Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, July 15, 1908, Page 6

“Harry Vinton, where on earth did you learn to ride a horse?” “Never learned at all,” said Harry. “Can't you see that?” “I should say so. Why, you look like a fish out of water.” “Of course I do. A_ sailor hasn’t any business on a horse. But you sent him down to the landing for me to ride up and I got aboard of him and navigated him up here. Say, George, weathering that last turn in the road he jibed with me ail standing and I came pretty nigh going overboard. But here I am. anyhow. What a stun- ning view this is! Why, I can look right down on the Mohawk’s deck and see the old man on the quarter-deck like a big black ant. It’s jolly.” The Mohawk was an American sloop of/war, carrying twelve guns. She was lying at anchor off Sperma- cetti Cove, inside of Sandy Hook. She had been detailed by the commodore to look out for a certain British privateer called the Ariel, ‘which had been cruising along the New Jersey and Long Island coasts, keeping the inhabitants in a state of terror. Pri- vateering is out of date now,:but in! the war of 1812 there was plenty of it. { Vinton was a midshipman. There was no Annapolis naval acade- my in those days, and when young gentlemen wished to enter the navy to learn to be officers they were en- listed as midshipmen and learned their profession altogether aboard ship George Osborne was the son of a banker who did business in New York and spent the summer months at his beautiful country home on the High- lands of Navesink. The two boys, ;eorge and Harry, had gone to school tegether before the latter was sent to § nd though Harry was the son of rat humble parents the boys had become great friends. So when the Mohawk anchored in Spermacetti Cove George sent word out to Harry by a fisherman asking him to come ashore and spend the afternoon. Capt. luscomb, the commander, granted ibe request of the boy for shore lib- and put. him in charge of a cut- ter’s crew to row him ashore, “Now, my lad,” said the captain, »p your weather eye lifting. You there’s a man aloft watching the ll the time for any signs of a ous sail. If anything’s sighted | hoist the boat recall and I'll ex- pect you to get on board with all > or if we have to get to sea it’ll nds and the cook, maybe, be- get back.” aye, sir,” said Harry, touching He jumped into the boat and Shove off!” After a lively pull set ashore, where he found a ome h 2 waiting for him to ip the hill, and that is what call- th George's remarks already re- y now noticed that a lit- ice away stood three or four ) Two of them were neigh- crs’ sons and the third was a visitor, the son of a wealthy New York mer- chant. He looked at Harry with an air of disdain, if you can’t ride a horse,” ‘ou’ll play bail.” * said .Harry, with great if other good nature, The boys went to a level piece of lawn behind the house, and began to play. Harry had not handled a ball for two or three years and had never been much of a player anyhow. The lant’s son, Philip Valence, was usted. should think sailors ought to be able to play bail,” he said. “Why?” asked George. “Because they have such tough, dirty hands.” “Why, my hands are not any more dirty than yours!” exclaimed Harry, indignantly. “Oh, really!” ejaculated Philip, haushtily. “I can’t think of compar- ing your hands with mine.” “Why not, I’d like to know?” de- manded Harry, hotly. “Pecause, they are like their owner coarse and vulgar,” said Philip. “Oh, I say!” exclaimed George. Not Such a Coward, After All By W. J .HENDERSON, “Yes, yes. They’re loosing the fore- topsail. Goodby.” Harry turned and ran down the hill toward the landing place. “You're a coward!” called Philip Valence after him. Harry stopped for a moment, then, clenching his teeth, ran all the faster in the direc- tion in which duty bade him go. The next day the Mohawk was lying at anchor in the same spot. Her hurried departure to sea had been in vain, for it turned out that the suspicious ves- sel was only an innocent trading brig- antine, bound for Philadelphia. So the sloop of war was again riding at a single anchor. Her quarterdeck awning was spread, for there were visitors aboard and the sun was hot. Capt. Luscumb had invited some of the residents of the Highlands to visit his ship. Among the guests were George Osborne and Philip Valence, but it was plain that there was a great coolness between them. George was altogether too generous a boy to look with favor upon Philip’s ungentleman- like treatment of Harry. He made an , especial point this day of treating the young midshipman with great favor. But the pleasure of the afternoon was suddenly interrupted by a loud cry from aloft. “Sail ho!” “Where away?” called the officer of the deck. “To the northward and eastward; a brigantine, sir.” “That’s what we're looking for!” ex- , | She had sails, clewed up her square sails and was riding to a kedge anchor, while a boat went off from the shore. Her commander apparently had plenty of confidence in her speed, for, although the Mohawk must have: been plainly visible, he made no movement toward getting under way. The sloop of war dashed the spray aside from her blunt bows in torrents as she plunged over the swells off the point of the Hook. “There they go!” cried Harry in his excitement. It was true. When the Mohawk was just clear of the Romer Shoal, the Ariel’s forestaysail and jib arose with a celerity which showed that the hal- yards were well manned. Almost si- multaneously the claws of the fore- sail, foretopsail and foretopgallant were hauled down and the maintopsail was sheeted out. The brigantine’s head fell off to port, and she started off on an easy bowline to make an offing. — The brigantine ran up to windward only far enough to put her on the Mo- hawk’s weather bow. Then she put up her helm, overhauled her lee braces and stood away on precisely the same course as her pursuer. It was now a stern chase, which is proverbially a Jong one. “The wind began to freshen and the sea gradually rose. Now and then as the Mohawk swung her bows down into one of the shining green hollows a dash of spray would fly over the weather bow. “That’s the sort of thing that’ll bring us close,” said old Tom. “We can out- foot a light craft like that in a sea- way.” “We're gaining a little; we’re go- “How dare you insult me like that?” claimed the captain. The decks were speedily cleared of visitors. Then the anchor was weighed, as the captain cried: “Brace the foretops’l aback! Wp with the jib. The Mohawk’s head fell off and in another minute she was gliding to ward the point of the Hook. As she slipped along the nimble crew put the mainsail, topsails, topgallants, spank- er and flying jib on her. With a hun- dred hands at work it did not take long to accomplish this. Harry was midshipman of the foretop, and when. he reached the deck after the order to “lay down” he was astonished to see Philip Valence standing near the foot of the mast. “What are you doing here?” asked Harry. ‘Why didn’t you go ashore?” “I didn’t know the ship was going to start. I was down stairs looking at the pictures in the cabin.” “But didn’t you hear them getting the anchor?” “heard lots of noise, but I didn’t know what it was. How should I?” “Well,” said Harry, “you can’t get ashore now.” “Oh, I don’t mind except that moth- er will be uneasy. I’m fond of sail- ing.” “But we are chasing that brigantine out yonder and there may be a fight.” Harry was found holding Philip’s head above water. Harry’s face was pale as he walked up to young Valence and said: “How dare you insult me like that?” ‘I'm not afraid of your bluster,” said Philip. At that moment Harry's gaze, pass- ing over Philip’s shoulder, fell, upon something that caused him to start. The boat recall was flying at the Mo- hawk’s main yardarm, “I must go,” said Harry. “I thought you would,” said Philip, tauntingly. “Do you really have to go back?” asked George, who was much dis- tressed by the scene. “A fight!” exclaimed Philip, turn- ing pale. “Yes, a fight! That’s our business, you know. Come aft and I’ll let the captain know you're aboard,” As soon as Capt. Luscamb saw Phil- ip he ordered him to go below and | sent a man to conduct him to a place | below the water line, where he would be out of range of shot. The scene was now one to make a sailor’s eye dance. The breeze was from the south and had sufficient force to turn up a fine showing of white caps across the sea. The brigantine was off the : Long Island shore, in the neighbor- ing,” muttered Capt. Luscombe, as he paced the quarter deck. For an hour longer the two vessels held on the starboard track, but the wind shifted a little more to the east- ward and the brigantine found herself running uncomfortably close to the Long Island shore. Suddenly she luffed and her head sails were seen to shake. “She’s Harry. The next instant the roar of the sailing master’s voice was heard from the deck below. “Ready about! helm!” “Helm’s a-lee!” sung out the man at the wheel. “Raise tacks and sheets!” bawled the master. “Shorten the main lee tack! Haul taut! Mainsail haul! Man the head breeches! Let go and haul! Right the helm! Haul taut lifts and weather braces! Stead out the bowlines! Mind your luff there!” A great rattling of blocks and thun- dering of flapping canvas followed as the sloop came up to the wind, and then the steady,music of the wind re- sumed its flow as she settled down again on the port tack. The two ves- sels were now meeting the sea bow on, and the Mohawk began to gain per- ceptibly. In half an hour the gain evi- dently alarmed the commander of the Ariel, for he went about again, follow- ed, of course, by the Mohawk. “Try the swivel on her, Garnet,” said Capt. Luscomb. “Aye, aye, sir,” was the answer. There was a heavy report, followed by a cloud of smoke. The next mo- ment the maintopsail of the brigantine was seen fluttering wildly in the wind. “Try her again!” called the captain. The boatswain’s mate again sight- ed the gun, and this time was more successful. halyards of the Ariel’s mainsail and down came the jaws of her gaff. “She can’t mend that in a minute!” exclaimed Harry. ‘s The brigantine made no attempt to run further. She immediately pre- pared for action. Her gun ports were opened and her guns ran out. At the same instant the drum on the Mahawk beat to quarters and the men went to their fighting stations. “Silence! Cast loose and provide!” ordered the captain. A few minutes later the guns ware all loaded and ready for action. Capt. Luscomb endeavored to run under the Ariel’s stern, but a skillful movement of the latter’s helm brought the two vessels to broadside. Simul- taneously the great sheets of flame shot out from both ships and the air was rent by the bellowing of guns, the crashing of timbers and the shrieks of the wounded. Capt. Lus- going about!” exclaimed Down with your comb again brought his ship to the wind and attempted to pass under the Ariel’s stern and rake her, but again one side to avoid a falling block, His shot cut the throat j . | the Ariel was brought’ around so that the two broadsides faced each other. At’this instant Harry, looking down from the foretop, saw Philip Valence coming on deck. The boy was evi- dently distracted with fear. His face was deadly pale and his eyes were full of terror. Apparently not knowing what he did, Philip, with his hands over his ears, ran wildly along the deck toward the forecastle, sprang to slipped and fell through an open port into the sea between the two yessels. Without a second’s hesitation Harry dropped down on the foreyard, ran out to the yard arm and plunged into the ocean. At the very second that the sloop and the brigantine loosed their second broadsides Harry’s form was seen shooting downward through the smoke and flame. “He’s gone!” cried old Tom. The two vessels came together, and Capt. Luscomb’s voice was heard: “Ready forward with the grappling irons! Boarders away!, Follow me, lads!” He sprang over the bulwarks, fol- lowed by three-score men, and in ten minutes the fight was over. The pri- vateer was beaten and captured. When order was restored Harry’s ac- tion was reported to the captain. At once all eyes on the quarterdeck searched the ocean.in hopes the boy might be still afloat. “What's that off to port quarter?” asked the captain. “That looks like ‘a man clinging to a piece of wreck- age! Send a boat at once!” Harry was found holding Philip’s head above water with his right arm, while with his left he kept himself and his burden afloat by embracing a piece of the Ariel’s flying jibboom, which had been shot away. He faint- ed as soon as he was taken into the boat. When he recovered he found himself in a bunk in the sick bay aboard the Mohawk, with Philip Val- ence sitting beside him. “I want to beg your pardon,” said Philip, tearfully. “It is I who am a coward. You are a brave fellow and you saved my life.” “And I’m right glad of it,” said Har- ry, holding out his hand. CURIOUS HOTEL CUSTOMS. Where Every Cuss Word Costs a Pen- ny—A Drink for Church Attendants. A curious custom prevails at an Edinburgh hotel. Whenever a custom- er is heard to swear he is required to place a penny in a box on the bar counter. It is not a matter for sur- prise that the landlord hears much less bad language than some of his fellow publicans is the capital of Scotland. The following is a quaint idea for providing funds for picnics and social evenings. It is carried on with much success at an Ashton-on-Mersey inn. A “knocking club” is connected with the inn, and when a customer calls for refreshment he is expected to knock on the table or counter before drinking. If he fails to do this he is fined one penny. Any one who wrong: fully accuses another of breaking this unique rule is also fined. The money thus obtained provides funds for many enjoyable outings and pleasant even- ings during the course of the year. At another hotel, known as the Old Hundred, customers are allowed only one drink. If one is not sufficient to quench their thirst they are obliged to go out of the hotel and take a walk before they are allowed to have an- other, Till recently the proprietor of an old-time hotel in Warwickshire used to invite all his customers to accompany him and his wife to the service at the parish church on Sunday mornings, which was~situated on the opposite side of the road, the house being closed while they were away. On returning each customer was invited to partake of refreshments offered by the hospitable landlord free of charge. Visitors to a certain hotel in Aber- deenshire who wear brown, boots must remember to keep them in their room over night. Otherwise the boots will be blacked, regardless of the ori- ginal color of the same. In one of the rooms of a Dumfries public house is an old armchair which is said to have been frequently used by the poet Burns. All who sit in this chair are expected to treat every one who is in the room at the time, and often the immortal memory of the famous Scottish national poet is drunk. A small hotel in Wales until quite recently was used by the Catholics as a place of worship on Sundays, and police court proceedings were held on the premises during the week. How Emperor William Rests. It seems that the German emperor is in the habit of having a slight meal every two hours. His incessant ac- tivity makes this necessary, and his example is followed by most of his suite, who would otherwise be unable to do all that is demanded of them. The empress also, when the em- peror is “on parade,” has frequent re- freshment during the day. The kaiser also keeps two hours of the day, when possible, to rest; from 2 to 4 o’clock he is not to be disturbed when at home. Otherwise he is the entire day occupied either with business or pleasure. He retires to rest late and is up again the next morning at 5 o'clock. Had a Relapse. Gentleman Lodger—I say, Mrs. Nap- per, I don’t tare for your bacon this morning. It doesn’t seem fresh. Mrs. Napper—Very strange, sir. The shopman said it was only cured last week. Gentleman Lodger—Well, it must have had a relapse. SEASON OF COLORS 4 BRIGHT RAIMENT WORN BY THE LITTLE ONES. White Frocks for Sunday and After noon No Longer in Vogue—Ribbon Devices Used in Great Profu- sion—New Sashes. Despite the evident effort at simplic- ity, this is by no means an economical summer for the mother of small daughters. In the first place, it is a season of colors, and colors in wash fabrics are never economical. More- over, it is a ribbon season—and rib- bons wilt under heat, sun and damp- ness. In regard to colors, they are shown in all the fabrics for all sorts of usage. For the past few years all the after- noon and Sunday frocks for little girls have been done in white. This season pale blue, pink, cerise, rose, scarlet and brown, which, by the way, are mostly warm shades, are much used in all wash fabrics. The lawns, batistes, organdies and other transparent fabrics are shown in the paler tints, but in ginghams, cham- breys, linens and galatea cloth, you} will find the most vivid of colorings. And when a dress is of white goods or the popular ecru or natural tone, it is brightened by ribbon or belt of brighter hue. While much is said and written about the ribbon sets, which include MIXTURES FOR THE BATH. Inexpensive Luxuries That Can Be Prepared at Home. A strong tonic bath is made by mix- ing a pound of muriate of soda with half a pound of sulphate of soda and a quarter of a pound each of chlorides of lime and magnesia. These ingredi- ents may be put into the tub and water poured on to dissolve them. Then the tub must be filled in the usual way. This particular tonic should not be used oftener than once a week, or its effect upon the skin will be drying. The girl whose income is so limited that she can indulge in few luxuries will be much benefited by an inexpen- sive salt rub every morning. To do this wet the entire body, then rub coarse sea salt, to be bought from any drug shop, over every inch of the skin. This saline must stay on the skin until the pores absorb it, then the grains will fall off. The face should not be touched with the salt. Not expensive and very delightful is an oatmeal bath made by mixing five pounds of any of the “steam cooked” variety of oatmeal to a pound of powdered orris root, a pound of al- mond meal and half a pound of castile soap, scraped. A small quantity is then sewed into a small cheese-cloth bag, and one of these may be used several times by tossing into the bath for 15 minutes before using. broad sashes and enormous hair bows, other ribbon devices are also used in great profusion, Many restless girlies cannot wear a sash tied round the waist. It is al- Ways sagging down to the knees or coming untied. Such wee maids have, the ribbon garnitures literally sewed’ to their gowns. Sometimes the nar- row ribbon is run through beading of fancy design and finished with soft knots or what might best be de- scribed as a shower bow. A very pretty design of this sort was noted at a recent gathering of smartly dressed children in a private school. The little dress was cut with a short waist suggesting empire lines, but there was no confining belt. Instead, the trimming and ribbon garnitures were applied on vertical lines. The fabric was a soft handkerchief linen, and the trimming a fine batiste em- broidery, with a sharply pointed edge. This was run in strips from the neck and shoulders to a point just above the child’s natural waist line, with the points meeting and leaving a diamond shaped opening in the center. Under this joining of fine embroid- ery ran soft strips of white ribbon, each strip finished with soft loops and long ends. The effect of the floating ends of white ribbon was extremely pretty on this angular little girl who would have made a sorry figure indeed in a sash. Some of the new sashes are figured or splashed with flowers or done in checks, but the most effective ribbons for the small child are those in deli- cate solid colors. Brown ties and stockings are very popular for every day; black patent leather slippers and ties are for dress, and indeed very few high shoes are shown for girlies except for rainy-day use, traveling, etc. The new hat shapes, like those of- fered for older girls, have the droop- ing brims, which are far more becom- ing to the average juvenile face than the sharply upturned or roll brim. Floral wreaths are used on best hats, and plain ribbons, arranged somewhat in searf fashion, seem popular for play hats and traveling. For very best frocks much hand work is noticed, and often this is done in shaped pieces for yoke, cuffs or panels, A one-piece frock is shown in the il- lustration, but with a little trimming at the square-cut neck and kimono sleeves, together with a sash, it be- comes quite dressy. For a restless child, the appearance of the sash will be improved if straps of embroidery are fastened at intervals around the waist and the sash run _ loosely through these. LOW-CUT BODICE. Behold a charming low-cut bodice appropriate for summer dances or dinners. The material is the finest pale pink batiste which is crossed in surplice fashion in front and draped over shoulders in a modified form of the much-used kimono effects. Long, tight sleeves and neck finish are all- over batiste embroidery, the latter finished at closing with a half-dozen tiny velvet bows of brown. The girdle is also velvet and a bow of same fur- nishes. coiffure ornamentation. A prominent doctor says tennis is the most healthful of all recreations. For a run-around on the finger thicken the yolk of an egg with salt and apply. Grape fruit will break up malarial disorders if taken in time, as it is said to have the qualities of quinine in smaller degree. The juice of a raw onion is the anti- dote to the sting of a bee or wasp. When stung remove the sting if it be left behind and then lay a slice of raw onion on the place. The smarting will cease at once. If your face is too red be careful of your diet. Take no hot drinks, but plenty of cooling ones. Don’t wash the * face in cold water, nor when you feel flushed. Luke-warm water is better. Hot foot baths are also said to be very good in cases of this kind. The pale, anaemic woman will find the salt bath, somewhat helpful on dragging summer days: Dissolve 40 grams of gelatin in a quart of boiling water, add 100 grams of sub-carbonate of soda and 50 grams of sulphate of potassium. Mix thor oughly and pour into a hot bath. “Rust” Is the Very Newest Color. “Rust” is the very latest creation in the color line, and it is—as the name implies—a sort of reddish brown. At present it is said to be rather a popu- lar shade for dress materials, because it allows of almost any color hat—vio- let, green, pink or blue will harmon- ize with it equally well. prepared as follows, 5