Ensign Merrill — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

-* 4 +* a< 4 o oa ‘ 4 ret “ ¢ a . * . . / ; + 4 - , /~ * * - . P . ; r , Y wee oo | ; ly - ae, t - . * aa 4 - 5 ares 2 we, = - - “” P ; A {J , a *, . ue ans w, Fuad * 4 “ 8 . ". . < : . : af . . . - 5 nary ensign among other ensigns, and awake the next Bpaporning a full-fledged commander. Mr. Bevins and < _therest have shown a confidence in my judgment which shall not be misplaced if it costs me my life. I think that with my cruiser and a crew of well-drilled men I can vibe the seas of those pirates, even if they are led by‘a——”’ He was suddenly interrupted by a loud hail from the Trenton, which the sampan was passing at the time. An officer standing on the bridge beckoned him to come on board, at the same time shouting through a trumpet that the executive officer wished to see him. Ordering his boatman to pull alongside, Mark climbed up the gangway ladder, and, touching his cap to an elderly officer on the quarter-deck, awaited his pleasure. “Tl only wished to inform you, Mr. Merrill, that a cablegram has been received from Washington grant- ing you leave of absence for one year from date,’”’ said the lieutenant-commander, then he added with a smile: “T thought you would be anxious to hear of it as soon. as possible.’’ “Thank you very much, sir,’’ replied the young - ensign, reddening slightly under the other’s quizzical gaze. ‘‘I confess it is good news tome. With your permission I'll see the admiral and report myself for _ written orders to that effect.’’ Turning away, he started toward the after cabin, but was recalled by the executive officer, who handed him an envelope with the remark that it had been brought aboard an hour previous. Breaking theseal, Mark glanced hastily over the con- : tents, then, with an exclamation of wonder, sprang into the sampan alongside, and ordered the native to pull _ him ashore as quickly as possible. "comicbooks.co