The Yankee Champion — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

THE YANKEE CHAMPION, 83 ‘“‘ ‘Having learned that a band of piratical rebels have seized upon one of his majesty’s vessels ofwar, and, moreover, that itis the purpose of said rebels to use said vessel against the royal interests, vou and your league shall, if you can contrive to deliver said vessel into the hands of our faithful officers, re- ceive therefor the sum of one thousand pounds; and this shall be a bond for the payment of said sum. We are particular that you should make all possible haste in this matter, for in the course of two weeks we expect several store-ships from England, and though they will be under the protection of a heavy frigate, yet I would not have one of those Yankee pirates prowling about. In doing this, you will merit the thanks of your lawful king.’ “What think you of that, gentlemen?’”’ asked Walter, as he laid the paper on the table. ‘It looks as though there might be business for us,’’ answered Baker. ‘Yankee pirates!’’ growled Jake Maynard, with an expressive look of indignation. ‘‘I shall just put a pin in there, an’ lay it up. I wonder what in thunder the dad-rotted old king calls himself?’’ “It makes but little odds what they call us,”’ said : Cummings. ‘“‘I want to see the color of their eyes on the open sea, that’s all.’’ “Well, I’m thinking we shall have a chance be- fore long,’’ said Nixon. ‘‘The store-ships cannot have arrived yet, and we can easily intercept them.’’ ‘‘And the frigate—how’ll you dispose of her?’’ asked Cummings. “That depends upon circumstances,’’ returned the captain. ‘“‘We must see to that when we get them in sight, We’ve got acraft under us that will han- dle easy, and I haven’t the least doubt but that we shall be able to cut off one of the store vessels, at least.’’ ¢ . EComilicbooks (Eo) m