307 pp. Cloth. $1.50. 349 pp. Cloth. $1.50. Cloth. $1.50. 359 pp. Cloth. $1.50. WITH PORTER IN THE ESSEX
_A Story of his Famous Cruise in Southern
Waters during the War of 1812_
BY
JAMES OTIS
ILLUSTRATED BY
WILLIAM F. STECHER
[Illustration: Logo]
BOSTON AND CHICAGO
W. A. WILDE COMPANY
_Copyright, 1901_,
BY W. A. WILDE COMPANY. CONTENTS. INTRODUCING MYSELF 17
II. THE COAST OF CHILI 34
III. AMONG THE WHALERS 80
V. THE NEW FLEET 103
VI. A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 126
VII. AN ISLAND PORT 149
VIII. AN OLD ENEMY 195
X. AMONG THE TYPEES 218
XI. A NAVAL STATION 241
XII. AT VALPARAISO 264
XIII. THE BRITISHERS 287
XIV. THE BATTLE 311
XV. All the brigs,
excepting the _Enterprise_, had been captured, and she was not to be
trusted at sea much longer. JAMES OTIS. WITH PORTER IN THE ESSEX. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCING MYSELF. Stephen had won his way upward, and why might not I? There was never a man on board the ship who did not know that she was
bound for the purpose firstly, of capturing any English vessels that we
might be able to cope with, and secondly, to come across the
_Constitution_ and the _Hornet_, with which ships we would afterward
cruise in company. There was nothing particularly interesting in the chase as it presented
itself to me. When night fell, and we
lads were at liberty to go on deck, there was absolutely nothing to be
seen. I question if any orders, however strict, could have kept us below. Philip was moved by the same impulse at the same instant, and we struck
the water side by side. Having said this, Master Hackett went aft to where Lieutenant McKnight
was standing, tugged at a wisp of hair which hung over his forehead, and
at the same time scraped one foot behind him, which answered for a
sailor's bow, saying as he did so:--
"I'm ready for duty, sir." He has
thanked us, and that seems to be all that is necessary." "And so it is," Philip replied, for he was a better-natured lad than I
by far, and ever ready to make excuses where I found fault. "If we hadn't done so, Master Hackett would likely have gone to the
bottom, for I saw no one making ready to go after him." "You didn't give them time, Ezra McKnight," Philip replied laughingly. It is difficult for me to explain the difference in our positions, and
yet it was very decided. CHAPTER II. THE COAST OF CHILI. Go off Cape Frio, to the northward of
Rio Janeiro, and keep a lookout for me." For a time we'll have everything our own way, an' then the
king will have a pretty good idee of what the Yankees can do." "But how will it be possible to get home, Master Hackett?" I asked,
thinking more of my own safety than of brave deeds to be accomplished. "That's somethin' that don't concern us,--leastways, not until the
_Essex_ has come to the end of her cruise. We've shipped to do all the
harm we can to Englishmen, for that's the meanin' of war, lad. This
cutting loose, as it were, did not strike me in a pleasant fashion. It was
as if our craft had been no larger than a long-boat, and I dare venture
to say that many times she actually stood on end. Nor were we lads alarmed without good cause; it was possible to
understand by the behavior of the crew, at such times as we were able to
understand anything, that every man jack believed the _Essex_ would be
finally overcome in her struggle with the elements; and once, when the
turmoil was at its height, Master Hackett came to where I lay in my
hammock for no other apparent purpose than to clasp my hand. To us two lads, who were sick with the odor of the salt breeze, the
scene was entrancing. he
said with a laugh, when I had made what was little less than a
complaint. Of a verity we had arrived in the nick of time, and there was great
rejoicing fore and aft because of such fact. The old gunner was well acquainted in Valparaiso, and before setting out
to visit acquaintances, he showed us all the sights. "Hello, you two lads! "If that's all you're wanting, come with me. I'll show you a good
time." I asked, fancying that he spoke like one lately from
England. "Yes, for the time being; and since I have nothing better to do, suppose
we travel together." If we never went back to the _Essex_, I reckon there wouldn't be much
mourning over our loss." Phil asked. "Go on," Phil said, pushing me forward. Then he opened the door
of a room and stepped back a pace, that we might advance in front of
him. CHAPTER III. "I'm not making any mistake as to what you're worth," Benson cried from
the hallway. "That's where you are making a big mistake, my Yankee cub. I was overwhelmed with grief and anger. There was no care in my mind that Benson was most likely listening to
all we said or did, and would set us down as chicken-hearted; I only
gave heed to our situation, knowing full well how entirely we were in
his power. "If we could get out of here, it would not be a difficult task to reach
the ground," Phil said, in a certain tone of hopefulness. "I'd guarantee to bring up on the ground all right, wall or no wall, if
it wasn't for the bars." By this time I was weary, mentally and bodily, and, not minded to give
the villain any more pleasure,--for I doubted not but that he enjoyed
hearing his prisoners beat vainly against the bars of their cage,--I
whispered to Phil:--
"Don't speak nor move. By this time Benson was nearly at the top of the ladder; but he took
good care not to come within reach of our fists. Phil gazed at me in anger and astonishment, whereupon I hastened to
explain myself. One or more
may succeed in escaping, and then the truth will be known." Once our stomachs were filled, hope revived. Finally I gave up all belief that he could entice any of the crew into
his prison, and said with more of hope in my tones than was actually in
my heart:--
"Two great hulking lads like ourselves should be able to get out of an
ordinary house! "Tell me how to go about it, and I'll do my best; but I fail to
understand how we can accomplish anything." "We have our knives, and with such tools many a man has worked his way
toward freedom. "It would require a month of hard work to loosen even one of these
stones," Phil replied gloomily. Having said this I set myself at work pricking out particles of mortar
with the point of my knife; and although the work progressed but slowly,
I could soon see some slight results. Now, if we
make the rope fast to the lower end of the bar, and also to the handle
of the door, one or the other must give way when we get purchase
enough." "Yes, I reckon all that is true; but we're no more likely to get a
purchase on it than we are to walk out of here this minute." Finally I hit upon a plan,--not anything very brilliant, but a makeshift
which might possibly serve our purpose. Phil cried exultantly, and would have bent himself
once more for a supreme effort but that I stopped him. "Well, are we to sit here idle?" Phil asked angrily. "Not a bit of it! After dark we can
yank two bars out, or I'm mistaken." Phil said jubilantly. Phil replied. "That little show of temper will cost you your supper," Benson cried in
a rage. "I'll starve you into submission, if you turn rusty, so have a
care." "I reckon you've lost your temper because of not finding any more fools
among the crew of the _Essex_!" "He'll work his will with us," Phil said with a sob as we ceased our
efforts and stood facing each other in the darkness. We can work at the mortar all day
to-morrow, and then I'm certain the bars will yield." the old seaman asked in a loud whisper, after remaining
silent a few seconds. "At a window just above the height of the wall," Phil replied, and then
a happy thought came to me. "If an old shellback like me can't use a rope, I'd like to see the man
who can. Nor were we mistaken. Before I could have counted ten he was clutching
the bars of our prison, asking how we chanced to be in such a scrape. But instead of
standin' here yarnin', I reckon we'd better get you out of the trap." Phil asked timidly. "If
Benson should get an inkling of your being here, he'd make more trouble
for us in some way; and it won't pay to take any chances." It
was that which made me believe he could tell somethin' about you, an' I
set about findin' where he lived. It wasn't any easy matter for an old
shellback to follow that sneak, who had good reason for thinkin' some of
us might want to know where he anchored hisself nights; but I managed
the traverse in fair shape, an' here we are." Phil asked. "I reckon we might by hirin' a boatman; but there's no reason why we
need be in a hurry." "I'd rather be on the gun-deck than in this town," Phil replied with a
shudder, and at that instant, just as we were turning a corner, we came
face to face with Oliver Benson, the young Britisher who made a business
of selling Yankee seamen to English whalers. CHAPTER IV. AMONG THE WHALERS. "He can't do us any more harm, and we'll warn others as to his scheme. We've got the scoundrel fast, an' I count on keepin' him so, at least
until after he's been brought face to face with Captain Porter." "We picked him up a short distance from here," the old seaman replied. His game
doesn't stop at Yankees; for when there are none in port he'll pick up
anybody, so it's said." We've got good proof of what he's been
up to, an' I promise you he won't be treated any too gently." "I'll carry you an' him out to the ship for nothing, if by so doing we
can rid ourselves of the villain." There was never a man on board who did not believe our captain would
deal out the most severe punishment in his power, yet it was agreed by
the idlers on the gun-deck that if the villain was let off too easily,
they would ask for permission to go on shore again and make it their
duty to trim him in proper fashion. "Tell us the whole story from the time you left Hackett, and do not be
afraid of making it too long." 4 boat was
manned, and the prisoner, Benson, put on board. Whether that was the right view of the case or not, I can't say; but it
satisfied our old shellbacks, and that was enough. There was no reason why we should hold possession of the Peruvian, and
good cause why we ought to give her up, for we were not at war with
Spain; therefore, after our unsuccessful visit to Coquimbo, the two
ships were hove to within a mile of each other, that Lieutenant Downes's
fleet might gain more experience in handling their boats. In the first place, all the privateer's ammunition, shot, small arms,
and light sails were thrown overboard, which left that craft in such
shape that she couldn't do much harm to anything except herself, and
then her crew was sent on board once more. There was no need for any one to ask what our course would be after
parting company with the Peruvian cruiser. On this day we hauled off to the northward and westward,
counting to cross the track of inward-bound craft. Nor was Phil Robbins behind me in enthusiasm. It is not to be supposed that the old shellbacks showed any very intense
desire to be with us, and sometimes plainly said that the room we
occupied was better than our company; but they spoke with us now and
then as if we were in fact shipmates, sometimes even going so far as to
tell us a particularly interesting yarn. "It's not exactly that, sir; but when danger does come, we want our full
share of it." "That is what we most desire, sir," I replied. "But what would my uncle, your father, say when I saw him? If all his wishes could have been granted so quickly, he might have
counted himself the most fortunate lad in all the world. Phil remained silent, clutching my belt, and I could feel his hand
trembling violently. "Ay, there's little danger while we're so far away; but we're going
nearer each moment, and then of a surety they must strike us." I hardly dared to breathe, nor would I look at Phil lest he should read
in my eyes the fear that was in my heart. She was pierced for eighteen guns, but had only six
mounted when we took possession of her. By this time Phil and I were quite brave; we had come to understand
that danger cannot be lessened by fear, and were disposed to believe
that the British whalers were not such fighters as had been supposed. If ever there was a case of living on the enemy, ours surely was this
situation. We came up with the chase about noon, and then were becalmed within two
miles of her. I asked in surprise. A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. Cowardly though I was, it
disappointed me because these Britishers submitted so tamely. "I reckon you lads think the old _Essex_ has got about as much as she
can stagger under, eh?" Phil asked, thinking of Benson. They treated us well before." "Ay, an' that's why I'd keep my weather-eye liftin' while we're in these
waters. There'll be a big lot of
kickin' in Great Britain when word is sent there of what we've been
doin', an' you'll find that she'll shut every port on the Pacific
against us." There was no unusual
amount of work to be done on the ships, yet we were kept aboard as close
as if there was danger some of us might desert. There was no little amount of grumbling because we were kept so snug;
but as a matter of course none of the hard words were spoken where they
might be overheard by the officers, therefore nothing came of it. The beauty of it was that all our ships and ammunition had come
from the Britishers, which was surely an economical way of carrying on a
war. Twenty guns were mounted in this new sloop of war,
and she was manned by sixty men. Her name was changed to _Essex Junior_,
and a right trim little ship she was, I can assure you. The _Greenwich_ we made over into a store-ship, and all the spare stores
of the other vessels were put into her. The carpenters were yet busily at work on the _Essex Junior_ when we
left port; but we had become accustomed to fitting at sea, therefore a
little thing like that did not disturb the most nervous. We were yet at sea on the Fourth of July, and then was held a Yankee
celebration which must have astonished the mermaids. Every ship fired a
salute, and, what pleased us most, did it with powder we had taken from
the Britishers. Our commander had decided to send the prizes, _Hector_, _Catherine_,
_Policy_, and _Montezuma_, as well as the recaptured ship _Barclay_,
into Valparaiso, and Commandant Downes was to take charge of the matter. The other Britisher was the _New Zealander_, of two hundred and
fifty-nine tons, eight guns, and twenty-three men. There was not one of us who did not feel the most intense desire to
capture this craft, and particularly to do so before she could work any
serious damage to our consorts. I could not make out whether the men were excited lest they should not
be able to go, or if there was a desire to remain. "Hold your jaw, you lubbers!" There was a broad grin on Master Hackett's face when he cried with a
semblance of anger:--
"This 'ere won't do at all. Some of us are bound to go, seein's how we
can't let that cargo of oil run to waste. "It's as much our right as yours to
stick to the frigate, an' we count on doin' it. "Come here, you skulkers!" "Act as spokesman, Phil," I whispered. "No, sir!" By this time the noise was so great that Lieutenant McKnight was sent
below to learn whether or no a riot was in progress, and, luckily, I
succeeded in gaining speech with him before the men knew he was on the
gun-deck. "In what way, Ezra? "It's just the other way, sir," Phil broke in. "Not a man will
volunteer, and some of them have said that we two lads must go whether
we like it or not." I cried. "See here, my lads, you're not looking at this matter in the proper
light. I asked. Never, unless the captain gives a positive order to that
effect." "If you are allowed to remain, why should we be forced to go?" He turned from me quickly, and, without making any attempt to restore
order, went on deck. "A list shall be made out of such as have
others depending upon them, and it will then be posted on the gun-deck. AN ISLAND PORT. By this time the breeze fined down again, and the dullest among us knew
that unless we could get the frigate through the water at a better pace,
our hope of taking another prize that day was at an end. By this time it could be seen that she was a British whaler, and an
uncommonly fine craft. Her boats were got out to tow, and we could not work the canvas-paddle
fast enough to hold our own in the way of speed. "Gettin' afraid, eh?" Get ahead of the chase and
drive in her boats, after which you will return as soon as possible." "I understand, sir," Stephen replied, and then came the order to "give
way with a will." All our boats were
out and being manned rapidly, and I had no need to ask what would be the
next move. "Ay, lad, the captain is goin' to board her," Master Hackett said
quietly, when I called his attention to the frigate. "Take aim at the gunners, an'
it'll make you a heap easier in mind if you can knock one over." "The 'luck of the _Essex_' still holds good," Master Hackett cried
gleefully. There was no hope of coming up with her if we began the business boldly,
for she had a big advantage of us in position; therefore our commander
set about playing a trick which might bring the stranger into our hands
with but little labor. Our light yards were sent down, and the frigate otherwise disguised
until she had much the look of a whaler. An hour later we were no more than four miles apart, and then it was
that the Britisher began to scent our trick. There was no longer any reason why we should keep the disguise. This prize was the _Sir Andrew Hammond_, of three hundred and one tons,
twelve guns, and thirty-one men. "What then, Master Hackett?" Phil asked. "What then, lad? Why, I reckon we'll have to take our medicine like
little men; an' in the swallowin' of it we'll know what British prison
ships are like." I asked, my spine growing chilly for an instant. NUKUHEVA. From these the shore recedes on both hands, and describes a deep
semicircle. She was soon conducted to a beautiful inlet, and dropped her anchor in
its waters beneath the shadows of the lofty shore. There was more than one man on our gun-deck who began to believe, now
there was no question but we should have a scrimmage ashore, that it was
risky for our captain to take any part in the quarrel, and the argument
they put forth was a good one, as even Master Hackett was forced to
admit. In the first place we were so few in numbers that not a single vessel in
the fleet was fully manned, and there would be no opportunity to enlist
others to make up a crew. "I can do that much all right, matey; but what about the rest of it. "Let it stick there then," Master Hackett growled. "See here, Hiram Hackett, you're too free with your tongue, an' that's
no lie either. The Typees, having danced and shaken their clubs without being
disturbed, probably came to believe that we wouldn't attempt to do them
any harm if they cut capers with the Happars, so they began operations
by coming into the valley one dark night, tearing down houses, trampling
over gardens, and killing bread-fruit trees. 'Repeat every word,
sir!' CHAPTER IX. AN OLD ENEMY. Thus Phil and I argued; but there was another phase of this war which
struck us more keenly, although we did not talk about it very much. Phil asked, his
voice trembling perceptibly. "It would come to that in the end, lad; though if the fight was a big
one, I reckon some of them as were dead would have to be salted down." "So do I, lad. These soldiers were most imposing in appearance, even though they were
heathen. However, all troubles are greatest when looked at from a distance, and
this was no exception to the rule. "It makes no difference what I think, when a part of the crew are called
out on an expedition like this. I asked in surprise. There was much of truth in what he said. "I'm with you," was my reply as I rose quickly to my feet. "There's no real need of it, and it would cost us a good half hour's
time to go out to the _Essex_ and back. By hurrying up a bit now, we can
be down here again before he has knocked off work." "We can afford to go around such a barrier as that," I said lazily, as
we came to a halt. "It can't make much difference to us," Phil said cheerily. "We'd best put back, and try our luck over the boulders!" Phil said,
panting so heavily that it was only with difficulty he could speak
intelligently. "We've fought our way through this stuff for an hour, and it will take
us as long to go back," I said petulantly. He stood there grinning, with musket at his shoulder, ready to fire at
the first show of enmity from either of us. "The last port I left was Valparaiso, where you and your friends spent
so much time lodging me in jail. "I want to make certain you haven't any weapons." "We're willing to give you our word as to that," Phil said promptly. "I'd rather have better proof," the Britisher replied sharply; and in a
very few seconds we convinced him of our defenceless condition. he commanded sharply, and, as a matter of course,
we did as we were bidden. he said sharply. "You deserved punishment, and should be behind the bars
this very moment." "You evidently know very little about Chilian jails," he went on
complacently. Phil asked, curiosity
overcoming his fear. We met heavy weather, and were cast away here. My only
trouble is, they'll cut your throats as if you were pigs, and that's too
easy a death for those who did what they could to keep me in jail." I had no doubt whatsoever but that the wretch would do exactly as he had
said, and it is not surprising that I literally grew sick with terror. We have more friends on this island than you may claim; and if it so
chances that you can turn us over to the cannibals, they will make you
suffer." There was no way out, as I speedily came to believe. There'll be no chance of
seeing us roasted, unless you try a hand at the cooking, while we are
hidden in this place." "You shall have a chance to travel in due time, so don't grow impatient. I reckon on staying here until the battle is over, and then there won't
be any risk, so far as I am concerned, in going across the valley." "If you so much as move a finger, I'll shoot you like curs." Phil cried boldly, scuffling his feet and
waving his arm to provoke the fellow. Having said this Phil threw himself on the ground, dragging me with
him, and I could have kissed the lad for displaying so much spirit while
I was acting the more cowardly part. CHAPTER X. AMONG THE TYPEES. Now he understood what I would have him do, and motioned that he was
ready for any venture. It is not to
be supposed that we two, fettered as we were, could move without making
some noise; but yet we advanced with reasonable stillness until arriving
within two feet of Benson. There was no time to decide upon any combined course of action, for it
would have been in the highest degree dangerous had we attempted to
carry on a whispered conversation just then. "Thought to get the best of me, eh?" No sound was heard; it seemed as if we, among all the inhabitants of the
island, were the only ones upon the mountain. "I reckon we'll move ahead," he said at length. Step out now, and don't dare
to shout! It won't do you any good, and will cost a lot of trouble." He continued in such mood until we arrived at what had evidently been at
some time a flourishing village, but was now only a smoking ruin. Now we understood why
Benson was perplexed. "In length this picturesque building was perhaps twelve yards, while in
breadth it could not have exceeded as many feet. "I reckon Benson has done something they don't like, and he'll be hauled
over the coals before anything is done with us," and as I spoke a faint
hope sprang up in my heart, although I could not understand that there
was any reason for it. Why, these people couldn't treat us any better if they
were missionaries!" Before one would have had time to wink, the Britisher was lying on the
stones of the pi-pi, and the chief man of the party was in possession of
the gun. I repeated in astonishment. "The Typees are your friends." I asked, grown bolder now the danger appeared to be over. Phil asked curiously. Besides, it will save you from
being hanged." he asked piteously. "You would be brought to Nukuheva Bay, and once there our captain would
make you close prisoner." "I care not what he does, so that I am saved from these cannibals." "An hour ago they were your very good friends; but now you are howling
to be taken from them," Phil suggested. The Typees who conducted us were not disposed to delay on the journey,
although again and again they asked by gestures if we would like to rest
a while, and to each of these questions in turn we shook our heads most
decidedly. I had no desire for rest, wearied though I was, when a couple
of cannibals were to stand watch over us. The sooner I was out of such
company the better pleased should I be. at the full strength of our lungs. If you have any idea we've been enjoying ourselves, it
would please me well for you to have a turn at such fun." "Don't wag your tongues about nothin'; but tell me where you've been,
an' what you count on doin' with them niggers." I asked, hoping to be
allowed a long trick below in my hammock. "Not a bit of it. "There ain't much of a yarn to it," he replied laughingly. "Our men did
the most of the business, an' might have worked the traverse alone,
accordin' to all accounts. It wasn't any great shakes of a
battle, 'cause it was so soon over. We drove 'em right an' left, an'
wound up the business by pullin' the fort apart. "I allow he will, lad, though it seems like a waste of good breath to
spend it talkin' about him. Phil asked
sharply. "I do for a fact, lad. We obeyed the command, he interrupting us with questions from time to
time, and then Mr. Maury was summoned that he might act as interpreter
for the Typees. Phil asked angrily
of Master Hackett when we were outside. CHAPTER XI. A NAVAL STATION. Phil asked indignantly. He'll do as he believes right, no matter what them as sail under him may
say." Benson could make no reply to what was neither more nor less than the
truth, and he hung his head, as seemed to me most proper. By this time a boat had come ashore from the _Essex_; Benson and the
Typees who had brought him in were taken on board, and we did not get a
glimpse of the Britisher until many days afterward. As I stop writing at this point for an instant, I come to realize that
my yarn is being spun out too long. At length Porter resolved to make war
upon them. The Typees, utterly ruined and humbled, now submissively paid
tribute." "It couldn't have been otherwise," he said, when I had emptied my budget
of news. "He is below, in such snug quarters that I promise you there is no
chance of his escaping." I ventured to ask. "I think not, my lad. "Why then, Master Hackett?" "Not a bit of it, if all I've heard be true. He seemed to treat
it as one of the chances of war which the defenders of the fort must
take, and as such, not worthy of discussion. The prizes were warped in close under the fort, and moored there in
such manner that nothing short of a most violent tempest could disturb
them. The encampment ashore was broken up, and all the men ordered on board
the ships which were to venture out. When this last order was given, we had signs of serious trouble. There was little mutinous talk on our ship; but we heard again and again
that the crew of the _Essex Junior_ was nearly in a mutinous frame of
mind because the pleasant stay ashore had come to an end. Phil asked curiously. I cried hotly. Bob White
will find himself in trouble, or I'm mistaken." The prizes were left under the guns of the fort, for now we were going
out to meet the foe in battle, and could not be bothered with such as
they. Instead of smoking in the company of the other old sea-dogs,
he joined us near No. "Pay no attention to what those old croakers are sayin'," Master Hackett
replied quickly. CHAPTER XII. AT VALPARAISO. They had had quite enough of the place and the life there, beautiful
though the first was, and enticing as the latter might be. He was helping us make ready for the visit all the while he asked these
questions, therefore no time was lost in such converse. "I did, lad," he replied. You'll find him
in the brig, and separate rations will be served out for him. the marine said as we approached, and
while replying to him I was seized by a sudden thought. he said with a sneer, evidently
having forgotten that he had promised ever to remember us with
liveliest gratitude because of what we had done when he was in the power
of the cannibals. Phil, who had never believed soft words should be wasted on a villain
like Benson, answered his remark, which was at the same time a
question:--
"It is only right we should do so, if for no other reason than to repay
you for the care you have had over us on two occasions. he cried as if in dismay. "We know nothing more than that we have been ordered on duty," Phil
replied curtly. It was agreed between us that we would stand watch and watch, two hours
at a stretch, and that he who was off duty should not leave the other
alone more than fifteen minutes at one time. When I gained the gun-deck once more, I found the old sailor in a fine
state of anxiety concerning us. "I'll keep my eyes an' ears open, lad, an' it'll be odd if I don't pick
up a bit of news here an' there. I asked. "If it so be there are no objections made, I will, lad. It was time for me to join Phil once more, the fifteen minutes having
been spent, as nearly as I could judge, and back I went to the dreary
post of duty. It is not supposed that he can escape
unaided; there is a possibility some of our people have been taken in by
his smooth talk, and the captain is determined he be lodged in prison at
a port where we may be certain he will be held." And he kept his promise to the letter. Phil asked. I asked. If we didn't look in at
Valparaiso, the enemy would say we were afraid to tackle anything but a
whaler." "Yes, we're in Valparaiso again, an' now we're salutin' the fort." We could both hear and feel the report of the guns as they were
discharged, and already knew as much as the old man was telling us. "But what of a change of heart, Master Hackett?" I asked with a laugh. It's a way
these 'ere swells have, no matter how they're feelin'. Phil asked. "Not a bit of it, my lad. "Expectin' it, lad? Why, he knows it's got to come! There was never a thought in Master Hackett's mind that the commander of
the _Phoebe_ might not count on giving us fair play; but the fact was
soon made known to us. Phil asked. Phil asked with a
laugh; at which question the old man turned upon him savagely. You're talkin' at random,
lad! A sailorman ain't built to die in his bed, nor does it beseem him
to be buried on shore. I replied angrily, for I did not like the tone of
doubt which accompanied the words. "Very well, say that you whip her handsomely. In other words, no matter how successful your ship may be,
you're bound to come to grief finally." I asked sharply. I asked, failing to grasp his meaning. he said with a laugh. "To save your own neck, why not make
friends with me now? "Look you, Oliver Benson!" I cried, speaking slowly that the words would
have more weight. In the first place
it could do no good, and, secondly, might make him as dispirited as I
had become; for a fellow may not speak of death or imprisonment, when
one or the other is sure to come soon, without experiencing a certain
heaviness of heart which does not tend to mental comfort. "You'd hardly recognize the gun-deck now," he said in conclusion. I repeated. "Ay, so that the planks shall not be slippery when covered with the
blood of our men. I could not repress a shudder. CHAPTER XIII. THE BRITISHERS. Phil asked as he leaped toward the
ladder, for it was my time of duty. "No, lad, not yet: but the _Junior_ is headin' for the harbor with
signals set that she has sighted the enemy, an' it won't be very long
now before we'll be showin' the _Phoebe_ what we're made of!" Having said this much Master Hackett went swiftly on deck again, and I
was left with my own fears and Oliver Benson for company. I asked breathlessly. "_They_ should be off the harbor. I cried petulantly. "May I ask why, sir?" In the first place, Master Hackett says it is against
all the rules for ships to fight in a harbor belonging to a nation with
which we are not at war. "I see no signs of our getting under way." I turned away from him impatiently. "Did you ever see the other ship, Master Hackett?" I asked. "Ay, lad, time and time again. Our commander answered politely, and then warned the Britisher that he
was coming too near. "If you foul us, sir," Captain Porter cried, "there will necessarily be
much confusion, and I cannot be answerable for the consequences." "Now we're in for it, lad!" "I do not intend to board you, sir!" "I do not intend to board you, sir!" "Stand ready, boarders!" "Get away the instant she touches us,
and once on her decks you know your duty!" By this time the jib-boom of the _Phoebe_ was across our forecastle, and
the ship in such a position that we might have sunk her before the
_Cherub_ could come near enough to take part in the work. Fortunately--there were many aboard us who would say
_unfortunately_--the two frigates did not come into actual contact, and,
seeing that he had put his ship into a most dangerous situation, Captain
Hillyar began shouting:--
"It is all an accident, sir! Phil, who had just come
up, asked. "Don't worry your heads about him," one of the crew replied with a grin. He'll stay where
he is until we make the home port, unless it so be that some of his
friends overhaul us." I asked. He's ironed, an' made
fast to a stanchion." It is not to be supposed that our commander would engage against both
the Britishers, if it could be avoided. "No, lad, I don't," he replied promptly. It wasn't all idleness with us, however, as we waited for a chance to
engage one or the other of the enemy singly. Now, I never looked upon midshipmen as my superiors. On some day in the near future, when the wind should be strong and
favorable, we were to put out as if willing to meet both the Britishers. CHAPTER XIV. THE BATTLE. There was much jawing and arguing on that evening, but in a friendly
way. "I reckon we'll hold to the ground, lad," the old man said as he gazed
around after the general fashion of sailormen before replying to a
question regarding the weather. There was nothing to be done but crowd on all sail, and, whether we were
ready or no, begin that trick which we believed would result in giving
the _Junior_ an opportunity of running the blockade. As a rule all ships reef down while going
around, and here was the _Essex_ under full sail. There was no time for tongue wagging. The ship was no more than three miles
from the town; she lay hard by the land, and equally as much, if not
more so, within a neutral port as before. "Look yonder, lad," he cried. I cried, almost beside myself with
astonishment and fear. "He doesn't give a fig for the port, now we're the same as disabled. Our commander was not one to show the white feather, however great the
danger. My shirt was covered with blood; my throat smarted with the fumes of
burning powder, and my eyes were half blinded by the smoke. "I reckon the fumes of powder an' blood have gone to your head, lad. Quiet down a bit, or you'll need to be sent into the cockpit." I shouted, trying vainly to squirm out
of the old sailor's grasp. "Hold your jaw, you young monkey! We've beat 'em off for a time, an' it's allowable we kick
up a bit of a shindy over it; but the battle isn't ended by a long
shot." I cried, coming to my senses in a measure. Stow your jaw, an' bear a hand with
the rest of us!" When the
Britishers came down upon us again the fever of battle took hold of me
once more, and I was little less than crazy. His fire was very
galling, and it left no alternative to Captain Porter between submission
and running down to assail him. By this time many of the
guns of the American ship were disabled, and the crews of several had
been swept away. "There was no longer any chance of saving the ship. Others
perished, while a few, after drifting about on bits of spars, were
picked up by the boats of the enemy. Fortunately, the fire was got under, when the few
brave men who were left went again to the long guns. A large portion of the guns were disabled, even had there been
men left to fight them. The carpenter was sent for, and he stated
that of his crew, he alone could perform any duty. Including the missing, the
entire loss was one hundred and fifty-two out of two hundred and
fifty-five. CHAPTER XV. ON PAROLE. I wept tears of joy
when the news came to me, and was not ashamed of so doing. Yes, we were made much of, once it was known in the city who we were,
but of that there is no reason why I should speak at any length. Cloth, $1.50_
Characters and incidents largely historical. Cloth. 12mo. Cloth. A genuine boys' book for genuine boys. It is full of life, clean, clear
cut, and inspiring. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50. Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50
_CONTAINING PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY._
"The author is thoroughly acquainted with the history and records of the
far-famed land of the Incas, and the story is full of interest
historically as well as a work of excellent romance and
fiction." It is a ringing boys'
story, full of interest and enthusiasm." --_Free Press, Milwaukee._
W. A. WILDE COMPANY, Boston and Chicago. Cloth. Louis_, who is detailed for dangerous shore duty. _By Everett T. Tomlinson, Ph. 353 pp. Cloth, $1.50.