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Penny Dreadfuls, 1899 · page 56 of 231

Ensign Merrill — page 56: what you’re looking at

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Ensign Merrill — page 56: Penny Dreadfuls, 1899

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Ps eg fae AA ava 8 * ~}" ri pa “4 7 23 7 +e wis la 7 7 4 fa re ® ‘> ~ 48 Oy SOR eae.’ Ay . +h ~ 5 Ls at Hy tts etn ne . 7 ‘ Po « - 4 é 7 “ + “ordered ae Assembled on abobt ‘sides of the ook: e | was a motley crowd of men, clad in light clothes of no | particular pattern, but brawny, -strong-limbed, and — hearty featured—just such a crew that would carry confidence to a naval commander’s heart in sight of the — enemy. ‘They represented all countries from the hardy Celt to the Jesser-framed Italian, but Americans pre- dominated five to one, and Merrill, as he looked them over, quietly and with an experienced eye, felt proud of his crew. ‘“Meny 1 have called you aft to at last explain our destination, and the object of the cruise,’’ he began, glancing narrowly from one to another, searching for possible malcontents, if there be such on board. ‘You shipped under condition that we would sail with sealed — orders, to be opened on reaching deep water. Weare now almost out of soundings, and the time has ar rived.’’ Mark briefly explained the formation of the company, and the equipment of the Badger for service against the Chinese pirates of the Yellow Sea. He stated-their belief that an American was at their head, and re- marked dryly that if such be the case they would be able to defeat a worthy foe; then, after promising an ejual share to all of prizes captured, he called for three cheers for the company and its daring cruiser. They were given with a will, and the men dispersed to their various duties, arguing over the news after the manner of sailors. During the balance of that day nothing occurred to mar the commencement of the voy- age. The stanch old Badger breasted the waves with an ease and lightness speaking well for her seaworthi- ness; the engines worked smoothly, driving her ata -fourteen-knot gait without apparent effort; the crew — : fell Anko their several places without friction or trouble, =i scomicbooks com”