Ensign Merrill — page 20: what you’re looking at

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

ie S ge a B35 3 Rogie eh ee he Se no ch Nie IS Ss ar, fae eerie SL 8 . Ia wl 5 : s , ’ +o 4 3 “ ‘i a \ j - 7 . & * ~) ek re iy ate e ~ & i? Py Fak te oe ress a” ae . : -_ ‘ SD - Ris st\.ts Ps. Saf!" aa .... a message Heit day from his friend, Mr. 3 ‘Bevins, he had gone ashore at once, as the summons < stated that he was wanted on very important business, - _ Mark little dreamed of its nature, and when the gen- eral coolly told him that the merchants of Shanghai — - wished him to lead an expedition against the Chinese — - pirates of-the Yellow Sea, and also that they intended _ to intrust him with the command of a man of-war, he believed himself dreaming, but a sly pinch convinced — ay him to the contrary. Looking from one to the other, a glimpse of their friendly faces reassured Mark, and- _ heat last found himself able to reply. .**Gentlemen, I—I hardly know what to say,’’ he be- gan, rather helplessly. ‘‘lam greatly honored by the confidence you place in me, but the undertaking is so - great, and means so much, that I think you ought to _ select one with more experience. In fact, I——”’ ‘‘Nonsense!’’ broke in Mr. Bevins, abruptly. ‘‘You are the man we want, and, if we are satisfied, you year’s leave of absence.. I think I can. bring some _ pressure to bear on the admiral, and if you will make the application, he will no doubt indorse it.’’ “That will be an easy matter, sir,’’ replied Mark. “And, if you insist upon it, I’ll accept the command _ with the greatest gratitude for your kindness.”’ “Well, gentlemen,’’? said the general finally, that is settled, we will now adjourn to meet again at the same hour to-morrow for the purpose of arranging the details. In the meantime, Mr. Merrill can cable to Washington for his vacation.”’ After a few minutes’ further conversation, during which a contract was drawn up between the five mem- 4 | MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN. | 15 “ ought to be. Now, about your chance of obtaining a — 5 bers, the Barty dispersed to their various houses and. y (GAS Werte “Ycomicbooks:co ® = tT et 7 Wes: e