Ensign Merrill — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

This is the man, gentlemen; Mark Merrill, at y “eon service. I have had him in mind ever since we _ thought of the plan, and, if any one can carry it toa — successful ending, he can. You are all more or less acquainted with him and his record; but, if it wasn’t _that I respect his modesty I’d give you several in- a stances showing the bravery and courage of the young — gentleman. I think I’l] mention one—that affair of the yacht which——”’’ ee He was interrupted by a loud cough from the general who, with a broad smile on his face, stood pointing at the ensign. Mark’s countenance was flushed in a 7 ~ a - * eo. 4 fo ey a eaten elf: Pie ae a: a Py aes ce A i panies >. ch , Bis) x ; ion ‘ ts mS hae s+ ahr. 's 4 fos i ae AS Ud) ‘ ae ba aK MI Yan as A MIDSHIPMAN, - Genet his brordh, at the same time linking his arm in - the ensign’ s in s@iiharly manner. painful manner, and it was easy to see that he wished oe to be spared the recital. Thus choked off from what gel _ seemed to be a favorite topic, Mr. Bevins sat down, leaving the subject to his partner. ‘“Now, gentlemen, | wish to say that I quite agree with Bevins,’’ commenced Mr. Rollins. ‘‘I think we- a - eould not select a better commander than Merrill, and, — i :* _ although he will appear rather young for such an im- ' portant position, his past record warrants the confi- — : ‘ue ty Fa ‘iss, % — > : te dence. but, by the way, we haven’t even mentioned -the affair to Bim, and he 1s as yet seth ignorant Of 1t.”’ object of the meeting, and, encouraged by the expres- _ gions of approval on the Pies of the three merchants, ““The Protective Navy of Shanghai. MY **Now, I know this is a surprise and altogether unex- Epon, »? he added, placing his hand on Mark’s spree! ina ne, oie “But I want Sa to ‘give | t im- Taek | ive it Im- Turning to Mark, the general briefly outlined the formally offered him the command of what he called _