In the Wasp's Nests; The Story of a Sea Waif in the War of 1812 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 Excerpt: ...one in milder weather, but under the circumstances it counted for nothing, if indeed it did not increase the brig's handiness, by changing her rig to one perfectly adapted to the heavy weather then prevailing. Owing to the small spread of canvas they could show, the two ships approached each other very deliberately and both had abundant time to make every preparation for battle. Ned Boston had often been called to quarters since he had been on the sloop-of-war, 'but never had it been for anything more serious than playing at war. This time the beating call summoned him in deadly earnest. It seemed to his untutored ear that there was an unusually ominous note in the rattling of the drum, in answer to which the men sprang to their stations, and he wondered why it was that everybody seemed to feel so cheerful and laughed and joked so at the prospect of the imminent battle. His own heart was thumping rarely at the time. He did not feel like a hero at all. On the contrary, he felt very serious and sober indeed as he ran hastily up on the forecastle, where his battle station was, and superintended the loading of the starboard gun mounted there. He was afraid that he was a trifle frightened, but he determined to die rather than betray any evidence of fear. Still his mind would go back to the quiet, peaceful Massachusetts home, the old house among the trees, his Aunt Little in her white cap, the cows, and the chickens; his dog, the pony he rode--all these things seemed so attractive to him. He wondered why he had ever left them. Then he thought of that brave old fighter, Commodore Little. He would be worthy of his training, the boy determined as he pressed his lips together and busied himself in his duties. He would be brave. He had a name to make, a training to hon...