Ensign Merrill — page 14: what you’re looking at

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

yin Ss 4 aha s fe AES Fes fer iar Ary Fd | ee SHORE COMPANY. AN iets ee tae oie Tt on bets’ Basa te at to depend upon such ) help,” said Mr. Bevins, striding up and down the floor, _ **What we will have to do is to help ourselves. Now, % I have reason to believe that these pirates are working - undera thorough system, and their leader is a foreigner. He iscertainly shrewd enough to fool all the forces sent against him. They prey on our vessels, you know, almost anywhere in the Yellow Sea, but they undoubt- _ edly have a rendezvous on one of the numerous islands north of Formosa, possibly in the Chun Ki group. Now, the general and I have talked it over, and have hit upon a scheme which we wish to submit to you—that is why we have called this meeting. There | is one thing certain, this continued series of outrages is * slowly and surely ruining our business. Why, it is intolerable, simply intolerable! This gang of pirates - must be wiped out.” ! ' £“**Hear, bear!’’ chorused his audience. f ‘‘As I said before,’’ continued Mr. Bevins, “‘we must depend upon ourselves. Now, what we propose isto form a private and secret company, consisting of those persons present, and equip a small but powerful - vessel to exterminate the scoundrels.”’ The old gentleman had spoken slowly and with em- _ phasis, and his words created a decided sensation. The ' three members of outside firms stared at him for a mo- - ment, then, rising to their feet, clapped him and the - general on their backs with a force more hearty than pleasant. It was evident they were favorably im- pressed with the idea. One, who had hitherto re- mained silent, now asked several pertinent questions. Taking a pencil from the desk, he said: “Now, Mr: Bevins, you have no doubt looked into the matter for some time. Just “Athy me an idea as to the cost, with other details, DearS &¢ r > ' .° > cea at ee ~< 7. GEOmiIc ye (S.com. . ——-