"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing,My dear Redeemer's praise,"
"Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing,My dear Redeemer's praise,"
the others joining in with a will—evidently singing with spirit and understanding, for the sweet words were familiar to all.
The short service over, they scattered in groups here and there, chatting quietly with each other.
For a few moments Mrs. Travilla and her cousin and old-time intimate friend, Annis—now Mrs. Lilburn—were together a little apart from the others, talking low and confidentially. They talked of the past, the present, and the future, as regarded life in both this world and the next.
"How sweet is that Bible lesson which wehave just had," said Annis, at length. "How I love those words of Jesus—'Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am.'"
"Yes," returned Elsie; "they are very dear to me. Oh, how sweet to know that he is ever with us—always close at hand, full of love, infinite in power and willingness to bless; to help in every trouble, to give 'the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.' Oh, how true are the words: 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' If we only have that we can bear all troubles and trials. It makes one happy in the present, and takes away all dread of the future; so sweet and sustaining is it to know that He who has all power in heaven and on earth is your friend, loving you with an everlasting, infinite love; caring for you at all times and in all places."
"Yes, yes," said Annis softly. "'Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all thy heart, O daughter of Jerusalem' ... 'The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoiceover thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.' Are they not sweet words, Elsie?"
"Indeed they are! These others too—'God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.'"
There was a moment of silence; then Annis said, "You seem to me a very happy Christian, Elsie. Is it not because the joy of the Lord is indeed your strength?"
"Oh, Annis, who could be otherwise than happy in the consciousness of that love; and in the thought of how soon one will be with the Master, and like Him; and with all the dear ones gone before, never, never to be separated from them again?"
"Yes, dear cousin, and how blest are we in the knowledge that our dear ones gone before were His, and are with Him now, and will be ready to greet us with great joy when we too shall reach that blessed shore."
"'The joy of the Lord is your strength,'" again quoted Mrs. Travilla, in her low, sweet tones. "Don't you think, Annis, that theCovenanters and Puritans,—good, devoted Christians as most of them were,—in opposing the lightness, worldly-mindedness, and frivolity of their foes, went too far to the other extreme, leaving out from their teachings the joy of the Lord? Do you not remember that the Jews were told by Nehemiah, Ezra, and the others, 'This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not nor weep. Go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet; and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord; neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way, to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.'"
"Yes," said Annis, "it seems to be human nature to go to extremes, and I think much harm is often done in that way. For instance, the Covenanters and Puritans of old timeswere so disgusted with the errors and selfish indulgences of the Papists—their turning the Sabbath into a holiday, which might rightly be spent in merrymaking and sport—that they themselves robbed it of all enjoyment, and made it a dull, gloomy time to their young people, with little or no hint in it of the strengthening joy of the Lord."
"I think you are right," returned Mrs. Travilla, in a musing tone. "The Sabbath is not a day for frivolity, but it is one for joy and gladness—the joy of the Lord strengthening us for duty, trial, and temptation. What but that sustained the martyrs when called upon to lay down their lives for the sake of Him who died to redeem them? And oh, how that gracious, precious promise, 'As thy days, so shall thy strength be,' relieves one of the dread of what the future may have in store for us; what bereavements, losses, sufferings, mental or physical! How often and sweetly He bids us fear not. 'O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest throughthe waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord, thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.'"
"Yes," said Annis, "oh, how often, how tenderly he bids us fear not. It is like a mother hushing her frightened child. 'Say to them that are of a fearful heart, fear not.... Fear thou not, for I am with thee.... For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying to thee, fear not, I will help thee. Fear not, I have redeemed thee, thou art mine.... Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and Jeshurun whom I have chosen.'"
"'Whom I have chosen,'" repeated Elsie. "How those words bring to mind what Jesus our dear Master said to his disciples in that last talk with them in the room where they had eaten the passover—'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.' Oh, what love and condescension to choose us sinful creatures for his own!"
"'And ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit,'" said Annis, going on with the quotation, "'and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.' I remember," she went on musingly, "that when I was a little girl I used to think I should like to be a Christian, and would be if only I knew how. The way seems very easy now—just to listen to the dear Saviour's gracious invitation, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,' accept it, and give myself to him."
"Yes," said Elsie, "his promise joined to that—'and ye shall find rest unto your souls'—is sure; it never fails."
Beforethe next Sabbath our friends had returned to Bar Harbor. For some weeks longer they remained in that vicinity; then, cooler weather making a more southerly climate desirable, they sailed for home. Dr. Percival was so far recovered that he felt in haste to get back to Torriswood and at work among his patients again. He and his Maude paid a flying visit to old friends and relatives at the Oaks and Ion, then hastened to Louisiana by rail.
Max Raymond, to the great satisfaction of himself, hisfiancée, and his friends, was favored with a lengthening of his furlough, which enabled him to spend some weeks at home in his father's house. Lucilla persuaded Evelyn to be her guest at the same time, Chester was there every evening, and so the courting went merrily on. There was much talk about thenew house the captain proposed building, much discussion of the question whether the one building should be made suitable and sufficiently large for two families,—half of it for Max and Eva,—or whether a separate house should be put up for them in another part of the grounds. The decision was finally left to the brides-elect, and as they were very strongly attached, and Max was likely to be often away on the sea for months and years together, they thought it best the two dwellings should be under the same roof, and their decision was highly approved by the captain and all their relatives and friends.
Then followed consultations in regard to the exact spot upon which it should stand, and the studying and comparing of plans to make it as commodious, convenient, and beautiful as possible. The captain was evidently ready to go to any reasonable amount of expense in order to give them an ideal home, his means being ample and his love for his children very great.
But all the time was not spent in that way,for other relatives claimed a share in Max's prized companionship; invitations were given and visits paid to the Oaks, Ion, Fairview, the Laurels, Roselands, Pinegrove, Ashlands, and Riverside. Sometimes the invitation was for dinner or tea, sometimes for the whole day—or longer for the young folks, if not for the older ones and the children. It was on the last day of October they dined at Riverside, nearly all the connection meeting them there, and at Rosie's earnest solicitation Evelyn and Lucilla, Max and Chester accepted an invitation to stay until the next morning, Captain Raymond giving a rather unwilling consent to let Lucilla do so.
"It is Hallowe'en, you know, and I'm just pining for a bit of fun," Rosie said privately to the girls, after seeing the older guests depart. "You two are engaged, to be sure, but 'there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip,'" she added, with a laugh and a twinkle of fun in her eye.
"But we are not wanting slips," laughed Lucilla.
"Nor much afraid we will get them," added Evelyn merrily. "Still we might have a little fun."
"Provided we take it early enough to get to bed in good season," added Lucilla, in a mirthful tone. "My father, you know, is very particular about that—so kindly anxious is he to keep me in good health."
"Which is altogether right, wise, and kind, I am sure," returned Rosie; "and I don't intend to tempt you to go contrary to his wishes. I'm obliged to him for granting my request for permission to keep you here all night, and I shall not urge you to stay up later than he would allow you to if you were at home. If we try some old-fashioned games we can suit ourselves as to the hour for the experiments."
"Yes," laughed Evelyn, "I shall be quite as sure of the fulfilment of the augury if we get it some hours earlier than people of old times used to look for it."
"Then we will just wait till our old folks get to bed—which they always do in good season," said Rosie.
"Your husband approves, I suppose?" remarked Lucilla inquiringly.
"Oh, yes!" laughed Rosie; "he sees no harm in it, and approves of his wife having all the pleasure she can. I wish we could have had Grace stay and share the fun, but her father vetoed that almost before I had fairly given the invitation."
"Yes," said Lucilla, "poor Gracie is so feeble that father has to be very careful of her."
"Yes; I know," said Rosie, "but I thought he might have left her for once, considering that my two doctor brothers are here for the night—unless called out by some inconveniently sick person."
"Which we will hope they won't be, for even doctors should have a little amusement once in a while," said Evelyn.
"Yes," said Rosie, "and they enjoyed the golf this afternoon, and appear to be having a pleasant time with Max, Chester, and the others out on the river bank there now."
The girls were on the veranda overlookingthe river, and just at that moment were joined by Rosie's mother-in-law, the older Mrs. Croly. She sat down and chatted with them for a few moments, then bade them good-night, and went to her own apartments. It was growing dusk then, the young men came in, and presently they all repaired to the drawing-room, where for the next hour or two they entertained each other with music and conversation. Max had some interesting adventures to narrate, to which both young men and maidens were eager listeners.
In the pause that followed the conclusion of the second tale the clock in the hall was heard to strike.
"Eleven!" exclaimed Lucilla, in a tone of surprise and dismay. "Father would say I ought to have gone to my room and my bed more than an hour ago."
"Oh, no! not on Hallowe'en," laughed Rosie; and just then a servant brought in a basket filled with ears of corn, and set it down in their midst.
"What's that for, Rosie?" asked Harold."You can hardly ask your guests to eat raw corn, especially at this late hour? As a physician I must most emphatically enter my protest."
"Perhaps Rosie is benevolently trying to bring practice into her brothers' hands," remarked Herbert facetiously. "But we are not looking for that at present, but for fun—pure fun, that will bring damage to nobody."
"Yes, my dear brothers, that's what I am endeavoring to do," she returned in sprightly tones. "Perhaps you have not heard of the new game with ears of corn? You folks are all invited to be blindfolded, each in turn, and in that condition to draw out an ear of corn by which to foretell your future fate. A tasselled ear will promise you great joy, a big, full one good luck for a year. A short one will mean a gift is coming, a red or yellow one no luck at all."
"Quite a new idea," said Herbert, "and as there is nothing said about love or marriage, I suppose even engaged folks may try it; married ones also."
"Oh, yes!" replied Rosie, producing a dainty lace-trimmed handkerchief. "Eva, will you kindly consent to take the first turn?"
"If you wish it," returned Evelyn, and the handkerchief was bound about her head and she was led to the basket.
"I suppose I am not to choose by feeling, either, but just to take the first one I happen to touch?" she said inquiringly.
The others assented, and she drew out an ear.
"Oh, good luck for you!" exclaimed Rosie. "It is as big and full a one as the basket holds."
Lucilla was told it was her turn, the handkerchief was bound about her eyes, and she stooped over the basket and drew out quite a short ear.
"Ah, you see I am not so lucky as you were, Eva," she exclaimed, passing her fingers from end to end.
"But it isn't bad," said Rosie. "That means a gift is coming to you soon."
"A good or a bad one?" laughed Lucilla."Perhaps papa would say I deserved a bad one for staying up so late."
"Oh, no! I think he expected something of the kind—he declined to let Grace stay, you know," said Rosie, "and I did want her badly. Well, gentlemen, which of you will take his turn now?"
At that they all insisted that she should take hers first, which she did, bringing out a tasselled ear.
"Oh, I am fortunate!" she cried, with a merry peal of laughter, "for a tasselled ear is said to mean great joy."
After that the young men took their turns. Chester got a big, full ear, Max a short one, Herbert a tasselled one, Harold a yellow one, which Rosie told him with sighs and groans meant no luck at all.
"But don't be discouraged, brother dear," she said, patting him affectionately on the shoulder, "though older than myself, you are young enough to have lots of good luck after this year is out."
"Many thanks for the assurance, sistermine," he laughed, "and though older than yourself, I believe I am young enough to wait a year for any special good luck."
"And I hope you will have enough afterward to reward you for the patient waiting, Uncle Harold," said Lucilla.
"If he gets all he deserves it will be a great deal," added Evelyn.
"You are good, kind comforters—both; accept my warmest thanks," laughed Harold.
There was a little more lively chat, then the young girls said good-night and went to their rooms—two on the second floor with a communicating door between. Rosie accompanied them, leaving her husband to attend to the gentlemen guests.
"See here, girls," she said, pointing to a basket of rosy-cheeked apples on a stand; "these were put here to induce you to try another Hallowe'en experiment. If you want to see what your future husbands will look like, eat one of these standing before the mirror, brushing your hair all the time, and now andthen—when you can get up courage enough—look over your left shoulder."
"Oh, that won't require any courage, Rosie," laughed Evelyn. "I am not in the least afraid of Max—brave officer though he is."
"And I stand in quite as little fear of Chester," said Lucilla. "So that really it seems that your good apples will be almost thrown away."
"Ah, you two forget the 'many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip,'" laughed Rosie. "And it cannot possibly do your lovers any harm, or alienate their affections from you."
"No, we are not at all afraid of that," said Lucilla, "and as your apples look very tempting, I believe I shall run the risk of eating one presently. I suppose I must first don a dressing gown and take down my hair."
"Yes," said Rosie; "you are to stand before the mirror brushing it diligently while eating the apple. And you will try it too, won't you, Eva?"
"Well, yes," returned Evelyn, "just for fun;and if anybody but Max comes to me I shall be sure it is not a truthful augury."
"Max is a fine fellow and has always been one of my favorites," said Rosie, "but there are others in the world that might do just as well, in case you and Max should have a falling out. Or you may live long enough to marry several times."
Evelyn laughed at that, saying she was quite sure once would be enough for her.
"I know you girls did not come prepared to stay all night," said Rosie, "so I have laid out a night-dress and dressing-gown for each of you. Get into them, and you will look nice and pretty enough for an interview with your future husbands."
They thanked her, and, examining the garments which she took from a wardrobe in Eva's room, pronounced them really pretty enough to wear to the breakfast table.
They made haste with their toilets, and in a few minutes each was standing before a mirror, eating an apple and brushing out her hair. Then Rosie left them with a promise to be backagain before very long to learn of their success. She artfully left ajar both doors leading into the hall. They opened noiselessly, and presently each had admitted a young man, who, wearing slippers, moved with noiseless tread, and as the girls looked over their left shoulders Eva caught sight of Harold standing a few feet in her rear, gazing steadily at her, a kindly smile upon his features; while at the same moment Lucilla perceived Herbert at a similar distance from her, gazing intently and admiringly upon her.
"Oh, Uncle Herbert," she laughed, "this cannot be a true sign, for I know well enough that neither of us has any loverlike feeling toward the other."
Almost before she finished her sentence he had vanished, and she heard Evelyn saying in mirthful tones, "Ah, Uncle Harold, this is the no luck at all—prophesied by that yellow ear of corn; for, as you know, I am already pledged to another."
At that Harold sighed deeply and withdrew.
But scarcely had he and his brother disappearedwhen Max silently took his place, Chester at the same time coming up behind Lucilla so that she saw him in the mirror, to which she had again turned, brush in hand.
"Oh, is it you, Chester? You are the right man in the right place," she laughed.
"I hope so, darling," he returned. "What lovely hair!" passing his hand caressingly over it; "so long and thick too. I never before saw it to such advantage."
Max was standing silently behind Evelyn, and just at that moment she caught sight of him in the glass. She turned quickly, and he caught her in his arms, giving her a rapturous kiss.
"Don't be disappointed that I am your future mate," he said.
"Certainly not, since you were already my own free choice," she returned, looking up into his face with one of her sweetest smiles. Just then Lucilla's voice was heard coming from the next room, "Is that you, Max?" and in a moment the four were together, gayly laughing and chatting, both young men insistingthat that style of wearing the hair—streaming over the shoulders—was extremely becoming. Then Rosie and her Will joined them for a moment, after which they all bade good-night, and the girls were left alone to seek repose.
Theyoung people had a merry time over their breakfast the next morning, rehearsing all they had gone through in their celebration of Hallowe'en, each one seeming to have enjoyed his or her part in it. They lingered over the meal, but soon after leaving the table scattered to their homes, excepting Eva, who returned to Woodburn with Max and Lucilla.
On arriving there Lucilla hastened to the library, where she found her father examining some business letters.
"Good-morning, papa!" she said. "Here is your amanuensis, and haven't you something for her to do?"
"Yes," he replied, looking up at her with a smile, as she stood close at his side, "and the first thing is to give her father a kiss; that is, if she will not find it a disagreeable task."
"Anything else than that, father dear," she returned, bending down to give and receive a caress. "And won't you let me help, as usual, with your correspondence?"
"I shall be very glad to do so," he returned, rising to take the cover from her typewriter, and put the paper in place. Then she seated herself and he began dictating. When they had finished, "Did you miss me last night and this morning, father?" she asked.
"I did indeed," he said; "but that is something I will have to get used to, when Chester takes you from me."
He ended with a sigh.
"Oh, papa, don't sigh so over it!" she exclaimed. "You know it isn't as if I had to go away to a distance from you. I shall be close at hand, and you can call me to your side whenever you will."
"Which will be pretty often, I think," he said, with a smile, drawing her closer to him, and caressing her hair and cheek with his hand. "Had you a pleasant time last evening? And did you go to bed in season, as your fatherwould have seen that you did had you been at home?"
"No, I did not get to bed early, papa," she replied. "I thought you would excuse me for staying up, for once, to try my fortune. For you see, we all wanted to know who were to be our future life partners, Rosie telling us that there was 'many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip,' so that our engagements didn't make us safe."
She concluded with a light laugh and look that seemed to say she felt no fear that he would be seriously displeased with her.
"You stayed up to try your fortune, did you?" he returned, with a look of amusement. "Why, my child, I thought you considered it already made."
"So I do, papa, and last night's experience only confirmed my belief."
Then she went on to tell him the whole story, he seeming to enjoy the tale as she told it.
"You are not vexed with me, papa, for stayingup so late, just for once?" she asked, when her tale was told.
"No," he replied, "though I should be far from willing to have you make a practice of it.
"'Early to bed and early to rise,Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,'
"'Early to bed and early to rise,Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,'
the old saying is, and I want you to be all three."
"As you are, father; and I am the first, at all events," she returned, with a happy little laugh. "You have never had to pay a big doctor's bill for me."
"No; but to escape that is the least of my reasons for wanting to keep you healthy."
Just then Max came in with Eva, bringing a book on architecture.
"Here are some plans for houses, father," he said, laying the book open before the captain. "Please look at this, and tell me what you think of it, as in some respects it is what would suit us. You too, Lu. Eva and I like the most of it very much."
The captain and Lucilla examined it withinterest, and were as well pleased as were Max and Evelyn. It was a matter in which they and Chester also were deeply interested, and they were taking time and trouble to make sure of having their future home all that could be desired. It was not to be built in haste. They had agreed to take plenty of time and thought in regard to all the interior arrangements, making everything as convenient as possible, as well as to the exterior, which they were resolved should be such as to cause the building to be recognized as an ornament to its neighborhood.
Chester was the one most anxious to get the house built and to secure his bride; the other three seemed well content to defer their marriage until the captain should give full and hearty consent.
The exact spot on which the building should stand had been selected, and the plans for it almost matured, when there came an order for Max to join a naval vessel about to sail for a distant foreign port.
There was a tender and sorrowful leave-taking,and Max was absent from the home circle for many months.
For a time those left behind seemed to have lost much of their interest in the building of the new home. Then came the fall rains, after that the winter storms, and it was decided that the actual work should not be begun until spring. Then Grace had a serious illness, which kept her in bed for several weeks, and she had hardly recovered when the little ones at Fairview were taken down with measles. They all passed through that trouble safely, but the weather had now grown warm enough to make a more northern climate desirable, and they—the whole Fairview family, accompanied by their grandma and the Raymonds—went aboard the captain's yacht and sailed up the coast and the Hudson River to Evelyn's pretty home, Crag Cottage.
That became their headquarters for the summer, though occasional short trips were taken to one or another of the points of interest in New York and the adjoining States. They all enjoyed themselves, though Chester and Maxwere missed—especially by Lucilla and Evelyn. Chester, however, joined the party late in the season, and was with them on the journey home.
Soon after their return, work was begun upon the proposed site of the new double dwelling, the cellars were dug, and the foundation was laid. But the work proceeded slowly. Max was not likely to be at home again soon, and it was well to take time to have everything done in the best possible manner.
Evelyn and Lucilla had fully decided upon a double wedding, which of course could not take place until Max obtained a furlough, and came home for a visit of some weeks or months. Chester felt the delay hard upon him, but had to content himself with being allowed to spend all his spare time with his betrothed.
Fall and winter passed quietly. There were the usual holiday festivities and exchange of gifts, then quiet home duties and pleasures filled up the days, and the weeks glided swiftly by.
One morning in February the captain, looking over his daily paper, uttered an exclamation of mingled regret and indignation.
"What is it, my dear?" asked Violet. "Something that troubles you, I perceive."
"Yes," he replied; "here is a piece of very bad news. TheMaine, one of our favorite battleships, lying at anchor in Havana harbor, has been suddenly destroyed by a terrible explosion—wrecked and sent to the bottom with 266 American seamen; only the captain and a few of his officers who were on shore escaping the awful fate of the others."
"Oh, that is dreadful, dreadful!" cried Violet. "But how did it happen? What was the cause?"
"That has yet to be discovered, my dear," replied Captain Raymond; "but I have little doubt that it was the work of some enemy among the Spaniards. They have been angry at the presence of the vessel in their harbor—their newspapers calling it a taunt and a banter, for they know our people sympathize with the Cubans. Somebody has done this evildeed; it remains to be discovered who it was."
"This is Sigsbee's despatch to the government," he added, and read aloud:
"Maineblown up in Havana Harbor at nine-forty to-night. Many wounded and doubtless more killed or drowned. Wounded and others on board Spanish man-of-war and Ward Line steamers. Send light-house tenders from Key West for crew and the few pieces of equipment above water. None has clothing other than that upon him. Public opinion should be suspended until further report. All officers believed to be saved. Jenkins and Merritt not yet accounted for. Many Spanish officers, including representatives of General Blanco, now with me to express sympathy.""Sigsbee."
"Maineblown up in Havana Harbor at nine-forty to-night. Many wounded and doubtless more killed or drowned. Wounded and others on board Spanish man-of-war and Ward Line steamers. Send light-house tenders from Key West for crew and the few pieces of equipment above water. None has clothing other than that upon him. Public opinion should be suspended until further report. All officers believed to be saved. Jenkins and Merritt not yet accounted for. Many Spanish officers, including representatives of General Blanco, now with me to express sympathy."
"Sigsbee."
It was directly after breakfast and the family were all present. Lucilla and Grace seemed much excited, and little Ned asked anxiously if "Brother Max" was on that ship.
"No, my son," replied his father; "I am very glad to know certainly that he was not. Have you forgotten that he is with Commodore Dewey on the coast of China?"
"Oh, yes, papa! I forgot where Havana was. I remember now that it is not in China, but in Cuba."
"Oh, that is a dreadful piece of news, papa!" said Lucilla, in tones of excitement. "Won't it be likely to bring on a war with Spain—especially as we have been feeling so sorry for the poor Cubans whom she has been abusing so terribly?"
"I am really afraid it can hardly fail to cause war," replied the captain. "But that will depend very much upon the result of the investigation which will no doubt be made by our government."
"Oh, I hope we won't have war!" cried Grace, shuddering at the thought.
"War is a very dreadful thing," sighed her father, "but sometimes the right thing on one side—that of those who undertake it for the downtrodden and oppressed."
"But we are not such folks, are we, papa?" asked Ned.
"No, son; but the poor Cubans are, and the question is whether we should not undertake to win their freedom for them."
"By fighting the Spaniards who abuse them so, papa?" asked little Elsie.
"Yes."
"What have they been doing to them, papa?" asked Ned.
"Oppressing, robbing, murdering them, burning down their houses, forcing them into the cities and towns and leaving them to starve to death there."
"Why, papa, how dreadful! I should think our folks ought to go and fight for them. I wish I was big enough to help."
"My dear little son, I am glad you are not," said his mother, drawing him to her side and giving him a fond caress.
"Why, mamma?"
"Because you might be badly hurt or even killed, and that would break your mother's heart."
"Then, mamma, I'm glad I don't have to go, for I wouldn't like to hurt you so," said the little fellow, stroking and patting his mother's cheek, and gazing fondly into her eyes.
"Oh, I hope it won't come to war for us!" exclaimed Grace; "though I should like to have the poor Cubans helped. Just think howdreadful, if Max should be engaged in a naval battle."
"Well, my child, we won't borrow trouble about that," said her father soothingly.
"And I hope there is not much danger, as he is away off in the China seas," said Lucilla, trying to cheer Grace, though she herself had little idea that he would escape taking part if there should be war.
"In case of war, that will hardly excuse him from doing his duty," said their father; "nor would our dear brave boy wish to be excused. But we will all pray that he may be spared injury, if such be the Lord's will."
"Indeed we will, in that case, pour out constant petitions for him—the dear fellow!" said Violet, with emotion. "But, Levis, do you think this will bring on war?"
"It looks very likely to me," replied her husband, sadness perceptible in both his countenance and tones. "And, really, I think it is our duty to interfere for those poor, savagely treated Cubans. I think it is high time that this powerful people undertook their cause."
"And I suppose the Spaniards are already angry with the Americans for sympathizing with those poor, oppressed Cubans," said Lucilla.
"Yes," said her father, "and this awful deed—the blowing up of our grand battleship with its hundreds of sailors—is doubtless an expression of their ill-will."
And that was not the thought of Captain Raymond alone, but of many others as well. The wrongs and sufferings of the Cubans had so touched the hearts of thousands of the Americans that they felt strongly impelled to make some effort to help them to win their freedom; and now this wanton destruction of one of our favorite battleships—and, what was far worse, the lives of nearly three hundred innocent men—so increased their anger and distrust that it could scarcely be restrained. Through all the land of the Americans there was a strong feeling of indignation over the treachery and cruelty of the blow that had destroyed that gallant ship and sacrificed so many innocent lives; but thepeople were sternly quiet while the Court of Inquiry was making its investigations. They were ready to punish the doers of that dastardly deed, but not without proof of their guilt. For forty days they and their Congress silently awaited the report of the board of naval officers engaged in examining into the evidences of the cause of the destruction of theMaine. Their verdict came at length, but in rather vague form—that, according to the evidence obtainable, the vessel had been destroyed by an explosion against her side from without. So much was clearly proven, but they did not say by whom the evil deed was done. More than a week before that report came in, both Congress and the people had been greatly moved by the speech of Senator Proctor, describing what he had witnessed in Cuba, the scenes of starvation and horror; men, women, and children robbed of their homes, their cattle—all their earthly possessions—driven into the towns and left to starve to death in the streets.
The senator's speech made a great impression,and there were others on the same subject and in a like strain, delivered by members of the commission sent to Cuba by the New YorkJournal.
Some days later—on the 28th—came the report of the Court of Inquiry into theMainecatastrophe, and put an end to the patience of Congress, which had long been ready to undertake the cause of the oppressed and suffering Cubans.
It was not until noon of the 11th of April that the President's message reached Congress. In that he turned over to it the whole policy of the government toward Spain. Congress did not make a formal declaration of war with Spain until the 25th of April, but actual hostilities began on the 19th. Indeed, four days before the declaration of war the United States navy began the blockade of Cuba, and captured a vessel on the high seas.
Max Raymond, buried in thought, was pacing the deck of theOlympia.
"Hello, Raymond, have you heard the news?" asked a fellow officer, hurrying toward him in evident excitement.
"No; what is it? News from home?" asked Max, pausing in his walk with a look of eager interest.
"Just that. The commodore has had a warning to leave Hong-Kong. War has been declared by our government, and Great Britain has issued a proclamation of neutrality. The official warning comes from the authorities here."
"Ah!" exclaimed Max, "I knew—we all knew—that it would come soon. It is well the commodore has had all our vessels put in war paint, and every preparation made for departure upon short notice."
"Yes; Commodore Dewey is a wise man and officer. I'm glad he's at the head of affairs in this fleet. It looks as if we would have some fighting soon, Raymond."
"Yes, Dale, and it behooves us to be prepared for wounds or death. We are about to fight in a good cause, I think—for the freedom of the poor, oppressed, downtrodden Cubans. But where are we to go now, do you know?"
"Only that it must be out of this harbor quite promptly. It can hardly be to travel the seven thousand miles back to San Francisco."
They were not kept long in suspense. Presently, anchors were taken up, and with bands playing and flags flying the fleet of vessels steamed out of the harbor, while the British residents of the city crowded the quay and shipping, cheering and saluting the Americans as the warships passed. That first voyage of the squadron was but a short one, a few miles up the coast to Mirs Bay, a Chinese harbor, where they anchored and awaited orders from home, theMcCullochhaving been left behindto bring them when they should arrive. The next day she came, bringing this message, dated Washington, April 24:
"Dewey, Asiatic Squadron: War has commenced between the United States and Spain. Proceed at once to Philippine Islands. Commence operations at once, particularly against the Spanish fleet. You must capture the vessels or destroy. Use utmost endeavors.""Long."
"Dewey, Asiatic Squadron: War has commenced between the United States and Spain. Proceed at once to Philippine Islands. Commence operations at once, particularly against the Spanish fleet. You must capture the vessels or destroy. Use utmost endeavors."
"Long."
This message was what Commodore Dewey had been waiting for since his arrival at Hong-Kong in January. He had formed his plans, and was ready to carry them out without delay. His captains were called to a short conference, and about midnight the fleet sailed on its errand of battle. They turned south toward the Philippine Islands, 620 miles away. The nearest United States port was San Francisco, 7000 miles distant. No neutral power would permit him to take more than enough of coal to carry his vessels home by the most direct route, so that there was but one course open to Dewey and his fleet—the capturing of a Spanish harbor somewhere in Asiatic waters, which he could make a naval base. One of Dewey'sships—thePetrel—was slow, and as the fleet of vessels must keep together, that delayed them. It was three days before they reached the line of coast of the Island of Luzon. It was reported that the enemy might be found in Subig Bay, so that was carefully reconnoitred, but the Spanish were not there; the fishermen about the harbor said they had seen no Spanish fleet, and though every nook and corner of the bay was examined, not so much as a gunboat could be found. So the American fleet passed on to Manila, 30 miles away.
It seemed evident that the Spaniards had chosen that station because there they would have the aid of shore batteries. It is said that their ships were comparatively antiquated, but not so much so as to make their defeat at all certain. Their guns were as good as those of the American ships, and they had more of them: to Dewey's six fighting ships Admiral Montojo had ten, and two torpedo boats besides. The Spaniards had no vessel to rank with theOlympia, but the numbers of their vessels, it might have been expected, wouldprobably, in skilled hands, have more than made up for that. The Americans had the advantage in batteries, but not overwhelmingly. TheMcCullochdid not go into action at all, and the Spanish torpedo boats were sunk before their guns would bear. The Americans were greatly superior in everything that goes to win victory; but that they did not know until the fight had been going on for some time; and as Commodore Dewey led his fleet along the coast of Luzon, toward the harbor where he knew the enemy lay in wait for them, he had nothing less than a desperate battle to expect. The Americans were brave; we know of no cowardice among them, but to the thoughtful ones—Max Raymond among them—it was a solemn reflection that they might be nearing mutilation and sudden, painful death. The Spanish ships were anchored in a harbor protected by shore batteries. To reach them the Americans must pass down a channel sixteen miles long, guarded on each side by powerful forts armed with modern guns; and it was to be expected that it heldmany mines prepared to blow up our vessels.
Knowing all these things, Commodore Dewey, his officers, and his men must have been expecting a hard fight, with no certainty of winning the victory. There was probably but little sleep on board the vessel that night. About ten o'clock Saturday night the men were sent to their stations for battle.
Max had spent some leisure time in writing to the dear ones in his home, and the still dearer one pledged to become his wife, telling just where he was and the prospect immediately before him, expressing his hope that all would go well with the Americans—now championing the cause of the poor, oppressed Cubans and of these downtrodden Filipinos—and that he would be able to write further after the conflict ended, should he pass safely through it; but if he should be killed or seriously wounded, doubtless the news would reach them in due season, and they must think of him as having fallen in a good cause, hoping to meet them all in a better land.
A little before that, the commodore was walking back and forth on the starboard side of the upper deck, when he noticed an old sailor who seemed to be trying to find something to do on the port side. He was a man who had been forty years in the service of the navy and army of the United States, and was a privileged character on theOlympia. He seemed to be keeping a careful lookout on the commodore, who noticed it and perceived that he had something on his mind.
"Well, Purdy, what is it?" he asked.
Purdy straightened up and saluted. "I hope, sir," he said, "ye don't intend to fight on the 3d of May."
"And why not?" asked the commodore.
"Well, ye see, sir," Purdy replied, in the most serious manner, "the last time I fought on the 3d of May I got licked—at the battle of Chancellorsville, under Fighting Joe Hooker."
"All right, Purdy, we won't fight on the 3d of May this time," said the commodore; "but when we do fight, Purdy, you'll have a differentkind of a May anniversary to think about. Remember that, Purdy."
"Ay, ay, sir," replied Purdy, saluting, then hurrying away to rejoin his blue jacket comrades, whom he told, "We'll lick those Spaniards if they was ten times as many as they are."
The moon was in its first quarter, and though often veiled by clouds its light might enable the Spaniards on the fortified points here and there to perceive the stealthy approach of their foe. Max, on the watch with others, overheard the commodore say, as they neared the opening between Mariveles and the Island of Corregidor, "We ought to hear from this battery about now."
But its guns were silent. They went on two miles further without perceiving any evidence that the Spaniards were awake and aware of their approach.
"They seem far from alert and watchful," Max presently remarked. But at that moment a bright light was thrown on the Point, an answering one was seen on the island, as ifthey were signalling each other, then a rocket soared up from the centre of Corregidor, and the commodore said, "It has taken them a long time to wake up, but probably they will make it all the hotter for us when they begin."
Day had not yet dawned when they reached the mouth of Manila Bay. They did not stop to reconnoitre, but pressed on at once, running the gantlet of batteries and concealed mines without waiting for daylight to make it easier.
They waited a little for the setting of the moon, then went on in single file, theOlympialeading and theMcCullochbringing up the rear, and with no lights except one lantern at the stern of each ship for the next to steer by.
A great light marked the entrance to the harbor, gleaming in the darkness as though to welcome the gray ships stealing so quietly in, as if to come suddenly and unexpectedly upon their prey. The forts were as silent as though all their defenders were asleep or dead. That was a wonder to the Americans, for the rush of their vessels through the waterseemed to make a sound that might be heard by the enemy, and every moment they expected it to attract their attention; and so anxious were they to pass unnoticed, that they spoke to each other in whispers, and moved about with muffled tread. They were in momentary expectation of a cannon shot or the explosion of a mine that might rend the plates of some one of their ships; but nothing of either kind occurred, until the last ship in the procession—theMcCulloch—gave the first alarm. Coal was flung on her furnace, and a red flame flared up, lighting up the waters and the rigging of the ship itself and of those ahead. All the men on the fleet turned expectantly toward the batteries on the land, thinking that shots would certainly come now. But all was silence there. Again and again the unlucky beacon flared, and after the third time it was noticed by the flash of a gun on a rock called El Fraile. But the aim was not good, and the shot did not strike any of our vessels. TheConcordfired in return, and cannon roared from theBoston, theMcCulloch,and again from theConcord, but theOlympiaand other big ships passed on in silent dignity.
The commodore was standing on the bridge of theOlympia, piloting his fleet, and the shot from El Fraile had given him a clear idea of how the shore lay. And now, having passed that battery, all the defences of the harbor's mouth were left behind, and excepting mines that might lie concealed under the water there was no further danger to meet until they should reach the city with its forts at Cavité.
As the ship steamed on up the bay, Max and Dale standing together on deck fell into conversation.
"What ails these Spaniards?" queried Dale. "I, for one, expected nothing less than a severe fight at the very mouth of this bay, but they have let us come in and on up toward their city almost unnoticed. The strait where we came in is only about five miles wide, and broken by three islands, all fortified, and armed with Krupp guns. And on the mainland there are two forts—one on each side—which,as I have been told, are armed with steel rifled cannon."
"Yes," said Max, "and we passed them all within easy range, and received only ineffective fire from one battery. But this is only the beginning; at any minute we may come in contact with a mine in the channel which will explode, or an electric mine may be discharged in a way to work us serious mischief."
"True enough," said Dale; "and it behooves us to be ready for the worst. There will probably be men killed and wounded on both sides."
"Yes," sighed Max; "war is an awful thing; but in this instance right is on our side, because we have undertaken the cause of the oppressed. And," he added with an effort, "if we have made our peace with God—are believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and trusting in his perfect righteousness—death will be no calamity to us; and if we are wounded, no matter how painfully, he will give us strength to bear it."
"I do not doubt it," said Dale; "nor that you are in that state of preparation, Raymond. I hope I am also; and that being the case, wesurely can go bravely on to meet whatever awaits us."
"I hope so," said Max, "and believing, as I do, that we are in the right, I have a strong hope that God will give us the victory."
"Ah, see!" cried a voice near them, "yonder are the Spanish ships, lying at anchor under the batteries at Cavité."
"Yes," said another, "and there is the old town of Manila, with its low clustering roofs and towering cathedral."
Men crowded to the best points from which to obtain a good view, and stood in silence gazing upon it. Max had a glass, and looking through it could see the roofs and quays of the city crowded with spectators. Evidently the engagement with the battery at El Fraile had been heard and had alarmed the city.
Dewey had planned for a prompt fight, but did not intend to have his men go into it hungry; and now some of his sailors were passing up and down distributing cups of hot coffee and biscuits.
That duly attended to, signals fluttered from the gaff, black balls were run up to every peak on all the vessels, and, breaking out, displayed the great battle flags. At that, some nine-inch guns on Fort Lunette were fired—without doing any damage—and the American vessels suddenly moved on to closer quarters.
"Hold your fire!" was the order from the flagship, and two shots from theConcordwas the only answer given to the forts. Onward the fleet sped toward that of the Spaniards, which was silent also. Suddenly there was a muffled roar, and a great volume of mud and water was thrown into the air right before the flagship, showing that the dreaded mines were near. In an instant there was another explosion, but neither did any harm; and they were all our men saw of the Spanish explosives of that sort.
Now the fleet was nearing the enemy. On theOlympia'sbridge stood Commodore Dewey, with Captain Gridley and Flag-captain Lamberton at his side. The Spanish ships now joined the forts in pouring their fire on theadvancing foe, but still there was no response. Presently the sun rose red and glaring with midsummer heat, and at that the commodore, turning to the officer at his side, said quietly, "You may fire now, Gridley, when ready."
Gridley was ready, and the next instant an eight-inch shell was on its way toward the enemy, who was only about 4500 yards distant. Presently a signal from the flagship gave the same permission to the other vessels, and the whole fleet was engaged.
Shortly before that, Dewey had assembled the men of theOlympiaand given them this final direction for their conduct during the fight: "Keep perfectly cool, and pay attention to nothing but orders." Such was the watchword through his whole fleet that morning, and the result was a deliberate and deadly fire. The ships steamed along in regular order—theOlympia, theBaltimore, theRaleigh,Petrel,Concord, andBoston—parallel to the Spanish ships, working every gun that could be brought to bear, and receiving the fire of ships and forts in return. The fire of the Spanish gunswas a succession of brilliant misses—shots that came very near hitting, but did not quite do so. It was, as Dewey put it in his report, "vigorous, but generally ineffective."
But the aim was not always bad. One shell struck the gratings of the bridge of theOlympia; one narrowly missed the commodore himself, and so hot did the fire become that he bade Captain Gridley go into the conning tower lest both of them might be killed or disabled at once. On theBostona six-inch gun was disabled, and a box of ammunition exploded. Also a shell burst in a stateroom, and set it on fire. Our six vessels steamed along down past the Spanish line, the port side of every ship a mass of flame and smoke, then circling around in a grand sweep—that made the Spaniards think for a moment they were pulling out of action—the column returned again on its course, and the men of the starboard batteries had a chance to try their skill while their fellows rested. They had made this circuit but three times when three of the Spanish ships were on fire. Looking throughglasses the shots could be seen striking the Spanish hulls, which were thinly plated.
Admiral Montojo, stung into fury by his losses, slipped the cables of his flagship, just as the Americans were beginning their third round, and under full steam darted out as if intending to attack theOlympia. But as his vessel—theReina Christina—swung away from her fellows the fire of the whole American fleet was concentrated upon her. The storm of shot and shell came pouring down upon her, pierced her hull like paper, swept her decks and spread death and destruction on every side. Her engines were pierced, her bridge shot away. She could hardly be controlled by her helm, and as she turned her stern to the American fire an eight-inch gun on theOlympiasent a projectile that struck her there, tore its way forward, exploding ammunition, shattering guns, killing men, piercing partitions, tearing up decks, and finally exploding in her after-boiler.
Agonized screams of wounded men were heard rising above the thunder of the battle,and theReina Christinastaggered back with flames leaping from her hatches.
While this was going on the two Spanish torpedo boats slipped out and ran for the American fleet. One hastened toward the supply ships, but was caught by thePetrel, driven ashore, and fired upon until she blew up. The other, running for theOlympia, was struck by a shell, broke in two, and sank out of sight.
Five times the circuit was made by the American ships; then a signal fluttered from the yard of theOlympia, and the fleet turned away to the other side of the harbor, where theMcCullochand the colliers had been lying.
At that the Spaniards, supposing the Americans were retreating, raised a resounding cheer. The men on the American ships were not so well pleased. They were asking what this move was for, and when told that it was in order to give them their breakfast, there was much grumbling.
"Breakfast!" exclaimed one of the gunners,"who wants any breakfast? Why can't we finish off the Dons, now we've got them going?"
But breakfast was not what the delay was for. A misunderstood signal had made the commodore fear that the supply of ammunition for the five-inch guns on board of some of the vessels was running low, and he wished to replenish their stock. It was found, however, not to be necessary. But officers and sailors had their breakfast and a three hours' rest, during which guns and machinery that had been used in that morning's fight were examined and a supply of fresh ammunition was prepared. Then the signals for a renewal of the battle were given, and the ships again bore down upon the enemy, revolving as before in a great circle of smoke and fire, but at closer range than at first.
The Spaniards seemed desperate, fired wildly, and in a half-hearted way. TheReina Christinawas blown up by the shells of theBaltimore; quickly after theDon Juan de Austriawas destroyed by theRaleigh, and soon till all of the ten Spanish ships had been destroyed or had surrendered.
Admiral Montojo had transferred his flag to theIsla de Cuba, and fought till her guns were silenced and she was in flames; then leaving her to her fate, he escaped to the city. It is said that a great crowd of people had come out from that city that morning to see "the pigs of Yankees" annihilated.
The last ship left fighting was theDon Antonio de Ulloa, and at length she sank, with her flag still nailed to her mast. One of the American shots entered the magazine at Cavité, and that ended the resistance of the shore batteries. Then from theOlympiawas flung out the signal, "The enemy has surrendered," the hot, weary, smoke-begrimed men swarmed cheering out of turrets and up from the bowels of the ships, and the flagship's band broke out with the "Star Spangled Banner," for the victory of Manila was won, the first victory of the war with Spain for the help of the sorely oppressed Cubans.
Maxhad done bravely and well, and no one rejoiced more keenly in the victory than he, though his heart bled for the wounded and slain. He as well as others listened eagerly for the accounts of the captains of the other vessels of the fleet as they came on board to report to the commodore.
"How many killed?" was demanded of each one, as he stepped on the deck, and great was the surprise and satisfaction on learning that none had been killed.
"Only eight wounded, none seriously," was the reply of Captain Dyer of theBaltimore. "But six shells struck us, and two burst inboard without hurting any one."
"Not a dashed one," was the next captain's answer. "None killed and none wounded," said the third, "but I don't yet know how ithappened. I suppose you fellows were all cut up."
"My ship wasn't hit at all," was the next report.
It was known that theBostonhad been on fire, therefore it was expected that her captain would have to report a serious list of casualties, and when he announced that no one had been killed or wounded on his vessel the news spread quickly through the flagship, and the men cheered vociferously. TheBaltimorehad been struck by a sixty-pound projectile, fired from a land battery. It struck the ship about two feet above the upper deck, between two guns which were being served; pierced two plates of steel each one-quarter of an inch thick; then ploughed through the wooden deck, striking and breaking a heavy beam, by which it was turned upward; then it passed through a steel hatch-combing; disabled a six-inch gun; hurtled around the semicircular shield which surrounded the gun, missing the men at it; reversed its course and travelled back to a point almost opposite that at which it had enteredthe ship, and thus passed out. It had passed between men crowded at their quarters and had touched none, but it exploded some loose ammunition, by which eight were wounded.
Max listened to the accounts of the almost bloodless victory with a heart swelling with gratitude to God, and full of hope for the success of America's effort to free the victims of Spanish cruelty and oppression. What glad tidings his next letter would carry to the dear ones at home. They would rejoice over the victory, and his safety too, though that might be again imperilled at any time.
This naval battle had been fought on Sunday. On Monday morning Captain Lamberton went on shore to receive the formal surrender of the fort at Cavité. They had hauled down their flag the day before, but now tried to prove that they had never done so. Perceiving that, the captain drew out his watch. Before leaving his ship he had directed that unless he returned in an hour those works should be bombarded. Forty-five minutes of that hour were now gone, and he said to the Spaniards:"Unless you surrender unconditionally so soon that I can get back to my ship in fifteen minutes, thePetrelwill open fire on your works."
That had the desired effect; they surrendered at once, and priests and nuns came humbly to beg him to restrain his men from murdering all the wounded in the hospitals. They had been told that that was the invariable practice of the barbarous "Yanquis."
The next day theRaleighandBaltimorewent down to the mouth of the bay and, after a brief attack, captured the forts on Corregidor and Sangley Point. The guns in these works were destroyed by wrapping them with gun cotton and exploding it with electricity. The officer in command at Corregidor went aboard theRaleighto surrender himself, and while there seemed greatly alarmed to find the ship drifting in the main channel, or Boca Grand, and demanded that he be at once put ashore. Asked the reason of his alarm and haste to get away, he said the channel was full of contact mines, and though the Americans might besatisfied to brave death by them he was not, and it was not fair to expose a prisoner to almost certain destruction. And that was the channel through which the American fleet had entered the harbor.
Four days after his victory Dewey, having all the harbor defences at his command, sent off theMcCullochto Hong-Kong with his first despatches to Washington. So a week had passed after the rumors from Madrid before the American people received definite information in regard to Dewey's successes in the Philippines. These are the despatches:
Manila, May 1.—Squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this morning. Immediately engaged the enemy and destroyed following Spanish vessels:Reina Cristina,Castilla,Don Antonio de Ulloa,Isla de Luzon,Isla de Cuba,General Lezo,Marques del Duoro,El Correo,Velasco,Isla de Mindanao, a transport, and water battery at Cavité. The squadron is uninjured, and only a few men are slightly wounded. Only means of telegraphing is to American consul at Hong-Kong. I shall communicate with him.Dewey.
Manila, May 1.—Squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this morning. Immediately engaged the enemy and destroyed following Spanish vessels:Reina Cristina,Castilla,Don Antonio de Ulloa,Isla de Luzon,Isla de Cuba,General Lezo,Marques del Duoro,El Correo,Velasco,Isla de Mindanao, a transport, and water battery at Cavité. The squadron is uninjured, and only a few men are slightly wounded. Only means of telegraphing is to American consul at Hong-Kong. I shall communicate with him.
Dewey.
Manila, May 4.—I have taken possession of the naval station at Cavité, Philippine Islands, and destroyed the fortifications. Have destroyed fortifications at bayentrance, Corregidor Island, parolling the garrison. I control the bay completely, and can take the city at any time. The squadron is in excellent health and spirits. The Spanish loss not fully known, but is very heavy. One hundred and fifty killed, including captain, onReina Cristinaalone. I am assisting in protecting Spanish sick and wounded. Two hundred and fifty sick and wounded in hospital within our lines. Much excitement in Manila. Will protect foreign residents.Dewey.
Manila, May 4.—I have taken possession of the naval station at Cavité, Philippine Islands, and destroyed the fortifications. Have destroyed fortifications at bayentrance, Corregidor Island, parolling the garrison. I control the bay completely, and can take the city at any time. The squadron is in excellent health and spirits. The Spanish loss not fully known, but is very heavy. One hundred and fifty killed, including captain, onReina Cristinaalone. I am assisting in protecting Spanish sick and wounded. Two hundred and fifty sick and wounded in hospital within our lines. Much excitement in Manila. Will protect foreign residents.
Dewey.
A message of congratulation from the President and people of the United States was the immediate response to Dewey's despatches, and with it the information that the President had appointed the victorious commander a rear-admiral. Doubtless a rumor concerning the nature of that despatch quickly reached all the vessels of the fleet, for the next morning watchful eyes on many of them turned to the flagship to see what flag would be run up to the mainmast, and when they saw that it was a blue flag as of yore, but had two stars instead of one, the guns of the squadron roared out a salute to the new admiral. No one there was more rejoiced than Max, who both respected and loved his gallant commander; and no onein America felt happier over the good news in Dewey's despatches than those to whom Max was so dear. It was a blessed relief to their anxiety to learn that no one in the squadron had been killed, and none more than slightly wounded.