Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 173, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 July 1919 — SURE IT WAS DRAKE’S DRUM [ARTICLE]

SURE IT WAS DRAKE’S DRUM

————• British Sailors Convinced Sound They Heard Was Made by Spirit of the Old Rover. X “ Sir Francis Drake was “standing by” to aid Britain’s fleet, in case the humbled navy of Germany attempted to take a final shot at the Uniqn Jack, before lowering its colors, November 21, according to Arthur Machen, writing for The Outlook, in describing the great surrender. Among the British ships was the Royal Oak, chiefly manned by sailors of ■ Devonshire, Drake’s home county. The German ships came into sight about nine o’clock in the morning, and immediately the roll of a drum was heard aboard the vessel, Mr. Machen writes. All aboard were convinced it was “Drtike’s Drum” of English legend. Captain Maclachlan ordered an immediate investigation to find out who was absent from post, as the ship was stripped for action. Every man was found at his post, but the drum continued to beat. After other investigations the captain made a tour himself, but failed to find the cause. “All who heard it are convinced that it was no chance sound, such as the flapping of %tays,” Mr. Machen writes. “It was recognized by all as the rolling of a drum.” The- legend of “Drake’s Drum” Is that whenever England ( is in danger the old rover will appear from the heavens at the sound of the drum beat, ready to enter-the fight to defend England, L *' • .. . :