Ensign Merrill — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

a . : ~ d : , : i . . ¥ . * ed “we . * , , ‘— 4 ee , “ - ” ~~ «,—_ - . “ . /. q rAa ; o. a , Furl ” i ws ; : > =) eae abit Y ee “re ae at r, ¥. < ‘ : ? Aue By! as We S ta ere 4.8 as , ; 7 . ae ica ae an P tes ay fe é iv > t ¢ 4 Th i 17,4 ‘within reach of the rope when some one jumped down ae from the roof of the pilot-house and caught me by the | throat. I managed to draw my revolver and fired it at close quarters, but the fellow squirmed to one side and escaped. I got in two more shots with the same results, and then Mr. Gage came to my assistance. You know the rest.’’ = Merrill asked Ned for his version of the affair. | The middy answered that he had gone to the hatchway with several men as ordered, and was just in the act of step- _ ping over the coaming, when a sheet of flame shot up almost in his face. He also stated there was a strong odor of kerosene present at the time, and that it was his opinion some misereant had started the fire close to the ladder with the oil. **Now, John Blood, if thatis your name,’’ said Mark, sternly, addressing ie prisoner, who had stood silently listening to the testimony with his eyes bent on the deck, ‘‘ what have you to say?”’ ) The man made no answer. ‘“John Blood, answer me, I say!’ repeated the ensign, in an authoritative voice. ‘“‘What did you mean by displaying that signal light in the maintop? for it was undoubtedly you. And then assaulting the officer of the watch? If you have any explanation to offer, speak; for, understand, I can hang yoni for mu- tiny, if guilty.” _ Still noreply; no changeinthe position. Theensign waited quietly for a while, and then calling the boat- swain, told him to place the prisoner in double irons, and have him kept under guard in the chart-room abaft the pilot-house. His order was promptly obeyed. Producing a pair of handcuffs and leg. irons, the old sailor soon had — Blood secured, and led him to the lag designated. ee wh if , . ‘ , * i Pe ¥T; i y) » iva" 7 J » (¢ (0) : J i y, 4 i , i " ; et wine? a 4 ri ,/ ri. 4 v ‘ LACE : é , *