Ensign Merrill — page 100: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

When the last ¢ thine had been done, Merrill, accom- ae by the middy and Mr. Watson, made an inspec- tion of the ship. The neat, well-kept cruiser had cer- tainly undergone a decided change. As Ned remarked: ‘She looked for all the world like an old sea tramp ready for any charter—whether to carry potatoes to Ireland or a load of monkeys to the African coast.’’ The ensign was entirely satisfied with his morning’s work. Now, all that remained was a chance to try the disguise. His observation at noon the'previous day in- dicated latitude twenty-seven degrees, four minutes north, and longitude one hundred and twenty-five degrees, twenty-three minutes, twelve seconds east, or about four hundred and eighty miles from the island of Hwang Ho, the first of the group forming their present destination. ‘They had already logged three hundred and seventy miles, so there remained but a short dis- tance to go. Sending for the chief engineer, Mark instructed him to run at half-speed until further orders. This would mean a matter of about seven knots per hour, which, if continued, would not bring the island in sight until after daylight. _ That evening after supper, the ensign called a meet- ing of his officers in the cabin. ‘There were present, Ned, Watson, Dr. Agnew, and the chief engineer. The latter demurred at first, claiming he had important repairs to make, but as this was simply a never-failing excuse of the taciturn old man, his attendance was re- quested with especial emphasis. ‘‘Gentlemen,’’ began Merrill, after all had seated themselves, ‘tas we are now rapidly approaching® the neighborhood frequented by the pirates, I thought it best to advise you of my plans; so that we can work to- gether without mistakes. The last information re- ¥ ee = Pe seek. ping - * Tas * q Ph . j = .¥ : - . - - * 7 ‘ Se, es le : . ; ; 4 . \ Ca oS SC — ai ' b ry, ‘Wy 7is, ee be ae Se Me Pod #4 : - 7 ° , 7 2 <y L Sat & . 2 at ~ me we La eee 2D ao ee OMe be _— a = = “ - -_ - 7 is ~~ wy 4? 7 = ieee | “= €omicbooks.co