then in vogue, could overhaul
with ease almost any merchantman on the coast. So on this eventful day
she was rapidly overhauling the chase, when, by a blunder of the
pilot, she was run hard and fast upon a spit of sand running out from
Namquit Point, and thus saw her projected prize sail away in triumph.

But the escape of her prize was not the greatest disaster that was to
befall the "Gaspee" that day. Lindsey, finding himself safe from the
clutches of the enemy, continued his course to Providence, and on
arriving at that city reported the condition of the "Gaspee" to a
prominent citizen, who straightway determined to organize an
expedition for the destruction of the pest of marine traffic. He
therefore gave orders to a trusty ship-master to collect eight of the
largest long-boats in the harbor, and, having muffled their oars and
rowlocks, place them at Fenner's Wharf, near a noted tavern.

That night, soon after sunset, as the tradesmen were shutting up their
shops, and the laboring men were standing on the streets talking after
their day's work, a man passed down the middle of each street, beating
a drum, and crying aloud,--

"The schooner 'Gaspee' is ashore on Namquit Point. Who will help
destroy her?"

All who expressed a desire to join in the enterprise were directed to
repair to the Sabin House; and thither, later in the evening, flocked
many of the townspeople carrying guns, powder-flasks, and
bullet-pouches. Within the house all was life and bustle. The great
hall was crowded with determined men, discussing the plan of attack.
Guns stood in every corner, while down in the kitchen a half a dozen
men stood about a glowing fire busily casting bullets. At last, all
being prepared, the party crossed the street to the dock, and
embarked,--a veteran sea-captain taking the tiller of each boat.

On the way down the harbor the boats stopped, and took aboard a number
of paving-stones and stout clubs, as weapons for those who had no
muskets. After this stoppage the boats continued on their way, until,
when within sixty yards of the "Gaspee," the long-drawn hail. "Who
comes there?" rang out over the water. No answer was made, and the
lookout quickly repeated his hail. Capt. Whipple, one of the leaders of
the attack, then responded,--

"I want to come on board."

Dudingston, who was below at the time, rushed on deck, exclaiming,
"Stand off. You can't come aboard."

As Dudingston stood at the side of the "Gaspee" w