The gun deck presented a scene of the most intense activity. The process
of clearing ship for action requires the united efforts of the entire
crew. On vessels of the regular service, such as the "New York" or
"Indiana," where everything has been constructed with a view to the
needs of battle, the work is thoroughly systematized and comparatively
easy. The "Yankee," being a merchant steamer hastily converted into a
vessel of war, presented greater difficulties.

However, the crew was fairly familiar with its duties and the work
progressed at a rapid rate. When "Bill" and I reached the paint locker
we found several others preparing to convey the oil to the deck. It was
a momentary respite, and "Bill" took advantage of it.

"When the sun rose the fellows hiding behind the tombstones saw the lazy
man open his eyes," he resumed hurriedly. "He looked around and took in
all the details of the scene, the old church with the windows glowing
redly, the weeping willows shaking and trembling in the crisp morning
breeze, the rows of sod-covered mounds, the crumbling tombstones, and on
one side the old rickety fence marking the passing of the road. All this
he saw and then--"

"Hear the news, fellows?" interrupted the "Kid," suddenly approaching.
"We are going to--what's the matter, 'Bill'?"

For "Bill" had caught him by the slack of the shirt and one arm and was
hustling him along the deck. The "Kid," looking aggrieved, went his way,
and "Bill" returned.

"As I was saying," he continued calmly; "the lazy fellow saw all those