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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..21f9c16 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63590 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63590) diff --git a/old/63590-0.txt b/old/63590-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a829f8b..0000000 --- a/old/63590-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7667 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Midshipman Merrill, by Henry Harrison Lewis - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this ebook. - -Title: Midshipman Merrill - -Author: Henry Harrison Lewis - -Release Date: November 01, 2020 [EBook #63590] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy of - the Digital Library@Villanova University - (http://digital.library.villanova.edu/)) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL *** - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: “The passengers and crew gave the young hero a rousing -cheer as he sped away.” (See page 45)] - - * * * * * - - - - -Midshipman Merrill - - - BY - HENRY HARRISON LEWIS - - AUTHOR OF - “Centre-Board Jim,” “Ensign Merrill,” etc. - - [Illustration] - - PHILADELPHIA - DAVID MCKAY, PUBLISHER - 610 SOUTH WASHINGTON SQUARE - - * * * * * - -Copyright, 1899, By STREET & SMITH - - * * * * * - -MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL. - - - - -CHAPTER I. THE WRECK OF THE TOY. - - -“There comes that sea cub of Beacon Cliff, mates, so let us clip his -claws.” - -“So say I, mates, for he’s too blue blooded to associate with us, if he -is only a fisher lad.” - -“It’s the living in that old rookery, Cliff Castle, that has turned his -head and made him so conceited.” - -“No, he’s been high-toned ever since he saved that schooner from being -wrecked in Hopeless Haven; but I say let us take him down a peg or two, -mates.” - -“I’m with you.” - -“So am I.” - -“Me, too;” and all of a group of five lads joined in with their leader -to set upon a youth who was just running for the shore in a trim little -surf-skiff with a leg-of-mutton sail. - -The scene was at a small seaport upon the rugged, though beautiful -coast of Maine, and the lads, a wild lot of reckless spirits, -half-sailors, half-landsmen, stood in front of an old-fashioned tavern -fronting the water, and from whence they had sighted the surf-skiff -running swiftly in toward the wharf, and had recognized its occupant, a -lad of sixteen. - -He was neatly dressed in duck pants and a sailor shirt with wide -collar, in each corner of which was embroidered an anchor in blue silk. - -A blue tarpaulin sat jauntily upon his head, giving him something of a -rakish look, and a sash encircled his slender waist. - -But in spite of his rather picturesque attire, he had a face of rare -manliness for one so young, a face that was bronzed by exposure, strong -in character and stamped with resolution and daring beyond his years. - -He ran his little skiff in cleverly alongside the wharf, lowered sail, -and carefully taking up a toy ship, stepped ashore and started toward -the tavern. - -The toy was a miniature ship, fully rigged and under sail, an exquisite -specimen of workmanship, for from keel to truck there was nothing -missing, and every rope and sail, even to a tiny flag, the Stars and -Stripes, was in place. - -He had nearly reached the group of youths, who had threatened to lower -his pride a peg or two, when a seaman met him and called out: - -“Ho, lad, who built that craft you have there?” - -“I did, sir,” was the modest reply. - -“Well, if you did you are a born sailor, that is all, for I never saw -a cleaner built craft, or a better rigged one. Are you a deep water -sailor, my lad?” - -“I have been to sea, sir; but I am only a coaster now.” - -“And what are you going to do with that pretty toy?” - -“I am going to ask landlord Rich of the tavern to buy it of me, sir.” - -“Why do you sell it?” - -The lad’s face flushed, and after a moment he said: - -“Well, sir, my mother is ill, and I wish to have the doctor go and see -her, and sell the ship to get the money to pay him and buy medicines -with.” - -“Well, lad, in spite of your fancy rig, your heart lies in the right -place, I see; but what do you want for the craft?” - -“It ought to be worth fifteen dollars, sir.” - -“It is worth more, and I wish I had the money to buy it; but if the -landlord don’t buy it, I’ll see what I can do.” - -“I thank you, sir,” and the lad was going on, when the group of youths, -who had heard all that had passed, laughed rudely, while one said: “Let -me see your boat, sea cub?” - -The lad’s face flushed, but he knew that the speaker was the son of a -rich shipping merchant of the town, and was a spendthrift, who might -pay him a fancy price for his toy, if he wished to do so, and he, -therefore, handed the ship to him without reply. - -It was the same youth who had suggested to the others to tease the lad, -and looking critically at the ship, he said: - -“It looks fairly well to a landsman, but whoever saw such a rig on a -ship?” - -“And the hull has no shape to it,” said another. - -“Just look at the rake of the masts.” - -“And the cut of her bow.” - -“Whoever saw such a stern on anything but a mudscow.” - -“If you do not wish to purchase the boat, Scott Clemmons, give it back -to me,” said Mark Merrill, suppressing his anger. - -“I’ll buy her, if she can stand a cyclone, sea cub,” said Scott -Clemmons insolently. - -“Let’s see if she can, Scott,” another said. - -“All right, Birney, hold out your arm.” - -The youth addressed held his arms out firmly on a level, and whirling -suddenly around, with the boat grasped in both hands, he brought it -with full force close to the deck against the outstretched arms of Ben -Birney. - -The result was the wreck of the toy ship, for the masts were broken, -the decks swept clean. - -But quickly as the act had been done, the movements of the young sailor -were quicker, for once, twice, his blows fell full in the faces of the -two destroyers, and they dropped their length upon the pavement. - - - - -CHAPTER II. THE ARREST. - - -The three youths of the group who had not taken a hand in the -destruction of the toy ship had seemed at first to regret their -inability to also fret the young sailor; but the moment that the two -ringleaders, Scott Clemmons and Ben Birney, had measured their length -upon the ground, falling with a force that seemed to knock the breath -out of them for a moment, the trio appeared delighted that they had no -hand in the breaking of the little miniature ship, and stepped quickly -backward out of reach of the dangerous arm of Mark Merrill. - -But Scott Clemmons was not one to submit tamely to a blow, and with his -face bruised by a severe contact with the fist of the sailor lad, he -arose to his feet, and whipping out his knife rushed upon his foe with -a bitter oath, and the threat: - -“I’ll have your life for that blow, sea cub!” - -Mark Merrill had boldly stood his ground, but seeing his danger he -quickly stooped, seized the hull of his broken boat, and with a -lightning-like movement brought it down upon the head of his assailant -with a force that appeared to kill him, so motionless he lay where he -fell. - -“Come, mates, he has killed Scott Clemmons, so seize him!” shouted Ben -Birney, and he sprung toward the lad, followed by the other three who -were made bold by their numbers. - -The sailor lad stood at bay now, his face pale, but stern and -determined, his eyes ablaze, while in his hands he grasped the hull of -his now badly-wrecked ship, making it serve as a weapon of defense. - -But ere Ben Birney had reached within arm’s length a form suddenly -sprung forward, and a ringing voice cried: - -“Back, you young cutthroats, for I’ll take a hand in this unequal game.” - -The four youths shrank back as though they had run against a stone -wall, for the sailor who had addressed Mark Merrill upon landing now -confronted them, and more, he held a revolver in his hand, the muzzle -covering the group, his finger upon the trigger. - -A crowd had now gathered, and among them the village constable, to whom -Ben Birney cried: - -“Officer Roe, that fisher boy has killed Scott Clemmons--we saw him do -it.” - -“It isn’t so, officer, for the fellow is not dead, only stunned; and, -besides, he attacked this brave lad with a knife, after the young -scamps had smashed his boat to pieces. Arrest them, I say,” said the -sailor. - -Constable Roe was a politician, and owed his place to the influence of -the fathers of Scott Clemmons and Ben Birney, so, of course, he saw the -situation through the spectacles of self-interest. - -The sailor was a stranger in town, and Mark Merrill was but a poor -fisher lad, so he said: - -“He meant to kill young Master Scott, if he didn’t do it, so I’ll -arrest him, and I’ll take you in, too, as I saw you level a loaded -pistol at these young men.” - -The sailor laughed, and answered: - -“You old fool, the weapon was just bought uptown, and there’s no load -in it; but trot me off to the lockup if you wish, only let this poor -lad go, as he has come for a doctor to see his sick mother.” - -“No, I’ll lock you both up, I guess, if the judge has left his -court--oh! Master Scott, you have come round, I see,” and the constable -turned to Scott Clemmons, who just then arose to his feet, but with his -face bleeding, and a dazed look in his eyes. - -“He tried to murder me, Roe,” he said deliberately. - -“The young scamp lies like a marine, for he tried to do the murdering; -but take us to the judge, officer, who, I guess, has got more sense -than you have,” and the sailor laughed. - -The angry constable grasped an arm of the sailor and the lad, and with -a crowd at their heels led them away toward the court, in the rear of -which was the jail. - -The judge had just finished his last case for the day, but took his -seat, willing to hear the case, for he heard several remark that it was -nothing but persecution. - -The constable made his report, and the sailor told his story just as he -had witnessed it, Mark Merrill remaining silent and calm until called -upon to testify. - -Then he told his version of the affair in an unmoved, dignified manner -that impressed all, adding: - -“If I am to be punished, your honor, I beg of you to accept my pledge -to return, after I have sent a physician to my mother.” - -Paying no attention to this remark the judge asked: - -“Are there any witnesses in court who are willing to testify in favor -of these two prisoners?” - -“I am, Judge Miller, if you will accept me as a witness, for I saw and -heard all.” - -All started as a clear, sweet voice came from the rear of the crowd, -and there appeared a young girl of fourteen, her beautiful face -crimsoned from the glances turned upon her, but her manner firm and -half-defiant. - -“Ah! Miss Virgene, it is you, is it? Yes, indeed, I’ll accept your -testimony with pleasure,” was the pleasant response of the judge, and -the crowd fell aside to allow the pretty maiden to go to the front. - - - - -CHAPTER III. THE GIRL WITNESS. - - -Virgene Rich was the beauty of the little seaport town of B----, -notwithstanding that she had only been a couple of years across the -threshold of her “teens.” - -She was the daughter of landlord Rich, of the “Anchorage Tavern,” and -every one in B---- loved her, especially the lads. - -Her most persistent admirer was Scott Clemmons, though he could not -boast of having been more favored by her than others. - -Now, as he saw her advance as a witness, his face paled and flushed by -turns, for what would she, a girl, have to say of a quarrel among men, -he wondered. - -“Well, Miss Virgene, do you voluntarily appear in this case?” asked the -judge, with a kindly smile. - -“I do, Judge Miller, because I deem it my duty to do so, for if not -I would not make myself appear so forward,” was the low yet distinct -response. - -“Kiss the Book then, Miss Virgene, and let me hear what you have to -say.” - -The girl obeyed, and then said in a voice that not one failed to hear: - -“I was seated in my room, sir, over the tavern parlor when I saw a -surf-skiff running for shore, and noticed it particularly on account of -its being so well handled. - -“Right beneath stood five young men, whom I see here now. Scott -Clemmons recognized the occupant of the skiff, that youth there, whose -name I believe is Mark Merrill. - -“A plan was at once formed, as they expressed it, to ‘clip the sea -cub’s claws,’ and as Master Merrill landed they went toward him. - -“He had a toy ship in his hand, and I heard him tell a sailor, this -gentleman here, who met him, that he intended to sell it to my father, -as he had to get money to send the doctor to his mother, who was very -ill. - -“Then these five young gentlemen,” and Virgene’s sarcastic reference to -them made the five youths wince, “met Master Mark Merrill, and at once -began to sneer at his boat, and Scott Clemmons took it from him, asking -if it could stand a cyclone. - -“Then Scott Clemmons bade Ben Birney hold out his arms, which he did, -and turning quickly with the boat at a level, he crushed it into a -wreck.” - -A murmur ran through the crowd at this, and the accused did not like -the look upon the face of the judge as he said: - -“Well, Miss Virgene, what else?” - -“Why, Master Merrill at once knocked both Scott Clemmons and Ben Birney -down, as he ought to have done, Judge Miller,” was the spirited reply -of the young girl. - -“I agree with you, Miss Virgene--ahem! ahem!” and the judge cut off his -own decided unjudicial expression of his private opinion with a loud -cough. - -Resuming her testimony, Virgene Rich said: - -“Scott Clemmons rose quickly, sir, and drawing a knife, rushed upon -Master Merrill with a threat to kill him, when he was struck a blow -with the hull of the wrecked boat that stunned him.” - -“The prisoner, Mark Merrill, struck the blow?” - -“Yes, Judge Miller, in self-defense; and the others then, led by Ben -Birney, were about to spring upon him, when this gentleman frightened -them off with what seems was an unloaded weapon,” and Virgene’s musical -laughter was contagious, for many joined in until the judge, checking -the broad grin upon his own face, commanded sternly: - -“Silence in court!” - -The judge was a terror to evil-doers, and was obeyed with alacrity, -while Virgene went on to tell the story of the constable’s arrest of -the wrong parties. - -“Constable Roe, you should not allow self-interest to lead you into -error, sir, for the real culprits before me are Scott Clemmons, Ben -Birney, _et al._ - -“Miss Virgene, I thank you for your clear testimony of the facts, and -discharge the accused, while I order the arrest of these young men, and -shall bind them over to keep the peace, while you, Clemmons, must at -once pay this youth for his boat, or I shall send you to jail.” - -Then, turning to Mark Merrill, Judge Miller asked: - -“Are you the lad who saved a schooner from being wrecked in Hopeless -Haven some months ago?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“I am glad to know you, my lad, for you took desperate chances for your -own life to save others from death. Ah, Mr. Clemmons, you are here, I -suppose, to pay your son’s just debt to this brave youth, and to offer -bail for your boy, who can congratulate himself upon his escaping so -lightly,” and Judge Miller turned to a fine-looking old gentleman who -had entered court, hearing his son had been arrested. - -“I am here, your honor, to do what is right,” was the cold response of -merchant Clemmons. - -“He ought to have fifty dollars for the boat, for it was worth it,” -said the sailor bluntly. - -“No, my price was only fifteen dollars, and I would not take that from -him were it not for my mother’s being ill,” said Mark Merrill. - -The amount was paid by merchant Clemmons, and Mark Merrill hastened -from the court room, accompanied by his newly-made friend, Jack Judson, -sailor. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. THE DWELLERS IN “SPOOK HALL.” - - -The youth, accompanied by Jack Judson, the sailor, walked hastily up -the main street of the little town, until he came to a fine residence, -before which hung a sign bearing the legend: - - “DR. STONE’S OFFICE.” - -The physician had just returned home, and coming by the court room had -heard the story of the affray, and from one who had sided with the -sailor lad in the affair. - -He heard Mark’s story of his mother’s illness, and at once said he -would drive down that evening, and received his fee in advance, which -he made exceedingly modest. - -With a happy heart the lad then went to a store and made a few -purchases, after which he said: - -“Now, sir, I must take time to go and thank that pretty young girl for -her kindness.” - -“Well, I just think so, lad, for she’s one among a thousand,” answered -Jack Judson, and the two went to “The Anchorage” and asked to see Miss -Virgene Rich. - -But that young lady saw them coming, suspected their errand, and ran -off to the garret and hid, so they were told that she must have gone -out. - -“That’s too bad, lad; but you’ll find her in port some time; but, see -here, it’s blowing a gale, and you cannot start home now.” - -“Oh, yes, sir; for it would worry my mother more for me not to go.” - -“Go by land?” - -“It’s a walk of fifteen miles, and only a sail of twelve, while the -wind is fair for me.” - -“If my craft was not going out in the morning I’d go with you, for you -are going to have it rough, lad.” - -“I don’t mind that, sir, for my craft is a surf-skiff, and I know how -to handle her.” - -“I saw that as you came in, my boy; but if you must go I won’t detain -you, so good-by, and don’t you forget that Jack Judson is your friend.” - -“I’ll remember you, sir, you may be sure,” was the reply, and five -minutes after the surf-skiff cast off and started upon her really -perilous voyage. - -The sailor watched her departure, as many others did, and shook his -head ominously, while Virgene Rich, having returned to her room, stood -in the window, and her innocent young face wore an anxious look as -she saw the little craft driving swiftly into the heavy seas on her -dangerous run. - -In half an hour the surf-skiff was out of sight to the watchers, and -soon after rounded a point of land where it felt the full force of the -winds and waves. - -But Mark Merrill showed his claim to the title he had won as the boy -pilot of the coast, and though the shadows of night fell upon the -waters, seemed to instinctively know his way over the tempestuous sea. - -At length a light gleamed from a cliff far ahead, and the young sailor -said aloud: - -“Bless my dear, good mother! she has set the lamp in the south window, -sick as she is, to guide me home, and it shows me that I was a trifle -off my course.” - -On sped the little craft, held firmly to her work until she ran in -under the shelter of a lofty overhanging cliff. - -The sail was quickly lowered, the painter made fast, and springing -ashore, his arms full of the purchases he had made, Mark Merrill -hastened to climb a steep path leading to the cliff above. - -Here stood a large stone mansion, dark and gloomy, except in one end, -where there was a light, the one which had flashed over the waters as a -beacon to guide the brave boy to a haven of safety. - -Entering the wing the lad passed into a large room where a woman lay -upon a large old-fashioned bed. - -Her face was a sad one, and her eyes were sunk with suffering, but she -smiled as she beheld her son, who advanced and, bending over, kissed -her forehead. - -“The doctor will be down to-night, mother, for he knows the way well, -having attended the Vanloo family when they lived here.” - -“Heaven bless you, my noble boy; but what a rough night it is, and my -anxiety for you has made me feel better, for I forgot myself.” - -“Oh! you’ll soon come round all right, mother,” was the hopeful reply. - -“But Mark, how can you pay the doctor, for my illness has kept you from -making any money of late.” - -“I sold my little model, mother, for I was tired of it, you know.” - -“No, I don’t know anything of the kind, Mark, for you prized it most -highly, and it took you a long time to make it.” - -“Why, mother, it was no use, and I got a good price for it, so paid the -doctor and bought some things we needed, and old Peggy will be back -to-morrow, so that I can take a cruise and make some money.” - -“I hope so, my son, and Peggy never overstays her time; but I hear -wheels without.” - -“It is the doctor,” joyously said the lad. - -It was the doctor, and he found the patient suffering from a general -breaking down. - -He prescribed what he deemed best, left the medicines, and as the youth -followed him to his carriage, said: - -“Your mother has some sorrow to bear, my young friend, and she must -have perfect rest, the best of care, and good food.” - -“My old nurse, sir, Peggy, will return to-morrow, for she has been -absent for a few weeks on a yearly visit to her son, and my mother has -overworked herself, I fear.” - -“Well, I will see her again, and I understand your situation -exactly--nay, do not get angry, for I will have my way, and all your -mother needs she shall have, and when you make money you can repay me, -for I shall keep an account of expenditures. - -“But your mother has some heartache, and you must brighten her life all -you can. - -“I visited the Vanloo’s when they dwelt here--where is the heir to this -property?” - -“I do not know, sir; but the agent gave us permission to occupy one -wing of it to care for the place.” - -“He might well do so, for money would buy no one else to live here -after the tragedies this old mansion has seen. - -“You and your mother are brave, indeed, to dwell here; but good-night,” -and the good physician entered his carriage and drove rapidly away -from the old mansion, which had become known as “Spook Hall,” for the -superstitious country folk and the coast dwellers vowed that the place -was haunted--and certainly it was by cruel memories of red deeds done -there one stormy night years before. - - - - -CHAPTER V. A BOLD RESOLVE. - - -It was several weeks after the attack on Mark Merrill, on his visit to -the town of B---- after the doctor, and Mrs. Merrill had regained her -health, old Peggy had returned to her duties, and the young sailor lad -was thus able to resume his fishing and carrying the mail each week to -and from several little hamlets on the coast. - -By the sale of his fish and the mail carrying, both most dangerous work -in rough weather, the lad made a fair living for his mother, old Peggy, -and himself, the only three dwellers in the once grand old mansion -of Cliff Castle, then the wonder and admiration of the country folk, -but for years left deserted and crumbling to decay, its hundreds of -surrounding acres allowed to grow up with weeds and undergrowth. - -The furniture all had been left after the fateful tragedy beneath its -roof, which had gained for it the name of Spook Hall, and the place had -been shunned as a pestilence, until the moving into one wing of the -Merrills, who had set at defiance the weird stories of the old mansion. - -There was an unsolved mystery hanging over the Merrills, for no one -seemed to know who they were, or from whence they had come. - -The lad had visited B---- as one of a schooner’s crew, and not long -after had come with his mother and Peggy, and sought a home in a cabin -on the shore. - -After a run to Boston, where he had seen the agent of Cliff Castle, he -had permission to move into the mansion, and for over a year they had -dwelt there, and that was all that was known of them. - -At the risk of his life the brave boy had gone out in a storm one night -and acted as pilot to a schooner that was in a dangerous anchorage, and -this had won him fame along the coast, and the name of the boy pilot. - -Again, he had sailed out in his surf-skiff to a vessel adrift, and -found it utterly deserted, so had gotten up sail, as well as he could, -and run the craft to a safe anchorage. - -He had given notice of the fact, but no one had come to claim the -pretty craft, which was a small schooner yacht, and Mark had begun to -regard her as his own property. - -One afternoon he was standing upon the cliff watching the coming up of -what threatened to be a terrible storm. - -The whole heavens to seaward were one mass of inky clouds, which were -rising higher and higher, and ominous rumblings of thunder and vivid -flashes of lightning grew louder and brighter as the tempest came -sweeping on. - -From his position on the cliff he could look down into two basins, or -bays. - -In one lay the little schooner at anchor, and all ship-shape to meet -the coming tempest, and there, too, was his surf-skiff with a couple of -boats drawn up on the beach. - -The entrance to this bay was winding and dangerous in the extreme, but -these very dangers of running in and out made it more sheltered and -secure as a harbor. - -The bay upon the other side of the cliff was larger and by no means -well sheltered from a wild sea, though to an ordinary observer it -appeared to be a safe anchorage for a vessel. - -The lad stood upon a rock overhanging the sea, and commanding a grand -view, seemingly unconscious that a false step would hurl him into the -waters eighty feet below. - -Suddenly he started, for around a point of land heavily wooded a vessel -came in sight, driving along under reefed sails before the breeze which -was the forerunner of the storm. - -“It is one of those beautiful yachts out of Boston; but there can be no -pilot on board, or he would have run into Rover’s Roost. - -“Why does she not stand out to sea for good room?” said the lad -anxiously. - -Then he watched the vessel attentively, a large schooner yacht of some -two hundred tons burden, painted white, which was driving along like a -huge thing of life seeking a place of refuge from the storm. - -“Great Cæsar’s ghost! she is running into Hopeless Haven in the very -teeth of this storm. She will be wrecked!” and the boy’s voice now rang -out in dire alarm for the safety of the beautiful vessel. - -He saw her run, to what her skipper evidently believed a safe -anchorage; the anchors were let fall and the sails furled. - -Then Mark Merrill waited no longer, for from his lips came the words: - -“She is doomed unless I can save her! I have no time to get my boat and -run around the point, for the storm would catch me halfway--yes, I must -take the chances and swim out to her!” - -He paused for a few seconds, as though taking in the whole situation, -and then quickly ran around the edge of the cliff to where there was a -small arbor, in the top of which had been a beacon in the early days -of the mansion. - -Quickly divesting himself of his jacket, shoes, stockings and hat, he -began to descend the steep side of the cliff with the agility of a cat. - -He reached within twenty feet of the water’s edge, and turning, gazed -first out at the yacht, half a mile distant, and then down into the -surf, dashing with thunderous roar against the base of the cliff. - -“Now for it!” and as the words left his lips Mark Merrill made the -fateful spring into the surging breakers on his daring swim out to the -yacht in the face of the coming storm. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. THE BOY PILOT. - - -The schooner yacht Midshipman was on a pleasure cruise of several weeks -with a distinguished party on board. - -She was a large, roomy and stanch craft, as well as carrying the -champion colors as a racer, won in showing a clean pair of heels to the -fleet pleasure boats when a cup or purse was at stake. - -Her distinguished owner, a millionaire Bostonian, had invited a -congenial party to become his guests for a cruise from Fortress Monroe -along the coast to the St. Lawrence and back to Newport, and among the -guests were several who had won fame in the history of their country in -civil and military life. - -The Honorable Secretary of the United States Navy, gallant Commodore -Lucien, and several others of lesser note, accompanied by half a dozen -ladies, comprised the guests of General Peyton on the Midshipman. - -The cruise had been greatly enjoyed, and the prow of the yacht had been -turned homeward, when suddenly came up from out of the very sea, it -seemed, the black and ugly storm. - -The ladies implored the skipper to head for the shore, to seek refuge -in some harbor, though he urged, as he knew little of the coast just -there, the open sea was the safer. - -“We will find some harbor, captain, so run in, where you deem best,” -General Peyton had said, for he did not like the looks of the heavens, -and night not far off. - -Around a point swept the yacht, and a cry of joy came from many lips at -what appeared to be a safe anchorage before them. - -Into the bay ran the Midshipman, and quickly her anchors were let go, -her sails furled, and all made ship-shape to meet the rising tempest, -which was growing appalling in its magnitude and blackness. - -“I don’t like this place, sir, and we had better fire a gun to bring a -pilot off in case we have to stand out,” said the skipper to General -Peyton. - -“Do so, if you deem best, captain; but see, yonder stands some one upon -that cliff.” - -All eyes were turned upon the cliff, and they wondered to see the form -of a man running at full speed along the edge of the towering rocks. - -He darted into an arbor, and in a short while reappeared, and then his -actions caused still greater surprise, for he was seen to come boldly -down the rocky face of the cliff toward the sea. - -All watched with deepest interest, momentarily forgetting the storm in -their wonderment at the actions of the one on the cliff. - -Suddenly a cry broke from every lip, for the form was seen to suddenly -spring into the foaming waters. - -The ladies turned their faces away in awe, the men watched the waters -where the form had disappeared, for it seemed that the fate of the -stranger was ominous of their own. - -Suddenly from the inky clouds, trailing over the sea to break upon the -stone-bound coast, came a blinding sheet of livid flame, followed by a -crash of thunder that vibrated through the yacht from stem to stern. - -In the lull that followed came a voice out upon the waters: - -“Ahoy! ahoy, the yacht!” - -It was faint, but distinct, and all heard it. - -“Ahoy! ahoy! the yacht, ahoy!” came the hail louder than before. - -Brave men looked at each other with something like awe in their faces, -until General Peyton cried: - -“It is the man who sprang from the cliff!” - -“He is swimming out to us, brave fellow that he is.” - -Seizing his trumpet he shouted back: - -“Ay! ay! my man, I’ll send a boat for you!” - -“No! no! I am all right, but your vessel is not. Get up your anchors, -and set sail!” - -There was no mistaking these cool words, and a voice cried: - -“I see him!” - -There, out upon the waters, swimming with powerful, rapid strokes -toward the yacht could be seen, every moment as he rose on the crest of -a wave, our bold young swimmer. - -A cheer broke from the crew forward, and was echoed by the guests aft. - -But again came from the daring young swimmer: - -“You have no time to lose; get sail on your yacht and your anchors up, -for this bay is a death-trap!” - -The skipper was a man of quick action, and the warning from the swimmer -but carried out his own ideas, and he sent his crew flying to their -posts, while General Peyton stood by to throw a line to the one who was -now but a few yards away. - -A minute more, and amid a ringing cheer the bold swimmer stood upon the -deck, a handsome, fearless-faced youth, bareheaded, barefooted, and -clad only in duck pants and sailor shirt. - -“Well, young man, who are you who so bravely boards my craft almost in -mid-ocean?” cried General Peyton, as all gazed with admiration upon the -lad. - -The response came bluntly: - -“I am not here, sir, to speak of myself, but to pilot your vessel to a -safe harbor, for you are in Hopeless Haven, and yonder storm will wreck -you here.” - -“Hopeless Haven is it, my lad? Then are you a hundred times welcome, -and to one who has your nerve I gladly yield the craft,” said Captain -Saunders hastily, and Mark Merrill stepped to the wheel just as the -anchors left the bottom, and the reefed sails went to leeward with a -jerk under a sudden squall. - -But the boy pilot was unmoved, and, declining a glass of liquor brought -to him by the steward, at General Peyton’s order, bent his every energy -upon his work, for now the rushing, furious storm was coming down in -an avalanche of winds and waves, and a roaring and flaming like unto a -mighty battle. - -As though wild with fear the yacht drove furiously on, heading to round -the rocky reef off the cliff, her crew at their posts, the guests -crouched in the companionway and cock-pit, and all eyes alternately -turned upon the young pilot, calm and fearless, and the storm so near -upon them. - -It seemed like a mad race for life, for the boy pilot had said: - -“Anchors will not hold on this bottom, and we must round that reef to -reach safety.” - -At last the order came in the boy’s clear voice: - -“Slack off the sheets! steady now! hold hard all!” - -And with the orders the howling storm was upon them, and the gallant -yacht went driving ahead with furious speed, with all about her now -darkness and chaos. - -How he knew his way, all asked, none knew, but his orders came steadily -to haul taunt, or slack off sheets, until suddenly the giant waves -ceased to follow, the wind was broken by the lofty cliff, and the -anchors were let go in the secure haven of Beacon Cliff. - -The first one to grasp the hand of the brave lad was the Secretary of -the Navy, and his voice had a tremor in it as he said: - -“My young friend, your courage this day has won your right to -serve your country in a position of honor, and I pledge for you an -appointment-at-large from the President of the berth of a cadet -midshipman.” - - - - -CHAPTER VII. THE CADET MIDSHIPMAN. - - -The day of work was at hand at the United States Naval Academy, -situated in that quaint, sleepy old town of Annapolis, whose greatest -attractions are its antiquity and its sea school. - -The time had come when the “future admirals,” the “heroes in embryo” -were to cease their flirting and “bone” with all their hearts and heads -in latitudes, longitudes, parallelograms, tonnage, displacement, and -all the other studies necessary to make the greenhorn a perfect sailor. - -The middies had returned from their summer cruise, the “academy” had -awakened from its lazy slumber of weeks, and all were looking forward -to the year before them with varied feelings of hopes and fears. - -Those who had already served one or more terms at the academy felt -their superiority unquestioned to the unfortunate “Plebe,” who was -standing upon the threshold in fear and trembling of what was before -him. - -Standing on the sea-wall of the academy grounds one afternoon a -month or more after the bold act of Mark Merrill in saving the yacht -Midshipman from destruction in Hopeless Haven, on the coast of Maine, -were a number of middies, unmindful of the beauties of the scene about -them, the old training ship with its history of the past, waters of -the Severn lashed into foam under a gale that was blowing up the -Chesapeake, visible over a league away, tossing in angry billows, -a vessel of war anchored off in midstream, and the ancient town of -Annapolis to the right, with its fleet of oyster boats fretting -their cables as they plunged and reeled on the incoming waves--I say -unmindful of the scene about them, the group of young sailors had -their eyes riveted upon a small schooner which had shot around Bay -Ridge Point at a tremendous speed, jibed her sails to starboard most -skillfully, though she reeled low under the shock, and came tearing up -to the town in gallant style. - -“There’s a bold skipper at the helm of that craft,” said Cadet Captain -Byrd Bascomb, of the first class, with the air of one whose superior -knowledge no one could contradict. - -“He is too bold, for he carries too much sail for safety,” Midshipman -Herbert Nazro responded, for he observed that the little schooner was -carrying only a single-reefed mainsail. - -“She’s one of those deep-keeled yachts that can stand her canvas,” -Cadet Lieutenant Frank Latrobe added. - -“Yes, and her foolhardy skipper will carry the sticks out of her yet -before she reaches port,” put in Midshipman Winslow Dillingham. - -“I guess he knows his craft; if he does not, he’s a fool,” was the -decided opinion of Midshipman Harbor Driggs. - -“Ha! what did I tell you?” cried Captain Byrd Bascomb, as a terrific -squall struck the little vessel, causing her to lay over until her keel -was visible. - -“Aha! well done that!” - -“Wasn’t it beautiful!” - -“That skipper knows himself and his ship, too!” - -Such were the admiring expressions that went up from the crowd of young -sailors as the yacht was splendidly rescued from her danger and sent -along, as before, in the same rushing style by her bold helmsman. - -“Ah! he is heading for an anchorage off here!” said Cadet Captain Byrd -Bascomb, as the schooner’s sheets were eased off and her prow headed -away before the wind. - -On she flew, at the same mad speed, reeling, staggering, rolling, until -her boom ends dipped, but held on unswervingly straight toward the -vessel-of-war anchored off the grounds in the Levern River. - -“By Neptune’s beard, men, but that is a youngster at the helm of that -craft,” cried Byrd Bascomb, as he put his glass to his eye. - -It was not long before all could discover the truth of this, and that -three men were all else to be seen upon the deck of the schooner, one -of these forward, another at the foresheet halyards, the third at the -main sheet. - -Like a rocket she sped under the stern of the vessel-of-war, and then -there came an order from the helmsman, the sheets were hauled in and -made fast, and luffing up sharp, the anchor was let fall, the sails -came down on a run, and ten minutes after a boat left her side and -pulled for the shore. - -The cadets lounged up to meet the single occupant of the little boat, -which was a surf-skiff, and though tossed about upon the waves, was -handled with a skill which caused the middies to set the rower down as -a master of the oars. - -The oarsman sprang ashore, touched his hat politely, and asked nobody -in particular: - -“May I ask where I will find the commandant of the Naval School?” - -Then the innate deviltry of the juvenile tar asserted itself, and a -look of mischief flashed from eye to eye, a sort of telegraphy, which -said: - -“Here’s fun for us.” - -They saw before them a bronze-faced youth of seventeen, perhaps, with a -splendidly knit frame, clad in spotless duck trousers, a sailor shirt, -beneath the wide collar of which a black silk scarf was knotted, and a -tarpaulin cocked on the side of his head in a kind of devil-I-care way. - -“Have you the oysters the commandant ordered?” asked Midshipman -Dillingham, with a look of intense innocence. - -The dark face of the young sailor flushed, but he responded with -dignity: - -“My name is Mark Merrill, and I have orders to report here to be -examined for the berth of midshipman in the United States Navy.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. A RUMOR AFLOAT. - - -There was quite a stir at the naval school, for a strange rumor was -afloat. - -“Some one” had said that one of the officers had said that there was to -be a new cadet at the academy, appointed under peculiar circumstances; -that is, he had no political status environing him. - -He was to come bearing no congressman’s brand, and no partisan -motive had prompted the President to appoint him as a “cadet -midshipman-at-large.” The reason of his appointment was what had leaked -out through this mysterious “some one.” - -The rumor afloat had it that the newcomer had done some meritorious act -which deserved recognition from the government, and he had received his -orders to report at the naval academy. - -What this gallant service was no one seemed to know, but, of course, -all would discover as soon as the honored youth arrived at the academy, -as he would be only too anxious to tell of his deeds of heroism. - -The rumor also had it that the youth was a specimen of the _genus homo_ -from the coast of Maine, and a fisher lad from the State which in the -past has so justly won the title of “Nursery of the Navy.” - -Of course the blue bloods among the cadet midshipmen had their opinions -as to what a fisher lad from the coast of Maine would be like. - -Hardly setting him down as being like the earlier Florida coasters, -half-horse, half-alligator, they still supposed that he must be a -long-pointed, two-headed, web-footed, uncouth specimen of a youth who, -if he passed the surgeon for height, chest measure and perfect health, -would do so through a hope that he could in time be built up into a -man, while, when the examining committee ran afoul of him with what the -old farmer called the Three R’s--“Reading, ’Riting and ’Rithmetic”--the -youth from Maine would haul down his colors at the first fire. - -Human nature is said to be the same the world over, and certainly -boy nature is. The only safety-valve a boy has for his extra flow of -spirits is mischief, and young tars and soldier lads are certainly no -exception to the rule, but, on the contrary, more given to pranks than -other youths, on account of their severe training, for their fun must -break forth when discipline unbends for hours of leisure. - -With this homily upon my young friends, gleaned from having been “one -of the same,” I will state that there were great expectations among -the boy tars at the naval academy as to the newcomers in their midst, -especially regarding the lad from Maine. - -They longed to have him pass the doctors and the examining committee, -for that would give them a chance, and several regretted that they did -not know where to find him, that they might post him a little, “get the -moss off his back,” as one mildly expressed it. - -There were other appointees to arrive, of course, but the interest of -these ancient mariners who had already served one or more years at the -academy centered in the youth who was to come under circumstances out -of the usual routine, a simple appointment by the congressman of his -district. - -The men of the third class were more particularly interested in the -newcomers, as they had so lately been in the same predicament, while -the older cadets of the second and first classes looked down with -supreme contempt upon the “cubs,” only worthy of their attention if any -fun could be gotten out of them. - -So a detail was made to keep an eye upon the entrance gate to the -academy grounds, where a marine and his musket constantly paced, for -the arrival of the cubs, especially the lad from Maine. - -The new appointees began to arrive on time, pale, nervous, and with -forebodings of the future, some of them having read or heard that young -gulls were plucked of their feathers by those who had risen to the -height of sea eagles. - -There was legendary lore on tap that new boys who ran the gauntlet of -the sawbones and examiners were then taken in hand for instruction by -the cadets by a process called hazing. - -Now, the new men held somewhat of a hazy view of what hazing was -exactly, as, though it was fun for the hazers, it might be death to the -hazed, and they stood more in awe of their learned companions-to-be -than they did of the commandant and his whole crew of professors. - -And they were right, as many a man can testify to-day. - -One by one the new men arrived at Annapolis, and turned their uneasy -footsteps in the direction of the mecca of their hopes and fears. - -They passed by the grim sentinel at the gate, and he knew them at a -glance, try as they might to disguise their identity as appointees. - -They went, according to orders, to report to the commandant, passed -that ordeal, and faced another in the surgeon, who was all business, -and as merciless as a guillotine. - -Then they had reason to regret that they had not studied harder at -school and played less, that they had not realized that spelling, -reading, and a few other things were necessary to education. - -Their handwriting was a scrawl which horrified them, and their pride -took a tumble under the inquisition of an examination that shattered -their vanity to atoms. - -Some of them were undoubtedly greenhorns, others were city boys, with -an air of assurance which the first broadside of their judges laid low, -and others were quiet, diffident fellows, with the look about them to -go in and win. - -And while the cadets were watching and waiting for the coming of the -lad appointed for meritorious services, they became interested in the -splendid handling of a schooner rushing into port in a gale, and to -their amazement the one at the helm landed and announced himself as: - -“Mark Merrill, the man from Maine.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX. GOING ASHORE. - - -Leaving Mark Merrill facing the crowd of midshipmen who met him as he -landed, I will ask my reader to return with me until I explain the fact -of his arrival as helmsman of a schooner yacht, and his appointment to -a cadetship in the naval school. - -It will be remembered that he had saved the yacht, by a strange -coincidence bearing the name of Midshipman, and this every one on board -realized. - -He had driven her through a dangerous channel, with reefs on every -hand, in the darkness and storm, standing coolly at his post and -issuing his orders in a voice that was firm and commanding, until he -had brought her into a basin as quiet as a mill pond, and said: - -“Let go the anchor!” - -The storm still raged outside, the waves thundered against the rocky -shore, and the winds howled among the pines that crowned the hilltops. - -But the yacht rocked gently upon the swell that was driven in through -the narrow channel; there was plenty of water beneath her keel, and -though lofty, vine-clad cliffs were above them upon all sides, the crew -knew that their vessel was safe. - -Realizing this, all the guests had gone into the large and brilliantly -lighted cabin, and thither General Peyton had followed with the young -pilot. - -The youth had urged against it, saying that he was wet, barefooted, -and hardly more than half-dressed, but General Peyton had said: - -“The Secretary of the Navy wishes to see you.” - -Standing in his wet clothing before that august group gathered there, -Mark Merrill was modest of mien, yet not abashed. - -“You wished to see me, sir?” he said, bowing to the Secretary. - -“Yes, my lad, sit down.” - -“Ah, sir, I am not fit to be here, looking as I do; and I am anxious to -return home, as my mother will be expecting me.” - -“You live near here, then?” - -“Yes, sir, upon the cliff.” - -“And you have a mother living?” - -“Yes, sir, she is all I have, except old Peggy, for my father was lost -at sea.” - -“And what is your calling, my lad?” - -“I fish for the market boats, and then I carry the mail once each week -along the coast.” - -“In a boat, of course?” - -“Yes, sir, in my surf-skiff.” - -“Do you get liberal pay for this work, may I ask?” - -“Not very, sir, for with the mail carrying and my fish-selling I -average about fifty dollars a month.” - -“But your mother has other means of support?” - -“No, sir; we pay no rent, as we live in Cliff Castle free for keeping -it, and I have a good garden, and there is plenty of game and fish for -the shooting and catching.” - -“What do you do when it storms too hard to carry the mail?” - -“I always go, sir, for my skiff is a lifeboat, and stands any weather.” - -“How did you manage to come out to our aid?” - -“I was on the cliff, sir, watching the storm, and saw you round the -point and run for an anchorage. I know that anchors will not hold on -the bottom of Hopeless Haven, and the currents in the bay make the sea -very wild, so I determined to go out and pilot you into Cliff Castle -harbor.” - -“And swam out to us in the face of that storm?” - -“Well, sir, I had not time to go to the bay and run out in my skiff, -so I slipped down the bluff and jumped in, for it was not a very long -swim, sir.” - -“Well, I should call it a very remarkable swim, my lad, and I regard -you as a phenomenal young sailor. We all owe you our lives, I feel -assured, and I shall beg of the President a naval cadetship for you. We -have raised a purse, which we ask you to accept, with our best wishes -for your future success.” - -The dark face of Mark Merrill flushed as with shame, while he said, -quickly: - -“Oh, sir, I cannot accept money from you, though I thank you all. I -would not touch a dollar of money for what I did if I was starving, but -I will appreciate your kind promise to make me a midshipman, and it -seems too much to hope for, sir.” - -“I will not urge the acceptance of the purse, my brave boy, if you do -not wish it, and I pledge you the appointment, and to-morrow morning we -will call upon your mother, and tell her she must be content to give -you up, as you will make a name she will be proud of.” - -“I thank you, sir, and good-night, for I must go, as mother is not -well, and my long stay will worry her.” - -He bowed low, seeming not to see that all wished to shake hands with -him, and left the cabin, General Peyton following, and calling out: - -“Captain, lower away a boat, and land our young pilot.” - -“Oh, sir, there’s no need of that, for I am all wet anyhow, and it’s a -short swim ashore.” And before a hand could stay him the young pilot -sprang upon the rail of the yacht and leaped head first into the dark -waters of the little bay. - -The startled cry of General Peyton at the youth’s bold act brought -Commodore Lucien, the Secretary, and others upon the deck in some alarm. - -“That fearless lad has leaped overboard and is swimming ashore, Mr. -Secretary,” he explained. - -“Ahoy! ahoy! my lad!” shouted Commodore Lucien. - -“Ay, ay, sir!” came back in the clear voice of the young pilot. - -“Hail us when you reach shore, so we may know that you are all right!” -called the commodore. - -“Ay, ay, sir.” - -“That boy is all right, Peyton, so there is no need of sending a boat -after him,” the commodore said. - -“He’s half fish,” growled the captain of the yacht. - -Then all waited breathlessly, and soon came a faint hail: - -“Ahoy! the yacht!” - -“Ay, ay!” answered Commodore Lucien. - -“I’ve landed,” and the words were greeted with a cheer from all on the -deck of the Midshipman. - - - - -CHAPTER X. UNFATHOMED. - - -“My God! can my son have gone out in the face of this terrible storm? -It is the worst I have known upon the coast for years,” and Mrs. -Merrill pressed her face against the window-glass, striving in vain to -pierce the blackness without. - -No longer confined to her bed by illness, it could now be seen that -she was a handsome woman, hardly more than thirty-five, and with the -indelible stamp of refinement upon her. - -Her face wore a sad look, and no flush warmed the marble-like -complexion. - -Her eyes were large and dreamy, seeming to be looking backward into a -past clouded with bitter memory rather than lighted with hope for the -future. - -She was dressed in a close-fitting robe of mourning, and a miniature -breastpin, and band of gold upon her wedding-finger were the only -things that relieved the severe plainness of her appearance. - -Old Peggy, a woman who had lived here fifty years, but was strong and -active, sat in a chair before a blazing pine knot, and in answer to the -remark of Mrs. Merrill, chimed in, like Job’s comforter, with: - -“Well, it would be just like him; but never you fear for him, miss, for -he’s not born to be drowned, that boy isn’t, and sometimes I almost -fear he’s born to be hanged, he does escape the dangers of the sea so -constant.” - -“Oh, Peggy, don’t speak so, for you fairly frighten me,” and the -slender, graceful form thrilled at the thought. - -“Well, Miss Gladys, he’s not one to be hanged, either. He’s a boy who -can take care of himself, come what may, for you remember what the -doctor told you, how he went for rich Merchant Clemmons’ son and Ben -Birney?” - -“Yes, Mark will not be imposed on, gentle as is his nature; but I only -wish I knew where he was.” - -“So do I, miss, for the supper is getting cold waiting for him.” - -“Well, I’m hungry enough to eat it, if it’s cold as ice,” said a cheery -voice from the next room, and in came Mark, dripping wet. - -“Oh, Mark, where have you been? I----” - -“Don’t touch me, mother, for I am as wet as a drowned rat, for I’ve -been overboard.” - -“Ah! you were capsized?” - -“Not a bit of it, mother, I’ve been swimming.” - -“Where are your shoes and hat, Mark?” - -“I’ll tell you all about it, mother, as soon as I have slipped into -some dry togs,” and the lad hastened away to his own room. - -But he was back again by the time Peggy had supper upon the table, and -the three sat down to eat, for, though a servant, the old woman was a -tried and trusted friend, one who had been Mark’s nurse in babyhood. - -His adventure had given the youth an appetite, and his mother knew -there was no hope of hearing what he had to tell until he had eaten off -the edge of his hunger, so she wisely heaped his plate with edibles, -and enjoyed seeing them disappear. - -At last he said: - -“Mother, there’s a yacht in our bay.” - -“A yacht, Mark?” - -“Yes, and a beauty. She’s the largest pleasure craft I ever saw.” - -“But how did she get there, my son?” - -“I played pilot, mother, and ran her in, and just in time, too.” - -“Those on board were indeed fortunate in finding so good a pilot near -at hand, Mark; but tell me of it, for this is an ugly night for such -work.” - -Mark told his story in his modest way, taking no credit to himself, and -then added: - -“Now they wanted to make a hero of me, mother, and pay me for my -services, offering me a purse, and it was a well-filled one, too.” - -“Which you, of course, refused?” quickly said the mother. - -“Oh, of course he did, for he’d refuse money if he hadn’t two coppers -to jingle together in his pocket,” growled Peggy. - -“I refused it, mother, but I am to get a reward.” - -“Ah, Mark, what have you done?” - -“Well, you see the yacht belonged to General Peyton, a millionaire -merchant of Boston, and he had as guests on board some ladies, the -Secretary of the Navy, and Commodore Lucien, of whom I have often read, -you know.” - -“Distinguished company, indeed!” said Mrs. Merrill. - -“And rich enough to spare a few thousands and not miss ’em,” Peggy -ventured, with an eye to the fact that the laborer was worthy of his -hire. - -“I got, or will get, what to me, Peggy, is worth far more than -thousands, for the Secretary promises me a cadetship in the navy,” -and Mark’s eyes flashed with pride, while his mother kissed him, and -murmured - -“My brave, noble boy! at last! at last the clouds have a silver lining.” - -The next evening, true to their promise, the guests of the yacht landed -and strolled up to the mansion. - -They gazed about them with interest, and Commodore Lucien remembered -having heard something of the tragic history of “Spook Hall,” and told -it to those with him. - -Mark joined them, and this time each one grasped his hand. - -He was dressed in his best sailor suit, for he wore nothing else at any -time, and looked very handsome. - -The grand parlor of the old mansion had been thrown open, and they were -received there by Mrs. Merrill in a dignified manner. - -But there was that about her face which prevented obtrusive -questioning, and after half an hour all arose to go, impressed with -the idea that some mystery hung about the Merrills which they were not -willing to attempt to fathom. - -The Secretary renewed his promise to Mark, and the lad volunteered his -services to pilot the yacht out to sea, which he did, returning in his -surf-skiff, which had been tossing astern. - -The skipper of the Midshipman dipped his colors to the lad as he sped -away, while the crew gave him a send-off in three rousing cheers. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. THE PROMISE KEPT. - - -It seemed news too good to be true to Mrs. Merrill to feel that her son -was going to have the advantages of a naval education. - -He had enjoyed several years of schooling before they had moved to -their coast home, and all else he knew she had taught him. - -Fortunately for the lonely woman, who possessed a superior education, -the library at Cliff Castle was well stocked with books, and from these -had Mark been taught by her. - -There were maps, histories and all that he could wish, while the -postmasters to whom he delivered mails were wont to give him each -week papers which they had read and finished with, for though late in -coming, it was all news to the lad, his mother, and old Peggy. - -In fact, for the latter’s benefit, Mark had to read even the -advertisements in the papers. - -Some weeks after the departure of the yacht, Mark sailed up to B---- on -business he had in view. - -He had an idea of selling the vessel he had picked up, abandoned at -sea, and fitting himself out for the naval school with part, leaving -the balance for his mother’s use. - -He decided to place the matter before good Judge Miller, as to his -claim to the craft, and, perhaps, to consult Dr. Stone, who had seemed -most friendly disposed to him. - -He was skimming swiftly along in his surf-skiff when he beheld a small -sailboat coming toward him. - -There were two persons in it, and it did not take Mark long to -recognize in one of them pretty Virgene Rich, and she held the tiller. - -The other was a half-witted youth who hung about the dock, making odd -pennies as best he could, and whom Mark had once rescued from a crowd -of boys who were persecuting him, thus winning the undying friendship -of poor Silly Sam, as he was called. - -As a proof that they wished to speak to him, instead of standing away -upon a tack when discovering his boat, Virgene brought her boat to and -lay in the course of the surf-skiff. - -“Ahoy, Master Mark, and come alongside, for Miss Virgie wishes to speak -to you,” called out Silly Sam. - -Mark obeyed promptly, doffing his tarpaulin respectfully with one -hand, while with the other he jammed his tiller down and brought the -surf-skiff alongside so easily that the blow would not have crushed an -egg. - -“I am glad to see you, Miss Virgene, for I intended stopping at the -tavern to thank you for your great kindness to me the other day when I -got into trouble. Hello, Sam, how are you?” - -“I’m O. K., Master Mark, and I only wish I’d a been ’round ’tother day -to punish them fellers for you,” answered Sam. - -“Master Mark seemed fully capable of taking care of himself, Sam,” -answered Virgene with a smile, and then she continued: - -“Are you not expecting a letter of importance, Master Mark?” - -“No, miss, no one writes to me.” - -“Strange, for I have two for you--for, you know, father is postmaster -at B----, and I help him with the mails, and these arrived some days -ago, so I determined to take them to you, as Sam offered to sail me -there.’ - -“I’m sorry I started from home, miss, for my mother would like to thank -you for your kindness to me; but I am obliged for the letters--ah! I -know what they are now,” and the lad’s face flushed as he beheld a -large official envelope bearing the stamp upon it: - -“Navy Department.” - -The other was a smaller letter, and had a flag in one corner. - -“I gave B---- as my address, Miss Virgene, and I’ll tell you a secret, -if you and Sam will keep it.” - -“A girl never tells a secret,” said Virgene archly, while Sam responded: - -“Ef I telled what I know’d there would be a hundred fights up in town; -but I keeps my mouth shet, I does.” - -“Well, I’ll tell you that this is an order for me to report for -examination at the United States Naval Academy, to be examined for an -appointment to a cadetship in the navy,” said Mark, with pardonable -pride, as he handed over his orders to Virgene. - -There was a note enclosed, which read: - - “MY YOUNG FRIEND: I hereby redeem my promise and forward the - necessary papers for your cadetship. I shall regard you as my - _protégé_, and watch your career with the greatest of interest, for I - have no doubt of your ability to go through. - - “If you need aid--a loan, consider it, for you are self-confessedly - poor--do not hesitate to call upon me, as I shall be more than - pleased to respond. You can repay it at your leisure. - - “Yours faithfully, - THE SECRETARY.” - -The other letter bore the flag of Commodore Lucien upon envelope and -paper head, and was as follows: - - “MY DEAR YOUNG FRIEND: I saw the Secretary to-day, and he told me the - President was pleased to appoint you to a cadetship-at-large, and - that your papers would be forwarded immediately. - - “I congratulate you with all my heart, and as there will be some - necessary expenses falling upon you, I send herewith my check for - one hundred dollars, which please consider a loan until convenient - for you to repay it. I also take the liberty of ordering your - kit, containing your outfit complete, for I have no idea of your - failing to pass, and the amount I expend you can also return at your - convenience. Present my compliments to your good mother, and regard - me ever as - - “Your friend, - DAVID LUCIEN.” - -“Will you let me sail back in your boat, Miss Virgene, and tow my own?” -asked Mark, when he had read the letters; and promptly came the answer: - -“Yes, indeed, and I’m glad to have you.” - -So the prow of the sailboat was pointed back for B----. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. A PLOT THAT FAILED. - - -Secrets often leak out of a country post office, just how no one -knows, but still they do, and when Mark called upon Judge Miller after -arriving in B----, and escorting Virgene home, that gentleman said: - -“Well, my young friend, I suppose I am to congratulate you upon -receiving an appointment to the naval school, and I am glad of it.” - -Mark stood aghast, and the judge continued: - -“Mr. Clemmons told me his son Scott had received an appointment, and -that a like official looking document had come through the mails for -you, and he supposed it was also a cadet midshipman’s berth in our -navy, though he wondered how you had obtained, without influence, what -he had found no easy task to secure for his son.” - -“Yes, sir, I have orders to report for examination, but I wished to -keep it secret, for I may fail, you know, sir.” - -“Not you; but I suppose you won yours from having saved a schooner from -being wrecked some half a year ago, and which made quite a hero of you, -I remember.” - -Mark saw that the judge was on the wrong track, so he did not correct -him as to how he had gotten his appointment. - -“Well, Mark, you came to see me for some purpose, so out with it,” said -the judge. - -Mark told of his seeing the little schooner adrift at sea, and going -out in his boat had found her abandoned, so sailed her into port. - -He had taken from his meager savings enough to advertise her in Boston, -Portland and New York, but no claimant had come, and so he wished to -know if the vessel belonged to him. - -“You have a claim upon her, Mark, and can get salvage, should her owner -turn up; but there is just such a craft needed, or will be within a -couple of months, for running around the islands with parties, and -my advice to you is to secure a skipper and a couple of men and let -them run the trips for you, for it will bring in a snug income to your -mother, while, should her owner appear, you have the vessel to give -up to him upon the payment of salvage. Now, what do you think of my -advice, Mark?” - -“I thank you for it, sir, and shall take it.” - -“And your skipper can report to me, if you wish, while you must tell -your mother to come to me, if I can in any way serve her, for I suppose -she will move up to B---- when you go?” - -“No, sir, my mother will remain at Cliff Castle.” - -“What, alone?” - -“No, sir, she has old Peggy.” - -“It is a dreary, weird place to dwell, Mark.” - -“She likes it, and she prefers to remain, for we have talked it over,” -answered Mark. - -Soon after making a few purchases for home, he went on his way to his -boat just as the sun was setting. - -As he passed the tavern, Virgene Rich called to him, and said: - -“Mark, I have just learned that Scott Clemmons has also an appointment -to the naval academy. You must beware of him, Mark, for he is your -bitter foe now, and mine, too, since I testified against him.” - -“He is not dangerous, Miss Virgene,” replied Mark indifferently. - -“You mistake; for all snakes are dangerous, as they strike from cover. -I will see you before you go, will I not?” - -“Yes, miss, and I hope you will ride down to see my mother, as you -promised.” - -“I certainly shall,” was the answer, as Mark walked on. - -At his boat stood Silly Sam, who said: - -“See here, Mister Mark, I hain’t no bullfrog to croak, but I seen a -gang o’ fellers sail downstream an hour ago who hain’t no friends o’ -your’n.” - -“Thank you, Sam, but it’s catching before hanging, you know.” And with -a light laugh Mark sprung into his skiff and sped away just as twilight -fell. - -He had to beat down the inlet, and as he stood over toward a point of -land in the darkness, running on the port tack with the wind blowing -fresh, his little craft suddenly gave a lurch and the next instant went -over, throwing him into the water. - -As he rose he heard the sound of oars, and in the darkness saw a large -boat rowing toward him, while he heard voices say: - -“That rope settled him, as you said it would.” - -“Yes, and we laid it just right; but do you see his boat?” - -“Yes, there she lies upset, and she’ll drive out to sea with him on -her, so that ends him.” - -“But he is not on the boat.” - -“Then he has drowned, for Silly Sam said he could not swim a stroke.” - -“Let us take up the net.” - -“Oh, no, leave it down, for his boat seems caught in it, and that will -tell the whole story.” - -The boat, a large fishing yawl with sails down, was rowed up to the -capsized skiff, and every eye was turned over the dark waters, while -several hailed to see if a swimmer was near. - -The surf-skiff was caught in the net, which had been stretched to -accomplish just what it had done, and, confident that their victim had -perished, sail was set on the fishing yawl and it sailed away toward -the town. - -Then from out of the shadows swam Mark Merrill, and going to his -upturned boat he removed the slender mast, righted the skiff, clambered -in, and with his hat threw the water out. - -Then the mast was stepped once more, the wet sail spread, and the -surf-skiff held on her way homeward, while Mark mused aloud: - -“I know two of the three who were in that boat; but I’ll not tell on -them--oh, no! I’ll just keep my secret for future reference.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. STUMBLING BLOCKS. - - -From a hint given him by Commodore Lucien, Mark had devoted himself to -certain studies, so that there should be no chance of his failure to -enter the academy through ignorance. - -His mother had helped him greatly, and in her mind there was no doubt -of his passing the examinations, both physical and mental, severe -though they might be. - -As he had told Judge Miller, his mother had decided to remain at Castle -Cliff with old Peggy. - -They had talked it all over, and as, for some reason, Mrs. Merrill -wished to shun the world, to live the life almost of a recluse, they -had all agreed that it was best for her to remain where she was, and -Peggy was equally as content with the arrangement. - -When Mark returned from his visit to B----, which, but for his being -a splendid swimmer, would have been fatal to him, he did not tell his -mother of the plot he knew had been concocted to put an end to his life. - -He simply told her that he had run upon a fishing net where he had -never expected to find one, and going very rapidly, with a fresh breeze -blowing, the surf-skiff had capsized, throwing him and his purchases -out. His papers were all wet, but Peggy quickly dried them. - -“But about this check, Mark, which Commodore Lucien so kindly sent -you?” asked his mother. - -“I answered the letter at once, mother, returning the check, and -accepting the outfit, for which I shall pay him at some future day.” - -“That was right, my son.” - -“Mother, I went to see Judge Miller about the schooner, and he made a -suggestion which I think it would be well to follow. You know Jasper -Crane has no smack now, and is in hard luck, while he and his two sons -are the best seamen on the coast, so we can put them on the schooner, -as a crew, the old gentleman being skipper. As it will also cost -considerable for me to reach the Naval School, I can make a cargo of -the raft that came ashore and run it to Norfolk, thence going up the -Chesapeake to the Naval Academy, while Captain Jasper Crane brings the -schooner back and follows the advice of Judge Miller about putting her -on as a packet among the islands. - -“He is very kind, my son, and I believe the plan is a good one, as well -as yours to run the lumber to Norfolk, only you must give yourself -ample time, so we will begin preparations to-morrow.” - -This was done, for Mark sailed down the coast to the home of Captain -Jasper Crane, who dwelt near where the Merrills had first lived when -coming to the coast, and the old sailor and his sons were delighted -with a prospect of getting work to their liking. - -Two weeks after the Venture, for such was the name of the derelict -schooner, set sail for Norfolk, Captain Crane declaring that he would -serve as first mate while Mark was on board. - -The run south was made in good time, and the lumber brought sufficient -to pay the crew liberally and return to Mrs. Merrill several hundred -dollars, while Mark took sufficient for his own needs, and enough to -pay his debt to Commodore Lucien. - -The rush of the Venture up the Severn River in a gale, with Mark at the -helm, whose masterly work won the admiration of the middies, and we -will now follow the young sailor into the new world he had entered. - -Mark had politely given his name to the cadets, and asked the question -as to how he would find the commandant, expecting a civil response. - -But here was a novelty for the fun-loving cadets. - -Against all custom a new man had arrived in his own craft by sea. - -He had given them ocular demonstration that he was not a greenhorn on -the deck of a vessel, whatever he might be in other things. - -He came dressed as gorgeously as Ralph Rackstraw of H. M. S. Pinafore, -and he had not been abashed in the presence of their marine highnesses. - -This was all wrong, very wrong, in their eyes. - -What right had a new man to know the stem from the stern, the -forecastle from the quarter-deck of a vessel, when entering the academy? - -He came there to find out, to be taught, and he must start on even -terms with all other verdant youths. - -He attacked the academy from the sea, boarded, as it were, the sacred -grounds over their marine stone bulwarks, giving the sentry at the -gate the go-by, ignoring the existence of the officer of the day, and, -confronting them with a natty tarpaulin set upon the side of his head, -with spotless duck trousers, a sailor shirt with embroidered collar, -and a sash about his slender waist, had coolly said that his name was -Mark Merrill, and he wished to be directed to the quarters of the -commandant. - -This was too much for Winslow Dillingham, who took it upon himself to -play the part of “Smart Aleck,” and he looked the stranger over with a -cool, insolent stare, and said, in a drawling way: - -“Beg pardon, but you said your name was Jack Hayseed, I believe?” - -“I said that my name was Mark Merrill, and asked to be directed to the -quarters of the commandant,” and Mark kept his temper admirably. - -“Well, Mr. Pork Barrell, for such, I believe you said your name was, I -will answer for the commandant that he wants no fish to-day.” - -“Ah! then you are the commandant’s cook, so should know; but as I never -argue with servants, I’ll seek your master.” - -And Mark Merrill started on his way, when with a bound Winslow -Dillingham confronted him, his face livid with rage. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. FACING THE MUSIC. - - -The quick retort made by Mark Merrill to Winslow Dillingham’s insulting -words brought a general laugh, for the cadets were quick to appreciate -wit and sarcasm, even if directed at one of their number. - -Cadet Dillingham had offered the insult gratuitously, and he had gotten -a reply that offended him deeply. - -The laugh of his comrades angered him the more, and stung by the -words of the stranger and their enjoying them, he lost all control of -himself, and sprang before Mark Merrill in a threatening attitude. - -Mark had not advanced a step since landing. - -He stood upon the wall where he had stopped upon ascending from his -boat, and he simply paused to ask a polite question, and received an -insulting response. - -The first insult he had accepted in silence, but the second one he had -been stung to reply to. - -He saw at once that he would have to fight his way--that whatever the -“future admirals” might be considered by outsiders, they were merciless -to a stranger who came into their midst. - -Quickly over the crowd he had run his eyes, and he discerned with -intuition that his retort had put him in favor with some of those who -were lovers of fair play. - -He had turned the laugh upon Midshipman Dillingham, and he was -satisfied and content to drop all ill-feeling. - -But not so with the irate cadet. - -His own attempt at smartness had gotten him worsted thus far, and he -must turn the laugh to protect himself from his own comrades. - -He knew well the position he held, that many stood in awe of him on -account of his brute strength and admitted courage. - -Now he was angry, and he intended to resent physically what he felt he -could not do in a war of words. - -So he squared himself before Mark Merrill, and hissed forth, while his -eyes blazed with anger: - -“Retract your insulting words, sir, or I shall chastise you right here!” - -“Do you mean it, mate?” Mark asked, in an innocent way. - -The crowd smiled audibly at this, and Winslow Dillingham grew whiter -with fury, while he savagely said: - -“Yes, I do mean it. Ask my pardon, or take the consequences, sir!” - -“What are the consequences?” - -“A thrashing.” - -“Well, I don’t wish to be whipped, so if you retract your insult to me, -I’ll ask pardon for what I said.” - -“I retract nothing.” - -“And you will insist upon thrashing me?” - -“Yes.” - -“What with?” - -This was too much for Cadet Dillingham, and he aimed a savage blow at -Mark’s face. - -It was cleverly caught, and quicker than a flash Mark Merrill had -seized the cadet in his arms and hurled him into the water with the -words: - -“You are too hot to argue with, so cool off!” - -With a splash Cadet Dillingham went beneath the surface, when the cry -arose: - -“He cannot swim a stroke,” and the laughter on every lip was checked. - -“Is that so that he cannot swim? Then I’ll haul him out as I threw him -in.” And with a bound Mark Merrill went over the sea-wall and seized -the drowning youth in his strong arms, while he struck out for a -landing, with the words: - -“All right, mate, the ducking has cooled off the temper of both of us.” - -Winslow Dillingham made no reply then; but as he was hauled out by -Herbert Nazro, a dark-faced, handsome fellow of the first class, he -said, as he turned to Mark Merrill: - -“I humbly ask your pardon, my friend, and will escort you to the -commandant and report my own rude behavior and its just punishment.” - -“I thought there was manhood in you, mate, but there is no need of -reporting anything. I have a dry suit aboard my craft, and will soon -rig up and return ashore, when maybe some of these gentlemen will show -me my course.” - -“We’ll march you there in force, sir, for somehow you’ve caught on in -great shape with us baby tars,” said a cadet, stepping forward and -offering his hand, while he added: - -“My name is Herbert Nazro, a first-class man.” - -“And here’s my hand, sir, as a friend,” said Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb. - -“Don’t overlook my extended grip,” cried Cadet Sergeant Neil Carrol. - -And so it went on until Cadet Lieutenant Frank Latrobe seemed to be -suddenly inspired with a thought for he asked, eagerly: - -“I say, my friend, are you not the youth who was appointed by the -President?” - -“I was appointed at large, sir, yes.” - -“And it was for services rendered, was it not?” - -“It was from the kindness of the Secretary of the Navy and Commodore -Lucien, rather.” - -“You are the man we have been told of. Go aboard your flagship, put on -your dry togs, and we’ll march you to the commandant at a quick step.” - -The cadets showed that this advice chimed in with their humor, and -springing into his boat, Mark sent it flying back toward the schooner, -while the dripping Dillingham was surrounded by a squad of friends, -to hide his condition, and marched off to his room to also get on dry -clothes. - -“Keep him there, Nazro, until I can get ready, for I wish to be in -the procession,” said Winslow Dillingham, as he dove into his room to -change his clothes, glad to escape the argus-eyed officers about the -buildings and grounds. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. BOARDING THE VENTURE. - - -To Mark Merrill his salt-water bath with his clothes on was nothing to -speak of. He had lived so much in his skiff, been overboard so often -that he thought nothing of it, though he did regret losing his temper -with Winslow Dillingham, who had shown himself such a good fellow after -all. - -Of course he did not suppose that he would have drowned, for there were -too many manly fellows upon the wall who could swim to allow that. - -But, having placed his life in jeopardy himself, he was the one to -prevent any fatality therefrom. - -The idea that the youth could not swim had never entered his mind, for -swimming like a fish himself and never remembering when he could not do -so, he supposed it was the most ordinary accomplishment, and, as he had -said, he merely wished to cool the temper of the one who had set upon -him as a butt to be made fun of. - -“What’s the trouble ashore, my lad?” asked Captain Jasper Crane, who -was about to launch the schooner’s yawl to come to the shore when he -saw Mark returning. - -“Oh! nothing to speak of, sir, only I had to stop some funny business -one of the boys played on me, and finding he could not swim I leaped in -after him.” - -“Just like you, Master Mark, just like you,” said Captain Crane, -following the youth into the cabin. - -“And I tells yer, lad, you’ll find more hard knocks to put up with -among them brass-buttoned gentry ashore than you’d get as a foremast -hand on a merchant craft. - -“My advice to yer would have been to stick to your little craft here -and make money; but then you is high-minded and I knows it’s in yer to -make a name for yerself, if yer sets about it, only the course are a -rough one to sail. Maybe me and one o’ the boys better go ashore with -yer next time, for we is some handy with our flukes when we is run -afoul of.” - -Mark laughed heartily, for it came into his mind how he had seen the -skipper and his sons run afoul of, as he expressed it, one day in -Portland, by a gang of roughs, and had a fair demonstration of how -“handy they were with their flukes.” - -To see him go ashore under an escort amused him greatly, as he pictured -the cadet-midshipman being knocked about by the trio of salts from the -Kennebec. - -But he thanked the captain for his offer, and went on with his toilet. -Meanwhile the skipper was called upon deck. - -A boat had come alongside with a middy in command, sent from the -man-of-war, to have the skipper of the strange schooner give an account -of his seeking an anchorage where he had. - -Having heard of the trouble Mark had met with ashore, Captain Crane -gazed upon the spry young middy with no friendly eye. - -“Are you the sailing-master of this craft?” asked the midshipman -pompously. - -“I am the mate, very much at your service, young officer.” - -“Where is the master?” - -“The capting is down in his cabing; but if you wish to see him I’ll -send yer keerd, and maybe he’ll see yer, maybe he won’t.” - -The face of the youth flushed at this, and he asked sternly: - -“Is this a yacht on a pleasure cruise, my man?” - -“Now, see here, my boy, I hain’t your man. I’m my old woman’s man, and -nobody else has a claim on me, for I am o’ age.” - -“Answer my question, sir.” - -“Yes, it are a yacht on a cruise, but leetle pleasure I’m thinking it -will bring her capting by coming into this port.” - -“I wish the name of your vessel, her owner, and why she is here.” - -“I suppose ef I don’t tell yer, you’ll tarn yer big guns on the craft; -but as I said, I am only the mate, and the captain will be on deck in a -minute, for he is down below changing his clothes, having just thrown a -young admiral in the drink, and then had to jump in and pull him out to -keep him from drowning, so you better be uncommonly polite to him, as -the water are handy and real wet, too.” - -The midshipman felt that he was being made fun of. - -He saw the smiles on the lee side of the faces of his boat’s crew, and -he knew that they saw that he was getting worsted. - -His orders were simply to board the schooner and ascertain her name and -business in the anchorage she had chosen. - -That was all. - -Much breath had been consumed thus far in conversation, and he had -discovered nothing. - -He was getting angry, and yet it came to him that disciplining himself -was one of the first things taught at the Naval School. - -If he could not command himself, he certainly could not expect to -command men. - -He saw that he had struck a rough old hulk, one that could be towed, -but not rowed, and he decided to change his manner of attack by -demanding to see the owner or captain of the vessel. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. UNDER CONVOY. - - -Just then out of the cabin came Mark Merrill, dressed as before, in a -very natty sailor costume. - -He had heard all that had passed, and suppressing a smile, politely -saluted the midshipman, for he certainly wished no more trouble upon -his _début_ as one of Uncle Sam’s middies. - -“There’s the capting now, Officer Buttons,” growled Skipper Jasper -Crane to the midshipman, pointing toward Mark Merrill, as he stepped on -deck. - -“That!” exclaimed the middy, as he beheld a lad not as old as himself, -rigged up in a dandy style. - -“Yes, that, and he’s more of a sailor to-day than half your men-o’-war -trained jim-cranks,” and turning to Mark, the old skipper continued: - -“Capting Merrill, this is a young gent from the big gun craft yonder -who sprung his catechism on me until I got weary, so I tarns him over -to you.” - -“How can I serve you, sir?” asked Mark, with extreme politeness. - -“Do you own this schooner, sir?” asked the middy, somewhat amazed at -finding so youthful a skipper. - -“I may say that I do, sir.” - -“You are her captain?” - -“At present, yes, sir, Mark Merrill, at your service; but I expect to -relinquish my vessel to good Captain Crane here within an hour or so.” - -“May I ask why you sought an anchorage here in the Naval Academy -harborage?” - -“I am a stranger, sir, in this port, but came under orders to report -as a cadet midshipman, so ran my vessel here to anchor. I trust I have -broken no law, sir?” - -The polite manner of Mark, his pleasant smile, quite disarmed the young -officer, while he was surprised at his words that told he had come -under orders as an appointee to the academy. - -“No, sir, you have broken no set law, only it is uncommon for other -than government vessels to run in here. But I shall report who you are -and the reason of your coming.” - -“Permit me also to say, sir, that my schooner will put to sea to-night, -so that she will remain here but a couple of hours at the farthest.” - -The midshipman bowed, then did the manly thing, for he extended his -hand and said: - -“Allow me to welcome you to the academy, Mr. Merrill, and hope that you -will pass the ordeal of entrance with flying colors. My name is Ernest -Rich.” - -The name recalled the sweet face of Virgene Rich to Mark, and he -grasped the extended hand with real warmth, while he said: - -“I thank you for your kind wishes, Mr. Rich.” - -Then he escorted the midshipman to his boat, told him he was just going -ashore to report, and soon after the gig of the vessel of war pulled -away he went over the side into his surf-skiff. - -“Don’t yer think we’d better go ashore with yer, Master Mark?” asked -Captain Crane dubiously. - -“No, indeed, thank you.” - -“These young fellers all seems practicing to scare ordinary folks; but, -Lord love ’em, they is a clever lot o’ young sea cubs arter all, and -in war times they can outfight a shark.” - -Leaving good skipper Crane moralizing upon cadet midshipmen in general, -Mark let fall his oars and sent his skiff shoreward. - -It was an off-duty time at the academy, and the cadets were there whom -he had left, with more who had been summoned to swell the procession. -It had leaked out just who Mark Merrill was, for Commodore Lucien had -been on a visit to the commandant, and had told of the pluck of the boy -pilot of Hopeless Haven. - -Then, too, the Secretary of the Navy had written a personal letter to -the commandant, so of course it went the rounds that the “new man from -Maine was a hero.” - -Having made the discovery, Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb and his clique -meant to give the sailor lad a welcome, especially as they had found in -him one who was a square good fellow. - -When Mark landed he was somewhat nonplussed at the intention of the -cadets to honor him. - -They welcomed him with a hurrah, and Winslow Dillingham was on hand, as -he expressed it: - -“As dry as a ship on the ways.” - -He offered his hand cordially, and said: - -“We are quits now, aren’t we?” - -“Do not speak of it,” was the ready reply, and as he could not help -himself Mark’s arm was locked in that of Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, -who gave the command as he took the head of the column: - -“Column forward! march!” - -Up to the commandant’s quarters they marched, a line was formed, and -the “great mogul,” as the lads facetiously called their chief, supposed -when he saw them that they had some grievance to complain of. - -When the commandant appeared the cadets saluted, and waited for him to -speak, Mark meanwhile, his face flushed with embarrassment, standing -by the side of Byrd Bascomb and inwardly regretting that he had ever -decided to come to the Naval Academy. - -“Don’t skedaddle at the first sight of the enemy,” whispered Cadet -Captain Byrd Bascomb, realizing how Mark Merrill felt at such an -introduction to the commandant of the academy. - -Under this advice Mark braced up, while the commandant asked in his -pleasant way: - -“Well, Cadet Captain Bascomb, may I ask why I am honored with this -visit?” - -This appealed to the young cadet officer, who prided himself upon his -speech-making, and was always glad to get a chance to display his -oratory, saluted, and responded: - -“We are here, most respected commander, to present to you one who -boarded the academy grounds by way of the harbor and over the sea wall. - -“He asked the way to your quarters, and discovering in him the young -hero who won his appointment to the service, which is more than any of -us were guilty of, we came as a convoy to conduct him to your presence, -and I beg to introduce Mr. Mark Merrill.” - -[Illustration: “‘We come as a convoy to conduct him to your presence, -and I beg to introduce him as Mr. Mark Merrill.’” (See page 69.)] - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. JACK JUDSON’S MEMORY. - - -When the little schooner Venture was seen driving up the bay and -into the Severn River, the cadet midshipmen ashore were not the only -interested watchers of her progress. - -She had swept around the bluff, where now stands the popular resort -known as Bay Ridge, in a manner that at once attracted every sailor’s -eye who saw her. - -The little fleet of stanch craft that found a safe harbor in Annapolis, -were anchored snugly in a sheltered nook, all ship-shape to ride out -the gale. - -Each vessel had its crew on board in case there should be dragging of -anchors, and they were compelled to get up sail, which all devoutly -hoped would not be the case. - -Then ashore there was an interested crowd on the oyster docks gazing -with admiration upon the beautiful craft driven along like the very -wind, carrying an amount of canvas which appeared foolhardy in the -extreme. - -Over at the fort, on the opposite side of the river, were groups of -soldiers also observing the schooner’s rush up the harbor, and officers -were braving the fierce wind to have a look at her. - -The reviewing ship, and training ship for the middies, also had their -quota of observers, while upon the stately vessel of war anchored in -the stream the large crew were riveting their gaze upon the Venture, -while the tars were commenting upon the manner in which she was being -handled in a manner most complimentary to the helmsman, though with -a belief that they would see him come to grief before he reached an -anchorage. - -Upon the quarter-deck of the vessel-of-war her officers were chatting -over the flying craft, and various criticisms were made as to the skill -and recklessness of the helmsman. - -They, of course, had their own ideas as to what was good seamanship, -and expressed them accordingly. - -But it is forward, among the men, the bone and sinew, the human -machinery of the navy, that I will ask my reader to accompany me. - -Among a group of over a score of sailors leaning over the port bulwarks -forward was one who was gazing with more than usual interest upon the -schooner. - -“Mates, I have seen that craft before,” he said decidedly, making a -glass of his two hands to look through. - -“When, coxswain, and whar?” asked an old salt, with gray hair and a -complexion like the hide of an elephant. - -“It was when I was on leave some months ago and took a run in my -brother’s schooner that trades on the coast of Maine. - -“I saw that craft, I am dead certain, come into the port of B----, and -she came then in a living gale, and had only two men and a boy on board -of her. - -“The boy was at the helm, and ran her up to the dock in great shape. - -“I was told that he carried the mail between some of the ports on the -coast, and generally went in a surf-skiff in any kind of weather, but -sometimes came up to the town with a load of fish, which he had that -day. - -“Several days after he came up to town in his surf-skiff and I made -his acquaintance, and if that’s his craft then he’s the one as has the -tiller. - -“I’ll get my glass and take an observation,” and Coxswain Jack Judson -went below, but immediately returned with a very handsome glass, which -had been presented to him by his brother of the trading schooner. - -He took a steady look, and said decidedly: - -“Mates, that’s the craft, for a month’s pay it is, and it’s the boy at -the helm for another!” - -“Waal, what is he doin’ in these waters, coxswain?” asked a seaman. - -“I don’t know, but did you ever see a craft better handled?” All -admitted that they never had, while an old sailor growled forth: - -“He’s trying to show off, and he’ll carry his sticks out of the craft -yet before he can drop anchor. These young sailors is allus fools.” - -“No, he won’t hurt her, and he isn’t any fool, either, for he knows the -craft and what she’ll do when he puts her to it. - -“I don’t think he’s trying to show off, for that isn’t like him, only -he’s running under what sail he had up when the gale struck him. - -“You see now there are four men aboard, counting the boy as a man. - -“Every rope is where it belongs, the crew are at their posts and they -are not at all uneasy, from their looks, while there is a gray-head -among ’em. - -“They all seem to be enjoying the run, looking at the scenery and -unmindful that they have got everybody watching them. - -“Mates, I’ll tell you a story of that lad, for I know him now without -looking through my glass. - -“His name is Mark Merrill, and I saw him stand to fight a gang of -five young roughs who set upon him,” and Jack Judson told the story of -how Scott Clemmons and Ben Birney had smashed the toy ship which Mark -Merrill had taken up to sell in B----, to get money to pay the doctor -for going to see his mother. - -As he was talking the schooner swept by in splendid style, winning a -murmur of admiration from all on board the vessel of war, and when she -came to an anchorage Jack Judson said with enthusiasm: - -“He’s let go his mudhooks, and didn’t carry a stick or inch of canvas -away, either. - -“Yes, he’s my lad, and I’m going to ask leave to go and see him, too.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. STRANGELY MET. - - -When Mark Merrill was presented to the commandant of the Naval Academy -he felt deeply embarrassed at the publicity which had been given to his -arrival. - -He had sailed up to the academy from Norfolk to save money on the -railroads, and then he saw that Shipper Crane and his sons had a -lurking desire to see where he was going to anchor for the next few -years, while cramming his head with all the cargo of learning necessary -to make a skilled naval officer. - -And Mark had been anxious to have the skipper tell his mother when he -returned that he had left him at his destination, and what he thought -of his future home. - -He certainly had not intended to attract attention by his arrival, but -greatness had been forced upon him by a combination of circumstances -which he could not avoid. - -Although when the commandant had entered the navy, back in the -“Forties,” there had been no naval school, except aboard ship, he had -been a middy, and was well aware that they had not changed much since -those days. - -He understood that Cadet Captain Bascomb and his mates had in some -way gotten wind of the coming of Mark Merrill, and had at once seized -upon him as a hero, the fact of his saving the yacht Midshipman having -leaked out. - -There were a number of officers at headquarters, and they, as well -as the commandant, looked on with interest at the introduction of the -newly appointed lad. - -Mark, though his face was flushed with embarrassment, had doffed his -tarpaulin and stepped forward toward the commandant, and said: - -“I am ordered to report to you, sir, but did not know that I was -breaking any rule in coming as I did by water.” - -“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Merrill, and to welcome you to the Naval -Academy, while I do not know of any law against a cadet coming by -water.” And the commandant smiled, while, turning to the cadets, he -continued: - -“You may leave Mr. Merrill in my charge now, Captain Bascomb, and I am -glad that you gave him the welcome you did, as, from all accounts, he -is deserving of it.” - -The cadets saluted, and were marched off by their captain, while the -commandant, in a kindly way, invited Mark into his quarters. - -To his surprise Mark beheld in the room, standing by the window where -he had seen all, no less a personage than Scott Clemmons. - -The latter had just arrived, and reported to the commandant. - -He was most fashionably attired, wore a spotless white silk tie around -his standing collar, and held in his hand a high hat, presenting a -perfect specimen of the youthful genus dude. - -His face was pale, and his eyes had an angry look as he turned them -furtively upon Mark. - -“Here is also a young gentleman from your State; in fact, I believe you -are neighbors, as you both hail from B----. Mr. Merrill, Mr. Clemmons,” -said the commandant, introducing them. - -Scott Clemmons, in a nervous way, half-stepped forward with extended -hand, but Mark simply bowed, ignoring the hand, a fact which the keen -eyes of the commandant took in, and rather set down against Mark, who -said: - -“Yes, sir, I have met Mr. Clemmons before.” - -There was something in the tone and manner in which it was said that -convinced the commandant that their meeting had not been a pleasant -one, and Scott Clemmons remarked in a supercilious way: - -“Yes, commandant, but this young man does not move in my circle at -home, being only a fisher lad.” - -The commandant almost gave a start, and his kindly face changed so -suddenly to a look of sternness that even Scott Clemmons saw that he -had made a mistake. - -Had he not seen it, he was instantly made cognizant of the fact, for -the commandant turned directly toward him, and said in a distinct way: - -“Mr. Clemmons, I believe your father is a man of great wealth and -comes of an aristocratic family, but you must distinctly learn at once -that here, in this Naval School, neither politics, riches, nor family -connections hold the slightest influence. - -“There are no cliques; all who come here come as young gentlemen, and -though many are from the lowest walks of life they must be gentlemen -here. - -“Mr. Merrill may have been a fisher lad, but I have it from the best -of authority that he made an honest living and supported his mother, -and he was appointed here for having nobly risked his life to save the -lives of others.” - -“I never heard of that, sir, and wondered how he got appointed,” -blustered out the confused Clemmons. - -“You never heard how he saved the yacht Midshipman from being wrecked, -with the Secretary of the Navy and other distinguished gentlemen on -board?” asked the commandant, with some surprise. - -“No, sir, it was not known in our town.” - -“Then, sir,” was the very decided answer, “Mr. Mark Merrill is as -modest as he is brave, not to have told of his daring deed,” and he -glanced at Mark, who replied with a quiet dig at Scott Clemmons: - -“I move in no social circle, sir, so had no one to tell it to.” - -The commandant turned his head away to hide a satisfied smile, while -Scott Clemmons felt that he had made a sad mistake in his slur at Mark -for being only a fisher lad. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. A THREAT. - - -Scott Clemmons was a remarkably politic young man for one of his years. - -He had seen the gathering of the cadets, and recognized Mark Merrill in -their midst, and it had made him envious and hateful. - -One whom he hated was coming under flying colors, it seemed. - -Wondering how Mark had gotten his appointment, and angry because he had -done so, he saw that he was made a hero of from the start, or else why -this popular demonstration in his favor. - -“Of course he will never pass the examinations, for he is too ignorant -for that,” he said to himself. - -Then had the commandant re-entered with Mark Merrill, and the vain -youth had sneered at the sailor-boy appearance of the lad, and thought -what a far greater impression he would make in his fine clothes and -polished manner. - -It was in a pitying way he had referred to Mark’s being a fisher lad, -and he meant to condescend to shake hands with him when introduced, but -got the cut in this from the one he intended to patronize. - -Seeing that he had made a mistake, from the commandant’s severe -reproof, the cunning youth meant to atone from policy, to give his -actions an air of manliness, so he quickly said: - -“I really intended no slight, commandant, but something occurred once -of an unpleasant nature between Merrill and myself, in which I am free -to admit I was at fault, so I frankly offer my hand now in friendship, -if he will accept it.” - -The commandant seemed pleased at this, and glanced at Mark. - -He was a splendid reader of human nature, could from his great -experience tell the inner workings of the heart, which the face was -striving to hide, and he saw that Mark Merrill had some bitter cause -of quarrel against Scott Clemmons, deeper by far than the latter cared -to admit or had implied. But the good nature of the young sailor -triumphed, and he said: - -“I will accept Mr. Clemmons’ hand in friendship, sir, if he means it in -good faith.” - -There was a world of meaning in the words: “If he means it in good -faith.” - -The eyes of Mark Merrill looked unflinchingly upon the face of Scott -Clemmons, but he did not meet the gaze, and his face flushed painfully. - -This that keen observer, the commandant, saw, and he read who had been -the transgressor in the past. - -“Now, Mr. Merrill, as Mr. Clemmons had just reported when you were -convoyed into port, as Cadet Bascomb expressed it, I will hear what he -was about to say to me and then give my attention to you.” - -Mark bowed, while the commandant read a letter from Merchant Clemmons, -whom he had once met, and he took the liberty of inclosing a liberal -check for the use of his son--the same as he might have done had he -been sending him to boarding-school. - -“I shall return this check to your father, Clemmons, and explain the -situation of a cadet here, after I have heard whether you pass the -examinations or not, which are before you,” and the commandant seemed -not over-pleased with Merchant Clemmons’ letter. - -Then he turned to Mark, and continued: - -“Mr. Merrill, I am glad to welcome one to the academy who comes as you -do, and I only hope that you, as well as Mr. Clemmons here, may not -find the physical and mental examination too great a stumbling-block -for you to surmount. - -“Commodore Lucien has spoken of you to me, and of what a devoted son -you have been to your mother, and it is just such boys that make the -greatest men. - -“The surgeon and examining committee are now ready for you, and my -orderly will conduct you to their quarters. - -“I wish you success, young gentlemen,” and the commandant bowed the two -youthful seekers after fame out, placing them under the guidance of an -orderly. - -Surgeon Du Bose received the appointees pleasantly, there being one -other youth in his quarters just drawing on his coat after having -learned the sad tidings that his chest expansion was below the average, -and his general physical condition not such as to warrant his being -accepted as a cadet. - -The poor fellow cast an envious look at the fine forms of Mark Merrill -and Scott Clemmons, and the latter gave him a pitying look of almost -contempt, as though to wonder how he had dared anticipate being -accepted. Then the usual formula was gone through with, Scott Clemmons -being first examined, and his confident smile showed that he knew that -he, at least, had “passed.” - -Then came Mark’s turn, and as he stripped for the ordeal the surgeon -gave a low whistle, a decided expression of admiration of the lad’s -physique. - -His name, age, height, weight, chest measure and expansion were all -taken, his muscular developments noted, and the questions asked -regarding having had any broken bones and other injuries of a harmful -character. His bones were as straight as arrows, his eyesight was put -to a crucial test and marked as “phenomenal,” and his health put down -as perfect. - -His pendulum of life, the heart, swung with the regularity of -clockwork, and not a flaw was found in his teeth, which were white, -even and firm. - -A frown passed over the brow of Scott Clemmons as he noted the fact -that Mark Merrill had stood the test better than he had, proud as he -was of his fine form and handsome face. - -“It is seldom, if ever, I meet a youth of your perfection of physique, -Mr. Merrill,” said Surgeon Du Bose, in a complimentary way, and Scott -Clemmons turned his head away to hide his plainly visible chagrin at -the praise bestowed upon the young sailor. - -Assured that they had passed the physical ordeal the two youths went to -face the examining committee, who were to decide as to what they did or -did not know. - -“Here he will fail,” muttered Scott Clemmons, with malign hope that -such would be the case. - -Quickly they were put to the test, and when the hours of alternate hope -and despair were over each knew that the other had passed, and Scott -Clemmons fairly ground his teeth with rage, as he heard Lieutenant -Briggs, one of the examiners, say in reference to Mark Merrill’s very -fine penmanship: - -“I saw you run your schooner in, Mr. Merrill, and you handle a pen as -well as you do the tiller. I congratulate you that no barrier is now -between you and your cadetship.” - -“Curse him!” muttered Scott Clemmons. “He passed better than I did; but -he shall yet be dismissed in disgrace--I swear it!” - - - - -CHAPTER XX. THE MIDSHIPMAN. - - -Having passed both his physical examination and the one to discover -how far he had progressed in “book learning,” Mark Merrill felt happy -at the thought that there was no other barrier between him and his -cadetship. - -He had been asked by one of the committee where he had attended school, -for he was well up in all questions asked, wrote an excellent hand, and -answered with a knowledge evidently not acquired for the occasion. - -His reply had been a simple one, and truthful: - -“My mother taught me all I know of books, sir, for I never went to -school.” - -Reporting to the quartermaster of the post, Mark found there the kit -which Commodore Lucien had gotten for him, and he discovered that it -left no needs to be filled. - -His room was a pleasant one, and by a rare stroke of good fortune he -was given a first-rate fellow to be his companion to share it. He had -dreaded that, as Scott Clemmons was also from Maine and known to be an -acquaintance, the two might be roomed together. - -In such a case he hoped Clemmons would object, but if he did not then -he certainly should, for he could not bring himself to like the youth -who had shown such an ugly humor toward him in the past. - -The moment that he could get away Mark started to go aboard his little -schooner and bid farewell to Captain Crane and his two sons, and also -bring ashore the few things he had brought with him from home. - -As an act of duty he had sought Scott Clemmons and said: - -“Mr. Clemmons, my little schooner returns home under Captain Jasper -Crane, whom you must know, and I will be glad to give him a letter for -your people, if you wish.” - -Scott Clemmons was in his room, getting his things to rights, and at -the remark of Mark Merrill he laughed rudely. - -He was no longer under the piercing eye of the commandant, and need not -act for effect, as he had done when at headquarters. - -He had stood the ordeal put upon him, but little less acceptably than -had Mark Merrill. - -He was a well-formed fellow, bright in his lessons and all that, but -did not take into consideration that, with all his advantages, he had -not done as well as the “fisher lad” he had sneered at. - -“Send a letter by a sailing ship, Merrill? Not I, and you must live -away back in the Dark Ages to think of such a thing in these days of -telegraphs and railroads; but I forget that you know nothing of the -world, living as secluded as you have. No, thank you, I have already -telegraphed my father that I went through with flying colors, and I -congratulate you upon having passed, even if it was by the skin of your -teeth, for, of course, they would not refuse you, Merrill. Wait until -the first year’s examination, which you cannot hope to get through.” - -Mark Merrill’s eyes flashed, but he controlled his temper, and -responded: - -“I shall try hard to pass, Mr. Clemmons, for I came here to fight hard -to win my way against all odds that I know are before me. Pardon me for -disturbing you. I did not know but that you might wish to see Captain -Crane and his boys, and send some word by them.” - -“No, I do not associate with them at home, you know, and the telegraph -and mails will answer my wants.” - -Mark turned away, for he felt that he could not much longer listen to -Scott Clemmons’ insulting words and patronizing manner. - -“So he offered his friendship simply to blind the commandant, did he? -I wondered how he could be guilty of such an act of manliness as he -professed; but it was for a purpose, not meant. Well, I know what to -expect from him now, and will govern myself accordingly; but I have not -forgotten a voice I heard one night before I left home, when a net was -set to drown me. I think I shall send Silly Sam a letter by Captain -Crane, for the poor fellow is to be trusted, and is keen enough in mind -when he has an object in view.” - -So Mark went on board his schooner to write his letters and give the -joyful news to his mother that she could address his letters to: - - “CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL, - U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY - ANNAPOLIS, M. D.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. SHAKING HANDS WITH THE PAST. - - -“Well, Master Mark, I congratulate you with all my heart,” said Captain -Jasper Crane, when the youth told him that he had stood the first test, -and crossed the rubicon of his hopes and fears. - -The two sons of the skipper also offered their congratulations in their -honest way, and the skipper added: - -“Well, it means we must sail back alone, and that we’ll not see you for -many a long day, Master Mark?” - -“Not until my graduation leave, Captain Crane, unless business may call -you to this port or Baltimore some time, when you must surely give me a -call.” - -“You won’t be too proud to wish to see an old coast skipper, then, -after you get your brass buttons on?” said the skipper slyly. - -“If I thought becoming an officer of the navy would change my nature -so as to make me forget old friends, captain, I’d go back with you now -and stick to the life I have been always leading at home. No, my nature -won’t change, I assure you; but I hope the schooner will earn a fair -livelihood for you and mother, for I hope to have her run on here with -old Peggy some day to see me, as I know she will wish to do.” - -“I know she will, and I’ll make the schooner pay every dollar she can; -but there was a sailor here to see you, Master Mark, and yonder comes a -boat, and I guess he’s coming back, for he said he would, as he wished -to see you.” - -Mark turned to the gangway as the boat ran alongside, and called out -heartily: - -“Jack Judson, my sailor friend of B----, how are you?” - -The sailor grasped the extended hand, and said, warmly: - -“Well, Master Mark Merrill, and glad to see you again. I recognized -you at the helm of the schooner as she ran in, and I never saw a craft -better handled. Going to stay in port long, young mate?” - -“I hope to remain some years, Mr. Judson, for I am launched now as a -cadet midshipman,” was the smiling reply. - -Jack drew himself up quickly and saluted, while he said: - -“Pardon me, sir, but I did not know that, or I would no have made so -bold; but I am a coxswain on the cruiser yonder, and thought I’d come -over to remind you that I had not forgotten you and your plucky fight -in B----.” - -“And I am glad to see you, Coxswain Jack, and I have not forgotten your -great kindness that day in B----, either. But let me tell you that -Scott Clemmons is also a cadet.” - -“Then look out for him, for he’s your foe,” blurted out Jack Judson. - -“I do not believe he is over friendly,” responded Mark, while Jack said: - -“I must be off, sir, for there’s a difference between us now; but I -wish you success, Master Mark, and if you don’t win, I’ll be mistaken -in my calculations.” - -The coxswain saluted, when Mark again put out his hand and said: - -“Good-by, coxswain, I guess we’ll often meet now.” - -The boat pulled away, the coxswain very thoughtful now, for he -remembered how he had once neglected his advantages and thrown away the -chance of an appointment to the navy. - -“I’d have been a lieutenant now, if I had gone in; but I didn’t have -the grit to study, and to-day I am only a coxswain. But that youth has -it in him to work his way upward, and he will; but he must keep his eye -on Scott Clemmons, or he’ll foul him if he can.” - -After the coxswain’s departure Mark went into the cabin, wrote his -letters, one to his mother and another to Silly Sam, and he asked -Captain Crane to hand the letter to the youth in person. - -“I do not know if he can read or not, Captain Crane, but if he cannot, -you please read it to him, and he’ll understand it. The letter to my -mother I know you will deliver first, as you will run straight for -Cliff Castle harbor?” - -“Yes, Master Mark, and if you get time some day drop me a line to let -me know how you are getting along,” said the honest skipper. - -“You shall hear from me, captain, and I’ll expect you to see my mother -as often as you can, for you know her home is not a cheerful one, and -she has only old Peggy.” - -“Yes, and more pluck than any man I know of, to dwell in that old Spook -Hall.” - -Then Mark bade good-by to the captain and his boys, sprang into the -boat he had rowed out, and rested on his oars while the crew got up -anchor and hoisted sail. - -He waved his hat as they went down the Severn, Captain Crane dipping -his colors to the farewell of the youth. - -For a long while the young sailor watched the retreating vessel, then -rowed ashore, and returned the boat to where he had gotten it. - -He sighed as he cast another lingering glance after the little Venture, -returning to the weird old home and scenes he had loved so well, and -murmured to himself: - -“There goes the last link to bind me with my life of the past few -years. Now my career is to be so different! The struggle begins--my -hard fight for fame. But I will win. I cannot afford not to do so, for -Scott Clemmons shall never rejoice over my failure.” - -“Ah, Merrill, all broken up, I see, at parting with your fisher -friends--strange that you did not stick to the low life that suited you -so well.” - -It was Scott Clemmons, and Mark felt as though he would like to have -struck him to the earth. - -But instead he said, calmly: - -“I have shaken hands with the past life, Clemmons, and when I leave -this academy you will be behind me!” - -“Never! mark my words, never!” and Scott Clemmons uttered an oath at -Mark’s threat to leave him behind in the race for honors. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. DISCIPLINING A “CAPTAIN.” - - -Mark Merrill entered upon his duties like one who had gone in to win. - -His modest nature recoiled at having been discovered as a hero, for he -had hoped to gain success without there being one thing in his favor. - -He had as a room mate a youth from South Carolina by the name of Bemis -Perry, a quiet, unassuming youth, about Mark’s age, and who made a -pleasant companion. - -“You knew Clemmons before you came here?” said Bemis Perry, the day -after the two had become mates. - -“Yes, I had met him.” - -“They say his father is awfully rich, and the king bee of his part of -the country.” - -“Yes, Mr. Clemmons is said to be a very rich and influential man.” - -“And Scott is his only heir, I hear.” - -“He has a sister, I have heard, who is younger than he is.” - -“What has Clemmons got against you?” - -“I really do not know,” and Mark did not, for he did not recall having -ever done aught to cause Scott Clemmons to dislike him. - -“Well, I’ll tell you that he is not your friend, Merrill.” - -“So I am aware, but it is a matter of utter indifference to me.” - -Entering upon his duties, Mark was naturally put in the same “awkward -squad” as Scott Clemmons. - -The latter had been to a military school for a couple of terms, and was -thus priding himself upon his being well up in drill. - -He had, in fact, mentioned that he had been captain of his company at -the military school which he had attended, and in various ways he had -thrown out the hint that his father was enormously rich, and a man of -great influence with the government authorities. - -He had also taken occasion to say that Mark Merrill was the son of a -poor widow who, from the charity of the agent in charge of a fine old -house, was allowed to live in one wing of it, while her son had been a -mail-carrier and fisher lad. - -Now Herbert Nazro was the cadet midshipman who had the drilling of the -new men, and he had with rare judgment taken in the characters of those -under his command. - -He realized that they were all green, some exceedingly modest and -willing to admit their know-nothingness, while others were determined -to “cheek it through.” - -Mark reported for duty, and when the cadet officer said: “Well, sir, -what do you know?” he answered, with extreme candor: - -“Nothing whatever, sir.” - -“Then you can be taught easily,” was the frank reply. - -“And you, sir?” he turned to Scott Clemmons. - -“I do not understand you,” and Scott Clemmons meant to overawe the -cadet officer. - -He made a mistake, and he soon realized it. - -“Why were you not paying attention, so that you should know?” was the -stern question. - -“You were not addressing me, sir.” - -“I am now, and I ask you, what do you know?” - -“About drilling?” - -“Yes.” - -“I am pretty well drilled, though perhaps a trifle rusty from lack of -practice.” - -“I’ll get the rust off of you, never fear.” - -“I was captain of my company.” - -“In the army?” - -“No.” - -“When you address your superior always use the expression ‘sir.’” - -Scott Clemmons flushed at the rebuke, and Cadet Officer Nazro asked: - -“Where were you a captain?” - -“At the military school which I attended.” - -“What did I tell you about addressing your superior? Be careful not to -err again. Then you have been to a military school?” - -“Yes.” - -“Yes what?” - -“Yes, sir. Am I compelled to speak thus to you?” - -“Go ask the commandant.” - -“No, sir.” - -“If you were a captain, you should have known as much. I see I shall -have a hard time with you, for it is no easy task to teach an old dog -new tricks. Fall in line, sir, and take the position of a soldier.” - -Mark Merrill really felt sorry for Clemmons, and the little advice -given the youth he decided to take to heart. - -He had seen several military companies parading, and that was all, but -he meant to do his best. - -He fell in line, and when shown the “position of a soldier” by the -splendid young drill-master, he determined to keep his mind upon the -duty before him. - -In spite of his having been a “captain,” Scott Clemmons was found more -fault with than all the others of the awkward squad. - -“You are wrong, sir,” shouted Cadet Nazro. “Just see how you stand. -Your drill master must have been a veteran of 1812. Now these men -can learn, for they know nothing; but you know it all, and like most -know-alls, you give no demonstration of your knowledge. See Merrill -there, how well he stands, and I have not had to correct him a second -time, nor Perry either. Look to it, _Captain_ Clemmons, that I don’t -have to correct you again.” - -There were others of the greenhorns who got rebuffs, also, but for some -reason Officer Herbert Nazro seemed to have picked upon Scott Clemmons -for his especial target of ill-natured flings. - -“He has only himself to blame for it,” said Bemis Perry to Mark, when -the squad was dismissed, after the hardest work the new men had ever -known. - -“Yes, he should have kept quiet about having been captain of his -company,” Mark returned. - -“As I did; for I was three years at the military school in Charleston, -but to-day convinced me that the drill there is nothing in comparison -to this naval school. We shall see stars here, Merrill.” - -“I have become convinced of that,” was Mark’s laughing response. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. A SECRET FOE. - - -Of course Scott Clemmons became a mortal enemy of Herbert Nazro after -his first drill in the awkward squad, under the command of that most -efficient young officer. - -He dared not come out in open rebellion, as he well knew what that -would mean to him; but he treasured up for Nazro a bitter feeling and a -hope of revenge in the future when the chance should come in his way. - -To be rebuked before Mark Merrill cut him deeper than if it had been -before the entire corps, for he had tried to impress Mark with his -importance. - -He had watched Mark’s face for some sign of rejoicing, but even his -ill-nature had failed to detect there any expression of triumph. - -Fisher lad though Mark Merrill had been, the spoiled and petted child -of fortune, Scott Clemmons, was intensely jealous of him. - -He feared the reserve power of the youth who had gotten an appointment -to the naval school by his own acts, when, with all his father’s -influence, he had found it no easy task to accomplish it. - -Then, too, Mark had entered with a kind of hurrah, and more, he had -passed the surgeon and examining committee under flying colors, while -his first drill had been marked by no grave error upon his part. - -There were lads at the academy to toady to the riches and influence of -Scott Clemmons, and so that youth at once found a following among them. - -To his willing “satellites” Scott Clemmons, from a knowledge of his own -nature, judged Mark, believing that the young sailor would inform his -friends of the affair of the toy ship and what followed. He had told -his version of the affair, and soon through the corps went the story of -enmity between the two “men from Maine,” as they were called. - -Had Scott Clemmons been less arrogant, Herbert Nazro would not have -been so severe upon him as he was. - -But all new cadets must expect hard times the first year they enter -into Uncle Sam’s service as baby tars. - -In his studies Mark went to work with the determination to win, and a -feeling began to creep over the class in which he was that he meant to -be a dangerous man in the race for honors. - -Scott Clemmons understood this more keenly than any one else, and he -began to feel his inferiority in spite of his vanity, so he decided -that the only way to beat Mark Merrill was to get him out of the -academy. - -He sized up the others of the class, and felt that, with a struggle, he -could lead for honors, but Mark Merrill was dangerous, and intended to -see to it that his threat to leave him behind was carried out. - -Demerits against a cadet would upset all standing for good lessons, -perfect drill and attention to duties, and that these ugly little -demerit marks could be readily gotten from the slightest causes Scott -Clemmons soon discovered. He accordingly induced his roommate to enter -into a plot against the unsuspecting young sailor. - -When rigged out in his uniform Mark Merrill was certainly a very -handsome and striking-looking lad. - -The corps tailor had complimented him by saying he had never measured a -finer formed lad for his clothes, and seldom one his equal. - -Fortunately for the new men, there had recently been several dismissals -from the academy of “hazers,” so that no great indignities were heaped -upon Mark and the others. - -Still they came in for their share of petty jokes played upon them, all -of which Mark submitted to as really a part of the discipline of the -institution. - -He was universally good-natured, dignified, yet courteous to all, and -on duty and in study hours nothing could move him from what he deemed -right. - -He was a favorite with the officers, popular with his comrades, and yet -for all that there seemed to be some mysterious undercurrent working -against him. - -Once his cap was missing, and he was absent at roll call, so a demerit -went against him; but he did not report that his cap had been cleverly -taken from his room by some one. - -Another time he could not find his shoes for parade, and again a -demerit went down against his name. - -A third time his handsome uniform was disfigured by enormous ink -stains, and he knew that he was no more responsible for that than he -had been for his missing hat and shoes. - -His books, too, became disfigured in some mysterious way, and one -morning he was reported as having been caught out of his room at night -when he had been fast asleep in bed. - -So Mark Merrill, without a word in his own defense, had been put on the -list for a reprimand and punishment. - -These constant demerits were counting up sadly against Mark, until he -knew that by the end of his first year they would be so formidable as -to mean dismissal. Yet what could he do to save himself? - -He was innocent of wrong-doing, and though he suspected his persecutor, -he had no proof of it that he was right in his suspicions, while, if he -was, he had too manly a nature to go and report him. - -So he determined to suffer in silence, and trust to some good fortune -to make all things even in the end. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. A SECRET FRIEND. - - -The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so -annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going -became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and -not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year -out at the academy. - -It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, -and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a -position above his station by an appointment to the naval school. - -In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental -to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most -unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told -him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no -denials. - -At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of -him, and his popularity began to waver. - -“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, -one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his -many demerits. - -“No, and you can’t ward off the attack of a secret assassin,” remarked -Bemis Perry quietly. - -All eyes turned upon the speaker, for he seldom attracted attention by -any outspoken words, and Scott Clemmons, with angry face, asked: - -“Do you mean that for me, sir?” - -“I shot at random, Clemmons; and if you got in the way it is your -lookout, not mine.” - -“I wish you to explain your ambiguous words,” said Clemmons hotly. - -“Permit me to do so,” was the response. “You were pleased to apply an -insulting application to my roommate and friend, Mark Merrill, and as -he has suffered much secret persecution from one who would stab him -in the back, I say that one can no more protect oneself from a secret -assassin than you can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Now, if the -shoe fits you, put it on and wear it.” - -“As it does not, there is no cause of quarrel between us,” Scott -Clemmons said, retreating through the exit open to him. - -“You are wise,” and with this Bemis Perry walked away, and as he did so -he muttered to himself: - -“I will do it.” - -An hour after found him in the presence of the commandant, waiting to -be heard by that august personage. - -“Well, Mr. Perry, what is it?” said the commandant, somewhat abruptly. - -“I have no complaint to make, commandant, for myself, but I have an -explanation to offer in behalf of another.” - -“Well, Mr. Perry, I will hear you.” - -The commandant had taken a fancy to the quiet, reserved but brilliant -youth who had become Mark Merrill’s roommate, and he now saw that he -had something more than a favor to ask. - -“I wish to make a statement, sir, and hope that you will take what I -have to say as though uttered under oath.” - -“So serious as that, is it, Mr. Perry?” - -“Yes, sir; but as I said, it is not of myself that I will speak.” - -“Who, then?” - -“Of my roommate, sir.” - -“Ah! Has Merrill gotten out with you, too?” - -“On the contrary, I wish to say that Merrill is the noblest fellow I -ever met. I have watched him closely, when he little dreamed I was -paying the slightest attention to his acts, or the actions of others, -and I wish to say, commandant, that the day he missed roll call on -account of not finding his cap, some one had taken it to cause him a -demerit. The ink stains on his uniform were put there by others, and -the night that he was reported as absent without leave from his room -I lay awake, unable to sleep, and he never got out of his cot; but, -whoever it was, gave the name of Merrill instead of his own, and this -I’ll take oath to, sir. In a number of other cases, commandant, Merrill -has been accused and silently submitted, when I know he was innocent, -and thus the demerits roll up against him. Against these demerits, -sir, he stands perfect in lessons, thorough in drill, and no complaint -against the performance of any duty he is put upon, which, I think, -sir, if you will pardon the expression of my opinion, go to prove that -where he has a chance to get perfect marks he gets them, while others -get the demerits against him as one dangerous to have as a rival for -honors.” - -“Ah! I see your reasoning, Mr. Perry; but may I ask if Merrill knows of -your coming to me?” - -“No, sir, he has not a suspicion of it, for I come on my own -responsibility, knowing the facts.” - -“It does you credit, let me say, Perry, and your reasoning is so good -that I shall look into the matter myself.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -“But what does Merrill say of the demerits he receives?” - -“I have only heard him express himself once, sir, and then he said that -it was not the plain sailing he had hoped to have here, for in spite of -his every effort to win success he seemed to make a dead failure of it.” - -“I see; but do not speak of this visit to Merrill or any one else, and -I’ll see what explanation can be arrived at of his many demerits.” - -“Simply, sir, that he has a secret foe,” was the almost blunt assertion -of Bemis Perry. - -“Then he is fortunate in having also a secret friend in you, Mr. -Perry,” was the commandant’s smiling response; and Bemis Perry saluted -and retired, satisfied that he had acted as he should have done to save -Mark Merrill from an underhand foe, who meant his dismissal from the -academy. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. A CLOUDED RECORD. - - -Weeks passed away and the strange fact presented itself that the -cadet midshipman, who was devotedly studious, thorough in every duty -devolving upon him, perfect in drill and courteous to all, yet kept his -list of demerit marks steadily increasing against him, a circumstance -that could only end in one way. - -Pranks were played, and time and again the guilty one was said to be -Mark Merrill, for he was the one who seemed to be leading two lives, as -it were, secretly a wild one, openly a perfect one. - -Half-smoked cigars were found by the officer of inspection in his room, -and when he asserted he never smoked them, as proof against him was a -box of perfectos nearly empty. - -Upon another occasion the inspector found a bottle that had contained -whisky in Merrill’s room, and there was enough left in it to prove that -it had contained the real old beverage of the Kentucky colonels. - -In many other ways had seeming proof been brought against Mark Merrill -that he was not all that he professed to be, and many predicted that he -would take his departure from the United States Naval Academy before -very long. - -But one afternoon the corps were assembled, and, to the surprise of -all, the demerits against the cadets were read out openly. - -Here and there a name was called which held no demerit mark against -it, but when the adjutant came to the name of Mark Merrill he paused, -and a moment of suspense followed. - -Then came the reading of the number which was known as the “Fatal -Figures.” - -Beyond that number no cadet could go, and Mark Merrill’s face became -deadly pale as he heard the calling out of the fatal figures. Other -names followed, until the whole roll of the corps had been called, and -no one else came within startling distance of the fatal figures. - -“Cadet Mark Merrill to the front!” came the adjutant’s command, for -that officer already had his orders. - -Mark advanced promptly until halted. - -White-faced but cool, with every eye upon him, he stood awaiting what -was to come as though he were to hear his death warrant read. - -To him it was worse, for he expected ignominious dismissal from the -corps. - -“Cadet Merrill, the number of demerits against your name has reached -the limit, the fatal figures which mean dismissal. The commandant -desires to know what you have to say in your defense?” - -“Nothing, sir, for the demerits stand against me, and I submit to the -laws of the academy in silence.” - -Every one heard the distinctly uttered reply of the young cadet. - -Then the commandant’s voice was heard: - -“Adjutant, you are to cancel every demerit that stands against the name -of Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill.” - -In spite of stern discipline a murmur ran down the line, for such a -command could not be understood. - -But the explanation was not long delayed, for again the stern voice of -the commandant was heard: - -“Cadet Merrill, I have reason to know that when you failed to appear -at roll call, from having lost your cap, that it was taken from your -room to bring about just such trouble for you. I have reason to know -that ink stains were placed upon your uniform to get you into trouble, -and that the night when you were reported absent from your room without -leave, the one who answered the officer of the guard was not you, but -used your name. The bottle found in your room, also the cigars, were -put there by those who meant to get you into trouble. Against such -acts, which are explained away, you stand perfect in your lessons, -in drill and all duties devolving upon you. Hence I cancel these -demerits with the warning to your secret enemies that, were they known, -dismissal should at once follow the discovery, and if like underhand -acts against you, or others, are perpetrated the guilty ones shall be -hunted down and the severest penalty shall be visited upon them. Return -to the ranks, Cadet Merrill, with your record clear.” - -There are no more manly youths in the world, taken as a whole, than our -baby tars of Annapolis and boy soldiers of West Point, and none more -ready to do justice to one of their number wronged, and so it was that -the cadet midshipmen felt assured that the commandant was doing only -justice to Mark Merrill and letting his persecutors down lightly. - -So they gave three rousing cheers for Mark’s “clear record,” and a -groan for his secret foes. - -If there were several in the corps who joined in the cheers and groans -it was to hide their own confusion worse confounded. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. THE TELLTALE COIN. - - -Barney Breslin was not a popular youth in the Naval School. - -His nature was somewhat morose; it seemed to go against him to salute -his superiors, and he had never won golden opinions for his studious -habits and strict attention to duty. - -He had but one intimate in the corps of cadets, and that one was Scott -Clemmons, his roommate. - -Many wondered how it was that Scott Clemmons had gotten in with Barney -Breslin, for, where the one was an aristocrat, the other had just -escaped being born in the Emerald Isle, for his parents had set foot -upon the “land of the brave and the free” only a week when Barney made -his _début_ in life. - -The father of the youth had played his cards so well in the metropolis -that he had gotten to be a man of wealth and a politician of influence, -and it had been the dream of the mother’s life to see her boy an -admiral before she died. - -An only son, Barney had gone it a trifle rapid for a youngster, and was -sent to the Naval School for training. As he passed his examinations he -had the courage, when a full-fledged cadet, to write to his father of -certain unpaid debts left behind in New York, and they were promptly -settled by the parent, but with an admonition that not a dollar -more should be received from the Breslin bank account until he had -graduated, and if he failed to do this he had better ship before the -mast, and not show up again under the parental roof tree. - -Now, Barney was fond of a game of chance, and when he could find a -congenial spirit to play with, he often indulged in gambling, generally -to his sorrow, for he soon had several I. O. U.’s for various amounts. - -It was supposed that Scott Clemmons helped Barney Breslin in his -studies, for the former was bright and stood splendidly in his classes. - -In return it was hinted that Barney did many little favors for -Clemmons, mostly of a menial nature, however. - -The inspector always found Clemmons’ wardrobe and half of the room neat -as a pin, while Barney was often “spotted” for disorder. - -Cadets generally “size up” a man very correctly, and they decided -that when examination day came and Barney’s displacement was taken, -his tonnage in knowledge would fall short, even though aided by Scott -Clemmons. - -In other words, Barney could never “bone” hard enough to step across -the threshold into the third class. - -“He’ll bilge, certain,” was the general way of putting Barney’s -prospects by his fellow cadets. - -It may, therefore, be inferred that Barney Breslin was as unpopular as -his roommate, Scott Clemmons, was popular, for the latter was looked -upon as a “good fellow all round,” though a trifle too haughty, perhaps. - -From the first Barney had not liked Mark Merrill, and he made no effort -to disguise it. - -A tall, heavily formed fellow, he possessed great brute strength, and -was brave from this very reason, feeling his power over weaker mortals, -and inclined to be a bully from nature. - -One afternoon the cadets assembled in considerable force in the -gymnasium, and many were giving exhibitions of their prowess as -athletes, and no mean exhibition it was, either, for the training that -they received made iron physiques of the youths. - -For some reason an unpleasant feeling rested upon many, which soon -became general when it was known that Scott Clemmons had lost a -valuable coin that morning. - -It was a rare coin, what is known as a fifty-dollar gold piece, -octagonal in shape, and always quoted at a large premium on account of -the scarcity of such issues of money. - -All who had seen Scott Clemmons with it knew that he called it his -“luck coin,” and that he prized it most highly. - -He had changed his clothes that morning, leaving the coin in the pants -he had taken off, and, going for it an hour after, he found it gone. - -Barney Breslin had expressed himself boldly about one whom he believed -had taken the coin, as he had said that he met a cadet coming out of -the room of Scott Clemmons and himself, and unless the gold piece was -returned that night, he would make his accusation public. - -He would not give a hint as to whom he suspected, but said: - -“Wait until night, and then I shall accuse the one I deem the thief,” -and he turned away to perform an act which he had won quite a -reputation for, which was to walk around the pedestrian track of the -gymnasium on his hands. - -“Can you do that, Merrill?” asked Scott Clemmons, who stood near him, -and there was a sneer in his tone and manner. - -“I think so,” was the quiet response, and Mark Merrill threw himself -upon his hands and began to go around the track, when suddenly, with a -loud ring, the missing gold-piece rolled from his pocket amid almost a -roar of amazement from his brother cadets. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. A DOUBLE ACCUSATION. - - -Barney Breslin had just completed his walk on his hands around the -track of the gymnasium, and the applause with which he had been -greeted had ceased, when Scott Clemmons asked Mark Merrill if he could -accomplish a like feat. - -When the gold coin fell from Mark’s pocket and the loud murmur of -amazement was heard, Barney Breslin had sprang forward, and seizing the -piece of gold cried: - -“It is your luck coin, Clemmons, as I live!” - -“It certainly is, but surely there must be some mistake, for Merrill -could not be guilty of----” - -“I tell you now that he is the man I saw leaving our room,” said -Breslin, interrupting Clemmons. - -And all this time, unheeding the dropping of the coin from his -pocket, Mark Merrill had continued his hand-walk around the track, -accomplishing the feat with an ease far greater than Barney Breslin had -done. - -As he approached the group now, his face flushed from his peculiar -exercise, every eye was upon him, and a death-like silence was upon all. - -“You must speak, Clemmons, for this cannot be allowed to go by,” said -Breslin, breaking the silence. - -“Merrill, it seems that you accomplished Breslin’s feat, but you have -also done something that he could not and would not do,” said Scott -Clemmons. - -“What is that, may I ask, Mr. Clemmons?” - -“You dropped something from your pocket awhile since?” - -“Yes, I heard it drop, but as I had no claim to it I paid no attention -to it.” - -“You know what it was?” - -“Ah! yes; an octagonal coin which Breslin stole from you and placed in -my pocket, hoping to prove me the thief,” was the cool response. - -“Ha! you dare accuse me of being a thief?” and, like a mad bull, Barney -Breslin rushed upon Mark Merrill. - -Some would have interfered had they had time, and all expected to see -Barney Breslin seize and crush Mark Merrill in his iron grasp. - -But instead, they saw the huge bully fly backward with terrific force -and measure his length upon the track of the gymnasium. - -He had been dealt a blow by Mark that half-stunned him, and amazed all, -for the young sailor had never before shown what he could do with his -fists, and his latent strength was never once suspected, unless it was -by Scott Clemmons. - -With a howl of rage Barney Breslin arose and rushed again upon Mark, -who cried out: - -“Back, Breslin, or you will regret it!” - -A cry of defiance was Breslin’s only answer, and as the cadet struck up -Mark’s guard, he was enabled to seize him in his long, powerful arms. - -But only for a moment did he retain his hold, for he was raised bodily -from his feet and dashed to the floor with a force that shook the -building, and he lay limp and dazed from the fall. - -Though astonished at Mark’s grand exhibition of strength, and glad as -many were to see Barney Breslin punished, the cadets could not let the -charge about the gold coin go by, and several called out: - -“Prove that you know nothing about that coin, Merrill, or it will go -hard with you.” - -Mark was not in the least disturbed, as he faced those who demanded an -inquiry into the cruel charge against him, and said in his quiet way, -as he stood over the fallen Breslin: - -“I have nothing to say for myself, but shall ask Mr. Dillingham to -speak for me, after which Mr. Nazro can speak.” - -“Out with it, Dillingham, if you can say anything to clear Merrill of -this very nasty charge,” said Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb. - -“I will only say that since we came into the gymnasium here Merrill -came up to me and said that he had seen Clemmons’ lost gold piece in -Breslin’s hand, and that he appeared to be trying to slip it into his, -Merrill’s pocket, and asked me to watch him. I did so, and I did see -Breslin pass very near Merrill and appear to drop something into his -pocket, but what it was I could not see.” - -This testimony from Winslow Dillingham created a sensation, which was -added to when Herbert Nazro said: - -“And Merrill whispered to me: - -“‘Watch Breslin and see what he is up to, for he has haunted me ever -since I came in.’ - -“I did watch him, and I distinctly saw him slip something yellow into -Merrill’s pocket, which now I will swear was the gold piece which -Clemmons lost. Now, Clemmons, who is the one you accuse?” and Herbert -Nazro turned upon Scott Clemmons, who responded: - -“I make no accusation, and yet I cannot doubt the evidence of yourself -and Dillingham.” - -“And I ask you, Breslin, do you dare accuse me?” - -The words were uttered in a low tone, yet all heard them, and Mark -Merrill faced Barney Breslin, who now stood before him, his face white -and bruised from the blow he had received. - -“Speak, sir!” - -There was a very dangerous light in the eyes of Mark Merrill now, and -there followed his command a chorus of voices, saying: - -“Yes, speak!” - -But Barney Breslin uttered no word, and his face grew livid as his eyes -roved over to where Scott Clemmons stood. - -He met only a cold stare from the man who had been his friend, and -placing his hand to his head in a dazed sort of way, he walked slowly -out of the gymnasium. - -“He shall speak!” cried Mark, starting after him, but a dozen hands -held him back, while Byrd Bascomb said: - -“No need of it, Merrill; for he is the thief.” - -“And worse, he well-nigh ruined you, Merrill,” added Herbert Nazro. - -“Forgive me, Merrill, but he accused you to me, and it was his plot -to have you walk on your hands that the money might roll out of your -pocket,” and Scott Clemmons held out his hand. - -But sharp and decisive came the response: - -“No, Clemmons, I will not take your hand, for you are no more my friend -than Breslin has been--I pity him, but despise you,” and Mark walked -away with Dillingham, Nazro and Byrd Bascomb. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. THE STORY TOLD. - - -Mark Merrill’s first act was to go at once to the officer of the day -and report the occurrence at the gymnasium. - -Accompanied by Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, Herbert Nazro and Winslow -Dillingham, who were there to vouch for the affair as stated, the -officer of the day suggested that the young cadet go immediately to the -commandant, and he would give no order of arrest against Barney Breslin -until he heard from headquarters. - -It was decided then that Mark should go alone to the commandant and -tell his story, while the three cadets whom he had as witnesses would -hold themselves in readiness to be called upon for their version of the -affair. - -“There will be plenty more of us, Merrill, never fear, to report the -affair as it occurred,” said Byrd Bascomb. - -“Yes, all there knew that you were attacked by Breslin, which was -reversing the old saying and adding injury to insult, to attempt to -annihilate you after he had accused you of stealing; but, great Scott! -what a knock-down you gave him,” said Nazro, while Dillingham responded: - -“Oh, yes, Merrill can do it, as I have cause to remember--he tumbled me -into the drink,” and all three laughed at the remembrance. - -“It will go hard with Breslin even if he escapes arrest for stealing, -for Clemmons gave him an awful ugly look when he saw that he was the -thief--that it was his room mate who had robbed him,” said Dillingham. - -So Mark wended his way to headquarters, and the commandant granting him -an interview, he made a clean breast of the whole occurrence. - -The commandant listened with an attention that revealed the deepest -interest, for it was something so thoroughly out of the usual run for -one who was to become an officer in the navy to be accused of theft. - -Mischief untold, hazing, and even insubordination, might be charged -against the jolly young tars, but anything against their honor was a -stigma too serious to be lightly thought of. - -At last the commandant spoke, and in a low, earnest tone: - -“You requested Cadets Nazro and Dillingham to watch Breslin’s -movements?” - -“I did, sir, as his actions toward me were curious, and I caught him -trying to slip something in my pocket. It was done so slyly that had I -not been on the watch I would not have known it, but both Cadets Nazro -and Dillingham saw him do it, and, of course, when I was challenged to -do his feat I accepted and the coin rolled out.” - -“Did he challenge you?” - -“No, sir, Clemmons did.” - -“And who accused you?” - -“I continued my hand-walk around the track, sir, and Cadet Clemmons -asked me to explain how it was I had his luck coin.” - -“And your answer?” - -“I told him that I had no claim to it, as Breslin had stolen it from -him and slipped it into my pocket, a fact corroborated by Cadets -Dillingham and Nazro.” - -“And he attacked you?” - -“Yes, sir, and I knocked him down.” - -“And then?” - -“He arose and rushed upon me again.” - -“No one interfered?” - -“Yes, sir; but his movements were very quick, and----” - -“Contrary to his usual manner,” dryly said the commandant. - -“As he rushed upon me a second time, sir, some one struck my hand -upward, and he grasped me, so I had to throw him, and I did so with a -force which I intended should prevent a continuance of the fracas.” - -“Then you acted only in self-defense?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“How many cadets were in the gymnasium at the time?” - -“About one-third of the corps, I should say, sir.” - -“Name others who were there?” - -Mark did so, while the commandant jotted down the names, until he had -fully a score on the list, men from the various classes, and some of -them cadet officers, who had witnessed the affair. - -Then, after a few moments of silence, the commandant said: - -“Merrill, in what way have you ever offended Breslin?” - -“I was not aware that I had done so, sir.” - -“Yet he has never been friendly toward you?” - -“No, sir.” - -“You have done nothing to anger him?” - -“I have seldom spoken to him, sir.” - -“Did it ever strike you that he was one of your persecutors when the -demerits rolled up against you in the earlier part of the year?” - -“I have no evidence that he was.” - -“And in what way have you wronged Clemmons?” - -“I prefer not to speak of what occurred prior to my coming to the -academy, sir.” - -“You admit that there was trouble between you?” - -“Yes, sir, we had some trouble one day.” - -“I desire to hear your statement of it.” - -“It was of little moment, sir; but one day I went up from my home to -B---- to sell a toy ship I had made, to get money needed for my mother, -who was ill. Clemmons and a few of his mates, in a spirit of amusement, -set upon me, and my ship was broken. This angered me, and I used my -fists, and we were arrested.” - -“With what result?” - -“A seaman had taken my part, and he was also arrested by the constable; -but the judge made the lads pay me for my toy ship, and released the -sailor and myself.” - -“I am glad to see, Merrill, that you have told a very modest and -uncompromising story of the affair, for I have here a letter from a -witness, and he is not as lenient toward the lads who assailed you,” -and in a quick glance at a letter which the commandant turned back over -a file to find, Mark saw the name of “Jack Judson.” - -Then the commandant continued: - -“I have received several other letters from your old home, all of -them compromising, but as they were anonymous I simply retain them -for reference, as only a coward will refuse to put his name to an -accusation against one he maligns. You can go to your quarters now, to -await further orders.” - -Mark saluted and departed from headquarters, when the commandant -summoned an orderly and gave him the list of the cadets whose names he -had taken down, ordering their presence before him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. THE ALTERNATIVE. - - -So high is the standard of honor among Uncle Sam’s cadets that one’s -word is as good as his bond in all things, and a man who would go wrong -and do a despicable thing is despised and ostracised by his comrades at -once. - -Instances are very rare in naval and military life where an officer -goes wrong, though now and then one does hear that a paymaster, -quartermaster, or commissary has gotten his accounts in a tangle, or -that some officer has been guilty of a “shady transaction” to get out -of debt; but, as I have said, the instances are so rare that when they -do occur they come as a shock upon the whole service, afloat and ashore. - -In the little world, then, at the Naval School, the going wrong of -Barney Breslin was a blow to the cadets which all keenly felt. - -It was like a disgrace upon them all to have one not only be guilty of -theft, but to try and place the dishonor of his act upon a fellow cadet. - -The young sailors gathered about in knots and discussed the affair. - -Not the shadow of a cloud rested upon Mark Merrill, but sympathy was -felt for him that he should have been the victim of the thief. - -Breslin had sent out an explanation of his act after going to his room. - -He had often borrowed the lucky coin and carried it for days, and that -day he had found it on the floor, where Clemmons must have dropped it, -and so had put it in his pocket, intending later to return it. - -Not seeing Clemmons until they had met in the gymnasium, and then -learning about his supposed loss, he had said nothing about having it, -and in a spirit of fun had put it in Merrill’s pocket, intending to -explain the joke, as he called it, after it had been discovered who had -it. - -But Merrill had accused him, Breslin, of being the thief, and so in his -anger he had resented it. - -Such was Barney Breslin’s explanation, as written by him, and read to -the cadets by Scott Clemmons, who was inclined to accept it as the -truth. - -But the cadets were not so lenient as was Scott Clemmons. - -They knew that Breslin had certainly allowed the belief that Mark -Merrill was the thief, and he had offered no explanation then and there -of his conduct. - -They received his lame explanation as that of a man who was drowning -“catching at a straw.” - -They knew that Mark Merrill had reported himself as having struck a -fellow cadet a blow, and that he had doubtless given his reason for so -doing, which they adjudged a good one. - -What the commandant would think remained to be seen. - -The commandant’s orderly had been “seen in the land,” as they, the -cadets, expressed it, and, as a result, certain uniformed gentlemen -from the different classes were seen wending their way toward -headquarters. - -Byrd Bascomb gave his version of the affair in the presence of several -officers of the academy, but with no cadet present other than himself. - -The commandant’s secretary jotted down his testimony. - -Then followed Herbert Nazro’s statement, Dillingham’s, and so on until -all had been heard, and no comment was made in the presence of the -cadets, but the officers were left to discuss the case among themselves. - -In the meanwhile the door of Breslin’s room was closed against all -admission, except the well-known knock of Scott Clemmons. - -That youth returned from making known his roommate’s “explanation” to -find him seated at his study table, writing. - -Breslin was very pale and nervous, and Scott Clemmons wore a painfully -anxious look, too. - -“Well?” said Breslin, as Clemmons entered. - -The latter threw himself into his chair and said: - -“It won’t go.” - -“You read it?” - -“Yes.” - -“What did they say?” - -“Nothing.” - -“That’s good.” - -“That’s bad, for their silence is worse than their chin music.” - -“Have you seen Merrill?” - -“He is in his room under orders.” - -“Well, what am I to do?” - -“Resign, I should say, and at once.” - -“I half thought of it, and, in fact, had written a letter to the -commandant; but then----” - -“What?” - -“My father will not let me come home.” - -“Try your mother.” - -“It will do no good, for the old man runs the house.” - -“There is one thing certain.” - -“What is that?” - -“If you don’t resign, you’ll be dismissed.” - -“Oh, Lord!” - -“If you were not, the cadets would cut you dead, never speak to you -except officially, for they have got a standard of honor here which -only an angel could hope to attain to.” - -“You had better resign, then, too.” - -“Why?” - -“You are no angel.” - -“That’s rather good of you, Breslin; your trouble seems to have -sharpened your wit.” - -“Well, if I resign you ought to do so too, or----” - -“Or what?” - -“I cannot go home.” - -“Try it.” - -“I will, but I know the old man.” - -“Well, if you do not, get work and redeem yourself in his opinion.” - -“I have no money, as you know, so if I go you must go, too, or----” - -“Or what, Breslin?” - -“Or support me,” and there was an ugly look came over the face of the -disgraced cadet. - -“I do not understand,” faltered Scott Clemmons. - -“Then I will make it so clear that you can grasp it. I said that if -I resign you must do the same, or you must support me until I get a -good position, when I can take care of myself. Do you understand now, -Clemmons?” - -It seemed that Scott Clemmons did, for his face turned deadly pale at -the alternative given him by the cadet who now stood at bay. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. NOT ACCEPTED. - - -Barney Breslin seemed to have turned at bay, for he was no longer the -obsequious toady of Scott Clemmons that he had been. - -What he had said, the alternative he had offered, seemed to have deeply -moved Clemmons, for he now appeared more anxious-faced than did Breslin. - -Thrice he essayed to speak, and each time the words failed him. - -He at last sat almost helpless before the other, wishing him to break -the silence. - -Breslin paced up and down the room now with a calmer mien. - -The man had suddenly become the master. - -What hold he had upon Clemmons he gave no utterance to, but certainly -he had a secret power to thus move the other as he did. - -“Yes, I shall resign. I shall take my resignation over now to the -commandant, for, after all I am tired of study, and I hardly think I -am cut out to be a naval officer. The standard of excellence and honor -are a trifle too high for me to reach--you see I confess it, Clemmons. -So I’ll take a vacation, and as I have only a few dollars, I’ll call -on you for a loan, you know. If you have not a large amount about you, -give me an order upon your father, for I must have money, Clemmons, -yes, I must have money, or----” - -He paused as though hoping that Scott Clemmons would ask: - -“Or what?” - -But Clemmons remained silent, and with a determined look in his face, -Breslin finished his sentence with the words: - -“Or--you go with me, Clemmons.” - -Half an hour after Barney Breslin left his room, and went to the -commandant’s quarters. - -He met an orderly at the door, who said politely: - -“I was just going to seek you, sir, for the commandant wishes to see -you.” - -The next moment Breslin crossed the threshold with a look upon his face -that expressed plainly his thought: “He who enters here leaves Hope -behind.” - -The commandant was there, and so were a number of officers, all wearing -a serious look upon their faces. - -Breslin saluted promptly and awaited the commandant’s pleasure. - -“Mr. Breslin, I sent for you, as an occurrence in the gymnasium to-day -demands a full inquiry,” said the commandant sternly. - -“I was on my way here, sir, when I met your orderly. I am here now, -sir, to make the statement that I was wrong, that what I meant as a -joke proved serious; so serious, in fact, sir, that I hereby tender you -my resignation as a cadet midshipman.” - -All heard the words distinctly, and they were uttered without a tremor, -though the face of the young man was very pale. - -“Mr. Breslin, you will please sit down at that table and write and sign -your explanation of this unfortunate affair.” - -The youth obeyed, writing the same explanation he had sent through -Scott Clemmons to the cadets. - -The commandant read it aloud, and then said: - -“This wholly exonerates Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill, as you intended -it should?” - -“From the charge of taking the luck coin. Yes, sir.” - -“From what else do you infer that he is not exonerated, sir?” sternly -asked the commandant. - -“From the blow he gave me,” almost fiercely answered the youth, whose -revengeful nature was now revealed in his face and words. - -The commandant smiled, while he said: - -“From all accounts, Mr. Breslin, you had better let well enough alone, -and certainly your charge was a just provocation.” - -“I never forget nor forgive an injury, sir,” said the youth in a -pompous manner. - -“Then my decision was a wise one, just arrived at, that you leave the -Naval Academy at once.” - -“And this is an acceptance of my resignation, sir?” - -“On the contrary, Mr. Breslin, I decline to accept your resignation.” - -“I do not quite comprehend you, sir,” faltered the young man. - -“I decline your resignation, Mr. Breslin, to reserve to myself the -right to dismiss you, as you richly deserved. Not only did you pilfer -from the pockets of your room mate, but to hide your theft, your -ignominious crime, you tried to fasten the guilt upon another, a fellow -cadet. Your explanation is an awkward one, a lame one in the extreme, -but it serves to exonerate Mr. Merrill, and to stamp you, under your -own signature, as what you are. I shall at once send my decision to the -Secretary of the Navy for his approval, and for the honor of this Naval -Academy I trust that the affair will not be blazoned abroad over the -land. For your own sake, you had best depart quietly from the academy, -for the charge against you is a most serious one.” - -The stern, indignant manner of the commandant completely cowed the -disgraced youth, and he departed from the presence of his judges with a -crestfallen air. - -Returning to his room he found Scott Clemmons there anxiously pacing -the floor. - -His look questioned Breslin, who dropped into a chair with the words: - -“He refused my resignation.” - -“What?” - -“He dismissed me.” - -“And--and----” - -“That is all,” said Breslin, with a reckless laugh, and Scott Clemmons -gave a deep sigh of relief. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. A SWIMMING MATCH. - - -Scott Clemmons was not the only one who gave a sigh of relief when it -was known that Barney Breslin had to leave the academy. - -Perhaps, however, the sigh of relief of the other cadets was from a -different motive than that which came from the bosom of Scott Clemmons. - -The decision of the commandant, forwarded by special carrier to -Washington, was promptly approved by the Secretary of the Navy, and -Barney Breslin, awaiting at the hotel in Annapolis, found himself no -longer a cadet. - -Not even Scott Clemmons dared call openly upon him to wish him _bon -voyage_ upon the stormy sea of life upon which he had embarked. - -He left the town under cover of the darkness, and the corps breathed -more freely to know that the black sheep of their flock was gone. - -As though to atone for his unfortunate connection with the accusation -against Mark Merrill, Scott Clemmons had sought out the wronged youth, -and frankly said: - -“I say, Merrill, I’m deuced sorry for all that has happened, I am, ’pon -honor. Breslin was such an awkward lad I felt sorry for him, but I had -no idea that he was crooked, and he deserved even worse than you gave -him. But say, old shipmate, let us bury the hatchet between us and be -friends. We are rivals, I know, for first honors in our class, but -that should not make us foes, and here’s my hand in real friendship.” - -This speech was delivered, for Clemmons was nothing, if not rhetorical, -oratorical and dramatic, in the presence of a dozen fellow cadets. - -He would have considered it as seed sown in barren places, if he had -made his little speech to Mark Merrill alone. - -The cadets present set it down as “very neat,” “deuced clever,” and -“quite the correct thing, you know.” - -But Mark Merrill did not seem in the least impressed. - -He heard Clemmons with a patience and silence that was almost -embarrassing. - -Then, without seeming to see the extended hand, he responded in his -quiet way: - -“Clemmons, what Breslin did he has suffered for, and your seemingly -frank offer of friendship under other circumstances I might appreciate; -but I am no hypocrite, and I will not profess a friendship I do not -feel. I shall treat you with respect, yes, and shall exact the same -treatment from you, but friendship between us is not to be thought of, -as in your heart, you know as well as I do, that it is not sincere.” - -Clemmons felt sorry that he had not gone to Merrill in private, for the -rejection of his proffered friendship cut him to the quick. - -His face flushed, then paled, and he said in a tone of suppressed -feeling: - -“So be it, sir, if you desire it,” and he wheeled on his heel and -walked away. - -The cadets present felt that there was an undercurrent between the -two, a feeling that they were not in touch with, and somehow they -decided that Mark Merrill’s response left him master of the situation, -notwithstanding the very manly _amende honorable_ of Scott Clemmons, -as it had at first seemed to them. - -That Mark was jealous of Clemmons as a rival for honors they did not -for a moment believe. - -He had some secret cause of bitterness against Clemmons, and he was of -too manly a nature to play the hypocrite, they decided. - -Of course the story of the friendly offer by Scott Clemmons and its -rejection by Mark Merrill became known to the whole corps, and finally -reached the ear of the commandant. - -A cadet who happened to be present when the commandant heard the story, -engaged in some work at a table near, told what he had overheard. - -The commandant had said: - -“Merrill was wise; yes, and right, too.” - -The manner in which Mark Merrill had shown himself both a “slugger” -and a wrestler in knocking out and giving a fall to Barney Breslin, -convinced the corps that there was a latent power in the youth that -should not be allowed to lie dormant. - -He had shown himself a most clever gymnast, but always in a modest -way, and when special attention was attracted to him, cadets came to -understand that he was as thorough an athlete as he was a student. - -This became an undisputed fact when the young sailor quietly carried -off the prizes from his class one day for feats of strength, and -captured the gold badge as the “best-drilled man in his company.” - -When the warm days of spring came, a swimming match was arranged among -a score of “champions,” and Mark entered the contest, while, to the -surprise of all, Scott Clemmons went around among his fellows quietly -taking wagers in favor of the sailor lad from Maine. - -The result proved his wisdom, or that he had heard the stories told of -the “boy fish,” as the lad had been called at home, for as far as Mark -was concerned, it was no race, as he swam nearly half the time under -water, rounded the turning stake and came back home at an easy stroke, -distancing all the others. - -Scott Clemmons smiled blandly, and said to his chum, Harbor Driggs: - -“I told you to go on Merrill.” - -“Yes, but Ferd Randall was in the race, and----” - -“He was not in the race with Merrill, as you now know. I tell you the -fellow is a wonder in the water, and the surgeon said he must have a -double pair of lungs.” - -“He certainly played with Ferd Randall.” - -“He did not show what he could do. Why, at home they called him the -‘boy fish.’” - -“Say, Clemmons,” said Ferd Randall suddenly. - -“Well?” - -“I wonder if he’s going to do the same way in his class at examination?” - -“No, for I am in the class, you know,” was the conceited response. - -“That’s so, I hadn’t thought of that,” replied Randall, and Clemmons -wondered if he was in earnest or sarcastic. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. THE “WATER WIZARD.” - - -Following the swimming races came rowing and sailing matches and -the fourth class pair of sculls, and four and eight barges, had the -temerity to offer a challenge, open to all. - -They promptly found acceptances, in other classes, and it was found -that Mark Merrill was one of a pair of scullers, and held a seat in the -four and eight-oared barges, while he was also matched for an open to -all in single sculls. - -“No need of betting against Merrill in single sculls, for he is a -fisherman, you know, and rowed in the surf from boyhood,” said Scott -Clemmons with a sneer. - -“You intend to bet on him, then, Clemmons?” asked Byrd Bascomb. - -“Of course I do, for I know what the fellow could do in a swimming -match, and he is just as good with oars.” - -The day of the races for the championship came round and the -eight-oared barge was ahead, but crowded by its nearest rival, when -Mark’s oar snapped, and they were passed. - -But he seized the oar of one of the men who had weakened, and they came -in second amid tremendous cheers. - -All had to admit, but for the breaking of Merrill’s oar, his boat would -have led to the finish. - -In the double-scull race Bemis Perry, his roommate, was his partner, -and, coached by Mark, the youth had become a strong and skillful -oarsman. - -They dropped astern at the start, but pushed their three rivals hard -apace, which began to tell in the end, and nearing the finish they -slipped by, first one, then the other, and at last left the first-class -men astern, winning by a strong and steady stroke. - -The following day the race came off for single sculls, and it was a -foregone conclusion that Mark Merrill would win. - -When the word was given to go, Mark seemed not to hear it, but the -others started off like arrows. - -Bemis Perry, Nazro, Dillingham, Clemmons, Ferd Randall, and half a -dozen more were in the race, and they all started in a bunch, all -except Mark. - -At last he started, crossing the line just in the nick of time to -prevent being ruled out, and then seeming as though willing to give up -as the others had such a long lead. - -“I’ll bet my hat he’s jockeying,” cried Bascomb, and as he spoke Mark’s -oars went down with a mighty sweep, and his boat clove the waters like -a knife. - -Randall was soon picked up, then came Neil Carroll, Harbor Driggs, -Frank Latrobe, and the rear contingent were dropped astern. - -A second squadron was just ahead, and in it were Nazro, Dillingham, -Swamsey, and Denton. - -They were at the turning-stake and Mark Merrill swept out beyond them, -giving them ample room. - -But when they settled for the pull home it was seen that he had them -astern, and he was rowing well, with long, tremendous strokes that did -not seem to distress him. Ahead of him were three scullers, McNulty, -the champion of the year before, with Bemis Perry and Scott Clemmons -leading him by a length. - -Clemmons was gradually drawing ahead of Perry, but so slowly as to -be almost imperceptible, and all had their eyes upon the tremendous -strokes of the racer coming on astern. - -The excitement now grew intense ashore as Mark was seen to draw up even -with McNulty. - -“He can never catch the leaders,” yelled Bascomb. - -“That boy is a wizard with the oars,” said a professor. - -Then all saw Mark deliberately rest his oars a second, raise his -skull-cap to McNulty, and then shoot on toward the leaders. - -Such a yell as went up ashore made the buildings ring. - -Ahead Perry and Clemmons were struggling manfully, the latter bending -every energy to defeat Merrill, whom he now had come to fear, for that -raising of his cap to McNulty showed that he had confidence in his -power to win. - -On they swept, Clemmons leading Perry half a length and Merrill three -lengths behind the latter. - -The finish was yet a third of a mile away, and the pace was terrific, -for all realized that Mark Merrill had taken tremendous chances for -losing by his play at the start, for every one now knew that he had -been purposely playing. - -Nearer came the goal, and Perry still held his place on Clemmons’ -quarter. - -But Mark had lessened the daylight between them until he was but a -length astern. - -“He is dropping back!” yelled Bascomb. - -But no, he was only drawing off to one side to get good passing room, -for he did not like to pass too near Scott Clemmons. He did lose half a -length by this, but he had a clear reach ahead of him. - -Ashore the excitement was dreadful, the suspense painful. - -“Can mortal man do it?” was the question on every lip. - -The rear scullers had stopped rowing, and were watching the race. - -There were three prizes, and the three men ahead, Clemmons, Perry and -Merrill, in the order named, could never be overhauled. - -The others were not in the race, even McNulty knew this. - -The fourth class was winning the day, no matter who held first at the -finish of that superb trio. - -With a grand spurt Mark Merrill leveled himself with Perry, and a yell -burst from every lip, as that same performance was repeated--Mark -raised his cap to Perry. - -Only a couple of hundred yards away was the finish. Could he win it? - -Clemmons was pulling forty strokes to the minute, long, telling strokes -they were, too, and the goal was near. - -Merrill was upon his quarter, then abreast, then his sharp prow shot -ahead amid the wildest enthusiasm, while suddenly as though to show he -knew his strength and speed far better than all others he got daylight -between his rival so well that he sped like an arrow across his bows, -and with a quick turn again fairly threw himself over the line, while -the fact that Bemis Perry had suddenly forged a quarter of a length -ahead of Clemmons and came in second, was hardly noticed in the -pandemonium that followed the triumph of the “water wizard.” - -[Illustration: “Mark Merrill crossed the line a winner.” (See page -132)] - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. “HONORS EASY.” - - -The wild applause which greeted Mark Merrill as the boat race ended -with his shooting across the finish a length in advance of Bemis Perry, -who was a quarter of his boat ahead of Scott Clemmons, lasted for some -time. - -At last the cadets got the victor upon their shoulders and carried him -around in spite of his great desire to hide himself from the furore his -wonderful endurance and phenomenal speed had created. - -“Every record broken!” cried one. - -“He is a marvel!” - -“Why, he played with Clemmons!” - -“He rows as he swims!” - -“The fourth class has bagged the prizes this time.” - -“Look out now that Merrill does not have honors easy in the classrooms.” - -Such were the expressions heard upon every side as the enthusiastic -cadets roamed about, talking over the race. - -As for Bemis Perry, he accepted the congratulations in his quiet way, -and remarked: - -“I knew that Merrill would win, for you know I have rowed often with -him; but I feared he was playing too much after we got started. - -“He said to me that I would beat Clemmons, and I did, I am glad to say; -but Merrill is a wonder.” - -“He is, indeed,” chimed in McNulty. - -“He said as he passed me: - -“‘Pardon me, McNulty, but I wish to catch up with the procession.’” - -“And he did,” said Bascomb. - -“The trouble was the procession did not keep up with the music Merrill -played; the time was too rapid,” Herbert Nazro said. - -“How it cuts Clemmons.” - -“Yes, he feels his defeat more keenly than Merrill enjoys his -victory--here comes Clemmons now.” - -And Clemmons walked up, his face flushed from exercise, and a look in -his sunken eyes as of an overworked man. - -“Well, Clemmons, you got one of the prizes,” said Byrd Bascomb. - -“Give it to McNulty, for I take only first prize or none,” was the -ill-tempered response. - -Bascomb’s face flushed, and he said: - -“You would have won if it had not been for one thing, Clemmons.” - -“What was that?” eagerly asked Scott Clemmons, catching at a straw of -hope. - -“You did not row fast enough.” - -A laugh followed this, and Clemmons responded: - -“Merrill crossed my bow and kept me back.” - -“He did nothing of the kind.” - -“He did not cross my bow?” - -“Yes, he did that, and he gave you plenty of water, as every man here -will testify. The act was against him, not you, for it retarded him; -yet he recovered his speed and landed ahead of you. He crossed Perry’s -bow also, and yet he makes no such claim as a foul.” - -“I’ll admit he is a wonderful oarsman, and I said so before the race; -but still I hoped to beat him.” - -“You are also a superb oarsman, Clemmons, as is Perry, McNulty, and -others, but Merrill is a wonder, for he came in the freshest man of the -lot.” - -“He ought to row fast and long, for he is a fisherman,” growled -Clemmons. - -“Was, my friend, not is; for he is now a cadet and a gentleman, as all -are supposed to be, though now and then we catch a black sheep in the -fold, like your roommate, Breslin,” and Byrd Bascomb walked away after -delivering this shot, for all knew how sensitive Clemmons was about his -former friend, Barney Breslin. - -Seeing that his ill-natured remarks about Mark’s splendid victory would -meet only with rebuke, Scott Clemmons said: - -“Well, I must give in that he is physically my superior; but there are -three things I will have a chance to get even with him on.” - -“What are they?” asked Herbert Nazro, in an interested manner. - -“Swordsmanship, pistol practice and the mental examinations.” - -“Well, we will see,” was the reply of Nazro, and as he walked away with -Dillingham he said: - -“I would not be surprised if Clemmons did carry off the honors of his -class at examination, and he has the name of being a dead shot and -splendid hand with the sword.” - -The boat race was the talk of the cadets for some days, and then the -shadows of the final struggle for mental supremacy occupied every mind. - -The time was near at hand when the classes were to face the dread -ordeal of examination, and the cadets were busy “boning” at every -chance they got. - -There was a certain reserve force in Mark Merrill which caused his -rivals to fear him. - -He had never been boastful about his strength and powers as an athlete, -yet when put to the test he easily took first place. - -He had told no tales of the superb power he possessed as a swimmer, and -yet when matched in a race showed what he could do. - -It was the same in a boat race, for though he had a fine, strong -stroke, he only drew upon his hidden powers when victory demanded it. - -In his class he stood well in his studies, always knew his lessons, no -more; but would he not surprise all when it came to the tug of war? - -At last the time came round for this much mooted question to be -answered, and when the honor man of the fourth class was called upon to -come to the front, his name was Mark Merrill. - -“I told you so! it was honors easy for Merrill,” Byrd Bascomb had -muttered to Nazro, who whispered: - -“Look at Clemmons.” - -Opposite the name of Scott Clemmons stood “Number Two;” but the look -upon his face was such as a man might wear who had dropped from hope to -despair. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. A LETTER FROM HOME. - - -Mark Merrill had passed his first year in his fight for fame, and he -had won against every obstacle placed in his path. - -The humble fisher lad, “entered at large for gallant services -rendered,” but coming from the rock-bound coast of Maine, the nursery -of hero sailors, as is, in fact, the whole coast of New England, had -cast his anchor to windward and thus kept himself off the breakers. - -It had held firm, and he had been landed as the master mind of his -class. - -Thanks to a splendid physique he had passed the surgeon, and his -gratitude went out whole-souled to his noble mother, because her -teachings had enabled him to know sufficient of books to enter upon his -career as a cadet. - -Thanks to his splendid training as a sailor, a fisher lad, and -mail-carrier in the roughest weather, he had the constitution, training -and endurance to face every hardship, and thus had won victory in -sports as well as in the study hall. - -He possessed a soul too proud to fail after what the Honorable -Secretary of the Navy had done for him, and the encouragement given him -by Commodore Lucien. - -To that officer he had written, returning the money he had paid for -his “outfit,” and received a kind, encouraging letter in return. - -Though confident that the commandant, and other officers of the -academy, were his firm friends, he had been most cautious never to -abuse that friendship. - -He had fought his way unaided, and he believed that he had won the -respect and friendship of his comrades, or most of them, against every -slur cast upon him, every innuendo, every prophecy of failure. - -Warmly came the congratulations of the cadets upon his success, and -going to his room with a happy heart, he found there Bemis Perry, who -said warmly as he entered: - -“Old man, you knocked Clemmons clean over the ropes, and the Lord bless -you for it. I just heard him say that next year would tell a different -story, so you know what is before you. He is a bad man on even terms.” - -“Yes, he’s a dangerous rival, I admit; but being forewarned is -forearmed. Perry and I thank you for the hint. Clemmons did splendidly, -and I congratulate you upon your standing number three--make it number -two next time, for I intend to be number one.” - -“Well, Merrill, that is the first boast I ever heard from your lips; -but I’ll keep it dark and book it for future reference.” - -“Do so,” said Mark with a laugh. - -“Ah! I nearly forgot to tell you that I receipted for three express -packages for you and put them in your wardrobe.” - -“Three express packages for me?” asked Mark, with surprise. - -“Yes, you will find them here,” and Bemis Perry opened the wardrobe. - -One was a box, a foot square, and marked: - - “VALUABLE. - - “CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL.” - -The second was a small package also, bearing a value mark, while the -third was a money envelope addressed in a graceful feminine hand which -caused Mark to exclaim: - -“This is from my dear, good mother.” - -He broke the seal, and within found a letter and one hundred dollars. - -The letter he hastily read. It was as follows: - - “CLIFF CASTLE, Thursday. - - “MY OWN DEAR SON: I have had you in my mind ever since your last - letter informing me of your triumphs in the sports allowed at the - academy, and your determination to win the first honors of your - class, though, as you state, young Clemmons, of B----, may be a - dangerous rival. - - “I fear that you will study too hard and make yourself ill, for well - I know your determined nature to stop at no obstacle. My anxiety is - such that I wish you to telegraph me of your health the moment you - receive this, for I express my letter from B----, and have arranged - to have your message sent to me as soon as it arrives. I shall be in - suspense until I hear from you. I send herewith one hundred dollars, - knowing that you will have use for money, now that your first year is - about ending, and I can readily spare it, as your venture with your - schooner has turned out most substantially, as I hinted in a former - letter. - - “Captain Crane is as honest as the day is long, and has paid me from - the earnings of the schooner during the past year twelve hundred - dollars as my share, and as the expenses of Peggy and myself are so - modest, one-third the sum supplies our wants. Then, too, I have not - had to touch the amount in bank, which you sent to me from the cruise - to Norfolk, so, you see you can afford to use the money I send you. - I have subscribed for a New York daily and anxiously read in it - all naval news, so you see you are ever in my mind, my dear son. I - suppose you will go upon a cruise for the summer, and I hope it will - greatly benefit you after your year of hard study, also giving you a - chance to see something of the world. - - “Next year I shall try and pay you a visit. My health is excellent - and Peggy is positively getting fat. Captain Crane and his boys - always ask about you. I had no idea how many warm friends you had - in B---- until I came here to-day. I am writing this letter at the - hotel, and Miss Virgene, who is a lovely girl, asks me to send her - best wishes and regards.” - -There was a little more about home affairs and then Mark sprang to his -feet. - -“Perry, I must go and telegraph to my mother, as she fears I am ill, so -open those other two packages for me, please.” - -Then Mark hastened out of the room, obtained leave, and sent the -following dispatch: - - “Letter received with money. Many thanks for your kindness. Am in - perfect health. Stood Number One in my class. Regards to Peggy. With - love. - - “MARK.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. THE MIDSHIPMAN’S REVERIE. - - -Having telegraphed his mother as requested, Mark Merrill made his way -back to the academy. - -If he had sought for an opportunity to show his popularity it could not -have come to him any better, for at the telegraph office the operator -who read his message said, pleasantly: - -“Permit me to congratulate you, Mr. Merrill, upon your success.” - -The sergeant, at the entrance to the academy grounds also had a polite -and pleasant congratulation for him, as did several of the officer’s -wives whom he met, while a group of cadets, as he went by, gave him a -salute and a hurrah. - -Returning to his room he was greeted with a shout of delight from Bemis -Perry. - -“Old man, you are a lucky dog! Behold!” - -Upon the table before him lay a handsome watch and chain. - -Upon one side of the watch was engraved a yacht scudding along in a -storm, and at her helm a bareheaded, barefooted boy. - -The engraving was certainly most artistically done, while beneath were -the words: - - “A BOY PILOT OUR ONLY HOPE.” - -Upon the other side of the watch was engraved the following: - - “PRESENTED TO - CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL, - as a souvenir of his heroism in risking his own life to - save others from death.” - -Below was the date of the saving of the yacht Midshipman, and the name -of the Secretary of the Navy. - -“There’s something for your grandchildren to be proud of, Merrill,” -cried Bemis Perry. - -“Yes, I am proud of it myself; but it is more than I deserve, Perry, -as I did not risk my life, you know, for I could have swam back to -the shore if I found I could not have reached the yacht, and I got my -reward in my appointment here; but here is a card,” and Mark read aloud: - -“Since your entrance to the Naval Academy my eye has been upon you, my -young friend, and I congratulate you upon your success, and beg your -acceptance of the accompanying as a token of my appreciation of the -debt of gratitude I owe you.” - -“Most neatly expressed, Merrill; but now look here,” and Perry took -from the box a superb, gold-mounted sea-glass. - -“How beautiful!” exclaimed Mark, as he had just put his watch and chain -in place. - -“The commodore has got his eye on you, too, Merrill,” said Perry, with -a laugh, as he pointed to what was engraved on the glasses: - - “PRESENTED AS A TRIBUTE TO TRUE COURAGE - TO - CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL, - FROM - DAVID LUCIEN, COMMODORE U. S. NAVY.” - -Mark Merrill was deeply moved by these expressions of gratitude and -good will from such men as were the donors of the magnificent gifts to -him. - -He walked to the window of his room, glass in hand, and stood gazing -listlessly out upon the scene before him. - -It was no dream, as he had often feared, for before him was the ocular -demonstration of the fact that he was a naval cadet in the service of -his country. - -His thoughts went back to little more than a year, when in his little -surf-skiff he was carrying the mail through sunshine and storm along -the rugged coast. - -Just then Scott Clemmons passed before him, and he recalled the change -since that meeting at B----, when his toy ship had been broken. - -Then Clemmons, the son of a rich man, coming of a family of -aristocrats, had seemed to tower far above him. - -But to-day how different, for Clemmons was his vanquished rival. - -Then he was, as his rival had so often said, a poor fisher lad, unknown -to all except the few who admired his pluck as a young sailor. - -Now he stood here a victor, honored by his commanders and comrades, the -recipient of costly gifts from the head of the navy, and one high in -rank. - -Then, little over a year before he was poor, his mother with scarcely -the money to buy medicine, and now she had sent him money and had -plenty remaining--what seemed a small fortune to her and to him, for -he was economical, though not mean, and not a dollar of his pay had he -squandered. - -The past was behind him, the future opened brightly before him. - -Three more years[1] and he would win his fight for fame, if all went -well. - -He had vowed to win, and that vow must be kept, come what might, -against all odds. - -“Only death shall conquer me!” broke sternly from his lips, as the -midshipman finished his reverie and turned again toward his roommate, -whose very presence he had forgotten. - -FOOTNOTE: - -[1] Before the making of the term six years at the Naval Academy. The -AUTHOR. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. THE FIRST CRUISE. - - -At last the active days of preparation had passed, the stormy scenes of -hope and despair for the graduates and those striving to stand at the -head of their classes had gone, and a calm had fallen upon the Naval -School. - -A restful lull was upon all. - -The graduates, those who had become full-fledged officers, had gone off -on their short leave to their homes, to receive the congratulations of -kindred and friends, to enjoy a rest before returning to report for -stern duty afloat. - -They had stepped from light-hearted boyhood with all its joys, across -the threshold of manhood with all its cares and ambitions. - -The first class and the third were busy preparing for the annual -cruise, the remainder of the cadets were to stay behind and while the -time away as best they could between duty and the freedom allowed them. - -Not as toy sailors were the cadets to go to sea, but in the capacity of -ordinary seamen. - -Theirs was to be the duty of sailors before the mast, and they were to -be drilled and disciplined in all their duties as such. - -If they were to command men they must learn the duties of those they -were to order aloft, and, learning to obey to perfection, they could -the better learn to thoroughly command. - -Of course, having stepped up a grade and entered upon a higher plane of -study and work, Mark Merrill was to go on the sea cruise. - -Then, too, Scott Clemmons, Bemis Perry, and the others of his grade -were to go with him, along with the men who had stepped into the places -of those who had emerged from the embryo state of the cadet into the -reality of the officer. - -An old vessel of war of full rig, without steam, and sail only as a -propelling power, a ship with a record away back two generations, was -the craft that was to become the sea school of the young sailors. - -They sailed in joyous spirits, all anxious to rove the deep blue sea. - - “With a wet sheet, - And a flowing sea, - And a wind that follows fast.” - -Mark Merrill was now like one in his true element. - -He had been literally born upon the ocean, and from his earliest -remembrance had known how to row and sail a boat, to swim and face the -ocean in sunshine and tempest. - -All his companions could see that Mark’s learning aboard ship had -come from stern experience rather than teaching, and here, too, -Scott Clemmons felt his inferiority, and it but added another cup of -bitterness to the draught he was forced daily to swallow, for still did -the “poor fisher lad” prove his right to be his master. - -The voyage had been mapped out for the cadet cruiser, and after a run -down the beautiful Chesapeake she rounded the capes, and began to roll -upon the blue waters of the Atlantic. - -Her first port was to be New York, and thither all letters had been -ordered to meet her, while many of the relatives and friends of the -young sea-rovers were there assembled to meet them and wish them a _bon -voyage_ upon their cruise across the seas. - -Hardly had the anchor been let fall in the North River when a boat with -one oarsman came off bearing a visitor. - -“Merrill, take an observation of that fellow and see if it is not -Barney Breslin,” said Bemis Perry, pointing to the occupant of the boat. - -“It certainly is; but can he be coming aboard here?” asked Mark in -surprise. - -“He is; but if there’s a man aboard who speaks to him he ought to be -given the cut direct.” - -Mark said nothing, and soon after the boat was hailed by the officer of -the deck. - -“I have letters for Cadet Scott Clemmons, and it is important for him -to receive them at once,” was the answer to the hail. - -“Ay, ay, come alongside,” was the response of the officer of the deck, -as the boat ran up to the gangway. - -The next moment Barney Breslin stepped on board, and was in the -presence of those who had been his companions at the Naval School, face -to face with those who had known him as a thief. - -His face was flushed, but it seemed rather from the effects of drink -than from shame, for his whole appearance indicated that he led a -dissipated life. - -His dress was of the shabby genteel, and those who knew something of -his antecedents felt convinced that his father had not taken him back -into the bosom of the family, or else, as the son of a rich man, why -was he looking so very seedy? - -Scott Clemmons was below aiding the commander in some work at the time -he was sent for, and he was excused to go on deck and meet his visitor. - -Who that visitor was he had not the remotest idea, and it flashed -through his mind that it might be his paternal ancestor. - -Bemis Perry was not one to let him off without a shot, so said: - -“Clemmons, your old friend Barney Breslin has called upon you, and from -his looks I guess he wants a loan.” - -The face of Scott Clemmons flushed scarlet, and the blood, as quickly -retreating, left it as white as a corpse. - -There stood Breslin, calmly gazing about the vessel, with no show of -emotion at the awkward predicament he had placed himself in. - -He had spoken to two cadets near him, calling them by name, and -addressing them in the free and easy manner of an old friendship. - -One of them was Bemis Perry, and he looked him squarely in the face as -he said: - -“By what right, sir, do you dare to address a gentleman?” - -With this he walked away and met Clemmons as he came on deck. - -Decatur Knowles, the other cadet to whom Breslin had spoken, simply cut -him dead in silence, and walked away. - -Just then, as Breslin, not in the least abashed, for he gave a low, -defiant laugh, turned and glanced over the ship, Scott Clemmons came on -deck and started toward him, but all saw with no joy at beholding him. - -Breslin said as he saw him: - -“Ah, Clemmons, old boy, how are you?” - -He held out his hand, but without taking it, Clemmons responded in a -low voice, quivering with anger, but which several overheard: - -“Why have you dared come here and ask for me?” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. THE DEMAND. - - -In answer to the hail of the officer of the deck Barney Breslin had -asserted that he had important letters for Scott Clemmons, and so had -come on board. - -His speaking to Bemis Perry and his rebuff, his cut by Decatur Knowles, -and the fact that a score of middies took it into their heads to pass -near him and make no acknowledgment of his existence, did not appear to -distress him in the least. - -“He has the gall of a book agent,” muttered a cadet, in reference to -him. - -“The cheek of a Chinese idol,” another remarked. - -“I pity him that he has fallen so low,” Mark Merrill commented, for it -did distress him to see one who had once had the same opportunity they -all had of making a name for himself throw it away as he had done. - -“Your heart is softer than your fist, Merrill,” Dillingham returned -with a smile. - -“Hard as you can hit, Merrill, I do not believe you could bruise that -fellow’s cheek,” said Nazro. - -Though not wishing to appear to watch his meeting with Clemmons, all -eyes turned surreptitiously upon the two, and several who were nearest -heard the very decidedly uttered words of the cadet midshipman as to -why the disgraced youth had dared visit him aboard ship. - -But Breslin did not seem in the least disconcerted, nor did he make -an effort to hand over the “important letters,” which he had said he -brought with him. - -He simply dropped his outstretched hand, which Clemmons failed to take, -and while his eyes flashed with anger, replied: - -“Ah! you, too, do not care to recognize me, Clemmons; but I guess that -you will have to do so, for I came to see you and am not to be snubbed.” - -“I was told I had a visitor, but had I known that it was you, Breslin, -I would not have seen you.” - -“Indeed! but suppose I had insisted?” - -“Come, say why you have come here, where not a man will recognize you.” - -“True; but what do I care for the recognition of my foes so long as my -dear friend Clemmons recognizes me.” - -“Will you tell me why you are here, for I am busy in the captain’s -cabin?” - -“If you cannot find time to see me here, appoint an hour ashore, for it -is important.” - -“It will be impossible for me to see you, Breslin.” - -“See here, Clemmons, I wish to see you upon a matter of importance, I -tell you.” - -“I cannot tell when I will come ashore.” - -“Then I will appoint to-night at eight o’clock, at the Astor House.” - -“I cannot be there.” - -“Very well, I shall take a trip to Maine to-morrow, if you do not come.” - -“What do I care where you go?” - -“I believe you live in Maine.” - -“I am a sailor, sir, my home being aboard ship.” - -“Ah! grandiloquently said, my sea cub, my baby tar, who is not yet out -of Uncle Sam’s nursery for middies. You do not live in Maine now?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Your father does.” - -“Well?” - -“I shall go there to see him.” - -Scott Clemmons started, and asked quickly: - -“And why?” - -“Because I can get no satisfaction from you.” - -“What do you wish from my father?” - -“What I desire is from his son. I am poor, very poor, and in distress, -as I wrote you, and which letter, with several others, you did not -favor with a response. But I know you got the last, for I sent it to -your town in Maine to be registered, and I got the return card with -your name on it as having received it. You thought it was a money -package from home, and found it was a letter from your old chum whom -you have treated so badly. I told you that my parents had refused to -receive me at first, but relented, and I was given a chance; but I lost -heavily in gambling one night, so got money to pay the debt by using -my father’s name, which is the same as my own, you know, only I forgot -to mention on the check that I was my paternal’s junior, you know, and -this little discrepancy got me fired out of the home circle. Luck is -against me now, I’m down at the heels, and must have money, so I came -to my rich friend and bygone chum, Scott Clemmons. I’ll be at the Astor -House at eight o’clock, and if you are not there I’ll be there again -at the same hour in the morning. Then if I miss you I’ll start for -Maine, and have a talk with Clemmons, senior--ta-ta, Scotty--tra la-la, -dear boy,” and Barney Breslin made a mock salute and turned toward the -gangway. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. KEEPING AN APPOINTMENT. - - -Scott Clemmons did not even walk to the gangway with his visitor. - -He saw him depart, and then walked aft to where a group of cadets stood. - -He knew he would have to face the music, so he decided to meet the -onslaught at once. - -“I say, Clemmons, who was your seedy friend?” asked one. - -“What a loud suit he wears.” - -“Yes, he is as striped as a zebra.” - -“But the stripes run up and down.” - -“True, and it makes a heap of difference to a man which way he wears -his stripes.” - -“If I recognized the gentleman aright his home should be an institution -where the stripes should run round him,” said Perry. - -“You are right, Perry; for, as you all know, doubtless, the fellow was -my old chum, Barney Breslin,” remarked Clemmons. - -“Why did he not give you the letters he had for you?” - -“What letters?” - -“He answered the hail of the officer of the deck with the remark that -he had most important letters for you.” - -“Indeed! he said nothing to me about them. In truth, that was a mere -excuse to get aboard, for he came to borrow money.” - -“Ah! he had cheek to come here, and to get any money was worse.” - -“You don’t owe him any money, do you, Clemmons?” innocently said one of -the cadets. - -“Owe him? I only wish I had what he owes me; but he came and asked me -for a loan, and I guess he has gone to the bad utterly, for his father -has cast him off, he told me.” - -“I didn’t see you lend him any.” - -“No, and I told him never to cross my path again,” and with this -Clemmons returned to his work in the captain’s cabin. - -Later a number of midshipmen were given leave ashore, and Scott -Clemmons was among them. So, too, were Mark Merrill and Bemis Perry. - -The latter two went off for a sight-seeing expedition alone, and a -group of cadets also started on a “voyage of discovery” together. - -But Scott Clemmons separated from all the others, saying that he had -friends to visit, and punctually at eight o’clock he entered the Astor -House, the place of his appointment with Barney Breslin. - -New York is a large city, but yet people who are friends will run upon -each other there in a most unaccountable manner. Two cadets were seated -in the gentlemen’s parlor and saw Clemmons when he came along the hall. - -A moment after they saw him joined by Barney Breslin, and the two, -after some parley, entered the dining room together. - -“Well, that looks friendly, Merrill.” - -“It certainly does, Perry,” was the answer. - -The appointment had been as faithfully kept by Barney Breslin as by -Scott Clemmons. - -“Well, I have come,” said the latter. - -“You are wise,” was the reply. - -“What is it, now that I am here?” - -“I am hungry, and cannot talk upon an empty stomach. Come, let us have -some dinner, and over it we can come to some understanding.” - -Clemmons frowned, but replied: - -“Do I understand that this is an invitation for me to dine with you?” - -“On the contrary, I am to dine with you, for I have not a dollar to my -name.” - -“Well, as this is to be our last meeting, Breslin, I will honor you.” - -They entered the dining room together, and a good dinner with wine was -ordered. - -“Now, what do you wish to say, Breslin?” asked Scott Clemmons, an hour -after the dinner had been dispatched, Breslin eating with a degree -of relish that showed he was, indeed, hungry, while Clemmons ate -sparingly, seeming nervous and ill at ease. - -“I wish to go West and grow up with the country, or go to South America -and get a berth there, and I need just one thousand dollars to go -with,” said Breslin, rendered bolder by the wine he had drank. - -“Won’t your father give it to you?” - -“Not a dollar.” - -“Then I cannot see how you’ll get there.” - -“I can.” - -“How?” - -“You will give it to me,” was the almost threatening response. - -“You were never more mistaken in your life.” - -“Am I?” - -“You are.” - -“Then there is no need of further talk, for I can work my way to B----, -and hold an interview with your father, who I believe will think it a -small sum to stand between his son and----” - -“He will not give you a cent.” - -“Then I shall work my way back to Baltimore, tramp it, or beat the -railroad, to Annapolis and see the commandant of the Naval Academy, and -when I have had my interview with him somebody will find that they have -made a mistake--that is all,” and Breslin arose to go. - -“Hold, Breslin, and be reasonable. Now I know you can make charges -which you could not sustain; but I wish to avoid a suspicion, and I’ll -give you all the money I have, but I cannot raise a thousand dollars.” - -“How much have you?” - -“Well, both of my parents have been liberal, as I was going upon a -foreign cruise, and I have some six hundred dollars.” - -“I’ll take it, so hand it over.” - -“You are to give me a written pledge never to cross my path again.” - -“Of course.” - -Pen, ink and paper were sent for, the written pledge was given, the -money handed over, and paying the shot for the dinner, the two left -the hotel to come face to face upon Mark Merrill and Bemis Perry, who -were just about to enter and have dinner together, having taken another -stroll after seeing Clemmons and his companion enter the dining room, -as they did not wish to be seen by them. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. THE TELL TALE PAPER. - - -With six hundred dollars in his pocket, and made so easily, and a -bottle of wine beneath his vest, Barney Breslin was feeling in a mood -to be reckless. - -He stopped short upon seeing Mark Merrill, stepping directly in front -of him, and in a very determined way. - -As for Scott Clemmons his face flushed with shame at being seen with -Breslin, after what he had said aboard ship, and he would have passed -on. - -So also would Merrill and Perry, but Breslin was not thus inclined. - -He had been in so many scrapes since the one that disgraced him from -the Naval Academy that he had forgotten his affair with Mark, more than -to recall that he had some cause of hatred against him. - -“I say, Merrill, do you intend to cut me, or do you fail to recognize -me?” he asked, in an insolent manner. - -“I recognize you, yes, Breslin, and I desire to cut you utterly,” was -the cool response. - -“Then take that.” - -A vicious blow was aimed, but it was cleverly turned, while the fist of -Mark Merrill caught Breslin squarely between the eyes, and sent him to -the floor. - -[Illustration: “Mark cleverly avoided Breslin’s attack, and with a -well-directed blow sent him to the floor.” (See page 156)] - -A crowd sprang toward the spot, and when Breslin arose he shouted: - -“Arrest that fellow for assault!” - -Mark Merrill was not to be seen. He had been quickly drawn aside by -Bemis Perry. - -A policeman, hearing that “a cadet had knocked the gentleman down,” at -once seized Scott Clemmons against his earnest protests. - -But from this predicament Breslin released him, by coming to his rescue -with the words: - -“You are wrong, officer, that is not the man. But I will show you the -man.” - -“No, I’d not arrest any one on your charge, Breslin, for I know you -now, and you doubtless insulted the one who knocked you down,” and, -turning to Clemmons, he continued: - -“You, sir, doubtless do not know this man, so I warn you against him as -a barroom loafer and dead beat generally, who fleeces all strangers he -can pick up.” - -With this the officer walked off, while Scott Clemmons felt as though -he would like to sink into the floor to hide himself, especially as he -caught sight of a cadet uniform vanishing from the crowd. - -So he skulked away, as under the words of the officer Breslin had -quickly vanished. - -In the meantime Mark and Perry had gone into the dining room, and by a -strange coincidence took a seat at the same table where Clemmons and -Breslin had had dinner together. - -“I beg pardon, sir, but are you from the cruising ship now in port?” -asked the waiter. - -“We are, and we wish the best dinner you can give two fresh young -salts,” said Perry. - -“I’ll give you a good dinner, sir; but the two gentlemen who were here -awhile since, one of them wearing a uniform like yours, left this -paper. I just picked it up as you came in.” - -Perry took the paper and said, after glancing at it: - -“I will deliver it to the gentleman whose name is here, for he is on -our ship. Now, my man, we are hungry, so do your best,” and a liberal -fee was slipped into the hand of the waiter. - -“Oh, thank you, sir; but what wines will you drink?” - -“We will not take wine, my man.” - -The waiter disappeared with a look of surprise upon his face that any -one in uniform ate dinner and drank no wine. - -“See here, Merrill, I am going to do perhaps a mean thing, but I am -curious to know a few things, and I shall question that waiter.” - -“What do you wish to know, Perry?” - -“What he can tell me about Clemmons and Breslin, for he took an -inkstand, paper and pen off this table as we came up, and here is the -paper which the waiter picked up--see!” - -He held the piece of paper up, and Mark said: - -“If it is Clemmons’, give it to him.” - -“It does belong to Clemmons.” - -“Then neither of us have a right to read it.” - -“Pardon me, but I read it at a glance, and as it is but a few lines I -will read it to you, as I am sure it concerns you.” - -“Concerns me?” - -Without reply Bemis Perry read aloud: - -“In consideration of the sum of six hundred dollars, received from -Scott Clemmons, I hereby pledge myself to never cross his path again, -and to make no further demand upon him for money.” - -“Well, what do you think of that, Merrill?” - -“It would seem that Breslin holds some claim upon Clemmons; but it is -none of our affair.” - -“I think it is.” - -“How do you mean?” - -“I believe that the wrong man was dismissed from the academy, that -Breslin was simply the tool of Scott Clemmons,” was the startling reply -of the young South Carolinian. - -Mark fairly started at this, and yet made no response, while Perry -continued: - -“Now I shall return this paper to Clemmons, and I shall question this -waiter to please myself, and then I shall keep my eye upon that young -man from Maine, see if I do not, and if he means mischief toward you I -will play the same game.” - -Mark still remained silent. - -Whatever he might think of Scott Clemmons’ conduct toward him he did -not wish others to suspect him of treachery, and he was really sorry -that the paper had been found. - -But he knew that Bemis Perry was circumspect, and would not act without -discretion. - -When the waiter returned Perry gave him another fee, praised the -dinner, and questioned him closely about the two others who had dined -at the table before them. - -Mark listened in silence to all that was said, and as they walked away -Bemis Perry remarked: - -“I am right, Merrill. Breslin was simply the tool of Scott Clemmons.” - - - - -CHAPTER XL. THREE REPORTS. - - -Captain De Long, the commander of the cruising ship Constellation, -was seated in his cabin smoking his cigar before retiring, when Cadet -Midshipman Mark Merrill requested an interview, which was at once -granted by the genial commander. - -“Well, Mr. Merrill, did you enjoy your run ashore?” - -“Yes, sir, with the exception of an unfortunate meeting with Barney -Breslin, which I desire to report to you.” - -“Ah! have you had trouble with him?” - -“Yes, sir, I regret to say, too, that it was in a public place. Another -cadet and myself went to the Astor House for dinner, and met Breslin -and a friend coming out. The former stepped in front of me, and asked -if I recognized him and meant to cut his acquaintance. I responded -that I certainly did, when he aimed a blow at me, which I parried, and -at the same time knocked him down. My cadet friend drew me out of the -quickly gathering crowd, and we had our dinner, sir; but I deemed it -best to report the affair to you.” - -“You did right, Mr. Merrill, but who was your comrade?” - -“Must I make known his name, sir?” - -“He was not involved in the affair?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then tell me his name.” - -“It was Mr. Perry.” - -“That will do, Mr. Merrill,” and Mark saluted and retired from the -cabin. - -The captain still continued his cigar, until a second interruption came -in a request from another cadet to see him. - -It was Scott Clemmons, his face flushed from the wine he had been -drinking. - -“Well, Mr. Clemmons, you have just come off from shore leave, I -believe?” - -“Yes, sir, and I desire to report to you, sir, an occurrence ashore -which may not reach your ears otherwise, but which, for the good of the -ship’s name, I deem it my duty to make known.” - -“I am ready to hear you, Mr. Clemmons,” said the captain blandly. - -“I went to dine at the Astor House, sir, and met there Barney Breslin, -who begged me for a loan, for he has gone utterly to the bad, I fear. -As I was talking to him two cadet midshipmen came in and one of them -jostled up against Breslin, who had been drinking, and a disgraceful -knock-down followed, in which I was seized by a policeman as the one -who made the assault. Of course Breslin cleared me of the charge, and I -make this report, sir, in case, should it reach your ear, that you may -understand my position in the affair.” - -“Who were these cadets, Mr. Clemmons?” - -“Do you command me to answer, sir?” - -“I do.” - -“Cadet Midshipmen Perry and Merrill, sir.” - -“Which one of the two struck the blow?” - -“Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill, sir.” - -“That will do, Mr. Clemmons.” - -The next morning Bemis Perry was ordered to report in the captain’s -cabin. - -He did so, and Captain De Long said: - -“You were ashore yesterday, Mr. Perry?” - -“Until six bells, yes, sir.” - -“Who was your companion?” - -“Mr. Merrill, sir.” - -“You dined ashore?” - -“Yes, sir, with Mr. Merrill at the Astor House.” - -“Did you see any cadets there?” - -“Mr. Clemmons, sir.” - -“Who was he with?” - -“Some friend, sir; not a cadet, however.” - -“Did you know him?” - -“Yes, sir,” said Perry hesitatingly, for he, like Mark Merrill, did not -care to say aught against Clemmons. - -“It was the youth who was dismissed from the academy, was it not?” - -“Yes, sir; Breslin.” - -“What did Merrill pick a quarrel with him for?” - -“Merrill pick a quarrel with Breslin, sir?” asked Perry, in amazement. - -“Yes.” - -“It was the opposite way, sir, for Merrill sought to avoid him; but -Breslin stepped directly in his path, and demanded to know if he knew -him and meant to cut his acquaintance. Mr. Merrill responded in the -affirmative, and Breslin struck at him, but missed, and went down with -a suddenness and force that made his teeth rattle. I drew Mr. Merrill -quickly away, and that ended it, sir.” - -Captain De Long was silent for fully a minute. - -He seemed to be arguing in his own mind the pros and cons of the case. - -At last he said: - -“That is all I wished to know, Mr. Perry.” - -The young sailor bowed, and was disappearing up the companionway when -Captain De Long called out: - -“Send Mr. Clemmons to me, Mr. Perry.” - -“Ay, ay, sir,” and with another salute Bemis Perry departed from the -cabin. - -He at once went in search of Scott Clemmons, and found him pacing to -and fro amidships, looking a little the worse for his dissipation -ashore the day before. - -“Mr. Clemmons, Captain De Long wishes to see you.” - -Scott Clemmons started. - -“The captain wishes to see me?” - -“So he informed me, sir, a minute ago.” - -“I say, Perry, do I look as though I had been going it rather deep?” - -“You look a trifle bilged, Clemmons.” - -“You do not know what he wants with me?” - -“No.” - -“Has he gotten hold of that row of Merrill’s ashore, I wonder?” - -“What row of Merrill’s ashore?” - -“When he ran afoul of that beat Breslin.” - -“Ah, your friend Breslin, whom he knocked down, as he should have done; -but then Breslin was well tanked up after his dinner with you, and lost -his reckoning so far as to run across Merrill’s course, and foundered -under the blow; but when you have seen Captain De Long, Mr. Clemmons, I -desire a word with you,” and Bemis Perry went on his way, while Scott -Clemmons sought the cabin of Captain De Long. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE. - - -It was with considerable nervousness that Scott Clemmons went into the -cabin of his captain. - -It may have been from the effects of his too liberal “treats” of -himself the night before, and, perhaps, from a knowledge of the fact -that he had yawed wide of his course in telling his story about the -affair ashore in which Mark Merrill had been mixed up. - -He, however, without a chance to “splice the main-brace” to steady -his nerves, braced up as best he could, and reported himself to his -commander. - -“Mr. Clemmons, may I ask you if you actually saw the occurrence ashore -last evening in which Cadet Midshipman Merrill and Breslin had a -set-to?” - -“Yes, sir, I was, as I said, talking to Breslin at the time, for he was -importuning me to give him some money.” - -“Then I beg to say, Mr. Clemmons, that for sixty days you are allowed -no leaves ashore, in ports we may visit, as your condition at the time -of the affair was such that you could not see straight, or viewed it -with purposely biased eyes.” - -“But Captain De Long, may I ask, sir, if this censure of me is from -having heard the report of others?” - -“It is, sir; I have the facts from witnesses of the affair. I have no -more to say, Mr. Clemmons.” - -Scott Clemmons felt crushed at the rebuke, but mustered up courage to -say: - -“I beg, Captain De Long, that you will remember that Merrill is not -friendly toward me, sir, and his statement----” - -“Silence, sir! Mr. Merrill reported his act at once to me, and did not -even mention your name as having been the friend of Breslin at the -time, while you, on the contrary, never friendly toward Mr. Merrill, -saw his actions only in a prejudiced way. I have no more to say, Mr. -Clemmons.” - -Scott Clemmons dared say no more, so departed from the cabin with the -knowledge that he had made a mistake in reporting an affair in which he -had no concern. - -Then, too, he recalled a disagreeable meeting before him, as Bemis -Perry had said that he desired to see him. - -That young sailor was awaiting his coming, aware, seemingly, that the -captain would not detain him long. - -“You desired to see me, Perry?” he said, his face flushed and angry. - -“Yes, as I told you,” was the quiet response. - -“May I ask if you reported to Captain De Long that I was present -yesterday in that disgraceful scene at the Astor House?” - -“See here, Clemmons,” and the words of the cadet were spoken very -quickly: “I am not a tattler, nor am I an informer. Captain De Long -sent for me, and asked for my version of the affair.” - -“Who first told him?” - -“Merrill, like the man he is, reported his action ashore, but never -referred to you, and Captain De Long asked who was Breslin’s companion, -and I told him that you were, for, as a fellow cadet, you certainly -would be willing to prove, as a witness, that Breslin was the -aggressor, and was justly punished. Since I came aboard ship I learn -that others saw the affair.” - -“Ah!” and Clemmons started, and quickly asked: - -“Do you know who they are?” - -“I do not, for I overheard the affair being talked about, and as -neither Merrill nor myself referred to it, and you doubtless did not, -some of our fellows must have seen it, though unseen by us. If the -affair is called up we will doubtless know who they are.” - -Scott Clemmons looked uneasy, for he felt that his version would differ -from what all others had, or might tell of the occurrence. - -But he hoped that as he was already under punishment he would hear no -more of it, so he said coldly: - -“You wished to see me, I believe?” - -“Yes, I wished to return to you a paper which you left on the dining -table at the Astor House yesterday--the waiter gave it to me.” - -He handed over the telltale paper as he spoke, and after a glance at it -the face of Scott Clemmons crimsoned to a painful extent, and then so -suddenly grew white that he seemed as though about to faint. - -But he rallied quickly, and with a reckless laugh said: - -“Oh, yes, I had not missed it. It is the pledged word of that scamp -Breslin never to come near me again, as I suppose you know?” - -“Yes, I read it, I frankly confess, for it was handed to me open; but -you pay high for the loss of Breslin’s society, Clemmons, and one -would almost think he blackmailed you. That was all I wished to see -you about,” and Perry walked away, leaving Scott Clemmons in a very -unenviable humor. - -After a few days passed in the harbor of the metropolis the good ship -set sail and headed across the seas for a run to English, French, -Spanish, Italian, and Egyptian ports, that the young sailors might have -a glance at other lands and also enjoy to its full extent - - “A life on the ocean wave, - A home on the rolling deep.” - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. “MAN OVERBOARD!” - - -The cruiser is in midocean, bowling merrily along over a dark sea, -growing darker and rougher under the approach of a storm and increasing -wind. - -As the breeze freshens a strong swell causes the ship to roll heavily, -and the barometer steadily going down, causes the officer of the deck -to keep his weather eye to windward alow and aloft. - -“Knowing ones,” old salts who have sailed the seas over for a -generation or more, also cock an eye to windward now and then, but of -course, feel only confidence in their officers and the man who happens -just at that time to hold the ship’s destiny in his keeping. - -The ship has been kept well crowded with sail, and the wind being fair -the run across promises to be a phenomenal one, a promise that pleases -all hands. - -The middies have had their chance to work the ship in fair weather and -foul, but just now the falling barometer promises a night of it that -will blow great guns, for the cloud-bank is steadily rising and the -wind comes in stronger and stronger squalls. - -The ship is sticking her nose deep into huge white billows, but surging -ahead the while in splendid manner. - -Suddenly a cadet comes aft and reports to the captain: - -“The wind is freshening, sir.” - -A few seconds after comes the ringing cry of the first lieutenant: - -“All hands ahoy to reef topsails.” - -In an instant all is seemingly wild excitement on board the good ship, -and yet perfect order reigns, for every man knows his duty. - -The “executive” takes command, great coats are donned, cap peaks pulled -hard down over their eyes, and the middies, acting as sailors, rush for -their posts of duty. - -Then comes in trumpet tones the orders, issued in the commanding tones -the sailors love so well to hear, and which fill their hearts with -confidence in their commander: - -“Reef topsails! Man the topsail clew lines and buntlines--weather -topsail braces! Stand by the lee braces, bowlines and halyards!” - -The young reefers obey with alacrity and seeming recklessness, the -orders being taken up and repeated, the boatswain’s whistle piping -merrily the while. - -Soon comes another order in hoarse, manly tones from the executive, -and it is given to a mass of youthful humanity huddled together at the -foot of the shrouds, and awaiting their turn with all the eagerness of -champions about to spring away upon a race of life or death. - -Loud came the orders: - -“Haul out the reef tackles! Haul up the buntlines! Aloft, topmen! Lay -out!” - -Away they go up the shrouds like a stampede of monkeys, and out upon -the slender yards and “lay out.” - -With strong hands they gather in the flapping, heavy folds of canvas -and reef close, while just as the order is upon the lips of the -officer: “Lay in, top men!” one of the reefers, by a violent lurch of -the ship, is torn from his hold and goes downward, striking with a -dull thud the yard below in his fall, and thence downward into the sea. - -The command of the officer is heard and obeyed: - -“Lay down from aloft!” - -While a score of voices utter the thrilling cry: - -“Man overboard!” - -But all are startled by seeing a form run out on the yard and spring -into the sea. What does it mean? - -The executive officer did not lose his head for an instant, for his -command came sharply, and with promptness to lay the ship to and man -the lifeboat. At the order: - -“Lay down from aloft!” came the young sailors at a run, some of them -fairly flying down the shrouds, others sliding down the backstays, and -getting to the deck as best they can. - -The good ship is “laying to,” and the life boat is lowered and pulls -back over her wake to pick up the two men who have gone overboard, -while the question goes the rounds: - -“Who are they?” - -At last one answers who knows: - -“It was Clemmons who was thrown from aloft, and Merrill who sprang -after him.” - -The speaker was Bemis Perry, and he was at once ordered before his -captain, who asked: - -“Do you know the men, Mr. Perry?” - -“Yes, sir, the one who fell was Clemmons, and as he struck the yard -Merrill called out to me: - -“‘He struck hard, so must be hurt. I will go after him.’ And then he -ran out on the yard and made the leap, sir.” - -For once discipline was cast to the winds, and such a yell as rose -from the midshipmen at this news had never been heard on the good ship -before. - -But every eye now was upon the life boat, as it went leaping over the -seas, and again came a ringing cheer as the executive called out: - -“The boat is returning, sir.” - -But had those on the boat given up the search in the face of that -terrible storm, threatening to break every instant? - -Had they found one? - -Had they found both? - -These questions could not be answered until the boat returned. - -The clouds grew blacker, the sea ran higher, and the wind whistled more -viciously. - -Over the black waters, dimly seen, the bounding light carried on board -the lifeboat was seen to draw nearer and nearer. - -The ship’s lights were burning brightly to guide the daring rescuers -back to safety. - -“They are pulling for their lives,” said the executive officer, -somewhat anxiously, and then came the low response of Captain De Long: - -“They have need to.” - -Nearer and nearer came the leaping light in the boat, and the storm was -keeping pace with it, perhaps outracing it, for so many believed. - -Once it struck the ship before the lifeboat reached it, and the -rescuers would share the fate of those they had risked their lives to -rescue. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. A DEBT OF GRATITUDE. - - -The suspense on board of the cruiser was terrible, the more so because -perfect discipline kept it under, and it could find no vent in words. - -Men spoke in muffled tones, cadets hoped and feared, and all awaited -the result--life or death to the bold rescuers. - -No one yet knew whether the safety of his crew had caused the gallant -cadet officer at the helm of the lifeboat to put back for the ship -before the storm struck them, or he had returned because he had -accomplished his perilous errand. - -The ship plunged and keeled as she lay to, and the eyes of all were -alternately turned toward the inky-black tempest roaring down upon -them, and the lifeboat struggling so manfully to reach the lee of the -vessel and safety. - -“Ahoy, my brave fellows! pull for your lives!” - -It was the voice of the gallant De Long thus sent over the black, -tempestuous waters. - -The brave commander could stand the strain of suspense no longer--he -must speak. - -Then came a faint cheer from the struggling oarsmen, and a roar like -mighty winds went up from the ship’s deck in response. - -“Pull! Pull for your lives, brave lads!” shouted Captain De Long. - -And back over the waters came the answer: - -“Ay, ay, sir, we’ll make it!” - -But would they? - -Hushed were all for a moment more, and then the leaping light shot up -under the lee of the cruiser, the men aboard cheered wildly, while -those in the boat were drawn on board by ready and willing hands. - -The next instant the lifeboat was hung to its davits and firmly lashed, -while from it was taken a limp form and carried below to the care of -the ship’s surgeon. - -The storm was upon them now, and the men sprang to their stations, yet -loud and ringing were the cheers in honor of the gallant rescuers, for -the lifeboat had picked up those for whom they had risked their lives. - -“Mr. Merrill, the captain wishes to see you aft, sir.” - -It was an hour after the breaking of the storm, and the good ship was -driving along before the gale, and directly on her course. - -Stars were seen now in the black cloud-rifts, and all knew that the -hardest work was over. - -Mark Merrill had not gone below to change his clothes. - -“What’s the use in this sea?” he had said, and he reported at his -station. - -Now he was sent for to come aft, and he promptly reported, saluting, -though capless. - -“Mr. Merrill, accept my congratulations upon as plucky a deed as I ever -beheld,” and Captain De Long grasped the hand of the young midshipman. - -“Thank you, sir; but I saw that he was hurt and could not swim,” said -Mark modestly. - -“You found him readily, it seems?” - -“Yes, sir, and he was unconscious, so I had no trouble in keeping him -up until the lifeboat took us in.” - -“May I ask if you knew who it was when you made your leap to the -rescue?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -Just then a cadet came up and said: - -“Pardon, sir, but the surgeon asks to see Mr. Merrill.” - -“Go below, Mr. Merrill, and then you had better turn in for the night. -To-morrow morning report to me at eight bells.” - -Mark departed from the quarter-deck and sought the surgeon’s quarters. - -There he found Scott Clemmons, who had returned to consciousness, with -a gash upon his head, skillfully dressed, and his left arm bound close -to his side, for his collar-bone was broken. - -“Ah, Merrill, I wish to say that your plucky act saved Clemmons, for he -was stunned by the blow on the head, and his collar-bone is fractured. -He wishes to see you.” - -Mark’s hand had been warmly grasped by the ship’s surgeon as he spoke, -and now he stepped toward Scott Clemmons. - -“Say, old fellow, you did a manly thing, they tell me, and I owe you my -life. We haven’t been exactly chummy in the past, but, of course, now -you’ll believe in my friendship for you?” - -Mark Merrill would have given much could he have escaped the thanks of -Scott Clemmons. - -He could understand how much it cost him of pain and humiliation to say -what he did. - -But he said: - -“Oh, we are good enough friends, Mr. Clemmons, and what I did for you I -would have done for any one else, and you know I don’t mind a ducking -and a swim even in the sea.” - -“I don’t recall any of it except that I lost my hold and felt the dull -thud as I struck the yard; but they say you leaped from aloft and kept -me afloat until the lifeboat picked us up. Now I’m laid up in ordinary -for a few weeks, so come in and see me often.” - -“You’ll be all right soon, Clemmons, and now you need sleep, as the -doctor will tell you,” and Mark Merrill turned away and went to swing -his hammock, get on a dry rig, and turn in, for his struggle with the -sea even his iron frame could not help but feel. - -The next morning all hands were mustered on deck, and Captain De Long, -in a few well-spoken words, complimented Mark Merrill upon his noble -act, and praised the crew of the lifeboat for their gallant service. - -Mark blushed like a girl under the words of the captain, and to his -brother midshipmen made light of his act; but he got full credit for -the deed all the same, for all understood that there had been no love -lost between Scott Clemmons and himself. - -And so on its way held the cruiser until the shores of England hove in -view, and the anchor was soon after let fall in the Mersey. - -Among the first to land were three midshipmen who seemed to have some -special mission ashore. - -They were Herbert Nazro, Winslow Dillingham and Bemis Perry, and they -made their way directly to a fashionable jewelry establishment, where -an order was left for some special work, with directions to forward it -by express to Lisbon by a certain time, when the ship would touch there. - -After a few days in port the cruiser again set sail, and Scott Clemmons -was again on duty, though there was a red scar still visible upon his -forehead. - -But all noticed that, in spite of owing his life to Mark Merrill, Scott -Clemmons seemed rather to shun the one to whom he owed his life than to -seek his company. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. THE PILOT MIDSHIPMAN. - - -From port to port went the cadet’s cruiser, saluting the flags, forts, -and ships of other nations and receiving salutes in turn, while the -young sailors were given a run ashore to see something of the countries -they were visiting. - -At length one night came the cry from aloft: - -“Light ho!” - -It was Cape Rosa Light, and on the vessel sails in the coming dawn -until all the cadets gather on deck to behold the land of Portugal. - -Lateen-rigged craft pass out, and other vessels are met, one large bark -flying the Stars and Stripes, which brings a cheer of greeting from the -young sailors. - -The high crags of Cintra, with its castle and surrounding fields, are -passed, the old fort of St. Julian, next frowning Fort Bugio, and -thence onward into the waters of the Tagus. - -The tower of Beleur next looms up, with fortress-clad cliffs, and the -cadets soon after are called to their stations as Lisbon, seated upon -her many hills, rises in terraces before them, telling them that the -haven is reached, for with a plunge the anchor is let fall. - -Then up aloft is run a ball of bunting, which, when shaken out, reveals -the standard of Portugal, and gun after gun thunders a salute from the -cruiser to the old city of Lisbon. - -As the health officer has reported all safe on board, a boat soon -after goes ashore, and in it are the three cadets who landed first at -Liverpool, and visited the jewelry establishment. - -They now seek the offices of the Continental Express Company, and there -awaiting them is a small package. - -The jeweler has kept his promise. - -After a few days spent in Lisbon the cruiser sets sail for the blue -waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and once the shores of Portugal are -left astern a muster of all hands on deck is called, and Captain De -Long orders: - -“Cadet Midshipman Merrill to the front!” - -Mark Merrill promptly obeys, and then as the captain takes from a -morocco case a beautiful gold badge, he, for the first time, realizes -that he is to be the recipient of a token as an appreciation of his -services when he leaped from the yardarm to save the life of Scott -Clemmons. - -In a few well-chosen words the captain made the presentation, in which -occurred the following: - -“This souvenir, Midshipman Merrill, is a unanimous expression of -the appreciation of your daring deed by this ship’s crew, for from -quarter-deck to forecastle every one has insisted upon being a -subscriber, with the one exception of Mr. Clemmons, from whom the -intention was kept a secret as well as from yourself. I pin it upon -your breast for you to wear as a badge which you may well feel proud -of.” - -As the captain spoke he pinned upon the jacket of the young hero a -beautiful emblem of his courage, which was a massive anchor of solid -gold, to which was suspended a shield with bars of pearls, turquoises -and rubies to represent the colors red, white and blue, while below was -engraved: - - “PRESENTED - BY THE OFFICERS AND MEN - OF - _The U. S. Cadet Cruising Ship Constellation_ - TO - CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL - _As an Appreciation of His Splendid Courage - in Leaping Overboard at Night - in a Storm to Save the Life of - a Shipmate_.” - -In what was certainly a very neat speech, though taken unawares, Mark -Merrill thanked Captain De Long and all for their great kindness, and -raised his cap as three cheers were given for him. - -A number of eyes were turned upon Scott Clemmons during this scene, -and it could be easily discovered that he seemed ill at ease, though -he stepped forward and told his rescuer how glad he was of the honor -bestowed upon him, adding, with some feeling: - -“Had I chipped in, Merrill, it would have spoiled all, or had I -suggested it, for my debt to you can never be cancelled.” - -Had Scott Clemmons overheard the criticism which Bemis Perry made of -his speech he would have been overwhelmed with confusion, for though -the young South Carolinian said but one word, and used slang, it was to -the point, for he simply said: - -“Rats!” - -There was another criticism offered also, and by Herbert Nazro, who -said with a wicked little laugh: - -“Go tell that to the marines, Clemmons.” - -After this episode Clemmons seemed more constrained than ever in -his conduct toward Mark Merrill. He seemed positively uneasy in his -presence. - -At last, after a visit to several ports in the Mediterranean the prow -of the cruiser was turned homeward, for a stop was to be made upon the -New England coast. - -It was a stormy passage home, keeping the young tars constantly busy -reefing, pulling, and setting more sail, and giving them a thorough -experience in the life of a sailor. - -In the last storm not far off the coast, the cruiser had sprung her -mainmast, but fortunately the gale blew itself out, and a calm fell -upon the sea. The next morning the shores of New England were in view. - -The weather was hazy and sultry, the barometer was steadily falling, -and Captain De Long and his lieutenants viewed the weather with anxiety. - -There was a huge black mass gathering to seaward, and as the day passed -it began to rise slowly, though the deadest of calms still rested upon -the sea. - -The shore was a little over a league distant, and with a breeze the -good ship could readily work off, but in the teeth of a storm, and with -the mainmast sprung, there were too many odds against her. - -The afternoon passed, all eagerly watching for a cap full of air, to -bear the vessel into a haven of safety, the Kennebec River. - -But no ripple stirred the glass-like waters, and to landward a wild and -forbidding coast only was seen. - -The charts were examined closely, but no harbor was noted just there, -and all wondered what was to be done, for the sprung mast would never -stand to beat out to sea against such a tempest as was rising. - -At last Captain De Long turned to Cadet Midshipman Clemmons, and asked: - -“Do you not live somewhere in this vicinity, Mr. Clemmons?” - -“Some leagues from here, sir.” - -“And you know of no haven into which we could tow with our boats!” - -“I have heard of several harbors for fishing boats, sir, but I do not -know of them,” replied Scott Clemmons, who would not say: - -“But Merrill might know.” - -He did not care to put another feather in the cap of his rival--his -rescuer though he had been. - -“Pardon me, Captain De Long, but Mr. Merrill pointed out to me a while -ago with his glass his own home, and he may know,” said Herbert Nazro, -who had heard the captain questioning Clemmons. - -“Ah, yes, he is the very man! Send Mr. Merrill here at once,” said the -captain, with considerable eagerness. - -Mark Merrill reported promptly. - -“Mr. Merrill, your home is near here, I am told?” - -“My mother dwells in the large mansion, sir, you see on the cliff -yonder, a league and a half away, but it is not our own home, sir.” - -“Do you know of any harborage in here which we can tow into with our -boats, for yonder seems like a good anchorage ground?” - -“That, sir, is a death trap with a storm from seaward, for the coasters -call it Hopeless Haven. Yonder, where you see the cliff, is a harbor, -and a safe one, though small, and the entrance is dangerous.” - -“Do you know these waters well?” - -“Perfectly, sir,” was the response, and there was no boasting in the -reply. - -“There is depth for this ship in the harbor you refer to?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“And you can pilot her in with the boats ahead, if we can get there -before the storm breaks?” - -“It was there, sir, I took General Peyton’s yacht, the Midshipman, sir, -when the Secretary of the Navy and Commodore Lucien were on board.” - -“Ah, indeed! I have been told of that bold piloting by the commodore -himself; and it got you your appointment?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then I will order the boats out ahead, and----” - -“Pardon me, Captain De Long, but as the gale is coming from seaward, I -can run in, sir, if you will order topmasts housed and set only lower -sails, to save the sprung mainmast,” said Mark modestly. - -“Mr. Merrill, you are a born sailor, sir, and I give the ship over to -you as pilot,” said Captain De Long, with frank acknowledgment of the -youth’s skill and nerve. - - - - -CHAPTER XLV. UNEXPECTED VISITORS. - - -Standing upon Beacon Cliff were three persons, watching with interest -and deep anxiety the cadets’ cruiser as she lay off the coast a league -or more. - -They were Mrs. Merrill, the mother of the gallant middy, old Peggy, and -a beautiful young girl whom the reader will recall as Virgene Rich, the -fair witness who had testified so well in behalf of the young sailor in -his affray with Scott Clemmons, Ben Birney, and others of like ilk at -B----. - -Mrs. Merrill read at a glance the danger of the vessel, when she saw -that she was becalmed and a storm rising from seaward; but her anxiety -would have been far greater had she known that the craft was crippled -and might not be able to beat off the coast. - -What her feelings would have been had she known that her only son was -on board the vessel can well be imagined. - -But though she saw that it was a vessel of war she did not connect Mark -with her, as she supposed that his cruiser was in foreign seas, not -having received his last letter from Lisbon, in which he had told her -what the remainder of the voyage would be. - -Mrs. Merrill looked several years younger than when Mark had gone to -the Naval School. - -Her really beautiful face had almost lost its expression of sadness and -her form was still youthful and graceful. - -Virgene Rich, true to her promise, had often ridden down to see Mrs. -Merrill, and so attached had she become to her that Landlord Rich had -asked her to become his daughter’s governess, and thus we find the -young girl also an inmate of “Spook Hall.” - -Mrs. Merrill had kept up the flower garden, made the wing in which she -dwelt more comfortable, and, with a horse and phaeton, which she had -purchased, did not seem near so far away from civilization as before. - -Then, too, Skipper Jasper Crane, with the Venture, was making a very -snug living for her, and her bank account steadily increased, while -Mark was winning his way in the world, as she well knew. - -So the three stood watching the cruiser, the rising storm, and the -coming of night. - -“It will be a terrible night, I fear,” Mrs. Merrill said, with -increased anxiety for the cruiser. - -At length the deep rumbling of thunder was heard, the lightning flashes -rent the black clouds, and the roar of the still distant tempest -reached their ears. - -Then there came a ripple upon the waters, and instantly sail was set -upon the cruiser, which, under its influence, began to move ahead. - -“She heads down the coast,” said Mrs. Merrill. - -But the wind came in gusts, followed by calms, and each squall was more -severe. - -Sail was shortened upon the cruiser at last, as the storm was coming -near, lights were set, and night, black, threatening and dangerous, -came upon land and sea. But the three watchers upon the cliff had -secured wraps, and kept their places to watch the lights that marked -the position of the cruiser. - -Louder burst the thunder crashes, more vivid flashed the lightning, and -wilder roared the winds as they bore down upon the devoted ship. - -“See, see! she heads in toward our harbor!” - -“She is lost!” cried Mrs. Merrill, wringing her hands in distress. - -“Perhaps she has a pilot on board,” suggested Virgene. - -“No! no! for the coasters shun this harbor, and only Captain Crane and -one of his boys know the channel in.” - -“Mark knows,” said old Peggy, in a very decided way. - -“Yes, but he is not here--see! the lights advance steadily, -and--Virgene, there is a pilot on board yonder craft, for she has -rounded Whaleback Rock and passed between The Sentinels, and that was -not chance, surely.” - -“And the storm is upon her now,” cried Virgene, as the lurid glare upon -the sea showed now the advance of the tempest directly down upon the -ship. - -“Yes, but Whaleback Rock and The Sentinels will break its force, while -she has now gotten under the lee of Castle Rock, and heads into the -harbor.” - -As Mrs. Merrill spoke the storm was seen to catch the ship and hide the -lights from view in an instant; but the rocky islands she had spoken of -broke its force, and, though the cruiser was driven onward with a rush, -she was held firmly on her course, and a few minutes after glided in -under the lee of Beacon Cliff. - -“She is safe!” cried Mrs. Merrill, as she saw the lights reappear in -the harbor, and the three were almost blown by the wind to the mansion. - -The storm howled savagely about the old mansion, but all was comfort -within, and old Peggy set about getting supper, when all were startled -by a loud knock. - -“It must be some one from the ship,” said Mrs. Merrill, and she and -Virgene went to the door. - -“Mother!” and a form clad in a greatcoat steps forward, while other -cloaked forms are behind him. - -“My son!” cried Mrs. Merrill, as she was enfolded in her son’s arms, -but quickly released as the others stepped in out of the storm, and -Mark said: - -“Mother, I wish to present my commander, Captain De Long, Lieutenant -Briggs, and my chum, Cadet Midshipman Bemis Perry.” - -Other introductions followed to Virgene, and Captain De Long said: - -“We found ourselves on your coast, Mrs. Merrill, in distress, for we -had a crippled mast, and your brave son became our pilot, and ran -us into a safe harborage. Then I gave him leave to come ashore on -condition that he brought us with him.” - -It was a pleasant evening that was passed there in old “Spook Hall,” -and old Peggy sat down to them one of her most tempting suppers. - -It was midnight before Captain De Long started upon his return to his -ship, but he gave Mark permission to remain till after breakfast the -following morning, when, if the weather was not severe, the cruiser -would sail on her course once more, as, with his crippled mast, the -commander wished to reach Annapolis as soon as possible, knowing that -he would have to run from port to port in good weather. - -It was noon the next day when the cruiser sailed, Mark again acting as -pilot out to sea, and fair weather and a stiff breeze held her on her -way, until once again she dropped anchor off the Naval School, and the -young sailors went ashore to “bone it” hard for another long year, and -to struggle for honors. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVI. A FORCED RESIGNATION. - - -The second year began with Mark Merrill in the lead for honors. - -He had not only won a badge for a gallant act at sea, but he had -received “honorable mention” for his services as pilot under -circumstances where only skill and nerve alone could have saved the -cruiser from a very dangerous position. - -Then, too, he held the honors of his class for the first year, and that -was in his favor. - -He had enemies, of course--what really good fellow has not?--yet he was -generally popular, and the officers all liked him. - -Scott Clemmons was still distantly polite, and his clique of toadies -imbibed his manner toward Mark Merrill. - -But of their treatment Mark was severely indifferent. - -Scott Clemmons had given out that he meant to win the honors of his -second year. - -He had thrown this challenge, or rather defiance, in the face of -Merrill, and at once he set about his task to win. - -But those who made the situation a study were convinced that Scott -Clemmons would never stand number one, though he had a strong chance -for position number two. - -There were more who said it was very bad form for him to attempt to -take first honors away from a man to whom he owed his life, but Mark -Merrill seemed not to regard it in that light. - -One afternoon Mark received a letter which seemed to give him a great -deal of worry. - -At last he sought Bemis Perry, and said: - -“See here, Perry, you have got a very level head, and I wish to ask -your advice.” - -“Fire away, old man, for I am at your service from truck to keelson.” - -“I have a letter here from Miss Virgene Rich, whom you met at my -mother’s.” - -“Ah! I see; but you are over-young to marry yet, Mark. Flirt all -you wish to, have a sweetheart in every port, which is a sailor’s -prerogative, but don’t let any girl get her grappling irons on you too -securely to shake off.” - -“My dear Perry, you generally speak with the wisdom of Solomon, but -just now you are on the wrong tack, so go about and know your course -before you set full sail.” - -“My anchor’s down, Merrill, and hatches closed,” and Perry dropped into -his chair and placed his finger upon his lips. - -“It concerns Clemmons, and places me in an awkward position.” - -“Ah! more of his deviltry, eh?” - -“I’ll read you Miss Virgene’s letter.” And taking it from his pocket, -Mark read aloud as follows: - - “MY DEAR MARK: A letter from me will doubtless surprise you, but - I write for Silly Sam, who is not gifted with a superior style of - penmanship. - - “Let me first tell you that all at Spook Hall jogs on in the same - easy way, and I am still under your sweet mother’s kind charge, - though I am spending Sunday, to-day, at home with father, so I can - send no message from your mother, and, in fact, my letter to you is a - secret known only to the writer, Silly Sam, and the recipient. - - “Now to Sam’s letter. He begs me to say to you that he is in the - employ of Merchant Clemmons, and that the other day, when asleep - in the little room adjoining the office, Mr. Clemmons came in, - accompanied by a young man whom he had met at his door. - - “Sam did not make his presence known, and through the door, he being - back in the dark, he saw that the young man presented a very seedy, - dissipated look, but had a very defiant air. - - “Then, as near as I could get it from Sam, the young man demanded - money from the merchant, and was refused. - - “Then he told him that he would go to the Naval Academy, where he had - been a cadet, and make a clean breast of it to the commandant that - his son, Scott Clemmons, had led him into a plot against _you_. - - “Scott had paid him well for his services, said services being to - persecute you in any way in his power, to cause you demerit marks, - and that Scott Clemmons had arranged a plan by which you should - be found with a gold fifty-dollar coin, which he, Clemmons, had - pretended was stolen from him. - - “The plot did not turn out a success, as you had thwarted him in some - way, and he had been dismissed from the academy. - - “To keep him quiet and accept his dismissal, Scott Clemmons had paid - him well, and he had all the proofs of what he said, and knew that - it was the intention of Scott Clemmons to get you dismissed from the - academy by some foul means, notwithstanding that you had saved his - life, for he treated you with the bitterest venom. - - “Then, Sam says, the visitor, who gave his name as Barney Breslin, - boldly demanded two thousand dollars from Merchant Clemmons, or he - would go to the commandant and give proof of Scott’s villainy and - have him dismissed in disgrace. - - “Sam says that Mr. Clemmons was deeply moved, when convinced that - the young man told the truth, and told him that he would give him the - money, and more, on condition that he should give into his hands all - proofs and then leave the country. - - “This the young man promised to do, and when Mr. Clemmons sent to - the bank for the money, he handed over to him a bundle of papers, - letters, which Scott Clemmons had written, and other documents, which - the merchant seemed glad to get. - - “Such is Sam’s story, and you now know what a foe you have in Scott - Clemmons, and can govern yourself accordingly, Mark.” - -Such was the letter, and Bemis Perry listened to every word of it with -the deepest attention. - -“Now, Perry, you have the facts.” - -“Yes, and you asked my advice?” - -“I did, and I wish it, for, though I do not fear Clemmons’ open -hostility, I do not care to be on guard constantly against his blow in -the dark, nor do I wish a scandal, for of that there has been enough -with Breslin.” - -“So I think; but my idea is to save a scandal, and to keep the secret -between ourselves, while I force Clemmons to resign, for it will come -better from me than from you. If you will trust me with that letter I -will act.” - -Mark handed it over without a word, and, rising, Bemis Perry went to -his desk and took out a paper he had locked therein. - -“I will soon return,” he said, and he left the room. - -He went straight to the quarters of Scott Clemmons, whom he found alone. - -Scott Clemmons looked up with some surprise as he entered, for they -were upon barely speaking terms; but Perry gave him no time to -consider, but said: - -“I have come to see you, Clemmons, upon a matter of vital importance to -you, and we must be alone.” - -“Well, sir, we are not likely to be disturbed.” - -“Mr. Clemmons, I have come to ask you to do yourself a favor.” - -“In what way?” - -“To resign.” - -“What do you mean, sir?” angrily asked Clemmons. - -“Be patient, extremely patient, and you shall know. I am here to do you -a favor, if you will so consider it; to do my duty by the service, the -academy, and my brother cadets, if you do not obey my wishes.” - -“Your words are inexplicable to me, sir!” - -“Well, I’ll be more explicit than you can wish, sir. You had as a -friend here one Barney Breslin, a cadet who became your tool, for you -paid him well to persecute Mark Merrill in every manner possible--hold! -I have here Breslin’s confession, and more, I hold other papers to -criminate you in that gold coin affair, which you professed to have had -stolen from you for the purpose of disgracing Merrill. Now the paper -I handed to you, which you left upon the table in the Astor House, I -allowed three cadets to read, and I took a copy of it. That shows that -Breslin blackmailed you out of six hundred dollars. He did not leave -the country, but on the contrary has forced money from your father, who -has feared to have you disgraced by his coming to the commandant.” - -“My father?” gasped Clemmons. - -“Yes, your father paid him over two thousand dollars to prevent his -coming here, and so, as I hold all proofs of your villainy----” - -“Sir!” - -“I repeat it, of your criminal scoundrelism toward Merrill, I tell you, -that if you do not this day send in your resignation to the commandant -I shall place the whole matter before him, and the result will be your -utter disgrace. See, I am blackmailing you now, threatening, forcing -you to resign, for if you do not, I shall do as I say; if you do, I -shall keep your secret, upon my honor. What will you do?” - -“Resign,” and the word was hardly audible. - -“When?” - -“To-day.” - -“You are wise.” - -“You will keep my secret?” - -“Yes; write your resignation now.” - -It was done, and Bemis Perry said: - -“Now, good-by, Clemmons; but permit me to say that I pity one of your -splendid attainments who was not man enough to fight a rival openly.” - -And Bemis Perry left the room, while soon after Scott Clemmons went -over to the quarters of the commandant and handed in his resignation. - -It was a surprise to the commandant, a wonder to all, the resignation -of Scott Clemmons, but all questioning as to the cause went unanswered, -for Bemis Perry kept his word and the secret. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVII. A MIDNIGHT EXPEDITION. - - -Mark Merrill continued on in the even tenor of his way through his -second year, and once more stood at the head of his class. - -As for honors won the third year was but a repetition of the other two, -and he entered upon the last year of his Naval School life with the -goal of his ambition in sight, the chance of becoming the “first honor -man.” - -When the last day rolled around, the one that was to make or mar his -hopes of winning or losing, he was pale but calm. - -He had held his popularity with all, and they all wished him success. - -He had held his place so well in his studies, his deportment, and -through every duty and drill, that only a slip could send him to the -rear. - -There, among the visitors, was the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, and -there, too, was the gallant old sailor who had been his friend, and who -had been honored by promotion, and now appeared as Rear-Admiral Lucien. - -“I dare not fail in their presence,” Mark Merrill had muttered to -himself, and his face flushed as he suddenly beheld two others there -with their eyes upon him. - -Those two were his mother and Virgene Rich, the latter now grown into a -beautiful young lady of twenty. - -Dare he fail now? No, and he did not, for his name stood at the head of -the list as number one. - -And more, he was praised in no measured terms, and cheered in a manner -that showed that his fellows were glad in their inmost hearts. - -And that night when he appeared at the Naval Ball he was the cynosure -of all eyes, and justly so, for a splendid, handsome fellow was this -daring young sailor who had made such a brave fight for fame. - -When Mrs. Merrill and Virgene returned homeward they had as an escort -the young naval officer, who was on his “graduation leave” before being -ordered away on a three years’ cruise. - -Arriving at Spook Hall, and mingling among those who had known him in -the past, the verdict of all was that he was not in the least spoiled -by the honors he had won. - -Asking about Scott Clemmons, Mark learned that he had gone away from -home upon an expedition to Cuba, to fight with the Cuban patriots -struggling to free the “ever faithful isle” from the tyrannical yoke of -Spain. - -After a happy visit at home, where Herbert Nazro came and visited him -the last month of his leave, and fell desperately in love with Virgene -Rich, Mark reported for duty, and was ordered on board the United -States steamer Frolic, which was to sail for the West Indies. - -Three months after, one dark and rainy night, the Frolic lay at anchor -in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. - -In the steerage a number of young officers were gathered around a -table, before which was spread a map of the harbor and the town. - -One was talking in low, earnest tone, and others were listening with -rapt attention. - -The speaker was saying: “Now, gentlemen, these prisoners have been -placed in this prison--here it is upon this map, and to-morrow they -will be taken to the fortress, where they will remain until Sunday, -when, with the others now condemned and captured on the Commandatario, -they will be shot by the Spaniards, for Spain is merciless to her foes. -If they are removed to the fortress, then all hope for them is gone, -so we must act to-night. I have bribed a Spaniard to aid us, and he -is to secure the uniform of an aide to General Buriel, and meet us at -this point--here on this map. He will have uniforms awaiting us, and -we will march to the outpost for the prisoners, while he states that -he has been sent to conduct them to the fortress, fearing an attempt -at rescue by the Cubans. The commandant of the outpost prison is a new -man, and his men have just come from Havana, so that Buriel’s aides -are not known to them, and herein is our strength. Now I saw these -prisoners to-day, and every one of the seven are Americans, whom, as -our cruiser will not protect, we must aid to escape. Nay, more, one -of these prisoners is the gallant Bascomb, who resigned after leaving -the academy, and accepted a position as commander of a Cuban blockade -runner. Another is Scott Clemmons, also once a cadet, who was Bascomb’s -lieutenant, and the others are also brave American boys who must not be -shot to satiate Governor Buriel’s thirst for blood. Are you with me?” - -“To a man,” said Bemis Perry, and the others, eight in number, held -forth their hands and grasped that of Mark Merrill, who continued: - -“It is not law; I know, it is against naval discipline; but it is -justice, it is humanity, for if we do not save those poor lads they are -dead men within thirty-six hours. Now we have leave to go on a special -invitation to our fellows of the Powhattan, so we’ll instead pull -ashore and meet my Spaniard.” - -“We are ready,” said Perry, and soon after, muffled in their great -coats, the young officers entered a cutter and were rowed away through -the darkness and rain. - -They landed at a certain point on the shore where there was a hut in -which shone a light. - -Here a Spaniard met them, and Spanish uniforms were put on over their -own, muskets were taken, and they marched off. - -The Spaniard was in the uniform of a captain, and wore a cloak. - -He led the way, and after a march of half a mile they came to the -outpost _carcel_, or prison. - -The pretended Spanish officer gave the countersign, and going into the -_carcel_ told what his orders were. - -It seemed a long time for the waiting officers in their disguise, but -at last the clanking of chains was heard and out marched the prisoners, -seven in number, and heavily ironed. - -The pretended captain placed them in single file between his men, and -off they marched in the darkness and storm. They did not return to the -cabin, but continued along the shore, until they came to a boat, and -dimly seen offshore was a small sailing craft. - -“Now, señor, unlock these irons, and let the men go aboard as quickly -as possible, for their craft must be well off the coast before dawn, -and with this gale they can be, for it blows straight out of the -harbor. Then see us back to the cabin, and your work is done,” said -Mark Merrill. - -“I should know that voice among a thousand--by heaven! you are Mark -Merrill.” - -“Yes, Bascomb, but breathe it not, for we are Spanish soldiers this -night of our Lord.” - -“Ever the same noble, gallant fellow, Merrill, and God knows I’ll never -forget you for this, will we----” - -“Come, you must be off, or you will undo all that has been done. There -is your craft and two men on board, chartered for the cruise--please -go.” And thus urged the rescued men hastened into the boat, which at -once shoved off, while brave Bascomb cried: - -“We’ll meet again, Merrill; God bless you and your brave crew, whoever -they be.” - -“Now we must get out of this,” said Mark, and the Spaniard led the way -rapidly back to the hut. - -When the uniforms were discarded Mark handed the Spaniard the amount -promised him, and getting into their boat, it was headed back to the -Frolic. - -“Merrill,” said Bemis Perry, in a low tone. - -“Yes?” - -“You engineered the bravest act of your life to-night, one which, dared -it be known, would win you a name that would never die. I am proud to -have been with you; but did you see that Clemmons skulked away when -Bascomb recognized you, that he uttered no word?” - -“Yes, he’s the same old Clemmons, Perry,” was the reply. - -The ship was reached, and when the next morning came the news of the -daring rescue of the prisoners became known, but no one placed the -daring deed where it belonged, and that the call of the captured men -was a close one was proven by the deliberate and cruel execution, as -the murder was called, of scores of gallant men who had volunteered to -aid the patriot cause of Cuba, and were doomed to death by the butcher, -Buriel. - -Soon after the Frolic steamed away from the shores of the ever faithful -isle, and no one ever dreamed the real truth of that midnight rescue of -Americans led by Mark Merrill. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVIII. CONCLUSION. - - -After her West Indian cruise the Frolic dropped anchor in New York -harbor, and, to his surprise, Mark Merrill found a leave of absence -granted him from active duty. - -A letter from his mother partly explained the situation. She had begged -the leniency of a leave for him. - -Upon his arrival in B---- his mother met him, and upon the drive home -he learned the story, which I will now let the reader know. - -Mark’s father had been a wild, but not wicked, lad, and his mother had -married a second time. - -The stepfather, Vance Vanloo, had treated the youth so cruelly, wishing -to get rid of him so that his own son could get possession of his -wife’s valuable estates, that the lad had run away to sea. - -He had the proper spirit in him, and had worked his way up from the -forecastle to the command of a fine vessel, when he had fallen in love -with a young girl who was crossing the ocean with her invalid father. - -The father had died, and was buried at sea, and the daughter, falling -in love also with the handsome young captain, had married him. - -And she it was who afterward became Mark Merrill’s mother. - -But soon after little Mark reached his twelfth year the father was lost -at sea, and his wife was left destitute, for, as sorrows never come -singly, what they had saved up in bank was wiped out by the failure of -the bank. - -So it was that Mark, born upon the sea and reared upon his father’s -vessel, turned his attention to the water to earn a living for himself -and mother. - -They had sought the coast of Maine, near B----, and afterward became -dwellers, by the kindness of the agent, in the grand old mansion known -as Spook Hall. But, better still, an inquiring attorney had sought out -the heirs of the estate, and of other large property coming to them, -and found them in Mrs. Merrill and her son. - -So the Vanloo mansion, old Spook Hall, was in reality the home of Mrs. -Merrill, who suddenly found herself a very rich woman. - -Such was the mystery hanging over the Merrills, and hovering about -Beacon Castle, and such was the story told to the young naval officer -during his drive to the place so long dreaded as Spook Hall, but which -had been fitted up and refurnished by Mrs. Merrill to welcome home its -master. - -A pleasant month did Mark spend at home, and while there he gave away -in marriage, for her father had died the year before, pretty Virgene -Rich to Herbert Nazro, of the United States Navy, and a handsome couple -they were, too. - -And Mark Merrill? - -But if I say more I fear I will be pointing too directly at the -officer who has been my hero, and whom, perhaps, too many already have -recognized; so I will let fall the curtain upon the gallant young -sailor who won the victory in his fight for fame. - -THE END. - - * * * * * - -THE CREAM OF JUVENILE FICTION - -THE BOYS’ OWN LIBRARY - -A Selection of the Best Books for Boys by the Most Popular Authors - -The titles in this splendid juvenile series have been selected with -care, and as a result all the stories can be relied upon for their -excellence. They are bright and sparkling; not over-burdened with -lengthy descriptions, but brimful of adventure from the first page to -the last--in fact they are just the kind of yarns that appeal strongly -to the healthy boy who is fond of thrilling exploits and deeds of -heroism. Among the authors whose names are included in the Boys’ Own -Library are Horatio Alger, Jr., Edward S. Ellis, James Otis, Capt. -Ralph Bonehill, Burt L. Standish, Gilbert Patten and Frank H. Converse. - -SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE BOYS’ OWN LIBRARY - -All the books in this series are copyrighted, printed on good paper, -large type, illustrated, printed wrappers, handsome cloth covers -stamped in inks and gold--fifteen special cover designs. - -140 Titles--Price, per Volume, 75 cents - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by -the publisher, - -DAVID McKAY, 610 SO. WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA. - -HORATIO ALGER, Jr. - -One of the best known and most popular writers. Good, clean, healthy -stories for the American Boy. - - Adventures of a Telegraph Boy - Dean Dunham - Erie Train Boy, The - Five Hundred Dollar Check - From Canal Boy to President - From Farm Boy to Senator - Mark Stanton - Ned Newton - New York Boy - Tom Brace - Tom Tracy - Walter Griffith - Young Acrobat - -C. B. ASHLEY. - -One of the best stories ever written on hunting, trapping and adventure -in the West, after the Custer Massacre. - - Gilbert, the Boy Trapper - -ANNIE ASHMORE. - -A splendid story, recording the adventures of a boy with smugglers. - - Smuggler’s Cave, The - -CAPT. RALPH BONEHILL. - -Capt. Bonehill is in the very front rank as an author of boys’ stories. -He writes also under the name of Stratemeyer and Winfield. These are -two of his best works. - - Neka, the Boy Conjurer - Tour of the Zero Club - -WALTER F. BRUNS. - -An excellent story of adventure in the celebrated Sunk Lands of -Missouri and Kansas. - - In the Sunk Lands - -FRANK H. CONVERSE. - -This writer has established a splendid reputation as a boys’ author, -and although his books usually command $1.25 per volume, we offer the -following at a more popular price. - - Gold of Flat Top Mountain - Happy-Go-Lucky Jack - Heir to a Million - In Search of An Unknown Race - In Southern Seas - Mystery of a Diamond - That Treasure - Voyage to the Gold Coast - -HARRY COLLINGWOOD. - -One of England’s most successful writers of stories for boys. His best -story is - - Pirate Island - -GEORGE H. COOMER. - -Two books we highly recommend. One is a splendid story of adventure at -sea, when American ships were in every port in the world, and the other -tells of adventures while the first railway in the Andes Mountains was -being built. - - Boys in the Forecastle - Old Man of the Mountain - -WILLIAM DALTON. - -Three stories by one of the very greatest writers for boys. The stories -deal with boys’ adventures in India, China and Abyssinia. These books -are strongly recommended for boys’ reading, as they contain a large -amount of historical information. - - Tiger Prince - War Tiger - White Elephant - -EDWARD S. ELLIS. - -These books are considered the best works this well-known writer ever -produced. No better reading for bright young Americans. - - Arthur Helmuth - Check No. 2134 - From Tent to White House - Perils of the Jungle - On the Trail of Geronimo - White Mustang - -GEORGE MANVILLE FENN. - -For the past fifty years Mr. Fenn has been writing books for boys -and popular fiction. His books are justly popular throughout the -English-speaking world. We publish the following select list of his -boys’ books, which we consider the best he ever wrote. - - Commodore Junk - Dingo Boys - Golden Magnet - Grand Chaco - Weathercock - -ENSIGN CLARKE FITCH, U. S. N. - -A graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and thoroughly -familiar with all naval matters. Mr. Fitch has devoted himself to -literature, and has written a series of books for boys that every -young American should read. His stories are full of very interesting -information about the navy, training ships, etc. - - Bound for Annapolis - Clif, the Naval Cadet - Cruise of the Training Ship - From Port to Port - Strange Cruise, A - -WILLIAM MURRAY GRAYDON. - -An author of world-wide popularity. Mr. Graydon is essentially a friend -of young people, and we offer herewith ten of his best works, wherein -he relates a great diversity of interesting adventures in various parts -of the world, combined with accurate historical data. - - Butcher of Cawnpore, The - Camp in the Snow, The - Campaigning with Braddock - Cryptogram, The - From Lake to Wilderness - In Barracks and Wigwam - In Fort and Prison - Jungles and Traitors - Rajah’s Fortress, The - White King of Africa, The - -LIEUT. FREDERICK GARRISON, U. S. A. - -Every American boy takes a keen interest in the affairs of West Point. -No more capable writer on this popular subject could be found than -Lieut. Garrison, who vividly describes the life, adventures and unique -incidents that have occurred in that great institution--in these famous -West Point stories. - - Off for West Point - Cadet’s Honor, A - On Guard - West Point Treasure, The - West Point Rivals, The - -HEADON HILL. - -The hunt for gold has always been a popular subject for consideration, -and Mr. Hill has added a splendid story on the subject in this romance -of the Klondyke. - - Spectre Gold - -HENRY HARRISON LEWIS. - -Mr. Lewis is a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and has -written a great many books for boys. Among his best works are the -following titles--the subjects include a vast series of adventures in -all parts of the world. The historical data is correct, and they should -be read by all boys, for the excellent information they contain. - - Centreboard Jim - King of the Island - Midshipman Merrill - Ensign Merrill - Sword and Pen - Valley of Mystery, The - Yankee Boys in Japan - -LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY. - -A series of books embracing many adventures under our famous naval -commanders, and with our army during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. -Founded on sound history, these books are written for boys, with the -idea of combining pleasure with profit; to cultivate a fondness for -study--especially of what has been accomplished by our army and navy. - - Cadet Kit Carey - Captain Carey - Kit Carey’s Protegé - Lieut. Carey’s Luck - Out With Commodore Decatur - Randy, the Pilot - Tom Truxton’s School Days - Tom Truxton’s Ocean Trip - Treasure of the Golden Crater - Won at West Point - -BROOKS McCORMICK. - -Four splendid books of adventure on sea and land, by this well-known -writer for boys. - - Giant Islanders, The - How He Won - Nature’s Young Nobleman - Rival Battalions - -WALTER MORRIS. - -This charming story contains thirty-two chapters of just the sort of -school life that charms the boy readers. - - Bob Porter at Lakeview Academy - -STANLEY NORRIS. - -Mr. Norris is without a rival as a writer of “Circus Stories” for boys. -These four books are full of thrilling adventures, but good, wholesome -reading for young Americans. - - Phil, the Showman - Young Showman’s Rivals, The - Young Showman’s Pluck, The - Young Showman’s Triumph - -LIEUT. JAMES K. ORTON. - -When a boy has read one of Lieut. Orton’s books, it requires no urging -to induce him to read the others. Not a dull page in any of them. - - Beach Boy Joe - Last Chance Mine - Secret Chart, The - Tom Havens with the White Squadron - -JAMES OTIS. - -Mr. Otis is known by nearly every American boy, and needs no -introduction here. The following copyrights are among his best: - - Chased Through Norway - Inland Waterways - Unprovoked Mutiny - Wheeling for Fortune - Reuben Green’s Adventures at Yale - -GILBERT PATTEN. - -Mr. Patten has had the distinction of having his books adopted by the -U. S. Government for all naval libraries on board our war ships. While -aiming to avoid the extravagant and sensational, the stories contain -enough thrilling incidents to please the lad who loves action and -adventure. In the Rockspur stories the description of their Baseball -and Football Games and other contests with rival clubs and teams make -very exciting and absorbing reading; and few boys with warm blood in -their veins, having once begun the perusal of one of these books, will -willingly lay it down till it is finished. - - Boy Boomers - Boy Cattle King - Boy from the West - Don Kirke’s Mine - Jud and Joe - Rockspur Nine, The - Rockspur Eleven, The - Rockspur Rivals, The - -ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE. - -Mr. Rathborne’s stories for boys have the peculiar charm of dealing -with localities and conditions with which he is thoroughly familiar. -The scenes of these excellent stories are along the Florida coast and -on the western prairies. - - Canoe and Camp Fire - Paddling Under Palmettos - Rival Canoe Boys - Sunset Ranch - Chums of the Prairie - Young Range Riders - Gulf Cruisers - Shifting Winds - -ARTHUR SEWELL. - -An American story by an American author. It relates how a Yankee boy -overcame many obstacles in school and out. Thoroughly interesting from -start to finish. - - Gay Dashleigh’s Academy Days - -CAPT. DAVID SOUTHWICK. - -An exceptionally good story of frontier life among the Indians in the -far West, during the early settlement period. - - Jack Wheeler - -The Famous Frank Merriwell Stories. - -BURT L. STANDISH. - -No modern series of tales for boys and youths has met with anything -like the cordial reception and popularity accorded to the Frank -Merriwell Stories. There must be a reason for this and there is. Frank -Merriwell, as portrayed by the author, is a jolly whole-souled, honest, -courageous American lad, who appeals to the hearts of the boys. He -has no bad habits, and his manliness inculcates the idea that it is -not necessary for a boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. Frank -Merriwell’s example is a shining light for every ambitious lad to -follow. Six volumes now ready: - - Frank Merriwell’s School Days - Frank Merriwell’s Chums - Frank Merriwell’s Foes - Frank Merriwell’s Trip West - Frank Merriwell Down South - Frank Merriwell’s Bravery - -VICTOR ST. CLAIR. - -These books are full of good, clean adventure, thrilling enough to -please the full-blooded wide-awake boy, yet containing nothing to which -there can be any objection from those who are careful as to the kind of -books they put into the hands of the young. - - Cast Away in the Jungle - For Home and Honor - From Switch to Lever - Little Snap, the Post Boy - Zig-Zag, the Boy Conjurer - Zip, the Acrobat - -MATTHEW WHITE, JR. - -Good, healthy, strong books for the American lad. No more interesting -books for the young appear on our lists. - - Adventures of a Young Athlete - Eric Dane - Guy Hammersley - My Mysterious Fortune - Tour of a Private Car - Young Editor, The - -ARTHUR M. WINFIELD. - -One of the most popular authors of boys’ books. He writes also under -the name of Bonehill and Stratemeyer. Here are three of his best. - - Mark Dale’s Stage Venture - Young Bank Clerk, The - Young Bridge Tender, The - -GAYLE WINTERTON. - -This very interesting story relates the trials and triumphs of a Young -American Actor, including the solution of a very puzzling mystery. - - Young Actor, The - -ERNEST A. YOUNG. - -This book is not a treatise on sports, as the title would indicate, but -relates a series of thrilling adventures among boy campers in the woods -of Maine. - - Boats, Bats and Bicycles - -DAVID McKAY, Publisher, Philadelphia. - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned. - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL *** - -***** This file should be named 63590-0.txt or 63590-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/9/63590/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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- margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p-1 {margin-top: -0.25em;} -.p1 {margin-top: 1em;} -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p3 {margin-top:3em;} - -/*Modified horizontal rules to fix ePub display issue*/ -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -/*End modified horizontal rule CSS*/ - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.boxit{ - max-width: 38em; - padding: 1em; - border: 0em solid black; - margin: 0 auto; } - -.boxcontents{ - max-width: 20em; 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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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this ebook. - -Title: Midshipman Merrill - -Author: Henry Harrison Lewis - -Release Date: November 01, 2020 [EBook #63590] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Demian Katz, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Images courtesy of - the Digital Library@Villanova University - (http://digital.library.villanova.edu/)) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL *** -</pre><div class="figcenter"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover." /> -</div> - - -<div style="padding-top:2em"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>The Table of Contents was created by the transcriber and placed -in the public domain.</p> - -<p><a href="#TN_end">Additional Transcriber’s Notes</a> are at the -end.</p></div></div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="boxcontents"> -<p class="xlargefont center boldfont">CONTENTS</p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">Chapter I. The Wreck of the Toy.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Chapter II. The Arrest.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Chapter III. The Girl Witness.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Chapter IV. The Dwellers in “Spook Hall.”</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Chapter V. A Bold Resolve.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Chapter VI. The Boy Pilot.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Chapter VII. The Cadet Midshipman.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Chapter VIII. A Rumor Afloat.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Chapter IX. Going Ashore.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Chapter X. Unfathomed.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapter XI. The Promise Kept.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Chapter XII. A Plot That Failed.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chapter XIII. Stumbling Blocks.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Chapter XIV. Facing the Music.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Chapter XV. Boarding the Venture.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Chapter XVI. Under Convoy.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">Chapter XVII. Jack Judson’s Memory.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">Chapter XVIII. Strangely Met.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Chapter XIX. A Threat.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">Chapter XX. The Midshipman.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Chapter XXI. Shaking Hands With the Past.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Chapter XXII. Disciplining a “Captain.”</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Chapter XXIII. A Secret Foe.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Chapter XXIV. A Secret Friend.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">Chapter XXV. A Clouded Record.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Chapter XXVI. The Telltale Coin.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">Chapter XXVII. A Double Accusation.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">Chapter XXVIII. The Story Told.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">Chapter XXIX. The Alternative.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">Chapter XXX. Not Accepted.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">Chapter XXXI. A Swimming Match.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Chapter XXXII. The “Water Wizard.”</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">Chapter XXXIII. “Honors Easy.”</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">Chapter XXXIV. A Letter from Home.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">Chapter XXXV. The Midshipman’s Reverie.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">Chapter XXXVI. The First Cruise.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">Chapter XXXVII. The Demand.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">Chapter XXXVIII. Keeping an Appointment.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">Chapter XXXIX. The Tell Tale Paper.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">Chapter XL. Three Reports.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">Chapter XLI. A Life on the Ocean Wave.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">Chapter XLII. “Man Overboard!”</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">Chapter XLIII. A Debt of Gratitude.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">Chapter XLIV. The Pilot Midshipman.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">Chapter XLV. Unexpected Visitors.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">Chapter XLVI. A Forced Resignation.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVII">Chapter XLVII. A Midnight Expedition.</a></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVIII">Chapter XLVIII. Conclusion.</a></p> -</div></div> - -<p id="half-title">MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL</p> - -<div id="Ref_004" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i004.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“The passengers and crew gave the young hero a rousing cheer as he -sped away.” (See <a href="#Ref_004a">page 45</a>)</p></div> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i005.jpg" alt="Title page." /> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h1 class="nobreak">Midshipman Merrill</h1> -</div> - - -<p class="center p2">BY<br /> -<span class="xlargefont">HENRY HARRISON LEWIS</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smallfont">AUTHOR OF</span><br /> -“Centre-Board Jim,” “Ensign Merrill,” etc.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="margin-top:3em"> -<img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="Publisher's logo." /> -</div> - -<p class="center p3" style="line-height:1.5">PHILADELPHIA<br /> -<span class="xlargefont">DAVID MCKAY, PUBLISHER</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">610 South Washington Square</span> -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">Copyright, 1899,<br /> -By STREET & SMITH</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[5]</span></p> - -<p class="center xxlargefont nobreak" style="margin-bottom:1em" id="CHAPTER_I">MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL.</p> - - - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE WRECK OF THE TOY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>“There comes that sea cub of Beacon Cliff, mates, -so let us clip his claws.”</p> - -<p>“So say I, mates, for he’s too blue blooded to associate -with us, if he is only a fisher lad.”</p> - -<p>“It’s the living in that old rookery, Cliff Castle, that -has turned his head and made him so conceited.”</p> - -<p>“No, he’s been high-toned ever since he saved that -schooner from being wrecked in Hopeless Haven; but -I say let us take him down a peg or two, mates.”</p> - -<p>“I’m with you.”</p> - -<p>“So am I.”</p> - -<p>“Me, too;” and all of a group of five lads joined in -with their leader to set upon a youth who was just running -for the shore in a trim little surf-skiff with a leg-of-mutton -sail.</p> - -<p>The scene was at a small seaport upon the rugged, -though beautiful coast of Maine, and the lads, a wild -lot of reckless spirits, half-sailors, half-landsmen, stood -in front of an old-fashioned tavern fronting the water, -and from whence they had sighted the surf-skiff running -swiftly in toward the wharf, and had recognized -its occupant, a lad of sixteen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[6]</span></p> - -<p>He was neatly dressed in duck pants and a sailor -shirt with wide collar, in each corner of which was -embroidered an anchor in blue silk.</p> - -<p>A blue tarpaulin sat jauntily upon his head, giving -him something of a rakish look, and a sash encircled -his slender waist.</p> - -<p>But in spite of his rather picturesque attire, he had a -face of rare manliness for one so young, a face that was -bronzed by exposure, strong in character and stamped -with resolution and daring beyond his years.</p> - -<p>He ran his little skiff in cleverly alongside the -wharf, lowered sail, and carefully taking up a toy ship, -stepped ashore and started toward the tavern.</p> - -<p>The toy was a miniature ship, fully rigged and under -sail, an exquisite specimen of workmanship, for from -keel to truck there was nothing missing, and every rope -and sail, even to a tiny flag, the Stars and Stripes, was -in place.</p> - -<p>He had nearly reached the group of youths, who had -threatened to lower his pride a peg or two, when a seaman -met him and called out:</p> - -<p>“Ho, lad, who built that craft you have there?”</p> - -<p>“I did, sir,” was the modest reply.</p> - -<p>“Well, if you did you are a born sailor, that is all, -for I never saw a cleaner built craft, or a better rigged -one. Are you a deep water sailor, my lad?”</p> - -<p>“I have been to sea, sir; but I am only a coaster -now.”</p> - -<p>“And what are you going to do with that pretty -toy?”</p> - -<p>“I am going to ask landlord Rich of the tavern to -buy it of me, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Why do you sell it?”</p> - -<p>The lad’s face flushed, and after a moment he said:</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, my mother is ill, and I wish to have the<span class="pagenum">[7]</span> -doctor go and see her, and sell the ship to get the -money to pay him and buy medicines with.”</p> - -<p>“Well, lad, in spite of your fancy rig, your heart -lies in the right place, I see; but what do you want for -the craft?”</p> - -<p>“It ought to be worth fifteen dollars, sir.”</p> - -<p>“It is worth more, and I wish I had the money to -buy it; but if the landlord don’t buy it, I’ll see what I -can do.”</p> - -<p>“I thank you, sir,” and the lad was going on, when -the group of youths, who had heard all that had passed, -laughed rudely, while one said: “Let me see your -boat, sea cub?”</p> - -<p>The lad’s face flushed, but he knew that the speaker -was the son of a rich shipping merchant of the town, -and was a spendthrift, who might pay him a fancy -price for his toy, if he wished to do so, and he, therefore, -handed the ship to him without reply.</p> - -<p>It was the same youth who had suggested to the others -to tease the lad, and looking critically at the ship, -he said:</p> - -<p>“It looks fairly well to a landsman, but whoever -saw such a rig on a ship?”</p> - -<p>“And the hull has no shape to it,” said another.</p> - -<p>“Just look at the rake of the masts.”</p> - -<p>“And the cut of her bow.”</p> - -<p>“Whoever saw such a stern on anything but a mudscow.”</p> - -<p>“If you do not wish to purchase the boat, Scott -Clemmons, give it back to me,” said Mark Merrill, -suppressing his anger.</p> - -<p>“I’ll buy her, if she can stand a cyclone, sea cub,” -said Scott Clemmons insolently.</p> - -<p>“Let’s see if she can, Scott,” another said.</p> - -<p>“All right, Birney, hold out your arm.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[8]</span></p> - -<p>The youth addressed held his arms out firmly on a -level, and whirling suddenly around, with the boat -grasped in both hands, he brought it with full force -close to the deck against the outstretched arms of Ben -Birney.</p> - -<p>The result was the wreck of the toy ship, for the -masts were broken, the decks swept clean.</p> - -<p>But quickly as the act had been done, the movements -of the young sailor were quicker, for once, twice, his -blows fell full in the faces of the two destroyers, and -they dropped their length upon the pavement.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[9]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE ARREST.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The three youths of the group who had not taken a -hand in the destruction of the toy ship had seemed at -first to regret their inability to also fret the young -sailor; but the moment that the two ringleaders, Scott -Clemmons and Ben Birney, had measured their length -upon the ground, falling with a force that seemed to -knock the breath out of them for a moment, the trio -appeared delighted that they had no hand in the breaking -of the little miniature ship, and stepped quickly -backward out of reach of the dangerous arm of Mark -Merrill.</p> - -<p>But Scott Clemmons was not one to submit tamely -to a blow, and with his face bruised by a severe contact -with the fist of the sailor lad, he arose to his feet, and -whipping out his knife rushed upon his foe with a bitter -oath, and the threat:</p> - -<p>“I’ll have your life for that blow, sea cub!”</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill had boldly stood his ground, but seeing -his danger he quickly stooped, seized the hull of his -broken boat, and with a lightning-like movement -brought it down upon the head of his assailant with a -force that appeared to kill him, so motionless he lay -where he fell.</p> - -<p>“Come, mates, he has killed Scott Clemmons, so -seize him!” shouted Ben Birney, and he sprung toward<span class="pagenum">[10]</span> -the lad, followed by the other three who were made -bold by their numbers.</p> - -<p>The sailor lad stood at bay now, his face pale, but -stern and determined, his eyes ablaze, while in his -hands he grasped the hull of his now badly-wrecked -ship, making it serve as a weapon of defense.</p> - -<p>But ere Ben Birney had reached within arm’s length -a form suddenly sprung forward, and a ringing voice -cried:</p> - -<p>“Back, you young cutthroats, for I’ll take a hand in -this unequal game.”</p> - -<p>The four youths shrank back as though they had run -against a stone wall, for the sailor who had addressed -Mark Merrill upon landing now confronted them, and -more, he held a revolver in his hand, the muzzle covering -the group, his finger upon the trigger.</p> - -<p>A crowd had now gathered, and among them the village -constable, to whom Ben Birney cried:</p> - -<p>“Officer Roe, that fisher boy has killed Scott Clemmons—we -saw him do it.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t so, officer, for the fellow is not dead, only -stunned; and, besides, he attacked this brave lad with -a knife, after the young scamps had smashed his boat -to pieces. Arrest them, I say,” said the sailor.</p> - -<p>Constable Roe was a politician, and owed his place -to the influence of the fathers of Scott Clemmons and -Ben Birney, so, of course, he saw the situation through -the spectacles of self-interest.</p> - -<p>The sailor was a stranger in town, and Mark Merrill -was but a poor fisher lad, so he said:</p> - -<p>“He meant to kill young Master Scott, if he didn’t -do it, so I’ll arrest him, and I’ll take you in, too, as I -saw you level a loaded pistol at these young men.”</p> - -<p>The sailor laughed, and answered:</p> - -<p>“You old fool, the weapon was just bought uptown,<span class="pagenum">[11]</span> -and there’s no load in it; but trot me off to the lockup -if you wish, only let this poor lad go, as he has come -for a doctor to see his sick mother.”</p> - -<p>“No, I’ll lock you both up, I guess, if the judge has -left his court—oh! Master Scott, you have come round, -I see,” and the constable turned to Scott Clemmons, -who just then arose to his feet, but with his face bleeding, -and a dazed look in his eyes.</p> - -<p>“He tried to murder me, Roe,” he said deliberately.</p> - -<p>“The young scamp lies like a marine, for he tried to -do the murdering; but take us to the judge, officer, -who, I guess, has got more sense than you have,” and -the sailor laughed.</p> - -<p>The angry constable grasped an arm of the sailor -and the lad, and with a crowd at their heels led them -away toward the court, in the rear of which was the -jail.</p> - -<p>The judge had just finished his last case for the day, -but took his seat, willing to hear the case, for he heard -several remark that it was nothing but persecution.</p> - -<p>The constable made his report, and the sailor told his -story just as he had witnessed it, Mark Merrill remaining -silent and calm until called upon to testify.</p> - -<p>Then he told his version of the affair in an unmoved, -dignified manner that impressed all, adding:</p> - -<p>“If I am to be punished, your honor, I beg of you -to accept my pledge to return, after I have sent a physician -to my mother.”</p> - -<p>Paying no attention to this remark the judge asked:</p> - -<p>“Are there any witnesses in court who are willing -to testify in favor of these two prisoners?”</p> - -<p>“I am, Judge Miller, if you will accept me as a witness, -for I saw and heard all.”</p> - -<p>All started as a clear, sweet voice came from the rear<span class="pagenum">[12]</span> -of the crowd, and there appeared a young girl of fourteen, -her beautiful face crimsoned from the glances -turned upon her, but her manner firm and half-defiant.</p> - -<p>“Ah! Miss Virgene, it is you, is it? Yes, indeed, I’ll -accept your testimony with pleasure,” was the pleasant -response of the judge, and the crowd fell aside to allow -the pretty maiden to go to the front.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[13]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE GIRL WITNESS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Virgene Rich was the beauty of the little seaport -town of B——, notwithstanding that she had only been -a couple of years across the threshold of her “teens.”</p> - -<p>She was the daughter of landlord Rich, of the -“Anchorage Tavern,” and every one in B—— loved -her, especially the lads.</p> - -<p>Her most persistent admirer was Scott Clemmons, -though he could not boast of having been more favored -by her than others.</p> - -<p>Now, as he saw her advance as a witness, his face -paled and flushed by turns, for what would she, a girl, -have to say of a quarrel among men, he wondered.</p> - -<p>“Well, Miss Virgene, do you voluntarily appear in -this case?” asked the judge, with a kindly smile.</p> - -<p>“I do, Judge Miller, because I deem it my duty to -do so, for if not I would not make myself appear so -forward,” was the low yet distinct response.</p> - -<p>“Kiss the Book then, Miss Virgene, and let me hear -what you have to say.”</p> - -<p>The girl obeyed, and then said in a voice that not one -failed to hear:</p> - -<p>“I was seated in my room, sir, over the tavern parlor -when I saw a surf-skiff running for shore, and noticed -it particularly on account of its being so well handled.</p> - -<p>“Right beneath stood five young men, whom I see -here now. Scott Clemmons recognized the occupant of<span class="pagenum">[14]</span> -the skiff, that youth there, whose name I believe is -Mark Merrill.</p> - -<p>“A plan was at once formed, as they expressed it, to -‘clip the sea cub’s claws,’ and as Master Merrill landed -they went toward him.</p> - -<p>“He had a toy ship in his hand, and I heard him tell -a sailor, this gentleman here, who met him, that he -intended to sell it to my father, as he had to get money -to send the doctor to his mother, who was very ill.</p> - -<p>“Then these five young gentlemen,” and Virgene’s -sarcastic reference to them made the five youths wince, -“met Master Mark Merrill, and at once began to sneer -at his boat, and Scott Clemmons took it from him, asking -if it could stand a cyclone.</p> - -<p>“Then Scott Clemmons bade Ben Birney hold out -his arms, which he did, and turning quickly with the -boat at a level, he crushed it into a wreck.”</p> - -<p>A murmur ran through the crowd at this, and the -accused did not like the look upon the face of the judge -as he said:</p> - -<p>“Well, Miss Virgene, what else?”</p> - -<p>“Why, Master Merrill at once knocked both Scott -Clemmons and Ben Birney down, as he ought to have -done, Judge Miller,” was the spirited reply of the -young girl.</p> - -<p>“I agree with you, Miss Virgene—ahem! ahem!” and -the judge cut off his own decided unjudicial expression -of his private opinion with a loud cough.</p> - -<p>Resuming her testimony, Virgene Rich said:</p> - -<p>“Scott Clemmons rose quickly, sir, and drawing a -knife, rushed upon Master Merrill with a threat to kill -him, when he was struck a blow with the hull of the -wrecked boat that stunned him.”</p> - -<p>“The prisoner, Mark Merrill, struck the blow?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Judge Miller, in self-defense; and the others<span class="pagenum">[15]</span> -then, led by Ben Birney, were about to spring upon -him, when this gentleman frightened them off with -what seems was an unloaded weapon,” and Virgene’s -musical laughter was contagious, for many joined in -until the judge, checking the broad grin upon his own -face, commanded sternly:</p> - -<p>“Silence in court!”</p> - -<p>The judge was a terror to evil-doers, and was obeyed -with alacrity, while Virgene went on to tell the story -of the constable’s arrest of the wrong parties.</p> - -<p>“Constable Roe, you should not allow self-interest -to lead you into error, sir, for the real culprits before -me are Scott Clemmons, Ben Birney, <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">et al.</i></p> - -<p>“Miss Virgene, I thank you for your clear testimony -of the facts, and discharge the accused, while I order -the arrest of these young men, and shall bind them -over to keep the peace, while you, Clemmons, must at -once pay this youth for his boat, or I shall send you to -jail.”</p> - -<p>Then, turning to Mark Merrill, Judge Miller asked:</p> - -<p>“Are you the lad who saved a schooner from being -wrecked in Hopeless Haven some months ago?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to know you, my lad, for you took desperate -chances for your own life to save others from -death. Ah, Mr. Clemmons, you are here, I suppose, -to pay your son’s just debt to this brave youth, and to -offer bail for your boy, who can congratulate himself -upon his escaping so lightly,” and Judge Miller turned -to a fine-looking old gentleman who had entered court, -hearing his son had been arrested.</p> - -<p>“I am here, your honor, to do what is right,” was -the cold response of merchant Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“He ought to have fifty dollars for the boat, for it -was worth it,” said the sailor bluntly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[16]</span></p> - -<p>“No, my price was only fifteen dollars, and I would -not take that from him were it not for my mother’s -being ill,” said Mark Merrill.</p> - -<p>The amount was paid by merchant Clemmons, and -Mark Merrill hastened from the court room, accompanied -by his newly-made friend, Jack Judson, sailor.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[17]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE DWELLERS IN “SPOOK HALL.”</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The youth, accompanied by Jack Judson, the sailor, -walked hastily up the main street of the little town, -until he came to a fine residence, before which hung a -sign bearing the legend:</p> - -<p class="center">“DR. STONE’S OFFICE.”</p> - -<p>The physician had just returned home, and coming -by the court room had heard the story of the affray, -and from one who had sided with the sailor lad in the -affair.</p> - -<p>He heard Mark’s story of his mother’s illness, and -at once said he would drive down that evening, and -received his fee in advance, which he made exceedingly -modest.</p> - -<p>With a happy heart the lad then went to a store and -made a few purchases, after which he said:</p> - -<p>“Now, sir, I must take time to go and thank that -pretty young girl for her kindness.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I just think so, lad, for she’s one among a -thousand,” answered Jack Judson, and the two went -to “The Anchorage” and asked to see Miss Virgene -Rich.</p> - -<p>But that young lady saw them coming, suspected -their errand, and ran off to the garret and hid, so they -were told that she must have gone out.</p> - -<p>“That’s too bad, lad; but you’ll find her in port -some time; but, see here, it’s blowing a gale, and you -cannot start home now.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[18]</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, sir; for it would worry my mother more -for me not to go.”</p> - -<p>“Go by land?”</p> - -<p>“It’s a walk of fifteen miles, and only a sail of -twelve, while the wind is fair for me.”</p> - -<p>“If my craft was not going out in the morning I’d -go with you, for you are going to have it rough, lad.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t mind that, sir, for my craft is a surf-skiff, -and I know how to handle her.”</p> - -<p>“I saw that as you came in, my boy; but if you -must go I won’t detain you, so good-by, and don’t you -forget that Jack Judson is your friend.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll remember you, sir, you may be sure,” was the -reply, and five minutes after the surf-skiff cast off and -started upon her really perilous voyage.</p> - -<p>The sailor watched her departure, as many others -did, and shook his head ominously, while Virgene -Rich, having returned to her room, stood in the window, -and her innocent young face wore an anxious look -as she saw the little craft driving swiftly into the -heavy seas on her dangerous run.</p> - -<p>In half an hour the surf-skiff was out of sight to the -watchers, and soon after rounded a point of land where -it felt the full force of the winds and waves.</p> - -<p>But Mark Merrill showed his claim to the title he -had won as the boy pilot of the coast, and though the -shadows of night fell upon the waters, seemed to -instinctively know his way over the tempestuous sea.</p> - -<p>At length a light gleamed from a cliff far ahead, and -the young sailor said aloud:</p> - -<p>“Bless my dear, good mother! she has set the lamp -in the south window, sick as she is, to guide me home, -and it shows me that I was a trifle off my course.”</p> - -<p>On sped the little craft, held firmly to her work until -she ran in under the shelter of a lofty overhanging cliff.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[19]</span></p> - -<p>The sail was quickly lowered, the painter made fast, -and springing ashore, his arms full of the purchases he -had made, Mark Merrill hastened to climb a steep path -leading to the cliff above.</p> - -<p>Here stood a large stone mansion, dark and gloomy, -except in one end, where there was a light, the one -which had flashed over the waters as a beacon to guide -the brave boy to a haven of safety.</p> - -<p>Entering the wing the lad passed into a large room -where a woman lay upon a large old-fashioned bed.</p> - -<p>Her face was a sad one, and her eyes were sunk with -suffering, but she smiled as she beheld her son, who -advanced and, bending over, kissed her forehead.</p> - -<p>“The doctor will be down to-night, mother, for he -knows the way well, having attended the Vanloo family -when they lived here.”</p> - -<p>“Heaven bless you, my noble boy; but what a rough -night it is, and my anxiety for you has made me feel -better, for I forgot myself.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! you’ll soon come round all right, mother,” -was the hopeful reply.</p> - -<p>“But Mark, how can you pay the doctor, for my illness -has kept you from making any money of late.”</p> - -<p>“I sold my little model, mother, for I was tired of it, -you know.”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t know anything of the kind, Mark, for -you prized it most highly, and it took you a long time -to make it.”</p> - -<p>“Why, mother, it was no use, and I got a good price -for it, so paid the doctor and bought some things we -needed, and old Peggy will be back to-morrow, so that -I can take a cruise and make some money.”</p> - -<p>“I hope so, my son, and Peggy never overstays her -time; but I hear wheels without.”</p> - -<p>“It is the doctor,” joyously said the lad.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[20]</span></p> - -<p>It was the doctor, and he found the patient suffering -from a general breaking down.</p> - -<p>He prescribed what he deemed best, left the medicines, -and as the youth followed him to his carriage, -said:</p> - -<p>“Your mother has some sorrow to bear, my young -friend, and she must have perfect rest, the best of care, -and good food.”</p> - -<p>“My old nurse, sir, Peggy, will return to-morrow, -for she has been absent for a few weeks on a yearly -visit to her son, and my mother has overworked herself, -I fear.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I will see her again, and I understand your -situation exactly—nay, do not get angry, for I will -have my way, and all your mother needs she shall have, -and when you make money you can repay me, for I -shall keep an account of expenditures.</p> - -<p>“But your mother has some heartache, and you must -brighten her life all you can.</p> - -<p>“I visited the Vanloo’s when they dwelt here—where -is the heir to this property?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know, sir; but the agent gave us permission -to occupy one wing of it to care for the place.”</p> - -<p>“He might well do so, for money would buy no one -else to live here after the tragedies this old mansion has -seen.</p> - -<p>“You and your mother are brave, indeed, to dwell -here; but good-night,” and the good physician entered -his carriage and drove rapidly away from the old mansion, -which had become known as “Spook Hall,” for -the superstitious country folk and the coast dwellers -vowed that the place was haunted—and certainly it was -by cruel memories of red deeds done there one stormy -night years before.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[21]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A BOLD RESOLVE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It was several weeks after the attack on Mark Merrill, -on his visit to the town of B—— after the doctor, -and Mrs. Merrill had regained her health, old Peggy -had returned to her duties, and the young sailor lad -was thus able to resume his fishing and carrying the -mail each week to and from several little hamlets on -the coast.</p> - -<p>By the sale of his fish and the mail carrying, both -most dangerous work in rough weather, the lad made -a fair living for his mother, old Peggy, and himself, -the only three dwellers in the once grand old mansion -of Cliff Castle, then the wonder and admiration of the -country folk, but for years left deserted and crumbling -to decay, its hundreds of surrounding acres allowed to -grow up with weeds and undergrowth.</p> - -<p>The furniture all had been left after the fateful tragedy -beneath its roof, which had gained for it the name -of Spook Hall, and the place had been shunned as a -pestilence, until the moving into one wing of the Merrills, -who had set at defiance the weird stories of the old -mansion.</p> - -<p>There was an unsolved mystery hanging over the -Merrills, for no one seemed to know who they were, or -from whence they had come.</p> - -<p>The lad had visited B—— as one of a schooner’s crew, -and not long after had come with his mother and -Peggy, and sought a home in a cabin on the shore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[22]</span></p> - -<p>After a run to Boston, where he had seen the agent -of Cliff Castle, he had permission to move into the mansion, -and for over a year they had dwelt there, and that -was all that was known of them.</p> - -<p>At the risk of his life the brave boy had gone out in a -storm one night and acted as pilot to a schooner that -was in a dangerous anchorage, and this had won him -fame along the coast, and the name of the boy pilot.</p> - -<p>Again, he had sailed out in his surf-skiff to a vessel -adrift, and found it utterly deserted, so had gotten up -sail, as well as he could, and run the craft to a safe -anchorage.</p> - -<p>He had given notice of the fact, but no one had come -to claim the pretty craft, which was a small schooner -yacht, and Mark had begun to regard her as his own -property.</p> - -<p>One afternoon he was standing upon the cliff watching -the coming up of what threatened to be a terrible -storm.</p> - -<p>The whole heavens to seaward were one mass of inky -clouds, which were rising higher and higher, and ominous -rumblings of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning -grew louder and brighter as the tempest came -sweeping on.</p> - -<p>From his position on the cliff he could look down -into two basins, or bays.</p> - -<p>In one lay the little schooner at anchor, and all ship-shape -to meet the coming tempest, and there, too, was -his surf-skiff with a couple of boats drawn up on the -beach.</p> - -<p>The entrance to this bay was winding and dangerous -in the extreme, but these very dangers of running in -and out made it more sheltered and secure as a harbor.</p> - -<p>The bay upon the other side of the cliff was larger -and by no means well sheltered from a wild sea, though<span class="pagenum">[23]</span> -to an ordinary observer it appeared to be a safe anchorage -for a vessel.</p> - -<p>The lad stood upon a rock overhanging the sea, and -commanding a grand view, seemingly unconscious that -a false step would hurl him into the waters eighty feet -below.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he started, for around a point of land heavily -wooded a vessel came in sight, driving along under -reefed sails before the breeze which was the forerunner -of the storm.</p> - -<p>“It is one of those beautiful yachts out of Boston; -but there can be no pilot on board, or he would have -run into Rover’s Roost.</p> - -<p>“Why does she not stand out to sea for good room?” -said the lad anxiously.</p> - -<p>Then he watched the vessel attentively, a large -schooner yacht of some two hundred tons burden, -painted white, which was driving along like a huge -thing of life seeking a place of refuge from the storm.</p> - -<p>“Great Cæsar’s ghost! she is running into Hopeless -Haven in the very teeth of this storm. She will be -wrecked!” and the boy’s voice now rang out in dire -alarm for the safety of the beautiful vessel.</p> - -<p>He saw her run, to what her skipper evidently -believed a safe anchorage; the anchors were let fall and -the sails furled.</p> - -<p>Then Mark Merrill waited no longer, for from his lips -came the words:</p> - -<p>“She is doomed unless I can save her! I have no -time to get my boat and run around the point, for the -storm would catch me halfway—yes, I must take the -chances and swim out to her!”</p> - -<p>He paused for a few seconds, as though taking in the -whole situation, and then quickly ran around the edge -of the cliff to where there was a small arbor, in the top<span class="pagenum">[24]</span> -of which had been a beacon in the early days of the -mansion.</p> - -<p>Quickly divesting himself of his jacket, shoes, stockings -and hat, he began to descend the steep side of the -cliff with the agility of a cat.</p> - -<p>He reached within twenty feet of the water’s edge, -and turning, gazed first out at the yacht, half a mile -distant, and then down into the surf, dashing with -thunderous roar against the base of the cliff.</p> - -<p>“Now for it!” and as the words left his lips Mark -Merrill made the fateful spring into the surging breakers -on his daring swim out to the yacht in the face of -the coming storm.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[25]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE BOY PILOT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The schooner yacht Midshipman was on a pleasure -cruise of several weeks with a distinguished party on -board.</p> - -<p>She was a large, roomy and stanch craft, as well as -carrying the champion colors as a racer, won in showing -a clean pair of heels to the fleet pleasure boats when -a cup or purse was at stake.</p> - -<p>Her distinguished owner, a millionaire Bostonian, -had invited a congenial party to become his guests for -a cruise from Fortress Monroe along the coast to the -St. Lawrence and back to Newport, and among the -guests were several who had won fame in the history -of their country in civil and military life.</p> - -<p>The Honorable Secretary of the United States Navy, -gallant Commodore Lucien, and several others of lesser -note, accompanied by half a dozen ladies, comprised the -guests of General Peyton on the Midshipman.</p> - -<p>The cruise had been greatly enjoyed, and the prow of -the yacht had been turned homeward, when suddenly -came up from out of the very sea, it seemed, the black -and ugly storm.</p> - -<p>The ladies implored the skipper to head for the shore, -to seek refuge in some harbor, though he urged, as he -knew little of the coast just there, the open sea was the -safer.</p> - -<p>“We will find some harbor, captain, so run in, where<span class="pagenum">[26]</span> -you deem best,” General Peyton had said, for he did -not like the looks of the heavens, and night not far -off.</p> - -<p>Around a point swept the yacht, and a cry of joy -came from many lips at what appeared to be a safe -anchorage before them.</p> - -<p>Into the bay ran the Midshipman, and quickly her -anchors were let go, her sails furled, and all made ship-shape -to meet the rising tempest, which was growing -appalling in its magnitude and blackness.</p> - -<p>“I don’t like this place, sir, and we had better fire a -gun to bring a pilot off in case we have to stand out,” -said the skipper to General Peyton.</p> - -<p>“Do so, if you deem best, captain; but see, yonder -stands some one upon that cliff.”</p> - -<p>All eyes were turned upon the cliff, and they wondered -to see the form of a man running at full speed -along the edge of the towering rocks.</p> - -<p>He darted into an arbor, and in a short while reappeared, -and then his actions caused still greater surprise, -for he was seen to come boldly down the rocky -face of the cliff toward the sea.</p> - -<p>All watched with deepest interest, momentarily forgetting -the storm in their wonderment at the actions of -the one on the cliff.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a cry broke from every lip, for the form -was seen to suddenly spring into the foaming waters.</p> - -<p>The ladies turned their faces away in awe, the men -watched the waters where the form had disappeared, -for it seemed that the fate of the stranger was ominous -of their own.</p> - -<p>Suddenly from the inky clouds, trailing over the sea -to break upon the stone-bound coast, came a blinding -sheet of livid flame, followed by a crash of thunder -that vibrated through the yacht from stem to stern.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[27]</span></p> - -<p>In the lull that followed came a voice out upon the -waters:</p> - -<p>“Ahoy! ahoy, the yacht!”</p> - -<p>It was faint, but distinct, and all heard it.</p> - -<p>“Ahoy! ahoy! the yacht, ahoy!” came the hail -louder than before.</p> - -<p>Brave men looked at each other with something like -awe in their faces, until General Peyton cried:</p> - -<p>“It is the man who sprang from the cliff!”</p> - -<p>“He is swimming out to us, brave fellow that he is.”</p> - -<p>Seizing his trumpet he shouted back:</p> - -<p>“Ay! ay! my man, I’ll send a boat for you!”</p> - -<p>“No! no! I am all right, but your vessel is not. Get -up your anchors, and set sail!”</p> - -<p>There was no mistaking these cool words, and a voice -cried:</p> - -<p>“I see him!”</p> - -<p>There, out upon the waters, swimming with powerful, -rapid strokes toward the yacht could be seen, every -moment as he rose on the crest of a wave, our bold -young swimmer.</p> - -<p>A cheer broke from the crew forward, and was echoed -by the guests aft.</p> - -<p>But again came from the daring young swimmer:</p> - -<p>“You have no time to lose; get sail on your yacht -and your anchors up, for this bay is a death-trap!”</p> - -<p>The skipper was a man of quick action, and the -warning from the swimmer but carried out his own -ideas, and he sent his crew flying to their posts, while -General Peyton stood by to throw a line to the one who -was now but a few yards away.</p> - -<p>A minute more, and amid a ringing cheer the bold -swimmer stood upon the deck, a handsome, fearless-faced -youth, bareheaded, barefooted, and clad only in -duck pants and sailor shirt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[28]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, young man, who are you who so bravely -boards my craft almost in mid-ocean?” cried General -Peyton, as all gazed with admiration upon the lad.</p> - -<p>The response came bluntly:</p> - -<p>“I am not here, sir, to speak of myself, but to pilot -your vessel to a safe harbor, for you are in Hopeless -Haven, and yonder storm will wreck you here.”</p> - -<p>“Hopeless Haven is it, my lad? Then are you a -hundred times welcome, and to one who has your nerve -I gladly yield the craft,” said Captain Saunders hastily, -and Mark Merrill stepped to the wheel just as the -anchors left the bottom, and the reefed sails went to -leeward with a jerk under a sudden squall.</p> - -<p>But the boy pilot was unmoved, and, declining a -glass of liquor brought to him by the steward, at General -Peyton’s order, bent his every energy upon his work, -for now the rushing, furious storm was coming down -in an avalanche of winds and waves, and a roaring and -flaming like unto a mighty battle.</p> - -<p>As though wild with fear the yacht drove furiously -on, heading to round the rocky reef off the cliff, her -crew at their posts, the guests crouched in the companionway -and cock-pit, and all eyes alternately turned -upon the young pilot, calm and fearless, and the storm -so near upon them.</p> - -<p>It seemed like a mad race for life, for the boy pilot -had said:</p> - -<p>“Anchors will not hold on this bottom, and we must -round that reef to reach safety.”</p> - -<p>At last the order came in the boy’s clear voice:</p> - -<p>“Slack off the sheets! steady now! hold hard all!”</p> - -<p>And with the orders the howling storm was upon -them, and the gallant yacht went driving ahead with -furious speed, with all about her now darkness and -chaos.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[29]</span></p> - -<p>How he knew his way, all asked, none knew, but his -orders came steadily to haul taunt, or slack off sheets, -until suddenly the giant waves ceased to follow, the -wind was broken by the lofty cliff, and the anchors -were let go in the secure haven of Beacon Cliff.</p> - -<p>The first one to grasp the hand of the brave lad was -the Secretary of the Navy, and his voice had a tremor -in it as he said:</p> - -<p>“My young friend, your courage this day has won -your right to serve your country in a position of honor, -and I pledge for you an appointment-at-large from the -President of the berth of a cadet midshipman.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[30]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE CADET MIDSHIPMAN.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The day of work was at hand at the United States -Naval Academy, situated in that quaint, sleepy old -town of Annapolis, whose greatest attractions are its -antiquity and its sea school.</p> - -<p>The time had come when the “future admirals,” the -“heroes in embryo” were to cease their flirting and -“bone” with all their hearts and heads in latitudes, -longitudes, parallelograms, tonnage, displacement, and -all the other studies necessary to make the greenhorn -a perfect sailor.</p> - -<p>The middies had returned from their summer cruise, -the “academy” had awakened from its lazy slumber of -weeks, and all were looking forward to the year before -them with varied feelings of hopes and fears.</p> - -<p>Those who had already served one or more terms at -the academy felt their superiority unquestioned to the -unfortunate “Plebe,” who was standing upon the -threshold in fear and trembling of what was before -him.</p> - -<p>Standing on the sea-wall of the academy grounds -one afternoon a month or more after the bold act of -Mark Merrill in saving the yacht Midshipman from -destruction in Hopeless Haven, on the coast of Maine, -were a number of middies, unmindful of the beauties -of the scene about them, the old training ship with its -history of the past, waters of the Severn lashed into -foam under a gale that was blowing up the Chesapeake,<span class="pagenum">[31]</span> -visible over a league away, tossing in angry -billows, a vessel of war anchored off in midstream, and -the ancient town of Annapolis to the right, with its -fleet of oyster boats fretting their cables as they -plunged and reeled on the incoming waves—I say -unmindful of the scene about them, the group of young -sailors had their eyes riveted upon a small schooner -which had shot around Bay Ridge Point at a tremendous -speed, jibed her sails to starboard most skillfully, -though she reeled low under the shock, and came tearing -up to the town in gallant style.</p> - -<p>“There’s a bold skipper at the helm of that craft,” -said Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, of the first class, -with the air of one whose superior knowledge no one -could contradict.</p> - -<p>“He is too bold, for he carries too much sail for -safety,” Midshipman Herbert Nazro responded, for he -observed that the little schooner was carrying only a -single-reefed mainsail.</p> - -<p>“She’s one of those deep-keeled yachts that can stand -her canvas,” Cadet Lieutenant Frank Latrobe added.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and her foolhardy skipper will carry the sticks -out of her yet before she reaches port,” put in Midshipman -Winslow Dillingham.</p> - -<p>“I guess he knows his craft; if he does not, he’s a -fool,” was the decided opinion of Midshipman Harbor -Driggs.</p> - -<p>“Ha! what did I tell you?” cried Captain Byrd -Bascomb, as a terrific squall struck the little vessel, -causing her to lay over until her keel was visible.</p> - -<p>“Aha! well done that!”</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t it beautiful!”</p> - -<p>“That skipper knows himself and his ship, too!”</p> - -<p>Such were the admiring expressions that went up -from the crowd of young sailors as the yacht was splendidly<span class="pagenum">[32]</span> -rescued from her danger and sent along, as before, -in the same rushing style by her bold helmsman.</p> - -<p>“Ah! he is heading for an anchorage off here!” said -Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, as the schooner’s sheets -were eased off and her prow headed away before the -wind.</p> - -<p>On she flew, at the same mad speed, reeling, staggering, -rolling, until her boom ends dipped, but held on -unswervingly straight toward the vessel-of-war -anchored off the grounds in the Levern River.</p> - -<p>“By Neptune’s beard, men, but that is a youngster -at the helm of that craft,” cried Byrd Bascomb, as he -put his glass to his eye.</p> - -<p>It was not long before all could discover the truth of -this, and that three men were all else to be seen upon -the deck of the schooner, one of these forward, another -at the foresheet halyards, the third at the main sheet.</p> - -<p>Like a rocket she sped under the stern of the vessel-of-war, -and then there came an order from the helmsman, -the sheets were hauled in and made fast, and -luffing up sharp, the anchor was let fall, the sails came -down on a run, and ten minutes after a boat left her -side and pulled for the shore.</p> - -<p>The cadets lounged up to meet the single occupant of -the little boat, which was a surf-skiff, and though -tossed about upon the waves, was handled with a skill -which caused the middies to set the rower down as a -master of the oars.</p> - -<p>The oarsman sprang ashore, touched his hat politely, -and asked nobody in particular:</p> - -<p>“May I ask where I will find the commandant of the -Naval School?”</p> - -<p>Then the innate deviltry of the juvenile tar asserted -itself, and a look of mischief flashed from eye to eye, a -sort of telegraphy, which said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[33]</span></p> - -<p>“Here’s fun for us.”</p> - -<p>They saw before them a bronze-faced youth of seventeen, -perhaps, with a splendidly knit frame, clad in -spotless duck trousers, a sailor shirt, beneath the wide -collar of which a black silk scarf was knotted, and a -tarpaulin cocked on the side of his head in a kind of -devil-I-care way.</p> - -<p>“Have you the oysters the commandant ordered?” -asked Midshipman Dillingham, with a look of intense -innocence.</p> - -<p>The dark face of the young sailor flushed, but he -responded with dignity:</p> - -<p>“My name is Mark Merrill, and I have orders to -report here to be examined for the berth of midshipman -in the United States Navy.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[34]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A RUMOR AFLOAT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>There was quite a stir at the naval school, for a -strange rumor was afloat.</p> - -<p>“Some one” had said that one of the officers had said -that there was to be a new cadet at the academy, -appointed under peculiar circumstances; that is, he had -no political status environing him.</p> - -<p>He was to come bearing no congressman’s brand, -and no partisan motive had prompted the President to -appoint him as a “cadet midshipman-at-large.” The -reason of his appointment was what had leaked out -through this mysterious “some one.”</p> - -<p>The rumor afloat had it that the newcomer had done -some meritorious act which deserved recognition from -the government, and he had received his orders to -report at the naval academy.</p> - -<p>What this gallant service was no one seemed to -know, but, of course, all would discover as soon as the -honored youth arrived at the academy, as he would be -only too anxious to tell of his deeds of heroism.</p> - -<p>The rumor also had it that the youth was a specimen -of the <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">genus homo</i> from the coast of Maine, and a fisher -lad from the State which in the past has so justly won -the title of “Nursery of the Navy.”</p> - -<p>Of course the blue bloods among the cadet midshipmen -had their opinions as to what a fisher lad from the -coast of Maine would be like.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[35]</span></p> - -<p>Hardly setting him down as being like the earlier -Florida coasters, half-horse, half-alligator, they still -supposed that he must be a long-pointed, two-headed, -web-footed, uncouth specimen of a youth who, if he -passed the surgeon for height, chest measure and perfect -health, would do so through a hope that he could in -time be built up into a man, while, when the examining -committee ran afoul of him with what the old -farmer called the Three R’s—“Reading, ’Riting and -’Rithmetic”—the youth from Maine would haul down -his colors at the first fire.</p> - -<p>Human nature is said to be the same the world over, -and certainly boy nature is. The only safety-valve a -boy has for his extra flow of spirits is mischief, and -young tars and soldier lads are certainly no exception -to the rule, but, on the contrary, more given to pranks -than other youths, on account of their severe training, -for their fun must break forth when discipline unbends -for hours of leisure.</p> - -<p>With this homily upon my young friends, gleaned -from having been “one of the same,” I will state that -there were great expectations among the boy tars at the -naval academy as to the newcomers in their midst, -especially regarding the lad from Maine.</p> - -<p>They longed to have him pass the doctors and the -examining committee, for that would give them a -chance, and several regretted that they did not know -where to find him, that they might post him a little, -“get the moss off his back,” as one mildly expressed it.</p> - -<p>There were other appointees to arrive, of course, but -the interest of these ancient mariners who had already -served one or more years at the academy centered in the -youth who was to come under circumstances out of the -usual routine, a simple appointment by the congressman -of his district.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[36]</span></p> - -<p>The men of the third class were more particularly -interested in the newcomers, as they had so lately been -in the same predicament, while the older cadets of the -second and first classes looked down with supreme contempt -upon the “cubs,” only worthy of their attention -if any fun could be gotten out of them.</p> - -<p>So a detail was made to keep an eye upon the -entrance gate to the academy grounds, where a marine -and his musket constantly paced, for the arrival of the -cubs, especially the lad from Maine.</p> - -<p>The new appointees began to arrive on time, pale, -nervous, and with forebodings of the future, some of -them having read or heard that young gulls were -plucked of their feathers by those who had risen to the -height of sea eagles.</p> - -<p>There was legendary lore on tap that new boys who -ran the gauntlet of the sawbones and examiners were -then taken in hand for instruction by the cadets by a -process called hazing.</p> - -<p>Now, the new men held somewhat of a hazy view of -what hazing was exactly, as, though it was fun for the -hazers, it might be death to the hazed, and they stood -more in awe of their learned companions-to-be than they -did of the commandant and his whole crew of professors.</p> - -<p>And they were right, as many a man can testify to-day.</p> - -<p>One by one the new men arrived at Annapolis, and -turned their uneasy footsteps in the direction of the -mecca of their hopes and fears.</p> - -<p>They passed by the grim sentinel at the gate, and he -knew them at a glance, try as they might to disguise -their identity as appointees.</p> - -<p>They went, according to orders, to report to the commandant, -passed that ordeal, and faced another in the<span class="pagenum">[37]</span> -surgeon, who was all business, and as merciless as a -guillotine.</p> - -<p>Then they had reason to regret that they had not -studied harder at school and played less, that they had -not realized that spelling, reading, and a few other -things were necessary to education.</p> - -<p>Their handwriting was a scrawl which horrified -them, and their pride took a tumble under the inquisition -of an examination that shattered their vanity to -atoms.</p> - -<p>Some of them were undoubtedly greenhorns, others -were city boys, with an air of assurance which the first -broadside of their judges laid low, and others were -quiet, diffident fellows, with the look about them to go -in and win.</p> - -<p>And while the cadets were watching and waiting for -the coming of the lad appointed for meritorious services, -they became interested in the splendid handling -of a schooner rushing into port in a gale, and to their -amazement the one at the helm landed and announced -himself as:</p> - -<p>“Mark Merrill, the man from Maine.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[38]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">GOING ASHORE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Leaving Mark Merrill facing the crowd of midshipmen -who met him as he landed, I will ask my reader -to return with me until I explain the fact of his arrival -as helmsman of a schooner yacht, and his appointment -to a cadetship in the naval school.</p> - -<p>It will be remembered that he had saved the yacht, -by a strange coincidence bearing the name of Midshipman, -and this every one on board realized.</p> - -<p>He had driven her through a dangerous channel, with -reefs on every hand, in the darkness and storm, standing -coolly at his post and issuing his orders in a voice -that was firm and commanding, until he had brought -her into a basin as quiet as a mill pond, and said:</p> - -<p>“Let go the anchor!”</p> - -<p>The storm still raged outside, the waves thundered -against the rocky shore, and the winds howled among -the pines that crowned the hilltops.</p> - -<p>But the yacht rocked gently upon the swell that was -driven in through the narrow channel; there was plenty -of water beneath her keel, and though lofty, vine-clad -cliffs were above them upon all sides, the crew knew -that their vessel was safe.</p> - -<p>Realizing this, all the guests had gone into the large -and brilliantly lighted cabin, and thither General Peyton -had followed with the young pilot.</p> - -<p>The youth had urged against it, saying that he was<span class="pagenum">[39]</span> -wet, barefooted, and hardly more than half-dressed, -but General Peyton had said:</p> - -<p>“The Secretary of the Navy wishes to see you.”</p> - -<p>Standing in his wet clothing before that august -group gathered there, Mark Merrill was modest of -mien, yet not abashed.</p> - -<p>“You wished to see me, sir?” he said, bowing to the -Secretary.</p> - -<p>“Yes, my lad, sit down.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, sir, I am not fit to be here, looking as I do; -and I am anxious to return home, as my mother will -be expecting me.”</p> - -<p>“You live near here, then?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, upon the cliff.”</p> - -<p>“And you have a mother living?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, she is all I have, except old Peggy, for -my father was lost at sea.”</p> - -<p>“And what is your calling, my lad?”</p> - -<p>“I fish for the market boats, and then I carry the -mail once each week along the coast.”</p> - -<p>“In a boat, of course?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, in my surf-skiff.”</p> - -<p>“Do you get liberal pay for this work, may I ask?”</p> - -<p>“Not very, sir, for with the mail carrying and my -fish-selling I average about fifty dollars a month.”</p> - -<p>“But your mother has other means of support?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir; we pay no rent, as we live in Cliff Castle -free for keeping it, and I have a good garden, and there -is plenty of game and fish for the shooting and catching.”</p> - -<p>“What do you do when it storms too hard to carry -the mail?”</p> - -<p>“I always go, sir, for my skiff is a lifeboat, and -stands any weather.”</p> - -<p>“How did you manage to come out to our aid?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[40]</span></p> - -<p>“I was on the cliff, sir, watching the storm, and saw -you round the point and run for an anchorage. I know -that anchors will not hold on the bottom of Hopeless -Haven, and the currents in the bay make the sea very -wild, so I determined to go out and pilot you into Cliff -Castle harbor.”</p> - -<p>“And swam out to us in the face of that storm?”</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, I had not time to go to the bay and run -out in my skiff, so I slipped down the bluff and jumped -in, for it was not a very long swim, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I should call it a very remarkable swim, my -lad, and I regard you as a phenomenal young sailor. -We all owe you our lives, I feel assured, and I shall -beg of the President a naval cadetship for you. We -have raised a purse, which we ask you to accept, with -our best wishes for your future success.”</p> - -<p>The dark face of Mark Merrill flushed as with -shame, while he said, quickly:</p> - -<p>“Oh, sir, I cannot accept money from you, though I -thank you all. I would not touch a dollar of money -for what I did if I was starving, but I will appreciate -your kind promise to make me a midshipman, and it -seems too much to hope for, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I will not urge the acceptance of the purse, my -brave boy, if you do not wish it, and I pledge you the -appointment, and to-morrow morning we will call upon -your mother, and tell her she must be content to give -you up, as you will make a name she will be proud of.”</p> - -<p>“I thank you, sir, and good-night, for I must go, as -mother is not well, and my long stay will worry her.”</p> - -<p>He bowed low, seeming not to see that all wished to -shake hands with him, and left the cabin, General Peyton -following, and calling out:</p> - -<p>“Captain, lower away a boat, and land our young -pilot.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[41]</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, sir, there’s no need of that, for I am all wet anyhow, -and it’s a short swim ashore.” And before a -hand could stay him the young pilot sprang upon the -rail of the yacht and leaped head first into the dark -waters of the little bay.</p> - -<p>The startled cry of General Peyton at the youth’s -bold act brought Commodore Lucien, the Secretary, -and others upon the deck in some alarm.</p> - -<p>“That fearless lad has leaped overboard and is swimming -ashore, Mr. Secretary,” he explained.</p> - -<p>“Ahoy! ahoy! my lad!” shouted Commodore -Lucien.</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir!” came back in the clear voice of the -young pilot.</p> - -<p>“Hail us when you reach shore, so we may know that -you are all right!” called the commodore.</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir.”</p> - -<p>“That boy is all right, Peyton, so there is no need of -sending a boat after him,” the commodore said.</p> - -<p>“He’s half fish,” growled the captain of the yacht.</p> - -<p>Then all waited breathlessly, and soon came a faint -hail:</p> - -<p>“Ahoy! the yacht!”</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay!” answered Commodore Lucien.</p> - -<p>“I’ve landed,” and the words were greeted with a -cheer from all on the deck of the Midshipman.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[42]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">UNFATHOMED.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>“My God! can my son have gone out in the face of -this terrible storm? It is the worst I have known upon -the coast for years,” and Mrs. Merrill pressed her face -against the window-glass, striving in vain to pierce the -blackness without.</p> - -<p>No longer confined to her bed by illness, it could -now be seen that she was a handsome woman, hardly -more than thirty-five, and with the indelible stamp of -refinement upon her.</p> - -<p>Her face wore a sad look, and no flush warmed the -marble-like complexion.</p> - -<p>Her eyes were large and dreamy, seeming to be looking -backward into a past clouded with bitter memory -rather than lighted with hope for the future.</p> - -<p>She was dressed in a close-fitting robe of mourning, -and a miniature breastpin, and band of gold upon her -wedding-finger were the only things that relieved the -severe plainness of her appearance.</p> - -<p>Old Peggy, a woman who had lived here fifty years, -but was strong and active, sat in a chair before a blazing -pine knot, and in answer to the remark of Mrs. -Merrill, chimed in, like Job’s comforter, with:</p> - -<p>“Well, it would be just like him; but never you fear -for him, miss, for he’s not born to be drowned, that boy -isn’t, and sometimes I almost fear he’s born to be -hanged, he does escape the dangers of the sea so constant.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[43]</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, Peggy, don’t speak so, for you fairly frighten -me,” and the slender, graceful form thrilled at the -thought.</p> - -<p>“Well, Miss Gladys, he’s not one to be hanged, -either. He’s a boy who can take care of himself, come -what may, for you remember what the doctor told you, -how he went for rich Merchant Clemmons’ son and Ben -Birney?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mark will not be imposed on, gentle as is his -nature; but I only wish I knew where he was.”</p> - -<p>“So do I, miss, for the supper is getting cold waiting -for him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m hungry enough to eat it, if it’s cold as -ice,” said a cheery voice from the next room, and in -came Mark, dripping wet.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Mark, where have you been? I——”</p> - -<p>“Don’t touch me, mother, for I am as wet as a -drowned rat, for I’ve been overboard.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! you were capsized?”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it, mother, I’ve been swimming.”</p> - -<p>“Where are your shoes and hat, Mark?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you all about it, mother, as soon as I have -slipped into some dry togs,” and the lad hastened away -to his own room.</p> - -<p>But he was back again by the time Peggy had supper -upon the table, and the three sat down to eat, for, -though a servant, the old woman was a tried and -trusted friend, one who had been Mark’s nurse in babyhood.</p> - -<p>His adventure had given the youth an appetite, and -his mother knew there was no hope of hearing what he -had to tell until he had eaten off the edge of his hunger, -so she wisely heaped his plate with edibles, and enjoyed -seeing them disappear.</p> - -<p>At last he said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[44]</span></p> - -<p>“Mother, there’s a yacht in our bay.”</p> - -<p>“A yacht, Mark?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and a beauty. She’s the largest pleasure craft I -ever saw.”</p> - -<p>“But how did she get there, my son?”</p> - -<p>“I played pilot, mother, and ran her in, and just in -time, too.”</p> - -<p>“Those on board were indeed fortunate in finding so -good a pilot near at hand, Mark; but tell me of it, for -this is an ugly night for such work.”</p> - -<p>Mark told his story in his modest way, taking no -credit to himself, and then added:</p> - -<p>“Now they wanted to make a hero of me, mother, and -pay me for my services, offering me a purse, and it was -a well-filled one, too.”</p> - -<p>“Which you, of course, refused?” quickly said the -mother.</p> - -<p>“Oh, of course he did, for he’d refuse money if he -hadn’t two coppers to jingle together in his pocket,” -growled Peggy.</p> - -<p>“I refused it, mother, but I am to get a reward.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, Mark, what have you done?”</p> - -<p>“Well, you see the yacht belonged to General Peyton, -a millionaire merchant of Boston, and he had as -guests on board some ladies, the Secretary of the Navy, -and Commodore Lucien, of whom I have often read, -you know.”</p> - -<p>“Distinguished company, indeed!” said Mrs. Merrill.</p> - -<p>“And rich enough to spare a few thousands and not -miss ’em,” Peggy ventured, with an eye to the fact -that the laborer was worthy of his hire.</p> - -<p>“I got, or will get, what to me, Peggy, is worth far -more than thousands, for the Secretary promises me a -cadetship in the navy,” and Mark’s eyes flashed with -pride, while his mother kissed him, and murmured</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[45]</span></p> - -<p>“My brave, noble boy! at last! at last the clouds -have a silver lining.”</p> - -<p>The next evening, true to their promise, the guests of -the yacht landed and strolled up to the mansion.</p> - -<p>They gazed about them with interest, and Commodore -Lucien remembered having heard something of the -tragic history of “Spook Hall,” and told it to those -with him.</p> - -<p>Mark joined them, and this time each one grasped -his hand.</p> - -<p>He was dressed in his best sailor suit, for he wore -nothing else at any time, and looked very handsome.</p> - -<p>The grand parlor of the old mansion had been thrown -open, and they were received there by Mrs. Merrill in a -dignified manner.</p> - -<p>But there was that about her face which prevented -obtrusive questioning, and after half an hour all arose -to go, impressed with the idea that some mystery hung -about the Merrills which they were not willing to -attempt to fathom.</p> - -<p>The Secretary renewed his promise to Mark, and the -lad volunteered his services to pilot the yacht out to sea, -which he did, returning in his surf-skiff, which had been -tossing astern.</p> - -<p>The skipper of the Midshipman dipped his colors to -the lad as he sped away, while <a id="Ref_004a" href="#Ref_004">the crew gave him a -send-off in three rousing cheers</a>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[46]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE PROMISE KEPT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It seemed news too good to be true to Mrs. Merrill to -feel that her son was going to have the advantages of a -naval education.</p> - -<p>He had enjoyed several years of schooling before they -had moved to their coast home, and all else he knew she -had taught him.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the lonely woman, who possessed a -superior education, the library at Cliff Castle was well -stocked with books, and from these had Mark been -taught by her.</p> - -<p>There were maps, histories and all that he could wish, -while the postmasters to whom he delivered mails were -wont to give him each week papers which they had read -and finished with, for though late in coming, it was all -news to the lad, his mother, and old Peggy.</p> - -<p>In fact, for the latter’s benefit, Mark had to read even -the advertisements in the papers.</p> - -<p>Some weeks after the departure of the yacht, Mark -sailed up to B—— on business he had in view.</p> - -<p>He had an idea of selling the vessel he had picked -up, abandoned at sea, and fitting himself out for the -naval school with part, leaving the balance for his -mother’s use.</p> - -<p>He decided to place the matter before good Judge -Miller, as to his claim to the craft, and, perhaps, to -consult Dr. Stone, who had seemed most friendly disposed -to him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[47]</span></p> - -<p>He was skimming swiftly along in his surf-skiff -when he beheld a small sailboat coming toward him.</p> - -<p>There were two persons in it, and it did not take -Mark long to recognize in one of them pretty Virgene -Rich, and she held the tiller.</p> - -<p>The other was a half-witted youth who hung about -the dock, making odd pennies as best he could, and -whom Mark had once rescued from a crowd of boys -who were persecuting him, thus winning the undying -friendship of poor Silly Sam, as he was called.</p> - -<p>As a proof that they wished to speak to him, instead -of standing away upon a tack when discovering his -boat, Virgene brought her boat to and lay in the course -of the surf-skiff.</p> - -<p>“Ahoy, Master Mark, and come alongside, for Miss -Virgie wishes to speak to you,” called out Silly Sam.</p> - -<p>Mark obeyed promptly, doffing his tarpaulin respectfully -with one hand, while with the other he jammed -his tiller down and brought the surf-skiff alongside so -easily that the blow would not have crushed an egg.</p> - -<p>“I am glad to see you, Miss Virgene, for I intended -stopping at the tavern to thank you for your great kindness -to me the other day when I got into trouble. -Hello, Sam, how are you?”</p> - -<p>“I’m O. K., Master Mark, and I only wish I’d a been -’round ’tother day to punish them fellers for you,” -answered Sam.</p> - -<p>“Master Mark seemed fully capable of taking care of -himself, Sam,” answered Virgene with a smile, and -then she continued:</p> - -<p>“Are you not expecting a letter of importance, Master -Mark?”</p> - -<p>“No, miss, no one writes to me.”</p> - -<p>“Strange, for I have two for you—for, you know, -father is postmaster at B——, and I help him with the<span class="pagenum">[48]</span> -mails, and these arrived some days ago, so I determined -to take them to you, as Sam offered to sail me there.’</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry I started from home, miss, for my mother -would like to thank you for your kindness to me; but I -am obliged for the letters—ah! I know what they are -now,” and the lad’s face flushed as he beheld a large -official envelope bearing the stamp upon it:</p> - -<p>“Navy Department.”</p> - -<p>The other was a smaller letter, and had a flag in one -corner.</p> - -<p>“I gave B—— as my address, Miss Virgene, and -I’ll tell you a secret, if you and Sam will keep it.”</p> - -<p>“A girl never tells a secret,” said Virgene archly, -while Sam responded:</p> - -<p>“Ef I telled what I know’d there would be a hundred -fights up in town; but I keeps my mouth shet, I does.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll tell you that this is an order for me to -report for examination at the United States Naval -Academy, to be examined for an appointment to a -cadetship in the navy,” said Mark, with pardonable -pride, as he handed over his orders to Virgene.</p> - -<p>There was a note enclosed, which read:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">My Young Friend</span>: I hereby redeem my promise -and forward the necessary papers for your cadetship. -I shall regard you as my <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">protégé</i>, and watch your -career with the greatest of interest, for I have no doubt -of your ability to go through.</p> - -<p>“If you need aid—a loan, consider it, for you are self-confessedly -poor—do not hesitate to call upon me, as I -shall be more than pleased to respond. You can repay -it at your leisure.</p> - -<p class="ir1 p-1"><span style="padding-right:6em">“Yours faithfully,</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">The Secretary</span>.”</p></div> - -<p>The other letter bore the flag of Commodore Lucien -upon envelope and paper head, and was as follows:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[49]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">My Dear Young Friend</span>: I saw the Secretary -to-day, and he told me the President was pleased to -appoint you to a cadetship-at-large, and that your papers -would be forwarded immediately.</p> - -<p>“I congratulate you with all my heart, and as there -will be some necessary expenses falling upon you, I -send herewith my check for one hundred dollars, which -please consider a loan until convenient for you to repay -it. I also take the liberty of ordering your kit, containing -your outfit complete, for I have no idea of your -failing to pass, and the amount I expend you can also -return at your convenience. Present my compliments -to your good mother, and regard me ever as</p> - -<p class="ir2 p-1"><span style="padding-right:4em">“Your friend,</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">David Lucien</span>.”</p></div> - -<p>“Will you let me sail back in your boat, Miss Virgene, -and tow my own?” asked Mark, when he had read -the letters; and promptly came the answer:</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, and I’m glad to have you.”</p> - -<p>So the prow of the sailboat was pointed back for -B——.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[50]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A PLOT THAT FAILED.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Secrets often leak out of a country post office, just -how no one knows, but still they do, and when Mark -called upon Judge Miller after arriving in B——, and -escorting Virgene home, that gentleman said:</p> - -<p>“Well, my young friend, I suppose I am to congratulate -you upon receiving an appointment to the naval -school, and I am glad of it.”</p> - -<p>Mark stood aghast, and the judge continued:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons told me his son Scott had received -an appointment, and that a like official looking document -had come through the mails for you, and he supposed -it was also a cadet midshipman’s berth in our -navy, though he wondered how you had obtained, without -influence, what he had found no easy task to secure -for his son.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I have orders to report for examination, -but I wished to keep it secret, for I may fail, you know, -sir.”</p> - -<p>“Not you; but I suppose you won yours from having -saved a schooner from being wrecked some half a year -ago, and which made quite a hero of you, I remember.”</p> - -<p>Mark saw that the judge was on the wrong track, so -he did not correct him as to how he had gotten his -appointment.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mark, you came to see me for some purpose, -so out with it,” said the judge.</p> - -<p>Mark told of his seeing the little schooner adrift at<span class="pagenum">[51]</span> -sea, and going out in his boat had found her abandoned, -so sailed her into port.</p> - -<p>He had taken from his meager savings enough to -advertise her in Boston, Portland and New York, but -no claimant had come, and so he wished to know if the -vessel belonged to him.</p> - -<p>“You have a claim upon her, Mark, and can get -salvage, should her owner turn up; but there is just -such a craft needed, or will be within a couple of -months, for running around the islands with parties, -and my advice to you is to secure a skipper and a couple -of men and let them run the trips for you, for it will -bring in a snug income to your mother, while, should -her owner appear, you have the vessel to give up to him -upon the payment of salvage. Now, what do you think -of my advice, Mark?”</p> - -<p>“I thank you for it, sir, and shall take it.”</p> - -<p>“And your skipper can report to me, if you wish, -while you must tell your mother to come to me, if I -can in any way serve her, for I suppose she will move -up to B—— when you go?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, my mother will remain at Cliff Castle.”</p> - -<p>“What, alone?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, she has old Peggy.”</p> - -<p>“It is a dreary, weird place to dwell, Mark.”</p> - -<p>“She likes it, and she prefers to remain, for we have -talked it over,” answered Mark.</p> - -<p>Soon after making a few purchases for home, he went -on his way to his boat just as the sun was setting.</p> - -<p>As he passed the tavern, Virgene Rich called to him, -and said:</p> - -<p>“Mark, I have just learned that Scott Clemmons has -also an appointment to the naval academy. You must -beware of him, Mark, for he is your bitter foe now, -and mine, too, since I testified against him.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[52]</span></p> - -<p>“He is not dangerous, Miss Virgene,” replied Mark -indifferently.</p> - -<p>“You mistake; for all snakes are dangerous, as they -strike from cover. I will see you before you go, will I -not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, miss, and I hope you will ride down to see my -mother, as you promised.”</p> - -<p>“I certainly shall,” was the answer, as Mark -walked on.</p> - -<p>At his boat stood Silly Sam, who said:</p> - -<p>“See here, Mister Mark, I hain’t no bullfrog to croak, -but I seen a gang o’ fellers sail downstream an hour -ago who hain’t no friends o’ your’n.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Sam, but it’s catching before hanging, -you know.” And with a light laugh Mark sprung into -his skiff and sped away just as twilight fell.</p> - -<p>He had to beat down the inlet, and as he stood over -toward a point of land in the darkness, running on the -port tack with the wind blowing fresh, his little craft -suddenly gave a lurch and the next instant went over, -throwing him into the water.</p> - -<p>As he rose he heard the sound of oars, and in the -darkness saw a large boat rowing toward him, while -he heard voices say:</p> - -<p>“That rope settled him, as you said it would.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and we laid it just right; but do you see his -boat?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, there she lies upset, and she’ll drive out to sea -with him on her, so that ends him.”</p> - -<p>“But he is not on the boat.”</p> - -<p>“Then he has drowned, for Silly Sam said he could -not swim a stroke.”</p> - -<p>“Let us take up the net.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, leave it down, for his boat seems caught in -it, and that will tell the whole story.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[53]</span></p> - -<p>The boat, a large fishing yawl with sails down, was -rowed up to the capsized skiff, and every eye was -turned over the dark waters, while several hailed to see -if a swimmer was near.</p> - -<p>The surf-skiff was caught in the net, which had been -stretched to accomplish just what it had done, and, confident -that their victim had perished, sail was set on the -fishing yawl and it sailed away toward the town.</p> - -<p>Then from out of the shadows swam Mark Merrill, -and going to his upturned boat he removed the slender -mast, righted the skiff, clambered in, and with his hat -threw the water out.</p> - -<p>Then the mast was stepped once more, the wet sail -spread, and the surf-skiff held on her way homeward, -while Mark mused aloud:</p> - -<p>“I know two of the three who were in that boat; but -I’ll not tell on them—oh, no! I’ll just keep my secret -for future reference.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[54]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">STUMBLING BLOCKS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>From a hint given him by Commodore Lucien, Mark -had devoted himself to certain studies, so that there -should be no chance of his failure to enter the academy -through ignorance.</p> - -<p>His mother had helped him greatly, and in her mind -there was no doubt of his passing the examinations, -both physical and mental, severe though they might be.</p> - -<p>As he had told Judge Miller, his mother had decided -to remain at Castle Cliff with old Peggy.</p> - -<p>They had talked it all over, and as, for some reason, -Mrs. Merrill wished to shun the world, to live the life -almost of a recluse, they had all agreed that it was -best for her to remain where she was, and Peggy was -equally as content with the arrangement.</p> - -<p>When Mark returned from his visit to B——, which, -but for his being a splendid swimmer, would have been -fatal to him, he did not tell his mother of the plot he -knew had been concocted to put an end to his life.</p> - -<p>He simply told her that he had run upon a fishing net -where he had never expected to find one, and going -very rapidly, with a fresh breeze blowing, the surf-skiff -had capsized, throwing him and his purchases out. -His papers were all wet, but Peggy quickly dried them.</p> - -<p>“But about this check, Mark, which Commodore -Lucien so kindly sent you?” asked his mother.</p> - -<p>“I answered the letter at once, mother, returning the -check, and accepting the outfit, for which I shall pay -him at some future day.”</p> - -<p>“That was right, my son.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[55]</span></p> - -<p>“Mother, I went to see Judge Miller about the -schooner, and he made a suggestion which I think it -would be well to follow. You know Jasper Crane has -no smack now, and is in hard luck, while he and his -two sons are the best seamen on the coast, so we can -put them on the schooner, as a crew, the old gentleman -being skipper. As it will also cost considerable for me -to reach the Naval School, I can make a cargo of the -raft that came ashore and run it to Norfolk, thence -going up the Chesapeake to the Naval Academy, while -Captain Jasper Crane brings the schooner back and -follows the advice of Judge Miller about putting her -on as a packet among the islands.</p> - -<p>“He is very kind, my son, and I believe the plan is a -good one, as well as yours to run the lumber to Norfolk, -only you must give yourself ample time, so we -will begin preparations to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>This was done, for Mark sailed down the coast to the -home of Captain Jasper Crane, who dwelt near where -the Merrills had first lived when coming to the coast, -and the old sailor and his sons were delighted with -a prospect of getting work to their liking.</p> - -<p>Two weeks after the Venture, for such was the name -of the derelict schooner, set sail for Norfolk, Captain -Crane declaring that he would serve as first mate while -Mark was on board.</p> - -<p>The run south was made in good time, and the lumber -brought sufficient to pay the crew liberally and -return to Mrs. Merrill several hundred dollars, while -Mark took sufficient for his own needs, and enough to -pay his debt to Commodore Lucien.</p> - -<p>The rush of the Venture up the Severn River in a -gale, with Mark at the helm, whose masterly work won -the admiration of the middies, and we will now follow -the young sailor into the new world he had entered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[56]</span></p> - -<p>Mark had politely given his name to the cadets, and -asked the question as to how he would find the commandant, -expecting a civil response.</p> - -<p>But here was a novelty for the fun-loving cadets.</p> - -<p>Against all custom a new man had arrived in his -own craft by sea.</p> - -<p>He had given them ocular demonstration that he was -not a greenhorn on the deck of a vessel, whatever he -might be in other things.</p> - -<p>He came dressed as gorgeously as Ralph Rackstraw -of H. M. S. Pinafore, and he had not been abashed in -the presence of their marine highnesses.</p> - -<p>This was all wrong, very wrong, in their eyes.</p> - -<p>What right had a new man to know the stem from -the stern, the forecastle from the quarter-deck of a vessel, -when entering the academy?</p> - -<p>He came there to find out, to be taught, and he must -start on even terms with all other verdant youths.</p> - -<p>He attacked the academy from the sea, boarded, as it -were, the sacred grounds over their marine stone bulwarks, -giving the sentry at the gate the go-by, ignoring -the existence of the officer of the day, and, confronting -them with a natty tarpaulin set upon the side of his -head, with spotless duck trousers, a sailor shirt with -embroidered collar, and a sash about his slender waist, -had coolly said that his name was Mark Merrill, and -he wished to be directed to the quarters of the commandant.</p> - -<p>This was too much for Winslow Dillingham, who -took it upon himself to play the part of “Smart Aleck,” -and he looked the stranger over with a cool, insolent -stare, and said, in a drawling way:</p> - -<p>“Beg pardon, but you said your name was Jack -Hayseed, I believe?”</p> - -<p>“I said that my name was Mark Merrill, and asked<span class="pagenum">[57]</span> -to be directed to the quarters of the commandant,” and -Mark kept his temper admirably.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Pork Barrell, for such, I believe you said -your name was, I will answer for the commandant that -he wants no fish to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! then you are the commandant’s cook, so should -know; but as I never argue with servants, I’ll seek -your master.”</p> - -<p>And Mark Merrill started on his way, when with a -bound Winslow Dillingham confronted him, his face -livid with rage.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[58]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">FACING THE MUSIC.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The quick retort made by Mark Merrill to Winslow -Dillingham’s insulting words brought a general laugh, -for the cadets were quick to appreciate wit and sarcasm, -even if directed at one of their number.</p> - -<p>Cadet Dillingham had offered the insult gratuitously, -and he had gotten a reply that offended him deeply.</p> - -<p>The laugh of his comrades angered him the more, -and stung by the words of the stranger and their enjoying -them, he lost all control of himself, and sprang -before Mark Merrill in a threatening attitude.</p> - -<p>Mark had not advanced a step since landing.</p> - -<p>He stood upon the wall where he had stopped upon -ascending from his boat, and he simply paused to ask -a polite question, and received an insulting response.</p> - -<p>The first insult he had accepted in silence, but the -second one he had been stung to reply to.</p> - -<p>He saw at once that he would have to fight his way—that -whatever the “future admirals” might be considered -by outsiders, they were merciless to a stranger -who came into their midst.</p> - -<p>Quickly over the crowd he had run his eyes, and he -discerned with intuition that his retort had put him in -favor with some of those who were lovers of fair play.</p> - -<p>He had turned the laugh upon Midshipman Dillingham, -and he was satisfied and content to drop all ill-feeling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[59]</span></p> - -<p>But not so with the irate cadet.</p> - -<p>His own attempt at smartness had gotten him worsted -thus far, and he must turn the laugh to protect himself -from his own comrades.</p> - -<p>He knew well the position he held, that many stood -in awe of him on account of his brute strength and -admitted courage.</p> - -<p>Now he was angry, and he intended to resent physically -what he felt he could not do in a war of words.</p> - -<p>So he squared himself before Mark Merrill, and -hissed forth, while his eyes blazed with anger:</p> - -<p>“Retract your insulting words, sir, or I shall chastise -you right here!”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean it, mate?” Mark asked, in an innocent -way.</p> - -<p>The crowd smiled audibly at this, and Winslow Dillingham -grew whiter with fury, while he savagely said:</p> - -<p>“Yes, I do mean it. Ask my pardon, or take the -consequences, sir!”</p> - -<p>“What are the consequences?”</p> - -<p>“A thrashing.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t wish to be whipped, so if you retract -your insult to me, I’ll ask pardon for what I said.”</p> - -<p>“I retract nothing.”</p> - -<p>“And you will insist upon thrashing me?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“What with?”</p> - -<p>This was too much for Cadet Dillingham, and he -aimed a savage blow at Mark’s face.</p> - -<p>It was cleverly caught, and quicker than a flash Mark -Merrill had seized the cadet in his arms and hurled -him into the water with the words:</p> - -<p>“You are too hot to argue with, so cool off!”</p> - -<p>With a splash Cadet Dillingham went beneath the -surface, when the cry arose:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[60]</span></p> - -<p>“He cannot swim a stroke,” and the laughter on -every lip was checked.</p> - -<p>“Is that so that he cannot swim? Then I’ll haul -him out as I threw him in.” And with a bound Mark -Merrill went over the sea-wall and seized the drowning -youth in his strong arms, while he struck out for a -landing, with the words:</p> - -<p>“All right, mate, the ducking has cooled off the temper -of both of us.”</p> - -<p>Winslow Dillingham made no reply then; but as he -was hauled out by Herbert Nazro, a dark-faced, handsome -fellow of the first class, he said, as he turned to -Mark Merrill:</p> - -<p>“I humbly ask your pardon, my friend, and will -escort you to the commandant and report my own rude -behavior and its just punishment.”</p> - -<p>“I thought there was manhood in you, mate, but -there is no need of reporting anything. I have a dry -suit aboard my craft, and will soon rig up and return -ashore, when maybe some of these gentlemen will show -me my course.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll march you there in force, sir, for somehow -you’ve caught on in great shape with us baby tars,” -said a cadet, stepping forward and offering his hand, -while he added:</p> - -<p>“My name is Herbert Nazro, a first-class man.”</p> - -<p>“And here’s my hand, sir, as a friend,” said Cadet -Captain Byrd Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“Don’t overlook my extended grip,” cried Cadet Sergeant -Neil Carrol.</p> - -<p>And so it went on until Cadet Lieutenant Frank -Latrobe seemed to be suddenly inspired with a thought -for he asked, eagerly:</p> - -<p>“I say, my friend, are you not the youth who was -appointed by the President?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[61]</span></p> - -<p>“I was appointed at large, sir, yes.”</p> - -<p>“And it was for services rendered, was it not?”</p> - -<p>“It was from the kindness of the Secretary of the -Navy and Commodore Lucien, rather.”</p> - -<p>“You are the man we have been told of. Go aboard -your flagship, put on your dry togs, and we’ll march -you to the commandant at a quick step.”</p> - -<p>The cadets showed that this advice chimed in with -their humor, and springing into his boat, Mark sent it -flying back toward the schooner, while the dripping -Dillingham was surrounded by a squad of friends, to -hide his condition, and marched off to his room to also -get on dry clothes.</p> - -<p>“Keep him there, Nazro, until I can get ready, for I -wish to be in the procession,” said Winslow Dillingham, -as he dove into his room to change his clothes, -glad to escape the argus-eyed officers about the buildings -and grounds.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[62]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BOARDING THE VENTURE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>To Mark Merrill his salt-water bath with his clothes -on was nothing to speak of. He had lived so much in -his skiff, been overboard so often that he thought nothing -of it, though he did regret losing his temper with -Winslow Dillingham, who had shown himself such a -good fellow after all.</p> - -<p>Of course he did not suppose that he would have -drowned, for there were too many manly fellows upon -the wall who could swim to allow that.</p> - -<p>But, having placed his life in jeopardy himself, he -was the one to prevent any fatality therefrom.</p> - -<p>The idea that the youth could not swim had never -entered his mind, for swimming like a fish himself -and never remembering when he could not do so, he -supposed it was the most ordinary accomplishment, -and, as he had said, he merely wished to cool the temper -of the one who had set upon him as a butt to be -made fun of.</p> - -<p>“What’s the trouble ashore, my lad?” asked Captain -Jasper Crane, who was about to launch the schooner’s -yawl to come to the shore when he saw Mark returning.</p> - -<p>“Oh! nothing to speak of, sir, only I had to stop -some funny business one of the boys played on me, and -finding he could not swim I leaped in after him.”</p> - -<p>“Just like you, Master Mark, just like you,” said -Captain Crane, following the youth into the cabin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[63]</span></p> - -<p>“And I tells yer, lad, you’ll find more hard knocks -to put up with among them brass-buttoned gentry -ashore than you’d get as a foremast hand on a merchant -craft.</p> - -<p>“My advice to yer would have been to stick to your -little craft here and make money; but then you is high-minded -and I knows it’s in yer to make a name for yerself, -if yer sets about it, only the course are a rough one -to sail. Maybe me and one o’ the boys better go ashore -with yer next time, for we is some handy with our -flukes when we is run afoul of.”</p> - -<p>Mark laughed heartily, for it came into his mind -how he had seen the skipper and his sons run afoul of, -as he expressed it, one day in Portland, by a gang of -roughs, and had a fair demonstration of how “handy -they were with their flukes.”</p> - -<p>To see him go ashore under an escort amused him -greatly, as he pictured the cadet-midshipman being -knocked about by the trio of salts from the Kennebec.</p> - -<p>But he thanked the captain for his offer, and went -on with his toilet. Meanwhile the skipper was called -upon deck.</p> - -<p>A boat had come alongside with a middy in command, -sent from the man-of-war, to have the skipper -of the strange schooner give an account of his seeking -an anchorage where he had.</p> - -<p>Having heard of the trouble Mark had met with -ashore, Captain Crane gazed upon the spry young -middy with no friendly eye.</p> - -<p>“Are you the sailing-master of this craft?” asked -the midshipman pompously.</p> - -<p>“I am the mate, very much at your service, young -officer.”</p> - -<p>“Where is the master?”</p> - -<p>“The capting is down in his cabing; but if you wish<span class="pagenum">[64]</span> -to see him I’ll send yer keerd, and maybe he’ll see yer, -maybe he won’t.”</p> - -<p>The face of the youth flushed at this, and he asked -sternly:</p> - -<p>“Is this a yacht on a pleasure cruise, my man?”</p> - -<p>“Now, see here, my boy, I hain’t your man. I’m -my old woman’s man, and nobody else has a claim -on me, for I am o’ age.”</p> - -<p>“Answer my question, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, it are a yacht on a cruise, but leetle pleasure -I’m thinking it will bring her capting by coming into -this port.”</p> - -<p>“I wish the name of your vessel, her owner, and why -she is here.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose ef I don’t tell yer, you’ll tarn yer big -guns on the craft; but as I said, I am only the mate, -and the captain will be on deck in a minute, for he is -down below changing his clothes, having just thrown -a young admiral in the drink, and then had to jump in -and pull him out to keep him from drowning, so you -better be uncommonly polite to him, as the water are -handy and real wet, too.”</p> - -<p>The midshipman felt that he was being made fun of.</p> - -<p>He saw the smiles on the lee side of the faces of his -boat’s crew, and he knew that they saw that he was -getting worsted.</p> - -<p>His orders were simply to board the schooner and -ascertain her name and business in the anchorage she -had chosen.</p> - -<p>That was all.</p> - -<p>Much breath had been consumed thus far in conversation, -and he had discovered nothing.</p> - -<p>He was getting angry, and yet it came to him that -disciplining himself was one of the first things taught -at the Naval School.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[65]</span></p> - -<p>If he could not command himself, he certainly could -not expect to command men.</p> - -<p>He saw that he had struck a rough old hulk, one -that could be towed, but not rowed, and he decided to -change his manner of attack by demanding to see the -owner or captain of the vessel.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[66]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">UNDER CONVOY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Just then out of the cabin came Mark Merrill, -dressed as before, in a very natty sailor costume.</p> - -<p>He had heard all that had passed, and suppressing a -smile, politely saluted the midshipman, for he certainly -wished no more trouble upon his <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">début</i> as one of Uncle -Sam’s middies.</p> - -<p>“There’s the capting now, Officer Buttons,” growled -Skipper Jasper Crane to the midshipman, pointing -toward Mark Merrill, as he stepped on deck.</p> - -<p>“That!” exclaimed the middy, as he beheld a lad -not as old as himself, rigged up in a dandy style.</p> - -<p>“Yes, that, and he’s more of a sailor to-day than -half your men-o’-war trained jim-cranks,” and turning -to Mark, the old skipper continued:</p> - -<p>“Capting Merrill, this is a young gent from the big -gun craft yonder who sprung his catechism on me until -I got weary, so I tarns him over to you.”</p> - -<p>“How can I serve you, sir?” asked Mark, with -extreme politeness.</p> - -<p>“Do you own this schooner, sir?” asked the middy, -somewhat amazed at finding so youthful a skipper.</p> - -<p>“I may say that I do, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You are her captain?”</p> - -<p>“At present, yes, sir, Mark Merrill, at your service; -but I expect to relinquish my vessel to good Captain -Crane here within an hour or so.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[67]</span></p> - -<p>“May I ask why you sought an anchorage here in -the Naval Academy harborage?”</p> - -<p>“I am a stranger, sir, in this port, but came under -orders to report as a cadet midshipman, so ran my vessel -here to anchor. I trust I have broken no law, sir?”</p> - -<p>The polite manner of Mark, his pleasant smile, quite -disarmed the young officer, while he was surprised at -his words that told he had come under orders as an -appointee to the academy.</p> - -<p>“No, sir, you have broken no set law, only it is -uncommon for other than government vessels to run in -here. But I shall report who you are and the reason of -your coming.”</p> - -<p>“Permit me also to say, sir, that my schooner will -put to sea to-night, so that she will remain here but a -couple of hours at the farthest.”</p> - -<p>The midshipman bowed, then did the manly thing, -for he extended his hand and said:</p> - -<p>“Allow me to welcome you to the academy, Mr. -Merrill, and hope that you will pass the ordeal of -entrance with flying colors. My name is Ernest -Rich.”</p> - -<p>The name recalled the sweet face of Virgene Rich to -Mark, and he grasped the extended hand with real -warmth, while he said:</p> - -<p>“I thank you for your kind wishes, Mr. Rich.”</p> - -<p>Then he escorted the midshipman to his boat, told -him he was just going ashore to report, and soon after -the gig of the vessel of war pulled away he went over -the side into his surf-skiff.</p> - -<p>“Don’t yer think we’d better go ashore with yer, -Master Mark?” asked Captain Crane dubiously.</p> - -<p>“No, indeed, thank you.”</p> - -<p>“These young fellers all seems practicing to scare -ordinary folks; but, Lord love ’em, they is a clever lot<span class="pagenum">[68]</span> -o’ young sea cubs arter all, and in war times they can -outfight a shark.”</p> - -<p>Leaving good skipper Crane moralizing upon cadet -midshipmen in general, Mark let fall his oars and sent -his skiff shoreward.</p> - -<p>It was an off-duty time at the academy, and the -cadets were there whom he had left, with more who had -been summoned to swell the procession. It had leaked -out just who Mark Merrill was, for Commodore Lucien -had been on a visit to the commandant, and had told -of the pluck of the boy pilot of Hopeless Haven.</p> - -<p>Then, too, the Secretary of the Navy had written a -personal letter to the commandant, so of course it went -the rounds that the “new man from Maine was a hero.”</p> - -<p>Having made the discovery, Cadet Captain Byrd -Bascomb and his clique meant to give the sailor lad a -welcome, especially as they had found in him one who -was a square good fellow.</p> - -<p>When Mark landed he was somewhat nonplussed at -the intention of the cadets to honor him.</p> - -<p>They welcomed him with a hurrah, and Winslow -Dillingham was on hand, as he expressed it:</p> - -<p>“As dry as a ship on the ways.”</p> - -<p>He offered his hand cordially, and said:</p> - -<p>“We are quits now, aren’t we?”</p> - -<p>“Do not speak of it,” was the ready reply, and as -he could not help himself Mark’s arm was locked in -that of Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, who gave the -command as he took the head of the column:</p> - -<p>“Column forward! march!”</p> - -<p>Up to the commandant’s quarters they marched, a -line was formed, and the “great mogul,” as the lads -facetiously called their chief, supposed when he saw -them that they had some grievance to complain of.</p> - -<p>When the commandant appeared the cadets saluted,<span class="pagenum">[69]</span> -and waited for him to speak, Mark meanwhile, his -face flushed with embarrassment, standing by the side -of Byrd Bascomb and inwardly regretting that he had -ever decided to come to the Naval Academy.</p> - -<p>“Don’t skedaddle at the first sight of the enemy,” -whispered Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, realizing how -Mark Merrill felt at such an introduction to the commandant -of the academy.</p> - -<p>Under this advice Mark braced up, while the commandant -asked in his pleasant way:</p> - -<p>“Well, Cadet Captain Bascomb, may I ask why I -am honored with this visit?”</p> - -<p>This appealed to the young cadet officer, who prided -himself upon his speech-making, and was always glad -to get a chance to display his oratory, saluted, and -responded:</p> - -<p>“We are here, most respected commander, to present -to you one who boarded the academy grounds by way -of the harbor and over the sea wall.</p> - -<p>“He asked the way to your quarters, and discovering -in him the young hero who won his appointment -to the service, which is more than any of us were -guilty of, <a id="Ref_083a" href="#Ref_083">we came as a convoy to conduct him to your -presence, and I beg to introduce Mr. Mark Merrill</a>.”</p> - -<div id="Ref_083" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i083.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“‘We come as a convoy to conduct him to your presence, and I beg to -introduce him as Mr. Mark Merrill.’” (See <a href="#Ref_083a">page 69</a>.)</p></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[70]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">JACK JUDSON’S MEMORY.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>When the little schooner Venture was seen driving -up the bay and into the Severn River, the cadet midshipmen -ashore were not the only interested watchers -of her progress.</p> - -<p>She had swept around the bluff, where now stands -the popular resort known as Bay Ridge, in a manner -that at once attracted every sailor’s eye who saw her.</p> - -<p>The little fleet of stanch craft that found a safe harbor -in Annapolis, were anchored snugly in a sheltered -nook, all ship-shape to ride out the gale.</p> - -<p>Each vessel had its crew on board in case there -should be dragging of anchors, and they were compelled -to get up sail, which all devoutly hoped would -not be the case.</p> - -<p>Then ashore there was an interested crowd on the -oyster docks gazing with admiration upon the beautiful -craft driven along like the very wind, carrying an -amount of canvas which appeared foolhardy in the -extreme.</p> - -<p>Over at the fort, on the opposite side of the river, -were groups of soldiers also observing the schooner’s -rush up the harbor, and officers were braving the fierce -wind to have a look at her.</p> - -<p>The reviewing ship, and training ship for the middies, -also had their quota of observers, while upon the -stately vessel of war anchored in the stream the large -crew were riveting their gaze upon the Venture, while<span class="pagenum">[71]</span> -the tars were commenting upon the manner in which -she was being handled in a manner most complimentary -to the helmsman, though with a belief that they -would see him come to grief before he reached an -anchorage.</p> - -<p>Upon the quarter-deck of the vessel-of-war her officers -were chatting over the flying craft, and various -criticisms were made as to the skill and recklessness of -the helmsman.</p> - -<p>They, of course, had their own ideas as to what was -good seamanship, and expressed them accordingly.</p> - -<p>But it is forward, among the men, the bone and -sinew, the human machinery of the navy, that I will -ask my reader to accompany me.</p> - -<p>Among a group of over a score of sailors leaning -over the port bulwarks forward was one who was gazing -with more than usual interest upon the schooner.</p> - -<p>“Mates, I have seen that craft before,” he said -decidedly, making a glass of his two hands to look -through.</p> - -<p>“When, coxswain, and whar?” asked an old salt, -with gray hair and a complexion like the hide of an -elephant.</p> - -<p>“It was when I was on leave some months ago and -took a run in my brother’s schooner that trades on the -coast of Maine.</p> - -<p>“I saw that craft, I am dead certain, come into the -port of B——, and she came then in a living gale, and -had only two men and a boy on board of her.</p> - -<p>“The boy was at the helm, and ran her up to the -dock in great shape.</p> - -<p>“I was told that he carried the mail between some of -the ports on the coast, and generally went in a surf-skiff -in any kind of weather, but sometimes came up -to the town with a load of fish, which he had that day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[72]</span></p> - -<p>“Several days after he came up to town in his surf-skiff -and I made his acquaintance, and if that’s his -craft then he’s the one as has the tiller.</p> - -<p>“I’ll get my glass and take an observation,” and -Coxswain Jack Judson went below, but immediately -returned with a very handsome glass, which had been -presented to him by his brother of the trading schooner.</p> - -<p>He took a steady look, and said decidedly:</p> - -<p>“Mates, that’s the craft, for a month’s pay it is, and -it’s the boy at the helm for another!”</p> - -<p>“Waal, what is he doin’ in these waters, coxswain?” -asked a seaman.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, but did you ever see a craft better -handled?” All admitted that they never had, while -an old sailor growled forth:</p> - -<p>“He’s trying to show off, and he’ll carry his sticks -out of the craft yet before he can drop anchor. These -young sailors is allus fools.”</p> - -<p>“No, he won’t hurt her, and he isn’t any fool, either, -for he knows the craft and what she’ll do when he puts -her to it.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think he’s trying to show off, for that isn’t -like him, only he’s running under what sail he had up -when the gale struck him.</p> - -<p>“You see now there are four men aboard, counting -the boy as a man.</p> - -<p>“Every rope is where it belongs, the crew are at their -posts and they are not at all uneasy, from their looks, -while there is a gray-head among ’em.</p> - -<p>“They all seem to be enjoying the run, looking at -the scenery and unmindful that they have got everybody -watching them.</p> - -<p>“Mates, I’ll tell you a story of that lad, for I know -him now without looking through my glass.</p> - -<p>“His name is Mark Merrill, and I saw him stand to<span class="pagenum">[73]</span> -fight a gang of five young roughs who set upon him,” -and Jack Judson told the story of how Scott Clemmons -and Ben Birney had smashed the toy ship which Mark -Merrill had taken up to sell in B——, to get money to -pay the doctor for going to see his mother.</p> - -<p>As he was talking the schooner swept by in splendid -style, winning a murmur of admiration from all on -board the vessel of war, and when she came to an -anchorage Jack Judson said with enthusiasm:</p> - -<p>“He’s let go his mudhooks, and didn’t carry a stick -or inch of canvas away, either.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he’s my lad, and I’m going to ask leave to go -and see him, too.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[74]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">STRANGELY MET.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>When Mark Merrill was presented to the commandant -of the Naval Academy he felt deeply embarrassed -at the publicity which had been given to his arrival.</p> - -<p>He had sailed up to the academy from Norfolk to -save money on the railroads, and then he saw that -Shipper Crane and his sons had a lurking desire to see -where he was going to anchor for the next few years, -while cramming his head with all the cargo of learning -necessary to make a skilled naval officer.</p> - -<p>And Mark had been anxious to have the skipper tell -his mother when he returned that he had left him at -his destination, and what he thought of his future -home.</p> - -<p>He certainly had not intended to attract attention by -his arrival, but greatness had been forced upon him by -a combination of circumstances which he could not -avoid.</p> - -<p>Although when the commandant had entered the -navy, back in the “Forties,” there had been no naval -school, except aboard ship, he had been a middy, and -was well aware that they had not changed much -since those days.</p> - -<p>He understood that Cadet Captain Bascomb and his -mates had in some way gotten wind of the coming of -Mark Merrill, and had at once seized upon him as a -hero, the fact of his saving the yacht Midshipman having -leaked out.</p> - -<p>There were a number of officers at headquarters, and<span class="pagenum">[75]</span> -they, as well as the commandant, looked on with interest -at the introduction of the newly appointed lad.</p> - -<p>Mark, though his face was flushed with embarrassment, -had doffed his tarpaulin and stepped forward -toward the commandant, and said:</p> - -<p>“I am ordered to report to you, sir, but did not know -that I was breaking any rule in coming as I did by -water.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Merrill, and to welcome -you to the Naval Academy, while I do not know -of any law against a cadet coming by water.” And -the commandant smiled, while, turning to the cadets, -he continued:</p> - -<p>“You may leave Mr. Merrill in my charge now, -Captain Bascomb, and I am glad that you gave him -the welcome you did, as, from all accounts, he is -deserving of it.”</p> - -<p>The cadets saluted, and were marched off by their -captain, while the commandant, in a kindly way, -invited Mark into his quarters.</p> - -<p>To his surprise Mark beheld in the room, standing -by the window where he had seen all, no less a personage -than Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>The latter had just arrived, and reported to the commandant.</p> - -<p>He was most fashionably attired, wore a spotless -white silk tie around his standing collar, and held in -his hand a high hat, presenting a perfect specimen of -the youthful genus dude.</p> - -<p>His face was pale, and his eyes had an angry look -as he turned them furtively upon Mark.</p> - -<p>“Here is also a young gentleman from your State; in -fact, I believe you are neighbors, as you both hail from -B——. Mr. Merrill, Mr. Clemmons,” said the commandant, -introducing them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[76]</span></p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons, in a nervous way, half-stepped forward -with extended hand, but Mark simply bowed, -ignoring the hand, a fact which the keen eyes of the -commandant took in, and rather set down against -Mark, who said:</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I have met Mr. Clemmons before.”</p> - -<p>There was something in the tone and manner in -which it was said that convinced the commandant that -their meeting had not been a pleasant one, and Scott -Clemmons remarked in a supercilious way:</p> - -<p>“Yes, commandant, but this young man does not -move in my circle at home, being only a fisher lad.”</p> - -<p>The commandant almost gave a start, and his kindly -face changed so suddenly to a look of sternness that -even Scott Clemmons saw that he had made a mistake.</p> - -<p>Had he not seen it, he was instantly made cognizant -of the fact, for the commandant turned directly toward -him, and said in a distinct way:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons, I believe your father is a man of -great wealth and comes of an aristocratic family, but -you must distinctly learn at once that here, in this -Naval School, neither politics, riches, nor family connections -hold the slightest influence.</p> - -<p>“There are no cliques; all who come here come as -young gentlemen, and though many are from the lowest -walks of life they must be gentlemen here.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill may have been a fisher lad, but I have -it from the best of authority that he made an honest -living and supported his mother, and he was appointed -here for having nobly risked his life to save the lives -of others.”</p> - -<p>“I never heard of that, sir, and wondered how he got -appointed,” blustered out the confused Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“You never heard how he saved the yacht Midshipman<span class="pagenum">[77]</span> -from being wrecked, with the Secretary of the -Navy and other distinguished gentlemen on board?” -asked the commandant, with some surprise.</p> - -<p>“No, sir, it was not known in our town.”</p> - -<p>“Then, sir,” was the very decided answer, “Mr. Mark -Merrill is as modest as he is brave, not to have told of -his daring deed,” and he glanced at Mark, who replied -with a quiet dig at Scott Clemmons:</p> - -<p>“I move in no social circle, sir, so had no one to tell -it to.”</p> - -<p>The commandant turned his head away to hide a -satisfied smile, while Scott Clemmons felt that he had -made a sad mistake in his slur at Mark for being only -a fisher lad.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[78]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A THREAT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Scott Clemmons was a remarkably politic young -man for one of his years.</p> - -<p>He had seen the gathering of the cadets, and recognized -Mark Merrill in their midst, and it had made -him envious and hateful.</p> - -<p>One whom he hated was coming under flying colors, -it seemed.</p> - -<p>Wondering how Mark had gotten his appointment, -and angry because he had done so, he saw that he was -made a hero of from the start, or else why this popular -demonstration in his favor.</p> - -<p>“Of course he will never pass the examinations, for -he is too ignorant for that,” he said to himself.</p> - -<p>Then had the commandant re-entered with Mark -Merrill, and the vain youth had sneered at the sailor-boy -appearance of the lad, and thought what a far -greater impression he would make in his fine clothes -and polished manner.</p> - -<p>It was in a pitying way he had referred to Mark’s -being a fisher lad, and he meant to condescend to shake -hands with him when introduced, but got the cut in -this from the one he intended to patronize.</p> - -<p>Seeing that he had made a mistake, from the commandant’s -severe reproof, the cunning youth meant to -atone from policy, to give his actions an air of manliness, -so he quickly said:</p> - -<p>“I really intended no slight, commandant, but something -occurred once of an unpleasant nature between<span class="pagenum">[79]</span> -Merrill and myself, in which I am free to admit I was -at fault, so I frankly offer my hand now in friendship, -if he will accept it.”</p> - -<p>The commandant seemed pleased at this, and glanced -at Mark.</p> - -<p>He was a splendid reader of human nature, could -from his great experience tell the inner workings of the -heart, which the face was striving to hide, and he saw -that Mark Merrill had some bitter cause of quarrel -against Scott Clemmons, deeper by far than the latter -cared to admit or had implied. But the good nature of -the young sailor triumphed, and he said:</p> - -<p>“I will accept Mr. Clemmons’ hand in friendship, -sir, if he means it in good faith.”</p> - -<p>There was a world of meaning in the words: “If he -means it in good faith.”</p> - -<p>The eyes of Mark Merrill looked unflinchingly upon -the face of Scott Clemmons, but he did not meet the -gaze, and his face flushed painfully.</p> - -<p>This that keen observer, the commandant, saw, and -he read who had been the transgressor in the past.</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Merrill, as Mr. Clemmons had just -reported when you were convoyed into port, as Cadet -Bascomb expressed it, I will hear what he was about -to say to me and then give my attention to you.”</p> - -<p>Mark bowed, while the commandant read a letter -from Merchant Clemmons, whom he had once met, and -he took the liberty of inclosing a liberal check for the -use of his son—the same as he might have done had he -been sending him to boarding-school.</p> - -<p>“I shall return this check to your father, Clemmons, -and explain the situation of a cadet here, after I have -heard whether you pass the examinations or not, which -are before you,” and the commandant seemed not over-pleased -with Merchant Clemmons’ letter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[80]</span></p> - -<p>Then he turned to Mark, and continued:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill, I am glad to welcome one to the academy -who comes as you do, and I only hope that you, -as well as Mr. Clemmons here, may not find the physical -and mental examination too great a stumbling-block -for you to surmount.</p> - -<p>“Commodore Lucien has spoken of you to me, and -of what a devoted son you have been to your mother, -and it is just such boys that make the greatest men.</p> - -<p>“The surgeon and examining committee are now -ready for you, and my orderly will conduct you to their -quarters.</p> - -<p>“I wish you success, young gentlemen,” and the -commandant bowed the two youthful seekers after -fame out, placing them under the guidance of an -orderly.</p> - -<p>Surgeon Du Bose received the appointees pleasantly, -there being one other youth in his quarters just drawing -on his coat after having learned the sad tidings -that his chest expansion was below the average, and -his general physical condition not such as to warrant -his being accepted as a cadet.</p> - -<p>The poor fellow cast an envious look at the fine -forms of Mark Merrill and Scott Clemmons, and the -latter gave him a pitying look of almost contempt, as -though to wonder how he had dared anticipate being -accepted. Then the usual formula was gone through -with, Scott Clemmons being first examined, and his -confident smile showed that he knew that he, at -least, had “passed.”</p> - -<p>Then came Mark’s turn, and as he stripped for the -ordeal the surgeon gave a low whistle, a decided -expression of admiration of the lad’s physique.</p> - -<p>His name, age, height, weight, chest measure and -expansion were all taken, his muscular developments<span class="pagenum">[81]</span> -noted, and the questions asked regarding having had -any broken bones and other injuries of a harmful character. -His bones were as straight as arrows, his eyesight -was put to a crucial test and marked as “phenomenal,” -and his health put down as perfect.</p> - -<p>His pendulum of life, the heart, swung with the regularity -of clockwork, and not a flaw was found in his -teeth, which were white, even and firm.</p> - -<p>A frown passed over the brow of Scott Clemmons as -he noted the fact that Mark Merrill had stood the test -better than he had, proud as he was of his fine form -and handsome face.</p> - -<p>“It is seldom, if ever, I meet a youth of your perfection -of physique, Mr. Merrill,” said Surgeon Du Bose, -in a complimentary way, and Scott Clemmons turned -his head away to hide his plainly visible chagrin at the -praise bestowed upon the young sailor.</p> - -<p>Assured that they had passed the physical ordeal the -two youths went to face the examining committee, who -were to decide as to what they did or did not know.</p> - -<p>“Here he will fail,” muttered Scott Clemmons, with -malign hope that such would be the case.</p> - -<p>Quickly they were put to the test, and when the -hours of alternate hope and despair were over each -knew that the other had passed, and Scott Clemmons -fairly ground his teeth with rage, as he heard Lieutenant -Briggs, one of the examiners, say in reference to -Mark Merrill’s very fine penmanship:</p> - -<p>“I saw you run your schooner in, Mr. Merrill, and -you handle a pen as well as you do the tiller. I congratulate -you that no barrier is now between you and -your cadetship.”</p> - -<p>“Curse him!” muttered Scott Clemmons. “He -passed better than I did; but he shall yet be dismissed -in disgrace—I swear it!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[82]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE MIDSHIPMAN.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Having passed both his physical examination and -the one to discover how far he had progressed in “book -learning,” Mark Merrill felt happy at the thought that -there was no other barrier between him and his cadetship.</p> - -<p>He had been asked by one of the committee where he -had attended school, for he was well up in all questions -asked, wrote an excellent hand, and answered -with a knowledge evidently not acquired for the occasion.</p> - -<p>His reply had been a simple one, and truthful:</p> - -<p>“My mother taught me all I know of books, sir, for -I never went to school.”</p> - -<p>Reporting to the quartermaster of the post, Mark -found there the kit which Commodore Lucien had -gotten for him, and he discovered that it left no needs -to be filled.</p> - -<p>His room was a pleasant one, and by a rare stroke of -good fortune he was given a first-rate fellow to be his -companion to share it. He had dreaded that, as Scott -Clemmons was also from Maine and known to be an -acquaintance, the two might be roomed together.</p> - -<p>In such a case he hoped Clemmons would object, but if -he did not then he certainly should, for he could not -bring himself to like the youth who had shown such an -ugly humor toward him in the past.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[83]</span></p> - -<p>The moment that he could get away Mark started to -go aboard his little schooner and bid farewell to Captain -Crane and his two sons, and also bring ashore the -few things he had brought with him from home.</p> - -<p>As an act of duty he had sought Scott Clemmons -and said:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons, my little schooner returns home -under Captain Jasper Crane, whom you must know, -and I will be glad to give him a letter for your people, -if you wish.”</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons was in his room, getting his things -to rights, and at the remark of Mark Merrill he laughed -rudely.</p> - -<p>He was no longer under the piercing eye of the commandant, -and need not act for effect, as he had done -when at headquarters.</p> - -<p>He had stood the ordeal put upon him, but little less -acceptably than had Mark Merrill.</p> - -<p>He was a well-formed fellow, bright in his lessons -and all that, but did not take into consideration that, -with all his advantages, he had not done as well as the -“fisher lad” he had sneered at.</p> - -<p>“Send a letter by a sailing ship, Merrill? Not I, -and you must live away back in the Dark Ages to -think of such a thing in these days of telegraphs and -railroads; but I forget that you know nothing of the -world, living as secluded as you have. No, thank you, -I have already telegraphed my father that I went -through with flying colors, and I congratulate you -upon having passed, even if it was by the skin of your -teeth, for, of course, they would not refuse you, Merrill. -Wait until the first year’s examination, which -you cannot hope to get through.”</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill’s eyes flashed, but he controlled his -temper, and responded:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[84]</span></p> - -<p>“I shall try hard to pass, Mr. Clemmons, for I came -here to fight hard to win my way against all odds that -I know are before me. Pardon me for disturbing you. -I did not know but that you might wish to see Captain -Crane and his boys, and send some word by them.”</p> - -<p>“No, I do not associate with them at home, you -know, and the telegraph and mails will answer my -wants.”</p> - -<p>Mark turned away, for he felt that he could not -much longer listen to Scott Clemmons’ insulting words -and patronizing manner.</p> - -<p>“So he offered his friendship simply to blind the -commandant, did he? I wondered how he could be -guilty of such an act of manliness as he professed; but -it was for a purpose, not meant. Well, I know what -to expect from him now, and will govern myself accordingly; -but I have not forgotten a voice I heard one night -before I left home, when a net was set to drown me. -I think I shall send Silly Sam a letter by Captain -Crane, for the poor fellow is to be trusted, and is keen -enough in mind when he has an object in view.”</p> - -<p>So Mark went on board his schooner to write his letters -and give the joyful news to his mother that she -could address his letters to:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="center">“<span class="smcap">Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill</span>,<br /> -<span class="smcap">U. S. Naval Academy</span><br /> -<span class="smcap" style="padding-left:10em">Annapolis, M. D.</span>”</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[85]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">SHAKING HANDS WITH THE PAST.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>“Well, Master Mark, I congratulate you with all -my heart,” said Captain Jasper Crane, when the youth -told him that he had stood the first test, and crossed -the rubicon of his hopes and fears.</p> - -<p>The two sons of the skipper also offered their congratulations -in their honest way, and the skipper -added:</p> - -<p>“Well, it means we must sail back alone, and that -we’ll not see you for many a long day, Master Mark?”</p> - -<p>“Not until my graduation leave, Captain Crane, -unless business may call you to this port or Baltimore -some time, when you must surely give me a call.”</p> - -<p>“You won’t be too proud to wish to see an old coast -skipper, then, after you get your brass buttons on?” -said the skipper slyly.</p> - -<p>“If I thought becoming an officer of the navy would -change my nature so as to make me forget old friends, -captain, I’d go back with you now and stick to the life -I have been always leading at home. No, my nature -won’t change, I assure you; but I hope the schooner -will earn a fair livelihood for you and mother, for I -hope to have her run on here with old Peggy some day -to see me, as I know she will wish to do.”</p> - -<p>“I know she will, and I’ll make the schooner pay -every dollar she can; but there was a sailor here to see -you, Master Mark, and yonder comes a boat, and I<span class="pagenum">[86]</span> -guess he’s coming back, for he said he would, as he -wished to see you.”</p> - -<p>Mark turned to the gangway as the boat ran alongside, -and called out heartily:</p> - -<p>“Jack Judson, my sailor friend of B——, how are -you?”</p> - -<p>The sailor grasped the extended hand, and said, -warmly:</p> - -<p>“Well, Master Mark Merrill, and glad to see you -again. I recognized you at the helm of the schooner -as she ran in, and I never saw a craft better handled. -Going to stay in port long, young mate?”</p> - -<p>“I hope to remain some years, Mr. Judson, for I am -launched now as a cadet midshipman,” was the smiling -reply.</p> - -<p>Jack drew himself up quickly and saluted, while he -said:</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, sir, but I did not know that, or I would -no have made so bold; but I am a coxswain on the -cruiser yonder, and thought I’d come over to remind -you that I had not forgotten you and your plucky -fight in B——.”</p> - -<p>“And I am glad to see you, Coxswain Jack, and I -have not forgotten your great kindness that day in -B——, either. But let me tell you that Scott Clemmons -is also a cadet.”</p> - -<p>“Then look out for him, for he’s your foe,” blurted -out Jack Judson.</p> - -<p>“I do not believe he is over friendly,” responded -Mark, while Jack said:</p> - -<p>“I must be off, sir, for there’s a difference between -us now; but I wish you success, Master Mark, and if -you don’t win, I’ll be mistaken in my calculations.”</p> - -<p>The coxswain saluted, when Mark again put out his -hand and said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[87]</span></p> - -<p>“Good-by, coxswain, I guess we’ll often meet now.”</p> - -<p>The boat pulled away, the coxswain very thoughtful -now, for he remembered how he had once neglected his -advantages and thrown away the chance of an appointment -to the navy.</p> - -<p>“I’d have been a lieutenant now, if I had gone in; -but I didn’t have the grit to study, and to-day I am -only a coxswain. But that youth has it in him to work -his way upward, and he will; but he must keep his -eye on Scott Clemmons, or he’ll foul him if he can.”</p> - -<p>After the coxswain’s departure Mark went into the -cabin, wrote his letters, one to his mother and another -to Silly Sam, and he asked Captain Crane to hand the -letter to the youth in person.</p> - -<p>“I do not know if he can read or not, Captain Crane, -but if he cannot, you please read it to him, and he’ll -understand it. The letter to my mother I know you -will deliver first, as you will run straight for Cliff -Castle harbor?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Master Mark, and if you get time some day -drop me a line to let me know how you are getting -along,” said the honest skipper.</p> - -<p>“You shall hear from me, captain, and I’ll expect -you to see my mother as often as you can, for you know -her home is not a cheerful one, and she has only old -Peggy.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and more pluck than any man I know of, to -dwell in that old Spook Hall.”</p> - -<p>Then Mark bade good-by to the captain and his boys, -sprang into the boat he had rowed out, and rested on -his oars while the crew got up anchor and hoisted sail.</p> - -<p>He waved his hat as they went down the Severn, -Captain Crane dipping his colors to the farewell of the -youth.</p> - -<p>For a long while the young sailor watched the<span class="pagenum">[88]</span> -retreating vessel, then rowed ashore, and returned the -boat to where he had gotten it.</p> - -<p>He sighed as he cast another lingering glance after -the little Venture, returning to the weird old home and -scenes he had loved so well, and murmured to himself:</p> - -<p>“There goes the last link to bind me with my life of -the past few years. Now my career is to be so different! -The struggle begins—my hard fight for fame. -But I will win. I cannot afford not to do so, for Scott -Clemmons shall never rejoice over my failure.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, Merrill, all broken up, I see, at parting with -your fisher friends—strange that you did not stick to -the low life that suited you so well.”</p> - -<p>It was Scott Clemmons, and Mark felt as though he -would like to have struck him to the earth.</p> - -<p>But instead he said, calmly:</p> - -<p>“I have shaken hands with the past life, Clemmons, -and when I leave this academy you will be behind -me!”</p> - -<p>“Never! mark my words, never!” and Scott Clemmons -uttered an oath at Mark’s threat to leave him -behind in the race for honors.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[89]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">DISCIPLINING A “CAPTAIN.”</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Mark Merrill entered upon his duties like one who -had gone in to win.</p> - -<p>His modest nature recoiled at having been discovered -as a hero, for he had hoped to gain success without -there being one thing in his favor.</p> - -<p>He had as a room mate a youth from South Carolina -by the name of Bemis Perry, a quiet, unassuming -youth, about Mark’s age, and who made a pleasant -companion.</p> - -<p>“You knew Clemmons before you came here?” said -Bemis Perry, the day after the two had become mates.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I had met him.”</p> - -<p>“They say his father is awfully rich, and the king -bee of his part of the country.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Clemmons is said to be a very rich and -influential man.”</p> - -<p>“And Scott is his only heir, I hear.”</p> - -<p>“He has a sister, I have heard, who is younger than -he is.”</p> - -<p>“What has Clemmons got against you?”</p> - -<p>“I really do not know,” and Mark did not, for he -did not recall having ever done aught to cause Scott -Clemmons to dislike him.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll tell you that he is not your friend, Merrill.”</p> - -<p>“So I am aware, but it is a matter of utter indifference -to me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[90]</span></p> - -<p>Entering upon his duties, Mark was naturally put in -the same “awkward squad” as Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>The latter had been to a military school for a couple -of terms, and was thus priding himself upon his being -well up in drill.</p> - -<p>He had, in fact, mentioned that he had been captain -of his company at the military school which he had -attended, and in various ways he had thrown out the -hint that his father was enormously rich, and a man of -great influence with the government authorities.</p> - -<p>He had also taken occasion to say that Mark Merrill -was the son of a poor widow who, from the charity of -the agent in charge of a fine old house, was allowed to -live in one wing of it, while her son had been a mail-carrier -and fisher lad.</p> - -<p>Now Herbert Nazro was the cadet midshipman who -had the drilling of the new men, and he had with rare -judgment taken in the characters of those under his -command.</p> - -<p>He realized that they were all green, some exceedingly -modest and willing to admit their know-nothingness, -while others were determined to “cheek it -through.”</p> - -<p>Mark reported for duty, and when the cadet officer -said: “Well, sir, what do you know?” he answered, -with extreme candor:</p> - -<p>“Nothing whatever, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then you can be taught easily,” was the frank -reply.</p> - -<p>“And you, sir?” he turned to Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“I do not understand you,” and Scott Clemmons -meant to overawe the cadet officer.</p> - -<p>He made a mistake, and he soon realized it.</p> - -<p>“Why were you not paying attention, so that you -should know?” was the stern question.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[91]</span></p> - -<p>“You were not addressing me, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I am now, and I ask you, what do you know?”</p> - -<p>“About drilling?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I am pretty well drilled, though perhaps a trifle -rusty from lack of practice.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll get the rust off of you, never fear.”</p> - -<p>“I was captain of my company.”</p> - -<p>“In the army?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“When you address your superior always use the -expression ‘sir.’”</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons flushed at the rebuke, and Cadet -Officer Nazro asked:</p> - -<p>“Where were you a captain?”</p> - -<p>“At the military school which I attended.”</p> - -<p>“What did I tell you about addressing your superior? -Be careful not to err again. Then you have -been to a military school?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Yes what?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. Am I compelled to speak thus to you?”</p> - -<p>“Go ask the commandant.”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“If you were a captain, you should have known as -much. I see I shall have a hard time with you, for it -is no easy task to teach an old dog new tricks. Fall -in line, sir, and take the position of a soldier.”</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill really felt sorry for Clemmons, and the -little advice given the youth he decided to take to heart.</p> - -<p>He had seen several military companies parading, -and that was all, but he meant to do his best.</p> - -<p>He fell in line, and when shown the “position of a -soldier” by the splendid young drill-master, he determined -to keep his mind upon the duty before him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[92]</span></p> - -<p>In spite of his having been a “captain,” Scott Clemmons -was found more fault with than all the others of -the awkward squad.</p> - -<p>“You are wrong, sir,” shouted Cadet Nazro. “Just -see how you stand. Your drill master must have been -a veteran of 1812. Now these men can learn, for they -know nothing; but you know it all, and like most -know-alls, you give no demonstration of your knowledge. -See Merrill there, how well he stands, and I -have not had to correct him a second time, nor Perry -either. Look to it, <em>Captain</em> Clemmons, that I don’t -have to correct you again.”</p> - -<p>There were others of the greenhorns who got rebuffs, -also, but for some reason Officer Herbert Nazro seemed -to have picked upon Scott Clemmons for his especial -target of ill-natured flings.</p> - -<p>“He has only himself to blame for it,” said Bemis -Perry to Mark, when the squad was dismissed, after -the hardest work the new men had ever known.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he should have kept quiet about having been -captain of his company,” Mark returned.</p> - -<p>“As I did; for I was three years at the military -school in Charleston, but to-day convinced me that the -drill there is nothing in comparison to this naval -school. We shall see stars here, Merrill.”</p> - -<p>“I have become convinced of that,” was Mark’s -laughing response.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[93]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A SECRET FOE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Of course Scott Clemmons became a mortal enemy -of Herbert Nazro after his first drill in the awkward -squad, under the command of that most efficient young -officer.</p> - -<p>He dared not come out in open rebellion, as he well -knew what that would mean to him; but he treasured -up for Nazro a bitter feeling and a hope of revenge in -the future when the chance should come in his way.</p> - -<p>To be rebuked before Mark Merrill cut him deeper -than if it had been before the entire corps, for he had -tried to impress Mark with his importance.</p> - -<p>He had watched Mark’s face for some sign of rejoicing, -but even his ill-nature had failed to detect there -any expression of triumph.</p> - -<p>Fisher lad though Mark Merrill had been, the spoiled -and petted child of fortune, Scott Clemmons, was -intensely jealous of him.</p> - -<p>He feared the reserve power of the youth who had -gotten an appointment to the naval school by his own -acts, when, with all his father’s influence, he had found -it no easy task to accomplish it.</p> - -<p>Then, too, Mark had entered with a kind of hurrah, -and more, he had passed the surgeon and examining -committee under flying colors, while his first drill had -been marked by no grave error upon his part.</p> - -<p>There were lads at the academy to toady to the riches<span class="pagenum">[94]</span> -and influence of Scott Clemmons, and so that youth at -once found a following among them.</p> - -<p>To his willing “satellites” Scott Clemmons, from a -knowledge of his own nature, judged Mark, believing -that the young sailor would inform his friends of -the affair of the toy ship and what followed. He had -told his version of the affair, and soon through the -corps went the story of enmity between the two “men -from Maine,” as they were called.</p> - -<p>Had Scott Clemmons been less arrogant, Herbert -Nazro would not have been so severe upon him as he -was.</p> - -<p>But all new cadets must expect hard times the first -year they enter into Uncle Sam’s service as baby tars.</p> - -<p>In his studies Mark went to work with the determination -to win, and a feeling began to creep over the -class in which he was that he meant to be a dangerous -man in the race for honors.</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons understood this more keenly than -any one else, and he began to feel his inferiority in -spite of his vanity, so he decided that the only way to -beat Mark Merrill was to get him out of the academy.</p> - -<p>He sized up the others of the class, and felt that, -with a struggle, he could lead for honors, but Mark -Merrill was dangerous, and intended to see to it that -his threat to leave him behind was carried out.</p> - -<p>Demerits against a cadet would upset all standing -for good lessons, perfect drill and attention to duties, -and that these ugly little demerit marks could be readily -gotten from the slightest causes Scott Clemmons -soon discovered. He accordingly induced his roommate -to enter into a plot against the unsuspecting -young sailor.</p> - -<p>When rigged out in his uniform Mark Merrill was -certainly a very handsome and striking-looking lad.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[95]</span></p> - -<p>The corps tailor had complimented him by saying he -had never measured a finer formed lad for his clothes, -and seldom one his equal.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the new men, there had recently been -several dismissals from the academy of “hazers,” so -that no great indignities were heaped upon Mark and -the others.</p> - -<p>Still they came in for their share of petty jokes -played upon them, all of which Mark submitted to as -really a part of the discipline of the institution.</p> - -<p>He was universally good-natured, dignified, yet courteous -to all, and on duty and in study hours nothing -could move him from what he deemed right.</p> - -<p>He was a favorite with the officers, popular with his -comrades, and yet for all that there seemed to be some -mysterious undercurrent working against him.</p> - -<p>Once his cap was missing, and he was absent at roll -call, so a demerit went against him; but he did not -report that his cap had been cleverly taken from his -room by some one.</p> - -<p>Another time he could not find his shoes for parade, -and again a demerit went down against his name.</p> - -<p>A third time his handsome uniform was disfigured -by enormous ink stains, and he knew that he was no -more responsible for that than he had been for his missing -hat and shoes.</p> - -<p>His books, too, became disfigured in some mysterious -way, and one morning he was reported as having been -caught out of his room at night when he had been fast -asleep in bed.</p> - -<p>So Mark Merrill, without a word in his own defense, -had been put on the list for a reprimand and punishment.</p> - -<p>These constant demerits were counting up sadly -against Mark, until he knew that by the end of his first<span class="pagenum">[96]</span> -year they would be so formidable as to mean dismissal. -Yet what could he do to save himself?</p> - -<p>He was innocent of wrong-doing, and though he suspected -his persecutor, he had no proof of it that he was -right in his suspicions, while, if he was, he had too -manly a nature to go and report him.</p> - -<p>So he determined to suffer in silence, and trust to -some good fortune to make all things even in the end.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[97]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A SECRET FRIEND.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so -persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who -knew how matters were going became confident that, -as they all counted against the young sailor and -not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able -to stay his year out at the academy.</p> - -<p>It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough -citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast -fisherman, until brought into a position above his station -by an appointment to the naval school.</p> - -<p>In truth there were a number of rumors about the -academy detrimental to our young hero, and though -they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from -hearing them himself, oftener from having them told -him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in -silence, making no denials.</p> - -<p>At length some who had been his friends grew cold -in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to -waver.</p> - -<p>“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” -said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in -a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.</p> - -<p>“No, and you can’t ward off the attack of a secret -assassin,” remarked Bemis Perry quietly.</p> - -<p>All eyes turned upon the speaker, for he seldom -attracted attention by any outspoken words, and Scott -Clemmons, with angry face, asked:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[98]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you mean that for me, sir?”</p> - -<p>“I shot at random, Clemmons; and if you got in the -way it is your lookout, not mine.”</p> - -<p>“I wish you to explain your ambiguous words,” said -Clemmons hotly.</p> - -<p>“Permit me to do so,” was the response. “You -were pleased to apply an insulting application to my -roommate and friend, Mark Merrill, and as he has -suffered much secret persecution from one who would -stab him in the back, I say that one can no more protect -oneself from a secret assassin than you can make -a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Now, if the shoe fits -you, put it on and wear it.”</p> - -<p>“As it does not, there is no cause of quarrel between -us,” Scott Clemmons said, retreating through the exit -open to him.</p> - -<p>“You are wise,” and with this Bemis Perry walked -away, and as he did so he muttered to himself:</p> - -<p>“I will do it.”</p> - -<p>An hour after found him in the presence of the commandant, -waiting to be heard by that august personage.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Perry, what is it?” said the commandant, -somewhat abruptly.</p> - -<p>“I have no complaint to make, commandant, for -myself, but I have an explanation to offer in behalf of -another.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Perry, I will hear you.”</p> - -<p>The commandant had taken a fancy to the quiet, -reserved but brilliant youth who had become Mark -Merrill’s roommate, and he now saw that he had something -more than a favor to ask.</p> - -<p>“I wish to make a statement, sir, and hope that you -will take what I have to say as though uttered under -oath.”</p> - -<p>“So serious as that, is it, Mr. Perry?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[99]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; but as I said, it is not of myself that I -will speak.”</p> - -<p>“Who, then?”</p> - -<p>“Of my roommate, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! Has Merrill gotten out with you, too?”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, I wish to say that Merrill is the -noblest fellow I ever met. I have watched him closely, -when he little dreamed I was paying the slightest -attention to his acts, or the actions of others, and I wish -to say, commandant, that the day he missed roll call -on account of not finding his cap, some one had taken -it to cause him a demerit. The ink stains on his uniform -were put there by others, and the night that he -was reported as absent without leave from his room I -lay awake, unable to sleep, and he never got out of his -cot; but, whoever it was, gave the name of Merrill -instead of his own, and this I’ll take oath to, sir. In -a number of other cases, commandant, Merrill has been -accused and silently submitted, when I know he was -innocent, and thus the demerits roll up against him. -Against these demerits, sir, he stands perfect in lessons, -thorough in drill, and no complaint against the performance -of any duty he is put upon, which, I think, -sir, if you will pardon the expression of my opinion, -go to prove that where he has a chance to get perfect -marks he gets them, while others get the demerits -against him as one dangerous to have as a rival for -honors.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! I see your reasoning, Mr. Perry; but may I -ask if Merrill knows of your coming to me?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, he has not a suspicion of it, for I come on -my own responsibility, knowing the facts.”</p> - -<p>“It does you credit, let me say, Perry, and your -reasoning is so good that I shall look into the matter -myself.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[100]</span></p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir.”</p> - -<p>“But what does Merrill say of the demerits he -receives?”</p> - -<p>“I have only heard him express himself once, sir, -and then he said that it was not the plain sailing he -had hoped to have here, for in spite of his every effort -to win success he seemed to make a dead failure -of it.”</p> - -<p>“I see; but do not speak of this visit to Merrill or -any one else, and I’ll see what explanation can be -arrived at of his many demerits.”</p> - -<p>“Simply, sir, that he has a secret foe,” was the -almost blunt assertion of Bemis Perry.</p> - -<p>“Then he is fortunate in having also a secret friend -in you, Mr. Perry,” was the commandant’s smiling -response; and Bemis Perry saluted and retired, satisfied -that he had acted as he should have done to save Mark -Merrill from an underhand foe, who meant his dismissal -from the academy.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[101]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A CLOUDED RECORD.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Weeks passed away and the strange fact presented -itself that the cadet midshipman, who was devotedly -studious, thorough in every duty devolving upon him, -perfect in drill and courteous to all, yet kept his list of -demerit marks steadily increasing against him, a circumstance -that could only end in one way.</p> - -<p>Pranks were played, and time and again the guilty -one was said to be Mark Merrill, for he was the one -who seemed to be leading two lives, as it were, secretly -a wild one, openly a perfect one.</p> - -<p>Half-smoked cigars were found by the officer of -inspection in his room, and when he asserted he never -smoked them, as proof against him was a box of perfectos -nearly empty.</p> - -<p>Upon another occasion the inspector found a bottle -that had contained whisky in Merrill’s room, and there -was enough left in it to prove that it had contained the -real old beverage of the Kentucky colonels.</p> - -<p>In many other ways had seeming proof been brought -against Mark Merrill that he was not all that he professed -to be, and many predicted that he would take his -departure from the United States Naval Academy -before very long.</p> - -<p>But one afternoon the corps were assembled, and, to -the surprise of all, the demerits against the cadets were -read out openly.</p> - -<p>Here and there a name was called which held no<span class="pagenum">[102]</span> -demerit mark against it, but when the adjutant came -to the name of Mark Merrill he paused, and a moment -of suspense followed.</p> - -<p>Then came the reading of the number which was -known as the “Fatal Figures.”</p> - -<p>Beyond that number no cadet could go, and Mark -Merrill’s face became deadly pale as he heard the calling -out of the fatal figures. Other names followed, -until the whole roll of the corps had been called, and -no one else came within startling distance of the fatal -figures.</p> - -<p>“Cadet Mark Merrill to the front!” came the adjutant’s -command, for that officer already had his orders.</p> - -<p>Mark advanced promptly until halted.</p> - -<p>White-faced but cool, with every eye upon him, he -stood awaiting what was to come as though he were to -hear his death warrant read.</p> - -<p>To him it was worse, for he expected ignominious -dismissal from the corps.</p> - -<p>“Cadet Merrill, the number of demerits against your -name has reached the limit, the fatal figures which -mean dismissal. The commandant desires to know -what you have to say in your defense?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing, sir, for the demerits stand against me, -and I submit to the laws of the academy in silence.”</p> - -<p>Every one heard the distinctly uttered reply of the -young cadet.</p> - -<p>Then the commandant’s voice was heard:</p> - -<p>“Adjutant, you are to cancel every demerit that -stands against the name of Cadet Midshipman Mark -Merrill.”</p> - -<p>In spite of stern discipline a murmur ran down the -line, for such a command could not be understood.</p> - -<p>But the explanation was not long delayed, for again -the stern voice of the commandant was heard:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[103]</span></p> - -<p>“Cadet Merrill, I have reason to know that when you -failed to appear at roll call, from having lost your cap, -that it was taken from your room to bring about just -such trouble for you. I have reason to know that ink -stains were placed upon your uniform to get you into -trouble, and that the night when you were reported -absent from your room without leave, the one who -answered the officer of the guard was not you, but used -your name. The bottle found in your room, also the -cigars, were put there by those who meant to get you -into trouble. Against such acts, which are explained -away, you stand perfect in your lessons, in drill and all -duties devolving upon you. Hence I cancel these -demerits with the warning to your secret enemies that, -were they known, dismissal should at once follow the -discovery, and if like underhand acts against you, or -others, are perpetrated the guilty ones shall be hunted -down and the severest penalty shall be visited upon -them. Return to the ranks, Cadet Merrill, with your -record clear.”</p> - -<p>There are no more manly youths in the world, taken -as a whole, than our baby tars of Annapolis and -boy soldiers of West Point, and none more ready to do -justice to one of their number wronged, and so it was -that the cadet midshipmen felt assured that the commandant -was doing only justice to Mark Merrill and -letting his persecutors down lightly.</p> - -<p>So they gave three rousing cheers for Mark’s “clear -record,” and a groan for his secret foes.</p> - -<p>If there were several in the corps who joined in the -cheers and groans it was to hide their own confusion -worse confounded.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[104]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE TELLTALE COIN.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Barney Breslin was not a popular youth in the -Naval School.</p> - -<p>His nature was somewhat morose; it seemed to go -against him to salute his superiors, and he had never -won golden opinions for his studious habits and strict -attention to duty.</p> - -<p>He had but one intimate in the corps of cadets, and -that one was Scott Clemmons, his roommate.</p> - -<p>Many wondered how it was that Scott Clemmons -had gotten in with Barney Breslin, for, where the one -was an aristocrat, the other had just escaped being born -in the Emerald Isle, for his parents had set foot upon -the “land of the brave and the free” only a week when -Barney made his <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">début</i> in life.</p> - -<p>The father of the youth had played his cards so well -in the metropolis that he had gotten to be a man of -wealth and a politician of influence, and it had been the -dream of the mother’s life to see her boy an admiral -before she died.</p> - -<p>An only son, Barney had gone it a trifle rapid for a -youngster, and was sent to the Naval School for training. -As he passed his examinations he had the courage, -when a full-fledged cadet, to write to his father -of certain unpaid debts left behind in New York, and -they were promptly settled by the parent, but with an -admonition that not a dollar more should be received -from the Breslin bank account until he had graduated,<span class="pagenum">[105]</span> -and if he failed to do this he had better ship before the -mast, and not show up again under the parental roof -tree.</p> - -<p>Now, Barney was fond of a game of chance, and -when he could find a congenial spirit to play with, he -often indulged in gambling, generally to his sorrow, -for he soon had several I. O. U.’s for various amounts.</p> - -<p>It was supposed that Scott Clemmons helped Barney -Breslin in his studies, for the former was bright and -stood splendidly in his classes.</p> - -<p>In return it was hinted that Barney did many little -favors for Clemmons, mostly of a menial nature, however.</p> - -<p>The inspector always found Clemmons’ wardrobe and -half of the room neat as a pin, while Barney was often -“spotted” for disorder.</p> - -<p>Cadets generally “size up” a man very correctly, -and they decided that when examination day came and -Barney’s displacement was taken, his tonnage in knowledge -would fall short, even though aided by Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>In other words, Barney could never “bone” hard -enough to step across the threshold into the third class.</p> - -<p>“He’ll bilge, certain,” was the general way of putting -Barney’s prospects by his fellow cadets.</p> - -<p>It may, therefore, be inferred that Barney Breslin -was as unpopular as his roommate, Scott Clemmons, -was popular, for the latter was looked upon as a “good -fellow all round,” though a trifle too haughty, perhaps.</p> - -<p>From the first Barney had not liked Mark Merrill, -and he made no effort to disguise it.</p> - -<p>A tall, heavily formed fellow, he possessed great -brute strength, and was brave from this very reason, -feeling his power over weaker mortals, and inclined to -be a bully from nature.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[106]</span></p> - -<p>One afternoon the cadets assembled in considerable -force in the gymnasium, and many were giving exhibitions -of their prowess as athletes, and no mean exhibition -it was, either, for the training that they received -made iron physiques of the youths.</p> - -<p>For some reason an unpleasant feeling rested upon -many, which soon became general when it was known -that Scott Clemmons had lost a valuable coin that -morning.</p> - -<p>It was a rare coin, what is known as a fifty-dollar -gold piece, octagonal in shape, and always quoted at a -large premium on account of the scarcity of such issues -of money.</p> - -<p>All who had seen Scott Clemmons with it knew that -he called it his “luck coin,” and that he prized it most -highly.</p> - -<p>He had changed his clothes that morning, leaving -the coin in the pants he had taken off, and, going for it -an hour after, he found it gone.</p> - -<p>Barney Breslin had expressed himself boldly about -one whom he believed had taken the coin, as he had -said that he met a cadet coming out of the room of -Scott Clemmons and himself, and unless the gold piece -was returned that night, he would make his accusation -public.</p> - -<p>He would not give a hint as to whom he suspected, -but said:</p> - -<p>“Wait until night, and then I shall accuse the one I -deem the thief,” and he turned away to perform an act -which he had won quite a reputation for, which was to -walk around the pedestrian track of the gymnasium on -his hands.</p> - -<p>“Can you do that, Merrill?” asked Scott Clemmons, -who stood near him, and there was a sneer in his tone -and manner.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[107]</span></p> - -<p>“I think so,” was the quiet response, and Mark Merrill -threw himself upon his hands and began to go -around the track, when suddenly, with a loud ring, -the missing gold-piece rolled from his pocket amid -almost a roar of amazement from his brother cadets.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[108]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DOUBLE ACCUSATION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Barney Breslin had just completed his walk on -his hands around the track of the gymnasium, and the -applause with which he had been greeted had ceased, -when Scott Clemmons asked Mark Merrill if he could -accomplish a like feat.</p> - -<p>When the gold coin fell from Mark’s pocket and the -loud murmur of amazement was heard, Barney Breslin -had sprang forward, and seizing the piece of gold cried:</p> - -<p>“It is your luck coin, Clemmons, as I live!”</p> - -<p>“It certainly is, but surely there must be some mistake, -for Merrill could not be guilty of——”</p> - -<p>“I tell you now that he is the man I saw leaving our -room,” said Breslin, interrupting Clemmons.</p> - -<p>And all this time, unheeding the dropping of the -coin from his pocket, Mark Merrill had continued his -hand-walk around the track, accomplishing the feat -with an ease far greater than Barney Breslin had done.</p> - -<p>As he approached the group now, his face flushed -from his peculiar exercise, every eye was upon him, -and a death-like silence was upon all.</p> - -<p>“You must speak, Clemmons, for this cannot be -allowed to go by,” said Breslin, breaking the silence.</p> - -<p>“Merrill, it seems that you accomplished Breslin’s -feat, but you have also done something that he could -not and would not do,” said Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[109]</span></p> - -<p>“What is that, may I ask, Mr. Clemmons?”</p> - -<p>“You dropped something from your pocket awhile -since?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I heard it drop, but as I had no claim to it I -paid no attention to it.”</p> - -<p>“You know what it was?”</p> - -<p>“Ah! yes; an octagonal coin which Breslin stole -from you and placed in my pocket, hoping to prove me -the thief,” was the cool response.</p> - -<p>“Ha! you dare accuse me of being a thief?” and, -like a mad bull, Barney Breslin rushed upon Mark -Merrill.</p> - -<p>Some would have interfered had they had time, and -all expected to see Barney Breslin seize and crush -Mark Merrill in his iron grasp.</p> - -<p>But instead, they saw the huge bully fly backward -with terrific force and measure his length upon the -track of the gymnasium.</p> - -<p>He had been dealt a blow by Mark that half-stunned -him, and amazed all, for the young sailor had never -before shown what he could do with his fists, and his -latent strength was never once suspected, unless it was -by Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>With a howl of rage Barney Breslin arose and -rushed again upon Mark, who cried out:</p> - -<p>“Back, Breslin, or you will regret it!”</p> - -<p>A cry of defiance was Breslin’s only answer, and as -the cadet struck up Mark’s guard, he was enabled to -seize him in his long, powerful arms.</p> - -<p>But only for a moment did he retain his hold, for he -was raised bodily from his feet and dashed to the floor -with a force that shook the building, and he lay limp -and dazed from the fall.</p> - -<p>Though astonished at Mark’s grand exhibition of -strength, and glad as many were to see Barney Breslin<span class="pagenum">[110]</span> -punished, the cadets could not let the charge about the -gold coin go by, and several called out:</p> - -<p>“Prove that you know nothing about that coin, Merrill, -or it will go hard with you.”</p> - -<p>Mark was not in the least disturbed, as he faced those -who demanded an inquiry into the cruel charge against -him, and said in his quiet way, as he stood over the -fallen Breslin:</p> - -<p>“I have nothing to say for myself, but shall ask Mr. -Dillingham to speak for me, after which Mr. Nazro can -speak.”</p> - -<p>“Out with it, Dillingham, if you can say anything -to clear Merrill of this very nasty charge,” said Cadet -Captain Byrd Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“I will only say that since we came into the gymnasium -here Merrill came up to me and said that he had -seen Clemmons’ lost gold piece in Breslin’s hand, and -that he appeared to be trying to slip it into his, Merrill’s -pocket, and asked me to watch him. I did so, -and I did see Breslin pass very near Merrill and appear -to drop something into his pocket, but what it was I -could not see.”</p> - -<p>This testimony from Winslow Dillingham created a -sensation, which was added to when Herbert Nazro -said:</p> - -<p>“And Merrill whispered to me:</p> - -<p>“‘Watch Breslin and see what he is up to, for he has -haunted me ever since I came in.’</p> - -<p>“I did watch him, and I distinctly saw him slip -something yellow into Merrill’s pocket, which now I will -swear was the gold piece which Clemmons lost. Now, -Clemmons, who is the one you accuse?” and Herbert -Nazro turned upon Scott Clemmons, who responded:</p> - -<p>“I make no accusation, and yet I cannot doubt the -evidence of yourself and Dillingham.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[111]</span></p> - -<p>“And I ask you, Breslin, do you dare accuse me?”</p> - -<p>The words were uttered in a low tone, yet all heard -them, and Mark Merrill faced Barney Breslin, who now -stood before him, his face white and bruised from the -blow he had received.</p> - -<p>“Speak, sir!”</p> - -<p>There was a very dangerous light in the eyes of -Mark Merrill now, and there followed his command a -chorus of voices, saying:</p> - -<p>“Yes, speak!”</p> - -<p>But Barney Breslin uttered no word, and his face -grew livid as his eyes roved over to where Scott Clemmons -stood.</p> - -<p>He met only a cold stare from the man who had been -his friend, and placing his hand to his head in a dazed -sort of way, he walked slowly out of the gymnasium.</p> - -<p>“He shall speak!” cried Mark, starting after him, -but a dozen hands held him back, while Byrd Bascomb -said:</p> - -<p>“No need of it, Merrill; for he is the thief.”</p> - -<p>“And worse, he well-nigh ruined you, Merrill,” added -Herbert Nazro.</p> - -<p>“Forgive me, Merrill, but he accused you to me, and -it was his plot to have you walk on your hands that the -money might roll out of your pocket,” and Scott Clemmons -held out his hand.</p> - -<p>But sharp and decisive came the response:</p> - -<p>“No, Clemmons, I will not take your hand, for you -are no more my friend than Breslin has been—I pity -him, but despise you,” and Mark walked away with -Dillingham, Nazro and Byrd Bascomb.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[112]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE STORY TOLD.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Mark Merrill’s first act was to go at once to the -officer of the day and report the occurrence at the -gymnasium.</p> - -<p>Accompanied by Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb, Herbert -Nazro and Winslow Dillingham, who were there -to vouch for the affair as stated, the officer of the day -suggested that the young cadet go immediately to the -commandant, and he would give no order of arrest -against Barney Breslin until he heard from headquarters.</p> - -<p>It was decided then that Mark should go alone to the -commandant and tell his story, while the three cadets -whom he had as witnesses would hold themselves in -readiness to be called upon for their version of the -affair.</p> - -<p>“There will be plenty more of us, Merrill, never fear, -to report the affair as it occurred,” said Byrd Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“Yes, all there knew that you were attacked by Breslin, -which was reversing the old saying and adding -injury to insult, to attempt to annihilate you after he -had accused you of stealing; but, great Scott! what a -knock-down you gave him,” said Nazro, while Dillingham -responded:</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, Merrill can do it, as I have cause to -remember—he tumbled me into the drink,” and all three -laughed at the remembrance.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[113]</span></p> - -<p>“It will go hard with Breslin even if he escapes -arrest for stealing, for Clemmons gave him an awful -ugly look when he saw that he was the thief—that it -was his room mate who had robbed him,” said Dillingham.</p> - -<p>So Mark wended his way to headquarters, and the -commandant granting him an interview, he made a -clean breast of the whole occurrence.</p> - -<p>The commandant listened with an attention that -revealed the deepest interest, for it was something so -thoroughly out of the usual run for one who was to -become an officer in the navy to be accused of theft.</p> - -<p>Mischief untold, hazing, and even insubordination, -might be charged against the jolly young tars, but anything -against their honor was a stigma too serious to -be lightly thought of.</p> - -<p>At last the commandant spoke, and in a low, earnest -tone:</p> - -<p>“You requested Cadets Nazro and Dillingham to -watch Breslin’s movements?”</p> - -<p>“I did, sir, as his actions toward me were curious, -and I caught him trying to slip something in my -pocket. It was done so slyly that had I not been on the -watch I would not have known it, but both Cadets -Nazro and Dillingham saw him do it, and, of course, -when I was challenged to do his feat I accepted and the -coin rolled out.”</p> - -<p>“Did he challenge you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, Clemmons did.”</p> - -<p>“And who accused you?”</p> - -<p>“I continued my hand-walk around the track, sir, -and Cadet Clemmons asked me to explain how it was I -had his luck coin.”</p> - -<p>“And your answer?”</p> - -<p>“I told him that I had no claim to it, as Breslin had<span class="pagenum">[114]</span> -stolen it from him and slipped it into my pocket, a fact -corroborated by Cadets Dillingham and Nazro.”</p> - -<p>“And he attacked you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, and I knocked him down.”</p> - -<p>“And then?”</p> - -<p>“He arose and rushed upon me again.”</p> - -<p>“No one interfered?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; but his movements were very quick, -and——”</p> - -<p>“Contrary to his usual manner,” dryly said the commandant.</p> - -<p>“As he rushed upon me a second time, sir, some one -struck my hand upward, and he grasped me, so I had -to throw him, and I did so with a force which I -intended should prevent a continuance of the fracas.”</p> - -<p>“Then you acted only in self-defense?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“How many cadets were in the gymnasium at the -time?”</p> - -<p>“About one-third of the corps, I should say, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Name others who were there?”</p> - -<p>Mark did so, while the commandant jotted down the -names, until he had fully a score on the list, men from -the various classes, and some of them cadet officers, -who had witnessed the affair.</p> - -<p>Then, after a few moments of silence, the commandant -said:</p> - -<p>“Merrill, in what way have you ever offended Breslin?”</p> - -<p>“I was not aware that I had done so, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Yet he has never been friendly toward you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You have done nothing to anger him?”</p> - -<p>“I have seldom spoken to him, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Did it ever strike you that he was one of your persecutors<span class="pagenum">[115]</span> -when the demerits rolled up against you in the -earlier part of the year?”</p> - -<p>“I have no evidence that he was.”</p> - -<p>“And in what way have you wronged Clemmons?”</p> - -<p>“I prefer not to speak of what occurred prior to my -coming to the academy, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You admit that there was trouble between you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, we had some trouble one day.”</p> - -<p>“I desire to hear your statement of it.”</p> - -<p>“It was of little moment, sir; but one day I went -up from my home to B—— to sell a toy ship I had -made, to get money needed for my mother, who was ill. -Clemmons and a few of his mates, in a spirit of amusement, -set upon me, and my ship was broken. This -angered me, and I used my fists, and we were -arrested.”</p> - -<p>“With what result?”</p> - -<p>“A seaman had taken my part, and he was also -arrested by the constable; but the judge made the lads -pay me for my toy ship, and released the sailor and -myself.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to see, Merrill, that you have told a very -modest and uncompromising story of the affair, for I -have here a letter from a witness, and he is not as -lenient toward the lads who assailed you,” and in a -quick glance at a letter which the commandant turned -back over a file to find, Mark saw the name of “Jack -Judson.”</p> - -<p>Then the commandant continued:</p> - -<p>“I have received several other letters from your old -home, all of them compromising, but as they were -anonymous I simply retain them for reference, as only -a coward will refuse to put his name to an accusation -against one he maligns. You can go to your quarters -now, to await further orders.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[116]</span></p> - -<p>Mark saluted and departed from headquarters, when -the commandant summoned an orderly and gave him -the list of the cadets whose names he had taken down, -ordering their presence before him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[117]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE ALTERNATIVE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>So high is the standard of honor among Uncle Sam’s -cadets that one’s word is as good as his bond in all -things, and a man who would go wrong and do a -despicable thing is despised and ostracised by his comrades -at once.</p> - -<p>Instances are very rare in naval and military life -where an officer goes wrong, though now and then one -does hear that a paymaster, quartermaster, or commissary -has gotten his accounts in a tangle, or that some -officer has been guilty of a “shady transaction” to get -out of debt; but, as I have said, the instances are so -rare that when they do occur they come as a shock upon -the whole service, afloat and ashore.</p> - -<p>In the little world, then, at the Naval School, the -going wrong of Barney Breslin was a blow to the -cadets which all keenly felt.</p> - -<p>It was like a disgrace upon them all to have one not -only be guilty of theft, but to try and place the dishonor -of his act upon a fellow cadet.</p> - -<p>The young sailors gathered about in knots and discussed -the affair.</p> - -<p>Not the shadow of a cloud rested upon Mark Merrill, -but sympathy was felt for him that he should have -been the victim of the thief.</p> - -<p>Breslin had sent out an explanation of his act after -going to his room.</p> - -<p>He had often borrowed the lucky coin and carried it<span class="pagenum">[118]</span> -for days, and that day he had found it on the floor, -where Clemmons must have dropped it, and so had put -it in his pocket, intending later to return it.</p> - -<p>Not seeing Clemmons until they had met in the gymnasium, -and then learning about his supposed loss, he -had said nothing about having it, and in a spirit of fun -had put it in Merrill’s pocket, intending to explain the -joke, as he called it, after it had been discovered who -had it.</p> - -<p>But Merrill had accused him, Breslin, of being the -thief, and so in his anger he had resented it.</p> - -<p>Such was Barney Breslin’s explanation, as written -by him, and read to the cadets by Scott Clemmons, -who was inclined to accept it as the truth.</p> - -<p>But the cadets were not so lenient as was Scott -Clemmons.</p> - -<p>They knew that Breslin had certainly allowed the -belief that Mark Merrill was the thief, and he had -offered no explanation then and there of his conduct.</p> - -<p>They received his lame explanation as that of a man -who was drowning “catching at a straw.”</p> - -<p>They knew that Mark Merrill had reported himself -as having struck a fellow cadet a blow, and that he had -doubtless given his reason for so doing, which they -adjudged a good one.</p> - -<p>What the commandant would think remained to be -seen.</p> - -<p>The commandant’s orderly had been “seen in the -land,” as they, the cadets, expressed it, and, as a -result, certain uniformed gentlemen from the different -classes were seen wending their way toward headquarters.</p> - -<p>Byrd Bascomb gave his version of the affair in the -presence of several officers of the academy, but with no -cadet present other than himself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[119]</span></p> - -<p>The commandant’s secretary jotted down his testimony.</p> - -<p>Then followed Herbert Nazro’s statement, Dillingham’s, -and so on until all had been heard, and no comment -was made in the presence of the cadets, but the -officers were left to discuss the case among themselves.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile the door of Breslin’s room was -closed against all admission, except the well-known -knock of Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>That youth returned from making known his roommate’s -“explanation” to find him seated at his study -table, writing.</p> - -<p>Breslin was very pale and nervous, and Scott Clemmons -wore a painfully anxious look, too.</p> - -<p>“Well?” said Breslin, as Clemmons entered.</p> - -<p>The latter threw himself into his chair and said:</p> - -<p>“It won’t go.”</p> - -<p>“You read it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“What did they say?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing.”</p> - -<p>“That’s good.”</p> - -<p>“That’s bad, for their silence is worse than their chin -music.”</p> - -<p>“Have you seen Merrill?”</p> - -<p>“He is in his room under orders.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what am I to do?”</p> - -<p>“Resign, I should say, and at once.”</p> - -<p>“I half thought of it, and, in fact, had written a letter -to the commandant; but then——”</p> - -<p>“What?”</p> - -<p>“My father will not let me come home.”</p> - -<p>“Try your mother.”</p> - -<p>“It will do no good, for the old man runs the house.”</p> - -<p>“There is one thing certain.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[120]</span></p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p>“If you don’t resign, you’ll be dismissed.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Lord!”</p> - -<p>“If you were not, the cadets would cut you dead, -never speak to you except officially, for they have got a -standard of honor here which only an angel could hope -to attain to.”</p> - -<p>“You had better resign, then, too.”</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“You are no angel.”</p> - -<p>“That’s rather good of you, Breslin; your trouble -seems to have sharpened your wit.”</p> - -<p>“Well, if I resign you ought to do so too, or——”</p> - -<p>“Or what?”</p> - -<p>“I cannot go home.”</p> - -<p>“Try it.”</p> - -<p>“I will, but I know the old man.”</p> - -<p>“Well, if you do not, get work and redeem yourself -in his opinion.”</p> - -<p>“I have no money, as you know, so if I go you must -go, too, or——”</p> - -<p>“Or what, Breslin?”</p> - -<p>“Or support me,” and there was an ugly look came -over the face of the disgraced cadet.</p> - -<p>“I do not understand,” faltered Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Then I will make it so clear that you can grasp it. -I said that if I resign you must do the same, or you -must support me until I get a good position, when I -can take care of myself. Do you understand now, -Clemmons?”</p> - -<p>It seemed that Scott Clemmons did, for his face -turned deadly pale at the alternative given him by the -cadet who now stood at bay.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[121]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">NOT ACCEPTED.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Barney Breslin seemed to have turned at bay, for -he was no longer the obsequious toady of Scott Clemmons -that he had been.</p> - -<p>What he had said, the alternative he had offered, -seemed to have deeply moved Clemmons, for he now -appeared more anxious-faced than did Breslin.</p> - -<p>Thrice he essayed to speak, and each time the words -failed him.</p> - -<p>He at last sat almost helpless before the other, wishing -him to break the silence.</p> - -<p>Breslin paced up and down the room now with a -calmer mien.</p> - -<p>The man had suddenly become the master.</p> - -<p>What hold he had upon Clemmons he gave no utterance -to, but certainly he had a secret power to thus -move the other as he did.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I shall resign. I shall take my resignation over -now to the commandant, for, after all I am tired of -study, and I hardly think I am cut out to be a naval -officer. The standard of excellence and honor are a -trifle too high for me to reach—you see I confess it, -Clemmons. So I’ll take a vacation, and as I have only -a few dollars, I’ll call on you for a loan, you know. -If you have not a large amount about you, give me an -order upon your father, for I must have money, Clemmons, -yes, I must have money, or——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[122]</span></p> - -<p>He paused as though hoping that Scott Clemmons -would ask:</p> - -<p>“Or what?”</p> - -<p>But Clemmons remained silent, and with a determined -look in his face, Breslin finished his sentence -with the words:</p> - -<p>“Or—you go with me, Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>Half an hour after Barney Breslin left his room, and -went to the commandant’s quarters.</p> - -<p>He met an orderly at the door, who said politely:</p> - -<p>“I was just going to seek you, sir, for the commandant -wishes to see you.”</p> - -<p>The next moment Breslin crossed the threshold with -a look upon his face that expressed plainly his thought: -“He who enters here leaves Hope behind.”</p> - -<p>The commandant was there, and so were a number -of officers, all wearing a serious look upon their faces.</p> - -<p>Breslin saluted promptly and awaited the commandant’s -pleasure.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Breslin, I sent for you, as an occurrence in the -gymnasium to-day demands a full inquiry,” said the -commandant sternly.</p> - -<p>“I was on my way here, sir, when I met your -orderly. I am here now, sir, to make the statement -that I was wrong, that what I meant as a joke proved -serious; so serious, in fact, sir, that I hereby tender you -my resignation as a cadet midshipman.”</p> - -<p>All heard the words distinctly, and they were -uttered without a tremor, though the face of the young -man was very pale.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Breslin, you will please sit down at that table -and write and sign your explanation of this unfortunate -affair.”</p> - -<p>The youth obeyed, writing the same explanation he -had sent through Scott Clemmons to the cadets.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[123]</span></p> - -<p>The commandant read it aloud, and then said:</p> - -<p>“This wholly exonerates Cadet Midshipman Mark -Merrill, as you intended it should?”</p> - -<p>“From the charge of taking the luck coin. Yes, -sir.”</p> - -<p>“From what else do you infer that he is not exonerated, -sir?” sternly asked the commandant.</p> - -<p>“From the blow he gave me,” almost fiercely -answered the youth, whose revengeful nature was now -revealed in his face and words.</p> - -<p>The commandant smiled, while he said:</p> - -<p>“From all accounts, Mr. Breslin, you had better let -well enough alone, and certainly your charge was a -just provocation.”</p> - -<p>“I never forget nor forgive an injury, sir,” said the -youth in a pompous manner.</p> - -<p>“Then my decision was a wise one, just arrived at, -that you leave the Naval Academy at once.”</p> - -<p>“And this is an acceptance of my resignation, sir?”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, Mr. Breslin, I decline to accept -your resignation.”</p> - -<p>“I do not quite comprehend you, sir,” faltered the -young man.</p> - -<p>“I decline your resignation, Mr. Breslin, to reserve -to myself the right to dismiss you, as you richly -deserved. Not only did you pilfer from the pockets of -your room mate, but to hide your theft, your ignominious -crime, you tried to fasten the guilt upon another, -a fellow cadet. Your explanation is an awkward one, -a lame one in the extreme, but it serves to exonerate -Mr. Merrill, and to stamp you, under your own signature, -as what you are. I shall at once send my decision -to the Secretary of the Navy for his approval, and -for the honor of this Naval Academy I trust that the -affair will not be blazoned abroad over the land. For<span class="pagenum">[124]</span> -your own sake, you had best depart quietly from the -academy, for the charge against you is a most serious -one.”</p> - -<p>The stern, indignant manner of the commandant -completely cowed the disgraced youth, and he departed -from the presence of his judges with a crestfallen air.</p> - -<p>Returning to his room he found Scott Clemmons -there anxiously pacing the floor.</p> - -<p>His look questioned Breslin, who dropped into a chair -with the words:</p> - -<p>“He refused my resignation.”</p> - -<p>“What?”</p> - -<p>“He dismissed me.”</p> - -<p>“And—and——”</p> - -<p>“That is all,” said Breslin, with a reckless laugh, -and Scott Clemmons gave a deep sigh of relief.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[125]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A SWIMMING MATCH.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Scott Clemmons was not the only one who gave a -sigh of relief when it was known that Barney Breslin -had to leave the academy.</p> - -<p>Perhaps, however, the sigh of relief of the other cadets -was from a different motive than that which came -from the bosom of Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>The decision of the commandant, forwarded by special -carrier to Washington, was promptly approved by -the Secretary of the Navy, and Barney Breslin, awaiting -at the hotel in Annapolis, found himself no longer -a cadet.</p> - -<p>Not even Scott Clemmons dared call openly upon -him to wish him <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bon voyage</i> upon the stormy sea of -life upon which he had embarked.</p> - -<p>He left the town under cover of the darkness, and -the corps breathed more freely to know that the black -sheep of their flock was gone.</p> - -<p>As though to atone for his unfortunate connection -with the accusation against Mark Merrill, Scott Clemmons -had sought out the wronged youth, and frankly -said:</p> - -<p>“I say, Merrill, I’m deuced sorry for all that has happened, -I am, ’pon honor. Breslin was such an awkward -lad I felt sorry for him, but I had no idea that he -was crooked, and he deserved even worse than you -gave him. But say, old shipmate, let us bury the -hatchet between us and be friends. We are rivals, I<span class="pagenum">[126]</span> -know, for first honors in our class, but that should not -make us foes, and here’s my hand in real friendship.”</p> - -<p>This speech was delivered, for Clemmons was nothing, -if not rhetorical, oratorical and dramatic, in the -presence of a dozen fellow cadets.</p> - -<p>He would have considered it as seed sown in barren -places, if he had made his little speech to Mark Merrill -alone.</p> - -<p>The cadets present set it down as “very neat,” -“deuced clever,” and “quite the correct thing, you -know.”</p> - -<p>But Mark Merrill did not seem in the least impressed.</p> - -<p>He heard Clemmons with a patience and silence that -was almost embarrassing.</p> - -<p>Then, without seeming to see the extended hand, he -responded in his quiet way:</p> - -<p>“Clemmons, what Breslin did he has suffered for, -and your seemingly frank offer of friendship under other -circumstances I might appreciate; but I am no hypocrite, -and I will not profess a friendship I do not feel. -I shall treat you with respect, yes, and shall exact the -same treatment from you, but friendship between us is -not to be thought of, as in your heart, you know as -well as I do, that it is not sincere.”</p> - -<p>Clemmons felt sorry that he had not gone to Merrill -in private, for the rejection of his proffered friendship -cut him to the quick.</p> - -<p>His face flushed, then paled, and he said in a tone of -suppressed feeling:</p> - -<p>“So be it, sir, if you desire it,” and he wheeled on -his heel and walked away.</p> - -<p>The cadets present felt that there was an undercurrent -between the two, a feeling that they were not in -touch with, and somehow they decided that Mark Merrill’s -response left him master of the situation, notwithstanding<span class="pagenum">[127]</span> -the very manly <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">amende honorable</i> of Scott -Clemmons, as it had at first seemed to them.</p> - -<p>That Mark was jealous of Clemmons as a rival for -honors they did not for a moment believe.</p> - -<p>He had some secret cause of bitterness against Clemmons, -and he was of too manly a nature to play the -hypocrite, they decided.</p> - -<p>Of course the story of the friendly offer by Scott -Clemmons and its rejection by Mark Merrill became -known to the whole corps, and finally reached the ear -of the commandant.</p> - -<p>A cadet who happened to be present when the commandant -heard the story, engaged in some work at a -table near, told what he had overheard.</p> - -<p>The commandant had said:</p> - -<p>“Merrill was wise; yes, and right, too.”</p> - -<p>The manner in which Mark Merrill had shown himself -both a “slugger” and a wrestler in knocking out -and giving a fall to Barney Breslin, convinced the -corps that there was a latent power in the youth that -should not be allowed to lie dormant.</p> - -<p>He had shown himself a most clever gymnast, but -always in a modest way, and when special attention -was attracted to him, cadets came to understand that -he was as thorough an athlete as he was a student.</p> - -<p>This became an undisputed fact when the young -sailor quietly carried off the prizes from his class one -day for feats of strength, and captured the gold badge -as the “best-drilled man in his company.”</p> - -<p>When the warm days of spring came, a swimming -match was arranged among a score of “champions,” -and Mark entered the contest, while, to the surprise of -all, Scott Clemmons went around among his fellows -quietly taking wagers in favor of the sailor lad from -Maine.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[128]</span></p> - -<p>The result proved his wisdom, or that he had heard -the stories told of the “boy fish,” as the lad had been -called at home, for as far as Mark was concerned, it -was no race, as he swam nearly half the time under -water, rounded the turning stake and came back home -at an easy stroke, distancing all the others.</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons smiled blandly, and said to his -chum, Harbor Driggs:</p> - -<p>“I told you to go on Merrill.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but Ferd Randall was in the race, and——”</p> - -<p>“He was not in the race with Merrill, as you now -know. I tell you the fellow is a wonder in the water, and the -surgeon said he must have a double pair of lungs.”</p> - -<p>“He certainly played with Ferd Randall.”</p> - -<p>“He did not show what he could do. Why, at home -they called him the ‘boy fish.’”</p> - -<p>“Say, Clemmons,” said Ferd Randall suddenly.</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“I wonder if he’s going to do the same way in his -class at examination?”</p> - -<p>“No, for I am in the class, you know,” was the conceited -response.</p> - -<p>“That’s so, I hadn’t thought of that,” replied Randall, -and Clemmons wondered if he was in earnest or -sarcastic.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[129]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE “WATER WIZARD.”</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Following the swimming races came rowing and -sailing matches and the fourth class pair of sculls, and -four and eight barges, had the temerity to offer a challenge, -open to all.</p> - -<p>They promptly found acceptances, in other classes, -and it was found that Mark Merrill was one of a pair -of scullers, and held a seat in the four and eight-oared -barges, while he was also matched for an open to all -in single sculls.</p> - -<p>“No need of betting against Merrill in single sculls, -for he is a fisherman, you know, and rowed in the surf -from boyhood,” said Scott Clemmons with a sneer.</p> - -<p>“You intend to bet on him, then, Clemmons?” asked -Byrd Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“Of course I do, for I know what the fellow could -do in a swimming match, and he is just as good with -oars.”</p> - -<p>The day of the races for the championship came -round and the eight-oared barge was ahead, but crowded -by its nearest rival, when Mark’s oar snapped, and they -were passed.</p> - -<p>But he seized the oar of one of the men who had -weakened, and they came in second amid tremendous -cheers.</p> - -<p>All had to admit, but for the breaking of Merrill’s -oar, his boat would have led to the finish.</p> - -<p>In the double-scull race Bemis Perry, his roommate,<span class="pagenum">[130]</span> -was his partner, and, coached by Mark, the youth had -become a strong and skillful oarsman.</p> - -<p>They dropped astern at the start, but pushed their -three rivals hard apace, which began to tell in the end, -and nearing the finish they slipped by, first one, then -the other, and at last left the first-class men astern, -winning by a strong and steady stroke.</p> - -<p>The following day the race came off for single sculls, -and it was a foregone conclusion that Mark Merrill -would win.</p> - -<p>When the word was given to go, Mark seemed not to -hear it, but the others started off like arrows.</p> - -<p>Bemis Perry, Nazro, Dillingham, Clemmons, Ferd -Randall, and half a dozen more were in the race, and -they all started in a bunch, all except Mark.</p> - -<p>At last he started, crossing the line just in the nick -of time to prevent being ruled out, and then seeming -as though willing to give up as the others had such a -long lead.</p> - -<p>“I’ll bet my hat he’s jockeying,” cried Bascomb, and -as he spoke Mark’s oars went down with a mighty -sweep, and his boat clove the waters like a knife.</p> - -<p>Randall was soon picked up, then came Neil Carroll, -Harbor Driggs, Frank Latrobe, and the rear contingent -were dropped astern.</p> - -<p>A second squadron was just ahead, and in it were -Nazro, Dillingham, Swamsey, and Denton.</p> - -<p>They were at the turning-stake and Mark Merrill -swept out beyond them, giving them ample room.</p> - -<p>But when they settled for the pull home it was seen -that he had them astern, and he was rowing well, with -long, tremendous strokes that did not seem to distress -him. Ahead of him were three scullers, McNulty, the -champion of the year before, with Bemis Perry and -Scott Clemmons leading him by a length.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[131]</span></p> - -<p>Clemmons was gradually drawing ahead of Perry, -but so slowly as to be almost imperceptible, and all had -their eyes upon the tremendous strokes of the racer -coming on astern.</p> - -<p>The excitement now grew intense ashore as Mark -was seen to draw up even with McNulty.</p> - -<p>“He can never catch the leaders,” yelled Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“That boy is a wizard with the oars,” said a professor.</p> - -<p>Then all saw Mark deliberately rest his oars a -second, raise his skull-cap to McNulty, and then shoot -on toward the leaders.</p> - -<p>Such a yell as went up ashore made the buildings -ring.</p> - -<p>Ahead Perry and Clemmons were struggling manfully, -the latter bending every energy to defeat Merrill, -whom he now had come to fear, for that raising of -his cap to McNulty showed that he had confidence in -his power to win.</p> - -<p>On they swept, Clemmons leading Perry half a -length and Merrill three lengths behind the latter.</p> - -<p>The finish was yet a third of a mile away, and the -pace was terrific, for all realized that Mark Merrill had -taken tremendous chances for losing by his play at the -start, for every one now knew that he had been purposely -playing.</p> - -<p>Nearer came the goal, and Perry still held his place -on Clemmons’ quarter.</p> - -<p>But Mark had lessened the daylight between them -until he was but a length astern.</p> - -<p>“He is dropping back!” yelled Bascomb.</p> - -<p>But no, he was only drawing off to one side to get -good passing room, for he did not like to pass too near -Scott Clemmons. He did lose half a length by this, but -he had a clear reach ahead of him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[132]</span></p> - -<p>Ashore the excitement was dreadful, the suspense -painful.</p> - -<p>“Can mortal man do it?” was the question on every -lip.</p> - -<p>The rear scullers had stopped rowing, and were -watching the race.</p> - -<p>There were three prizes, and the three men ahead, -Clemmons, Perry and Merrill, in the order named, -could never be overhauled.</p> - -<p>The others were not in the race, even McNulty knew -this.</p> - -<p>The fourth class was winning the day, no matter -who held first at the finish of that superb trio.</p> - -<p>With a grand spurt Mark Merrill leveled himself -with Perry, and a yell burst from every lip, as that -same performance was repeated—Mark raised his cap -to Perry.</p> - -<p>Only a couple of hundred yards away was the finish. -Could he win it?</p> - -<p>Clemmons was pulling forty strokes to the minute, -long, telling strokes they were, too, and the goal was -near.</p> - -<p>Merrill was upon his quarter, then abreast, then his -sharp prow shot ahead amid the wildest enthusiasm, -while suddenly as though to show he knew his -strength and speed far better than all others he got daylight -between his rival so well that he sped like an -arrow across his bows, and <a id="Ref_133a" href="#Ref_133">with a quick turn again -fairly threw himself over the line</a>, while the fact that -Bemis Perry had suddenly forged a quarter of a length -ahead of Clemmons and came in second, was hardly -noticed in the pandemonium that followed the triumph -of the “water wizard.”</p> - -<div id="Ref_133" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i133.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“Mark Merrill crossed the line a winner.” (See <a href="#Ref_133a">page 132</a>)</p></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[133]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">“HONORS EASY.”</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The wild applause which greeted Mark Merrill as -the boat race ended with his shooting across the finish -a length in advance of Bemis Perry, who was a quarter -of his boat ahead of Scott Clemmons, lasted for -some time.</p> - -<p>At last the cadets got the victor upon their shoulders -and carried him around in spite of his great desire to -hide himself from the furore his wonderful endurance -and phenomenal speed had created.</p> - -<p>“Every record broken!” cried one.</p> - -<p>“He is a marvel!”</p> - -<p>“Why, he played with Clemmons!”</p> - -<p>“He rows as he swims!”</p> - -<p>“The fourth class has bagged the prizes this time.”</p> - -<p>“Look out now that Merrill does not have honors -easy in the classrooms.”</p> - -<p>Such were the expressions heard upon every side as -the enthusiastic cadets roamed about, talking over the -race.</p> - -<p>As for Bemis Perry, he accepted the congratulations -in his quiet way, and remarked:</p> - -<p>“I knew that Merrill would win, for you know I -have rowed often with him; but I feared he was playing -too much after we got started.</p> - -<p>“He said to me that I would beat Clemmons, and I -did, I am glad to say; but Merrill is a wonder.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[134]</span></p> - -<p>“He is, indeed,” chimed in McNulty.</p> - -<p>“He said as he passed me:</p> - -<p>“‘Pardon me, McNulty, but I wish to catch up with -the procession.’”</p> - -<p>“And he did,” said Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“The trouble was the procession did not keep up with -the music Merrill played; the time was too rapid,” -Herbert Nazro said.</p> - -<p>“How it cuts Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he feels his defeat more keenly than Merrill -enjoys his victory—here comes Clemmons now.”</p> - -<p>And Clemmons walked up, his face flushed from -exercise, and a look in his sunken eyes as of an overworked -man.</p> - -<p>“Well, Clemmons, you got one of the prizes,” said -Byrd Bascomb.</p> - -<p>“Give it to McNulty, for I take only first prize or -none,” was the ill-tempered response.</p> - -<p>Bascomb’s face flushed, and he said:</p> - -<p>“You would have won if it had not been for one -thing, Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>“What was that?” eagerly asked Scott Clemmons, -catching at a straw of hope.</p> - -<p>“You did not row fast enough.”</p> - -<p>A laugh followed this, and Clemmons responded:</p> - -<p>“Merrill crossed my bow and kept me back.”</p> - -<p>“He did nothing of the kind.”</p> - -<p>“He did not cross my bow?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he did that, and he gave you plenty of water, -as every man here will testify. The act was against -him, not you, for it retarded him; yet he recovered his -speed and landed ahead of you. He crossed Perry’s -bow also, and yet he makes no such claim as a foul.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll admit he is a wonderful oarsman, and I said so -before the race; but still I hoped to beat him.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[135]</span></p> - -<p>“You are also a superb oarsman, Clemmons, as is -Perry, McNulty, and others, but Merrill is a wonder, -for he came in the freshest man of the lot.”</p> - -<p>“He ought to row fast and long, for he is a fisherman,” -growled Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Was, my friend, not is; for he is now a cadet and -a gentleman, as all are supposed to be, though now and -then we catch a black sheep in the fold, like your roommate, -Breslin,” and Byrd Bascomb walked away after -delivering this shot, for all knew how sensitive Clemmons -was about his former friend, Barney Breslin.</p> - -<p>Seeing that his ill-natured remarks about Mark’s -splendid victory would meet only with rebuke, Scott -Clemmons said:</p> - -<p>“Well, I must give in that he is physically my -superior; but there are three things I will have a -chance to get even with him on.”</p> - -<p>“What are they?” asked Herbert Nazro, in an interested -manner.</p> - -<p>“Swordsmanship, pistol practice and the mental -examinations.”</p> - -<p>“Well, we will see,” was the reply of Nazro, and as -he walked away with Dillingham he said:</p> - -<p>“I would not be surprised if Clemmons did carry off -the honors of his class at examination, and he has the -name of being a dead shot and splendid hand with the -sword.”</p> - -<p>The boat race was the talk of the cadets for some -days, and then the shadows of the final struggle for -mental supremacy occupied every mind.</p> - -<p>The time was near at hand when the classes were to -face the dread ordeal of examination, and the cadets -were busy “boning” at every chance they got.</p> - -<p>There was a certain reserve force in Mark Merrill -which caused his rivals to fear him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[136]</span></p> - -<p>He had never been boastful about his strength and -powers as an athlete, yet when put to the test he easily -took first place.</p> - -<p>He had told no tales of the superb power he possessed -as a swimmer, and yet when matched in a race showed -what he could do.</p> - -<p>It was the same in a boat race, for though he had a -fine, strong stroke, he only drew upon his hidden powers -when victory demanded it.</p> - -<p>In his class he stood well in his studies, always knew -his lessons, no more; but would he not surprise all -when it came to the tug of war?</p> - -<p>At last the time came round for this much mooted -question to be answered, and when the honor man of -the fourth class was called upon to come to the front, -his name was Mark Merrill.</p> - -<p>“I told you so! it was honors easy for Merrill,” Byrd -Bascomb had muttered to Nazro, who whispered:</p> - -<p>“Look at Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>Opposite the name of Scott Clemmons stood “Number -Two;” but the look upon his face was such as a -man might wear who had dropped from hope to -despair.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[137]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A LETTER FROM HOME.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Mark Merrill had passed his first year in his fight -for fame, and he had won against every obstacle placed -in his path.</p> - -<p>The humble fisher lad, “entered at large for gallant -services rendered,” but coming from the rock-bound -coast of Maine, the nursery of hero sailors, as is, in -fact, the whole coast of New England, had cast his -anchor to windward and thus kept himself off the -breakers.</p> - -<p>It had held firm, and he had been landed as the master -mind of his class.</p> - -<p>Thanks to a splendid physique he had passed the surgeon, -and his gratitude went out whole-souled to his -noble mother, because her teachings had enabled him -to know sufficient of books to enter upon his career as a -cadet.</p> - -<p>Thanks to his splendid training as a sailor, a fisher -lad, and mail-carrier in the roughest weather, he had -the constitution, training and endurance to face every -hardship, and thus had won victory in sports as well -as in the study hall.</p> - -<p>He possessed a soul too proud to fail after what the -Honorable Secretary of the Navy had done for him, -and the encouragement given him by Commodore -Lucien.</p> - -<p>To that officer he had written, returning the money<span class="pagenum">[138]</span> -he had paid for his “outfit,” and received a kind, -encouraging letter in return.</p> - -<p>Though confident that the commandant, and other -officers of the academy, were his firm friends, he had -been most cautious never to abuse that friendship.</p> - -<p>He had fought his way unaided, and he believed -that he had won the respect and friendship of his comrades, -or most of them, against every slur cast upon -him, every innuendo, every prophecy of failure.</p> - -<p>Warmly came the congratulations of the cadets upon -his success, and going to his room with a happy heart, -he found there Bemis Perry, who said warmly as he -entered:</p> - -<p>“Old man, you knocked Clemmons clean over the -ropes, and the Lord bless you for it. I just heard him -say that next year would tell a different story, so you -know what is before you. He is a bad man on even -terms.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he’s a dangerous rival, I admit; but being forewarned -is forearmed. Perry and I thank you for the -hint. Clemmons did splendidly, and I congratulate you -upon your standing number three—make it number -two next time, for I intend to be number one.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Merrill, that is the first boast I ever heard -from your lips; but I’ll keep it dark and book it for -future reference.”</p> - -<p>“Do so,” said Mark with a laugh.</p> - -<p>“Ah! I nearly forgot to tell you that I receipted for -three express packages for you and put them in your -wardrobe.”</p> - -<p>“Three express packages for me?” asked Mark, with -surprise.</p> - -<p>“Yes, you will find them here,” and Bemis Perry -opened the wardrobe.</p> - -<p>One was a box, a foot square, and marked:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[139]</span></p> - -<p class="center" style="padding-right:16em">“<span class="smcap">Valuable.</span></p> - -<p class="center">“CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL.”</p> - -<p>The second was a small package also, bearing a value -mark, while the third was a money envelope addressed -in a graceful feminine hand which caused Mark to -exclaim:</p> - -<p>“This is from my dear, good mother.”</p> - -<p>He broke the seal, and within found a letter and one -hundred dollars.</p> - -<p>The letter he hastily read. It was as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="ir2">“<span class="smcap">Cliff Castle</span>, Thursday.</p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">My Own Dear Son</span>: I have had you in my mind -ever since your last letter informing me of your triumphs -in the sports allowed at the academy, and your -determination to win the first honors of your class, -though, as you state, young Clemmons, of B——, may -be a dangerous rival.</p> - -<p>“I fear that you will study too hard and make yourself -ill, for well I know your determined nature to stop -at no obstacle. My anxiety is such that I wish you to -telegraph me of your health the moment you receive -this, for I express my letter from B——, and have -arranged to have your message sent to me as soon as it -arrives. I shall be in suspense until I hear from you. -I send herewith one hundred dollars, knowing that you -will have use for money, now that your first year is -about ending, and I can readily spare it, as your venture -with your schooner has turned out most substantially, -as I hinted in a former letter.</p> - -<p>“Captain Crane is as honest as the day is long, and -has paid me from the earnings of the schooner during -the past year twelve hundred dollars as my share, and -as the expenses of Peggy and myself are so modest, -one-third the sum supplies our wants. Then, too, I -have not had to touch the amount in bank, which you -sent to me from the cruise to Norfolk, so, you see you -can afford to use the money I send you. I have subscribed<span class="pagenum">[140]</span> -for a New York daily and anxiously read in it -all naval news, so you see you are ever in my mind, my -dear son. I suppose you will go upon a cruise for the -summer, and I hope it will greatly benefit you after -your year of hard study, also giving you a chance to see -something of the world.</p> - -<p>“Next year I shall try and pay you a visit. My -health is excellent and Peggy is positively getting fat. -Captain Crane and his boys always ask about you. I -had no idea how many warm friends you had in B—— -until I came here to-day. I am writing this letter at -the hotel, and Miss Virgene, who is a lovely girl, -asks me to send her best wishes and regards.”</p></div> - -<p>There was a little more about home affairs and then -Mark sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Perry, I must go and telegraph to my mother, as -she fears I am ill, so open those other two packages for -me, please.”</p> - -<p>Then Mark hastened out of the room, obtained leave, -and sent the following dispatch:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Letter received with money. Many thanks for -your kindness. Am in perfect health. Stood Number -One in my class. Regards to Peggy. With love.</p> - -<p class="ir2 p-1">“<span class="smcap">Mark.</span>”</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[141]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE MIDSHIPMAN’S REVERIE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Having telegraphed his mother as requested, Mark -Merrill made his way back to the academy.</p> - -<p>If he had sought for an opportunity to show his popularity -it could not have come to him any better, for at -the telegraph office the operator who read his message -said, pleasantly:</p> - -<p>“Permit me to congratulate you, Mr. Merrill, upon -your success.”</p> - -<p>The sergeant, at the entrance to the academy grounds -also had a polite and pleasant congratulation for him, -as did several of the officer’s wives whom he met, -while a group of cadets, as he went by, gave him a -salute and a hurrah.</p> - -<p>Returning to his room he was greeted with a shout of -delight from Bemis Perry.</p> - -<p>“Old man, you are a lucky dog! Behold!”</p> - -<p>Upon the table before him lay a handsome watch -and chain.</p> - -<p>Upon one side of the watch was engraved a yacht -scudding along in a storm, and at her helm a bareheaded, -barefooted boy.</p> - -<p>The engraving was certainly most artistically done, -while beneath were the words:</p> - -<p class="center">“A BOY PILOT OUR ONLY HOPE.”</p> - -<p>Upon the other side of the watch was engraved the -following:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[142]</span></p> - -<p class="center" style="line-height:1.5">“PRESENTED TO<br /> -<span class="largefont">CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL,</span><br /> -as a souvenir of his heroism in risking his own life to -save others from death.”</p> - -<p>Below was the date of the saving of the yacht Midshipman, -and the name of the Secretary of the Navy.</p> - -<p>“There’s something for your grandchildren to be -proud of, Merrill,” cried Bemis Perry.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I am proud of it myself; but it is more than -I deserve, Perry, as I did not risk my life, you know, -for I could have swam back to the shore if I found I -could not have reached the yacht, and I got my reward -in my appointment here; but here is a card,” and -Mark read aloud:</p> - -<p>“Since your entrance to the Naval Academy my eye -has been upon you, my young friend, and I congratulate -you upon your success, and beg your acceptance of the -accompanying as a token of my appreciation of the -debt of gratitude I owe you.”</p> - -<p>“Most neatly expressed, Merrill; but now look here,” -and Perry took from the box a superb, gold-mounted -sea-glass.</p> - -<p>“How beautiful!” exclaimed Mark, as he had just -put his watch and chain in place.</p> - -<p>“The commodore has got his eye on you, too, Merrill,” -said Perry, with a laugh, as he pointed to what -was engraved on the glasses:</p> - -<p class="center" style="line-height:1.25"><span class="smallfont">“PRESENTED AS A TRIBUTE TO TRUE COURAGE<br /> -TO</span><br /> -<span class="largefont">CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL,</span><br /> -<span class="smallfont">FROM</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">David Lucien, Commodore U. S. Navy</span>.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[143]</span></p> - -<p>Mark Merrill was deeply moved by these expressions -of gratitude and good will from such men as were the -donors of the magnificent gifts to him.</p> - -<p>He walked to the window of his room, glass in hand, -and stood gazing listlessly out upon the scene before -him.</p> - -<p>It was no dream, as he had often feared, for before -him was the ocular demonstration of the fact that he -was a naval cadet in the service of his country.</p> - -<p>His thoughts went back to little more than a year, -when in his little surf-skiff he was carrying the mail -through sunshine and storm along the rugged coast.</p> - -<p>Just then Scott Clemmons passed before him, and he -recalled the change since that meeting at B——, when -his toy ship had been broken.</p> - -<p>Then Clemmons, the son of a rich man, coming of a -family of aristocrats, had seemed to tower far above -him.</p> - -<p>But to-day how different, for Clemmons was his vanquished -rival.</p> - -<p>Then he was, as his rival had so often said, a poor -fisher lad, unknown to all except the few who admired -his pluck as a young sailor.</p> - -<p>Now he stood here a victor, honored by his commanders -and comrades, the recipient of costly gifts from -the head of the navy, and one high in rank.</p> - -<p>Then, little over a year before he was poor, his -mother with scarcely the money to buy medicine, and -now she had sent him money and had plenty remaining—what -seemed a small fortune to her and to him, -for he was economical, though not mean, and not a dollar -of his pay had he squandered.</p> - -<p>The past was behind him, the future opened brightly -before him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[144]</span></p> - -<p>Three more years<a id="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and he would win his fight for -fame, if all went well.</p> - -<p>He had vowed to win, and that vow must be kept, -come what might, against all odds.</p> - -<p>“Only death shall conquer me!” broke sternly from -his lips, as the midshipman finished his reverie and -turned again toward his roommate, whose very presence -he had forgotten.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Before the making of the term six years at the Naval Academy. -The <span class="smcap">Author</span>.</p></div></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[145]</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE FIRST CRUISE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>At last the active days of preparation had passed, the -stormy scenes of hope and despair for the graduates -and those striving to stand at the head of their classes -had gone, and a calm had fallen upon the Naval -School.</p> - -<p>A restful lull was upon all.</p> - -<p>The graduates, those who had become full-fledged -officers, had gone off on their short leave to their homes, -to receive the congratulations of kindred and friends, -to enjoy a rest before returning to report for stern duty -afloat.</p> - -<p>They had stepped from light-hearted boyhood with -all its joys, across the threshold of manhood with all -its cares and ambitions.</p> - -<p>The first class and the third were busy preparing -for the annual cruise, the remainder of the cadets were -to stay behind and while the time away as best they -could between duty and the freedom allowed them.</p> - -<p>Not as toy sailors were the cadets to go to sea, but in -the capacity of ordinary seamen.</p> - -<p>Theirs was to be the duty of sailors before the mast, -and they were to be drilled and disciplined in all their -duties as such.</p> - -<p>If they were to command men they must learn the -duties of those they were to order aloft, and, learning -to obey to perfection, they could the better learn to -thoroughly command.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[146]</span></p> - -<p>Of course, having stepped up a grade and entered -upon a higher plane of study and work, Mark Merrill -was to go on the sea cruise.</p> - -<p>Then, too, Scott Clemmons, Bemis Perry, and the -others of his grade were to go with him, along with -the men who had stepped into the places of those who -had emerged from the embryo state of the cadet into -the reality of the officer.</p> - -<p>An old vessel of war of full rig, without steam, and -sail only as a propelling power, a ship with a record -away back two generations, was the craft that was to -become the sea school of the young sailors.</p> - -<p>They sailed in joyous spirits, all anxious to rove the -deep blue sea.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="indentquote0">“With a wet sheet, -</div><div class="indent0">And a flowing sea, -</div><div class="indent0">And a wind that follows fast.” -</div></div></div></div> - -<p>Mark Merrill was now like one in his true element.</p> - -<p>He had been literally born upon the ocean, and from -his earliest remembrance had known how to row and -sail a boat, to swim and face the ocean in sunshine and -tempest.</p> - -<p>All his companions could see that Mark’s learning -aboard ship had come from stern experience rather -than teaching, and here, too, Scott Clemmons felt his -inferiority, and it but added another cup of bitterness -to the draught he was forced daily to swallow, for still -did the “poor fisher lad” prove his right to be his master.</p> - -<p>The voyage had been mapped out for the cadet -cruiser, and after a run down the beautiful Chesapeake -she rounded the capes, and began to roll upon the blue -waters of the Atlantic.</p> - -<p>Her first port was to be New York, and thither all -letters had been ordered to meet her, while many of the<span class="pagenum">[147]</span> -relatives and friends of the young sea-rovers were there -assembled to meet them and wish them a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">bon voyage</i> -upon their cruise across the seas.</p> - -<p>Hardly had the anchor been let fall in the North -River when a boat with one oarsman came off bearing -a visitor.</p> - -<p>“Merrill, take an observation of that fellow and see -if it is not Barney Breslin,” said Bemis Perry, pointing -to the occupant of the boat.</p> - -<p>“It certainly is; but can he be coming aboard here?” -asked Mark in surprise.</p> - -<p>“He is; but if there’s a man aboard who speaks to -him he ought to be given the cut direct.”</p> - -<p>Mark said nothing, and soon after the boat was -hailed by the officer of the deck.</p> - -<p>“I have letters for Cadet Scott Clemmons, and it is -important for him to receive them at once,” was the -answer to the hail.</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, come alongside,” was the response of the -officer of the deck, as the boat ran up to the gangway.</p> - -<p>The next moment Barney Breslin stepped on board, -and was in the presence of those who had been his companions -at the Naval School, face to face with those -who had known him as a thief.</p> - -<p>His face was flushed, but it seemed rather from the -effects of drink than from shame, for his whole appearance -indicated that he led a dissipated life.</p> - -<p>His dress was of the shabby genteel, and those who -knew something of his antecedents felt convinced that -his father had not taken him back into the bosom of -the family, or else, as the son of a rich man, why was -he looking so very seedy?</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons was below aiding the commander -in some work at the time he was sent for, and he was -excused to go on deck and meet his visitor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[148]</span></p> - -<p>Who that visitor was he had not the remotest idea, -and it flashed through his mind that it might be his -paternal ancestor.</p> - -<p>Bemis Perry was not one to let him off without a -shot, so said:</p> - -<p>“Clemmons, your old friend Barney Breslin has -called upon you, and from his looks I guess he wants -a loan.”</p> - -<p>The face of Scott Clemmons flushed scarlet, and the -blood, as quickly retreating, left it as white as a corpse.</p> - -<p>There stood Breslin, calmly gazing about the vessel, -with no show of emotion at the awkward predicament -he had placed himself in.</p> - -<p>He had spoken to two cadets near him, calling them -by name, and addressing them in the free and easy -manner of an old friendship.</p> - -<p>One of them was Bemis Perry, and he looked him -squarely in the face as he said:</p> - -<p>“By what right, sir, do you dare to address a gentleman?”</p> - -<p>With this he walked away and met Clemmons as -he came on deck.</p> - -<p>Decatur Knowles, the other cadet to whom Breslin -had spoken, simply cut him dead in silence, and walked -away.</p> - -<p>Just then, as Breslin, not in the least abashed, for -he gave a low, defiant laugh, turned and glanced over -the ship, Scott Clemmons came on deck and started -toward him, but all saw with no joy at beholding him.</p> - -<p>Breslin said as he saw him:</p> - -<p>“Ah, Clemmons, old boy, how are you?”</p> - -<p>He held out his hand, but without taking it, Clemmons -responded in a low voice, quivering with anger, -but which several overheard:</p> - -<p>“Why have you dared come here and ask for me?”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[149]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE DEMAND.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>In answer to the hail of the officer of the deck Barney -Breslin had asserted that he had important letters -for Scott Clemmons, and so had come on board.</p> - -<p>His speaking to Bemis Perry and his rebuff, his cut -by Decatur Knowles, and the fact that a score of middies -took it into their heads to pass near him and make -no acknowledgment of his existence, did not appear to -distress him in the least.</p> - -<p>“He has the gall of a book agent,” muttered a cadet, -in reference to him.</p> - -<p>“The cheek of a Chinese idol,” another remarked.</p> - -<p>“I pity him that he has fallen so low,” Mark Merrill -commented, for it did distress him to see one who -had once had the same opportunity they all had of making -a name for himself throw it away as he had done.</p> - -<p>“Your heart is softer than your fist, Merrill,” Dillingham -returned with a smile.</p> - -<p>“Hard as you can hit, Merrill, I do not believe you -could bruise that fellow’s cheek,” said Nazro.</p> - -<p>Though not wishing to appear to watch his meeting -with Clemmons, all eyes turned surreptitiously upon -the two, and several who were nearest heard the very -decidedly uttered words of the cadet midshipman as to -why the disgraced youth had dared visit him aboard -ship.</p> - -<p>But Breslin did not seem in the least disconcerted,<span class="pagenum">[150]</span> -nor did he make an effort to hand over the “important -letters,” which he had said he brought with him.</p> - -<p>He simply dropped his outstretched hand, which -Clemmons failed to take, and while his eyes flashed -with anger, replied:</p> - -<p>“Ah! you, too, do not care to recognize me, Clemmons; -but I guess that you will have to do so, for I -came to see you and am not to be snubbed.”</p> - -<p>“I was told I had a visitor, but had I known that it -was you, Breslin, I would not have seen you.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! but suppose I had insisted?”</p> - -<p>“Come, say why you have come here, where not a -man will recognize you.”</p> - -<p>“True; but what do I care for the recognition of my -foes so long as my dear friend Clemmons recognizes -me.”</p> - -<p>“Will you tell me why you are here, for I am busy -in the captain’s cabin?”</p> - -<p>“If you cannot find time to see me here, appoint an -hour ashore, for it is important.”</p> - -<p>“It will be impossible for me to see you, Breslin.”</p> - -<p>“See here, Clemmons, I wish to see you upon a matter -of importance, I tell you.”</p> - -<p>“I cannot tell when I will come ashore.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will appoint to-night at eight o’clock, at the -Astor House.”</p> - -<p>“I cannot be there.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, I shall take a trip to Maine to-morrow, -if you do not come.”</p> - -<p>“What do I care where you go?”</p> - -<p>“I believe you live in Maine.”</p> - -<p>“I am a sailor, sir, my home being aboard ship.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! grandiloquently said, my sea cub, my baby -tar, who is not yet out of Uncle Sam’s nursery for middies. -You do not live in Maine now?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[151]</span></p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Your father does.”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“I shall go there to see him.”</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons started, and asked quickly:</p> - -<p>“And why?”</p> - -<p>“Because I can get no satisfaction from you.”</p> - -<p>“What do you wish from my father?”</p> - -<p>“What I desire is from his son. I am poor, very -poor, and in distress, as I wrote you, and which letter, -with several others, you did not favor with a response. -But I know you got the last, for I sent it to your town -in Maine to be registered, and I got the return card -with your name on it as having received it. You -thought it was a money package from home, and found -it was a letter from your old chum whom you have -treated so badly. I told you that my parents had -refused to receive me at first, but relented, and I was -given a chance; but I lost heavily in gambling one -night, so got money to pay the debt by using my -father’s name, which is the same as my own, you -know, only I forgot to mention on the check that I was -my paternal’s junior, you know, and this little discrepancy -got me fired out of the home circle. Luck is -against me now, I’m down at the heels, and must have -money, so I came to my rich friend and bygone chum, -Scott Clemmons. I’ll be at the Astor House at eight -o’clock, and if you are not there I’ll be there again at -the same hour in the morning. Then if I miss you I’ll -start for Maine, and have a talk with Clemmons, senior—ta-ta, -Scotty—tra la-la, dear boy,” and Barney Breslin -made a mock salute and turned toward the gangway.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[152]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">KEEPING AN APPOINTMENT.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Scott Clemmons did not even walk to the gangway -with his visitor.</p> - -<p>He saw him depart, and then walked aft to where a -group of cadets stood.</p> - -<p>He knew he would have to face the music, so he -decided to meet the onslaught at once.</p> - -<p>“I say, Clemmons, who was your seedy friend?” -asked one.</p> - -<p>“What a loud suit he wears.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he is as striped as a zebra.”</p> - -<p>“But the stripes run up and down.”</p> - -<p>“True, and it makes a heap of difference to a man -which way he wears his stripes.”</p> - -<p>“If I recognized the gentleman aright his home -should be an institution where the stripes should run -round him,” said Perry.</p> - -<p>“You are right, Perry; for, as you all know, doubtless, -the fellow was my old chum, Barney Breslin,” -remarked Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Why did he not give you the letters he had for -you?”</p> - -<p>“What letters?”</p> - -<p>“He answered the hail of the officer of the deck with -the remark that he had most important letters for you.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! he said nothing to me about them. In -truth, that was a mere excuse to get aboard, for he -came to borrow money.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[153]</span></p> - -<p>“Ah! he had cheek to come here, and to get any -money was worse.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t owe him any money, do you, Clemmons?” -innocently said one of the cadets.</p> - -<p>“Owe him? I only wish I had what he owes me; -but he came and asked me for a loan, and I guess he -has gone to the bad utterly, for his father has cast him -off, he told me.”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t see you lend him any.”</p> - -<p>“No, and I told him never to cross my path again,” -and with this Clemmons returned to his work in the -captain’s cabin.</p> - -<p>Later a number of midshipmen were given leave -ashore, and Scott Clemmons was among them. So, too, -were Mark Merrill and Bemis Perry.</p> - -<p>The latter two went off for a sight-seeing expedition -alone, and a group of cadets also started on a “voyage -of discovery” together.</p> - -<p>But Scott Clemmons separated from all the others, -saying that he had friends to visit, and punctually at -eight o’clock he entered the Astor House, the place of -his appointment with Barney Breslin.</p> - -<p>New York is a large city, but yet people who are -friends will run upon each other there in a most unaccountable -manner. Two cadets were seated in the gentlemen’s -parlor and saw Clemmons when he came along -the hall.</p> - -<p>A moment after they saw him joined by Barney -Breslin, and the two, after some parley, entered the -dining room together.</p> - -<p>“Well, that looks friendly, Merrill.”</p> - -<p>“It certainly does, Perry,” was the answer.</p> - -<p>The appointment had been as faithfully kept by Barney -Breslin as by Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Well, I have come,” said the latter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[154]</span></p> - -<p>“You are wise,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“What is it, now that I am here?”</p> - -<p>“I am hungry, and cannot talk upon an empty stomach. -Come, let us have some dinner, and over it we -can come to some understanding.”</p> - -<p>Clemmons frowned, but replied:</p> - -<p>“Do I understand that this is an invitation for me -to dine with you?”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, I am to dine with you, for I have -not a dollar to my name.”</p> - -<p>“Well, as this is to be our last meeting, Breslin, I -will honor you.”</p> - -<p>They entered the dining room together, and a good -dinner with wine was ordered.</p> - -<p>“Now, what do you wish to say, Breslin?” asked -Scott Clemmons, an hour after the dinner had been -dispatched, Breslin eating with a degree of relish that -showed he was, indeed, hungry, while Clemmons ate -sparingly, seeming nervous and ill at ease.</p> - -<p>“I wish to go West and grow up with the country, -or go to South America and get a berth there, and I -need just one thousand dollars to go with,” said Breslin, -rendered bolder by the wine he had drank.</p> - -<p>“Won’t your father give it to you?”</p> - -<p>“Not a dollar.”</p> - -<p>“Then I cannot see how you’ll get there.”</p> - -<p>“I can.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“You will give it to me,” was the almost threatening -response.</p> - -<p>“You were never more mistaken in your life.”</p> - -<p>“Am I?”</p> - -<p>“You are.”</p> - -<p>“Then there is no need of further talk, for I can -work my way to B——, and hold an interview with<span class="pagenum">[155]</span> -your father, who I believe will think it a small sum to -stand between his son and——”</p> - -<p>“He will not give you a cent.”</p> - -<p>“Then I shall work my way back to Baltimore, -tramp it, or beat the railroad, to Annapolis and see the -commandant of the Naval Academy, and when I have -had my interview with him somebody will find -that they have made a mistake—that is all,” and Breslin -arose to go.</p> - -<p>“Hold, Breslin, and be reasonable. Now I know -you can make charges which you could not sustain; -but I wish to avoid a suspicion, and I’ll give you all -the money I have, but I cannot raise a thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“How much have you?”</p> - -<p>“Well, both of my parents have been liberal, as I -was going upon a foreign cruise, and I have some six -hundred dollars.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll take it, so hand it over.”</p> - -<p>“You are to give me a written pledge never to cross -my path again.”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>Pen, ink and paper were sent for, the written pledge -was given, the money handed over, and paying the shot -for the dinner, the two left the hotel to come face to -face upon Mark Merrill and Bemis Perry, who were -just about to enter and have dinner together, having -taken another stroll after seeing Clemmons and his -companion enter the dining room, as they did not wish -to be seen by them.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[156]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE TELL TALE PAPER.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>With six hundred dollars in his pocket, and made -so easily, and a bottle of wine beneath his vest, Barney -Breslin was feeling in a mood to be reckless.</p> - -<p>He stopped short upon seeing Mark Merrill, stepping -directly in front of him, and in a very determined way.</p> - -<p>As for Scott Clemmons his face flushed with shame -at being seen with Breslin, after what he had said -aboard ship, and he would have passed on.</p> - -<p>So also would Merrill and Perry, but Breslin was not -thus inclined.</p> - -<p>He had been in so many scrapes since the one that -disgraced him from the Naval Academy that he had -forgotten his affair with Mark, more than to recall that -he had some cause of hatred against him.</p> - -<p>“I say, Merrill, do you intend to cut me, or do you -fail to recognize me?” he asked, in an insolent manner.</p> - -<p>“I recognize you, yes, Breslin, and I desire to cut -you utterly,” was the cool response.</p> - -<p>“Then take that.”</p> - -<p>A vicious blow was aimed, but <a id="Ref_167a" href="#Ref_167">it was cleverly turned, -while the fist of Mark Merrill caught Breslin squarely -between the eyes, and sent him to the floor</a>.</p> - -<div id="Ref_167" class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i167.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">“Mark cleverly avoided Breslin’s attack, and with a well-directed -blow sent him to the floor.” (See <a href="#Ref_167a">page 156</a>)</p></div> -</div> - -<p>A crowd sprang toward the spot, and when Breslin -arose he shouted:</p> - -<p>“Arrest that fellow for assault!”</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill was not to be seen. He had been -quickly drawn aside by Bemis Perry.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[157]</span></p> - -<p>A policeman, hearing that “a cadet had knocked the -gentleman down,” at once seized Scott Clemmons -against his earnest protests.</p> - -<p>But from this predicament Breslin released him, -by coming to his rescue with the words:</p> - -<p>“You are wrong, officer, that is not the man. But I -will show you the man.”</p> - -<p>“No, I’d not arrest any one on your charge, Breslin, -for I know you now, and you doubtless insulted the -one who knocked you down,” and, turning to Clemmons, -he continued:</p> - -<p>“You, sir, doubtless do not know this man, so I warn -you against him as a barroom loafer and dead beat -generally, who fleeces all strangers he can pick up.”</p> - -<p>With this the officer walked off, while Scott Clemmons -felt as though he would like to sink into the floor -to hide himself, especially as he caught sight of a cadet -uniform vanishing from the crowd.</p> - -<p>So he skulked away, as under the words of the officer -Breslin had quickly vanished.</p> - -<p>In the meantime Mark and Perry had gone into the -dining room, and by a strange coincidence took a seat -at the same table where Clemmons and Breslin had had -dinner together.</p> - -<p>“I beg pardon, sir, but are you from the cruising -ship now in port?” asked the waiter.</p> - -<p>“We are, and we wish the best dinner you can give -two fresh young salts,” said Perry.</p> - -<p>“I’ll give you a good dinner, sir; but the two gentlemen -who were here awhile since, one of them wearing -a uniform like yours, left this paper. I just picked it -up as you came in.”</p> - -<p>Perry took the paper and said, after glancing at it:</p> - -<p>“I will deliver it to the gentleman whose name is -here, for he is on our ship. Now, my man, we are<span class="pagenum">[158]</span> -hungry, so do your best,” and a liberal fee was slipped -into the hand of the waiter.</p> - -<p>“Oh, thank you, sir; but what wines will you -drink?”</p> - -<p>“We will not take wine, my man.”</p> - -<p>The waiter disappeared with a look of surprise upon -his face that any one in uniform ate dinner and drank -no wine.</p> - -<p>“See here, Merrill, I am going to do perhaps a mean -thing, but I am curious to know a few things, and I -shall question that waiter.”</p> - -<p>“What do you wish to know, Perry?”</p> - -<p>“What he can tell me about Clemmons and Breslin, -for he took an inkstand, paper and pen off this table as -we came up, and here is the paper which the waiter -picked up—see!”</p> - -<p>He held the piece of paper up, and Mark said:</p> - -<p>“If it is Clemmons’, give it to him.”</p> - -<p>“It does belong to Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>“Then neither of us have a right to read it.”</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, but I read it at a glance, and as it is -but a few lines I will read it to you, as I am sure it -concerns you.”</p> - -<p>“Concerns me?”</p> - -<p>Without reply Bemis Perry read aloud:</p> - -<p>“In consideration of the sum of six hundred dollars, -received from Scott Clemmons, I hereby pledge myself -to never cross his path again, and to make no further -demand upon him for money.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you think of that, Merrill?”</p> - -<p>“It would seem that Breslin holds some claim upon -Clemmons; but it is none of our affair.”</p> - -<p>“I think it is.”</p> - -<p>“How do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“I believe that the wrong man was dismissed from<span class="pagenum">[159]</span> -the academy, that Breslin was simply the tool of Scott -Clemmons,” was the startling reply of the young South -Carolinian.</p> - -<p>Mark fairly started at this, and yet made no response, -while Perry continued:</p> - -<p>“Now I shall return this paper to Clemmons, and I -shall question this waiter to please myself, and then I -shall keep my eye upon that young man from Maine, -see if I do not, and if he means mischief toward you I -will play the same game.”</p> - -<p>Mark still remained silent.</p> - -<p>Whatever he might think of Scott Clemmons’ conduct -toward him he did not wish others to suspect him -of treachery, and he was really sorry that the paper had -been found.</p> - -<p>But he knew that Bemis Perry was circumspect, and -would not act without discretion.</p> - -<p>When the waiter returned Perry gave him another -fee, praised the dinner, and questioned him closely -about the two others who had dined at the table before -them.</p> - -<p>Mark listened in silence to all that was said, and as -they walked away Bemis Perry remarked:</p> - -<p>“I am right, Merrill. Breslin was simply the tool -of Scott Clemmons.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[160]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THREE REPORTS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Captain De Long, the commander of the cruising -ship Constellation, was seated in his cabin smoking his -cigar before retiring, when Cadet Midshipman Mark -Merrill requested an interview, which was at once -granted by the genial commander.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Merrill, did you enjoy your run ashore?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, with the exception of an unfortunate meeting -with Barney Breslin, which I desire to report to -you.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! have you had trouble with him?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I regret to say, too, that it was in a public -place. Another cadet and myself went to the Astor -House for dinner, and met Breslin and a friend coming -out. The former stepped in front of me, and asked if -I recognized him and meant to cut his acquaintance. -I responded that I certainly did, when he aimed a blow -at me, which I parried, and at the same time knocked -him down. My cadet friend drew me out of the quickly -gathering crowd, and we had our dinner, sir; but I -deemed it best to report the affair to you.”</p> - -<p>“You did right, Mr. Merrill, but who was your -comrade?”</p> - -<p>“Must I make known his name, sir?”</p> - -<p>“He was not involved in the affair?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then tell me his name.”</p> - -<p>“It was Mr. Perry.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[161]</span></p> - -<p>“That will do, Mr. Merrill,” and Mark saluted and -retired from the cabin.</p> - -<p>The captain still continued his cigar, until a second -interruption came in a request from another cadet to see -him.</p> - -<p>It was Scott Clemmons, his face flushed from the -wine he had been drinking.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Clemmons, you have just come off from -shore leave, I believe?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, and I desire to report to you, sir, an occurrence -ashore which may not reach your ears otherwise, -but which, for the good of the ship’s name, I deem it -my duty to make known.”</p> - -<p>“I am ready to hear you, Mr. Clemmons,” said the -captain blandly.</p> - -<p>“I went to dine at the Astor House, sir, and met there -Barney Breslin, who begged me for a loan, for he has -gone utterly to the bad, I fear. As I was talking to -him two cadet midshipmen came in and one of them -jostled up against Breslin, who had been drinking, and -a disgraceful knock-down followed, in which I was -seized by a policeman as the one who made the assault. -Of course Breslin cleared me of the charge, and I make -this report, sir, in case, should it reach your ear, that -you may understand my position in the affair.”</p> - -<p>“Who were these cadets, Mr. Clemmons?”</p> - -<p>“Do you command me to answer, sir?”</p> - -<p>“I do.”</p> - -<p>“Cadet Midshipmen Perry and Merrill, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Which one of the two struck the blow?”</p> - -<p>“Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill, sir.”</p> - -<p>“That will do, Mr. Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>The next morning Bemis Perry was ordered to report -in the captain’s cabin.</p> - -<p>He did so, and Captain De Long said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[162]</span></p> - -<p>“You were ashore yesterday, Mr. Perry?”</p> - -<p>“Until six bells, yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Who was your companion?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You dined ashore?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, with Mr. Merrill at the Astor House.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see any cadets there?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Who was he with?”</p> - -<p>“Some friend, sir; not a cadet, however.”</p> - -<p>“Did you know him?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” said Perry hesitatingly, for he, like Mark -Merrill, did not care to say aught against Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“It was the youth who was dismissed from the academy, -was it not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; Breslin.”</p> - -<p>“What did Merrill pick a quarrel with him for?”</p> - -<p>“Merrill pick a quarrel with Breslin, sir?” asked -Perry, in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“It was the opposite way, sir, for Merrill sought to -avoid him; but Breslin stepped directly in his path, and -demanded to know if he knew him and meant to cut -his acquaintance. Mr. Merrill responded in the affirmative, -and Breslin struck at him, but missed, and went -down with a suddenness and force that made his teeth -rattle. I drew Mr. Merrill quickly away, and that -ended it, sir.”</p> - -<p>Captain De Long was silent for fully a minute.</p> - -<p>He seemed to be arguing in his own mind the pros -and cons of the case.</p> - -<p>At last he said:</p> - -<p>“That is all I wished to know, Mr. Perry.”</p> - -<p>The young sailor bowed, and was disappearing up the -companionway when Captain De Long called out:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[163]</span></p> - -<p>“Send Mr. Clemmons to me, Mr. Perry.”</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir,” and with another salute Bemis Perry -departed from the cabin.</p> - -<p>He at once went in search of Scott Clemmons, and -found him pacing to and fro amidships, looking a little -the worse for his dissipation ashore the day before.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons, Captain De Long wishes to see -you.”</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons started.</p> - -<p>“The captain wishes to see me?”</p> - -<p>“So he informed me, sir, a minute ago.”</p> - -<p>“I say, Perry, do I look as though I had been going -it rather deep?”</p> - -<p>“You look a trifle bilged, Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>“You do not know what he wants with me?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Has he gotten hold of that row of Merrill’s ashore, -I wonder?”</p> - -<p>“What row of Merrill’s ashore?”</p> - -<p>“When he ran afoul of that beat Breslin.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, your friend Breslin, whom he knocked down, -as he should have done; but then Breslin was well -tanked up after his dinner with you, and lost his reckoning -so far as to run across Merrill’s course, and foundered -under the blow; but when you have seen Captain -De Long, Mr. Clemmons, I desire a word with you,” -and Bemis Perry went on his way, while Scott Clemmons -sought the cabin of Captain De Long.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[164]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>It was with considerable nervousness that Scott -Clemmons went into the cabin of his captain.</p> - -<p>It may have been from the effects of his too liberal -“treats” of himself the night before, and, perhaps, from -a knowledge of the fact that he had yawed wide of his -course in telling his story about the affair ashore in -which Mark Merrill had been mixed up.</p> - -<p>He, however, without a chance to “splice the main-brace” -to steady his nerves, braced up as best he could, -and reported himself to his commander.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons, may I ask you if you actually saw -the occurrence ashore last evening in which Cadet Midshipman -Merrill and Breslin had a set-to?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I was, as I said, talking to Breslin at the -time, for he was importuning me to give him some -money.”</p> - -<p>“Then I beg to say, Mr. Clemmons, that for sixty -days you are allowed no leaves ashore, in ports we may -visit, as your condition at the time of the affair was -such that you could not see straight, or viewed it with -purposely biased eyes.”</p> - -<p>“But Captain De Long, may I ask, sir, if this censure -of me is from having heard the report of others?”</p> - -<p>“It is, sir; I have the facts from witnesses of the -affair. I have no more to say, Mr. Clemmons.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[165]</span></p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons felt crushed at the rebuke, but mustered -up courage to say:</p> - -<p>“I beg, Captain De Long, that you will remember -that Merrill is not friendly toward me, sir, and his -statement——”</p> - -<p>“Silence, sir! Mr. Merrill reported his act at once -to me, and did not even mention your name as having -been the friend of Breslin at the time, while you, on -the contrary, never friendly toward Mr. Merrill, saw -his actions only in a prejudiced way. I have no more -to say, Mr. Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons dared say no more, so departed from -the cabin with the knowledge that he had made a mistake -in reporting an affair in which he had no concern.</p> - -<p>Then, too, he recalled a disagreeable meeting before -him, as Bemis Perry had said that he desired to see -him.</p> - -<p>That young sailor was awaiting his coming, aware, -seemingly, that the captain would not detain him long.</p> - -<p>“You desired to see me, Perry?” he said, his face -flushed and angry.</p> - -<p>“Yes, as I told you,” was the quiet response.</p> - -<p>“May I ask if you reported to Captain De Long that -I was present yesterday in that disgraceful scene at the -Astor House?”</p> - -<p>“See here, Clemmons,” and the words of the cadet -were spoken very quickly: “I am not a tattler, nor -am I an informer. Captain De Long sent for me, and -asked for my version of the affair.”</p> - -<p>“Who first told him?”</p> - -<p>“Merrill, like the man he is, reported his action -ashore, but never referred to you, and Captain De Long -asked who was Breslin’s companion, and I told him -that you were, for, as a fellow cadet, you certainly -would be willing to prove, as a witness, that Breslin<span class="pagenum">[166]</span> -was the aggressor, and was justly punished. Since I -came aboard ship I learn that others saw the affair.”</p> - -<p>“Ah!” and Clemmons started, and quickly asked:</p> - -<p>“Do you know who they are?”</p> - -<p>“I do not, for I overheard the affair being talked -about, and as neither Merrill nor myself referred to it, -and you doubtless did not, some of our fellows must -have seen it, though unseen by us. If the affair is -called up we will doubtless know who they are.”</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons looked uneasy, for he felt that his -version would differ from what all others had, or might -tell of the occurrence.</p> - -<p>But he hoped that as he was already under punishment -he would hear no more of it, so he said coldly:</p> - -<p>“You wished to see me, I believe?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I wished to return to you a paper which you -left on the dining table at the Astor House yesterday—the -waiter gave it to me.”</p> - -<p>He handed over the telltale paper as he spoke, and -after a glance at it the face of Scott Clemmons crimsoned -to a painful extent, and then so suddenly grew -white that he seemed as though about to faint.</p> - -<p>But he rallied quickly, and with a reckless laugh -said:</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I had not missed it. It is the pledged -word of that scamp Breslin never to come near me -again, as I suppose you know?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I read it, I frankly confess, for it was handed -to me open; but you pay high for the loss of Breslin’s -society, Clemmons, and one would almost think he -blackmailed you. That was all I wished to see you -about,” and Perry walked away, leaving Scott Clemmons -in a very unenviable humor.</p> - -<p>After a few days passed in the harbor of the metropolis -the good ship set sail and headed across the seas for<span class="pagenum">[167]</span> -a run to English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Egyptian -ports, that the young sailors might have a glance -at other lands and also enjoy to its full extent</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="indentquote0">“A life on the ocean wave, -</div><div class="indent0">A home on the rolling deep.” -</div></div></div></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[168]</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">“MAN OVERBOARD!”</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The cruiser is in midocean, bowling merrily along -over a dark sea, growing darker and rougher under the -approach of a storm and increasing wind.</p> - -<p>As the breeze freshens a strong swell causes the ship -to roll heavily, and the barometer steadily going down, -causes the officer of the deck to keep his weather eye to -windward alow and aloft.</p> - -<p>“Knowing ones,” old salts who have sailed the seas -over for a generation or more, also cock an eye to windward -now and then, but of course, feel only confidence -in their officers and the man who happens just at that -time to hold the ship’s destiny in his keeping.</p> - -<p>The ship has been kept well crowded with sail, and -the wind being fair the run across promises to be a -phenomenal one, a promise that pleases all hands.</p> - -<p>The middies have had their chance to work the ship -in fair weather and foul, but just now the falling -barometer promises a night of it that will blow great -guns, for the cloud-bank is steadily rising and the -wind comes in stronger and stronger squalls.</p> - -<p>The ship is sticking her nose deep into huge white -billows, but surging ahead the while in splendid manner.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a cadet comes aft and reports to the captain:</p> - -<p>“The wind is freshening, sir.”</p> - -<p>A few seconds after comes the ringing cry of the first -lieutenant:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[169]</span></p> - -<p>“All hands ahoy to reef topsails.”</p> - -<p>In an instant all is seemingly wild excitement on -board the good ship, and yet perfect order reigns, for -every man knows his duty.</p> - -<p>The “executive” takes command, great coats are -donned, cap peaks pulled hard down over their eyes, -and the middies, acting as sailors, rush for their posts -of duty.</p> - -<p>Then comes in trumpet tones the orders, issued in the -commanding tones the sailors love so well to hear, and -which fill their hearts with confidence in their commander:</p> - -<p>“Reef topsails! Man the topsail clew lines and buntlines—weather -topsail braces! Stand by the lee braces, -bowlines and halyards!”</p> - -<p>The young reefers obey with alacrity and seeming -recklessness, the orders being taken up and repeated, -the boatswain’s whistle piping merrily the while.</p> - -<p>Soon comes another order in hoarse, manly tones -from the executive, and it is given to a mass of youthful -humanity huddled together at the foot of the -shrouds, and awaiting their turn with all the eagerness -of champions about to spring away upon a race of -life or death.</p> - -<p>Loud came the orders:</p> - -<p>“Haul out the reef tackles! Haul up the buntlines! -Aloft, topmen! Lay out!”</p> - -<p>Away they go up the shrouds like a stampede of -monkeys, and out upon the slender yards and “lay -out.”</p> - -<p>With strong hands they gather in the flapping, -heavy folds of canvas and reef close, while just as the -order is upon the lips of the officer: “Lay in, top men!” -one of the reefers, by a violent lurch of the ship, is torn -from his hold and goes downward, striking with a dull<span class="pagenum">[170]</span> -thud the yard below in his fall, and thence downward -into the sea.</p> - -<p>The command of the officer is heard and obeyed:</p> - -<p>“Lay down from aloft!”</p> - -<p>While a score of voices utter the thrilling cry:</p> - -<p>“Man overboard!”</p> - -<p>But all are startled by seeing a form run out on the -yard and spring into the sea. What does it mean?</p> - -<p>The executive officer did not lose his head for an -instant, for his command came sharply, and with -promptness to lay the ship to and man the lifeboat. -At the order:</p> - -<p>“Lay down from aloft!” came the young sailors at -a run, some of them fairly flying down the shrouds, -others sliding down the backstays, and getting to the -deck as best they can.</p> - -<p>The good ship is “laying to,” and the life boat is -lowered and pulls back over her wake to pick up the -two men who have gone overboard, while the question -goes the rounds:</p> - -<p>“Who are they?”</p> - -<p>At last one answers who knows:</p> - -<p>“It was Clemmons who was thrown from aloft, and -Merrill who sprang after him.”</p> - -<p>The speaker was Bemis Perry, and he was at once -ordered before his captain, who asked:</p> - -<p>“Do you know the men, Mr. Perry?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, the one who fell was Clemmons, and as -he struck the yard Merrill called out to me:</p> - -<p>“‘He struck hard, so must be hurt. I will go after -him.’ And then he ran out on the yard and made the -leap, sir.”</p> - -<p>For once discipline was cast to the winds, and such a -yell as rose from the midshipmen at this news had -never been heard on the good ship before.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[171]</span></p> - -<p>But every eye now was upon the life boat, as it went -leaping over the seas, and again came a ringing cheer -as the executive called out:</p> - -<p>“The boat is returning, sir.”</p> - -<p>But had those on the boat given up the search in the -face of that terrible storm, threatening to break every -instant?</p> - -<p>Had they found one?</p> - -<p>Had they found both?</p> - -<p>These questions could not be answered until the boat -returned.</p> - -<p>The clouds grew blacker, the sea ran higher, and the -wind whistled more viciously.</p> - -<p>Over the black waters, dimly seen, the bounding -light carried on board the lifeboat was seen to draw -nearer and nearer.</p> - -<p>The ship’s lights were burning brightly to guide the -daring rescuers back to safety.</p> - -<p>“They are pulling for their lives,” said the executive -officer, somewhat anxiously, and then came the low -response of Captain De Long:</p> - -<p>“They have need to.”</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer came the leaping light in the boat, -and the storm was keeping pace with it, perhaps outracing -it, for so many believed.</p> - -<p>Once it struck the ship before the lifeboat reached -it, and the rescuers would share the fate of those they -had risked their lives to rescue.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[172]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The suspense on board of the cruiser was terrible, -the more so because perfect discipline kept it under, and -it could find no vent in words.</p> - -<p>Men spoke in muffled tones, cadets hoped and feared, -and all awaited the result—life or death to the bold -rescuers.</p> - -<p>No one yet knew whether the safety of his crew had -caused the gallant cadet officer at the helm of the lifeboat -to put back for the ship before the storm struck -them, or he had returned because he had accomplished -his perilous errand.</p> - -<p>The ship plunged and keeled as she lay to, and the -eyes of all were alternately turned toward the inky-black -tempest roaring down upon them, and the lifeboat -struggling so manfully to reach the lee of the vessel -and safety.</p> - -<p>“Ahoy, my brave fellows! pull for your lives!”</p> - -<p>It was the voice of the gallant De Long thus sent -over the black, tempestuous waters.</p> - -<p>The brave commander could stand the strain of suspense -no longer—he must speak.</p> - -<p>Then came a faint cheer from the struggling oarsmen, -and a roar like mighty winds went up from the -ship’s deck in response.</p> - -<p>“Pull! Pull for your lives, brave lads!” shouted -Captain De Long.</p> - -<p>And back over the waters came the answer:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[173]</span></p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir, we’ll make it!”</p> - -<p>But would they?</p> - -<p>Hushed were all for a moment more, and then the -leaping light shot up under the lee of the cruiser, the -men aboard cheered wildly, while those in the boat -were drawn on board by ready and willing hands.</p> - -<p>The next instant the lifeboat was hung to its davits -and firmly lashed, while from it was taken a limp form -and carried below to the care of the ship’s surgeon.</p> - -<p>The storm was upon them now, and the men sprang -to their stations, yet loud and ringing were the cheers -in honor of the gallant rescuers, for the lifeboat had -picked up those for whom they had risked their lives.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill, the captain wishes to see you aft, sir.”</p> - -<p>It was an hour after the breaking of the storm, and -the good ship was driving along before the gale, and -directly on her course.</p> - -<p>Stars were seen now in the black cloud-rifts, and all -knew that the hardest work was over.</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill had not gone below to change his -clothes.</p> - -<p>“What’s the use in this sea?” he had said, and he -reported at his station.</p> - -<p>Now he was sent for to come aft, and he promptly -reported, saluting, though capless.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill, accept my congratulations upon as -plucky a deed as I ever beheld,” and Captain De Long -grasped the hand of the young midshipman.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir; but I saw that he was hurt and -could not swim,” said Mark modestly.</p> - -<p>“You found him readily, it seems?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, and he was unconscious, so I had no trouble -in keeping him up until the lifeboat took us in.”</p> - -<p>“May I ask if you knew who it was when you made -your leap to the rescue?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[174]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>Just then a cadet came up and said:</p> - -<p>“Pardon, sir, but the surgeon asks to see Mr. Merrill.”</p> - -<p>“Go below, Mr. Merrill, and then you had better -turn in for the night. To-morrow morning report to -me at eight bells.”</p> - -<p>Mark departed from the quarter-deck and sought the -surgeon’s quarters.</p> - -<p>There he found Scott Clemmons, who had returned -to consciousness, with a gash upon his head, skillfully -dressed, and his left arm bound close to his side, -for his collar-bone was broken.</p> - -<p>“Ah, Merrill, I wish to say that your plucky act -saved Clemmons, for he was stunned by the blow on -the head, and his collar-bone is fractured. He wishes -to see you.”</p> - -<p>Mark’s hand had been warmly grasped by the ship’s -surgeon as he spoke, and now he stepped toward Scott -Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Say, old fellow, you did a manly thing, they tell -me, and I owe you my life. We haven’t been exactly -chummy in the past, but, of course, now you’ll believe -in my friendship for you?”</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill would have given much could he have -escaped the thanks of Scott Clemmons.</p> - -<p>He could understand how much it cost him of pain -and humiliation to say what he did.</p> - -<p>But he said:</p> - -<p>“Oh, we are good enough friends, Mr. Clemmons, -and what I did for you I would have done for any one -else, and you know I don’t mind a ducking and a swim -even in the sea.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t recall any of it except that I lost my hold -and felt the dull thud as I struck the yard; but they<span class="pagenum">[175]</span> -say you leaped from aloft and kept me afloat until the -lifeboat picked us up. Now I’m laid up in ordinary -for a few weeks, so come in and see me often.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll be all right soon, Clemmons, and now you -need sleep, as the doctor will tell you,” and Mark Merrill -turned away and went to swing his hammock, -get on a dry rig, and turn in, for his struggle with the -sea even his iron frame could not help but feel.</p> - -<p>The next morning all hands were mustered on deck, -and Captain De Long, in a few well-spoken words, complimented -Mark Merrill upon his noble act, and praised -the crew of the lifeboat for their gallant service.</p> - -<p>Mark blushed like a girl under the words of the captain, -and to his brother midshipmen made light of his -act; but he got full credit for the deed all the same, -for all understood that there had been no love lost -between Scott Clemmons and himself.</p> - -<p>And so on its way held the cruiser until the shores -of England hove in view, and the anchor was soon -after let fall in the Mersey.</p> - -<p>Among the first to land were three midshipmen who -seemed to have some special mission ashore.</p> - -<p>They were Herbert Nazro, Winslow Dillingham and -Bemis Perry, and they made their way directly to a -fashionable jewelry establishment, where an order was -left for some special work, with directions to forward -it by express to Lisbon by a certain time, when the -ship would touch there.</p> - -<p>After a few days in port the cruiser again set sail, -and Scott Clemmons was again on duty, though there -was a red scar still visible upon his forehead.</p> - -<p>But all noticed that, in spite of owing his life to -Mark Merrill, Scott Clemmons seemed rather to shun -the one to whom he owed his life than to seek his -company.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[176]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE PILOT MIDSHIPMAN.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>From port to port went the cadet’s cruiser, saluting -the flags, forts, and ships of other nations and receiving -salutes in turn, while the young sailors were given -a run ashore to see something of the countries they -were visiting.</p> - -<p>At length one night came the cry from aloft:</p> - -<p>“Light ho!”</p> - -<p>It was Cape Rosa Light, and on the vessel sails in -the coming dawn until all the cadets gather on deck to -behold the land of Portugal.</p> - -<p>Lateen-rigged craft pass out, and other vessels are -met, one large bark flying the Stars and Stripes, which -brings a cheer of greeting from the young sailors.</p> - -<p>The high crags of Cintra, with its castle and surrounding -fields, are passed, the old fort of St. Julian, -next frowning Fort Bugio, and thence onward into the -waters of the Tagus.</p> - -<p>The tower of Beleur next looms up, with fortress-clad -cliffs, and the cadets soon after are called to their stations -as Lisbon, seated upon her many hills, rises in -terraces before them, telling them that the haven is -reached, for with a plunge the anchor is let fall.</p> - -<p>Then up aloft is run a ball of bunting, which, when -shaken out, reveals the standard of Portugal, and gun -after gun thunders a salute from the cruiser to the old -city of Lisbon.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[177]</span></p> - -<p>As the health officer has reported all safe on board, -a boat soon after goes ashore, and in it are the three -cadets who landed first at Liverpool, and visited the -jewelry establishment.</p> - -<p>They now seek the offices of the Continental Express -Company, and there awaiting them is a small package.</p> - -<p>The jeweler has kept his promise.</p> - -<p>After a few days spent in Lisbon the cruiser sets sail -for the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and once -the shores of Portugal are left astern a muster of all -hands on deck is called, and Captain De Long orders:</p> - -<p>“Cadet Midshipman Merrill to the front!”</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill promptly obeys, and then as the captain -takes from a morocco case a beautiful gold badge, -he, for the first time, realizes that he is to be the recipient -of a token as an appreciation of his services when -he leaped from the yardarm to save the life of Scott -Clemmons.</p> - -<p>In a few well-chosen words the captain made the -presentation, in which occurred the following:</p> - -<p>“This souvenir, Midshipman Merrill, is a unanimous -expression of the appreciation of your daring deed by -this ship’s crew, for from quarter-deck to forecastle -every one has insisted upon being a subscriber, with -the one exception of Mr. Clemmons, from whom the -intention was kept a secret as well as from yourself. -I pin it upon your breast for you to wear as a badge -which you may well feel proud of.”</p> - -<p>As the captain spoke he pinned upon the jacket of -the young hero a beautiful emblem of his courage, -which was a massive anchor of solid gold, to which -was suspended a shield with bars of pearls, turquoises -and rubies to represent the colors red, white and blue, -while below was engraved:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[178]</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smallfont">“PRESENTED<br /> -BY THE OFFICERS AND MEN<br /> -OF</span><br /> -<em>The U. S. Cadet Cruising Ship Constellation</em><br /> -<span class="smallfont">TO</span><br /> -<span class="largefont">CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL</span><br /> -<em>As an Appreciation of His Splendid Courage<br /> -in Leaping Overboard at Night<br /> -in a Storm to Save the Life of<br /> -a Shipmate</em>.”</p> - -<p>In what was certainly a very neat speech, though -taken unawares, Mark Merrill thanked Captain De -Long and all for their great kindness, and raised his -cap as three cheers were given for him.</p> - -<p>A number of eyes were turned upon Scott Clemmons -during this scene, and it could be easily discovered -that he seemed ill at ease, though he stepped forward -and told his rescuer how glad he was of the honor -bestowed upon him, adding, with some feeling:</p> - -<p>“Had I chipped in, Merrill, it would have spoiled -all, or had I suggested it, for my debt to you can never -be cancelled.”</p> - -<p>Had Scott Clemmons overheard the criticism which -Bemis Perry made of his speech he would have been -overwhelmed with confusion, for though the young -South Carolinian said but one word, and used slang, -it was to the point, for he simply said:</p> - -<p>“Rats!”</p> - -<p>There was another criticism offered also, and by Herbert -Nazro, who said with a wicked little laugh:</p> - -<p>“Go tell that to the marines, Clemmons.”</p> - -<p>After this episode Clemmons seemed more constrained<span class="pagenum">[179]</span> -than ever in his conduct toward Mark Merrill. -He seemed positively uneasy in his presence.</p> - -<p>At last, after a visit to several ports in the Mediterranean -the prow of the cruiser was turned homeward, -for a stop was to be made upon the New England -coast.</p> - -<p>It was a stormy passage home, keeping the young -tars constantly busy reefing, pulling, and setting more -sail, and giving them a thorough experience in the life -of a sailor.</p> - -<p>In the last storm not far off the coast, the cruiser -had sprung her mainmast, but fortunately the gale -blew itself out, and a calm fell upon the sea. The next -morning the shores of New England were in view.</p> - -<p>The weather was hazy and sultry, the barometer was -steadily falling, and Captain De Long and his lieutenants -viewed the weather with anxiety.</p> - -<p>There was a huge black mass gathering to seaward, -and as the day passed it began to rise slowly, though -the deadest of calms still rested upon the sea.</p> - -<p>The shore was a little over a league distant, and with -a breeze the good ship could readily work off, but -in the teeth of a storm, and with the mainmast sprung, -there were too many odds against her.</p> - -<p>The afternoon passed, all eagerly watching for a cap -full of air, to bear the vessel into a haven of safety, -the Kennebec River.</p> - -<p>But no ripple stirred the glass-like waters, and to -landward a wild and forbidding coast only was seen.</p> - -<p>The charts were examined closely, but no harbor was -noted just there, and all wondered what was to be done, -for the sprung mast would never stand to beat out to -sea against such a tempest as was rising.</p> - -<p>At last Captain De Long turned to Cadet Midshipman -Clemmons, and asked:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[180]</span></p> - -<p>“Do you not live somewhere in this vicinity, Mr. -Clemmons?”</p> - -<p>“Some leagues from here, sir.”</p> - -<p>“And you know of no haven into which we could -tow with our boats!”</p> - -<p>“I have heard of several harbors for fishing boats, -sir, but I do not know of them,” replied Scott Clemmons, -who would not say:</p> - -<p>“But Merrill might know.”</p> - -<p>He did not care to put another feather in the cap of -his rival—his rescuer though he had been.</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, Captain De Long, but Mr. Merrill -pointed out to me a while ago with his glass his own -home, and he may know,” said Herbert Nazro, who -had heard the captain questioning Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Ah, yes, he is the very man! Send Mr. Merrill -here at once,” said the captain, with considerable eagerness.</p> - -<p>Mark Merrill reported promptly.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill, your home is near here, I am told?”</p> - -<p>“My mother dwells in the large mansion, sir, you -see on the cliff yonder, a league and a half away, but -it is not our own home, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know of any harborage in here which we -can tow into with our boats, for yonder seems like a -good anchorage ground?”</p> - -<p>“That, sir, is a death trap with a storm from seaward, -for the coasters call it Hopeless Haven. Yonder, -where you see the cliff, is a harbor, and a safe one, -though small, and the entrance is dangerous.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know these waters well?”</p> - -<p>“Perfectly, sir,” was the response, and there was no -boasting in the reply.</p> - -<p>“There is depth for this ship in the harbor you refer -to?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[181]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“And you can pilot her in with the boats ahead, if -we can get there before the storm breaks?”</p> - -<p>“It was there, sir, I took General Peyton’s yacht, the -Midshipman, sir, when the Secretary of the Navy and -Commodore Lucien were on board.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, indeed! I have been told of that bold piloting -by the commodore himself; and it got you your appointment?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will order the boats out ahead, and——”</p> - -<p>“Pardon me, Captain De Long, but as the gale is -coming from seaward, I can run in, sir, if you will -order topmasts housed and set only lower sails, to save -the sprung mainmast,” said Mark modestly.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Merrill, you are a born sailor, sir, and I give -the ship over to you as pilot,” said Captain De Long, -with frank acknowledgment of the youth’s skill and -nerve.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[182]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">UNEXPECTED VISITORS.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Standing upon Beacon Cliff were three persons, -watching with interest and deep anxiety the cadets’ -cruiser as she lay off the coast a league or more.</p> - -<p>They were Mrs. Merrill, the mother of the gallant -middy, old Peggy, and a beautiful young girl whom the -reader will recall as Virgene Rich, the fair witness who -had testified so well in behalf of the young sailor in his -affray with Scott Clemmons, Ben Birney, and others -of like ilk at B——.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Merrill read at a glance the danger of the vessel, -when she saw that she was becalmed and a storm -rising from seaward; but her anxiety would have been -far greater had she known that the craft was crippled -and might not be able to beat off the coast.</p> - -<p>What her feelings would have been had she known -that her only son was on board the vessel can well -be imagined.</p> - -<p>But though she saw that it was a vessel of war she did -not connect Mark with her, as she supposed that his -cruiser was in foreign seas, not having received his last -letter from Lisbon, in which he had told her what the -remainder of the voyage would be.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Merrill looked several years younger than when -Mark had gone to the Naval School.</p> - -<p>Her really beautiful face had almost lost its expression -of sadness and her form was still youthful and -graceful.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[183]</span></p> - -<p>Virgene Rich, true to her promise, had often ridden -down to see Mrs. Merrill, and so attached had she -become to her that Landlord Rich had asked her to -become his daughter’s governess, and thus we find the -young girl also an inmate of “Spook Hall.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Merrill had kept up the flower garden, made the -wing in which she dwelt more comfortable, and, with -a horse and phaeton, which she had purchased, did not -seem near so far away from civilization as before.</p> - -<p>Then, too, Skipper Jasper Crane, with the Venture, -was making a very snug living for her, and her bank -account steadily increased, while Mark was winning -his way in the world, as she well knew.</p> - -<p>So the three stood watching the cruiser, the rising -storm, and the coming of night.</p> - -<p>“It will be a terrible night, I fear,” Mrs. Merrill -said, with increased anxiety for the cruiser.</p> - -<p>At length the deep rumbling of thunder was heard, -the lightning flashes rent the black clouds, and the roar -of the still distant tempest reached their ears.</p> - -<p>Then there came a ripple upon the waters, and -instantly sail was set upon the cruiser, which, under its -influence, began to move ahead.</p> - -<p>“She heads down the coast,” said Mrs. Merrill.</p> - -<p>But the wind came in gusts, followed by calms, and -each squall was more severe.</p> - -<p>Sail was shortened upon the cruiser at last, as the -storm was coming near, lights were set, and night, -black, threatening and dangerous, came upon land and -sea. But the three watchers upon the cliff had secured -wraps, and kept their places to watch the lights that -marked the position of the cruiser.</p> - -<p>Louder burst the thunder crashes, more vivid flashed -the lightning, and wilder roared the winds as they bore -down upon the devoted ship.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[184]</span></p> - -<p>“See, see! she heads in toward our harbor!”</p> - -<p>“She is lost!” cried Mrs. Merrill, wringing her hands -in distress.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps she has a pilot on board,” suggested Virgene.</p> - -<p>“No! no! for the coasters shun this harbor, and only -Captain Crane and one of his boys know the channel -in.”</p> - -<p>“Mark knows,” said old Peggy, in a very decided -way.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but he is not here—see! the lights advance -steadily, and—Virgene, there is a pilot on board yonder -craft, for she has rounded Whaleback Rock and -passed between The Sentinels, and that was not chance, -surely.”</p> - -<p>“And the storm is upon her now,” cried Virgene, as -the lurid glare upon the sea showed now the advance of -the tempest directly down upon the ship.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but Whaleback Rock and The Sentinels will -break its force, while she has now gotten under the -lee of Castle Rock, and heads into the harbor.”</p> - -<p>As Mrs. Merrill spoke the storm was seen to catch -the ship and hide the lights from view in an instant; -but the rocky islands she had spoken of broke its force, -and, though the cruiser was driven onward with a -rush, she was held firmly on her course, and a few minutes -after glided in under the lee of Beacon Cliff.</p> - -<p>“She is safe!” cried Mrs. Merrill, as she saw the -lights reappear in the harbor, and the three were almost -blown by the wind to the mansion.</p> - -<p>The storm howled savagely about the old mansion, -but all was comfort within, and old Peggy set about -getting supper, when all were startled by a loud knock.</p> - -<p>“It must be some one from the ship,” said Mrs. Merrill, -and she and Virgene went to the door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[185]</span></p> - -<p>“Mother!” and a form clad in a greatcoat steps forward, -while other cloaked forms are behind him.</p> - -<p>“My son!” cried Mrs. Merrill, as she was enfolded in -her son’s arms, but quickly released as the others -stepped in out of the storm, and Mark said:</p> - -<p>“Mother, I wish to present my commander, Captain -De Long, Lieutenant Briggs, and my chum, Cadet -Midshipman Bemis Perry.”</p> - -<p>Other introductions followed to Virgene, and Captain -De Long said:</p> - -<p>“We found ourselves on your coast, Mrs. Merrill, in -distress, for we had a crippled mast, and your brave -son became our pilot, and ran us into a safe harborage. -Then I gave him leave to come ashore on condition that -he brought us with him.”</p> - -<p>It was a pleasant evening that was passed there in -old “Spook Hall,” and old Peggy sat down to them one -of her most tempting suppers.</p> - -<p>It was midnight before Captain De Long started -upon his return to his ship, but he gave Mark permission -to remain till after breakfast the following morning, -when, if the weather was not severe, the cruiser -would sail on her course once more, as, with his crippled -mast, the commander wished to reach Annapolis -as soon as possible, knowing that he would have to run -from port to port in good weather.</p> - -<p>It was noon the next day when the cruiser sailed, -Mark again acting as pilot out to sea, and fair weather -and a stiff breeze held her on her way, until once -again she dropped anchor off the Naval School, and -the young sailors went ashore to “bone it” hard for -another long year, and to struggle for honors.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[186]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A FORCED RESIGNATION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>The second year began with Mark Merrill in the -lead for honors.</p> - -<p>He had not only won a badge for a gallant act at sea, -but he had received “honorable mention” for his services -as pilot under circumstances where only skill and -nerve alone could have saved the cruiser from a very -dangerous position.</p> - -<p>Then, too, he held the honors of his class for the first -year, and that was in his favor.</p> - -<p>He had enemies, of course—what really good fellow -has not?—yet he was generally popular, and the officers -all liked him.</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons was still distantly polite, and his -clique of toadies imbibed his manner toward Mark -Merrill.</p> - -<p>But of their treatment Mark was severely indifferent.</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons had given out that he meant to win -the honors of his second year.</p> - -<p>He had thrown this challenge, or rather defiance, in -the face of Merrill, and at once he set about his task to -win.</p> - -<p>But those who made the situation a study were convinced -that Scott Clemmons would never stand number -one, though he had a strong chance for position number -two.</p> - -<p>There were more who said it was very bad form for<span class="pagenum">[187]</span> -him to attempt to take first honors away from a man to -whom he owed his life, but Mark Merrill seemed not to -regard it in that light.</p> - -<p>One afternoon Mark received a letter which seemed -to give him a great deal of worry.</p> - -<p>At last he sought Bemis Perry, and said:</p> - -<p>“See here, Perry, you have got a very level head, -and I wish to ask your advice.”</p> - -<p>“Fire away, old man, for I am at your service from -truck to keelson.”</p> - -<p>“I have a letter here from Miss Virgene Rich, whom -you met at my mother’s.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! I see; but you are over-young to marry yet, -Mark. Flirt all you wish to, have a sweetheart in -every port, which is a sailor’s prerogative, but don’t -let any girl get her grappling irons on you too securely -to shake off.”</p> - -<p>“My dear Perry, you generally speak with the wisdom -of Solomon, but just now you are on the wrong -tack, so go about and know your course before you set -full sail.”</p> - -<p>“My anchor’s down, Merrill, and hatches closed,” -and Perry dropped into his chair and placed his finger -upon his lips.</p> - -<p>“It concerns Clemmons, and places me in an awkward -position.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! more of his deviltry, eh?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll read you Miss Virgene’s letter.” And taking -it from his pocket, Mark read aloud as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">My Dear Mark</span>: A letter from me will doubtless -surprise you, but I write for Silly Sam, who is not -gifted with a superior style of penmanship.</p> - -<p>“Let me first tell you that all at Spook Hall jogs on -in the same easy way, and I am still under your sweet -mother’s kind charge, though I am spending Sunday,<span class="pagenum">[188]</span> -to-day, at home with father, so I can send no message -from your mother, and, in fact, my letter to you is a -secret known only to the writer, Silly Sam, and the -recipient.</p> - -<p>“Now to Sam’s letter. He begs me to say to you -that he is in the employ of Merchant Clemmons, and -that the other day, when asleep in the little room adjoining -the office, Mr. Clemmons came in, accompanied by -a young man whom he had met at his door.</p> - -<p>“Sam did not make his presence known, and through -the door, he being back in the dark, he saw that the -young man presented a very seedy, dissipated look, but -had a very defiant air.</p> - -<p>“Then, as near as I could get it from Sam, the young -man demanded money from the merchant, and was -refused.</p> - -<p>“Then he told him that he would go to the Naval -Academy, where he had been a cadet, and make a clean -breast of it to the commandant that his son, Scott Clemmons, -had led him into a plot against <em>you</em>.</p> - -<p>“Scott had paid him well for his services, said services -being to persecute you in any way in his power, -to cause you demerit marks, and that Scott Clemmons -had arranged a plan by which you should be found -with a gold fifty-dollar coin, which he, Clemmons, had -pretended was stolen from him.</p> - -<p>“The plot did not turn out a success, as you had -thwarted him in some way, and he had been dismissed -from the academy.</p> - -<p>“To keep him quiet and accept his dismissal, Scott -Clemmons had paid him well, and he had all the proofs -of what he said, and knew that it was the intention of -Scott Clemmons to get you dismissed from the academy -by some foul means, notwithstanding that you had -saved his life, for he treated you with the bitterest -venom.</p> - -<p>“Then, Sam says, the visitor, who gave his name as -Barney Breslin, boldly demanded two thousand dollars -from Merchant Clemmons, or he would go to the commandant -and give proof of Scott’s villainy and have -him dismissed in disgrace.</p> - -<p>“Sam says that Mr. Clemmons was deeply moved,<span class="pagenum">[189]</span> -when convinced that the young man told the truth, and -told him that he would give him the money, and more, -on condition that he should give into his hands all -proofs and then leave the country.</p> - -<p>“This the young man promised to do, and when Mr. -Clemmons sent to the bank for the money, he handed over -to him a bundle of papers, letters, which Scott Clemmons -had written, and other documents, which the merchant -seemed glad to get.</p> - -<p>“Such is Sam’s story, and you now know what a foe -you have in Scott Clemmons, and can govern yourself -accordingly, Mark.”</p></div> - -<p>Such was the letter, and Bemis Perry listened to -every word of it with the deepest attention.</p> - -<p>“Now, Perry, you have the facts.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and you asked my advice?”</p> - -<p>“I did, and I wish it, for, though I do not fear Clemmons’ -open hostility, I do not care to be on guard constantly -against his blow in the dark, nor do I wish a -scandal, for of that there has been enough with Breslin.”</p> - -<p>“So I think; but my idea is to save a scandal, and -to keep the secret between ourselves, while I force Clemmons -to resign, for it will come better from me than -from you. If you will trust me with that letter I will -act.”</p> - -<p>Mark handed it over without a word, and, rising, -Bemis Perry went to his desk and took out a paper he -had locked therein.</p> - -<p>“I will soon return,” he said, and he left the room.</p> - -<p>He went straight to the quarters of Scott Clemmons, -whom he found alone.</p> - -<p>Scott Clemmons looked up with some surprise as he -entered, for they were upon barely speaking terms; but -Perry gave him no time to consider, but said:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[190]</span></p> - -<p>“I have come to see you, Clemmons, upon a matter -of vital importance to you, and we must be alone.”</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, we are not likely to be disturbed.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Clemmons, I have come to ask you to do yourself -a favor.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?”</p> - -<p>“To resign.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean, sir?” angrily asked Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Be patient, extremely patient, and you shall know. -I am here to do you a favor, if you will so consider it; -to do my duty by the service, the academy, and my -brother cadets, if you do not obey my wishes.”</p> - -<p>“Your words are inexplicable to me, sir!”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll be more explicit than you can wish, sir. -You had as a friend here one Barney Breslin, a cadet -who became your tool, for you paid him well to persecute -Mark Merrill in every manner possible—hold! I -have here Breslin’s confession, and more, I hold other -papers to criminate you in that gold coin affair, which -you professed to have had stolen from you for the purpose -of disgracing Merrill. Now the paper I handed to -you, which you left upon the table in the Astor House, -I allowed three cadets to read, and I took a copy of it. -That shows that Breslin blackmailed you out of six -hundred dollars. He did not leave the country, but on -the contrary has forced money from your father, who -has feared to have you disgraced by his coming to the -commandant.”</p> - -<p>“My father?” gasped Clemmons.</p> - -<p>“Yes, your father paid him over two thousand dollars -to prevent his coming here, and so, as I hold all -proofs of your villainy——”</p> - -<p>“Sir!”</p> - -<p>“I repeat it, of your criminal scoundrelism toward -Merrill, I tell you, that if you do not this day send in<span class="pagenum">[191]</span> -your resignation to the commandant I shall place the -whole matter before him, and the result will be your -utter disgrace. See, I am blackmailing you now, -threatening, forcing you to resign, for if you do not, I -shall do as I say; if you do, I shall keep your secret, -upon my honor. What will you do?”</p> - -<p>“Resign,” and the word was hardly audible.</p> - -<p>“When?”</p> - -<p>“To-day.”</p> - -<p>“You are wise.”</p> - -<p>“You will keep my secret?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; write your resignation now.”</p> - -<p>It was done, and Bemis Perry said:</p> - -<p>“Now, good-by, Clemmons; but permit me to say -that I pity one of your splendid attainments who was -not man enough to fight a rival openly.”</p> - -<p>And Bemis Perry left the room, while soon after -Scott Clemmons went over to the quarters of the commandant -and handed in his resignation.</p> - -<p>It was a surprise to the commandant, a wonder to all, -the resignation of Scott Clemmons, but all questioning -as to the cause went unanswered, for Bemis Perry kept -his word and the secret.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[192]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLVII">CHAPTER XLVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A MIDNIGHT EXPEDITION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>Mark Merrill continued on in the even tenor of -his way through his second year, and once more stood -at the head of his class.</p> - -<p>As for honors won the third year was but a repetition -of the other two, and he entered upon the last year of -his Naval School life with the goal of his ambition in -sight, the chance of becoming the “first honor man.”</p> - -<p>When the last day rolled around, the one that was to -make or mar his hopes of winning or losing, he was -pale but calm.</p> - -<p>He had held his popularity with all, and they all -wished him success.</p> - -<p>He had held his place so well in his studies, his -deportment, and through every duty and drill, that -only a slip could send him to the rear.</p> - -<p>There, among the visitors, was the Honorable Secretary -of the Navy, and there, too, was the gallant old sailor -who had been his friend, and who had been honored by -promotion, and now appeared as Rear-Admiral Lucien.</p> - -<p>“I dare not fail in their presence,” Mark Merrill had -muttered to himself, and his face flushed as he suddenly -beheld two others there with their eyes upon him.</p> - -<p>Those two were his mother and Virgene Rich, the -latter now grown into a beautiful young lady of twenty.</p> - -<p>Dare he fail now? No, and he did not, for his name -stood at the head of the list as number one.</p> - -<p>And more, he was praised in no measured terms, and<span class="pagenum">[193]</span> -cheered in a manner that showed that his fellows were -glad in their inmost hearts.</p> - -<p>And that night when he appeared at the Naval Ball -he was the cynosure of all eyes, and justly so, for a -splendid, handsome fellow was this daring young sailor -who had made such a brave fight for fame.</p> - -<p>When Mrs. Merrill and Virgene returned homeward -they had as an escort the young naval officer, who was -on his “graduation leave” before being ordered away -on a three years’ cruise.</p> - -<p>Arriving at Spook Hall, and mingling among those -who had known him in the past, the verdict of all was -that he was not in the least spoiled by the honors he -had won.</p> - -<p>Asking about Scott Clemmons, Mark learned that he -had gone away from home upon an expedition to Cuba, -to fight with the Cuban patriots struggling to free the -“ever faithful isle” from the tyrannical yoke of Spain.</p> - -<p>After a happy visit at home, where Herbert Nazro -came and visited him the last month of his leave, and -fell desperately in love with Virgene Rich, Mark -reported for duty, and was ordered on board the United -States steamer Frolic, which was to sail for the West -Indies.</p> - -<p>Three months after, one dark and rainy night, the -Frolic lay at anchor in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba.</p> - -<p>In the steerage a number of young officers were gathered -around a table, before which was spread a map of -the harbor and the town.</p> - -<p>One was talking in low, earnest tone, and others were -listening with rapt attention.</p> - -<p>The speaker was saying: “Now, gentlemen, these -prisoners have been placed in this prison—here it is -upon this map, and to-morrow they will be taken to the -fortress, where they will remain until Sunday, when,<span class="pagenum">[194]</span> -with the others now condemned and captured on the -Commandatario, they will be shot by the Spaniards, for -Spain is merciless to her foes. If they are removed to -the fortress, then all hope for them is gone, so we must -act to-night. I have bribed a Spaniard to aid us, and -he is to secure the uniform of an aide to General -Buriel, and meet us at this point—here on this map. -He will have uniforms awaiting us, and we will march -to the outpost for the prisoners, while he states that he -has been sent to conduct them to the fortress, fearing -an attempt at rescue by the Cubans. The commandant -of the outpost prison is a new man, and his men have -just come from Havana, so that Buriel’s aides are not -known to them, and herein is our strength. Now I saw -these prisoners to-day, and every one of the seven are -Americans, whom, as our cruiser will not protect, we -must aid to escape. Nay, more, one of these prisoners -is the gallant Bascomb, who resigned after leaving the -academy, and accepted a position as commander of a -Cuban blockade runner. Another is Scott Clemmons, -also once a cadet, who was Bascomb’s lieutenant, and -the others are also brave American boys who must not -be shot to satiate Governor Buriel’s thirst for blood. -Are you with me?”</p> - -<p>“To a man,” said Bemis Perry, and the others, eight -in number, held forth their hands and grasped that of -Mark Merrill, who continued:</p> - -<p>“It is not law; I know, it is against naval discipline; -but it is justice, it is humanity, for if we do not save -those poor lads they are dead men within thirty-six -hours. Now we have leave to go on a special invitation -to our fellows of the Powhattan, so we’ll instead -pull ashore and meet my Spaniard.”</p> - -<p>“We are ready,” said Perry, and soon after, muffled -in their great coats, the young officers entered a<span class="pagenum">[195]</span> -cutter and were rowed away through the darkness and -rain.</p> - -<p>They landed at a certain point on the shore where -there was a hut in which shone a light.</p> - -<p>Here a Spaniard met them, and Spanish uniforms -were put on over their own, muskets were taken, and -they marched off.</p> - -<p>The Spaniard was in the uniform of a captain, and -wore a cloak.</p> - -<p>He led the way, and after a march of half a mile -they came to the outpost <i lang="es" xml:lang="es">carcel</i>, or prison.</p> - -<p>The pretended Spanish officer gave the countersign, -and going into the <i lang="es" xml:lang="es">carcel</i> told what his orders were.</p> - -<p>It seemed a long time for the waiting officers in their -disguise, but at last the clanking of chains was heard -and out marched the prisoners, seven in number, and -heavily ironed.</p> - -<p>The pretended captain placed them in single file -between his men, and off they marched in the darkness -and storm. They did not return to the cabin, but continued -along the shore, until they came to a boat, and -dimly seen offshore was a small sailing craft.</p> - -<p>“Now, señor, unlock these irons, and let the men go -aboard as quickly as possible, for their craft must be -well off the coast before dawn, and with this gale they -can be, for it blows straight out of the harbor. Then -see us back to the cabin, and your work is done,” said -Mark Merrill.</p> - -<p>“I should know that voice among a thousand—by -heaven! you are Mark Merrill.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Bascomb, but breathe it not, for we are Spanish -soldiers this night of our Lord.”</p> - -<p>“Ever the same noble, gallant fellow, Merrill, and -God knows I’ll never forget you for this, will we——”</p> - -<p>“Come, you must be off, or you will undo all that<span class="pagenum">[196]</span> -has been done. There is your craft and two men on -board, chartered for the cruise—please go.” And thus -urged the rescued men hastened into the boat, which at -once shoved off, while brave Bascomb cried:</p> - -<p>“We’ll meet again, Merrill; God bless you and your -brave crew, whoever they be.”</p> - -<p>“Now we must get out of this,” said Mark, and the -Spaniard led the way rapidly back to the hut.</p> - -<p>When the uniforms were discarded Mark handed the -Spaniard the amount promised him, and getting into -their boat, it was headed back to the Frolic.</p> - -<p>“Merrill,” said Bemis Perry, in a low tone.</p> - -<p>“Yes?”</p> - -<p>“You engineered the bravest act of your life to-night, -one which, dared it be known, would win you a name -that would never die. I am proud to have been with -you; but did you see that Clemmons skulked away -when Bascomb recognized you, that he uttered no -word?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he’s the same old Clemmons, Perry,” was the -reply.</p> - -<p>The ship was reached, and when the next morning -came the news of the daring rescue of the prisoners -became known, but no one placed the daring deed -where it belonged, and that the call of the captured -men was a close one was proven by the deliberate and -cruel execution, as the murder was called, of scores of -gallant men who had volunteered to aid the patriot -cause of Cuba, and were doomed to death by the -butcher, Buriel.</p> - -<p>Soon after the Frolic steamed away from the shores -of the ever faithful isle, and no one ever dreamed the -real truth of that midnight rescue of Americans led by -Mark Merrill.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[197]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XLVIII">CHAPTER XLVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<p>After her West Indian cruise the Frolic dropped -anchor in New York harbor, and, to his surprise, Mark -Merrill found a leave of absence granted him from active -duty.</p> - -<p>A letter from his mother partly explained the situation. -She had begged the leniency of a leave for him.</p> - -<p>Upon his arrival in B—— his mother met him, and -upon the drive home he learned the story, which I will -now let the reader know.</p> - -<p>Mark’s father had been a wild, but not wicked, lad, -and his mother had married a second time.</p> - -<p>The stepfather, Vance Vanloo, had treated the youth -so cruelly, wishing to get rid of him so that his own -son could get possession of his wife’s valuable estates, -that the lad had run away to sea.</p> - -<p>He had the proper spirit in him, and had worked his -way up from the forecastle to the command of a fine -vessel, when he had fallen in love with a young girl -who was crossing the ocean with her invalid father.</p> - -<p>The father had died, and was buried at sea, and the -daughter, falling in love also with the handsome young -captain, had married him.</p> - -<p>And she it was who afterward became Mark Merrill’s -mother.</p> - -<p>But soon after little Mark reached his twelfth year -the father was lost at sea, and his wife was left destitute, -for, as sorrows never come singly, what they had<span class="pagenum">[198]</span> -saved up in bank was wiped out by the failure of the -bank.</p> - -<p>So it was that Mark, born upon the sea and reared -upon his father’s vessel, turned his attention to the -water to earn a living for himself and mother.</p> - -<p>They had sought the coast of Maine, near B——, and -afterward became dwellers, by the kindness of the -agent, in the grand old mansion known as Spook Hall. -But, better still, an inquiring attorney had sought out -the heirs of the estate, and of other large property coming -to them, and found them in Mrs. Merrill and her -son.</p> - -<p>So the Vanloo mansion, old Spook Hall, was in -reality the home of Mrs. Merrill, who suddenly found -herself a very rich woman.</p> - -<p>Such was the mystery hanging over the Merrills, -and hovering about Beacon Castle, and such was the -story told to the young naval officer during his drive to -the place so long dreaded as Spook Hall, but which had -been fitted up and refurnished by Mrs. Merrill to welcome -home its master.</p> - -<p>A pleasant month did Mark spend at home, and while -there he gave away in marriage, for her father had -died the year before, pretty Virgene Rich to Herbert -Nazro, of the United States Navy, and a handsome -couple they were, too.</p> - -<p>And Mark Merrill?</p> - -<p>But if I say more I fear I will be pointing too directly -at the officer who has been my hero, and whom, perhaps, -too many already have recognized; so I will let -fall the curtain upon the gallant young sailor who won -the victory in his fight for fame.</p> - -<p class="center p1">THE END.</p> - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[i]</span></p> -<p class="nobreak center xlargefont u">THE CREAM OF JUVENILE FICTION</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxit"> -<p class="center xxlargefont">THE BOYS’ OWN -LIBRARY</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">A Selection of the Best Books for Boys by the -Most Popular Authors</p> - -<p>The titles in this splendid juvenile series have been selected -with care, and as a result all the stories can be relied -upon for their excellence. They are bright and sparkling; not -over-burdened with lengthy descriptions, but brimful of adventure -from the first page to the last—in fact they are just the -kind of yarns that appeal strongly to the healthy boy who is -fond of thrilling exploits and deeds of heroism. Among the -authors whose names are included in the Boys’ Own Library -are Horatio Alger, Jr., Edward S. Ellis, James Otis, Capt. Ralph -Bonehill, Burt L. Standish, Gilbert Patten and Frank H. Converse.</p> - -<p class="xlargefont center p1">SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE -BOYS’ OWN LIBRARY</p> - -<p>All the books in this series are copyrighted, printed on good -paper, large type, illustrated, printed wrappers, handsome cloth -covers stamped in inks and gold—fifteen special cover designs.</p> - -<p class="center largefont u">140 Titles—Price, per Volume, 75 cents</p> - -<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price -by the publisher,</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="xlargefont">DAVID McKAY,</span><br /> -610 SO. WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxit"> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum">[ii]</span></p> - -<p class="aheader nobreak">HORATIO ALGER, Jr.</p> - -<p>One of the best known and most popular writers. Good, clean, -healthy stories for the American Boy.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Adventures of a Telegraph Boy<br /> -Dean Dunham<br /> -Erie Train Boy, The<br /> -Five Hundred Dollar Check<br /> -From Canal Boy to President<br /> -From Farm Boy to Senator<br /> -Mark Stanton<br /> -Ned Newton<br /> -New York Boy<br /> -Tom Brace<br /> -Tom Tracy<br /> -Walter Griffith<br /> -Young Acrobat</p></div> -</div> - -<p class="aheader">C. B. ASHLEY.</p> - -<p>One of the best stories ever written on hunting, trapping and adventure -in the West, after the Custer Massacre.</p> - -<p class="center">Gilbert, the Boy Trapper</p> - -<p class="aheader">ANNIE ASHMORE.</p> - -<p>A splendid story, recording the adventures of a boy with smugglers.</p> - -<p class="center">Smuggler’s Cave, The</p> - -<p class="aheader">CAPT. RALPH BONEHILL.</p> - -<p>Capt. Bonehill is in the very front rank as an author of boys’ -stories. He writes also under the name of Stratemeyer and Winfield. -These are two of his best works.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Neka, the Boy Conjurer<br /> -Tour of the Zero Club</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">WALTER F. BRUNS.</p> - -<p>An excellent story of adventure in the celebrated Sunk Lands of -Missouri and Kansas.</p> - -<p class="center">In the Sunk Lands</p> - -<p class="aheader">FRANK H. CONVERSE.</p> - -<p>This writer has established a splendid reputation as a boys’ author, -and although his books usually command $1.25 per volume, we offer -the following at a more popular price.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[iii]</span></p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Gold of Flat Top Mountain<br /> -Happy-Go-Lucky Jack<br /> -Heir to a Million<br /> -In Search of An Unknown Race<br /> -In Southern Seas<br /> -Mystery of a Diamond<br /> -That Treasure<br /> -Voyage to the Gold Coast</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">HARRY COLLINGWOOD.</p> - -<p>One of England’s most successful writers of stories for boys. His -best story is</p> - -<p class="center">Pirate Island</p> - -<p class="aheader">GEORGE H. COOMER.</p> - -<p>Two books we highly recommend. One is a splendid story of adventure -at sea, when American ships were in every port in the world, -and the other tells of adventures while the first railway in the Andes -Mountains was being built.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Boys in the Forecastle<br /> -Old Man of the Mountain</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">WILLIAM DALTON.</p> - -<p>Three stories by one of the very greatest writers for boys. The -stories deal with boys’ adventures in India, China and Abyssinia. -These books are strongly recommended for boys’ reading, as they contain -a large amount of historical information.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Tiger Prince<br /> -War Tiger<br /> -White Elephant</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">EDWARD S. ELLIS.</p> - -<p>These books are considered the best works this well-known writer -ever produced. No better reading for bright young Americans.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Arthur Helmuth<br /> -Check No. 2134<br /> -From Tent to White House<br /> -Perils of the Jungle<br /> -On the Trail of Geronimo<br /> -White Mustang</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">GEORGE MANVILLE FENN.</p> - -<p>For the past fifty years Mr. Fenn has been writing books for boys -and popular fiction. His books are justly popular throughout the -English-speaking world. We publish the following select list of his -boys’ books, which we consider the best he ever wrote.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Commodore Junk<br /> -Dingo Boys<br /> -Golden Magnet<br /> -Grand Chaco<br /> -Weathercock</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">ENSIGN CLARKE FITCH, U. S. N.</p> - -<p>A graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and thoroughly -familiar with all naval matters. Mr. Fitch has devoted himself -to literature, and has written a series of books for boys that every<span class="pagenum">[iv]</span> -young American should read. His stories are full of very interesting -information about the navy, training ships, etc.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Bound for Annapolis<br /> -Clif, the Naval Cadet<br /> -Cruise of the Training Ship<br /> -From Port to Port<br /> -Strange Cruise, A</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">WILLIAM MURRAY GRAYDON.</p> - -<p>An author of world-wide popularity. Mr. Graydon is essentially a -friend of young people, and we offer herewith ten of his best works, -wherein he relates a great diversity of interesting adventures in various -parts of the world, combined with accurate historical data.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Butcher of Cawnpore, The<br /> -Camp in the Snow, The<br /> -Campaigning with Braddock<br /> -Cryptogram, The<br /> -From Lake to Wilderness<br /> -In Barracks and Wigwam<br /> -In Fort and Prison<br /> -Jungles and Traitors<br /> -Rajah’s Fortress, The<br /> -White King of Africa, The</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">LIEUT. FREDERICK GARRISON, U. S. A.</p> - -<p>Every American boy takes a keen interest in the affairs of West -Point. No more capable writer on this popular subject could be found -than Lieut. Garrison, who vividly describes the life, adventures and -unique incidents that have occurred in that great institution—in these -famous West Point stories.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Off for West Point<br /> -Cadet’s Honor, A<br /> -On Guard<br /> -West Point Treasure, The<br /> -West Point Rivals, The</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">HEADON HILL.</p> - -<p>The hunt for gold has always been a popular subject for consideration, -and Mr. Hill has added a splendid story on the subject in this -romance of the Klondyke.</p> - -<p class="center">Spectre Gold</p> - -<p class="aheader">HENRY HARRISON LEWIS.</p> - -<p>Mr. Lewis is a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and -has written a great many books for boys. Among his best works are -the following titles—the subjects include a vast series of adventures -in all parts of the world. The historical data is correct, and they -should be read by all boys, for the excellent information they contain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[v]</span></p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Centreboard Jim<br /> -King of the Island<br /> -Midshipman Merrill<br /> -Ensign Merrill<br /> -Sword and Pen<br /> -Valley of Mystery, The<br /> -Yankee Boys in Japan</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY.</p> - -<p>A series of books embracing many adventures under our famous -naval commanders, and with our army during the War of 1812 and -the Civil War. Founded on sound history, these books are written -for boys, with the idea of combining pleasure with profit; to cultivate -a fondness for study—especially of what has been accomplished by -our army and navy.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Cadet Kit Carey<br /> -Captain Carey<br /> -Kit Carey’s Protegé<br /> -Lieut. Carey’s Luck<br /> -Out With Commodore Decatur<br /> -Randy, the Pilot<br /> -Tom Truxton’s School Days<br /> -Tom Truxton’s Ocean Trip<br /> -Treasure of the Golden Crater<br /> -Won at West Point</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">BROOKS McCORMICK.</p> - -<p>Four splendid books of adventure on sea and land, by this well-known -writer for boys.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Giant Islanders, The<br /> -How He Won<br /> -Nature’s Young Nobleman<br /> -Rival Battalions</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">WALTER MORRIS.</p> - -<p>This charming story contains thirty-two chapters of just the sort of -school life that charms the boy readers.</p> - -<p class="center">Bob Porter at Lakeview Academy</p> - -<p class="aheader">STANLEY NORRIS.</p> - -<p>Mr. Norris is without a rival as a writer of “Circus Stories” for -boys. These four books are full of thrilling adventures, but good, -wholesome reading for young Americans.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Phil, the Showman<br /> -Young Showman’s Rivals, The<br /> -Young Showman’s Pluck, The<br /> -Young Showman’s Triumph</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">LIEUT. JAMES K. ORTON.</p> - -<p>When a boy has read one of Lieut. Orton’s books, it requires no -urging to induce him to read the others. Not a dull page in any of -them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[vi]</span></p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Beach Boy Joe<br /> -Last Chance Mine<br /> -Secret Chart, The<br /> -Tom Havens with the White Squadron</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">JAMES OTIS.</p> - -<p>Mr. Otis is known by nearly every American boy, and needs no introduction -here. The following copyrights are among his best:</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Chased Through Norway<br /> -Inland Waterways<br /> -Unprovoked Mutiny<br /> -Wheeling for Fortune<br /> -Reuben Green’s Adventures at Yale</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">GILBERT PATTEN.</p> - -<p>Mr. Patten has had the distinction of having his books adopted by -the U. S. Government for all naval libraries on board our war ships. -While aiming to avoid the extravagant and sensational, the stories -contain enough thrilling incidents to please the lad who loves action -and adventure. In the Rockspur stories the description of their Baseball -and Football Games and other contests with rival clubs and teams -make very exciting and absorbing reading; and few boys with warm -blood in their veins, having once begun the perusal of one of these -books, will willingly lay it down till it is finished.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Boy Boomers<br /> -Boy Cattle King<br /> -Boy from the West<br /> -Don Kirke’s Mine<br /> -Jud and Joe<br /> -Rockspur Nine, The<br /> -Rockspur Eleven, The<br /> -Rockspur Rivals, The</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE.</p> - -<p>Mr. Rathborne’s stories for boys have the peculiar charm of -dealing with localities and conditions with which he is thoroughly -familiar. The scenes of these excellent stories are along the Florida -coast and on the western prairies.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Canoe and Camp Fire<br /> -Paddling Under Palmettos<br /> -Rival Canoe Boys<br /> -Sunset Ranch<br /> -Chums of the Prairie<br /> -Young Range Riders<br /> -Gulf Cruisers<br /> -Shifting Winds</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">ARTHUR SEWELL.</p> - -<p>An American story by an American author. It relates how a -Yankee boy overcame many obstacles in school and out. Thoroughly -interesting from start to finish.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[vii]</span></p> - -<p class="center">Gay Dashleigh’s Academy Days</p> - -<p class="aheader">CAPT. DAVID SOUTHWICK.</p> - -<p>An exceptionally good story of frontier life among the Indians in -the far West, during the early settlement period.</p> - -<p class="center">Jack Wheeler</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont boldfont p1" style="margin-bottom:-0.5em">The Famous Frank Merriwell Stories.</p> - -<p class="aheader">BURT L. STANDISH.</p> - -<p>No modern series of tales for boys and youths has met with anything -like the cordial reception and popularity accorded to the Frank -Merriwell Stories. There must be a reason for this and there is. -Frank Merriwell, as portrayed by the author, is a jolly whole-souled, -honest, courageous American lad, who appeals to the hearts of the -boys. He has no bad habits, and his manliness inculcates the idea -that it is not necessary for a boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. -Frank Merriwell’s example is a shining light for every ambitious lad -to follow. Six volumes now ready:</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Frank Merriwell’s School Days<br /> -Frank Merriwell’s Chums<br /> -Frank Merriwell’s Foes<br /> -Frank Merriwell’s Trip West<br /> -Frank Merriwell Down South<br /> -Frank Merriwell’s Bravery</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">VICTOR ST. CLAIR.</p> - -<p>These books are full of good, clean adventure, thrilling enough to -please the full-blooded wide-awake boy, yet containing nothing to -which there can be any objection from those who are careful as to the -kind of books they put into the hands of the young.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Cast Away in the Jungle<br /> -For Home and Honor<br /> -From Switch to Lever<br /> -Little Snap, the Post Boy<br /> -Zig-Zag, the Boy Conjurer<br /> -Zip, the Acrobat</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">MATTHEW WHITE, JR.</p> - -<p>Good, healthy, strong books for the American lad. No more interesting -books for the young appear on our lists.</p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Adventures of a Young Athlete<br /> -Eric Dane<br /> -Guy Hammersley<br /> -My Mysterious Fortune<br /> -Tour of a Private Car<br /> -Young Editor, The</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">ARTHUR M. WINFIELD.</p> - -<p>One of the most popular authors of boys’ books. He writes also -under the name of Bonehill and Stratemeyer. Here are three of his -best.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[viii]</span></p> - -<div class="center"><p class="displayinline">Mark Dale’s Stage Venture<br /> -Young Bank Clerk, The<br /> -Young Bridge Tender, The</p></div> - -<p class="aheader">GAYLE WINTERTON.</p> - -<p>This very interesting story relates the trials and triumphs of a -Young American Actor, including the solution of a very puzzling -mystery.</p> - -<p class="center">Young Actor, The</p> - -<p class="aheader">ERNEST A. YOUNG.</p> - -<p>This book is not a treatise on sports, as the title would indicate, but -relates a series of thrilling adventures among boy campers in the -woods of Maine.</p> - -<p class="center">Boats, Bats and Bicycles</p> - -<p class="center boldfont largefont p1" style="margin-bottom:-1.5em">DAVID McKAY, Publisher, Philadelphia.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 id="TN_end" style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned.</p> - -<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors -have been corrected.</p></div> -</div> - -<pre style='margin-top:6em'> -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIDSHIPMAN MERRILL *** - -This file should be named 63590-h.htm or 63590-h.zip - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/9/63590/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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