Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/179

Rh heaven knows what instruments of the devil, the people were furious. When they learned that the Nashville was only a blind, and that the perfidious wretches had sneaked by the blockade in the Theodora, while the fleet chased the other boat, they were drunk with indignation. It seemed as if they could part with their inlieritance if only they could get hold of these arch rebels.

Meanwhile, another style of man came into the game. Captain Charles Wilkes, in command of the first-class screw sloop San Jacinto, of fifteen guns, was animated by no motives whatever. Through a long career he had upheld the highest traditions of the United States Navy. Action was his long suit. The case was still to be recorded where the American Navy has not struck on the spot if it had half an excuse. Well, he came cruising into Havana from the west coast of Africa about this time, on his way home from hunting slave traders. At Havana, his second officer ran into his old acquaintance. Mason, in the Hotel