bainbridge
+stopped him.
+
+"Good night, James; may God watch over you. You will do your duty; of
+that I am well assured."
+
+"Thank you, sir," the lad returned, flushing as he took Bainbridge's
+hand in both of his.
+
+When left alone, the Commodore sat there in his great armchair, and on
+his face was a great shadow of sorrow.
+
+Lawrence did not go on board his ship that night; but Lieutenant
+Ludlow, Mr. White, the sailing-master, and Lieutenants Cox and Ballard
+repaired on board at once to make ready for the approaching conflict.
+All night long James Lawrence walked alone under the trees in the river
+park, and at early dawn, still dressed in his resplendent uniform, with
+his silk stockings and white knee-breeches, he made his appearance at
+the Navy Yard. Some sixty men responded to his call. But the older
+sailors wagged their heads. It was not necessary. Ah, that was it! Had
+it been a case of do or die, there was not a man who would not have
+thrown down his work and jumped at the chance to fight. But the
+_Chesapeake_! she was an unlucky vessel. Sailors avoided her. Her crew
+was riffraff in a measure; men not wanted on other ships; many of
+foreign birth; Portuguese and Spaniards; a few Danes, and without doubt
+some renegade servants of King George.
+
+As the morning mist cleared away from the water, there in the offing
+was the English frigate that had been hovering and flaunting her
+challenging flag for the past three days.... Boston was all agog with
+the news. The whole city had flocked to the water front. Before nine
+o'clock the _Chesapeake_ was surrounded by a flotilla of small craft.
+Men cheered themselves hoarse. Flags floated from the buildings, and
+women waved handkerchiefs from the docks. But yet, some of the wise
+ones wagged their heads.
+
+The bulwarks and top sides of the _Chesapeake_ had been freshly
+painted, and the paint was not yet dry. As her crew stretched out the
+new yellow hempen running-gear, they smudged everything with the
+pigment. There was no time to be careful; it was a hurly-burly haste on
+every hand. The officers were reading the lists of the men at the guns.
+They did not know them by name or sight, and were trying to impress
+their faces on their minds at this short notice. There was bawling and
+hauling and shouting and confusion. How different from the clockwork
+methods on board the _Constitution_! But at last everything was as
+ready as it could be. Lawrence, after his sleepless night, pale but
+nerved to tension by excitement, came from the cabin. As he looked down
+the deck, his spirits must have sunk. Things were not shipshape--at
+this very instant he may have regretted that he had formed the decision
+to go out and fight. But it was too late to withdraw! He gave the
+orders, and, to the tune of Yankee Doodle, they began getting in the
+anchor. The pilot was on board, standing beside the helmsman. Lawrence
+went back to his cabin and wrote a letter that has only recently been
+given to the public. It was addressed to James Cox, the uncle of young
+Lieutenant Cox, of his own ship. The whole tone of the missive displays
+the despondent attitude of mind under which Lawrence was now laboring.
+The postscript that he added, after referring to the possibility of his
+untimely end, reads as follows:--
+
+"10 A.M. The frigate is in plain sight from our decks, and we are now
+getting under way."
+
+It was the last sentence he ever penned. As soon as he had sealed the
+letter he came on deck and delivered it to the pilot, who left the ship
+within half an hour.
+
+Now came the ordeal. The small boats that had surrounded the vessel
+were being left behind as she gained headway. But some of the faster
+sailers among them managed to keep pace, and cheer after cheer sounded.
+A crew of rowers in a whaleboat kept abreast of the _Chesapeake's_
+bows, shouting words of encouragement to the crew. But the men did not
+appear eager. The officers could not help but notice it, and the
+impression must have been most heart breaking.
+
+"Muster the crew," Lawrence ordered at last, turning to young Ludlow;
+"I will say a few words to them." The men gathered in the waist,
+whispering and talking among themselves.
+
+"James," said Lawrence, to Lieutenant Cox, before he began to make the
+customary address that a ship's captain in those days made before going
+into action,--"James, I know that I can trust you--you will do your
+duty." The young man at his side touched his cap. "You will find me
+here, sir," he replied, "unless my duty is elsewhere." Lawrence stepped
+a few feet forward.
+
+"Men of the _Chesapeake_," said he, "it is our good fortune to be able
+to answer the call that our country has made upon our honor. We will
+answer it with our lives if necessary. Do your duty; fight well and
+nobly. Your country's eyes are on you, and in her heart she thanks you
+in advance. Yonder British frigate must return under our lee. Let no
+shots be wasted. To your stations."
+
+There was some low grumbling off to one side of the deck. A
+black-visaged, shifty-eyed fellow came pushing to the front. A double
+allowance of grog had been already served; but many of the men had been
+imbibing freely, owing to the proximity of the shore and the ease with
+which liquor could be obtained. The man strode out before the crowd and
+stopped within a few paces of the Captain. He spoke in broken English.
+Lawrence listened in anger and almost in despair. The man complained in
+insolent tones that he and his messmates had not been paid some prize
+money due them now a long time. Lawrence's hand sought the hilt of his
+sword. He would have run the fellow through as he well deserved, did he
+not see that among the crew he numbered many followers. Their surly
+looks and gestures proved their evil temper. _The man declared that
+unless he and thirty of the others were paid at once they would decline
+to fight._
+
+Here was mutiny at the outset! A fine state of affairs to exist on
+board a vessel going to fight a battle.... There was nothing for it but
+to acquiesce. He could not treat the cur as he deserved.
+
+"Take these men to the cabin and pay them what they say is due them,"
+said Lawrence, bitterly. There was not money enough on board the ship,
+and he was forced to go to the cabin himself, and sign due bills for
+the amount. And all this time the enemy was in the offing prepared and
+eager.
+
+The English frigate hauled her wind and put out to sea as she saw the
+_Chesapeake_ approach. Her flag was flying, and now Lawrence unfurled
+his. At the main and mizzen and at the peak he flew the Stars and
+Stripes, while at the fore he displayed the motto flag: "Free trade and
+sailors' rights." On the two vessels sailed over the bright, sunlit
+sea. The day was almost without a cloud. One or two small sailing
+vessels still followed in the _Chesapeake's_ wake. At four P.M. she
+fired a challenging gun.
+
+There were no seamen of the good old school that could not if they
+had seen the English ship but admire her. With calm precision the
+_Shannon_--for it was well known who she was--braced back her
+maintopsails and hove to. In silence the two manoeuvred. At every point
+the English vessel had the better of it. Which would fire first? There
+was one moment when the _Chesapeake_ had the advantage. Owing to her
+clumsiness more than to her agility, she came about within pistol-shot
+distance under the enemy's stern. But her commander held his fire. A
+minute more and they were on even terms, sailing in dead silence beside
+one another, nearing all the time--who would have thought that they
+were craving each other's blood? The orders on board one ship could be
+heard on board the other. The word "Ready" was passed at the same
+moment; but the discharge of the Englishman's broadside preceded that
+of the _Chesapeake_ by a perceptible moment. How well those guns must
+have been trained! Every one was double shotted and heavily charged.
+The _Chesapeake_ quivered from the shock. In that second, in the time
+it takes a man to catch his breath, the whole aspect of affairs had
+changed. Mr. White, the sailing-master, was immediately killed; Mr.
+Ballard, the Fourth Lieutenant, was mortally wounded. Ten sailors fell
+dead to the decks. Twenty-three were badly hurt. The bulwarks were
+crushed in, and the cabin was torn to pieces.
+
+"Steady!" roared Lawrence. "Steady, boys, have at them!"
+
+There was a marine with a musket in one of the Englishman's tops. He
+was aiming at the resplendent figure in gold epaulets, carefully as one
+aims at a target, and at last he pulled the trigger. Lawrence fell down
+on one knee; but leaning against the companionway, he pulled himself
+erect again. Not an expression or exclamation came from him; but his
+white knee breeches were streaked and stained with red. Nearer yet the
+two ships drifted. Their crashing broadsides scorched each other. The
+Englishmen cheered, and the Yankees answered them--the volunteers from
+the Charlestown yard were giving a good account of themselves. But
+several times the _Chesapeake_ yawed and fell off her course as if she
+had lost her head, like a man dizzy from a blow that deadens the brain.
+And good reason why: three men in succession were shot away from her
+wheel. The expert riflemen placed in the _Shannon's_ mizzentop were
+doing their work well. A puff of wind took the American all aback, she
+fell off and swung about. Her anchor caught in the _Shannon's_ after
+port. And now not a gun could be brought to bear! Whole gun's crews
+left their places and plunged down the companionway to the deck below.
+But the _Shannon_ was taking advantage of her opportunity. Charges of
+grape and canister raked and swept the decks.
+
+Lawrence looked in despair at the frightful havoc. He knew what now
+would happen. Every minute he expected to see the English boarders come
+tumbling on board. Lieutenant Cox had been sent below to take charge of
+the second division. Lawrence looked for an officer. The only one in
+sight was Lieutenant Ludlow. Had it not been for his uniform no one
+would have known him. He was blood and wounds from head to foot. He
+could not stand erect, and was dragging himself about the deck, one
+useless leg trailing behind him.
+
+"The bugler! call the bugler!" thundered Lawrence. "To repel boarders
+on the spar-deck! Where is the after-guard?"
+
+Ludlow fell, better than clambered, down the main-hatch. "Pass the word
+for the bugler!" he cried. "Boarders away!" But the bugler could not be
+found. And good reason why. He was down in the deep hold hiding amid
+the stores. Young Lieutenant Cox heard the order. "Boarders away!" he
+shouted. As he started to rally his men and rush up from below, he was
+met by the crowd fleeing from the terrible slaughter that was taking
+place above. But at last he managed to work his way up the companion
+ladder. He too was wounded and bleeding--a splinter had gashed him in
+the neck and another in the shoulder. What a sight he saw! Lawrence,
+his beloved friend, his idol, weakly holding fast to one of the
+belaying-pins, still repeating his fruitless cry for the men to rally
+on the deck. As Cox leaped toward him a second bullet from the
+mizzentop struck the captain in the abdomen--Cox caught him as he fell.
+Lawrence grasped his hand.
+
+"Don't give up the ship!" he cried weakly. "Don't give up the ship!" He
+placed one arm about the boy's shoulder. He was so young; he loved his
+leader so much. He was faint from loss of blood. It was his first
+action. Never before had he seen dying men, or listened to the groans
+and shrieks of the wounded. Who would expect him to break away from
+that last fond grasp that had not relaxed? He did not know that he was
+now commander! Almost carrying his wounded leader, he staggered down
+the ladder to where the surgeon and his mates were busy at their
+direful work. He did not see, just as he left the deck, the English
+boarders headed by their own Captain, the brave and gallant Broke,
+spring over the railing. He did not know that he and the wounded Ludlow
+were the only officers now left to handle ship.... As the surgeon
+hastened to Lawrence's side, Cox knelt down upon one knee. He could not
+control the tears of sorrow and bitterness. The whole scene of the
+previous night flashed through his mind. Lawrence, his beloved, eager
+for glory, now shattered with the hand of death upon him. The Captain
+released the boy's hand.
+
+"You are a brave lad, James," he said. "But stay here no longer, though
+I would have you with me."
+
+[Illustration: "'Stay here no longer--though I would have you with
+me.'"]
+
+There was more rushing and shouting from the decks above. Cox hastened
+up as fast as his weakened limbs would carry him. It was hand to hand
+now; cutlasses plying, men stabbing on the decks, growling and
+grovelling in their blood like fighting dogs. There was a party making
+an onslaught toward the bows. Cox drew his sword and joined them. The
+first thing he knew, they were slashing at him with their heavy blades.
+They were Englishmen! He did not know his own crew by sight. The firing
+had stopped; the summer breeze was blowing the smoke away. But what a
+sight and what a sound! The battered, reddened hulls, and the groans
+that rose in chorus! Of the further details there is little to relate.
+Poor Ludlow was killed at last by a cutlass in the hands of a British
+sailor; for after the flag had been hauled down, a second action had
+been started by a hot-headed boy firing at a British sentry placed at
+the gangway. The English, by mistake, had hoisted the captured flag
+uppermost, but it was soon discovered and hauled down again--the fight
+was over. The _Chesapeake_ has been reckoned one of England's dearest
+prizes.
+
+The sorrowful news of her defeat was carried quickly into Boston. The
+wise ones wagged their heads again. At the house of the Commandant of
+the navy yard at Charlestown, Bainbridge paced the room alone, deep
+lines of grief marking his rugged face, and on the floor above, a young
+girl lay insensible, for the word as first brought was that with the
+other officers James Cox had had his death. Captain Broke, the
+Englishman, had fought a gallant, manly fight, all honor to him! He was
+badly wounded, and, like poor Lawrence, it was thought that he would
+die. The latter, when he had heard the firing cease, had said to the
+surgeon:--
+
+"Run to the deck. Tell them not to strike the colors! While I live they
+shall wave!" Brave Lawrence! They were the last words he ever spoke.
+Although he lingered four long suffering days, not a sound passed his
+lips. Broke, on the contrary, was raving in a delirium, and these were
+the words he kept repeating--words he must have spoken before the
+action had begun:--
+
+"See the brave fellow! How grandly he brings his ship along! How
+gallantly he comes to action!"
+
+Ah, how Halifax rejoiced when the _Shannon_ sailed in there with a
+Yankee frigate under her lee. How the guns boomed, and how the city
+went mad with joy! And how England rejoiced, and the "Thunderer"
+thundered and the king clapped his hands! And how much they made of it!
+How proudly they preserved every relic of the captured ship! How they
+cherished her figurehead and exhibited her logbook! And they builded
+her timbers into an old mill, where they can show them to you to-day,
+scarred with cannon shot.
+
+Yes, and how America lamented! Aye, and grew angry in her distress and
+cried for vengeance! Many times during the trial which followed in the
+investigation of the causes for the vessel's loss and capture, must
+have young James Cox wished that he were dead, that it had been he the
+British cutlasses and musket-balls had hacked to pieces. The navy had
+lost a ship in single combat,--the press and the authorities did not
+like that,--some one must suffer. What excuse was there that could hold
+good? said they--the great public which clamored for a reason. And so
+in the flush of the hot feeling he was sentenced by court martial;
+sentenced and disgraced. The charge of cowardice was disproved. From
+that he was exonerated--he had been wounded. But why had he not cut
+down the men as they left their guns? (one man against fifty,
+forsooth!) Why had he left the deck and gone below? Why had he stayed
+for one moment's time at the side of his dying friend and leader? And
+so he was made the scapegoat, although if he had been six men or ten,
+he could not have prevented what had happened. What is the use of
+"ifs"? The best ship had won. But when the trial was over, two hearts
+were broken. The young officer was execrated by those that did not
+know, and yet who talk and write. Could he dare just then to ask a
+woman's hand?
+
+The navy pitied him, the scapegoat of the _Chesapeake_. How he
+petitioned to be given a chance to win back his fair name, and how
+often it was denied him! The members of the court that sentenced him
+wrote kindly letters almost without exception. But even the brave
+Decatur did not dare to help him--public opinion is more formidable to
+face than an armed ship. And so James Cox, maybe in the hope that an
+honorable death would visit him, shouldered a musket and fought as a
+common soldier in the ranks on land.
+
+And when the war was over, he sought refuge in the new country of the
+west, where perhaps they would not know. And there he lived and died;
+died an old man, honored and respected by his neighbors. But those that
+loved him marvelled at one thing; he never smiled. And even his
+grandchildren (for he married late in life) knew not that he had once
+been a gay young lieutenant with a shining epaulet on his left
+shoulder. They never heard that he had started one fine June day to
+find glory and fame; and that death had come near to him but passed him
+by, which he had more than once regretted bitterly.
+
+After he had been laid to rest letters and papers were found showing
+that to the last he had been trying to have his name placed back upon
+the navy lists. But if they were too angry to listen before in their
+deep chagrin, they were too busy now; they had other things to think
+about. And people who wrote history, aye and taught it in the schools,
+did not search dispassionately for what had occurred to view the
+facts. They took the feverish verdict of the times and applied
+adjectives to his conduct that were out of place; some called it
+"pusillanimous"--"cowardly." We can look at things differently now,
+and judge them for their worth. There is proof enough to clear his
+name, so be it cleared if these few words can help to do it.
+
+
+
+
+THE LOSS OF THE VIXEN
+
+
+On the 22d of October, 1812, at nine A.M., the United States brig
+_Vixen_ crossed St. Mary's bar outward bound for a cruise to the
+southward. It was not expected that she would be absent from home
+waters for more than a month. Her commander was George W. Reed, a good
+officer, although he had had little experience in actual warfare. The
+hundred and ten men under his immediate command had trust in his
+judgment and were all animated with a hope of coming in again with one
+of the enemy under their lee, or at least they trusted that they should
+be fortunate enough to make one or two rich captures and return with
+prize money to their credit. As one of the _Vixen's_ crew wrote: "All
+hands were in high health and spirits, and filled with the idea of soon
+returning with some fruit of the consequence of the war."
+
+Day after day the _Vixen_ sailed on and saw one sail after another; but
+owing to her having been well to the leeward in every case she had been
+unable to bring any to close quarters. On the tenth morning after her
+departure a sail was descried, and this time it so happened that the
+little brig was well to the windward. Setting every stitch of her
+canvas, she made after the stranger. Judging from all reports, the
+_Vixen's_ intentions must have been better than her powers of putting
+them into practice; for if her legs had been faster, so to speak, the
+expectations of her crew might have been answered, and this story
+(which is nothing but a record of events, however) would never have had
+a chance to be written. So it is safe to draw the conclusion that she
+was not as fast as many of our little vessels were at this period of
+our naval history.
+
+While chasing the strange sail, another was perceived to be bearing
+down from the northwest. This put another face on the matter. The
+_Vixen_ hauled her wind and waited. As it was perceived the second
+stranger was undoubtedly armed and was a large brig, Reed called his
+men together as was the custom and made the following little speech:--
+
+"Now, my lads, there she is; I expect every man to stand to his guns.
+Don't fire a gun until you are within pistol shot; take good aim and
+show her fair play."
+
+As the vessel came on without raising her flag, she fired a broadside
+of round and grape, which, however, served no other purpose than to
+churn the water into foam some distance ahead of the _Vixen's_ bow.
+The latter returned the compliment, and planted a double-shotted
+eighteen-pound charge in her antagonist's hull, above the sternpost.
+Again the stranger fired and missed, although at musket-shot distance.
+
+Now, odd to relate, the unknown ran up signals, which, not
+understanding, Captain Reed replied to with an assortment of grape. At
+this the signals came down and the Spanish colors went up in their
+place. Bitter was the disappointment; she was to be no costly prize,
+after all. Seeing there was some difficulty on board of her, Captain
+Reed lowered a boat, and ascertained that she was a Spanish brig of
+fourteen guns from Havana, bound for Cadiz. Finding out that she only
+had two or three men slightly wounded, Captain Reed went on his way,
+after regretting that the "mistake" had occurred. However, in the log
+there was entered on this day that "owing to the good chance for target
+practice the morning had not been spent amiss."
+
+For just one month everything seemed to run away from the poor little
+_Vixen_. The men were getting discouraged. They would see a convoy,
+most probably made up of rich merchantmen, somewhere off to leeward,
+and then a fog would shut down, and when it cleared away nothing would
+be seen but an expanse of empty horizon. With nothing done, and a sorry
+and disappointed crew, she was within two days' sail of St. Mary's, in
+the state of Maryland, when as luck would have it the man at the
+masthead reported a sail on the starboard beam.
+
+Much better would it have been for the little _Vixen_ if the fog had
+closed down or a contrary wind had sprung up, or had she gone about her
+business and made for home as soon as possible. It was just daylight in
+the morning. Steering-sails were set on both sides as she was headed
+out again to meet the stranger, who had evidently not observed her
+presence. By six o'clock it was made out that the unknown was a frigate
+and no less. This was more than the _Vixen_ had bargained for.
+With all her canvas standing as it was, she tacked ship and hauled up
+on the wind, which was extremely light. But the frigate proved herself
+to be a good one at going; she had set all of her light canvas that she
+could, and it was a caution the way she came down upon the little brig.
+
+Although it is only a preliminary to the story, which has another side
+than that of the amusing, one cannot read an extract from the _Vixen's_
+log without feeling inclined to smile. Therefore to quote: "At ten,
+finding the chase gained on us, increasingly, commenced starting water
+out of the fore and main holds to lighten the brig. At eleven dead
+calm; out sweeps and continued rowing without intermission until
+twelve. Slow work; but we had now gained some advantage over the chase.
+Then a breeze springing up we quickly lost it. In sweeps, and to
+lighten the brig still more, hove every article, in and under the
+boats, overboard. Stationed hands by the anchors to cut them away when
+ordered. Half past twelve P.M., discharged all the shot from the racks.
+At one, cut away both anchors. At two P.M., the chase still gaining,
+hove two elegant brass nine-pounders after the anchors. Chase still
+gained. Broached all the water in the casks, hove over all our
+broadside guns, and everything that seemed to carry weight. Finding
+that in despite of our exertions the _Vixen_ would not sail an inch
+faster than her old gait, we now had the melancholy satisfaction of
+knowing our capture was a certainty. But we were determined to use
+every exertion to avoid it. Thus we commenced manoeuvring with the
+sails, which kept the men on the jump and had only the effect of
+putting off the capture for an hour or two. At three P.M., all her guns
+were visible, at half past, coming up, hand over hand, she gave us a
+shot which fell short. A few minutes later another was sent which went
+between our foremast and mainmast. Answered by running up our colors
+and firing a musket to windward. The chase having English colors up,
+and as it would have been madness to engage her, we fired another shot
+to leeward and hauled our colors down. At four P.M., she ranged
+alongside."
+
+And now, strange to say, all those on board the brig were astonished to
+see that the frigate had the word "Constellation" painted on her stern.
+The crew of the _Vixen_ looked at each other in astonishment. Had there
+been another mistake? But there was something unmistakably English
+about the cut of her jib, and the red coats of a party of marines who
+were scrambling down into a boat which she had lowered plainly showed
+her character. Besides this, Captain Reed knew well that the Yankee
+_Constellation_ was aground in the mud-flats of the James River, where
+she stayed during the war.
+
+The officer, who was soon on board, with his seamen and marines,
+informed Captain Reed and his lieutenants that the _Vixen_ was a prize
+to His Britannic Majesty's frigate _Southampton_, thirty-six guns, Sir
+James Lucas Yeo, commander. At once Captain Reed entered the English
+boat and went on board the frigate. As he rode close under the stern he
+saw that the word "Constellation" had been painted on a wide strip of
+canvas, tacked neatly over the name "Southampton." He did not ask the
+reason for this; it was easy to guess. If she happened to put in to one
+of the small harbors along the coast, it would conceal successfully her
+identity. Probably Sir James did not know that the real _Constellation_
+was fast in the mud-flat.
+
+Sir James was a gentleman and a nobleman by action as well as by birth,
+and his very first doing proved it. He came forward to meet Captain
+Reed and lifted his hat in a courtly salute; Captain Reed presented the
+hilt of his sword in token of surrender.
+
+"No, no, sir," spoke up the Captain of the _Southampton_. "I cannot
+accept this from you; and I wish to commend you, sir, upon the skill
+you displayed in endeavoring to save your vessel. My ship is a very
+fast one."
+
+"And mine a very slow one," put in Captain Reed.
+
+"But I am sure you did everything that any one could do to get speed
+out of her."
+
+"We hove everything overboard but our top sides and scantlings,"
+returned Reed.
+
+The officers standing about smiled, for the _Vixen's_ frantic endeavors
+to escape had been watched closely through the glass.
+
+The kindness shown to the brig's commander was extended in every way to
+the other officers and to the crew also. As the frigate was very
+crowded, but seventy of the _Vixen's men_ were transferred to her. The
+other forty were kept as prisoners on board their own vessel. Every man
+was allowed to take his dunnage, and the prisoners on board the
+_Southampton_ were given the run of the forward and main holds,
+although the hatchways were closely guarded by armed sentinels.
+Excepting for the confinement, which was absolutely necessary, of
+course, and which was in direct accordance with the rules of war, the
+prisoners suffered no inconvenience. Twice a day in details of twenty
+they were permitted to be on deck to enjoy the fresh air. The
+_Southampton's_ crew were already on short allowance, owing to their
+having been at sea for some length of time, and the dole allowed the
+Americans was almost, if not quite, equal to that given the Englishmen.
+The officers were treated with the greatest of politeness and civility,
+and Captain Reed dined daily with Sir James in the cabin. All hands
+voted him a fine man and gentleman, and that he was a naval officer was
+proved conclusively enough by his actions subsequently when at the head
+of the British operations on the Lakes.
+
+Five days after the capture the weather was fine, but a small sea was
+running. The _Southampton_, under easy sail, was leading, and crowding
+on all she could carry; the _Vixen_ managed to keep within signalling
+distance of her. In three or four days every one expected to be
+anchored safe in Jamaica.
+
+It was about half past eleven on a bright starry night when the lookout
+forward suddenly gave the cry, "Land ho!" A line of breakers could be
+seen about two miles to the westward, and above them the shores of a
+little island, at its highest point but twelve or fourteen feet above
+the water. Evidently the sailing-master of the frigate was out of his
+course. He probably had not allowed for the drift of one of those
+strange Gulf currents which have caused the destruction of many a fine
+ship.
+
+The _Southampton_ was put about in a hurry, and as she was such a good
+sailer and was so quick in manoeuvring, no danger was apprehended, and
+she jogged along to the eastward to escape the proximity of the shoals.
+The _Vixen_ was following her and taking in some of her sail as the
+wind commenced to blow much fresher. At twelve o'clock the sky had
+darkened, and it was difficult for one vessel to distinguish the other,
+although in the early part of the evening, by the aid of the moon and
+stars, everything had been visible. The mid-watch was just coming on,
+when, with a sudden shock, the _Southampton_ struck on a sunken ledge
+of rocks; but she slid over the first, tearing the sheathing from her
+hull and wedging herself firmly in at the stern. Immediately a gun was
+fired to warn the _Vixen_, that was following in the wake; and also to
+be a signal of distress, as the greatest consternation prevailed now on
+board the frigate--that was leaking badly. But the usual ill fortune of
+the _Vixen_ pursued her. At first she hove to and shortened sail,
+preparing to come to the frigate's assistance. Just as she was about to
+heave to the second time and lower a boat, she struck with such a
+vicious force that her bows drove high out of water, she was stove in
+completely, and all the prisoners, who had been wondering what was
+going on, now terrified and in great fear of immediate death, rushed up
+on deck to see a strange sight. It was pitch dark; the waves were
+breaking on every hand, and off the port bow the big frigate could be
+seen hard and fast, signalling in great distress.
+
+Her position, in fact, was much worse than that of the brig, for she
+was filling and settling rapidly. Everything was being done that
+knowledge and good seamanship could suggest or direct. The top-gallant
+yards and masts were sent down, and top-masts were struck; and
+notwithstanding the sea was very rough, two boats were lowered, and
+although one was crushed against the vessel's side, the other set out
+to search for a safe passage through the reef. On board the _Vixen_ the
+boats had been called away, and the American and English crews were
+mingled, but without confusion. A Yankee sat beside John Bull on a
+thwart, and deeming that their own vessel was in no immediate danger,
+but that the _Southampton_ was about to sink, they started to act the
+part of life-savers and rescue as many of the frigate's crew as they
+could. There was no thought of their being enemies, no observance of
+the differences between prisoners and captors; all sought to act for
+the cause of humanity and to save human life. But they had not
+proceeded far from the side of the brig when they were called back in a
+hurry. The _Vixen_ had slipped from her firm position on the jagged
+rock and was surely sinking. So instead of being a rescue party to
+others they found they had all they could do to save themselves. But
+every man was taken off and brought on board of the _Southampton_.
+
+[Illustration: "Everything was done that good seamanship could
+direct."]
+
+Daylight was waited for most anxiously, and when it came, a dreary
+prospect was before the ship-wrecked ones. Not far away was a low
+island that was pronounced at once to be the island of Conception.
+Nothing but the topgallant masts of the _Vixen_ showed above the water,
+as she had sunk during the night. The _Southampton's_ pumps had been
+kept going for six hours. But she was so badly bilged, and the water
+was gaining so fast, that her hours were numbered. With a rising sea
+there was immediate danger of her going to pieces, and in her crowded
+condition the consequent loss of life would have been too terrible to
+think of. It was a row of about ten miles from the reef on which the
+ship lay to the distant low-lying, sandy shore. All the boats were made
+ready, a raft was built and floated alongside, and the boatswain,
+obeying orders from the quarter-deck, began bawling: "Away there, you
+Vixens, away!" So the prisoners were to go first; but since the vessels
+had struck they had not been treated as prisoners at all. They had
+obeyed Sir James's orders as though they were members of his own crew,
+and they had not been shown the slightest evidences of bad blood or ill
+feeling on the part of the ordinary seamen. Before the day was over all
+the crew had been transferred to the island, and a boatload of
+provisions had been safely landed. Sir James and his officers spent the
+first night on board ship; but on the following morning, as she showed
+all evidences of a speedy breaking up, a tent was made for him on
+shore.
+
+A strange life now followed. The great lack felt upon the island was
+that of proper drinking-water. Conches and shellfish and land-crabs
+there were in plenty. The four hundred odd men who now found themselves
+marooned on this island far removed from the usual course of trade, and
+but seldom visited, had to depend upon a small pond for their
+drinking-supply. If this should be exhausted, their position would be
+perilous in the extreme. Two boats had been despatched to summon aid if
+possible. One to see if there were not some cruiser at Cat Island, with
+orders to proceed to Nassau, and the other to make for the island of
+Exhuma.
+
+A little settlement composed of tents and wig-wams made from ship's
+wreckage soon grew up. Friend and foe mingled together in hunting for
+conches, or in sports to while away the time.
+
+After a week a small vessel arrived from Cat Island, for the message
+calling for help had been received, bringing eighteen sheep and a
+quantity of meal, and the skipper showed where there was hidden a well
+which the mariners had failed to discover. An empty hogshead was sunk,
+and a sign-post erected on which was cut "The Southampton's Well,
+November, 1812." For many years it stood there. The sheep did not last
+long, and soon resort was had again to the conches. On the eighth of
+December, three English vessels arrived, the _Caledonia_, a cutter,
+_Rolla_, privateer, and the government brig _Rhodian_. Captain Sir
+James Yeo made a speech to his crew and their "guests," which was the
+term he used in referring to the Vixens, in which he thanked the latter
+for their assistance, their cheerfulness and good behavior, and he
+stated that he would do everything in his power to help get them
+exchanged, or provide them with a cartel to take them to their own
+country on their arrival at Jamaica, whither they were bound. Then,
+forming into a ragged company, arm in arm, Yankee sailors and British
+tars marched out from their little settlement, a fifer at their heads
+playing The Girl I Left Behind Me. Leaving their little island to the
+mercies of the half-breed wreckers whose small craft swarmed about,
+they sailed away. The rescued "guests" were prisoners again.
+
+
+
+
+IN THE HARBOR OF FAYAL
+
+
+On the lake front at Chicago during the World's Fair, close by the
+entrance to the long walk that led out to the marvellously constructed
+imitation battle-ship, the _Illinois_, rested an old iron muzzle-loader.
+It was a clumsy-looking piece of ordnance compared to the shining,
+complicated bits of machinery that compose the batteries of a modern
+war-ship. It looked very out of date and harmless, and people who did
+not know its history passed it by with hardly a second glance. But yet
+this old gun had taken more white men's lives in battle than all the
+great modern breech-loaders on the fleets of Europe combined to-day.
+It was but nine or ten feet long and threw a solid ball twenty-four
+pounds in weight. A small inscription on a metal plate told the
+inquisitive that the gun was the "Long Tom," from the privateer
+_General Armstrong_, that had been sunk in the harbor of Fayal, in
+September of the year 1814; that it had subsequently been raised and
+presented by the Portuguese government to the United States. There
+were some who knew the story, for it had been told many times, and
+long years ago the country rang with it. Every one then knew the main
+facts of the incident, and because of a long controversy in the courts
+owing to claims that arose from the action for indemnity against the
+Portuguese government, the matter was kept alive up to a very recent
+date. But an unfamiliar story in connection with a well-known fact may
+not be amiss, and this is a tale of the harbor of Fayal that perhaps
+few have heard before.
+
+But to get to the telling of it, it is necessary to recount a good deal
+of what is recorded history.
+
+The _General Armstrong_ was a privateer brig outfitted at New York. She
+was owned in part by a New York merchant, a Mr. Havens, and in part by
+her commander, Samuel C. Reid, and a better sailor never stood in
+sea-boots. She was not a big ship; but her armament had been skilfully
+chosen. Her crew of picked men had been drilled man-of-war fashion. She
+mounted eight long nine-pounders, four on a side, and amidships she
+carried the big twenty-four-pounder before referred to. Her First
+Lieutenant was a Mr. Alexander O. Williams, a very young man, but a
+thorough and practical seaman; her Second was named Worth; her Third
+Lieutenant's name was Johnson; her crew, all Americans, numbered ninety
+souls all told. Among them was an active, handsome fellow, named
+William Copeland. He was down on the privateer's books as able seaman;
+but before the _General Armstrong_ had been two weeks at sea, Copeland
+was promoted for meritorious conduct in an action with a British armed
+schooner, that was sent home as a prize, to be quarter gunner. It was
+Reid and himself that squinted along the black barrel of the old Long
+Tom, when she fought in the harbor of Fayal.
+
+It was the 26th day of September that the _General Armstrong_ cast
+anchor there. The weather had been very fine, and Captain Reid, very
+proud of his vessel, had done everything to make her look smart and
+tidy. Her rigging was all tuned up to concert pitch; her decks were as
+white as sand and holystone could make them, and the men, contrary to
+the habit of most privateers, were dressed in suits of white duck and
+blue. The American Consul, John D. Dabney, felt a thrill of pride as he
+saw the man-of-war fashion with which the _General Armstrong_ came to
+anchor. As the long white gig came rolling up to the pier, and the men
+boated their oars, Mr. Dabney recognized that the officer sitting in
+the stern sheets was an old friend of his.
+
+"Ah, Captain Reid," he exclaimed. "Glad to see you. My compliments to
+you on the appearance of your vessel. I thought at first that she must
+be one of the regular navy; in fact, I took her for the _Enterprise_."
+
+"Well, I flatter myself that she is quite as shipshape," returned
+Captain Reid. "And I have to work my crew pretty hard to keep from
+showing how well satisfied I am with them. I tell you, Dabney, it isn't
+every man that has had such a fine lot of fellows under him. As to my
+success so far, it has been fair enough; but I'd really like to measure
+distances and exchange a few shots with some of His Majesty's little
+fellows."
+
+"You have come to a good place to look for them," Dabney returned. "It
+is seldom that a week passes without having one or more of them drop
+anchor in the roads."
+
+Chatting together in this friendly fashion, the two gentlemen went up
+into the town. It was late in the evening before Reid came to the
+water-front to signal for his boat. Dabney was still with him. They
+walked down to the end of the pier, and Reid suddenly pointed:--
+
+"By Jupiter!" he exclaimed, "here we come," and following his finger
+Dabney saw three big vessels lazily moving along before the slight
+wind, toward the harbor entrance. Their earlier approach had been
+hidden by the headlands.
+
+The harbor of Fayal is surrounded by hills, on the slopes of which the
+town is built, and the bay extends in a semicircle with two
+wide-reaching arms. The water runs deep into the shore. The sun was
+setting in the calm evening sky, and there was scarce enough movement
+on the surface of the bay to catch the red reflections. Dabney turned
+to Captain Reid after the first long look.
+
+"English, or else I'm much mistaken," he said quietly.
+
+"Not the least doubt of it in my mind," Reid returned, "and if there
+was more of a wind, by Jove, I'd try to get out of this.... Do you
+think it is safe to stay?"
+
+"It is a neutral port," Dabney returned, "and Portugal and England have
+been such friends, that I do not think John Bull would take advantage
+of his position here. In my opinion they will respect the neutrality."
+
+"Well, they won't catch me napping," Reid returned, as he stepped into
+the gig; and after requesting the Consul's presence at dinner on the
+following evening, he gave the order to shove off, and pulled away for
+his vessel.
+
+Mr. Williams, the First Lieutenant, met him at the gangway. "You have
+observed our friends yonder?" he asked, pitching his thumb over his
+shoulder. "I wish we were out of here."
+
+"So do I," Reid returned, "but we must make the best of it."
+
+It was a beautiful sight to see the great square-rigged ships come to
+anchor. Forward and aft all hands were on deck watching the English
+men-of-war perform the manoeuvre.
+
+"Well done!" exclaimed William Copeland, the quarter gunner, turning to
+a group of his messmates. "It takes an Englishman or a Yankee to make a
+vessel behave as if she were alive. By Davy's locker!" he exclaimed
+suddenly, "I know that nearest ship; it's the _Plantagenet_, I'll bet
+my prize money. Good cause have I to remember her; she picked me up in
+the North Sea and I served three years in her confounded carcass. Three
+wicked, sweating years, my lads."
+
+"Where did you leave her, Bill?" asked one of the seamen standing near
+him.
+
+"At Cape Town, during the war against the Dutch. I'll spin the yarn to
+you some day. My brother and I were took at the same time. The last I
+seed of him was when we lowered ourselves out of the sick bay into the
+water to swim a good three miles to the whaler--that was three years
+ago."
+
+"Do you reckon he was drownded, Bill?"
+
+"Reckon so. Leastways I haven't heard from him, poor lad!"
+
+Further talk was interrupted by an order from the quarter-deck calling
+away the first cutter to carry a stream anchor in towards shore in
+order to warp the brig close under the walls of the "castle" a little
+battery of four or five guns that commanded the inner harbor. Captain
+Reid's suspicions had been awakened by seeing a boat put off from the
+shore, and noticing that one of the frigates was getting up her anchor
+preparatory to drawing in nearer. In less than half an hour he was
+moored stem and stern so close under the walls of the little fort that
+he could have hurled a marline-spike against the walls from his own
+quarter-deck. As it grew darker he could see from the flashing of
+lights that the English vessels were holding communication with one
+another, and occasionally across the water would come the sound of
+creaking blocks or the lilt of a pipe. He knew well enough that such
+goings on were not without some object, and calling all of his officers
+aft they held a short consultation. It was exactly eight o'clock in the
+evening. From shore there came a sound of fiddles and singing. Although
+Captain Reid had promised the men liberty that evening, owing to the
+position of affairs the order had been rescinded, but nevertheless
+there was some grumbling in the forecastle; for if a sailor doesn't
+grumble when he gets a chance, he is not a sailor.
+
+"I'll be shot if I can see why the old man won't let us ashore,"
+growled a sturdy young topman. "D'ye hear them fiddles, Jack? Can't you
+see the senoritas adancin'? My heels itch for the touch of a springy
+floor and my arm has a crook to it that would just fit a neat young
+waist. Do you remember--"
+
+"Stow your jaw, Dummer," broke in a heavy voice half angrily. "And you
+too, Merrick, clap a stopper on it," turning to another of the
+malcontents. "Hush now, listen all hands.... Oars! can't ye hear 'em?
+And muffled too, by the Piper! Pass the word below; all hands!" With
+that William Copeland ran aft to the quarter-deck. Captain Reid met him
+at the mast.
+
+"Their boats are coming, sir," Copeland whispered excitedly; "five or
+six of 'em, I should judge."
+
+"Are the broadside guns ready?"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir, and double-shotted; two of them with grape and
+canister."
+
+"How's the Long Tom?"
+
+"Ready to speak for himself, sir," Copeland replied with a touch of
+pride, for the big gun was his especial pet.
+
+The three lieutenants had now grouped close together. "See that the
+magazine is opened, Mr. Worth, and Mr. Williams call the men to their
+stations quietly. They will try to come in on the port hand most
+probably. Gentlemen, to your stations. No firing until you get the word
+from the quarter-deck, and stop all talking on the ship."
+
+Even the sentry, patrolling his beat on the castle walls, did not hear
+or notice anything extraordinary on board the privateer, so silently
+were the orders followed out. The moon was struggling to pierce through
+the thin, filmy clouds that obscured her light. It was one of those
+nights when objects appear suddenly out of the invisible and take shape
+with distinctness close to hand. But every one could hear the sounds
+now.
+
+"Thrum, thrum, thrum," the swing of oars; despite that the rhythm was
+muffled and subdued.
+
+Reid was leaning over the rail with a night glass aimed in the
+direction of the frigate. A figure hurried to his side. It was
+Lieutenant Williams. "We can see them from for'ard, sir," he said
+breathlessly. "Everything is ready, and there's surely some mischief
+afoot."
+
+"Yes, I can see them now; four of them, chock a block with men," Reid
+returned, closing the glass with a snap. "Now stand by, all hands, for
+orders." Then raising his voice, he shot the following question out
+into the semi-darkness: "On board the boats, there! There is no landing
+here. Keep away from our side."
+
+The rowing ceased; but it was only an instant and then it began again.
+
+"I warn you to come no nearer!" shouted Reid. "You do so at your
+peril."
+
+Four dark shapes were now visible without the aid of any glass. The
+plash of the oars could be heard as they caught the water. Reid just
+noticed the figure of William Copeland bending over the breech of the
+Long Tom, whose muzzle extended across the bulwarks.
+
+"Keep off or I shall fire!" he warned for the third time. There came an
+answer to this clear enough to be heard by every man standing at the
+guns.
+
+"Give way, lads, together."
+
+"Fire!" roared Reid, in a voice that must have been heard distinctly
+along the shore. The reply was a scarlet burst of flame and a crash
+that sent the echoes up the hills. It stopped the fiddles in the
+dance-house; it set the drums and bugles rolling and tooting in the
+fortress, and the American Consul, sitting over his coffee on the
+public square, jumped to his feet, and ran, followed by a clamoring
+crowd, to the pier-head.
+
+From the direction of the boats came a confusion of orders following
+the broadside. Groans and shrieks for help arose from the darkness.
+Some spurts of flame came quickly and several musket-balls whistled
+over the _Armstrong's_ deck. Then the loud report of a heavy boat gun,
+and a groan and cry followed immediately from the brig's forecastle.
+
+All was silent now except for the sound of plashing in the water and
+some groans and muffled cries. Reid was about to hail when he saw three
+men hurrying aft with a heavy burden in their arms.
+
+"It's Mr. Williams, sir; he's shot in the head, and Dummer, of the
+forward division, sir, is killed," one of them said gruffly. Poor
+Dummer! He would dance no more with the senoritas--there were to be no
+more liberty parties for him.
+
+Reid's intention of lowering away a boat faded from his mind. There
+would be more of the same sort of work before long; that he knew well.
+One of the boats had been sunk, for the wreck came drifting in close to
+the brig's side. The other three could be heard making off to the
+ships, their rowing growing fainter every minute. Lieutenants Worth and
+Johnson came aft to report.
+
+"We are in for it, gentlemen," said Reid; "but they won't cut this
+vessel out without more discussion on the subject. The idea of such
+treachery in a friendly harbor! They received their just deserts." His
+anger got the better of him for an instant, and he could say no more.
+"Poor Williams!" he murmured at last. "Is he badly hurt?"
+
+"He is mortally wounded, sir, I am afraid," Mr. Johnson returned.
+
+"A good friend and a fine officer gone," put in Lieutenant Worth. "So
+much for this night's work."
+
+"Do not fear; there'll be more of it, and we'll have our hands full,"
+Reid continued. "Mr. Johnson, you will see that the boarding-nettings
+are spread, and load the midship gun with lagrange and a star shot.
+Have pikes and cutlasses ready."
+
+"Are you going ashore, sir, to see the commander of the fort? He surely
+should protect us?" asked Mr. Worth.
+
+"We need count no longer on him," was Reid's rejoinder. "We will have
+to do our own protecting. See that every musket and pistol is loaded
+and laid handy and, stay," he added, "cut away the bulwarks just abaft
+the gangway and bring two of those starboard guns across the deck. We
+will need them all, to my way of thinking."
+
+The crowds gathered on the shore could hear the sounds of preparation.
+From the English squadron also came a babble of orders and movement.
+The lights were doubled in number. Every port shone brightly. The moon
+had now risen until objects could be seen quite plainly.
+
+"They are preparing for an attack in force," Reid said, handing the
+glass to Mr. Johnson, who had already seen that the boarding-nettings
+had been spread above the railing. The men forward were busy setting
+some spare spars to act as booms to keep the boats from gaining the
+vessel's bows. Time passed swiftly. At twelve o'clock the oars began
+again. But they were not muffled now! "Click, clock," they came onward
+with a rush. Voices could be heard urging the rowers to more exertion,
+as if they were racing crews out for a practice spin. Reid was
+levelling the glass.
+
+"Ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen--fourteen boats loaded to the guards,"
+he said. "God's love, there must be four hundred men: they mean to take
+us if they can." He looked down at his own little deck. He had less
+than ninety now; but they were ninety stout, good fellows who would not
+flinch. In the rays of the battle lanterns and the pale light of the
+moon, Captain Reid saw that they were ready to fight their last fight
+maybe.
+
+It was no time to make a speech; but the men could hear every word he
+said without gathering nearer. "Lads," he said, "reserve your fire
+until you get the word from me. Don't waste a single shot, and remember
+this: aim low.... Copeland!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!"
+
+"Cover that leading boat."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!"
+
+A big pinnace or barge, holding perhaps eighty men, was heading the
+flotilla by almost a hundred feet. The grinding of a handspike on the
+deck broke the silence, as the Long Tom was slewed about to bear upon
+her.
+
+"Handsomely now, men," cajoled Copeland. "Handsomely; that's well."
+
+The great boat was rowing in directly on that gun as if towed by a
+line. She was heading on to death and destruction!
+
+Consul Dabney, standing with the anxious crowd on the shore, held his
+breath.
+
+Was Reid going to submit to be taken without striking another blow? Not
+much. With a long flare of flame that leaped from the _Armstrong's_
+side, arose a great shout from the spectators.
+
+The bow of the pinnace was stove in, and she pitched forward into the
+water like an angry bull brought to his knees by a rifle shot. Men
+absolutely boiled out of her. The moonlit water was dotted with black
+objects; some threshing with their arms, others silent and motionless.
+There came a rattling reply of small-arms from the boats, and the long
+nines answered them. The action was on in earnest. No one can gainsay
+the courage that was displayed by the attacking force. They were
+Englishmen; it is not necessary to say more. The firing became
+incessant. The men on the _Armstrong_ had scarce time to reload their
+guns. They would snatch up a pistol here and a musket there and fire
+out at the water that was crisscrossed with the red flashes of the
+answering shots. More than once a boat had reached the side. On two
+occasions men had sprung to the bulwarks, and clung to the
+boarding-nettings until shot away. Every now and then the Long Tom
+would let go a half-bucketful of grape and scrap iron, hurling death
+into the boats. Every one of the privateer's crew seemed gifted with
+four arms. From one point of attack to another they chased about the
+deck. It seemed as if she numbered three times her complement. Bill
+Copeland was fighting like a demon. Twice had he run along the top of
+the bulwarks, exposed to every aim. Suddenly he saw that one of the
+boats had worked around to the starboard side. Giving the alarm, and
+followed by a half-score of the after-guard, he ran across to meet this
+unexpected danger. One of the men who followed him caught up a
+twenty-four-pound solid shot in his arms as he ran. Another followed
+his example. Both shot crashed through the bottom of the boat, and a
+volley was poured down into them. But three or four of the men had
+already reached the chains.
+
+[Illustration: "There was a figure crawling up below him."]
+
+Copeland sprang to the bulwarks with his cutlass in his hand. There was
+a figure crawling up below him. Leaning forward, he made a quick stroke
+that would have severed the man's throat had he not leaned back
+suddenly and avoided it. Again he drew back his sharpened cutlass for
+the death blow, and then he saw that the fellow was unarmed. Something
+stayed his hand; he bent still further forward, and just as the
+Englishman was about to fall back into the water, he grasped him by the
+wrist.
+
+"My God, Jed!" he cried, and exerting all his strength he dragged his
+prisoner over the rail on to the deck. Those who had time to witness
+it, saw a curious sight. There was Bill Copeland holding fast to
+another man, their arms on each other's shoulders.
+
+"Jed, don't ye know me?" Bill was crying; "but, Lord love ye lad,
+you're wounded." A shudder went through him as he realized how close he
+had been to sending home that fatal thrust. The man with a pigtail down
+his back leaned forward weakly.
+
+"I'm hurted bad, Bill," he said. "But go on and fight; leave me alone;
+egad, you've whipped 'em." Sure enough, the firing had now slackened.
+Four or five of the boats had retreated beyond gun shot. _They were
+all that could do so unaided._
+
+"Cease firing!" ordered Captain Reid, hastening about the deck. "Cease
+firing here! They have given up. Where is Mr. Johnson?" he roared,
+pushing his way into a group of men who were about to reload one of the
+nine-pounders. He had to cuff his way amongst them to make them desist.
+"Where is Mr. Johnson?" he repeated.
+
+"He's wounded, sir."
+
+"And Mr. Worth is wounded too, sir," put in another man. "I helped him
+below myself."
+
+As suddenly as the action had begun it had ended. By the light of a
+lantern Captain Reid glanced at his watch. It was forty minutes since
+the first gun had been fired. He looked about his decks. Although they
+were littered with loose running-gear, handspikes, cutlasses, and
+muskets, at the sight his heart gave a great bound of joy. There were
+no mangled figures or pools of slippery blood. It seemed hardly
+possible.
+
+But from the wreckage in the water came groans and cries. He looked
+over the side. There lay, rocking, two broken boats filled with huddled
+figures, some moving weakly.
+
+"Here!" he shouted to some of the men. "Bear a hand; save all we can."
+
+It was a sudden transition, this, from taking life to saving it; but
+the men turned to with a will. In one of the boats twelve dead bodies
+were found, and but seventeen of her crew had escaped with their lives,
+and they were all badly wounded. Of the four hundred men who had
+commenced that bold attack, only one-half returned to the ships unhurt.
+Reid hurried down into the cockpit. It seemed past believing. _But two
+of his men, including the brave Williams, had been killed, and but
+seven wounded!_ This is history.
+
+But a sight he saw attracted the Captain's attention. It was Bill
+Copeland sitting on the deck, with his arms about a pale figure whose
+head lay in Copeland's lap. The resemblance between the men was
+striking.
+
+"What have we here?" asked Captain Reid.
+
+"My brother, sir," Copeland returned.
+
+"Your brother!"
+
+"Aye, sir; from the _Plantaganet_. He was the only one who got on board
+of us!"
+
+The man spoke with an accent of pride, and the wounded one opened his
+eyes.
+
+"Bill, here, he hauled me on board," he said.
+
+When the surgeon found time to attend to Copeland's wounds, he
+pronounced them not to be of a dangerous character, and the man was
+soon made comfortable.
+
+All night long, the _Armstrong's_ people slept beside their guns, but
+there was no evidence of any further intention to attack on the part
+of the British. The _Carnation_, which was the nearest of the vessels
+to the privateer, had her boats out at daybreak. All day long they
+kept carrying their dead on shore. From the _Rota_ there were seventy
+funerals! But the _Armstrong_ was not left unmolested. At eight
+o'clock the _Carnation_ began firing at close range. For a few
+minutes, Captain Reid replied with some effect. But resistance was
+useless, and at nine he ordered all hands into the boats, and made for
+the shore, every one arriving there in safety. He had bored a large
+hole in the _Armstrong's_ bottom, but before she sank, two boats from
+the _Carnation_ rowed out to her, and the English set her on fire....
+The inhabitants of the town, all of whose sympathies were with the
+Americans, did everything in their power to assist the wounded, and
+many were the indignant protests against the action of Captain Lloyd,
+the English senior officer.
+
+It now came to light that Mr. Dabney had complained to the commander of
+the Castle as soon as the firing had begun the previous night, and that
+the Portuguese commander had written a letter to Lloyd, but the
+latter's reply had been only a menacing insult. So angry were the
+English at the fearful drubbing they had received, that they insisted
+upon the government officials delivering the crew of the _Armstrong_ up
+to them, upon the ground that there were deserters among them. There
+existed, between Portugal and England, a treaty that demanded the
+return of prisoners accused of high treason, and Captain Lloyd, by
+claiming that deserters were guilty of this crime, had a technical
+right for examination of the American refugees.... But hearing the
+danger they were in, Captain Reid and his men, after securing some
+arms, barricaded themselves in a small stone church, back in the
+country, where they dared the Englishmen to come and take them. It was
+a difficult position for them to maintain. If Captain Lloyd's statement
+was correct, then the Portuguese government was bound to hand them over
+as deserters, or place themselves in a bad position with England. After
+a long deliberation, Reid consented to have his men submit to an
+examination. They were all arrested, and brought to town, and not a
+single deserter was found among them!
+
+But what of Copeland, the wounded prisoner? He lay hidden in one of the
+houses of a friendly Portuguese, and his name was probably reported on
+the _Plantagenet's_ books as "missing." On the 28th of the month, two
+British sloops of war, the _Thais_ and _Clypso_, came into port, and
+were immediately sent back to England with the British wounded. The two
+Copeland brothers returned to the United States, with the rest of the
+_Armstrong's_ crew, and both served in the navy for the rest of the
+war.
+
+The owners of the _Armstrong_ attempted for many years to obtain
+redress for the loss of their ship. Again and again were they put off
+and denied. But in this year, 1897, some money was received, and
+strange to say, was paid to the widow of the owner, Mr. Havens. She
+died but a short time ago, at the age of ninety-eight, at Stamford,
+Connecticut.
+
+
+
+
+THE ESCAPE OF SYMINGTON
+
+
+Captain Myron Symington was a long-legged Yankee. There was no
+mistaking him for anything else but an out-and-out downeaster. As to
+the length of his underpinning, that was apparent also. When seated, he
+did not appear above the average height; but when erect he stood head
+and shoulders above the crowd, so of course it was in his legs.
+Symington spoke English with a lazy drawl, and conversation ebbed from
+him much after the manner that smoke issues from a tall chimney on a
+perfectly still day--it rolled forth in slow volumes. But Symington's
+French was very different; he could be clearly understood, for he spoke
+it well; but he discharged every word like a pistol shot, and he paused
+between each sentence as if he had to load and prime, and cast loose
+for the next.
+
+Since the beginning of the war Symington had not been to America. But
+he had sent many messages thither; and although his headquarters were
+at Brest when ashore, and the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay
+when afloat, his name had become well known in the United States, and
+he had done a thriving international business on his own account--which
+may require some explaining.
+
+The little privateer _Rattler_ (of which he was owner and commander)
+had sent home no less than twenty vessels that had been snapped up when
+almost under the guns of England's coastwise fortresses. Whenever he
+needed provisioning or recruiting, Symington would make for one of the
+French ports, run the blockade that the English had established the
+whole length of the coast, drop his anchor in the harbor, and then get
+anything he chose for the mere asking for it; for Symington's name was
+as good and in fact better than the promise of some governments. Years
+before the outbreak of the war Symington had commanded the fastest and
+luckiest Yankee craft engaged in the European trade that sailed from
+Baltimore or Boston. He was a good seaman, it was reputed that he was
+immensely wealthy, and many believed also that he possessed some charm
+or fetich that insured success. Certainly it had crowned his endeavors
+to divert the direction of Great Britain's proper freight ships.
+
+Symington was sitting at a table in one of the cafes off the Rue
+Bonaparte in the city of Brest, and he had just finished a very heavy
+noonday meal. Suddenly glancing up, he saw a man go past the door
+leading from the hallway into the garden. Lengthening himself to his
+full height by a succession of jerks, in a couple of strides he had
+caught the man by the elbow and almost pulled him back into the room.
+
+"Just back, ain't ye, Captain Edgar?" he drawled.
+
+"Post haste," the man replied, "from Paris."
+
+"Any news?"
+
+"Well, I should say there was. By Hickey, Captain, Napoleon's jig is
+up! Already the people are showing the white cockade, and those who yet
+fly the tricolor have the other in their pocket."
+
+"So!" exclaimed Symington, prolonging the syllable until it sounded
+like a yawn; "then our friends the English will have a finger in the
+pie in short order. It is a shame that they will have to break up such
+a harmless and profitable business, this Channel cruising."
+
+It was April of the year 1814. Europe had completed the humiliation of
+the little great man who had come nigh to conquering her, unaided. And
+as soon as the last of his ramparts were down, any one with common
+sense could see what would be the outcome of it all. The exiled King,
+Louis the Eighteenth, who had been hiding in London, would be placed
+upon the throne! To Great Britain more than to any other power he would
+owe his translation from debt, poverty, and seclusion to position,
+affluence, and a crown. From being England's enemy, France would become
+her ally. Could it be expected of her to continue to harbor in her
+ports those ocean pests, the Yankee privateers, who had compelled
+England to give the services of two-thirds of her fighting force to
+convoying and guarding her merchant fleets?
+
+Symington and his friend, the short man, seated themselves at a table
+and continued the conversation.
+
+"I'd put to sea to-morrow if I had enough of a crew to work the old
+_Siren_," said the little Captain. "I had hard enough work getting
+into port after manning all my prizes. But if I could get four more
+good hands, I'd have enough."
+
+"There are just fourteen men-o'-war and three battle-ships off the
+harbor mouth, and what chance would ye have of gettin' through this
+open weather?" grumbled Symington. "We'll have to wait until we get a
+good blow out of the southeast; that'll scatter 'em, and then, by Hick,
+we can make a try for it. Two weeks longer, and we'll probably have no
+show."
+
+"I'll be startin' for Boston town some dark night this week, Captain
+Symington, just as soon as I get men enough to handle the _Siren's_
+main sheet, as I told ye."
+
+"And I, too, Captain Edgar, as soon as I get enough hands to get up the
+_Rattler's_ anchor. But I'll choose my weather, sir!"
+
+After a few words more the two skippers shook hands and left the cafe,
+each bound to the waterfront by a different direction. It was certainly
+a peculiar position that the Yankee craft found themselves occupying
+about this time in European waters. Sometimes they would be in a port
+where lay eight or ten half-dismantled frigates, and over twice as many
+smaller cruisers and merchantmen belonging to the Empire, all cooped up
+and kept in there by four or five English sloops of war, or perhaps a
+guard ship of fifty or sixty guns patrolling up and down the harbor
+mouth. On the other side of the water, however, the English had
+succeeded in blockading but one American frigate, the _Constellation_,
+early in the war. Afterwards for a few months they hemmed in the
+_United States_, the _Macedonian_, and the little _Hornet_ in the
+harbor of New London; but what would not the United States have given
+to have possessed those thousands of idle guns that lay in the French
+naval stations? She would have manned the helms, spread the sails, and
+put those great hulks into motion. She might even have done a little
+"fleet sailing" on her own account.
+
+But there was some excuse for France. Napoleon had depleted his
+seacoasts to fill his armies. There were not sufficient able seamen to
+answer the demand, and besides, so long had the French run away from
+the English at sea, that a thirty-eight-gun frigate of the Empire had
+been known to escape a meeting with a British twenty-gun sloop by
+turning tail and making off. The French flag was a rarity afloat. So
+every time the Yankee privateers entered or left a port it was
+necessary to run the blockade that the British had established at the
+entrance. As this was the state of the home ports also, they had become
+quite used to it. Seldom or never were they caught in the act.
+
+But the day came, as the Yankee captains had agreed it would, when
+Napoleon succumbed entirely. Out came the white cockades; the tricolor
+disappeared. No longer was it "the Emperor," but "the King," and the
+first request that England made was that the Yankee shipping in French
+ports should be confiscated and the privateers detained. Great was the
+consternation of the skippers; some who had crews sufficient in number
+to man their vessels put to sea instanter and were taken in by the
+Channel squadron forthwith. Others remained waiting for the weather to
+thicken and trusting that King Louis would hesitate long enough to give
+them a chance for life. But the order came at last. The privateers were
+to be allowed to leave the harbor any time they found a chance to do
+so; but before they left, the French King, who was holding fast to his
+rickety throne, and was merely kept in place by the supporting arms of
+England, Russia, and Germany, issued a decree. It was to the effect
+that the vessels should sail unarmed; that their broadsides should be
+taken from them, their cutlasses and small-arms removed, and thus shorn
+of their teeth and claws, they should be allowed to depart. As every
+merchantman, almost without exception, in those days carried at least
+four or five guns handy on the spar deck, this decree was equivalent to
+presenting them to any English vessel that might get range of them.
+Before the order could be executed more of the vessels got to sea, and
+not a few were gobbled up at once by the English cruisers; some were
+forced to put back again, and only one or two ever reached the shores
+of America.
+
+The day the news arrived early in May, Captain Edgar was one of the
+first to get his anchor in and make out past the headland as soon as
+dusk had settled. In a few minutes Symington, also, although his vessel
+was very short-handed, was getting up his mainsail, and he too would
+have sailed no doubt, had there not suddenly arisen a sound of firing
+from the offing. Of course there being now peace between France and
+England, it was possible for the English ships to anchor beside the
+Americans if they had chosen to do so, and in fact in some of the
+harbors so penned in were the privateers, that, as one captain
+expressed it, "they would have to sail across the deck of a
+seventy-four to escape to sea." England had respected the neutrality of
+the French ports thus far; but if an American vessel was seen preparing
+to get under way, she would be watched carefully, and if not
+accompanied by an English ship, her going out would be signalled to the
+blockaders off the shore. As the cannonading was kept up for so long a
+time, Captain Symington supposed, or at least hoped, that the _Siren_
+had escaped her enemies. Perhaps the confusion that followed would be a
+good moment for him to take advantage of, and he determined to sail out
+at once.
+
+But it was not to be; for hardly had he got under way when he was
+boarded by a cutter filled with armed men, under the command of a
+Frenchman, dressed in a voluminous coat and a huge cocked hat, who
+described himself in a breathless sentence as "Monsieur le Capitaine
+Georges Binda, Inspector of the Port for His Majesty, King Louis." But
+a few months previously he had been at Napoleon's beck and call, having
+been one of the recruiting officers of the district.
+
+Captain Symington's expostulations were of no avail, although owing to
+his peculiar manner of speech, they appealed to the whole harbor.
+
+His long twelve-pounder was taken from him, and his neat little battery
+of carronades, six on a side, were confiscated also. Before noon of the
+next day the _Rattler_ had been changed from a tiger cat to a harmless
+kitten.
+
+The discomforting news also arrived that Captain Edgar had been blown
+out of the water, after he had almost succeeded in getting past the
+English line. This was most disheartening, and that very day many of
+the Americans, despairing of ever getting free, attempted to dispose of
+their ships by sale. But not so with Symington. He determined not to
+give up until compelled to; to hold out until the very last minute.
+
+The _Rattler_ was light in ballast, and in trim for fast sailing. There
+were enough men now on board of her to handle her at a pinch, and she
+could have shown a clean pair of heels to any one of the English
+cruisers then afloat. Although not altogether a beauty to look at, for
+she was a comparatively old vessel, she was marvellously quick in
+stays, and came about like a sharpie. In pointing, too, she was a
+marvel, and once given the windward gage she could choose her own
+distance. No man could sail the _Rattler_ the way Symington could, and
+no skipper ever knew the capacities or character of his craft better
+than did the lank Yankee. She was his pet; why give her up to be sailed
+by a lubberly Frenchman? The very first chance he saw he was going to
+take. It arrived no later than the second evening after the despoiling.
+
+The moon came up early in the morning; but about an hour or so before
+the time for her appearance a soft gray fog blew in from the sea. At
+first the great outline of a British troop-ship close alongside on the
+_Rattler's_ port hand disappeared gradually. Then the numerous anchor
+lights and the lanterns of the town that had been twinkling brightly in
+the darkness became but hazy blurs of light through the thickening
+mist. But when the moon began to cast her silvery light, a marvellous
+thing happened that caused the second mate, who was on watch, to hurry
+down into the cabin and call Captain Symington to the deck. The rays of
+moonlight in the fog caused an opaque, impenetrable veil to surround
+the ship. So thick was it, that the sensation was as if a white cloth
+had been tied across the eyes. The masts disappeared a few feet above
+the deck. If one turned around, it was impossible to tell in which
+direction the vessel extended. The _Rattler_ lay but a few hundred
+feet astern of a big French brig that was anchored with a stream anchor
+over her side to keep her from swinging in toward a point of rocks
+which was surmounted by a small battery. As soon as Captain Symington
+reached the deck he stepped across to the bulwarks, and lowering
+himself down as far as he could go by the chains he perceived what
+often happens in thick weather: the fog was lifted some feet from the
+surface of the water, and close to the water objects could be discerned
+at some distance. There was not wind enough to sail; to use the sweeps
+would have called down on him a fleet of armed small craft in an
+instant! Well he knew that rather than see him escape, the transport
+would go afoul of him and try to explain matters afterwards.
+
+Now Captain Symington had a remarkably retentive memory. It was said
+that he never had to look at a chart more than twice; that he could
+take a vessel over shoals where he had been only once before, and that,
+years previously. Now this gift stood him in good stead. Just ahead of
+him lay the big French brig. Within a cable's length of her, a large
+French man-of-war, but half dismantled; beyond, an English sloop; then
+two more vessels. Once outside of them, and there was nothing to
+prevent him from gaining the mouth of the harbor! How was it to be
+done? The fog might last for two or three hours, and yet again it might
+disappear at any moment. But Symington was not discouraged; a brilliant
+idea came to him; the crew were called into the cabin, and there by the
+dim light of a lantern Captain Symington explained his plan.
+
+The men listened in astonishment. Many stories of wonderful escapes had
+they heard, and many adventures had they been through; but such a bold
+plan of action they had never heard proposed before.
+
+When all hands returned to the deck, there was not a sound. Although
+having almost to feel their way, a light new cable was brought up and
+flaked neatly up and down the deck. Then Captain Symington took the end
+of it into the stern sheets of his gig, which was silently dropped into
+the water, and with four men pulling at the carefully muffled oars he
+made off from beneath the bows, heading for the big French brig, the
+cable noiselessly paying out into the water over the _Rattler's_ bows.
+It did not take him long to make fast to the moorings of the brig. This
+done, he waited anxiously.
+
+"They are heaving away now, sir," whispered one of the men in the bow
+of the boat. Sure enough, the cable had tautened under the strain that
+was being put upon it. Symington at first feared that some attention
+might be attracted on board the Frenchman; but there came no sound, and
+he knew that his people on board the _Rattler_ had silently slipped
+moorings and that she had way upon her.
+
+On board the privateer's deck, barefooted men were walking away with
+the cable over their shoulders and causing their light vessel to come
+boldly along through the water. At a certain length from where the
+cable was to be made fast, a bit of marline had been tied, and when
+this came inboard the orders were to 'vast heaving, belay, and drop the
+anchor that had been only "hove short"; that is, lifted from the sand.
+Soon this point was reached. Symington, cast loose, came on board; a
+second cable was prepared and spliced to the first, and off he started
+to make fast to the next vessel lying farther out.
+
+And thus did Symington warp himself beyond the mouth of the inner
+harbor to a place where he considered it safe enough to get out his
+sweeps. Manning these, for an hour and more he kept at it. But it was
+dangerous work. The tides were going down, and although he kept the
+lead going, he might run on one of the sand-bars at any moment. That he
+was well out of the channel he knew to a certainty. So at last he
+dropped anchor, silently, and patiently waited for the fog that had
+saved him so far, to clear up enough for him to get his bearings.
+
+Toward daylight a slight breeze sprang up, and to his alarm Symington
+found that a stretch of low beach was under his lee, and it behooved
+him well to work the _Rattler_ farther out. Getting sail enough up to
+enable him to trip his anchor, he drew away from shore. Slowly the fog
+closed down upon him again quite as thick as it had been some hours
+previously; but all at once the First Mate, who was forward, cried out
+in fright:--
+
+"Starboard your helm! Hard a starboard!"
+
+The _Rattler's_ bow fell off a few points, and at that instant there
+came the shock of a collision, followed by a hail in good sea-faring
+English, seemingly from up in the air.
+
+"What are you doing there? What vessel is that?" Then there was some
+bawling and much noise of movement and another hail in a voice that had
+not yet spoken.
+
+"On board that vessel! answer me, or I'll blow you out of the water!"
+
+By this time Captain Symington was firing off his explosive French
+sentences, which, as it is impossible to give their full force even in
+the language in which they were spoken, we will translate.
+
+"Who are you and what are you doing here? Answer."
+
+"The _Cigalle_ of Havre. I try to get into the harbor here."
+
+There came a laugh from the direction of the strange vessel. "Strange
+sort of weather for a Frenchman to be sailing in, sir," some one
+observed. "More than likely one of the Yankees trying to get out."
+
+That was exactly what Captain Symington was trying to do, but the
+collision with the stranger had carried away his port cathead, and with
+it the anchor had gone to the bottom. By the effect of this unfortunate
+accident, and the force of the tide, which was now against her, the
+_Rattler's_ head was swung around again, and before anything could
+prevent it, she once more went afoul of the big vessel, whose decks
+towered higher than her cross-trees. There she hung, under the other's
+lee, while the English commander, sometimes in French and sometimes in
+English, was cursing Symington for a clumsy Frenchman and threatening
+to send a shot on board of him.
+
+It was daylight almost and the wind was freshening. Clearer and clearer
+the outlines of the great vessel could be seen.
+
+She was an English seventy-four, that, trying to make the harbor, had
+been headed off by darkness and had anchored in the roads.
+
+In ten minutes after the breeze began to blow, the air was free from
+mist. There was no use in trying to indulge in any deception now. The
+character of the small vessel had been discovered by the big one. A
+crowd of laughing officers lined the rail, and on her gallery appeared
+a number of ladies bound most probably for the new court of the new
+King. The wind was off shore. From the shrilling of whistles and
+babbling of orders it was seen that the battle-ship was getting under
+way. A man in gold lace leaned out over the rail and said in an
+off-hand manner:--
+
+"On board the Yankee there! Keep under our lee and return to the
+harbor, or we'll sink you instantly; play no tricks, if you value your
+safety. Mark you that."
+
+Why it was that the Englishman did not drop a boat and put a prize crew
+on board the _Rattler_, it might be hard to guess. Symington feared
+that this would happen, and, although he gave no answer to the
+imperious order, he set about obeying it with every evidence of haste
+and alacrity.
+
+But such clumsy work had never been seen before on board a Yankee
+privateer. Often in naval actions in the old sailing days, when orders
+were blared through a speaking-trumpet, and not given by little
+electric bells and signals, as now we have them, the "rule of contrary"
+was passed in order to deceive the enemy who might overhear and thus
+anticipate.
+
+"Hard a port" meant "hard a starboard." A vessel that was supposed to
+be on the point of luffing would bear away, sheets flying.
+
+Now, on board the _Rattler_, although no such order had been passed,
+the men had understood well enough the whispered word. It is a
+well-known fact that the fore-and-aft rig was best understood in
+America, where it had really been brought to perfection. The English,
+after they had captured a vessel of the _Rattler's_ class, never
+succeeded in getting the same sailing qualities out of her, and the
+upshot of it was that they generally changed her rigging and cut down
+her masts and sail plan. But no crew was ever clumsier than was the
+privateer's on this occasion. They tumbled over one another, they got
+the halliards twisted, they pretended to be breaking their backs in
+getting in the anchor when they were not lifting a pound, and all the
+time the First Mate was running hither and thither like the busy man at
+the circus, chattering a jargon made up of scraps of Portuguese, Dutch,
+and Spanish, while above all the confusion, Captain Symington's
+explosive French adjectives rang out like snaps of a whip.
+
+There had not been the least doubt in the English officers' minds a
+moment since that the little vessel they were looking down upon was an
+American; but now they were somewhat puzzled, and the whole scene was
+so laughable that very soon the taffrail was lined again with a
+tittering crowd, who discussed, in very audible tones, their varying
+opinions.
+
+But lazily the great ship was swinging about with a great creaking of
+yards and flapping of sails. Soon she was moving through the water. A
+few minutes later and the _Rattler_ was in her wake, and Captain
+Symington, who certainly did not look French, despite his wonderful
+vocabulary, made a proud and elaborate bow, and lifted his great beaver
+hat to the ladies who were now on the quarter-deck enjoying the sight.
+
+But if the English officers had been puzzled at first and amused
+afterwards, there was one person on board H.M.S. _Ajax_ who had enjoyed
+the same sensations in a more intensified fashion. He was looking out
+of one of the stern ports on the lower gun-deck. A short, thickset man,
+who did not belong to the battle-ship's company, for he was a prisoner.
+It was Captain Edgar, and it was the _Ajax_ that had picked up the
+_Siren_ in a sinking condition after she had sustained the fusillade of
+two nights previously. But every foot the _Rattler_ sailed brought her
+further into the harbor and lessened the ultimate chances for escape.
+But that there was a plan in Captain Symington's mind, Edgar did not
+doubt. He knew that the _Rattler_ was as handy as a whip, and he kept
+his eyes open for any sudden development. He did not have to wait long;
+there came an unexpected shift of the wind more to the southward just
+as the _Ajax_ was slowly heaving about to go off on the other tack. It
+caught her all aback; the great sails clattered, and her headway
+stopped. She had missed stays.
+
+It is no laughing matter for a big ship to have this happen to her when
+approaching a harbor or nearing shallow water. At once the boatswain's
+whistle began piping away; orders were shouted, and there was trouble
+below and aloft.
+
+[Illustration: "She came about like a peg-top."]
+
+But what happened to the clumsily handled craft astern? She was
+immediately under the port galleries, within half a cable's length,
+doddering along under foresail and mainsail. At the first sign of what
+had occurred to the battle-ship there ensued a transformation scene.
+
+Have you ever seen an unwilling dog accompanying its master on a walk?
+how he sneaks close at the heels, watching his chance when the
+attention is not directed to him? How suddenly he turns tail, and after
+a few cautious movements that bring him beyond the reach of stick or
+arm, he breaks into a run at full speed, disdaining call or whistle,
+and puts back for home? That is exactly what the _Rattler_ did.
+Scarcely had the canvas of the _Ajax_ begun the ominous fluttering
+that showed the change of the wind's direction, than the privateer
+swung off to meet it.
+
+Slowly at first and then with a rush she came about like a peg top.
+Without an order being given, out broke the great foresail, the
+topsails dropped from the gaskets and were sheeted home, and with a
+lurch to leeward the _Rattler_ stretched out back over her course
+for the harbor entrance, setting her flying kites as she bowled along!
+
+So busy was everybody on board the three-decker, who had troubles of
+her own to look after, that no one noticed the sudden manoeuvre of the
+privateer; no one except one of the ladies who happened to be the wife
+of the Admiral, for the _Ajax_ was a flagship. She, after a minute,
+succeeded in attracting the attention of one of the lieutenants, who
+with the rest had gone forward to the break of the poop and was
+watching what was going on below and above him.
+
+"The little ship," she inquired innocently, "where is she going?"
+
+The officer turned and immediately had to beg the lady's pardon most
+abjectly, for he broke forth into an oath.
+
+"Tricked, after all!" he exclaimed, grasping one of his companions by
+the arm and pointing.
+
+But there was one other person who had noticed all these goings on. It
+was the prisoner on the lower spar-deck.
+
+"You can soak me for a squilgee if that weren't neat," he chuckled, and
+then lifting his hands to his cheeks, he roared out something through
+the port.
+
+The _Rattler's_ Captain, who was at the wheel, had jumped as if the
+_Ajax_ had suddenly whirled about and let fly a broadside at him, for
+he heard the words as plain as could be.
+
+"Good-by, Captain Symington! Give my regards to all at home!"
+
+He recognized his old friend Edgar's voice, and it gave him a thrill of
+pleasure to know that he was alive even if he was a prisoner.
+
+The _Ajax_ was still in stays; but her commander found time to fire his
+battery of stern-chasers, the balls whistling harmlessly past the
+_Rattler's_ stern, missing her widely. In reply to this Captain
+Symington again lifted his old beaver hat.
+
+Far away to the leeward were the sails of the blockading squadron.
+Attracted by the firing of the _Ajax_, they flew their little flags and
+crowded on their canvas. But by this time the _Rattler_ had doubled the
+point and was making out into the dancing waters of the Channel. And
+who was going to touch her where she had sea-room? As if anxious to
+have everything understood, Symington raised his ensign. The English
+captain, who had been forced to boxhaul his great vessel in order to
+avoid running on the shoals, cursed beneath his breath. One of the
+ladies turned to the Admiral's wife.
+
+"I wonder why we did not start after her, Madame?" she asked.
+
+"Oh, because we couldn't turn round quick enough, I suppose," she
+rejoined. Then turning to her spouse she asked:--
+
+"Was not that it, Sir John?"
+
+"Yes, my dear," responded the Admiral, grimly; "that was just it."
+
+Down below, Captain Edgar had not yet recovered from his laughing fit;
+and when he and Captain Myron Symington met again, as they did many
+times afterwards, they used to laugh over it together.
+
+
+
+
+THE NARRAGANSETT
+
+
+"Twenty of those confounded Yankees give me more trouble than three
+decks full of Frenchmen," remarked Captain Brower of the prison-ship
+_Spartan_, one of the fleet of dismantled battle-ships that thronged
+the harbor of Plymouth, England.
+
+Lieutenant Barnard, commanding the neat little sloop of war _Sparrow_,
+then on the guard station, laughed.
+
+"They are troublesome beggars, sure enough," he said; "but the funny
+thing is that they behave almost exactly the way our fellows do, or at
+least would under the same circumstances; that I verily believe."
+
+"Well, such insolence and impudence I never saw in my life," returned
+Brower. "I shall be glad when I get rid of this last batch and will
+rest easy when they have been sent ashore to Dartmoor. You should have
+seen the way they behaved about two weeks ago. Let me see, it was the
+evening of the fourth, I believe. In fact the whole day through they
+were at it--skylarking and speech-making and singing."
+
+It was July, 1814. Many vessels in the government service of Great
+Britain, returning from America, or from the high seas, brought into
+Plymouth crews of American vessels, and not a few of the troops
+captured about the Lakes and on the Canadian frontier had been brought
+over also. They were usually kept on board one of the prison hulks for
+three or four months; sometimes it was a year or more before they were
+transferred to the military prisons, the largest of which was situated
+at Dartmoor, and the second in size at Stapleton, not far from the town
+of Gloucester. Although the prison-ships and the prisons themselves
+were crowded with Frenchmen, the Yankees were three or four times as
+much trouble to control and to command. When they were not planning to
+escape, they were generally bothering the sentinels, drawing up
+petitions, or having some row or other, if only for the fun of turning
+out the guard.
+
+"I wish somebody else had this position," grumbled Captain Brower,
+pouring out a glass of port. "I don't think that I was made for it.
+When I am left alone, I am liable to become too lenient, and when I am
+angered, perhaps I may be too hasty.... At any rate, I wish some one
+else was here in my place.... I had to laugh the other day, though; you
+know old Bagwigge of the _Germanicus,_ here alongside, what a
+hot-tempered, testy old fellow he is? Well, the other day he was
+walking up and down his old quarter-deck, and about fourscore of my
+Yankee prisoners were up on deck for air and exercise. Suddenly they
+began singing. Now, I don't object to that; if they'd never do anything
+worse, I'd be happy. They've only cut four holes through different
+parts of this ship, and once well-nigh scuttled her; but never mind; to
+go on: Bagwigge, he walks to the side and shouts across to my vessel:
+'Hi, there! you confounded Yankees! avast that everlasting row.' I
+didn't see that it was any of his business, as it was on my own ship;
+but the Yankees--I wish you had seen them, Barnard, upon my soul."
+
+"What did they do? Slanged him, I suppose, terrible."
+
+"Well, you see," continued Captain Brower, "the potatoes had just been
+given out for the use of the prison mess cooks, and three big baskets
+of them lay there on the deck. One of the Yankees threw a potato that
+caught old Captain B. fair and square on the side of his head,
+capsizing his hat and nearly fetching away his ear. 'You insolent
+villains!' he cried, almost jumping up on the rail, 'I'll make you
+sweat your blood for this.' Well, ha, ha, not only one potato was
+thrown this time, but about half a bushel. I' faith, but those rascals
+were good shots. Old Bagwigge, he was raked fore and aft. Turning, he
+ran for it, and dove in the cabin."
+
+The younger man laughed. The officer about whom the tale had been told
+was not popular in the service. He had had no Americans on board his
+prison hulk, and the Frenchmen who were temporarily his guests trembled
+at his frown and cringed at his gesture. He was an overbearing,
+hot-tempered martinet, and was hated accordingly. But this was not the
+end of Captain Brower's story, and as soon as the Lieutenant had
+stopped laughing, he resumed:--
+
+"Let me go on, for I haven't finished yet. When Bagwigge returned, he
+had with him a file of marines. Up he marches 'em, and the Yankees
+greeted them with a cheer, and then seeing that the Captain was going
+to speak to them, they desisted to let him talk.
+
+"'Now,' he said, 'you impudent scoundrels, below with you; every
+mother's son of you, or I'll----' He hadn't got any farther than that
+when the same fellow who threw the first potato hit him again. He was
+only about forty feet away, you know, and with such force was the
+vegetable thrown that it nearly took his head off his shoulders.
+'Fire!' he roared. 'Fire at them!' I doubt whether the marines could
+have taken aim, they were so busy dodging potatoes, and as for Bagwigge
+himself, he was jumping, bubbling, and sizzling like a blob of butter
+in a skillet. I rushed forward and jumped on to the forecastle rail.
+
+"'If you dare fire, Captain Bagwigge,' I cried, 'you'll swing for it!'
+At this, he dove down the companionway again, with his marines after
+him. I turned to the prisoners and ordered them below, where they went
+readily enough. As to Bagwigge, I don't suppose that I'll hear from him
+again; I hope that he will attend to his own vessel and leave mine
+alone."
+
+All this conversation, or at least the relation of Captain Brower's
+story, had taken place in the _Spartan's_ cabin, and when the two
+officers left, a detail of the prisoners was on the deck, walking
+briskly back and forth under the eyes of armed sentries, who guarded
+the gangways and patrolled narrow board walks, raised some two or three
+feet above the hammock-nettings.
+
+"Do you see that tall, brown fellow, there?" asked Captain Brower,
+pointing. "He is the one who did such sharp shooting with the
+potatoes."
+
+"A strange-looking creature, surely," responded the Commander of the
+_Sparrow_. "He looks a half-tamed man. Well, I wish you less trouble
+and all success. Good day to you; I have to return to my ship."
+
+Brower turned and went back into his cabin. Although he did not know
+it, and would have denied it if he had been told the truth, he was
+exactly the man for the position, for he was just and painstaking,
+humane and careful. Although there had been all sorts of attempts to
+escape formulated among the Yankees, and almost carried into successful
+execution, Brower had not lost a single prisoner, and his presence
+among them could restore order and quell a disturbance better than the
+parading of a file of soldiers.
+
+They were a strange lot, these captives. They came from all walks of
+life, and from every sort of place. Raw militiamen, who had been
+surrendered by Hull (the army Hull, mark you, not the brave Commodore),
+privateersmen, captured in all sorts of crafts and dressed in all
+fashions, but now principally in rags, and men-of-warsmen who had given
+themselves up while serving on board English ships rather than fight
+against their country. These last held themselves rather aloof from the
+others and messed by themselves. Poor devils, they had never had the
+satisfaction, even, of having struck a blow. They had turned from one
+kind of slavery to another; that was all.
+
+The tall, odd-looking figure that Captain Brower had pointed out,
+belonged to the wildest mess on the orlop deck. His appearance might,
+perhaps, be called startling; he was far from ill-looking, with
+straight aquiline features, deep-set and quick black eyes that could
+laugh or look cruel almost at the same moment. His teeth were
+beautifully white and even, and although he was not heavy or compact
+looking, he was as strong almost as any two other men on board the
+ship. He spoke English without an accent, but with an odd form and
+phrasing that would have attracted attention to him anywhere. His clear
+skin was the color of new copper sheathing, and his straight black hair
+that was gathered sailor fashion into a queue was as coarse as a
+horse's mane. The grandson of a chief he was, a descendant of the line
+of kings that had ruled the Narragansett tribes--a full-blooded Indian.
+But he rejoiced in no fine name. A sailor before the mast he had been
+since his sixteenth year, and he had appeared on the books of the
+privateer brig _Teaser_ as John Vance, A.B. It is a wrong supposition
+that an Indian will never laugh or that he is not a fun-maker. John
+Vance was constantly skylarking, and he was a leader in that, as he was
+in almost all the games of skill or strength. Every one liked him, and
+to a certain extent he was feared, for a tale was told in which John
+and a knife figured extensively. The flash that would come into his eye
+gave warning often when the danger limit was being approached, yet he
+was popular, and even the detested marine guard treated him with some
+deference. In the last attempt to escape, the Narragansett had been
+captured after he had swum half-way to the shore and had dived more
+than twenty times to escape musket-balls from the guard-ships. Suddenly
+the order came "Prisoners below"--and the ship-bell struck eight
+sonorous strokes. As the last four or five men left the deck, the
+Indian touched one of them upon the shoulder.
+
+"Watch me," he said, "and say nothing."
+
+There was a narrow door in a bulkhead close to the companionway, but
+out of reach unless there was something like a box or barrel on which
+to stand. It was closed by a padlock thrust through two iron staples.
+As John descended, he caught the combing of the hatch and drew himself
+up to a level with his chin. Holding himself there with one arm, he
+reached forward and caught the padlock in his brown, sinewy fingers.
+Slowly he turned his hand. The iron bent and gave a little. A grin
+crossed his face. Swinging himself forward, he landed on a man's
+shoulders beneath him, and with a wild warwhoop he tumbled a half-dozen
+down the rest of the ladder, and they sprawled in a heap on the deck.
+Disdaining to notice the half-humorous curses, he sprang to his feet.
+Three other men who belonged to his mess followed him.
+
+"Can you do it, Red?" asked one.
+
+"Yes, surely," John replied. "So I can to-night."
+
+The whole of the gun-deck forward of the forecastle hatch had been
+divided, by a strong partition, into a sort of storeroom. There was one
+entrance into it from above from the topgallant forecastle, where part
+of the marine guard were stationed, and the other opening onto the
+hatchway, to be used in case of emergency.
+
+It was just past the midnight watch when four stealthy figures crept
+out from the shadows into the light of the dingy lantern that hung at
+the foot of the companionway. At night there was only one sentry
+stationed there, and he generally sat halfway up the ladder, and it was
+impossible for the prisoners to tell without crossing the dead-line
+that was drawn at night whether he was asleep or not. This was the risk
+that had to be undertaken; for if the man should see any one pass
+beneath that old rope that was drawn across the deck, he would have a
+right to fire. If the fellow was asleep, yet to gain the deck above,
+the venturesome prisoner would have to pass within arm's length of him.
+
+Perhaps John Vance had inherited from his long line of red ancestors
+the peculiar knack of moving without sound, the art of crawling on his
+belly like a snake, perhaps he had a acquired it by constant practice
+since he had been a prisoner. For it was his boast, and one that had
+been proved to be true, that contrary to rules he had visited every
+part of the ship, and after hours; as has been told, he had been
+retaken a number of times when just on the point of making good his
+escape.
+
+The three seamen who accompanied him on this occasion could see the
+legs of the sentry from the knee down, as he sat on the steps of the
+ladder leading to the berth-deck above. They could also see the butt of
+his musket as it rested beside him. Vance had disappeared in the black
+shadow that lay along the starboard side, and now the watchers saw a
+curious thing take place. The sentry's musket suddenly tilted forward,
+as if of its own volition, and then disappeared backward into the
+darkness, without a sound, much in the manner of a vanishing slide in a
+magic lantern. The man's legs did not move.
+
+"He is asleep," whispered Ned Thornton to Bill Pratt.
+
+"He's asleep," reiterated Bill Pratt to Gabe Sackett, who made the
+fourth one of the "constant plotters," as they were termed by the other
+prisoners.
+
+But in one minute that sentry was seen to be very wide awake indeed.
+That is, if movement signified wakefulness. His legs shot out in two
+vicious and sudden kicks. A hand, with wide-spread, reaching fingers,
+stretched out as if searching for the missing musket. The man wriggled
+from one side to another and floundered helplessly, with his body
+half-way off the edge of the ladder. But not one sound did he utter!
+
+"Red's got hold of him," croaked Thornton, and with the assurance of
+hunters who had watched their quarry step into the trap that held him
+fast, they stepped forward without fear or caution.
+
+It was as Thornton had said. The poor sentry's head was wedged against
+the steps. Around his throat were clasped the fingers of two sinewy,
+bronze-colored hands that held the victim as closely and in as deadly a
+clasp as might the strap of the Spanish garrote. The scene was really
+horrible. Sackett leaned about the edge of the ladder, and then he saw
+what a wonderful thing the Narragansett had done. The combing of the
+hatchway was fully six feet from where the sentry sat. Below yawned the
+black abyss into the mid-hold. Across this Vance had been forced to
+lean, balancing himself with one hand when he relieved the sentry of
+his musket, and then springing forward he had caught him from behind,
+about the throat. There the Indian hung as a man might hang over the
+mouth of a well. No wonder the unfortunate marine had been unable to
+cry out!
+
+"Let go of him, Red," whispered Gabe. "You've choked him enough." The
+Indian stretched out one of his feet and hooked it over the hatch
+combing. With a supple movement and without a stumble, he stood erect
+upon the deck. The sentry would have plunged over into the hold, had
+not the two others grasped him firmly by the shoulders. They carried
+him to one side and laid him in the deep shadow against a bulkhead. He
+was breathing, but insensible.
+
+The rest of the escape can be told in a few words: The lock of the door
+leading into the storeroom was wrenched away, and noiselessly the four
+entered, closing it behind them. They had been just in time, for they
+could hear, on the deck above, the new watch coming on. A port on one
+side of the storeroom was guarded by three flimsy iron bars. There was
+enough light outside from the young moon to show the direction of the
+opening.
+
+Vance bent the irons double at the first attempt. They were almost
+twenty feet above the water, for the old hulk floated high. But
+everything seemed working for the furtherance of their plan. There was
+a new coil of rope on the deck, and looking out of the port right
+beneath them, they could see a ship's dingy with the oars in it.
+Sackett slid down first; the other two followed, and Vance remained
+until the last. No sooner had he made the boat in safety than a great
+hubbub and confusion sounded through the ship. There came a sharp blare
+of a bugle, the rolling of the alarm drum, and they could hear the
+slamming of the heavy hatches that prevented communication from one
+part of the vessel to the other. The prisoners, cooped up below, knew
+what it all meant. Some one was out, and there in the pitch darkness
+they fell to cheering.
+
+But to return to the "constant plotters," in the dingy: they had made
+but a dozen boat's-lengths when they were discovered, for there was
+light enough to see objects a long distance across the water. There
+came a quick hail, followed by a spurt of flame.
+
+"Lord!" Pratt, who was pulling stroke oar with Sackett alongside of
+him, groaned; "I caught that in the shoulder." One of his arms drooped
+helplessly, but he continued rowing with the other.
+
+"Let go," grunted Sackett; "I can work it alone--lie down in the stern
+sheets."
+
+There were three or four vessels, mostly prison or sheer hulks, to be
+passed before they gained the shore. From each one there came a volley.
+Poor Sackett received a ball through his lungs and fell into the bottom
+of the boat, bleeding badly. And now the boats were after them!
+
+Vance and Thornton pulled lustily at the oars; but the others gained a
+foot in every four. The dingy was splintered by the hail of
+musket-balls. One of the prison hulks--the last they had to pass--let
+go a carronade loaded with grape. It awoke the echoes of the old town.
+So close was the charge delivered that it had hardly time to scatter,
+and churned the water into foam just astern of the little boat as if
+some one had dumped a bushel of gravel stones into the waters of the
+harbor. Not three hundred feet ahead of the foremost pursuing boat, the
+dingy's keel grated on the shingle.
+
+The Narragansett sprang out, Thornton after him. Sackett could not be
+raised. Pratt, holding his wounded and disabled arm, staggered up the
+incline towards some stone steps leading to the roadway above. But he
+had hardly reached the foot when there came another shot. He fell face
+downward and made no attempt to rise. Sackett and he would join in no
+more plots; but Vance and Thornton were now running down a side street.
+
+They dodged about a corner into an alley; crossed a small common, and
+just as they reached the other side they ran, bows on, into a heavy
+cloaked figure, who, seeing their haste, hailed them peremptorily, and
+sprang a huge rattle, making much the same noise that a small boy does
+when he runs down a picket fence with a stick. Thornton was laboring
+ahead like a wherry in a tideway. But the Indian was striding along
+like a racehorse, with the easy, springing gait inherited from his own
+father, "Chief Fleetfoot," who, if the story told be true, could run
+down a red deer in the woods. He turned to assist his comrade by taking
+hold of him and giving him a tow. But as he did so, Thornton's foot
+struck a round stone and he fell forward, and lay there groaning.
+
+"Run on, Red! run on!" he cried breathlessly. "I've broken a leg;
+something's carried away in my pins; on with you!"
+
+"Come you with me too," answered the Narragansett, pulling Thornton to
+his feet with one hand; but the poor lad groaned and fell again.
+
+"Run ahead, curse you!" he said. "Don't stay here and be taken!"
+
+The watchman's rattle had attracted the notice of the people in the
+houses. Windows were opened and heads were thrust forth, and from about
+a corner came another cloaked figure carrying a lantern, and a big pike
+was in his hand.
+
+There was nothing else to do, and, obeying Thornton's angry order, the
+Indian struck out again into his long distance-covering gait. Which way
+he ran it made little matter to him. He did not know the country; he
+had no plans; but the feel of the springy earth beneath his feet was
+good to him. The sight of the stars shining through the branches of the
+trees overhead--for he had soon reached the open country and left the
+town behind him--made him breathe the air in long, deep breaths, and
+tempted him to shout. It was freedom; liberty! The dim moonlight
+softened everything, and to his mind he seemed to be flying. He passed
+by great stone archways leading to private parks and great estates.
+Twice he had avoided little hamlets of thatched cottages. Once he had
+run full speed through the streets of a little village, and had been
+hailed by the watchman, who sprang his harmless rattle. But it was
+growing light. He must find some place to hide, for travel during the
+daytime he knew he could not. Leaping a fence, he made his way into an
+adjoining field and lay down, panting, beneath some bushes.
+
+Soon cocks began to crow; daylight widened; a bell in an ivy-covered
+tower tolled musically. Insects commenced their morning hum; birds
+twittered, and people moved out to their toil. From his hiding-place
+the Narragansett watched the unusual sight. In a field below him--for
+he lay at the top of a small hill--he could see some men and women
+working in a field of grain. One of the girls had placed a basket
+beneath the shade of a bush. The Indian was hungry. It required little
+trouble to snake himself through the grass and secure the contents of
+the little hamper, a loaf of bread and a large piece of cheese. Then he
+carefully replaced the cover and stole back to his former hiding-place.
+Soon he observed, in the road below him, a man riding along at a fast
+gait; he pulled in his horse and shouted something to the workers in
+the field. This done, he rode at top speed into the village. Very soon
+another horseman appeared, and soon quite a little band of them, among
+whom was a mounted soldier or two, and three or four in the pink coats
+of the hunting-field.
+
+But near footsteps sounded. A man in leather gaiters, with a
+fowling-piece over his shoulder, was coming down a little path from
+some deep woods on the right. A setter dog played in front of him. The
+man was reading a freshly printed notice. The ink was smeared from
+handling. The man spelled it out aloud. "Escaped from the hulks; a
+dangerous prisoner; a wild American Indian; ten pounds reward," and
+much more of it.
+
+All of a sudden the dog stopped; then with a short bark, he sprang
+forward. At the same instant the gamekeeper dropped the printed notice
+that had been handed to him but a minute previously by a horseman on
+the road. Surely he could not be mistaken, something had dodged down
+behind yonder hedge; and as the setter sprang forward, barking
+viciously, a strange figure arose, a man with a copper-colored face,
+and streaming, unkempt, black locks; he wore big gold ear-rings, and he
+was clad in a torn canvas shirt and trousers, with a sailor's
+neckerchief around his throat. The dog was bounding forward when
+suddenly the figure raised its arm. No cricketer that ever played on
+the village green could throw with such unerring force. A large stone
+struck the dog and took the fight out of him. Yelping, he sneaked back
+to his master's heels. The startled gamekeeper raised his gun and
+fired. Whether it was because of his sudden fright or the quickness
+with which the agile figure dropped at the flash, the charge whistled
+harmlessly through the leaves. But the sound of the shot had attracted
+the attention of the people in the fields. A cry arose, as a weird
+figure broke from the bushes and dashed down the hill, making for the
+woods.
+
+"Gone away! gone away! whoop, hi!"--the view hallo of the huntsman.
+
+A man in a red coat had sighted the chase. He leaped a fence, and four
+or five other horsemen followed. Soon there came the shrill yelping of
+the dogs as they found the plain trail of the barefoot man running for
+his life.
+
+[Illustration: "Over fence and hedge."]
+
+It was a great run, that man-hunt, and one remembered to this day. Over
+fence and hedge, across ditch and stream, the Narragansett led them. No
+trained hurdler that ever ran across country in the county of
+Devonshire could have held the pace that Vance kept up. Twice he threw
+them off the scent by running up a stream and doubling on his tracks.
+But the whole countryside was out and after him. The dogs were gaining
+on him swiftly, and at last at the foot of a great oak they had him
+cornered. He fought them off with a broken branch, and soon the pack
+surrounded him in a yelping circle, not daring to come nearer.
+
+Up came the huntsmen. They halted at some distance and talked among
+themselves. Who among them was brave enough to go up and lay hold of
+this strange wild man? They called off the dogs and waited for the
+soldiers. Eight or ten yokels and some farmer folks joined the gaping
+crowd. Five men appeared with muskets, and one with a long coil of
+rope. But all this time the Narragansett had stood there with his back
+against an oak tree, with a sneer on his thin lips. They talked aloud
+as to how they should capture him. Some were for shooting him down at
+once; but as yet no one had addressed a word to him direct. Surely, he
+must speak an outlandish foreign tongue! Suddenly, the fugitive took a
+step forward and raised his hand.
+
+"Englishmen," he said, "listen to me."
+
+All started back in astonishment. Why, this wild man spoke their own
+language!
+
+"Who is the chief here? Who is the captain?" Every one looked at a
+middle-aged man astride a sturdy brown cob. He was the Squire, and
+magistrate of the neighborhood.
+
+"Well, upon my soul," he began, "I suppose----"
+
+But the Narragansett interrupted him. "To you I give myself," he said,
+advancing. He glanced at the others with supreme contempt. As he came
+forward, he held out his hand, and involuntarily the man on horseback
+stretched forth his. It was a strange sight, that greeting. The crowd
+gave way a little, and three or four mounted dragoons came tearing up
+hill. They stopped in astonishment.
+
+"You gave us a good run," said the Squire, with some embarrassment, not
+knowing what to say.
+
+"You are too many; I am your prisoner," was the answer.
+
+No one laid hands on him. Walking beside the Squire's horse down to the
+road, followed by the gaping, gabbling crowd, who still, however, kept
+aloof, the Narragansett walked proudly erect. When he reached the
+highway, he turned. There was a cart standing there. The Squire
+dismounted from his horse and spoke a few words to the driver. Then he
+mounted to the seat. John Vance sprang up beside him. At a brisk pace
+they started down the road towards Portsmouth, the soldiers and the
+horsemen trailing on behind them. At the landing where the boat from
+the old _Spartan_ met them--for a horseman had ridden on with the
+news--was waiting a sergeant of marines. He advanced with a pair of
+handcuffs.
+
+"None of that!" exclaimed the Squire. "This man has given me his word."
+
+"The word of a chief's son," put in the Narragansett. The two men shook
+hands again; then proudly John Vance stepped into the boat, and
+unmanacled sat there in the stern sheets.
+
+In twenty minutes he was once more down in the close, foul-smelling
+'tween decks.
+
+The only notice taken of the Narragansett's break for liberty was the
+fact that he was numbered among the next detail bound for Dartmoor; but
+the tradition of the man-hunt of Squire Knowlton's hounds, and its
+curious ending, lives in Devonshire to-day.
+
+
+
+
+FIGHTING STEWART
+
+
+An old sailor sat on the _Constitution's_ forecastle, with his back
+against the carriage of one of the forward carronades. He was skilfully
+unwinding a skein of spun yarn which he held over his two bare feet,
+while at the same time he rolled the ball deftly with his stubby,
+jointless fingers. A young boy, not over fourteen years of age, lay
+sprawled flat on the deck beside him, his chin supported in the hollows
+of his two hands, his elbows on the deck.
+
+"It comes all along o' drinkin' rum, says I," went on the old sailor,
+continuing some tale he had been telling. "That, I claims, is the
+reason for many unfortunate doin's; and that is why all them men I was
+tellin' you about was eat by the cannibals."
+
+"I don't see as it made any difference," broke in the boy, "except
+perhaps in the taste. If they were bent on going where they did, they'd
+have been eaten anyhow, wouldn't they?"
+
+"As to that," returned the old sailor, "I contradict ye. Rum sometimes
+makes a fellow want to fight when it's a tarnel sight braver to run;
+that is, upon some occashuns."
+
+"Some folks get so they can't even wiggle, let alone run," observed the
+boy. "I saw our bo'sun----"
+
+"Don't speak uncharitable of your neighbors, son," observed the old
+man. "All I can say is that I don't take no stock in grog; thereby
+being' the peculiarest man in the service, I dessay. I've seen lessons,
+as I was tellin' ye. You see, all those friends of mine would been
+livin' to-day if they hadn't taken on cargoes of that thar African
+wine. Yes, they got to suppose that they could lick about twenty times
+their weight of black niggers, and so they started in, and never come
+back. But I, not drinkin' nothin', jes' kep' by the boat, an' when them
+savages come after me, I warn't there. Had a terrible time gettin' off
+to the ship all alone; but I done it, an' thar's the best temperance
+lecture I know of. I got a hull lot of texts out of the Good Book; but
+most people won't listen to 'em; leastways on board of this ship."
+
+"I reckon you are the only man what don't take his grog here," said the
+boy.
+
+"That I be," returned the old sailor, "and, by Sal, I'm proud of it!
+'No, thankee, messmate,' says I when it comes around, 'I don't need
+that to keep my chronometer goin'.' Then they all laughs generally, and
+calls me a fresh-water moss-back. Some day 'an I'll git even with 'em."
+
+Old Renwick, although somewhat of a butt of the crew, was respected
+nevertheless because of his being a good seaman, and because he also
+had made a record for himself in the old days during the war with
+France and the adventurous times with Preble in the Mediterranean. He
+was a great favorite with Captain Stewart, then the Commander of the
+old frigate, and by him he had been promoted to the position of
+quartermaster. He would never have succeeded in qualifying for the
+position of boatswain or for any higher grade than that which he now
+held, for the simple reason that the old fellow was too lenient in his
+discipline and too ready to condole with the faults of others except
+where rum was concerned.
+
+It was Renwick's greatest delight to secure a solitary and attentive
+listener and spin a long yarn to him. He spoke without the usual
+profane punctuation,--the habit of most seamen,--and when off watch he
+read his Bible most assiduously. He had had many adventures in his
+forty-four years at sea, and his memory being a most retentive one, it
+required little excuse for him to start on a long mental peregrination
+through the laden fields of his memory.
+
+Many were the occasions when the boy found time to become Renwick's
+solitary auditor. The lad was bright, and this was but his second
+voyage at sea. He was one of those children who, although born inland
+and away from the smell of the ocean, still must inherit from their
+ancestors the keen desire to seek adventures and see strange
+countries--he dreamed of ships and the deep. Once firmly rooted, this
+feeling never dies; despite hardships, wrecks, and disasters, the
+sailor returns to his calling.
+
+The boy had never seen an action. But he had rejoiced with the rest at
+America's many victories; he had joined with the crowd that had
+followed the parading sailors in New York after Hull's great victory,
+and he had peeped in at the window of the hotel upon the occasion of
+the dinner given to Decatur and to Bainbridge and to the _Guerriere's_
+conqueror--all this while on a visit to the city from his home in the
+mountains of New Jersey. And thus inflamed with the idea, he had run
+away to sea, and had made his first voyage, eight or ten months
+previous to the opening of the story, in a little privateer that had an
+uneventful cruise and returned to port after taking two small prizes
+that had offered no resistance. His entering on board the
+_Constitution_ had been with the permission of his parents, who saw
+that the only way to hold him from following his bent would be to keep
+him at home forever under their watchful eyes.
+
+A great war-ship is a small floating world, and, like the world, the
+dangers that beset a young man starting alone on his career are many.
+There are the good and the bad, the leaders and the led; the people who
+lift up others, and those who lean. It was rather well for the boy that
+he had met with old Renwick and conceived a friendship for him. From
+the old sailor the lad had learned much. He was an expert at tying
+knots already, and he had learned to hand, reef, and steer after a
+fashion on board the privateer schooner. The royal yards on a
+man-of-war are always manned by boys, because of their agility and
+lightness. This boy was a born topman; he exulted in the sense of
+freedom that comes to one when laying out upon a swaying yard; the
+bounding exhilaration of the heart, the exciting quickening of the
+pulse as the great mass describes arcs of huge circles as the vessel
+far below swings and rises through the seas.
+
+The attention of the officers had been called to him more than once,
+and if there was a ticklish job aloft above the cross-trees, the boy
+was sent to perform it. On one occasion he had excited a reprimand for
+riding down a backstay head foremost, the First Lieutenant observing,
+and speaking to him thus: "While that would do for a circus, it wasn't
+the thing for shipboard." But he was a perfect monkey with the ropes,
+and nothing delighted him better than scampering up the shrouds, or
+shinning to the main truck to disengage the pennant halliards. He used
+to sing, in his shrill, high voice, even when struggling to get in the
+stiffened canvas in a gale.
+
+On the 20th of February (the year was 1815) the First Lieutenant made
+the early morning inspection of the ship. He had hoped that the clouds
+and thickness that had prevailed for a few days would disappear, for it
+seemed as if for once "Old Ironsides" was pursued by the demon of bad
+luck in the way of weather. At one P.M., after a fruitless attempt to
+catch a glimpse of the sun for a noonday sight, the clouds broke away
+and the breeze freshened. The boy and his companions jumped at the
+orders to "shorten sail and take in the royals." Quickly they climbed
+the shrouds, passed one great yard after another in their upward
+journey, and came at last to the royals. The boy was first. He looked
+down at the narrow deck below him, and at the curved surfaces of the
+billowing sails. It seemed as if his weight alone would suffice to
+overturn the vessel. The lightness and delicacy of the entire fabric
+were never so apparent to him. He could see his companions crawling up,
+their faces lifted, and panting from their exertions. The sunlight cast
+dark blue shadows on the sails below. Two great ridges of foam
+stretched out from the _Constitution's_ bows. The taut sheets had
+begun to hum under the stress of the increasing breeze. The boy began
+to chant his strange song--a song of pure exhilaration.
+
+With so many light kites flying, something might carry away at any
+moment, however, and he heard the officer of the deck shout up for them
+to hasten. Then he let his eyes rove toward the horizon line as he took
+his position in the bunt.
+
+Far away against the sky where the clouds shut down upon the water, he
+saw a speck of white! Leaning back from the yard, he drew a long
+breath; those on deck stopped their work for an instant, the officer
+took a step sideways in order the better to see the masthead.
+
+"Sail ho!" clear and distant had come down from the royal yard.
+
+"Where away?" called the officer, making a trumpet of his hands.
+
+"Two points off the larboard bow, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Clew up and clew down," was now the order. The steersman climbed the
+wheel, and with a great bone in her teeth the _Constitution_ hauled her
+wind and made sail in chase of the distant stranger. In a quarter of an
+hour she was made out to be a ship, and then came the cry a second
+time: "Sail ho!" There was another vessel ahead of the first! A half an
+hour more, and both were discovered to be ships standing close-hauled,
+with their starboard tacks on board. At eight bells in the afternoon
+they were in plain sight from the deck, little signal flags creeping up
+and down their halliards--ship fashion, they were holding consultation.
+Then the weathermost bore up for her consort, who was about ten miles
+distant and to leeward; and crowding on everything she could carry
+again, the _Constitution_ boiled along after her. The lower, topmast,
+topgallant, and royal studding-sails were thrown out, and hand over
+hand she overhauled them.
+
+The boy was aloft again. He had caught the fever of excitement that
+even the old hands felt, as they saw that the magazine was open and
+that powder and shot were being dealt out for the divisions. The
+half-ports to leeward had to be kept closed to prevent the water from
+flooding the decks.
+
+The boy stayed after the other youngsters had descended. He could feel
+the royal mast swaying and whipping like a fishing-rod--the stays were
+as tight as the strings of a fiddle. They felt like iron to the grasp;
+they had narrowed under the tension. The wind in the deep sails below
+played a sonorous bass to the high treble of their singing. The ship
+was murmuring like a hive, now and then creaking as she lurched under
+the pressure.
+
+How it happened the boy never knew; but as suddenly as winking there
+came a report as of a cannon aloft; the main royal, upon the yard of
+which he was leaning, flew off, and caught by the tacks and sheets,
+fell down across the yard below. The main-topgallant mast had been
+carried clean away. No one, not even the boy himself, knew how it all
+occurred. Perhaps he had laid hold of one of the reef points. Perhaps
+he had made a lucky jump. But there he lay in the bight made by the
+folds of the royal, softly resting against the bosom of the sail below,
+unhurt, but slightly dizzy. From the hamper of wreckage above hung one
+of the loosened clew-lines. The end of it reached down to the
+cross-trees. Reaching forth, the young topman tested it, and seeing it
+would hold, emerged from his hanging nest, and swinging free for an
+instant, managed with his monkey-like powers to lay hold of a stay and
+reach the shrouds. There was a cheer from below, as he sprang to the
+deck, and this time there was no reprimand.
+
+The loss of her upper sails appeared to impede the speed of the frigate
+but little. It would not be long now before the bow-chasers might be
+expected to begin. The men were mustered on the deck. Along came the
+stewards and the mess-men with the customary grog.
+
+The officers all this time had been busy surveying the two ships. An
+hour ago they had been pronounced to be English.
+
+Old Renwick grumbled as he watched the men pour down the half pannikin
+of scalding liquor.
+
+"Well, here's to us," chuckled a tall, red-nosed sailor, emptying the
+stuff down his throat as if it had been spring water. "Here's to us,
+and every stick in the old ship."
+
+"We ought to get double allowance," put in another man just before it
+was his turn to take his portion. "There are two of 'em to fight, which
+makes me twice as thirsty. Here's to the best thing in the
+world,--grog."
+
+Quartermaster Renwick did not like to hear all this, and overcome by a
+sudden impulse, he stepped out from behind the bitts. There were two
+buckets full of the strong-smelling drink resting on the deck. With a
+sweep of his foot he upset them both! A howl of rage went up from all
+sides. One of the men loosened a belaying-pin and advanced
+threateningly. The old sailor stood his ground.
+
+"Avast this 'ere swillin', lads," he said; "there shall be no Dutch
+courage on board this ship." He folded his arms and stood looking at
+the angry crowd. The First Lieutenant had observed the whole
+occurrence, and immediately gave the order to beat to quarters. The
+boy, thinking that his old friend was about to be attacked, had jumped
+to his side. But his station in action was on the forecastle, where he
+was powder-monkey for the two forward guns.
+
+The call to quarters and the rolling of the drum had stopped any
+trouble that might have arisen owing to the quartermaster's sudden
+action, but the men were surly, and it would have been hard for him if
+they could have reached him unseen.
+
+Every second now brought the _Constitution_ closer to the enemy. Never
+could the boy forget his sensations as he saw the gunners bend down and
+aim the forward gun on the larboard bow. The smoke from the shot blew
+back through the port. The gun next to it now spoke, but both balls
+fell short, and neither of the ships replied.
+
+They were both ably handled, and their commanders had now reached
+some understanding as to the conduct of the action; for when the
+_Constitution_ was yet a mile's distance from them they passed near
+enough to one another to speak through the trumpet.
+
+The beginning of an action at sea, before the blood is heated by the
+sight of carnage and the ear accustomed to the strange sounds and the
+indifference to danger has grown over the consciousness of self, is the
+most exciting moment. There is a sense of unreality in the appearance
+of the enemy. If he is coming bravely up to fight, there is no hatred
+felt for him. Men grow intensely critical at such moments, strange to
+say. They admire their opponent's skill, although they are inclined to
+smile exultantly if they perceive he is making missteps. Captain
+Stewart and his officers, grouped at the side, were discussing calmly
+the probable designs of the enemy.
+
+"Egad! They are hauling by the wind, and they are going to wait for
+us," said Stewart.
+
+"They are not going to run, at any event," observed the First
+Lieutenant. "They are tidy-looking sloops of war, sir!"
+
+In five minutes both the English vessels had made all sail,
+close-hauled by the wind, with the plain intention of trying to
+outpoint the frigate.
+
+"No, you don't, my friends," remarked Stewart to himself. "Not if I
+know my ship."
+
+The crew, who were watching the oncomers, shared his sentiment, for
+they knew that the _Constitution_ was not to be beaten on that point of
+sailing; and the strangers soon noticed this, also, for they shortened
+sail and formed on a line at about half a cable's length apart. Not a
+shot had been fired since the two bow guns had given challenge, but now
+the time had come, the huge flag of the _Constitution_ went up to the
+peak, and in answer both ships hoisted English ensigns. Scarce three
+hundred yards now separated the antagonists. The English ships had
+started cheering. It was the usual custom of the Anglo-Saxon to go into
+battle that way. Quartermaster Renwick called for three cheers from the
+_Constitution's_ men, but they had not forgotten, at least some of
+them, his upsetting of the grog. His unpopularity at that present
+moment was evident, for few answered the call, and thus silently the
+men at the guns waited for the word to fire.
+
+The boy was half-way down the companion ladder when it came. There was
+a great jar the whole vessel's length. A deafening explosion, and the
+fight was on!
+
+For fifteen minutes it was hammer and tongs. Broadside after broadside
+was exchanged, and then it was noticed that the English had begun to
+slacken their return; and now they suddenly were silent. A strange
+phenomenon here took place. As all the combatants were close-hauled and
+the wind was light, a great bank of opaque sulphurous smoke had
+gathered all about them. The _Constitution_ ceased firing, also; for
+although the enemy was within two hundred yards' distance, not a sight
+of either ship could be seen. They were blotted out; their condition
+and their exact positions were unknown. Not a gun was fired for three
+minutes, and then the smoke cleared away.
+
+"Here they are!" cried Stewart, and his exclamation was drowned with a
+broadside, for the gunners of the _Constitution_ had discovered that
+the headmost ship was just abreast of them and but a hundred feet away.
+The sternmost was luffing up with the intention of reaching the
+_Constitution's_ quarter. The smoke from the big guns had hidden
+everything again, but orders were now coming fast from the
+quarter-deck. Men were hastening aloft, and others were tailing on to
+the braces, tacks, and sheets. The main and mizzen top-sails were
+braced aback against the mast, and slowly the _Constitution_ began to
+move stern foremost through the water. It was as if nowadays the order
+had come to reverse the engines at full speed. All the sailors saw the
+importance of this act. They were cheering now, and they had good right
+to do so. Instead of finding herself on the larboard side and in good
+position for raking, the English vessel was in a very bad position. It
+must have astonished her commander to find himself so unexpectedly
+confronted, but he was directly beneath the _Constitution's_ guns
+again. There was no help for it. He was forced to receive her fire. The
+big sloop of war, which had been deserted so unceremoniously, kept on
+making a great hubbub, aiming at the place where she supposed the
+Yankee frigate yet to be.
+
+To repeat all the details of the rest of the struggle would be but to
+recount a tale filled with the detailed working of a ship and nautical
+expressions, but it is safe to state that never was a vessel better
+handled, and never did a captain win a title more honestly than did
+Charles Stewart the sobriquet of "Fighting Stewart."
+
+It was ten minutes of seven in the evening when the first English
+vessel struck her flag. She proved to be His Britannic Majesty's sloop
+of war _Cyane_, under the command of Captain Gordon Falcon, a gallant
+officer, and one who had earned distinction in the service. His ship,
+that he had fought bravely, mounted thirty-four guns. He was so
+overcome with emotion at having to surrender, that he could scarcely
+return Captain Stewart's greeting when he came on board, for he had
+entered the fight declaring that he was going to receive the Yankee's
+sword. As soon as he had placed a prize crew on board the _Cyane_,
+Stewart headed the _Constitution_ for the other sloop of war, who was
+doing her best to get away. So fast did he overhaul her that the
+_Levant_--for that was her name--turned back to meet her big opponent,
+and bravely prepared to fight it out. But it was no use, and after some
+firing and manoeuvring Captain George Douglass struck his colors, as
+his friend Falcon had been forced to do some time earlier.
+
+But what of old Renwick and the boy? They lay below in the cockpit--the
+old man with a shattered leg and the hero of the royal yard with a bad
+splinter wound across his chest. Men forget their wounds in moments of
+great mental excitement; since he had been brought below, the
+quartermaster had been following every movement of the ship as if he
+had been on deck.
+
+"We are luffing up," he would say. "Ah! there we go, we headed her that
+time! By tar, my hearties, we will win the day! Hark to 'em! Hear 'em
+bark!" And so he kept it up, regardless of the fact that his shattered
+leg was soon to be taken off; and all of the thirteen wounded men there
+under the surgeon's care listened to him, and when the news came down
+that the first vessel had struck, Renwick called for cheers, and they
+were given this time with a will!
+
+[Illustration: "A discussion that grew more heated every moment."]
+
+Three or four days after the fight, Captain Stewart was dining in his
+cabin, and as usual his guests were the English captains, who had not
+yet entirely recovered from the deep chagrin incident to their
+surrender. How it started, no one exactly knew. It is not on record
+which of the gentlemen was at fault for the beginning of the quarrel,
+but they were fighting their battles over again in a discussion that
+grew more heated every moment. Suddenly one of the officers, jumping to
+his feet, accused the other of being responsible for what he termed
+"the unfortunate conclusion of the whole affair." Hot words were
+exchanged. Stewart, who, of course, had his own opinions on the matter
+in question, said nothing, until at last he perceived that things might
+be going too far, and it was time for him to interfere. Smiling
+blandly, and looking from one of the angry men to the other, he spoke
+as follows:--
+
+"Gentlemen, there is only one way that I see, to decide this
+question,--to put you both on your ships again, give you back your
+crews, and try it over."
+
+This ended the argument, but the story went the rounds of the ship, and
+one of the lieutenants in writing to a brother officer described the
+incident in those exact words.
+
+Quartermaster Renwick survived the loss of his leg, and he used to
+relate the story of how and where he lost it to the youngsters who
+would gather about his favorite bench fronting the Battery seawall.
+
+The boy recovered also, and he served his country until they laid him
+on the shelf after the Civil War was over. Very nearly forty years
+had he passed in the navy, where he grew to be a great hand at
+yarn-spinning, and was much quoted, for he linked the service back to
+the days of wind and sail, although he had lived to see the era of
+steam and steel. His favorite story of them all was of the old
+_Constitution_ and how she behaved under the command of "Fighting
+Stewart."
+
+
+
+
+TWO DUELS
+
+
+"Oh, Bainbridge, you're going ashore with us, aren't you?"
+
+At these words a young man who was walking up and down the frigate's
+quarter-deck turned quickly. He was dressed in the same uniform as the
+one who had just asked the question,--that of a midshipman of the
+American navy.
+
+"Not if you are starting at once, Raymond," he replied. "I won't be off
+duty for a quarter of an hour. Is the boat ready?"
+
+"Not yet--maybe you will have time--have you asked for leave?"
+
+"I have that right enough, but I can't be in two places at once. I'd
+like to go, though, if I could."
+
+"It's too bad; all the fellows were counting on your coming." And
+Midshipman Raymond left the quarter-deck, and strolled forward to the
+mast, where five or six other middies were waiting, all dressed in
+their best uniforms, with rows of polished brass buttons, and neat
+little dirks swung at their left hips by slender chains. They were
+impatient at the delay. Every one wished to be ashore, as it was the
+intention to dine together and afterwards to attend a concert at the
+Malta Theatre; for the _Constitution_ was lying at anchor just off
+the town, and not far from the walls of the heavy fortifications
+that make the island England's greatest stronghold in the Eastern
+Mediterranean--second in importance among her possessions only to the
+impregnable Gibraltar.
+
+"I hear Carlotti is going to sing to-night," observed one of the
+midshipmen knowingly, interrupting the chorus of grumblings at the
+slowness of the shore boat in returning. "She's great," he added.
+
+"How do you know?" asked a short tow-headed reefer; "you never heard
+her."
+
+"No, but Bainbridge has, and he told me."
+
+"Wish Bainbridge was going with us----"
+
+"So do we all," was the chorus to this, and just at this moment the
+ship's bell clanged the hour, and the one to whom they referred ran
+past them. He paused at the head of the ladder.
+
+"I'll be up in a minute; don't you fellows go without me."
+
+With these words he jumped below, and running into the steerage, he
+slammed open the lid of his chest and shifted into his best uniform in
+"presto change" fashion. He was just in time to hasten down the ladder
+and leap into the boat as she shoved off from the side. There were two
+lieutenants going ashore, and they don't wait for tardy midshipmen.
+
+"Quick work, Joseph," said Middy Raymond, laying his hand on
+Bainbridge's knee.
+
+"Rather," was the panted reply. "Do I look shipshape? Feels as if I'd
+forgotten something."
+
+"All ataunto--far as I can see."
+
+Joseph Bainbridge was a younger brother of Commodore William
+Bainbridge, and like him he had gifts of popularity. He possessed a
+magnetic personality that attracted to him the notice of both officers
+and men, and a bold, adventurous spirit that won their admiration.
+Added to this was the fact that he was tall and strong, and conceded to
+be the handsomest young officer in the service.
+
+When the boat drew up at the pier, the middies flocked off by
+themselves, and the two young lieutenants fell behind.
+
+"You didn't hear the lecture,--the lecture the old man gave us while
+you were below, Bainbridge," said Midshipman Raymond. "Phew! but he
+piled it on thick in telling us how to behave ourselves. Any one might
+think that we were going ashore to offer challenges right and left to
+all the British army."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Bainbridge, slipping his arm through his
+friend's, and looking down at him, for he stood head and shoulders
+above the other youngsters.
+
+"Why, just this," was the response. "The old man" (in this manner was
+the Commodore referred to) "says that there are plenty of fire-eating,
+snap-shooting 'eight-paces' chaps, just longing for a chance to pick a
+quarrel with a Yankee officer; and as he told us it took two to make
+trouble, he said he would hold us responsible if there was any row. We
+will have to mind our tacks and sheets. He expects us to be blind to
+all ugly looks, and deaf to all remarks, I suppose. Besides, we are all
+under promise to return by the last boat, that leaves at eleven
+o'clock."
+
+"Well," observed the tall midshipman, laughing, "there seems to be no
+great hardship in that; we have some hours before us. Let's turn in
+here and get our grub--then, ho for the theatre!"
+
+The crowd of laughing young fellows entered a cafe, and seated
+themselves quietly at a corner table. But their entrance had been
+observed. A group of officers, in scarlet coats and gilt braid and
+shoulder knots, gazed insolently at them.
+
+"Young Yankee puppies," observed one, turning to his companions.
+
+"Rather airy,--I should say breezy," was the rejoinder.
+
+Before long, the fun grew fast and furious at the middies' table;
+laughter and even the snatch of a song broke from them. Pretty soon one
+of the English officers arose--the one who had first noticed their
+presence. He walked over to their table, and rapped on the edge with
+the hilt of his sword.
+
+"Less noise, less noise here!" he said.
+
+Bainbridge was about to spring to his feet, when Raymond restrained
+him. "Have a care," he said softly.
+
+No one noticed the Englishman's presence, and slightly abashed he
+returned to his seat. But he covered his confusion with an air of
+bravado. "Taught 'em a lesson," he sniggered.
+
+In a few minutes the whole party had adjourned to the play-house.
+
+Carlotti sang her best, every one was enjoying the music and anxious
+for more, when the curtain fell on the first act. The _Constitution_
+lads applauded so long that one might have thought they wished to have
+the whole thing over again, which they would have liked exceedingly.
+But seeing at last that the prima donna would not respond,--she had
+been out five times,--the lads arose and strutted into the lobby in a
+body.
+
+"There's that officious Britisher," said Bainbridge, nodding his head
+toward a group of scarlet coats that stood blocking up a doorway.
+
+"Oh, I just heard about him," put in one of the smallest reefers. "He's
+Tyrone Tyler, the dead shot,--I overheard some one pointing him out.
+He's killed eleven men, they say."
+
+The officer in question was tall and exceedingly slender, and he might
+have been called good-looking if it were not for the insolent eyes, the
+leering mouth, and arrogant chin that made him so conspicuous. He made
+some remark that caused the others to laugh as he put up his eyeglass
+and stared into the faces of the Yankee middies. Some reddened and
+dropped their glances, but Bainbridge returned the stare with interest.
+The Englishman frowned and let his glass fall from his eye.
+
+"Care for cub-hunting, Twombly?" he inquired of a red-faced man at his
+elbow. "Here's a chance for you!"
+
+The midshipmen heard this, but said nothing, and soon they were all
+lost in the theatre crowd.
+
+During the next intermission all kept their seats but Raymond and
+Bainbridge, who again strolled out. The taller lad, who looked some
+years older than his age, which was but nineteen, attracted some
+attention; many looks of admiration were thrown at him as he passed
+through the lobby. Suddenly he collided with somebody, who pushed him
+off.
+
+"Beg pardon," said Bainbridge, making way.
+
+There was no reply, and the lad's handsome brows contracted as he saw
+the evil face of Captain Tyrone Tyler smiling sneeringly at him. In the
+course of a few minutes they met again, and once more came together.
+
+"Beg pardon, sir."
+
+The words had a peculiar intonation this time. They were spoken in the
+tone of voice one uses when compelled to move something that may
+disturb another. Bainbridge lifted the infantry captain past with a
+firm grasp on both his elbows. He moved him as easily as one might lift
+a lashed hammock to one side.
+
+"Beg pardon, sir," said he again.
+
+The officer grew livid, and had it not been that some one grasped his
+arm, he would have struck the midshipman across the face. But
+Bainbridge and Raymond moved quickly away.
+
+As they turned to leave the hall after the performance was over the
+word was brought that Tyler and three others were waiting at the
+entrance. After a consultation it was agreed that it would be best to
+remain, and avoid a meeting if possible. So talking in low voices, the
+midshipmen stayed on until warned by the dimming lights that the place
+was being closed. At last a plan was settled on. Bainbridge, who was
+eager to go out first, was persuaded to remain with Raymond, and follow
+shortly after the others had left. They singled out, and when the last
+two stepped past the door, Tyler was still waiting.
+
+"Now for the training," said he, stepping forward. As he spoke he put
+one elbow in Bainbridge's face, and with the other grasped for his
+collar.
+
+But he reckoned wrongly. The middy ducked quickly and picked up his cap
+that had been pushed off by the blow. Then he straightened himself.
+
+"You are a cowardly bully," he said calmly. "But I understand you. My
+card, sir; I am at your service."
+
+As he spoke, he extended a bit of engraved pasteboard. Captain Tyler
+took it, handed it to one of his friends, and gave his name, adding:--
+
+"I trust that you will meet me on the beach under the west fort
+to-morrow morning at nine o'clock."
+
+"Can you make it earlier?"
+
+"Certainly; at eight, then."
+
+The Englishman laughed as he moved off with his companions.
+
+"Be on hand, my young monkey jacket; I should hate to be turned out so
+early for nothing."
+
+"Never fear," was Bainbridge's return.
+
+"Oh, Joseph, what have you done?" wailed little Raymond, suddenly.
+"They will never let you off the ship, and we've broken orders, and are
+in a frightful mess."
+
+[Illustration: "'I observed it,' said the Lieutenant."]
+
+"I'm not going on board again, Sammy; I'm to meet that bully, and I
+will do it. It's either disgrace or death, and I'm reckless now. But
+run along, you; leave me to myself."
+
+"I shall stay if you do," replied Raymond, stoutly. "It will never be
+said that----"
+
+"Come, young gentlemen, 'tis about time you were making for the boat.
+Commodore Preble's orders were very strict; don't forget them."
+
+The speaker was a tall, graceful young man, wrapped in a long
+watch-cloak. It was Stephen Decatur, the First Lieutenant, and the idol
+of the ship. He descended the few steps from the entrance to the lobby,
+and continued as he acknowledged the midshipmen's salute:--
+
+"Come, let's all be moving--stir your stumps now, Mr. Raymond."
+
+As they reached the archway of the pier, Bainbridge held back.
+
+"Come, Mr. Bainbridge, a word with you," said Decatur, taking the lad
+kindly by the arm. He was but five or six years the senior, but his
+manner was almost fatherly. "Have you anything to tell me?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have broken orders."
+
+"I observed it," said the Lieutenant. "Have you anything else to say."
+
+"Yes, sir; unless you insist, I'd rather stay on shore to-night."
+
+"You will return to the ship."
+
+"Very good, sir."
+
+In silence the party was rowed back, and in silence they climbed the
+side and came on deck.
+
+Then the First Lieutenant spoke. "Mr. Bainbridge, wait on deck here
+until my return."
+
+"What's up, Raymond?" asked the lads as soon as they had gone below to
+the steerage where they swung their hammocks. "Did Bainbridge have a
+row, after all? What's going to happen?"
+
+"Don't ask me," was the reply; "you know as much as I do." Raymond
+concluded that it was best to keep mum on the subject, and with this he
+tumbled into his hammock.
+
+Bainbridge waited up on deck for half an hour. He had not the least
+idea what was going to be done with him. But he was grieving bitterly.
+If he did not meet the Englishman, he was disgraced,--his name was
+known, "he owed it to the honor of the service"; for that was the way
+the code was established. But how could he have disobeyed the order of
+Decatur to proceed on board ship? That would have been impossible,
+also. Yet, strange to say, he did not regret his action, and he had not
+once felt a thrill of fear. True, Tyler was a noted man-killer, but
+that did not worry Bainbridge in the least. He may have been a
+fatalist, but that was not the only reason: he knew without bragging
+that he was a good shot.
+
+Suddenly he heard some one approaching. He lifted his despondent head
+out of his hands. Was he going to be called into the cabin to take a
+rating from the fiery tongue of the Commodore. Could he stand that!
+
+"Mr. Bainbridge."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Commodore Preble's orders are for me to go on shore to-morrow at seven
+thirty in the morning. By the way, you will go with me----"
+
+"Oh, thank you, sir," interrupted the midshipman, his voice breaking;
+"thank you."
+
+"I shall attend to everything, if you will allow me the honor."
+
+Bainbridge put out his hand; Decatur took it without a word.
+
+The next morning, on a narrow stretch of beach, there was a curious
+little gathering, or, better, two separate groups: one composed of five
+men talking together, and at a few paces' distance two silent figures.
+
+The five men were conversing in whispers.
+
+"Nevertheless, I intend doing it," said the tall slender man who was in
+the centre. "Do you see the button at his throat? A Yankee more or less
+does not count."
+
+"Are you ready, gentlemen?"
+
+The others stepped back, and there stood two tall figures fronting one
+another: each held a long heavy pistol in the right hand. The faces of
+the men were pale, but the midshipman was just as cool as his
+experienced opponent; a determined gleam was in his light blue eyes.
+
+The officer who had last spoken began counting, and then there came a
+flash and one report. The pistols had been discharged at the same
+instant.
+
+Bainbridge reeled slightly, and passed his hand about his throat.
+
+"I am all right," he said calmly.
+
+"Thank God! Then let's be off," was Decatur's sole return.
+
+Lying on the sand was Tyler "the dead shot," the surgeon fumbling at
+his chest. Decatur and the midshipman raised their hats as they passed
+by.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+So much for the first duel; now for the sequel. In this modern day we
+can scarcely imagine the complaisant attitude assumed by press and
+public towards such happenings as this. Were they less careful of human
+life, or did they view matters in such a different light that their
+perceptions were altogether blunted? No, not that exactly; many men
+fought duels who did not believe in the resort to arms at all. They
+were compelled to by the deluded custom of the times. Few men were
+_brave_ enough to refuse a challenge. But one thing, a man who was
+known to have figured on the field of honor, sooner or later found
+himself there again, and generally it was once too often.
+
+The second duel to be told about here, has a slight connection with the
+first, and yet belongs more properly to history. Commodore William
+Bainbridge, who was one of Decatur's most intimate friends, was
+grateful indeed for the manner in which he had stood by his brother,
+and when Decatur stood in need of some one to do the same thing by him,
+it was but natural that he should turn to Bainbridge.
+
+But now to get back to history: Stephen Decatur had, against his will,
+been one of the members of the court martial that had sentenced
+Commodore Barron to suspension from the navy for five years because of
+the affair of the _Chesapeake_ and the _Leopard_. Barron had gone
+abroad, and was in England when the War of 1812 was declared. His
+period of suspension ended shortly after the declaration, but he did
+not return to America until over a year had elapsed; and then
+presenting himself without explanation, he demanded the command of an
+important ship. Decatur used every effort to prevent his securing
+active employment, taking the ground, as he explained in a letter
+written to Barron himself, that the latter's conduct "had been such as
+to forever bar readmission into the service." He disclaimed any feeling
+of personal enmity, but was firm in his opposition. For years this was
+the state of affairs; the correspondence between Barron and Decatur
+grew more bitter and ironical, and at last it culminated thus:--
+
+Writes Barron on the sixteenth of January, 1820, dated Norfolk:--
+
+    SIR: Your letter of the 29th ultimo, I have received. In it you say
+    that you have now to inform me that you shall pay no further
+    attention to any communications that I may make to you, other than
+    a direct call to the field; in answer to which I have only to reply
+    that whenever you will consent to meet me on fair and equal
+    grounds, that is, such as two honorable men may consider just and
+    proper, you are at liberty to view this as that call. The whole
+    tenor of your conduct to me justifies this course of proceeding on
+    my part. As for your charges and remarks, I regard them not,
+    particularly your sympathy. You know no such feeling. I cannot be
+    suspected of making the attempt to excite it.
+
+    I am, sir, yours, etc.,
+
+    JAMES BARRON.
+
+To this, Decatur replied as follows:--
+
+    WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 1820.
+
+    SIR: I have received your communication of the 16th, and am at a
+    loss to know what your intention is. If you intend it as a
+    challenge, I accept it, and refer you to my friend, Commodore
+    Bainbridge, who is fully authorized to make any arrangements he
+    pleases as regards weapons, mode, or distance.
+
+    Your obedient servant,
+
+    STEPHEN DECATUR.
+
+And so the fatal meeting was arranged. Captain Elliot, Barron's
+representative, and Bainbridge chose Bladensburg, a beautiful spot
+within driving distance of the Capitol, as the duelling ground. Letters
+describing contemporary events give such vivid pictures of past scenes,
+that it is well to quote entire the letter of Samuel Hambleton, one of
+Decatur's closest friends, who was present. This letter was written
+shortly after the meeting had taken place.
+
+    WASHINGTON, March 22, 1820.
+
+    ... This morning, agreeably to his request, I attended Commodore
+    Bainbridge in a carriage to the Capitol hill, where I ordered
+    breakfast at Beale's hotel for three persons. At the moment it was
+    ready, Commodore Decatur, having walked from his own house, arrived
+    and partook of it with us. As soon as it was over he proceeded in
+    our carriage towards Bladensburg. At breakfast he mentioned that he
+    had a paper with him that he wished to sign (meaning his will), but
+    that it required three witnesses, and as it would not do to call in
+    any third person for that purpose he would defer it until we
+    arrived at the ground. He was quite cheerful, and did not appear to
+    have any desire to take the life of his antagonist; indeed, he
+    declared he would be very sorry to do so. On arriving at the valley
+    half a mile short of Bladensburg we halted and found Captain Elliot
+    standing in the road on the brow of the hill beyond us. Commodore
+    Bainbridge and myself walked up and gave him the necessary
+    information, when he returned to the village. In a short time
+    Commodore Barron, Captain Elliot, his second, and Mr. Lattimer
+    arrived on the ground, which was measured (eight long strides) and
+    marked by Commodore Bainbridge nearly north and south, and the
+    seconds proceeded to load. Commodore Bainbridge won the choice of
+    stands, and his friend chose that to the north, being a few inches
+    lower than the other.
+
+    On taking their stands, Commodore Bainbridge told them to observe
+    that he should give the words quick--"Present; one, two, three,"
+    and they were not, at their peril, to fire before the word "one"
+    nor after the word "three" was pronounced. Commodore Barron asked
+    him if he had any objections to pronouncing the words as he
+    intended to give them. He said he had not, and did so.
+
+    Commodore Barron, about this moment, observed to his antagonist
+    that he hoped, on meeting in another world, they would be better
+    friends than they had been in this; to which Commodore Decatur
+    replied, "I have never been your enemy, sir." Nothing further
+    passed between them previous to the firing. Soon after Commodore
+    Bainbridge cautioned them to be ready, crossed over to the left of
+    his friend, and gave the words of command precisely as before; and
+    at the word "two" they both fired so nearly together that but one
+    report was heard.
+
+    They both fell nearly at the same instant. Commodore Decatur was
+    raised and supported a short distance, and sank down near to where
+    Commodore Barron lay; and both appeared to think themselves
+    mortally wounded. Commodore Barron declared that everything had
+    been conducted in the most honorable manner, and told Commodore
+    Decatur that he forgave him from the bottom of his heart. Soon
+    after this, a number of gentlemen coming up, I went after our
+    carriage and assisted in getting him into it; where, leaving him
+    under the care of several of his intimate friends, Commodore
+    Bainbridge and myself left the grounds, and, as before agreed to,
+    embarked on board the tender of the _Columbus_ at the Navy Yard. It
+    is due to Commodore Bainbridge to observe that he expressed his
+    determination to lessen the danger to each by giving the words
+    quick, with a hope that both might miss and that then their quarrel
+    might be amicably settled.
+
+    SAMUEL HAMBLETON.
+
+Commodore Bainbridge told of hearing the following conversation as
+Decatur and Barron lay beside each other bleeding on the ground.
+
+"Barron," said the Commodore, "we both, I believe, are about to appear
+before our God. I am going to ask you one question. Answer it if you
+feel inclined.... Why did you not return to America upon the outbreak
+of hostilities with England?"
+
+Barron was suffering great agony, but he turned and spoke clearly in a
+low tone. "Decatur, I will tell you what I expected never to tell a
+living man. I was in an English prison for debt!"
+
+"Ah, Barron," returned Decatur, "had I known that, had any one of your
+brother-officers known it, the purse of the service would have been at
+your disposal, and you and I would not have been lying here to-day."
+
+"Had I known you felt thus," answered Barron, "we would have no cause
+to be here."
+
+Sad words these, sad unfortunate words, because they came too late.
+Poor Decatur! he died at half past ten o'clock that night. When he was
+struck by the ball which lodged in his abdomen, he is said to have
+spoken thus, "I am hurt mortally, and wish that I had fallen in defence
+of my country." Yes, that was his great sorrow; he saw the uselessness
+of it all.
+
+So much for the code duello, so much for false pride and extreme ideas
+of what should touch one's honor. Can we think that such things really
+happened, and so short a time ago! Have we not reason to rejoice that
+it is all over? That people no longer start at the sound of shots in
+shady lanes, run across tragedies on lawns or in tavern courtyards?
+There is just another word or so to add that points a stronger moral
+and rounds up the chapter: Joseph Bainbridge fell also in a duel. He,
+alas, had many of them; but like all the rest, there was a last one.
+The public mourned many times because good men were lost for causes in
+which the nation had no interest and that could have been passed by
+with a wave of the hand. A sad history that of "the field of honor."
+
+
+
+
+DARTMOOR
+
+
+The word "Dartmoor" means little to the ear of the American of this
+generation, for it is the name of a town on the bleak open stretches
+back from the sea in Devonshire. But during our war with England, and
+for a long time afterward, the word "Dartmoor" brought up much the same
+kind of recollections that "Andersonville" or "Libby" does to-day. It
+was the prison where England kept in confinement those unfortunates
+that the fate of war had thrown upon her hands. It was a safe
+seclusion, indeed, and for the better explanation of the story that is
+to be told here, it might be well worth the while to tell in a few
+words what manner of place it was. Surrounding an enclosure, circular
+in shape, and containing about eight acres, was a high stone wall,
+where the sentries patrolled their beats, where they could look down
+into the courtyards of the gloomy prison buildings some twenty feet
+below them. The enclosure was divided into three partitions, by walls
+that crossed the main space diagonally, and through which there were
+grated gateways leading from one department to the other. The
+buildings, seven in number, radiated from a common point like wheel
+spokes. They were built of brick, with small iron-barred windows, and
+in the entrance archway, leading from one yard to another (each
+building had a separate yard), there were always stationed after sunset
+two armed sentries with primed muskets. While the occupants of any one
+building had access to all parts of it and to the others during the
+daytime, it was difficult, indeed, to make a journey, or pay a visit,
+after nightfall.
+
+Here were confined six thousand prisoners, and here were suffered
+hardships without number. There would be scarcely space to tell of the
+prison life, but some there were there who had been immured so long
+that they had almost forgotten that they had lived anywhere else. They
+had become so resigned to the lot of a prisoner of war, that they had
+begun to doubt if they should ever see their own beautiful country
+again. From the upper windows of the prisons, the view above the walls
+was nothing but a stretch of bleak, rolling country, treeless and
+barren--the Dartmoor heaths. The inmates had formed a government among
+themselves; as was done in most military prisons, many worked at their
+trades, as well as they could; they had markets in which they sold
+their wares; they had theatrical companies, which served to keep up
+their spirits, and lighten the dreary hours; but there was one thought
+in the hearts of all: the day when they should receive their liberty.
+Many were never to see that day.
+
+There was a young sailor confined in the prison building known as No.
+5. His strong constitution and his youth had kept him in a fair state
+of health for one who had been so long in close confinement, for he had
+been captured in a privateer in the first year of the war. Many times
+had he thought of his far-away home on the hills above the old town of
+Salem. He was popular with his fellow-prisoners, and had been a leader
+among them in their sports and pastimes. George Abbott was his name. He
+was but six and twenty years of age, and yet he had followed the sea
+for over twelve. When he had been captured there had been taken with
+him a young lad of but eighteen, who had run away from a comfortable
+home and a loving family, to enlist on board the privateer, but he was
+not of the tough fibre of which the sailor should be made, and since
+his arrival in prison he had been gradually succumbing to the effects
+of his long imprisonment. Between Abbott and this young man there had
+grown up a deep affection. The sailor had shielded the landsman from
+much of the rough treatment of the forecastle while on board ship, and
+now that they were prisoners together, they had been constant
+companions; but it was plain to see that the younger of the two would
+not last long enough to see the dawn of liberty unless it came quickly.
+He had grown so weak that by the middle of February, 1815, it was
+expected by all that every day he would be taken from the prison
+buildings and sent to the Depot Hospital, from which, alas, few ever
+returned. But Abbott nursed him carefully, and watched over him with
+all the care of an elder brother, trying to be always cheerful.
+
+March came, and with it the gloomy mists that rose from all around
+settled down on the gloomy heaths, shrouding the prison buildings in
+impenetrable clouds. It was hard to keep either dry or warm. Those
+fortunates who owned little stoves would huddle around their handful of
+fire, but the prisons being unheated and unprovided with chimneys, the
+stoves were very small, their little pipes being led out of the
+windows.
+
+Lying in a hammock that had been swung low, so that its occupant almost
+lay upon the floor, was the young landsman. He stretched out his hand
+toward the roughly made brazier of sheet iron, and so thin were they
+that they looked more like claws than the fingers of a human being.
+
+"Lord help us and deliver us," he murmured.
+
+"Hallo, Harvey," cried a voice, breaking in upon his prayer. "I didn't
+expect to be so long. We've waited a long time, but here it is, my lad,
+and now let's begin. Shall I pitch in first? I ain't much of a reader."
+
+He held aloft in his hand a copy of a smudgy, dog-eared book, smirched
+and torn by constant handling.
+
+"We've been waiting our turn on this for three weeks, now. Sam Jordan,
+he promised to get it for me though, and so he did."
+
+"What's the name?" inquired the pinched-faced lad in the hammock.
+
+"It's R-a-s-s-e-l-a-s," was the response. "I dunno how to pronounce it,
+but they say as how it's good reading. Say the word, and I'll fire
+away."
+
+He flung himself down on the floor and opened the pages. It was
+storming hard outside, and the rain beat against the roof and poured
+from the gutters down on the stone courtyard. There was just enough
+light to see the print, if one was not afraid of ruining one's eyes,
+and Abbott began:--
+
+"'Ye who listen with credulity to the whispers of fancy and
+pursue'----" He had read as far as the first half-page, when suddenly
+the sick man put out his hand and touched him on the shoulder.
+
+"Listen," he said hoarsely, "what's that going on below?"
+
+Some one on the floor beneath had given a loud staccato whoop. It was
+followed by another, and then by an increasing murmur of voices. The
+sailor had risen to his knees and dropped the book.
+
+"Some skylarking or tomfoolery," he said; "or perhaps it's the Rough
+Alleys," he added.
+
+The "Rough Alleys" was the name given to the gangs of hard customers
+and those of the lower order of prisoners who had been compelled by
+their more circumspecting and better behaved companions to mess by
+themselves, and to generally toe the mark, as much as possible.
+Occasionally, however, they would break out in some sort of raid or
+riot that would require suppressing, and it was to this habit of theirs
+that Abbott referred. But this time he was mistaken.
+
+"Listen to that!" he cried, all at once springing to an erect position.
+A roaring, rousing cheer came up from below, and then from the other
+buildings they heard it echoed.
+
+The invalid arose from his hammock.
+
+"Stay here," cried Abbott; "I'll fetch the news to you."
+
+He hastened to the head of the stone stairway. A breathless man dressed
+in fantastic rags met him half-way up.
+
+"What's the row, Simeon?" asked Abbott, in excitement.
+
+"Heard the news, messmate?" the man cried in answer. "Heard the news?
+There's peace between America and England!"
+
+There came a strange sound from the head of the stairs. The young
+prisoner had heard the words, and Abbott was just in time to catch him
+in his arms as he plunged forward senseless.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+What had these men expected? These prisoners who had danced and sung
+and gone wild with delight and joy at the message that had been brought
+to them that bleak March day? Why, liberty at once. They were going to
+return to their homes. It was freedom! And did they get it? Listen!
+There is more to tell. Here begins the story:--
+
+Of course it was not to be supposed that the British government should
+at once set these prisoners free, as one might set free birds from a
+cage by opening the door and allowing them to fly. It was a grave
+question what was to be done with them, and there is no use denying the
+fact that the United States, or at least its representative in England,
+was in a great measure responsible for what subsequently occurred. Ten
+days went by, and there was nothing done. In that space of time the
+men's spirits sank to zero. Had their country deserted them? Had their
+fellow-citizens forgotten them? It was past believing that such things
+could be. And it was just at this time that there was most complaint,
+arising from the quality of the bread and the insufficiency of the food
+supplied by the prison authorities. The Governor of the Depot, as it
+was called by the English, was a Captain Shortland, a man so well hated
+and despised by those under him that if murderous looks had the power
+to kill, he would long ago have been under the sod. Many of the
+prisoners, as they had caught glimpses of him, had longed to sink their
+fingers into his throat, and now they hated him worse than ever before.
+In the beginning of the second week information was sent the rounds of
+the prison, that the delay was occasioned by the difficulty that the
+representative of the United States government found in obtaining
+cartels, or vessels, to bring the released ones back to their own
+again. But the delay was bitter.
+
+The poor sick boy had rallied a little during the first days after the
+arrival of the news of peace. Probably he supposed that he would be
+released at once, but as the days dragged on, and there were no signs
+of any change in their condition, he sank again into the unfortunate
+path of the men who slowly died because they had no hope.
+
+From a condition of joyousness, the majority of the prisoners had
+relapsed into sullen anger--anger at their own country, and an
+increased hatred for the red coats who guarded them. Among so many
+prisoners of all classes there were, of course, men of all kinds and
+character: there were the ignorant and degraded, and those who could
+well lay claim to education and enlightenment. Harvey Rich, who was now
+so weak that he could scarcely totter from his hammock to the head of
+the stairway, had been prepared to enter Harvard College, when he had
+caught the fever of adventure and had run away to sea. At the request
+of the inmates of Prison No. 5, he had drawn up a letter addressed to
+Mr. B.---- (the American agent), requesting him to make all haste; and,
+at least, if he could do no more, to secure to them an additional
+supply of provisions, or make a monthly allowance of some kind to save
+the men from actual starvation. Anxiously was an answer awaited, but
+none came.
+
+One day late in the month, when, for a wonder, the sun was shining
+brightly, there was a strange group gathered near one of the open
+windows on the top floor of Prison No. 5. Propped up by blankets, so as
+to get as much of the sunshine that came in at the grated window as
+possible, was Harvey Rich. Beside him sat the young seaman, and
+squatted on the floor near by was a remarkable-looking human being. His
+face was black, his dark hair was shorn close to his head, and a
+bandage made of a torn bandanna handkerchief was pushed up on his
+forehead. At first glance, one would have taken him for a negro,
+although his features showed no trace of African descent. The torn
+shirt that he wore was unloosed and open at the bosom. The skin which
+showed through from underneath was fair and white. Every now and then
+he would give a nervous start and look back over his shoulder.
+
+"They almost had you last night, Simeon," said Abbott to the half-black
+man.
+
+"Yes," returned the other; "I thought my jig was up, for sure; but,
+confound it! now that there is peace, I don't see why they wish to
+hound me any more. 'Tis that brute,--Shortland. He's angry at his lack
+of success as a man-catcher. I'd like to get my hands upon him,--only
+once, just once,--that's all."
+
+Abbott happened to look out of the window at this instant.
+
+"Egad!" said he, "your friends are out again."
+
+From the grated bars, a view of the neighboring courtyard could be
+obtained. There was a sight that, when seen, used to make the
+prisoners' blood boil hotly. Three men, heavily manacled, were walking
+with weak steps to and fro along the narrow space enclosed between the
+high brick walls. The clanking of their chains could be heard as they
+moved. But as if this were not enough, beside them walked three
+sentries, with bayonets fixed. For half an hour each day, they made
+this sorrowful parade. It was their only glimpse of the sky and the
+sunlight, their one breath of fresh air during the twenty-four; and, as
+soon as it was over, they were hustled back to their place of
+confinement,--a dungeon known as the Cachet,--where no light could
+penetrate, and the only air that reached them was through the shaft of
+a disused chimney. No wonder that their eyes blinked and the tears
+rolled down their cheeks when they emerged into God's bright sunlight.
+No wonder that their haggard, pale faces grew each day more deathlike.
+These men were being killed by inches. For what crime? It will be
+shown. The man whom Abbott had addressed as "Simeon" had crawled to the
+window and was peeping cautiously out. A wild curse broke from him, as
+he viewed the sight.
+
+"Look at poor Whitten," he said; "take note of him; he's not for long.
+He used to tell me that he knew that he was going mad. He's that
+already. See the poor devil jabbering."
+
+He gave a shudder. It was only six weeks since he had walked to and fro
+in that same courtyard. There was a grated gateway at one end. It came
+within a few feet of the archway at the top. A silent crowd of
+prisoners were gathered there, closely watching the unfortunates. Well
+did they all remember the day when there were four of them; that day
+when, just as the prisoners turned, in following the footsteps of the
+sentries, one of them had left his companions, and, making a great leap
+of it, had clambered up the iron gate, and, manacled as he was, had
+thrown himself down among them.
+
+Immediately they had carried him into one of the prison houses, where
+they had filed and removed his shackles, and had since hidden and
+protected him at great cost and sacrifice. Many of their privileges had
+been withdrawn because they would not give up this man; they had been
+routed out at night by files of soldiers; they had been counted and
+mustered, over and over again, and yet, among the many thousand who
+knew where Simeon Hays was hiding, there was not one so base as to
+betray him, not one to point the directing finger. All honor to them.
+Many were the disguises that Simeon had been forced to assume. He had
+been a mulatto mess-cook, speaking with the French accent of Louisiana;
+he had appeared as a black-faced yawping Sambo, who had cracked
+guffawing jokes on the heads of the searchers; he had passed a day and
+a night in a coffin-like space between the floor-beams, when they had
+him cornered, and yet they had not caught him.
+
+And for what crime were these men treated thus? For a crime that was
+never proved against them. They had been taken by a British frigate
+from a recaptured prize, and shortly afterward the vessel had been
+found to be on fire. These men had been accused of attempting to blow
+up the ship and her company, and when they were sent to Dartmoor they
+were under sentence to close confinement. Here was Shortland's
+opportunity. His cruel and vindictive spirit rejoiced in carrying out
+the order, and it chagrined him deeply that one should have made his
+escape, and every day he attempted to locate his hiding-place and
+return him to the prison--to the torture of the dreaded Cachet.
+
+Soon the half-hour's breathing space had expired, and the manacled ones
+had been withdrawn from sight. The prisoners flocked to their buildings
+for their midday meal. Hays, who had descended to the courtyard, had
+made all haste to return to No. 5, where he was then supposed to be
+hiding, although, owing to his bold disposition, he oftentimes made the
+range of the lot; and as he passed by the open space on this day,
+although he did not know it, a turnkey recognized him, and soon those
+in No. 5 Prison were alarmed by the cry "The guard is coming! Lie low,
+lie low!" But they found that the entrances were held by a squad of
+armed soldiers, and that this time Hays appeared certain to be
+apprehended. But search here or there, the soldiers could not find him.
+Many times had they stepped over his hiding-place in the floor.
+
+Captain Shortland, who had been afraid to enter the building to
+personally conduct the search, remained outside with a strong guard.
+The disappointed officer reported at last that he was unsuccessful.
+
+"Why don't you drive them from the building, then?" Shortland
+thundered.
+
+"They are sailors, sir, and will not be driven by soldiers, they say.
+They seem to treat the whole affair as a great joke, laughing and
+scampering ahead of my men, and paying no attention to my orders."
+
+"Run them through then," Shortland returned. "A little cold steel will
+teach a serviceable lesson!"
+
+At this minute one of the turnkeys approached.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," he said, saluting; "if you let me turn the
+men out in the usual manner, I think they will leave quietly, but you
+must withdraw the soldiers."
+
+Reluctantly, Shortland gave the order, and the red coats filed out,
+drawing up in line, behind which he carefully placed himself. The
+turnkey entered the building alone. He had been an old boatswain in the
+service, and drawing a silver whistle from his pocket he piped all
+hands. Then in a stentorian voice he ordered the prisoners into the
+yard. They all obeyed, crowding out to the number of one thousand or
+more, and they filed past the soldiers in a compact body. One of the
+last to leave the building was Harvey Rich. He tottered down, alone,
+and joined the crowd, that stood packed in a sullen body, crowded
+within a few paces of the handful of soldiers, who stood with their
+muskets cocked and ready. Soon the officer returned from his fruitless
+search.
+
+"The man cannot be found, sir," he said.
+
+Shortland swore viciously.
+
+"Turn them back in the building, then," he roared, "and keep them there
+without water. That will fetch them to their senses.--Back through that
+doorway, all of you," pointing with the heavy stick which he always
+carried, for he was a gouty man.
+
+But the prisoners had heard his threat, and not one of them moved a
+step. There was a large trough of clear water in the yard, to which
+they had free access. The weather was warm and clear. Suddenly one of
+them stepped forward. All eyes turned upon him. It was George Abbott.
+
+"We will not return there, under those conditions," he said loudly. "We
+will stay here, and die, first, every man Jack of us."
+
+A movement began among the prisoners. They crowded in closer in the
+narrow space, and a murmur as of a subdued cheer arose among them.
+Shortland was furious.
+
+"Seize that man," he cried; "seize him! He shall go without bread and
+water both."
+
+No one moved.
+
+"You cowards," he muttered. "I'll do it myself, then; make way here!"
+
+He crowded through the file of soldiers and approached the sailor, who
+was standing there calmly, with folded arms. But before he had taken
+three short steps, something most unexpected happened. Harvey Rich, who
+was standing but a few feet away, stooped swiftly and picking up a
+loosened bit of the stonework of the courtyard, he hurled it full at
+Shortland's head. It would have killed him had it struck him, but it
+only grazed his cheek. Shortland halted and retreated hurriedly.
+
+"Fire on them," he cried. "Take aim and fire."
+
+Thirty or forty muskets were brought to the shoulder. But the young
+officer in command of the detachment kept his senses. Calmly he walked
+out to the front. He knocked up the muzzles with his unsheathed sword.
+
+"Steady," he said. "As you were."
+
+Shortland flung an oath at him, and turning to the red coats he
+screeched at the top of his voice:--
+
+"Fire, you rascals, fire!"
+
+Again the officer sprang forward and threw up the points of the muskets
+again.
+
+"As you were; steady, men."
+
+That cool authoritative tone saved a frightful scene; for had the
+volley been delivered at such close range, there is no telling how much
+slaughter had followed. But mark this: there would have been enough men
+left to strew the dismembered bodies of the red coats about the yard
+with no other weapons but their naked hands!
+
+Shortland, stamping and fuming in anger, turned upon his heel, and
+hastened out through the gate. Immediately, the Lieutenant called his
+men to a shoulder arms, and marched them after him, he himself
+remaining until the last of the squad had passed under the archway.
+Then he drew a thankful breath. One or two of the sailors nearest the
+entrance saluted him. Gravely he touched his heavy bearskin hat. There
+was not a cheer or a sound of the usual merriment that might have
+accompanied the discomfiture of the "lobster backs." Every one had been
+too much impressed with the seriousness of the matter in hand. Yet,
+there was no one to chide Rich for his impetuous action. Silently they
+all returned to the prison, and once more Simeon Hays emerged from his
+hiding-place.
+
+This night news was brought to the prisoners that the United States
+government was going to allow them the sum of seven shillings sixpence
+per head in addition to their rations given them by the Crown; also the
+news was circulated that the first cartel would start the following
+week, and the detachment of those going in her would be read at the
+morning's muster. The names were to be taken in alphabetical order.
+Again there followed great rejoicing in all of the prison buildings.
+Men whose names began with the first letters of the alphabet were in
+high spirits. They were congratulated and made much of; while the poor
+chaps who were to tail off the list were correspondingly depressed. A
+rather important occurrence took place on this night, also. Simeon
+Hays, who, as a special treat and in honor of the occasion, had washed
+the smut from his face, had been recognized and taken. Poor fellow,
+before his friends could interfere, he had been hurried off to the
+confinement of the Cachet. Before this news had circulated through the
+building, Rich and Abbott had held a long conversation. The former was
+objecting strenuously and earnestly to a proposition that the young
+sailor had made.
+
+"I cannot think of such a thing," he remonstrated. "It would not be
+right----"
+
+Abbott interrupted him, "What is the use, mess-mate, of talking about
+right, in such a case?" He lowered his voice, "Do you think I could go
+out and look any man square up and down if I left ye here? You've got
+to do it."
+
+Rich shook his head weakly, "I can't think of doing such a thing," he
+murmured.
+
+"We'll stow all further conversation," was the reply, and with that he
+got up and left Rich alone.
+
+The next morning, in each prison, a number of names were read off until
+two hundred had been called. Abbott's was the first read in Prison No.
+5. The lucky ones were told to get their dunnage ready and report at
+the prison entrance at half past ten. At the hour named, all were
+there.
+
+"George Abbott," called out the officer in charge of the guard-room.
+
+"Here," answered a weak voice, and to the surprise of those who knew
+him, Harvey Rich stepped forward. A moment later, and he had passed
+forth into the free air outside.
+
+Abbott answered to his friend's name at the roll-call, and thereafter
+passed by the name of Rich. They would come to his name on the list
+some day, he reasoned, and he knew well enough that another week or so
+of prison life would have finished his young friend for good and all.
+
+On the 3d of April, owing to the prison authorities trying to change
+the fare from soft bread to hardtack, there was a small riot among the
+prisoners, which, however, resulted in their obtaining their object by
+breaking down the barriers and raiding the bread-room. This did not
+increase Shortland's good humor, nor did the taunts levelled at the
+soldiery tend to improve the feeling existing between them and the
+triumphant sailors. On the sixth of the month, it was fine, clear
+weather, and the prisoners were put in good spirits by the news that
+Hays and his companions, the word of whose condition had reached higher
+ears than Shortland's, had been liberated and had left the prison. From
+all the various yards there was shouting and singing. The morning's
+"Liberty Party," as the sailors called the lucky ones who were to start
+for America, had been seen off, with rousing cheers. Those left behind
+were trying to amuse themselves by games and horseplay. A score or more
+were playing ball against the cross-wall dividing the barrack yard of
+the soldiers from that of No. 7. In some way, the ball, thrown by a
+careless hand, sailed across the barrier and fell almost at the feet of
+a sentry on the opposite side.
+
+"Hi, there, Johnny Bull! heave it back to us," requested one of the
+men, through the iron grating. The sentry paid no attention, and soon
+there was a clamoring crowd surrounding the opening, beseeching the
+imperturbable red coat in all sorts of terms to "Be a good fellow, and
+toss back the ball."
+
+"Just heave it over, Johnny," called one. "Don't you think you're
+strong enough?"
+
+The sentry whirled angrily. "Come and get it, if you want it," he said.
+
+"Can we?" shouted a half-dozen voices.
+
+"I won't touch it," the sentry responded. With that, he resumed his
+beat, cursing the ball players for "a lot of troublesome Yankee
+blackguards."
+
+Half laughing, the sailors had loosened one of the stones close against
+the wall, and by luck found that the ground was soft and yielding. The
+mortar, too, they were able to remove easily, and with such objects as
+they could pick up to help them, they fell to burrowing like rabbits.
+The sentry, who did not know what was going on, or how his words had
+been taken up, was surprised when suddenly he saw a man's head and
+shoulders appear at the base of the wall on his side.
+
+"The prisoners are digging out!" he roared, firing his musket.
+
+At once, the soldiers on the walls began firing, forming into squads
+and keeping up a constant shooting as long as any prisoners were in
+sight. Those in the central yard, known as the Market, not knowing the
+reason for the fusilade, and wondering why the alarm bell was ringing,
+did not retreat into their buildings; and the first thing they knew,
+Shortland himself appeared, entering the big gate at the head of a
+company of soldiers with fixed bayonets. They advanced at a
+double-quick step, the prisoners were so crowded together that they
+could not escape. Some, not seeing why they should be charged in this
+fashion, stood their ground. Shortland had lost all control of himself.
+
+"Halt! Aim!" And before the astounded victims knew what was going to
+happen, he had given the word to fire.
+
+A crashing volley sounded. When the smoke cleared away, wounded and
+dying men filled the yard. The rest, panic-stricken, had retreated into
+the buildings. Seven were killed and fifty-six were wounded! Poor
+Abbott, who had been trying to urge his comrades to hasten, was among
+the first to fall, shot through the lungs. As no one told of his
+exchange of names, he was buried under the name he had assumed, Harvey
+Rich. And what of the real owner of that name? Alas, he, poor fellow,
+also, did not live to see his home in the New Hampshire hills, for he
+died at sea not long after the cartel in which he was returning had set
+sail. He was sent overboard in the sailor's canvas shroud, and the name
+"George Abbott" was stricken from the list of liberated ones. Few knew
+the truth, and, perhaps, few there were who cared.
+
+[Illustration: The deadly volley.]
+
+
+
+
+THE RIVAL LIFE-SAVERS
+
+
+It was February, the year after the war. The month had been cold and
+stormy. Frequent and sudden squalls had kept everybody on the alert.
+For over two months the United States frigate _Macedonian_ (she once
+had H.M.S. prefixed to her name, by the way) had been facing the bad
+weather, that had ranged from the Bermudas as far to the eastward as
+the Bay of Biscay. It was blowing great guns on this particular
+morning, and blowing with that promise of thick weather that seamen
+learn to recognize so readily. Not two miles away an English frigate
+was seen coming grandly along as she shortened sail.
+
+It did not require the aid of the falling barometer or the sight of the
+thick black clouds gathering to the northeast, to prove that they were
+in for it again.
+
+Two men were on the _Macedonian's_ main topgallant yard. They were
+trying to spill the wind out of the sail that was standing straight up
+above their heads like a great balloon.
+
+"Confound this business, anyhow," grunted the older man. "Did you ever
+see such an evil-acting bit of rag in your life?" He pounded into the
+struggling canvas, as if he could sink his blunt fingers in the folds
+and obtain a better grasp. But the wind had firm hold on it, and had
+filled it so taut that it was struggling and moving like the body of a
+living thing.
+
+"Hold hard!" suddenly exclaimed the younger man; "I see what's the
+matter." Just the second before he spoke, the leech of the topgallant
+sail had caught over the end of the yard arm. He lay out on the yard to
+clear it, his loosened hair and his big collar flapping across his
+face.
+
+The elder man shouted something to him, probably in warning; but the
+sails were making such a thunder of it that his words could not be
+heard. When the leech was cast loose, the yard gave a heavy pitch, the
+sail gave a jump that tore it from the hands of the men nearer inboard,
+and the young fellow, whose balance was upset by the sudden movement,
+lost his hold and fell back with a sudden cry of fright. He caught at
+one of the beckets as he slipped; but it carried away, and down he
+went, striking the water within a few feet of the frigate's side.
+
+The officer of the deck, who had been roaring up angry imprecations to
+the "lazy lubbers" on the yard to "make haste and get in that sail,"
+jumped back toward the wheel. Carrying the press of canvas she was then
+under, the _Macedonian_ was making not far from thirteen or fourteen
+knots, and almost directly before the wind. It was no laughing matter
+to bring her up all standing, as it were; and though men were jumping
+here and there, hauling and heaving with the added strength that comes
+from the dread cry "Man overboard!" it was almost five minutes before
+the great ship had headed up, and during that time she had left the
+spot where the poor lad had gone down, by a mile and more. The
+Lieutenant, when he had given his first order, had thrown overboard one
+of the boat's gratings, and this had been followed by one of the
+chicken coops on the forecastle. With the squall coming down upon her,
+and the stiff wind increasing every minute, the _Macedonian_ lurched up
+and down, almost burying her nose in the roaring, tumbling sea. Every
+one was on deck.
+
+"'Tis no use trying to lower away a boat now, Mr. Edwards," observed
+Captain Stewart. "'Twould be only risking the lives of brave men. Stand
+by for a few minutes and keep sharp lookout." Although it was blowing
+hard, the air was filled with a thick, gray mist, and the sky now
+appeared to close down upon the water. It was a lonely, fearful place
+for a man to be out there in the waste of the waters, fighting for his
+life. It was a lonely, fearful feeling for men to have who must leave
+him there. And they all knew him well; they liked him, for he was a
+cheerful, laughing lad. The old sailor who had been on the yard arm
+with him had descended to the deck. He was telling it breathlessly to
+the men gathered about him.
+
+"Why," said he, "I hollers to him to be careful when the sail fetched
+away. It was just as if the yard tried to fling him off like that." He
+snapped his fingers at arm's length.
+
+A man who was standing on one of the anchor-flukes well forward
+suddenly pointed out to leeward. The English frigate, that had been
+last seen holding a course due west, was now, evidently, engaged in
+making all snug for the coming blow. She had heaved to, and was now
+lying with topsail aback, rearing and plunging,--sometimes pitching
+down until her hull was completely hidden in the hollows of the seas.
+The mist had blown away. A clear, shadowless, distance-killing light
+succeeded it. It was hard to tell whether the frigate was two miles
+off, or whether she was a little toy boat in the near perspective. But
+the heaving water that lay between the ships, crossed with its lines of
+white, rolling foam, was no toy thing. It had an angry, spiteful look.
+It was pitiless, and yet had lost the dread that it held when hidden in
+the treacherous half-gloom of the mist.
+
+But why had the English frigate come up into the wind? All hands had
+rushed to the side. It was almost as if they had forgotten the
+frightful cause of their own delaying. Soon all was understood. There
+was a tiny, white speck drifting to the southward of the English
+vessel. It would heave to the top of a great sea and disappear again.
+
+"One of their boats is out!" roared the man who was standing forward,
+using his hands for a trumpet.
+
+The officers on the quarter-deck had now sighted both the vessel and
+the little object far astern of her. The First Lieutenant was squinting
+through the glass and talking excitedly.
+
+"Egad, sir, I can make it out; there's a man clinging to a cask or
+something just to leeward of that cutter. There are eight good men in
+that boat, I can tell you," he added, "but I think they have lost sight
+of him."
+
+The lashings of the whaleboat, which most American vessels carried, had
+been cast loose some time before. The Captain touched the Lieutenant on
+the arm.
+
+"He's as near to us as he is to them; call away the whaleboat," he said
+quietly; and then, turning to a young, boyish-looking officer,--one of
+the senior midshipmen,--he said, "Mr. Emmett, you will go with her."
+
+"Clear away the bowlines!" roared the Lieutenant. "Man the
+after-braces! Be lively, lads--lower away!"
+
+With a cheer, the men of the crew--picked oarsmen and ex-whalemen they
+were--Nantucket and New Bedford fellows--jumped to the side. The long,
+narrow boat was lowered with half her crew in her. The other half slid
+down the falls. Mr. Edwards leaned over the side, holding his hat on
+with both his hands.
+
+"Mr. Emmett," cried he, "you bring back that man; don't let the
+Britishers beat you!"
+
+The midshipman looked up, touched his cap, and grinned.
+
+The man handling the steering-oar was a grizzled, hawk-nosed
+down-easter. Many a time had he brought his boat up to the side of a
+whale when the seas were running high, and when it would have appeared
+that a small boat could not have lived, much less fight the greatest,
+strongest beast to be found on all this earth.
+
+The excitement of the moment cut into the blood of the oarsmen. They
+were going down with the wind, and they fairly jumped the boat from one
+wave-crest to the other. But occasionally, as a heavier sea would come
+up astern of them, they would race down and lag for an instant in the
+hollow until lifted by the next.
+
+The tall Yankee must have been reminded of the time when he raced with
+the other rival boats in order to get fast with the harpoon first, for
+he began encouraging in the old whaleman fashion:--
+
+"Give way, my lads, give way! A long, steady stroke now! Do ye love
+gin? A bottle of gin to the best man!" forgetting that he was no longer
+the first mate of the old _Penobscot_. "Oh, pile it on while you have
+breath! pile it on! On with the beef, my bullies!"
+
+The men, with set teeth and straining backs, were catching together
+beautifully, despite the fact that the wind threatened to twist the
+oars out of their grasp. The little middy, sitting in the stern sheets,
+had folded his arms; but he was swinging backward and forward to every
+lift and heave, with the same strange grin upon his face. And now the
+steersman caught sight of the English boat as she hove up to the top of
+a great wave. It was plain that they had lost sight of the object they
+were seeking. "Oars!" cried the steersman. The men ceased rowing, and
+watched him with anxious and nervous eyes, waiting for the word to get
+down to it again.
+
+"There he is, Mr. Emmett! about a half a mile away there, sir, almost
+dead ahead! And egad, they see him too!" for just as he had spoken the
+English sweeps had caught the water with a plash.
+
+Once more the boat-steerer's tongue was set awagging. It was a race now
+down the two sides of a triangle; a fair race and a grand one.
+
+"Every devil's imp of you pull! No talking; lay back to it! Now or
+never!" yelled the steerer.
+
+The heavy English cutter, with her eight men at the oars, had caught
+the fever too, and the five rowers in the Yankee boat had work cut out
+for them. The midshipman was now standing up, balancing himself easily,
+with his legs spread wide apart.
+
+"We'll have that man, my lads!" he shrieked. "Only think he's ours, and
+there's no mistake, he will be ours! Give way, give way! Now we have
+him!"
+
+The man could now plainly be seen, clinging to the top of the chicken
+coop.
+
+"It's Brant, of the starboard watch, sir," said the steersman, leaning
+over. "Harkee, he sees us."
+
+It appeared as if both boats would arrive at the same moment, when
+suddenly a most surprising thing occurred. The man waved his hand, and
+leaving the small but buoyant raft that had supported him, he plunged
+head first into the water and struck out for the whaleboat hand over
+hand. The bow oar leaned over and caught him by the back of the shirt.
+A quick heave, and he was landed between the thwarts.
+
+[Illustration: "'Now we have him, lads!'"]
+
+"I hated to spoil a good race, messmates," he panted, "or I'd come off
+to you before."
+
+The English cutter was now alongside. The men in the two boats were
+looking at one another curiously.
+
+"Thank you very much for your trouble," cried Midshipman Emmett, taking
+off his hat, and having to shout his words very slowly and distinctly
+in order for them to be heard.
+
+"Nothing at all, I assure you, sir," came the answer from the young man
+in the other boat. "We saw the whole thing happen, and would have been
+glad to pick him up for you. This is Mr. Farren of the _Hebe_."
+
+"This is Mr. Emmett of the _Macedonian_. Good day!"
+
+"Good day!"
+
+The stern way of the English vessel had carried her well to leeward of
+the boats; the frigate had come about, and was slowly bearing down to
+pick the whaleboat up. Amid great cheering she was hoisted in at the
+davits. The hero of the occasion saluted the quarter-deck and walked
+forward through the crowd, whose anxiety had now changed to merriment.
+At last he saw the old sailor who had been on the main topsail-yard
+with him.
+
+"Bill," said he, "what was you sayin' when I left the yard to umpire
+that thar race?"
+
+
+
+
+RANDOM ADVENTURES
+
+
+The newspapers published during the War of 1812, granted even that they
+were vastly prejudiced of course, contained so much of thrilling
+interest, and so much that is now forgotten, that a complete file, for
+instance, of "Niles's Register" is a mine of wealth to a student of the
+times. Every week a stirring chapter was added to the records of Yankee
+ships and Yankee sailors. Fabulous sums were paid in prize money,
+fortunes were made often in a single venture.
+
+One of the luckiest cruises of the war, so far as rich returns are
+concerned, was made by a little squadron of four vessels that sailed
+from Boston on October 8th under the command of Commodore Rogers. It
+consisted of the _President_, the _United States_, and the _Congress_
+frigates, and the _Argus_ sloop of war. Five days after sailing the
+_United States_ and the _Argus_ became separated from the others in a
+gale of wind, and afterwards cruised on their own account. On the 15th,
+the _President_ captured the British packet _Swallow_, having on board
+two hundred thousand dollars in specie--a rich haul, indeed. On the
+31st of the month, the _Congress_ captured a South Sea ship loaded with
+oil that was being convoyed by an English frigate, the _Galatea_; the
+latter made off and left her consort to her fate. The _President_, on
+the 25th of October, captured the fine English frigate _Macedonian_,
+and sent her safely into New London harbor. After taking one or two
+smaller prizes, the _President_ and _Congress_ sailed into Boston the
+last of December, having covered over eight thousand miles. The landing
+of the money taken from the _Swallow_ and the other prizes was made
+quite a function. It was loaded into several large drays, and escorted
+from the Navy Yard to the bank by the crews of the frigates and a
+detachment of marines, "drums beating and colors flying," as an
+old-time account has it. The gold dust and specie amounted to the value
+of three hundred thousand dollars, besides the value of the vessels
+taken.
+
+But the little _Argus_, under the command of Captain Sinclair, had
+some adventures worth the telling, before she returned to port laden
+with the fruits of war. After parting company with the squadron, she
+laid her course for the coast of Brazil, then one of the most
+profitable cruising grounds, although the waters swarmed with British
+war vessels. From Cape St. Roque to Surinam she sailed and there made
+two prizes; thence she cruised through the West Indies and hovered in
+the vicinity of the Bermudas; afterwards she went as far north as
+Halifax along the coast before she turned her head towards home.
+
+The _Argus_ must have been a nimble vessel, for, according to her
+logbook, she had escaped imminent capture a score of times, owing to
+her speed and capacity for sailing close on the wind. Once she had
+fallen in with a British squadron of six sail, two of them being ships
+of the line. For three days and nights they pursued her closely. One of
+the big fellows, proving to be a very fast sailer, outstripped the
+others, and twice was almost within gunshot. On the fourth day the
+_Argus_ came up with a large English merchant ship about sunset. The
+wind had shifted so as to give her the windward gage of the pursuing
+battle-ship. In full sight of her, and of the others that were distant
+some ten or twelve miles, the _Argus_ captured the merchantman; and,
+under cover of the dark, stormy night that shut down, she made her
+escape with her prize. After a cruise of ninety-six days, she put into
+the harbor of New York. The actual value of the prizes she had captured
+amounted to upwards of two hundred thousand dollars--more than enough
+to pay for her original cost three times over.
+
+But to leave the deeds of the regular navy and take up those of a few
+of the private armed vessels: less is known of their doings, of course;
+they should be given a separate volume to themselves in writing the
+history of our wars with England--and the volume is yet unwritten, but
+some day it may be. Bravely they fought, often against odds, and more
+than once they contributed to the defence of our coast in cooperation
+with the regular navy and the land forces. Take operations of the
+English blockading squadron under Admiral Warren that was sent to
+close up the waters of the Chesapeake. Many were the times that the
+privateers eluded his watch-dogs and sailed in and out through his
+fleet, and more than once did he have a chance to test their metal. The
+schooner _Lottery_, of Baltimore, mounting six guns and having a crew
+numbering but thirty-five, in February, 1813, was attacked by nine
+large British boats containing over two hundred and forty armed men.
+For an hour and a half the privateer stood them off, and before she was
+finally captured, she had killed more of the enemy than her own crew
+numbered! The privateer _Dolphin_, also hailing from Baltimore, was
+taken after the same heroic defence, and Admiral Warren must have found
+such work to be rather uncomfortable experience. The United States
+schooner _Asp_, three guns and twenty-one men, was pursued up a shallow
+creek by a detachment of boats from the English fleet; and, after
+beating off her pursuers for some time, she was taken by superior
+numbers and upon her capture was set on fire. But the Americans, who
+had retreated to shore, returned and succeeded in extinguishing the
+flames and saving their vessel. A remarkable thing in connection with
+the presence of the English fleet in the Chesapeake was the attempt to
+blow up the flagship _Plantagenet_ with a torpedo. The news that
+Americans were working upon such a line of invention had filled the
+English with dread and horror, they declared that any one captured
+while engaged in such a work would be hanged at once without a trial,
+for they denounced such methods of warfare as "crimes against
+humanity." But this did not deter an adventurous projector by the name
+of Mix from trying to rid the bay of its unwelcome visitors. For a long
+time he had been at work perfecting a "new explosive engine of great
+destructive powers," and on the 18th of July, at midnight, he dropped
+down with the tide alone in a small rowboat, and, when within forty
+fathoms of the _Plantagenet_, he put his torpedo into the water with
+the intention of having it drift with the tide athwart the flagship's
+bows. But an alert sentry on one of the guard boats discovered him and
+hailed; Mix drew his infernal machine into his boat and escaped. Every
+night for a week the inventor tried his luck, but was spied before he
+could complete his preparations, and was forced to draw off. But once
+he so frightened the English officers that they made sail and shifted
+their anchorage, and upon another occasion the flagship let go a
+pell-mell broadside, and threw up rockets and blue lights to ascertain
+the whereabouts of the lone adventurer.
+
+On the night of the 24th Mix came very near to accomplishing his
+purpose, and a contemporary printed account gives such a vivid
+description of it that it is well worth quoting: "When within one
+hundred yards the machine was dropped into the water, and at the same
+moment the sentinel cried, 'All's well,' the tide swept it towards the
+vessel, but it exploded a few seconds too soon. A column of water full
+fifty feet in circumference was thrown up thirty or forty feet. Its
+appearance was a vivid red tinged with purple at the sides. The summit
+of the column burst with a tremendous explosion, and fell on the deck
+of the _Plantagenet_ in torrents, while she rolled into the yawning
+chasm below and nearly upset." Then the account shortly remarks, "She,
+however, received but little injury." But this early attempt at waging
+submarine warfare made the British exceedingly weary of anchoring in
+our ports, which was to our advantage.
+
+But to leave this digression and return to the privateers again:
+justice has not been done them, as we have said. But to take the names
+of a few and tell of their experiences is perhaps a good idea. Well
+known were they to the public eighty odd years ago. For instance, the
+schooner _Atlas_, of nineteen guns, that sailed from Philadelphia soon
+after war was declared with England--she was famous! Her captain's name
+was David Moffat, and he was a fearless commander and a "right good
+seaman." The _Chronicle_ and the _Naval Temple_, published in 1816,
+give each a short account of one of his encounters with the enemy; to
+quote from the latter:--
+
+"On the third of August at eight A.M., the _Atlas_ discovered two sail,
+for which she bore away. At eleven o'clock the action was commenced
+with a broadside and musketry. She continued engaged with both ships
+till noon, when the smaller one struck her colors. The _Atlas_ then
+directed the whole of her fire against the large ship, when the small
+one, although her colors were down, renewed her fire on the _Atlas_,
+which had to recommence firing on her; in a few minutes every man was
+driven from her decks. Twenty minutes past twelve the large ship
+struck. Possession was immediately taken of both of them. One proved to
+be the ship _Pursuit_, Captain Chivers, of four hundred and fifty tons,
+sixteen guns, and thirty-five men. The other was the ship _Planter_,
+Captain Frith, of two hundred and eighty tons, twelve guns, and fifteen
+men." They proved to be richly laden, and with both of them in her wake
+the _Atlas_ started for home; she had lost but two men killed and five
+wounded. The _Pursuit_ arrived safe in port on the same day as the
+privateer, but the _Planter_ was recaptured off the cape of the
+Delaware.
+
+The privateer _Decatur_ under command of Captain Divon, after a long
+and severe fight, captured a schooner of the English service that
+mounted fifteen guns--over twice as many as the _Decatur_ carried. The
+_Saratoga_ of New York, Captain Aderton, took the _Morgania_, a British
+packet of eighteen guns, off Surinam, and in the action both vessels
+were nearly dismantled. The _Comet_, of Baltimore, had a running fight
+with three English merchant-men and a Portuguese sloop of war; she beat
+off the latter, who officiously interfered, and compelled all three of
+the Englishmen to strike their colors. The _Young Eagle_ took two
+British ships at once--one quite as large and as powerful as she was.
+The _Montgomery_, Captain Upton of Boston, mounting twelve guns, fought
+yard arm to yard arm with a fine sloop of war belonging to the English
+navy, mounting twenty guns. The _Surinam_, for that was her name, gave
+up the fight, and, much crippled, put in at Barbadoes. They were rare
+good fighters--these privateers.
+
+But perhaps one of the strangest adventures was that of the _Young
+Teazer_--what a saucy, impudent name for a vessel; but, according to
+account, it suited her to a nicety. Captain Dobson of New York was part
+owner and commander, and while cruising off Halifax he was chased by a
+large armed ship, the _Sir John Sherbroke_. As she kept gaining
+steadily, Dobson headed his own vessel straight for Halifax harbor; he
+passed the lighthouse, and as he did so hoisted up English colors over
+the American in order to lead his pursuer to suppose he was an English
+prize. As if in disgust at having wasted so much time, the _Sir John
+Sherbroke_ hove about and put to sea, and as soon as she was at a
+safe distance, Dobson hauled down his misleading colors and did
+likewise, successfully escaping.
+
+The journals of the time are crowded with adventures such as these, and
+the few here referred to have been selected merely at random. But they
+give an idea of the adventurous spirit and daring enterprise of the
+Yankee tars and captains.
+
+
+
+
+On Many Seas.
+
+_THE LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF A YANKEE SAILOR._
+
+
+BY
+
+FREDERICK BENTON WILLIAMS,
+
+
+EDITED BY HIS FRIEND,
+
+WILLIAM STONE BOOTH.
+
+
+12mo. Cloth. $1.50.
+
+
+COMMENTS OF THE PRESS.
+
+"Every line of this hits the mark, and to any one who knows the
+forecastle and its types the picture appeals with the urgency of old
+familiar things. All through his four hundred and more pages he is
+equally unaffected and forcible, equally picturesque. To go through one
+chapter is to pass with lively anticipation to the next. His book is
+destined to be remembered."--_New York Tribune._
+
+"The book reads like a romance, but is at the same time realistic
+history, before which the fancy ships and the fancy sailors of the
+novelist are pale and faded."--_Baltimore Sun._
+
+"The charm of the book is its simplicity and truth. The author, as I
+happen to know, can spin thrilling yarns by the hour, and this book of
+his is simply one long yarn of his life. A seaman every inch of him, he
+writes as only a sailor can. No landsman, no amateur yachtsman, could
+write a book like this. The entire book bears the stamp of truth, and
+in this age of literary shams that is a crowning merit."--_New York
+Herald._
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY,
+
+66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+THE WORKS OF
+
+Captain Marryat.
+
+With an Introduction to each volume by DAVID HANNAY, and 40
+Illustrations by an Eminent Artist.
+
+Printed on Antique Paper, uniformly bound in Cloth. 12mo. $1.50 each.
+
+    JAPHET IN SEARCH OF A FATHER. Illustrated by Henry M. Brock.
+    JACOB FAITHFUL. Illustrated by Henry M. Brock.
+    PETER SIMPLE. Illustrated by J. Ayton Symington.
+    MIDSHIPMAN EASY. Illustrated by Fred Pegram.
+    THE KING'S OWN. Illustrated by F. H. Townsend.
+    THE PHANTOM SHIP. Illustrated by H. R. Millar.
+    POOR JACK. Illustrated by Fred Pegram.
+    SNARLEYYOW. Illustrated by H. R. Millar.
+    MASTERMAN READY. Illustrated by Fred Pegram.
+    FRANK MILDMAY. Illustrated by H. R. Millar.
+    THE PIRATE AND THE THREE CUTTERS. Illustrated by E. J. Sullivan.
+    NEWTON FORSTER. Illustrated by E. J. Sullivan.
+
+                 *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MACMILLAN COMPANY,
+
+66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors: Tales
+of 1812, by James Barnes
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