"Who was Van Speyk?"
"He was the commander of a Dutch gunboat, in the revolution of 1830. His vessel wouldn't come about—what do you call it?"
"Missed stays, sir," replied Captain Haven.
"Missed stays, and got aground right under the guns of the fort. He was ordered to surrender, but refused to do so, though there was not the least chance for him to make a successful resistance. He was determined that the rebels should not have his vessel, and, rushing down into the powder-magazine, he said his prayers, and coolly laid his lighted cigar on an open barrel of powder. An explosion followed which shook the whole city. Twenty-eight, out of thirty-one on board, including the heroic captain, were killed—blown up into the air. A monument to his memory was erected by the side of that of De Ruiter, and the government pledged itself that a vessel in the Dutch navy should always bear the name of Van Speyk."
"He was a good fellow," replied the captain, warmly.
CHAPTER XV.
THE PROFESSOR'S CHARGE.
"I say, Perth, I've been a good boy for more than a week, and I begin to be ashamed of myself for my want of activity," said Wilton, who had seated himself on the bowsprit-cap, while his companion was reclining on the flying jib. "I shall spoil if there is not something going on soon."
"We'll go on that cruise in the Josephine just as soon as we can bring things round right," added Perth.