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diff --git a/old/24793-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/24793-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8527eb7 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/24793-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,22557 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Blow the Man Down, by Holman Day + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blow The Man Down, by Holman Day + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Blow The Man Down + A Romance Of The Coast - 1916 + +Author: Holman Day + +Release Date: March 9, 2008 [EBook #24793] +Last Updated: March 8, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLOW THE MAN DOWN *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + BLOW THE MAN DOWN + </h1> + <h1> + A ROMANCE OF THE COAST + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Holman Day + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + Copyright, 1916, by Harper & Brothers + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO MY GOOD FRIEND + </h3> + <h3> + Captain John W. Christie + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + BRITISH MASTER MARINER + WHO HAS SUNG ALL THE SHANTIES + AND HAS SAILED ALL THE SEAS +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “<i>O, blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down! + Way-ay, blow the man down. + O, blow the man down in Liverpool town! + Give me some time to blow the man down.” + —Old Shanty of the Atlantic Packet Ships.</i> +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>BLOW THE MAN DOWN</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> I ~ CAPTAIN BOYD MAYO GETS OUT OF SOUNDINGS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> II ~ THEN CAPTAIN MAYO SEES SHOALS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> III ~ THE TAVERN OF THE SEAS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> IV ~ OVER THE “POLLY'S” RAIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> V ~ ON THE BRIDGE OF YACHT “<i>OLENIA</i>” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VI ~ AND WE SAILED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VII ~ INTO THE MESS FROM EASTWARD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> VIII ~ LIKE BUGS UNDER A THIMBLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> IX ~ A MAN'S JOB </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> X ~ HOSPITALITY, PER JULIUS MARSTON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> XI ~ A VOICE FROM HUE AND CRY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> XII ~ NO PLACE POR THE SOLES OP THEIR FEET + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> XIII ~ A CAPTAIN OP HUMAN FLOTSAM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> XIV ~ BEARINGS FOR A NEW COURSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> XV ~ THE RULES OF THE ROAD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> XVI ~ MILLIONS AND A MITE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> XVII ~ “EXACTLY!” SAID MR. FOGG </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> XVIII ~ HOW AN ANNUAL MEETING WAS HELD—ONCE! + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> XIX ~ THE PRIZE PACKAGE FROM MR. FOGG </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> XX ~ TESTING OUT A MAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> XXI ~ BITTER PROOF BY MORNING LIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> XXII ~ SPECIAL BUSINESS OF A PASSENGER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> XXIII ~ THE MONSTER THAT SLIPPED ITS LEASH + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> XXIV ~ DOWN A GALLOPING SEA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> XXV ~ A GIRL AND HER DEBT OF HONOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> XXVI ~ THE FANGS OF OLD RAZEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> XXVII ~ THE TEMPEST TURNS ITS CARD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> XXVIII ~ GIRL'S HELP AND MAN'S WORK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> XXIX ~ THE TOILERS OF OLD RAZEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> XXX ~ THE MATTER OP A MONOGRAM IN WAX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> XXXI ~ THE BIG FELLOW HIMSELF </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> XXXII ~ A GIRL'S DEAR “BECAUSE!” </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + BLOW THE MAN DOWN + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I ~ CAPTAIN BOYD MAYO GETS OUT OF SOUNDINGS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When in safety or in doubt, + Always keep a safe lookout; + Strive to keep a level head, + Mind your lights and mind your lead. + —Pilot-house Ditty. +</pre> + <p> + For days he had been afraid of that incredible madness of his as a man + fears a nameless monster. But he was sure of his strength even while + admitting his weakness. He was confident that he had the thing securely in + leash. + </p> + <p> + Then all at once it happened! + </p> + <p> + Without preface of word or look he whirled and faced her, swept her into + his arms and kissed her. He did not attempt to absolve himself or mitigate + his offense by telling her that he loved her. He was voiceless—he + could not control his speech. He did not dare to show such presumption as + talk of love must seem to be to her. He knew he must not speak of love; + such proffer to her would be lunacy. But this greater presumption, this + blind capture of her in his arms—this was something which he had not + intended any more than a sane man considers flight to the moon. + </p> + <p> + He did not understand; he had been himself—then, instantly, in time + measured by a finger-snap, he had become this wretch who seemed to be + somebody else. + </p> + <p> + He had ceased, for an insane moment, to be master of all his senses. But + he released her as suddenly as he had seized her, and staggered to the + door of the chart-room, turning his back on her and groaning in supreme + misery. + </p> + <p> + In that moment of delirium he had insulted his own New England sense of + decency and honor. + </p> + <p> + He was afraid to look back at her. With an agony of apprehension he + dreaded the sound of her voice. He knew well enough that she was striving + to get command of herself, to recover from her utter amazement. He waited. + The outrage must have incensed her beyond measure; the silence was + prolonged. + </p> + <p> + In the yacht's saloon below a violin sang its very soul out upon the + summer night, weaving its plaint into the soft, adagio rippling of a + piano's chords. + </p> + <p> + He searched his soul. The music, that distant, mellow phrasing of the call + of love, the music had unstrung him. While he paced the bridge before her + coming that music had been melting the ice of his natural reserve. But he + did not pardon himself because he had acted the fool. + </p> + <p> + He stared at the night framed in the door of the chart-house. Little waves + were racing toward him, straight from the moon, on the sea-line, like a + flood of new silver pouring from the open door of plenty! + </p> + <p> + But the appealing beauty of that night could not excuse the unconscionable + insult he had just offered her. He knew it, and shivered. + </p> + <p> + She had come and leaned close to him over the outspread chart, her breath + on his cheek—so close to him that a roving tress of her hair flicked + him. But because a sudden fire had leaped from the touch to his brain was + no reason for the act by which he had just damned himself as a + presumptuous brute. + </p> + <p> + For he, Boyd Mayo, captain of her father's yacht, a hireling, had just + paid the same insulting courtship to Alma Marston that a sailor would + proffer to an ogling girl on the street. + </p> + <p> + “I'll jump overboard,” he stammered at last. “I'll take myself out of your + sight forever.” + </p> + <p> + The ominous silence persisted. + </p> + <p> + “I don't ask you to forgive me. It is not a thing which can be forgiven. + Tell them I was insane—and jumped overboard. That will be the truth. + I am a lunatic.” + </p> + <p> + He lurched through the door. In that desperate moment, in the whirl of his + emotions, there seemed to be no other way out of his horrible predicament. + He had grown to love the girl with all the consuming passion of his soul, + realizing fully his blind folly at the same time. He had built no false + hopes. As to speaking of that love—even betraying it by a glance—he + had sheathed himself in the armor of reserved constraint; he had been sure + that he sooner would have gone down on his hands and knees and bayed that + silver moon from the deck of the yacht <i>Olenia</i> than do what he had + just done. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo! Wait!” + </p> + <p> + He waited without turning to look at her. Her voice was not steady, but he + could not determine from the tone what her emotions were. + </p> + <p> + “Come back here!” + </p> + <p> + She was obliged to repeat the command with sharper authority before he + obeyed. He lowered his eyes and stood before her, a voiceless suppliant. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you do that?” she asked. It was not the contemptuous demand which + he had been fearing. Her voice was so low that it was almost a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” he confessed. + </p> + <p> + The violin sang on; the moon shone in at the door; two strokes, like + golden globules of sound, from the ship's bell signaled nine o'clock. Only + the rhythm of the engines, as soothing as a cat's purring, and the slow + roll of the yacht and the murmuring of the parted waves revealed that the + <i>Olenia</i> was on her way through the night. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” he repeated. “It doesn't excuse me to say that I could not + help it.” + </p> + <p> + And he understood women so little that he did not realize that he was + making the ages-old plea which has softened feminine rancor ever since the + Sabine women were borne away in their captors' arms and forgave their + captors. + </p> + <p> + She stared at him, making once more a maiden's swift appraisal of this + young man who had offered himself so humbly as a sacrifice. His brown + hands were crossed in front of him and clutched convulsively his white + cap. The cap and the linen above the collar of his uniform coat brought + out to the full the hue of his manly tan. The red flush of his shocked + contrition touched his cheeks, and, all in all, whatever the daughter of + Julius Marston, Wall Street priest of high finance, may have thought of + his effrontery, the melting look she gave him from under lowered eyelids + indicated her appreciation of his outward excellencies. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are thoroughly and properly ashamed of what you have done!” + </p> + <p> + “I am ashamed—so ashamed that I shall never dare to raise my eyes to + you again. I will do what I promised. I will jump overboard.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo, look at me!” + </p> + <p> + When he obeyed, with the demeanor of a whipped hound, his perturbation + would not allow him to show as much appreciation of her as she had + displayed in the secret study of him, which she now promptly concealed. He + surveyed her wistfully, with fear. And a maiden, after she has understood + that she has obtained mastery over brawn and soul, does not care to be + looked at as if she were Medusa. + </p> + <p> + She stole a side-glance at her face in one of the mirrors, and then tucked + into place a vagrant lock of hair with a shapely finger, thereby + suggesting, had there been a cynical observer present, that Miss Alma + Marston never allowed any situation, no matter how crucial, to take her + attention wholly from herself. + </p> + <p> + There was no mistaking it—had that cynical observer been there, he + would have noted that she pouted slightly when Mayo declared his + unutterable shame. + </p> + <p> + “You will never get over that shame, will you?” + </p> + <p> + And Captain Mayo, feverishly anxious to show that he understood the + enormity of his offense, and desiring to offer pledge for the future, + declared that his shame would never lessen. + </p> + <p> + Her dark eyes sparkled; whether there was mischief mingled with + resentment, or whether the resentment quite supplanted all other emotions, + might have been a difficult problem for the cynic. But when she tilted her + chin and stared the offender full in the eyes, propping her plump little + hands in the side-pockets of her white reefer, Captain Mayo, like a man + hit by a cudgel, was struck with the sudden and bewildering knowledge that + he did not know much about women, for she asked, with a quizzical drawl, + “Just what is there about me, dear captain, to inspire that everlasting + regret which seems to be troubling you so much?” + </p> + <p> + Even then he did not grasp the full import of her provocative question. + “It isn't you. I'm the one who is wholly to blame,” he stammered. “I have + dared to—But no matter. I know my place. I'll show you I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “You <i>dared</i> to—What have you dared to do—besides what + you just did?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell you, Miss Marston. I don't propose to insult you again.” + </p> + <p> + “I command you to tell me, Captain Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + He could not comprehend her mood in the least and his demeanor showed it. + Her command had a funny little ripple in it—as of laughter + suppressed. There were queer quirks at the corners of her full, red lips. + </p> + <p> + “Now straighten up like your real self! I don't like to see you standing + that way. You know I like to have all the folks on the yachts look at our + captain when we go into a harbor! You didn't know it? Well, I do. Now what + have you dared to do?” + </p> + <p> + He did straighten then. “I have dared to fall in love with you, Miss + Marston. So have a lot of other fools, I suppose. But I am the worst of + all. I am only a sailor. How I lost control of myself I don't know!” + </p> + <p> + “Not even now?” Still that unexplainable softness in her voice, that + strange expression on her face. Being a sailor, he looked on this calm as + being ominous presage of a storm. + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to have you report me to your father, Miss Marston. I will + take my punishment. I will never offend you again.” + </p> + <p> + “You can control yourself after this, can you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Marston, absolutely.” + </p> + <p> + She hesitated; she smiled. She lowered her eyelids again and surveyed him + with the satisfied tolerance a pretty woman can so easily extend when + unconquerable ardor has prompted to rashness. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you funny, prim Yankee!” she murmured. “You don't understand even now + just why you did it!” + </p> + <p> + His face revealed that he did not in the least understand. + </p> + <p> + “Come here,” she invited. + </p> + <p> + He went three steps across the narrow cabin and stood in an attitude of + respectful obedience before her. + </p> + <p> + “What now, sir?” It was query even more provocative—a smile went + with it. + </p> + <p> + “I apologize. I have learned my lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “You need to learn a lot—you are very ignorant,” she replied, with + considerable tartness. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he agreed, humbly. + </p> + <p> + What happened then was so wholly outside his reckoning that the preceding + events of the evening retired tamely into the background. It had been + conceivable that rush of passion might drive him to break all the rules of + conduct his New England conscience had set over him; but what Alma Marston + did overwhelmed him with such stupefaction that he stood there as rigid + and motionless as a belaying-pin in a rack. She put up her arms, pressed + her two hands on his shoulders, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him on his + lips. + </p> + <p> + “There, foolish old Yankee,” she said, softly, her mouth close to his; + “since you are so ashamed I give you back your kiss—and all is made + right between us, because we are just where we started a little while + ago.” + </p> + <p> + His amazement had so benumbed him that even after that surrender he stood + there, close to her, his countenance blank, his arms dangling at his side. + </p> + <p> + “What on earth is the matter with you?” she asked, petulantly. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know! I—I—I don't seem to understand.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to be honest with you. You are so honest you will understand + me, then,” she told him. It seemed to him that he must be mistaken, but he + certainly felt her arms were slipping up his shoulders and had met behind + his neck. “I saw it in your eyes long ago. A woman always knows. I wanted + you to do what you did to-night. I knew I would be obliged to tempt you. I + came up here while the moon and the music would help me. I did it all on + purpose—I stood close to you—for I knew you were just my slow + old Yankee who would never come out of his shell till I poked. There! I + have confessed!” + </p> + <p> + His mad joy did not allow him to see anything of the coquette in that + confession. It all seemed to be consecrated by the love he felt for her—a + love which was so honest that he perceived no boldness in the attitude of + this girl who had come so far to meet him. He took her into his arms + again, and she returned his kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me again, Boyd, that you love me,” she coaxed. + </p> + <p> + “And yet I have no right to love you. You are—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! Hush! There goes your Yankee caution talking! I want love, for I am + a girl. Love hasn't anything to do with what you are or what I am. Not + now! We will love each other—and wait! You are my big boy! Aren't + you?” + </p> + <p> + He was glad to comply with her plea to put sensible talk from them just + then. There was nothing sensible he could say. He was holding Julius + Marston's daughter in his arms, and she was telling him that she loved + him. The world was suddenly upside down and he was surrendering himself to + the mad present. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +In the yacht's saloon below a woman began to sing: + + “Love comes like a summer sigh, + Softly o'er us stealing. + Love comes and we wonder why + To its shrine we're kneeling. + Love comes as the days go by—” + </pre> + <p> + “That's it,” the girl murmured, eagerly. “We don't know anything at all + about why we love. Folks who marry for money make believe love—I + have watched them—I know. I love you. You're my big boy. That's all. + That's enough.” + </p> + <p> + He accepted this comforting doctrine unquestioningly. Her serene + acceptance of the situation, without one wrinkle in her placid brow to + indicate that any future problems annoyed her, did not arouse his + wonderment or cause him to question the depths of her emotions; it only + added one more element to the unreality of the entire affair. + </p> + <p> + Moon and music, silver sea and glorious night, and a maid who had been, in + his secret thoughts, his dream of the unattainable! + </p> + <p> + “Will you wait for me—wait till I can make something of myself?” he + demanded. + </p> + <p> + “You are yourself—right now—that's enough!” + </p> + <p> + “But the future. I must—” + </p> + <p> + “Love me—love me now—that's all we need to ask. The future + will take care of itself when the time comes! Haven't you read about the + great loves? How they just forgot the whole petty world? What has love to + do with business and money and bargains? Love in its place—business + in its place! And our love will be our secret until—” + </p> + <p> + He pardoned her indefiniteness, for when she paused and hesitated she + pressed her lips to his, and that assurance was enough for him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—oh yes—Miss Alma!” called a man's voice in the singsong + of eager summons. + </p> + <p> + “It's Arthur,” she said, with snap of impatience in her voice. “Why won't + people let me alone?” + </p> + <p> + He released her, and she stood at arm's-length, her hands against his + breast. “I have thought—It seemed to me,” he stammered, “that he—Forgive + me, but I have loved you so! I couldn't bear to think—think that he—” + </p> + <p> + “You thought I cared for him!” she chided. “That's only the man my father + has picked out for me! Why, I wouldn't even allow my father to select a + yachting-cap for me, much less a husband. I'll tell him so when the time + comes!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo's brows wrinkled in spite of himself. The morrow seemed to play small + part in the calculations of this maid. + </p> + <p> + “Money—that's all there is to Arthur Beveridge. My father has enough + money for all of us. And if he is stingy with us—oh, it's easy + enough to earn money, isn't it? All men can earn money.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo, sailor, was not sure of his course in financial waters and + did not reply. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Alma! I say! Oh, where are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Even that silly, little, dried-up man,” she jeered, with a duck of her + head in the direction of the drawling voice, “goes down to Wall Street and + makes thousands and thousands of dollars whenever he feels like it. And + you could put him in your reefer pocket. They will all be afraid of you + when you go down to Wall Street to make lots of money for us two. You + shall see! Kiss me! Kiss me once! Kiss me quick! Here he comes!” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed, released her, and when Beveridge shoved his wizened face in at + the door they were bending over the chart. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I say, we have missed you. They are asking for you.” + </p> + <p> + She did not turn to look at him. “I have something else on my mind, + Arthur, besides lolling below listening to Wally Dalton fiddle love-tunes. + And this passage, here, Captain Mayo! What is it?” Her finger strayed idly + across a few hundred miles of mapped Atlantic Ocean. + </p> + <p> + “It's Honeymoon Channel,” replied the navigator, demurely. His new ecstasy + made him bold enough to jest. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so we are learning to be a captain, Miss Alma?” inquired Beveridge + with a wry smile. + </p> + <p> + “It would be better if more yacht-owners knew how to manage their own + craft,” she informed him, with spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it might keep the understrappers in line,” agreed the man at the + door.. “I apply for the position of first mate after you qualify, Captain + Alma.” + </p> + <p> + “And this, you say, is, Captain Mayo?” she queried, without troubling + herself to reply. Her tone was crisply matter of fact. + </p> + <p> + Beveridge blinked at her and showed the disconcerted uneasiness of a man + who has intruded in business hours. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo, watching the white finger rapturously, noted that it was + sweeping from the Arctic Circle to the Tropic Zone. “That's Love Harbor, + reached through the thoroughfare of Hope,” he answered, respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I say!” exclaimed Beveridge; “the sailors who laid out that course + must have been romantic.” + </p> + <p> + “Sailors have souls to correspond with their horizon, Arthur. Would you + prefer such names as Cash Cove and Money-grub Channel?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Beveridge cocked an eyebrow and stared at her eloquent back; also, he + cast a glance of no great favor on the stalwart young captain of the <i>Olenia</i>. + It certainly did not occur to Mr. Beveridge that two young folks in love + were making sport of him. That Julius Marston's daughter would descend to + a yacht captain would have appeared as incredible an enormity as an affair + with the butler. But there was something about this intimate companionship + of the chart-room which Mr. Beveridge did not relish. Instinct rather than + any sane reason told him that he was not wanted. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry to break in on your studies, Miss Marston,” he said, a bit + stiffly. “But I have been sent by your father to call you to the cabin.” + Mr. Beveridge's air, his tone of protest, conveyed rather pointed hint + that her responsibilities as a hostess were fully as important as her + studies as a navigator. + </p> + <p> + “I must go,” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + Relief was mingled with Captain Mayo's regret. He had feared that this + impetuous young woman might rebel against the summons, even though the + word came from her father. And her persistent stay in his chart-room, even + on the pretext of a fervid interest in the mysteries of navigation, might + produce complications. This wonderful new joy in his life was too precious + to be marred by complications. + </p> + <p> + She trailed her fingers along his hand when she turned from the + chart-table, and then pinched him in farewell salute. + </p> + <p> + “Good night, Captain Mayo. I'll take another lesson to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I am at your service,” he told her. + </p> + <p> + Their voices betrayed nothing, but Beveridge's keen eyes—the eyes + which had studied faces in the greatest game of all when fortunes were at + stake—noted the look they exchanged. It was long-drawn, as + expressive as a lingering kiss. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Beveridge, sanctioned in his courtship by Julius Marston, was not + especially worried by any inferences from that soft glance. He could not + blame even a coal-heaver who might stare tenderly at Miss Alma Marston, + for she was especially pleasing to the eye, and he enjoyed looking at her + himself. He was enough of a philosopher to be willing to have other folks + enjoy themselves and thereby give their approbation to his choice. He + excused Captain Mayo. As to Miss Marston, he viewed her frivolity as he + did that of the other girls whom he knew; they all had too much time on + their hands. + </p> + <p> + “Give the poor devils a chance, Alma. Don't tip 'em upside down,” he + advised, testily, when she followed him down the ladder. He stood at the + foot and offered his hand, but she leaped down the last two steps and did + not accept his assistance. “Now, you have twisted that skipper of ours + until he doesn't know north from south.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not care much for your emphasis on the 'now,'” she declared, + indignantly. “You seem to intimate that I am going about the world trying + to beguile every man I see.” + </p> + <p> + “That seems to be the popular indoor and outdoor sport for girls in these + days,” he returned with good humor. “Just a moment ago you were raising + the very devil with that fellow up there with your eyes. Of course, + practice makes perfect. But you're a good, kind girl in your heart. Don't + make 'em miserable.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Beveridge's commiseration would have been wasted on Captain Boyd Mayo + that evening. The captain snapped off the light in the chart-room as soon + as they had departed, and there in the gloom he took his happiness to his + heart, even as he had taken her delicious self to his breast. He put up + his hands and pressed his face into the palms. He inhaled the delicate, + subtle fragrance—a mere suggestion of perfume—the sweet ghost + of her personality, which she had left behind. Her touch still thrilled + him, and the warmth of her last kiss was on his lips. + </p> + <p> + Then he went out and climbed the ladder to the bridge. A peep over the + shoulder of the man at the wheel into the mellow glow under the hood of + the binnacle, showed him that the <i>Olenia</i> was on her course. + </p> + <p> + “It's a beautiful night, Mr. McGaw,” he said to the mate, a stumpy little + man with bowed legs, who was pacing to and fro, measuring strides with the + regularity of a pendulum. + </p> + <p> + “It is that, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. McGaw, before he answered, plainly had difficulty with something which + bulged in his cheek. He appeared, also, to be considerably surprised by + the captain's air of vivacious gaiety. His superior had been moping around + the ship for many days with melancholy spelled in every line of his face. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's the most beautiful and perfect night I ever saw, Mr. McGaw.” + There was triumph in the captain's buoyant tones. + </p> + <p> + “Must be allowed to be what they call a starry night for a ramble,” + admitted the mate, trying to find speech to fit the occasion. + </p> + <p> + “I will take the rest of this watch and the middle watch, Mr. McGaw,” + offered the captain. “I want to stay up to-night. I can't go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + The offer meant that Captain Mayo proposed to stay on duty until four + o'clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Mate McGaw fiddled a gnarled finger under his nose and tried to find some + words of protest. But Captain Mayo added a crisp command. + </p> + <p> + “Go below, Mr. McGaw, and take it easy. You can make it up to me some time + when there is no moon!” He laughed. + </p> + <p> + When all the cabin lights were out and he realized that she must be + asleep, he walked the bridge, exulting because her safety was in his + hands, but supremely exultant because she loved him and had told him so. + </p> + <p> + Obedience had been in the line of his training. + </p> + <p> + She had commanded him to live and love in the present, allowing the future + to take care of itself, and it afforded him a sense of sweet companionship + to obey her slightest wish when he was apart from her. Therefore, he put + aside all thoughts of Julius Marston and his millions—Julius + Marston, his master, owner of the yacht which swept on under the moon—that + frigid, silent man with the narrow strip of frosty beard pointing his + chin. + </p> + <p> + Mayo walked the bridge and lived and loved. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II ~ THEN CAPTAIN MAYO SEES SHOALS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There's naught upon the stern, there's naught upon the lee, + Blow high, blow low, and so sailed we. + But there's a lofty ship to windward, + And she's sailing fast and free, + Sailing down along the coast of the high Barbaree. + —Ancient Shanty. +</pre> + <p> + The skipper of the <i>Olenia</i> found himself dabbling in guesses and + wonderment more than is good for a man who is expected to obey without + asking the reason why. + </p> + <p> + That cruise seemed to be a series of spasmodic alternations between + leisurely loafing and hustling haste. + </p> + <p> + There were days when he was ordered to amble along at half speed offshore. + Then for hours together Julius Marston and his two especial and close + companions, men of affairs, plainly, men of his kind, bunched themselves + close together in their hammock chairs under the poop awning and talked + interminably. Alma Marston and her young friends, chaperoned by an amiable + aunt—so Captain Mayo understood her status in the party—remained + considerately away from the earnest group of three. Arthur Beveridge + attached himself to the young folks. + </p> + <p> + From the bridge the captain caught glimpses of all this shipboard routine. + The yacht's saunterings offshore seemed a part of the summer vacation. + </p> + <p> + But the occasional hurryings into harbors, the conferences below with men + who came and went with more or less attempt at secrecy, did not fit with + the vacation side of the cruise. + </p> + <p> + These conferences were often followed by orders to the captain to thread + inner reaches of the coast and to visit unfrequented harbors. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo had been prepared for these trips, although he had not been + informed of the reason. It was his first season on the yacht <i>Olenia</i>. + The shipping broker who had hired him had been searching in his inquiries + as to Mayo's knowledge of the byways of the coast. The young man who had + captained fishermen and coasters ever since he was seventeen years old had + found it easy to convince the shipping broker, and the shipping broker had + sent him on board the yacht without the formality of an interview with the + owner. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was informed curtly that there was no need of an interview. He was + told that Julius Marston never bothered with details. + </p> + <p> + When Julius Marston had come on board with his party he merely nodded grim + acknowledgment of the salute of his yacht's master, who stood at the + gangway, cap in hand. + </p> + <p> + The owner had never shown any interest in the management of the yacht; he + had remained abaft the main gangway; he had never called the captain into + conference regarding any movements of the <i>Olenia</i>. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo, pacing the bridge in the forenoon watch, trying to grasp the + full measure of his fortune after troubled dreams of his master's + daughter, recollected that he had never heard the sound of Julius + Marston's voice. So far as personal contact was concerned, the yacht's + skipper was evidently as much a matter of indifference to the owner as the + yacht's funnel. + </p> + <p> + Orders were always brought forward by a pale young man who was taciturn + even to rudeness, and by that trait seemed to commend himself to Marston + as a safe secretary. + </p> + <p> + At first, Alma Marston had brought her friends to the bridge. But after + the novelty was gone they seemed to prefer the comfort of chairs astern or + the saloon couches. + </p> + <p> + For a time the attentive Beveridge had followed her when she came forward; + and then Beveridge discovered that she quite disregarded him in her quest + for information from the tall young man in uniform. She came alone. + </p> + <p> + And after that what had happened happened. + </p> + <p> + She came alone that forenoon. He saw her coming. He had stolen a glance + aft every time he turned in his walk at the end of the bridge. He leaned + low and reached down his hand to assist her up the ladder. + </p> + <p> + “I have been nigh crazy all morning. But I had to wait a decent time and + listen to their gossip after breakfast,” she told him, her face close to + his as she came up the ladder. “And, besides, my father is snappy to-day. + He scolded me last night for neglecting my guests. Just as if I were + called on to sit all day and listen to Nan Burgess appraise her lovers or + to sing a song every time Wally Dalton has his relapse of lovesickness. He + has come away to forget her, you know.” She chuckled, uttering her funny + little gurgle of a laugh which stirred in him, always, a desire to smother + it with kisses. + </p> + <p> + They went to the end of the bridge, apart from the man at the wheel. + </p> + <p> + “I hurried to go to sleep last night so that I could dream of you, my own + big boy.” + </p> + <p> + “I walked the bridge until after daylight. I wanted to stay awake. I could + not bear to let sleep take away my thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + “What is there like love to make this world full of happiness? How bright + the sun is! How the waves sparkle! Those folks sitting back there are + looking at the same things we are—or they can look, though they + don't seem to have sense enough. And about all they notice is that it's + daylight instead of night. My father and those men are talking about money—just + money—that's all. And Wally has a headache from drinking too much + Scotch. And Nan Burgess doesn't love anybody who loves her, But for us—oh, + this glorious world!” + </p> + <p> + She put out her arms toward the sun and stared boldly at that blazing orb, + as though she were not satisfied with what her eyes could behold, but + desired to grasp and feel some of the glory of outdoors. If Captain Mayo + had been as well versed in psychology as he was in navigation he might + have drawn a few disquieting deductions from this frank and unconscious + expression of the mood of the materialist. She emphasized that mood by + word. + </p> + <p> + “I'll show you my little clasp-book some day, big boy. It's where I write + my verses. I don't show them to anybody. You see, I'm telling you my + secrets! We must tell each other our secrets, you and I! I have put my + philosophy of living into four lines. Listen! + </p> + <p> + “The future? Why perplex the soul? The past? Forget its woe and strife! + Let's thread each day, a perfect whole, Upon our rosary of Life.” + </p> + <p> + “It's beautiful,” he told her. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it good philosophy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he admitted, not daring to doubt the high priestess of the new cult + to which he had been commandeered. + </p> + <p> + “It saves all this foolish worry. Most of the folks I know are always + talking about the bad things which have happened to them or are peering + forward and hoping that good things will happen, and they never once look + down and admire a golden moment which Fate has dropped into their hands. + You see, I'm poetical this morning. Why shouldn't I be? We love each + other.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how to talk,” he stammered. “I'm only a sailor. I never said + a word about love to any girl in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure you have never loved anybody? Remember, we must tell each + other our secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” he declared with convincing firmness. + </p> + <p> + She surveyed him, showing the satisfaction a gold-seeker would exhibit in + appraising a nugget of virgin ore. “But you are so big and fine! And you + must have met so many pretty girls!” + </p> + <p> + He was not restive under this quizzing. “I have told you the truth, Miss + Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, big boy! 'Miss Marston,' indeed! I am Alma—Alma to you. + Say it! Say it nicely!” + </p> + <p> + He flushed. He stole a shamefaced glance at the-wheelsman and made a quick + and apprehensive survey of the sacred regions aft. + </p> + <p> + “Are you afraid, after all I have said to you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it seems—I can hardly believe—” + </p> + <p> + “Say it.” + </p> + <p> + “Alma,” he gulped. “Alma, I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “You need some lessons, big boy. You are so awkward I think you are + telling me the truth about the other girls.” + </p> + <p> + He did not dare to ask her whether she had loved any one else. With all + the passionate jealousy of his soul he wanted to ask her. She, who was so + sure that she could instruct him, must have loved somebody. He tried to + comfort himself by the thought that her knowledge arose from the efforts + either men had made to win her. + </p> + <p> + “We have our To-day,” she murmured. “Golden hours till the moon comes up—and + then perhaps a few silver ones! I don't care what Arthur guesses. My + father is too busy talking money with those men to guess. I'm going to be + with you all I can. I can arrange it. I'm studying navigation.” + </p> + <p> + She snuggled against the rail, luxuriating in the sunshine. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” she asked, bluntly. + </p> + <p> + That question, coming after the pledging of their affection, astonished + him like the loom of a ledge in mid-channel. + </p> + <p> + “It's enough for me that you are just as you are, boy! But you're not a + prince in disguise, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm only a Yankee sailor,” he told her. “But if you won't think that I'm + trying to trade on what my folks have been before me, I'll say that my + grandfather was Gamaliel Mayo of Mayoport.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds good, but I never heard of him. With all my philosophy, I'm a + poor student of history, sweetheart.” Her tone and the name she gave him + took the sting out of her confession. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe he played a great part in history. But he built sixteen + ships in his day, and our house flag circled the world many times. Sixteen + big ships, and the last one was the <i>Harvest Home</i>, the China clipper + that paid for herself three times before an Indian Ocean monsoon swallowed + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if he made all that money, are you going to sea for the fun of it?” + </p> + <p> + “There are no more Yankee wooden ships on the sea. My poor father thought + he was wise when the wooden ships were crowded off. He put his money into + railroads—and you know what has happened to most of the folks who + have put their money into new railroads.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I don't know much about business.” + </p> + <p> + “The hawks caught the doves. It was a game that was played all over New + England. The folks whose money built the roads were squeezed out. Long + before my mother died our money was gone, but my father and I did not + allow her to know it. We mortgaged and gave her what she had always been + used to. And when my father died there was nothing!” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes glistened. “That's chivalry,” she cried. “That's the spirit of + the knights of old when women were concerned. I adore you for what you + did!” + </p> + <p> + “It was the way my father and I looked at it,” he said, mildly. “My father + was not a very practical man, but I always agreed with him. And I am happy + now, earning my own living. Why should I think my grandfather ought to + have worked all his life so that I would not need to work?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it's different with a big, strong man and a woman. She needs so + much that a man must give her.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo became promptly silent, crestfallen, and embarrassed. He + stared aft, he looked at the splendid yacht whose finances he managed and + whose extravagance he knew. He saw the girl at his side, and blinked at + the gems which flashed in the sunlight as her fingers tucked up the locks + of hair where the breeze had wantoned. + </p> + <p> + “I think my father works because he loves it,” she said. “I wish he would + rest and enjoy other things more. If mother had lived to influence him + perhaps he would see something else in life instead of merely piling up + money. But he doesn't listen to me. He gives me money and tells me to go + and play. I miss my mother, boy! I haven't anybody to talk with—who + understands!” + </p> + <p> + There were tears in her eyes, and he was grateful for them. He felt that + she had depths in her nature. But keen realization of his position, + compared with hers, distressed him. She stood there, luxury incarnate, + mistress of all that money could give her. + </p> + <p> + “Anybody can make money,” she declared. “My father and those men are + sitting there and building plans to bring them thousands and thousands of + dollars. All they need to do is put their heads together and plan. Every + now and then I hear a few words. They're going to own all the steamboats—or + something of that kind. Anybody can make money, I say, but there are so + few who know how to enjoy it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been doing a lot of thinking since last night—Alma.” He + hesitated when he came to her name, and then blurted it out. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it is real lover-like to treat my name as if it were a + hurdle that you must leap over?” she asked, with her aggravating little + chuckle. “Oh, you have so much to learn!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid so. I have a great many things ahead of me to learn and do. I + have been thinking. I have been afraid of the men who sit and scheme and + put all their minds on making money. They did bitter things to us, and we + didn't understand until it was all over. But I must go among them and + watch them and learn how to make money.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be like the others, now, and talk money—money,” she said, + pettishly. “Money and their love-affairs—that's the talk I have + heard from men ever since I was allowed to come into the drawing-room out + of the nursery!” + </p> + <p> + “But I must talk money a little, dear. I have my way to make in the + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Thrifty, practical, and Yankee!” she jested. “I suppose you can't help + it!” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't for myself—it's for you!” he returned, wistfully, and with + a voice and demeanor he offered himself as Love's sacrifice before her—the + old story of utter devotion—the ancient sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + “I have all I want,” she insisted. + </p> + <p> + “But <i>I</i> must be able to give you what you want!” + </p> + <p> + “I warn you that I hate money-grubbers! They haven't a spark of romance in + them. Boyd, you'd be like all the rest in a little while. You mustn't do + it.” + </p> + <p> + “But I must have position—means before I dare to go to your father—if + I ever shall be able to go to him!” + </p> + <p> + “Go to him for what?” + </p> + <p> + “To ask him—to say—to—well, when we feel that I'm in a + position where we can be married—” + </p> + <p> + “Of course we shall be married some day, boy, but all that will take care + of itself when the time comes. But now you are— How old are you, + Boyd?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-six.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am nineteen. And what has marriage to do with the love we are + enjoying right now?” + </p> + <p> + “When folks are in love they want to get married.” + </p> + <p> + “Granted! But when lovers are wise they will treat romance at first as the + epicure treats his glass of good wine. They will pour it slowly and hold + the glass up against the light and admire its color!” In her gay mood she + pinched together thumb and forefinger and lifted an imaginary glass to the + sun. “Then they will sniff the bouquet. Ah-h-h, how fragrant! And after a + time they will take a little sip—just a weeny little sip and hold it + on the tongue for ever so long. For, when it is swallowed, what good? Oh, + boy, here are you—talking first of all about marriage! Talking of + the good wine of life and love as if it were a fluid simply to satisfy + thirst. We are going to love, first of all! Come, I will teach you.” + </p> + <p> + He did not know what to say to her. There was a species of abandon in her + gaiety. Her exotic language embarrassed one who had been used to mariners' + laconic directness of speech. She looked at him, teasing him with her + eyes. He was a bit relieved when the pale-faced secretary came dragging + himself up the ladder and broke in on the tête-à -tête. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marston's orders are, Captain Mayo, that you turn here and go west. + Do you know the usual course of the Bee line steamers?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “He requests you to turn in toward shore and follow that course.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir.” Captain Mayo walked to the wheel. “Nor' nor'west, Billy, + until I can give you the exact course.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor' nor'west!” repeated the wheelsman, throwing her hard over, and the + <i>Olenia</i> came about with a rail-dipping swerve and retraced her way + along her own wake of white suds. + </p> + <p> + Miss Marston preceded the captain down the ladder and went into the + chart-room. “A kiss—quick!” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + He held her close to him for a long moment. + </p> + <p> + “You are a most obedient captain,” she said. + </p> + <p> + When he released her and went at his task, she leaned upon his shoulder + and watched him as he straddled his parallels across the chart. + </p> + <p> + “We'll run to Razee Reef,” he told her, eager to make her a partner in all + his little concerns. “The Bee boats fetch the whistler there so as to lay + off their next leg. I didn't know that Mr. Marston was interested in the + Bee line.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard him talking about that line,” she said, indifferently. “Sometimes + I listen when I have nothing else to do. He used a naughty word about + somebody connected with that company—and it's so seldom that he + allows himself to swear I listened to see what it was all about. I don't + know even now. I don't understand such things. But he said if he couldn't + buy 'em he'd bu'st 'em. Those were his words. Not very elegant language. + But it's all I remember.” + </p> + <p> + Before he left the chart-room Mayo took a squint at the barometer. “I'm + sorry he has ordered me in toward the coast,” he said. “The glass is too + far below thirty to suit me. I think it means fog.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's so clear and beautiful,” she protested. + </p> + <p> + “It's always especially beautiful at sea before something bad happens,” he + explained, smiling. “And there has been a big fog-bank off to s'uth'ard + for two days. It's a good deal like life, dear. All lovely, and then the + fog shuts in!” + </p> + <p> + “But I would be happy with you in the fog,” she assured him. + </p> + <p> + He glowed at her words and answered with his eyes. + </p> + <p> + She would have followed him back upon the bridge, but the steward + intercepted her. He had waited outside the chart-room. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marston's compliments, Miss Marston! He requests you to join him at + cards.” + </p> + <p> + She pouted as she gave back Mayo's look of annoyance, and then obeyed the + mandate. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marston was stroking his narrow strip of chin beard with thumb and + forefinger when she arrived on the quarter-deck. The men of business were + below, and he motioned to a hammock chair beside him. + </p> + <p> + “Alma, for the rest of this cruise I want you to stay back here with our + guests where you belong,” he commanded with the directness of attack + employed by Julius Marston in his dealings with those of his ménage. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, father?” + </p> + <p> + “That—exactly. I was explicit, was I not?” + </p> + <p> + “But you do not intimate that—that I have—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” Mr. Marston believed in allowing others to expose their sentiments + before he uncovered his own. + </p> + <p> + “You don't suggest that there is anything wrong in my being on the bridge + where I enjoy myself so much. I am trying to learn something about + navigation.” + </p> + <p> + “I am paying that fellow up there to attend to all that.” + </p> + <p> + “And it gets tiresome back here.” + </p> + <p> + “You selected your own company for the cruise—and there is Mr. + Beveridge ready to amuse you at any time.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Beveridge amuses me—distinctly amuses me,” she retorted. “But + there is such a thing as becoming wearied even of such a joke as Mr. + Beveridge.” + </p> + <p> + “You will please employ a more respectful tone when you refer to that + gentleman,” said her father, with severity. But he promptly fell back into + his usual mood when she came into his affairs. He was patronizingly + tolerant. “Your friend, Miss Burgess, has been joking about your sudden + devotion to navigation, Alma.” + </p> + <p> + “Nan Burgess cannot keep her tongue still, even about herself.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, but I do not intend to have you give occasion even for jokes. Of + course, I understand. I know your whims. You are interested, personally, + in that gold-braided chap about as much as you would be interested in that + brass thing where the compass is—whatever they call it.” + </p> + <p> + “But he's a gentleman!” she cried, her interest making her unwary. “His + grandfather was—” + </p> + <p> + “Alma!” snapped Julius Marston. His eyes opened wide. He looked her up and + down. “I have heard before that an ocean trip makes women silly, I am + inclined to believe it. I don't care a curse who that fellow's grandfather + was. <i>You</i> are my daughter—and you keep off that bridge!” + </p> + <p> + The men of business were coming up the companion-way, and she rose and + hurried to her stateroom. + </p> + <p> + “I don't dare to meet Nan Burgess just now,” she told herself. + “Friendships can be broken by saying certain things—and I feel + perfectly capable of saying just those things to her at this moment.” + </p> + <p> + In the late afternoon the <i>Olenia</i>, the shore-line looming to + starboard, shaped her course to meet and pass a big steamer which came + rolling down the sea with a banner of black smoke flaunting behind her. + </p> + <p> + The fog which Captain Mayo had predicted was coming. Wisps of it trailed + over the waves—skirmishers sent ahead of the main body which marched + in mass more slowly behind. + </p> + <p> + A whistling buoy, with its grim grunt, told all mariners to 'ware Razee + Reef, which was lifting its jagged, black bulk against the sky-line. With + that fog coming, Captain Mayo needed to take exact bearings from Razee, + for he had decided to run for harbor that night. That coastline, to whose + inside course Marston's orders had sent the yacht, was too dangerous to be + negotiated in a night which was fog-wrapped. Therefore, the captain took + the whistler nearly dead on, leaving to the larger steamer plenty of room + in the open sea. + </p> + <p> + With considerable amazement Mayo noticed that the other fellow was edging + toward the whistler at a sharper angle than any one needed. That course, + if persisted in, would pinch the yacht in dangerous waters. Mayo gave the + on-coming steamer one whistle, indicating his intention to pass to + starboard. After a delay he was answered by two hoarse hoots—a most + flagrant breach of the rules of the road. + </p> + <p> + “That must be a mistake,” Captain Mayo informed Mate McGaw. + </p> + <p> + “That's a polite name for it, sir,” averred Mr. McGaw, after he had + shifted the lump in his cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Of course he doesn't mean it, Mr. McGaw.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why isn't he giving us elbow-room on the outside of that buoy, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't swing and cross his bows now. If he should hit us we'd be the + ones held for the accident.” + </p> + <p> + Again Mayo gave the obstinate steamer a single whistle-blast. + </p> + <p> + “If he cross-signals me again I'll report him,” he informed the mate. “Pay + close attention, Mr. McGaw, and you, too, Billy. We may have to go before + the inspectors.” + </p> + <p> + But the big chap ahead of them did not deign to reply. He kept on straight + at the whistler. + </p> + <p> + “Compliments of Mr. Marston!” called the secretary from the bridge ladder. + “What steamer is that?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Conorno</i> of the Bee line, sir,” stated Captain Mayo over his + shoulder. Then he ripped out a good, hearty, deep-water oath. According to + appearances, incredible as the situation seemed, the <i>Conorno</i> + proposed to drive the yacht inside the whistler. + </p> + <p> + Mayo ran to the wheel and yanked the bell-pull furiously. There were four + quick clangs in the engine-room, and in a moment the <i>Olenia</i> began + to quiver in all her fabric. Going full speed ahead, Mayo had called for + full speed astern. Then he sounded three whistles, signaling as the rules + of the road provide. The yacht's twin screws churned a yeasty riot under + her counter, and while she was laboring thus in her own wallow, trembling + like some living thing in the extremity of terror, the big steamer swept + past. Froth from the creamy surges at her bows flicked spray + contemptuously upon Julius Marston and his guests on the <i>Olenia</i>'s + quarter-deck. Men grinned down upon them from the high windows of the + steamer's pilot-house. + </p> + <p> + A jeering voice boomed through a megaphone: “Keep out of the way of the + Bee line! Take the hint!” + </p> + <p> + An officer pointed his finger at Marston's house flag, snapping from the + yacht's main truck. The blue fish-tail with its letter “M” had revealed + the yacht's identity to searching glasses. + </p> + <p> + “Better make it black! Skull and cross-bones!” volunteered the megaphone + operator. + </p> + <p> + On she went down the sea and the <i>Olenia</i> tossed in the turbulent + wake of the kicking screws. + </p> + <p> + Then, for the first time, Captain Mayo heard the sound of Julius Marston's + voice. The magnate stood up, shook his fist at his staring captain, and + yelled, “What in damnation do you think you are doing?” + </p> + <p> + It was amazing, insulting, and, under the circumstances as Mayo knew them, + an unjust query. The master of the <i>Olenia</i> did not reply. He was not + prepared to deliver any long-distance explanation. Furthermore, the yacht + demanded all his attention just then. He gave his orders and she forged + ahead to round the whistler. + </p> + <p> + “Nor'west by west, half west, Billy. And cut it fine!” + </p> + <p> + The fog had fairly leaped upon them from the sea. The land-breeze had been + holding back the wall of vapor, damming it in a dun bank to southward. The + breeze had let go. The fog had seized its opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “Saturday Cove for us to-night, Mr. McGaw,” said the master. “Keep your + eye over Billy's shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + Then the secretary appeared again on the ladder. This time he did not + bring any “compliments.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marston wants you to report aft at once,” he announced, brusquely. + </p> + <p> + Mayo hesitated a moment. They were driving into blankness which had shut + down with that smothering density which mariners call “a dungeon fog.” + Saturday Cove's entrance was a distant and a small target. In spite of + steersman and mate, his was the sole responsibility. + </p> + <p> + “Will you please explain to Mr. Marston that I cannot leave the bridge?” + </p> + <p> + “You have straight orders from him, captain! You'd better stop the boat + and report.” + </p> + <p> + The skipper of the <i>Olenia</i> was having his first taste of the + unreasoning whim of the autocrat who was entitled to break into shipboard + discipline, even in a critical moment. Mayo felt exasperation surging in + him, but he was willing to explain. + </p> + <p> + The whistler and Razee Reef had been blotted out by the fog. + </p> + <p> + “If this vessel is stopped five minutes in this tide-drift we shall lose + our bearings, sir. I cannot leave this bridge for the present.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm thinking you'll leave it for good!” blurted the secretary. “You're + the first hired man who ever told Julius Marston to go bite his own + thumb.” + </p> + <p> + “I may be a hired man,” retorted Mayo. “But I am also a licensed + shipmaster. I must ask you to step down off the bridge.” + </p> + <p> + “Does that go for all the rest of the—passengers?” asked the + secretary, angry in his turn. He dwelt on his last word. “It does—in + a time like this!” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I'll give them that word aft.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo caught a side glance from Mate McGaw after a time. + </p> + <p> + “I have often wondered,” remarked the mate to nobody in particular, “how + it is that so many damn fools get rich on shore.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo did not express any opinion on the subject. He clutched the + bridge rail and stared into the fog, and seemed to be having a lot of + trouble in choking back some kind of emotion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III ~ THE TAVERN OF THE SEAS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now, Mister Macliver, you knows him quite well, + He comes upon deck and he cuts a great swell; + It's damn your eyes there and it's damn your eyes here, + And straight to the gangway he takes a broad sheer. + —La Pique “Come-all-ye.” + </pre> + <p> + Into Saturday Cove, all during that late afternoon, they came surging—spars + and tackle limned against the on-sweeping pall of the gray fog—those + wayfarers of the open main. + </p> + <p> + First to roll in past the ledgy portals of the haven were the venerable + sea-wagons—the coasters known as the “Apple-treers.” Their + weatherwise skippers, old sea-dogs who could smell weather as bloodhounds + sniff trails, had their noses in the air in good season that day, and knew + that they must depend on a thinning wind to cuff them into port. One after + the other, barnacled anchors splashed from catheads, dragging rusty chains + from hawse-holes, and old, patched sails came sprawling down with chuckle + of sheaves and lisp of running rigging. + </p> + <p> + A 'long-coast shanty explains the nickname, “Apple-treers”: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O, what's the use of compass or a quadrant or a log? + Keep her loafin' on her mudhook in a norther or a fog. + But as soon's the chance is better, then well ratch her off once more, + Keepin' clost enough for bearings from the apple-trees ashore. +</pre> + <p> + Therefore, the topsail schooners, the fore-and-afters, the Bluenose + blunt-prows, came in early before the fog smooched out the loom of the + trees and before it became necessary to guess at what the old card + compasses had to reveal on the subject of courses. + </p> + <p> + And so, along with the rest of the coastwise ragtag, which was seeking + harbor and holding-ground, came the ancient schooner <i>Polly</i>. + Fog-masked by those illusory mists, she was a shadow ship like the others; + but, more than the others, she seemed to be a ghost ship, for her lines + and her rig informed any well-posted mariner that she must be a + centenarian; with her grotesqueness accentuated by the fog pall, she + seemed unreal—a picture from the past. + </p> + <p> + She had an out-thrust of snub bow and an upcock of square stern, and sag + of waist—all of which accurately revealed ripe antiquity, just as a + bell-crowned beaver and a swallow-tail coat with brass buttons would + identify an old man in the ruck of newer fashions. She had seams like the + wrinkles in the parchment skin of extreme old age. She carried a wooden + figurehead under her bowsprit, the face and bust of a woman on whom an + ancient woodcarver had bestowed his notion of a beatific smile; the result + was an idiotic simper. The glorious gilding had been worn off, the wood + was gray and cracked. The <i>Polly's</i> galley was entirely hidden under + a deckload of shingles and laths in bunches; the after-house was broad and + loomed high above the rail in contrast to the mere cubbies which were + provided for the other fore-and-afters in the flotilla which came ratching + in toward Saturday Cove. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Polly</i>, being old enough to be celebrated, had been the subject + of a long-coast lyric of seventeen verses, any one of which was capable of + producing most horrible profanity from Captain Epps Candage, her master, + whenever he heard the ditty echoing over the waves, sung by a satirist + aboard another craft. + </p> + <p> + In that drifting wind there was leisure; a man on board a lime-schooner at + a fairly safe distance from the <i>Polly</i> found inclination and lifted + his voice: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ow-w-w, here comes the <i>Polly</i> with a lopped-down sail, + And Rubber-boot Epps, is a-settin' on her rail. + How-w-w long will she take to get to Boston town? + Can't just tell 'cause she's headin' up and down.” + </pre> + <p> + “You think that kind o' ky-yi is funny, do you, you walnut-nosed, + blue-gilled, goggle-eyed son of a dough-faced americaneezus?” bellowed + Captain Candage, from his post at the <i>Polly's</i> wheel. + </p> + <p> + “Father!” remonstrated a girl who stood in the companionway, her elbows + propped on the hatch combings. “Such language! You stop it!” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't half what I can do when I'm fair started,” returned the captain. + </p> + <p> + “You never say such things on shore.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I ain't on shore now, be I? I'm on the high seas, and I'm talking + to fit the occasion. Who's running this schooner, you or me?” + </p> + <p> + She met his testiness with a spirit of her own, “I'm on board here, where + I don't want to be, because of your silly notions, father. I have the + right to ask you to use decent language, and not shame us both.” + </p> + <p> + Against the archaically homely background the beauty of the young girl + appeared in most striking contrast. Her curls peeped out from under the + white Dutch cap she wore. Her eyes sparkled with indignant protest, her + face was piquant and was just then flushed, and her nose had the least bit + of a natural uptilt, giving her the air of a young woman who had a will of + her own to spice her amiability. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage blinked at her over the spokes of the wheel, and in his + father's heart acknowledged her charm, realizing more acutely that his + motherless girl had become too much of a problem for his limited knowledge + in the management of women. + </p> + <p> + He had not seen her grow up gradually, as other fathers had viewed their + daughters, being able to meet daily problems in molding and mastery. + </p> + <p> + She seemed to reach development, mental and physical, in disconcerting + phases while he was away on his voyages. Each time he met her he was + obliged to get acquainted all over again, it appeared to him. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage had owned up frankly to himself that he was not able to + exercise any authority over his daughter when she was ashore. + </p> + <p> + She was not wilful; she was not obstinate; she gave him affection. But she + had become a young woman while his slow thoughts were classing her still + as a child. She was always ahead of all his calculations. In his absences + she jumped from stage to stage of character—almost of identity! He + had never forgotten how he had brought back to her from New York, after + one voyage, half a gunny sackful of tin toys, and discovered that in his + absence, by advice and sanction of her aunt, who had become her + foster-mother, she had let her dresses down to ankle-length and had become + a young lady whom he called “Miss Candage” twice before he had managed to + get his emotions straightened out. While he was wondering about the + enormity of tin toys in the gunny sack at his feet, as he sat in the + aunt's parlor; his daughter asked him to come as guest of honor with the + Sunday-school class's picnic which she was arranging as teacher. That gave + him his opportunity to lie about the toys and allege that he had brought + them for her scholars. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage, on the deck of his ship, found that he was able to muster + a little courage and bluster for a few minutes, but he did not dare to + look at her for long while he was asserting himself. + </p> + <p> + He looked at her then as she stood in the gloomy companionway, a radiant + and rosy picture of healthy maidenhood. But the expression on her face was + not comfortingly filial. + </p> + <p> + “Father, I must say it again. I can't help saying it. I am so unhappy. You + are misjudging me so cruelly.” + </p> + <p> + “I done it because I thought it was right to do it. I haven't been tending + and watching the way a father ought to tend and watch. I never seemed to + be able to ketch up with you. Maybe I ain't right. Maybe I be! At any + rate, I'm going to stand on this tack, in your case, for a while longer.” + </p> + <p> + “You have taken me away from my real home for this? This is no place for a + girl! You are not the same as you are when you are on shore. I didn't know + you could be so rough—and—wicked!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold on there, daughter! Snub cable right there! I'm an honest, + God-fearing, hard-working man—paying a hundred cents on the dollar, + and you know it.” + </p> + <p> + “But what did you just shout—right out where everybody could hear + you?” + </p> + <p> + “That—that was only passing the compliments of the day as compared + with what I can do when I get started proper. Do you think I'm going to + let any snub-snooted wart-hog of a lime-duster sing—” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” + </p> + <p> + “What's a girl know about the things a father has to put up with when he + goes to sea and earns money for her?” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to work for myself. You took me right out of my good + position in the millinery-store. You have made me leave all my young + friends. Oh, I am so homesick!” Her self-reliance departed suddenly. She + choked. She tucked her head into the hook of her arm and sobbed. + </p> + <p> + “Don't do that!” he pleaded, softening suddenly. “Please don't, Polly!” + </p> + <p> + She looked up and smiled—a pleading, wan little smile. “I didn't + mean to give way to it, popsy dear. I don't intend to do anything to make + you angry or sorry. I have tried to be a good girl. I am a good girl. But + it breaks my heart when you don't trust me.” + </p> + <p> + “They were courting you,” he stammered. “Them shore dudes was hanging + around you. I ain't doubting you, Polly. But you 'ain't got no mother. I + was afraid. I know I've been a fool about it. But I was afraid!” Tears + sprinkled his bronzed cheeks. “I haven't been much of a father because + I've had to go sailing and earn money. But I thought I'd take you away + till-till I could sort of plan on something.” + </p> + <p> + She gazed at him, softening visibly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Polly,” he said, his voice breaking, “you don't know how pretty you + are-you don't know how afraid I am!” + </p> + <p> + “But you can trust me, father,” she promised, after a pause, with simple + dignity. “I know I am only a country girl, not wise, perhaps, but I know + what is right and what is wrong. Can't you understand how terribly you + have hurt my pride and my self-respect by forcing me to come and be penned + up here as if I were a shameless girl who could not take care of herself?” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon I have done wrong, Polly. But I don't know much-not about women + folk. I was trying to do right-because you're all I have in this world.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will think it all over,” she advised, earnestly. “You will + understand after a time, father, I'm sure. Then you will let me go back + and you will trust me-as your own daughter should be trusted. That's the + right way to make girls good-let them know that they can be trusted.” + </p> + <p> + “You are probably right,” he admitted. “I will think it all over. As soon + as we get in and anchored I'll sit down and give it a good overhauling in + my mind. Maybe-” + </p> + <p> + She took advantage of his pause. “We are going into a harbor, are we, + father?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Right ahead of us.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would put me ashore and send me back. I shall lose my position + in the store if I stay away too long.” + </p> + <p> + His obstinacy showed again, promptly. “I don't want you in that + millinery-shop. I'm told that dude drummers pester girls in stores.” + </p> + <p> + “They do not trouble me, father. Haven't you any confidence in your own + daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have,” he said, firmly, and then added, “but I keep thinking of + the dudes and then I get afraid.” + </p> + <p> + She gave him quick a glance, plainly tempted to make an impatient retort, + and then turned and went down into the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be mad with me, Polly,” he called after her. “I guess, maybe, I'm + all wrong. I'm going to think it over; I ain't promising nothing sure, but + it won't be none surprising if I set you ashore here and send you back + home. Don't cry, little girl.” There were tears in his voice as well as in + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + The lime-schooner vocalist felt an impulse to voice another verse: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ow-w-w, here comes the <i>Polly</i> in the middle of the road, + Towed by a mule and paving-blocks her load. + Devil is a-waiting and the devil may as well, + 'Cause he'll never get them paving-blocks to finish paving hell.” + </pre> + <p> + Captain Candage left his wheel and strode to the rail. All the softness + was gone from his face and his voice. + </p> + <p> + “You horn-jawed, muck-faced jezebo of a sea-sculpin, you dare to yap out + any more of that sculch and I'll come aboard you after we anchor and jump + down your gullet and gallop the etarnal innards out of ye! Don't you know + that I've got ladies aboard here?” + </p> + <p> + “It don't sound like it,” returned the songster. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you hear what <i>I</i> sound like! Half-hitch them jaw taakuls of + yours!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage's meditations were not disturbed after that. + </p> + <p> + With the assistance of his one helper aboard ship, “Oakum Otie,” a gray + and whiskered individual who combined in one person the various offices of + first mate, second mate, A-1 seaman, and hand before the mast-as well as + the skipper's boon companion-the <i>Polly</i> was manoeuvered to her + anchorage in Saturday Cove and was snugged for the night. Smoke began to + curl in blue wreaths from her galley funnel, and there were occasional + glimpses of the cook, a sallow-complexioned, one-eyed youth whose chief + and everlasting decoration provided him with the nickname of “Smut-nosed + Dolph.” + </p> + <p> + Then came some of the ocean aristocrats to join the humbler guests in that + tavern of the seas. + </p> + <p> + Avant couriers of a metropolitan yacht club, on its annual cruise, + arrived, jockeying in with billowing mountains of snowy canvas spread to + catch the last whispers of the breeze. Later arrivals, after the breeze + failed, were towed in by the smart motor craft of the fleet. One by one, + as the anchors splashed, brass cannons barked salute and were answered by + the commodore's gun. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage sat on the edge of the <i>Polly's</i> house and snapped an + involuntary and wrathful wink every time a cannon banged. In that + hill-bound harbor, where the fog had massed, every noise was magnified as + by a sounding-board. There were cheery hails, yachtsmen bawled over the + mist-gemmed brass rails interchange of the day's experiences, and frisking + yacht tenders, barking staccato exhausts, began to carry men to and fro on + errands of sociability. In the silences Captain Candage could hear the + popping of champagne corks. + </p> + <p> + “Them fellers certainly live high and sleep in the garret,” observed Oakum + Otie. He was seated cross-legged on the top of the house and was hammering + down the lumps in a freshly twisted eye-splice with the end of a + marlinespike. + </p> + <p> + “It has always been a wonder to me,” growled Captain Candage, “how dudes + who don't seem to have no more wit than them fellows haw-hawing over + there, and swigging liquor by the cart-load, ever make money the way they + do so as to afford all this.” + </p> + <p> + On that point Captain Candage might have found Mate McGaw of the <i>Olenia</i> + willing to engage in profitable discussion and amicable understanding! + </p> + <p> + “They don't make it-they don't know enough to make it,” stated Otie, with + the conviction of a man who knew exactly what he was talking about. “It + has all been left to 'em by their fathers.” + </p> + <p> + The bearded and brown men of the apple-tree crews leaned the patched + elbows of their old coats on the rails and gloomily surveyed the + conviviality on board the plaything crafts. Remarks which they exchanged + with one another were framed to indicate a sort of lofty scorn for these + frolickers of the sea. The coasting skippers, most of whom wore hard hats, + as if they did not want to be confounded with those foppish yacht + captains, patrolled their quarter-decks and spat disdainfully over their + rails. + </p> + <p> + Everlastingly there was the clank of pumps on board the Apple-treers, and + the pumps were tackling the everlasting leaks. Water reddened by contact + with bricks, water made turbid by percolation through paving-blocks, + splashed continuously from hiccuping scuppers. + </p> + <p> + Captain Ranse Lougee of the topsail schooner <i>Belvedere</i>, laden with + fish scraps for a Boston glue-factory, dropped over the counter into his + dory and came rowing to the <i>Polly</i>, standing up and facing forward + and swaying with the fisherman's stroke. + </p> + <p> + He straddled easily over the schooner's scant freeboard and came aft, and + was greeted cordially by Captain Candage. + </p> + <p> + “Thought I'd show them frosted-cakers that there's a little sociability + amongst the gents in the coasting trade, too,” he informed his host. + “Furthermore, I want to borry the ex-act time o' day. <i>And</i>, + furthermore, I'm glad to get away from that cussed aromy on board the <i>Belvedere</i> + and sort of air out my nose once in a while. What's the good word, Cap?” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage replied to the commonplaces of the other skipper in + abstracted fashion. He had viewed Lougee's approach with interest, and now + he was plainly pondering in regard to something wholly outside this + chatter. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Lougee,” he broke in, suddenly, in low tones, “I want you should + come forward with me out of hearing of anybody below. I've got a little + taakul I want you to help me overhaul.” + </p> + <p> + The two walked forward over the deckload and sat on the fore-gaff, which + sprawled carelessly where it had fallen when the halyards were let run. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter is below, there,” explained Captain Candage. + </p> + <p> + “Vacation trip, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it can be called that, Captain Lougee,” stated the host, + dryly. “She is having about as good a time as a canary-bird would have in + a corn-popper over a hot fire.” + </p> + <p> + “What did she come for, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I made her come. I shanghaied her.” + </p> + <p> + “That's no way to treat wimmen folks,” declared Captain Lougee. “I've + raised five daughters and I know what I'm talking about.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you have raised five girls, and they're smart as tophet and right + as a trivet—and that's why I have grabbed right in on the subject as + I have. I was glad to see you coming aboard, Captain Lougee. I want some + advice from a man who knows.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'm the man to ask, Captain Candage.” + </p> + <p> + “Last time I was home—where she has been living with her Aunt Zilpah—I + ketched her!” confessed Candage. His voice was hoarse. His fingers, bent + and calloused with rope-pulling, trembled as he fingered the seam of his + trousers. + </p> + <p> + “You don't tell!” Lougee clucked, solicitously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I ketched her buggy-riding!” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No, there was a gang of 'em in a beach-wagon. They was going to a party. + And I ketched her dancing with a fellow at that party.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go ahead now that you've got started! Shake out the mainsail!” + </p> + <p> + “That's about all there is to it—except that a fellow has been + beauing her home from Sunday-school concerts with a lantern. Yes, I reckon + that is about all to date and present writing,” confessed Candage. + </p> + <p> + “What else do you suspect?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. Of course, there's no telling what it will grow to be—with + dudes a-pestering her the way they do.” + </p> + <p> + “There ain't any telling about anything in this world, is there?” demanded + Captain Lougee, very sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon not—not for sure!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that because your girl—like any girl should—has + been having a little innocent fun with young folks, you have dragged her + on board this old hooker, shaming her and making her ridiculous?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been trying to do my duty as a father,” stated Captain Candage, + stoutly, and avoiding the flaming gaze of his guest. + </p> + <p> + Captain Lougee straightened his leg so as to come at his trousers pocket, + produced a plug of tobacco, and gnawed a chew off a corner, after careful + inspection to find a likely spot for a bite. + </p> + <p> + “I need to have something in my mouth about this time—something + soothing to the tongue and, as you might say, sort of confining, so that + too much language won't bu'st out all at once,” he averred, speaking with + effort as he tried to lodge the huge hunk of tobacco into a comfortable + position. “I have raised five nice girls, and I have always treated 'em as + if they had common sense along with woman's nat'ral goodness and + consid'able more self-reliance than a Leghorn pullet. And I used 'em like + they had the ordinary rights and privileges of human beings. And they are + growed up and a credit to the family. And I haven't got to look back over + my record and reflect that I was either a Chinyman or a Turkeyman. No, + sir! I have been a father—and my girls can come and sit on my knee + to-day and get my advice, and think it's worth something.” + </p> + <p> + He rose and walked toward his dory. + </p> + <p> + “But hold on,” called Captain Candage. “You haven't told me what you + think.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't I? I thought I had, making it mild and pleasant. But if you need + a little something more plain and direct, I'll remark—still making + it mild and pleasant—that you're a damned old fool! And now I'll go + back and be sociable with them fish scraps. I believe they will smell + better after this!” He leaped into his dory and rowed away. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage offered no rejoinder to that terse and meaty summing up. + Naturally, he was as ready with his tongue as Captain Ranse Lougee or any + other man alongshore. But in this case the master of the <i>Polly</i> was + not sure of his ground. He knew that Captain Lougee had qualified as + father of five. In the judgment of a mariner experience counts. And he did + not resent the manner of Captain Lougee because that skipper's brutal + bluntness was well known by his friends. Captain Candage had asked and he + had received. He rested his elbows on his knees and stared after the + departing caller and pondered. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he is right. He probably <i>is</i> right. But it wouldn't be + shipboard discipline if I told her that I have been wrong. I reckon I'll + go aft and be pleasant and genteel, hoping that nothing will happen to + rile my feelings. Now that my feelings are calm and peaceful, and having + taken course and bearings from a father of five, I'll probably say to her, + 'You'd better trot along home, sissy, seeing that I have told you how to + mind your eye after this.'” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV ~ OVER THE “POLLY'S” RAIL + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O Stormy was a good old man! + To my way you storm along! + Physog tough as an old tin pan, + Ay, ay, ay, Mister Storm-along! + —Storm-along Shanty. +</pre> + <p> + Without paying much attention to the disturber, Captain Candage had been a + bit nettled during his meditation. A speed boat from one of the yachts + kept circling the <i>Polly</i>, carrying a creaming smother of water under + its upcocked bow. It was a noisy gnat of a boat and it kicked a + contemptuous wake against the rust-streaked old wagon. + </p> + <p> + When it swept under the counter, after Captain Candage was back on his + quarter-deck, he gave it a stare over the rail, and his expression was + distinctly unamiable. + </p> + <p> + “They probably wasted more money on that doostra-bulus than this schooner + would sell for in the market today,” he informed Otie. + </p> + <p> + “They don't care how money goes so long as they didn't have to sweat + earning it. Slinging it like they'd sling beans!” + </p> + <p> + Back on its circling course swished the darting tender. This time the + purring motor whined into silence and the boat came drifting alongside. + </p> + <p> + “On board <i>Polly!</i>” hailed one of the yachtsmen, a man with owner's + insignia on his cap. + </p> + <p> + The master of the old schooner stuck his lowering visage farther over the + rail, but he did not reply. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't this <i>Polly</i> the real one?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it's only a chromo painting of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you! You're a gentleman!” snapped the yachtsman. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hold on, Paul,” urged one of the men in the tender. “There's a right + way to handle these old boys.” He stood up. “We're much interested in this + packet, captain.” + </p> + <p> + “That's why you have been making a holy show of her, playing ring around a + rosy, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me, isn't this the old shallop that was a privateer in the war + of eighteen twelve?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody aboard here has ever said she wasn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, may we not come on board and look her over?” + </p> + <p> + “No sir, you can't.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, look here, captain—” + </p> + <p> + “I'm looking!” declared the master of the <i>Polly</i> in ominous tones. + </p> + <p> + “We don't mean to annoy you, captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Folks who don't know any better do a lot of things without meaning to.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage regularly entertained a sea-toiler's resentment for men + who used the ocean as a mere playground. But more especially, during those + later days, his general temper was touchy in regard to dapper young men, + for he had faced a problem of the home which had tried his soul. He felt + an unreasoning choler rising in him in respect to these chaps, who seemed + to have no troubles of their own. + </p> + <p> + “I am a writer,” explained the other. “If I may be allowed on board I'll + take a few pictures and—” + </p> + <p> + “And make fun of me and my bo't by putting a piece in the paper to tickle + city dudes. Fend off!” he commanded, noticing that the tender was drifting + toward the schooner's side and that one of the crew had set a boat-hook + against the main chain-plate. + </p> + <p> + “Don't bother with the old crab,” advised the owner, sourly. + </p> + <p> + But the other persisted, courteously, even humbly. “I am afraid you do not + understand me, captain. I would as soon make jest of my mother as of this + noble old relic.” + </p> + <p> + “Go ahead! Call it names!” + </p> + <p> + “I am taking off my hat to it,” he declared, whipping his cap from his + head. “My father's grandfather was in the war of eighteen twelve. I want + to honor this old patriot here with the best tribute my pen can pay. If + you will allow me to come on board I shall feel as though I were stepping + upon a sacred spot, and I can assure you that my friends, here, have just + as much respect for this craft as I have.” + </p> + <p> + But this honest appeal did not soften Captain Candage. He did not + understand exactly from what source this general rancor of his flowed. At + the same time he was conscious of the chief reason why he did not want to + allow these visitors to rummage aboard the schooner. They would meet his + daughter, and he was afraid, and he was bitterly ashamed of himself + because he was afraid. Dimly he was aware that this everlasting fear on + her account constituted an insult to her. The finer impulse to protect her + privacy was not actuating him; he knew that, too. He was merely foolishly + afraid to trust her in the company of young men, and the combination of + his emotions produced the simplest product of mental upheaval—unreasonable + wrath. + </p> + <p> + “Fend off, I say,” he commanded. + </p> + <p> + “Again I beg you, captain, with all respect, please may we come on board?” + </p> + <p> + “You get away from here and tend to your own business, if you've got any, + or I'll heave a bunch of shingles at you!” roared the skipper. + </p> + <p> + “Father!” The voice expressed indignant reproof. “Father, I am ashamed of + you!” + </p> + <p> + The girl came to the rail, and the yachtsmen stared at her as if she were + Aphrodite risen from the sea instead of a mighty pretty girl emerging from + a dark companion-way. She had appeared so suddenly! She was so manifestly + incongruous in her surroundings. + </p> + <p> + “Mother o' mermaids!” muttered the yacht-owner in the ear of the man + nearest. “Is the old rat still privateering?” + </p> + <p> + The men in the tender stood up and removed their caps. + </p> + <p> + “You have insulted these gentlemen, father!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage knew it, and that fact did not soften his anger in the + least. At the same time this appearance of his own daughter to read him a + lesson in manners in public was presumption too preposterous to be + endured; her daring gave him something tangible for his resentment to + attack. + </p> + <p> + He turned on her. “You go below where you belong.” + </p> + <p> + “I belong up here just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Down below with you!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not go until you apologize to these gentlemen, father!” + </p> + <p> + “You ain't ashore now, miss, to tell me when to wipe my feet and not muss + the tidies! You're on the high seas, and I'm cap'n of this vessel. Below, + I say!” + </p> + <p> + “These gentlemen know the <i>Polly</i>, and they will find out the name of + the man who commands her, and I don't propose to have it said that the + Candages are heathens,” she declared, firmly. “If you do not apologize, + father, I shall apologize for you.” She tried to crowd past him to the + rail, but he clapped his brown hand over her mouth and pushed her back. + His natural impulse as commander of his craft dominated his feelings as a + father. + </p> + <p> + “I'll teach ye shipboard discipline, Polly Candage,” he growled, “even if + I have to take ye acrost my knee.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold on there, if you please, captain,” called the spokesman of the + yachtsmen. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage was hustling his daughter toward the companionway. But + there was authority in the tone, and he paused and jutted a challenging + chin over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “What have any of you critters got to say about my private business?” + </p> + <p> + The formality of the man in the tender was a bit exaggerated in his reply. + “Only this, sir. We are going away at once before we bring any more + trouble upon this young lady, to whom we tender our most respectful + compliments. We do not know any other way of helping her. Our protests, + being the protests of gentlemen, might not be able to penetrate; it takes + a drill to get through the hide of a rhinoceros!” + </p> + <p> + The skipper of the <i>Polly</i> did not trouble himself about the finer + shadings in that little speech, but of one fact he felt sure: he had been + called a rhinoceros. He released his daughter, yanked the marlinespike + away from Otie, who had been holding himself in the background as a + reserve force, and stamped to the rail. He poised his weapon, fanning it + to and fro to take sure aim. But the engineer had thrown in his clutch and + the speed boat foamed off before the captain got the range, and he was too + thrifty to heave a perfectly good marlinespike after a target he could not + hit, angry as he was. + </p> + <p> + The girl faced her father. There was no doubting her mood. She was a + rebel. Indignation set up its flaming standards on her cheeks, and the + signal-flames of combat sparkled in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How did you dare to do such a thing to me—those gentlemen looking + on? Father, have you lost your mind?” + </p> + <p> + Otie expressed the opinion tinder his breath that the captain, on the + contrary, had “lost his number.” + </p> + <p> + Otie's superior officer was stamping around the quarterdeck, kicking at + loose objects, and avoiding his daughter's resentful gaze. There was a + note of insincerity in his bluster, as if he wanted to hide embarrassment + in a cloud of his own vaporings, as a squid colors water when it fears + capture. + </p> + <p> + “After this you call me Cap'n Candage,” he commanded. “After this I'm + Cap'n Candage on the high seas, and I propose to run my own quarter-deck. + And when I let a crowd of dudes traipse on board here to peek and spy and + grin and flirt with you, you'll have clamshells for finger-nails. Now, my + lady, I don't want any back talk!” + </p> + <p> + “But I am going to talk to you, father!” + </p> + <p> + “Remember that I'm a Candage, and back talk—” + </p> + <p> + “So am I a Candage—and I have just been ashamed of it!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to have discipline on my own quarterdeck.” + </p> + <p> + “Back talk, quarter-deck discipline, calling you captain! Fol-de-rol and + fiddlesticks! I'm your own daughter and you're my father. And you have + brought us both to shame! There! I don't want to stay on this old hulk, + and I'm not going to stay. I am going home to Aunt Zilpah.” + </p> + <p> + “I had made up my mind to let you go. My temper was mild and sweet till + those jeehoofered, gold-trimmed sons of a striped—” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” + </p> + <p> + “I had made up my mind to let you go. But I ain't going to give in to a + mutiny right before the face and eyes of my own crew.” + </p> + <p> + Smut-nosed Dolph had arrived with the supper-dishes balanced in his arms + while he crawled over the deckload. He was listening with the utmost + interest. + </p> + <p> + “Your Aunt Zilpah has aided and abetted you in your flirting,” raged the + captain. “My own sister, taking advantage of my being off to sea trying to + earn money—” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to insult everybody in this world, father? I shall go home, I + say. I'm miserable here.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see to it that you ain't off gamboling and galley-westing with + dudes!” + </p> + <p> + In spite of her spirit the girl was not able to bandy retort longer with + this hard-shelled mariner, whose weapon among his kind for years had been + a rude tongue. Shocked grief put an end to her poor little rebellion. + Tears came. + </p> + <p> + “You are giving these two men a budget to carry home and spread about the + village! Oh, father, you are wicked—wicked!” She put her hands to + her face, sobbed, and then ran away down into the gloomy cabin. + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence on the quarter-deck. Otie recovered his + marlinespike and began to pound the eye-bolt. + </p> + <p> + “Without presuming, preaching, or poking into things that ain't none of my + business, I want to say that I don't blame you one mite, cap'n,” he + volunteered. “No matter what she says, she wasn't to be trusted among them + dudes on shore, and I speak from observation and, being an old bach, I can + speak impartial. The dudes on the water is just as bad. Them fellows were + flirting with her all the time they was 'longside. Real men that means + decent ain't called on to keep whisking their caps off and on all the time + a woman is in sight—and I see one of 'em wink at her.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage was in a mood to accept this comfort from Oakum Otie, and + to put out of his contrite conscience the memory of what Captain Ranse + Lougee had said. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you worry! I've got her now where I can keep my eye on her, and I'm + cap'n of my own vessel—don't nobody ever forget that!” He shook his + fist at the gaping cook. “What ye standing there for, like a hen-coop with + the door open and letting my vittels cool off? Hiper your boots! Down + below with you and dish that supper onto the table!” + </p> + <p> + The skipper lingered on deck, his hand at his ear. + </p> + <p> + The fog was settling over the inner harbor. In the dim vastness seaward a + steamer was hooting. Each prolonged blast, at half-minute intervals, + sounded nearer. The sound was deep, full-toned, a mighty diapason. + </p> + <p> + “What big fellow can it be that's coming in here?” the captain grunted. + </p> + <p> + “Most likely only another tin skimmer of a yacht,” suggested the mate, + tossing the eye-splice and the marline-spike into the open hatch of the + lazaret. “You know what they like to do, them play-critters! They stick on + a whistle that's big enough for Seguin fog-horn.” He squinted under the + edge of his palm and waited. “There she looms. What did I tell ye? Nothing + but a yacht.” + </p> + <p> + “But she's a bouncer,” remarked the skipper. “What do you make her?” + </p> + <p> + “O—L,” spelled Otie—“O—L—<i>Olenia</i>. Must be a + local pilot aboard. None of them New York spiffer captains could find + Saturday Cove through the feather-tide that's outside just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, whether they can or whether they can't isn't of any interest to + me,” stated the skipper, with fine indifference. “I'd hate to be in a + tight place and have to depend on one of them gilded dudes! I smell + supper. Come on!” + </p> + <p> + He was a little uncertain as to what demeanor he ought to assume below, + but he clumped down the companion-way with considerable show of + confidence, and Otie followed. + </p> + <p> + The captain cast a sharp glance at his daughter. He had been afraid that + he would find her crying, and he did not know how to handle such cases + with any certainty. + </p> + <p> + But she had dried her eyes and she gave him no very amiable look—rather, + she hinted defiance. He felt more at ease. In his opinion, any person who + had spirit enough left for fight was in a mood to keep on enjoying life. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I went a mite too far, Polly,” he admitted. He was mild, but he + preserved a little touch of surliness in order that she might not conclude + that her victory was won. “But seeing that I brought you off to sea to get + you away from flirting—” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you dare to say that about me!” She beat her round little fist on + the table. “Don't you dare!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean that you ever done it! The dudes done it! I want to do right + by you, Polly. I've been to sea so long that I don't know much about ways + and manners, I reckon. I can't get a good line on things as I ought to. + I'm an old fool, I reckon.” His voice trembled. “But it made me mad to + have you stram up there on deck and call me names before 'em.” + </p> + <p> + She did not reply. + </p> + <p> + “I have always worked hard for you—sailing the seas and going + without things myself, so that you could have 'em—doing the best I + could ever after your poor mother passed on.” + </p> + <p> + “I am grateful to you, father. But you don't understand a girl—oh, + you don't understand! But let's not talk about it any more—not now.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't saying to-night—I ain't making promises! But maybe—we'll + see how things shape up—maybe I'll send you back home. Maybe it 'll + be to-morrow. We'll see how the stage runs to the train, and so forth!” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to leave it all to you, father. I'm sure you mean to do + right.” She served the food as mistress at the board. + </p> + <p> + “It seems homelike with you here,” said Captain Can-dage, meekly and + wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “I will stay with you, father, if it will make you happier.” + </p> + <p> + “I sha'n't listen to anything of the sort. It ain't no place aboard here + for a girl.” + </p> + <p> + Through the open port they heard the frequent clanging of the + steam-yacht's engine-room bell and the riot of her swishing screws as she + eased herself into an anchorage. She was very near them—so near that + they could hear the chatter of the voices of gay folk. + </p> + <p> + “What boat is that, father?” + </p> + <p> + “Another frosted-caker! I can't remember the name.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the <i>Oilyena</i> or something like that. I forget fancy names + pretty quick,” Otie informed her. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it ain't much use to load your mind down with that kind of sculch,” + stated Captain Candage, poising a potato on his fork-tines and peeling it, + his elbows on the table. “That yacht and the kind of folks that's aboard + that yacht ain't of any account to folks like us.” + </p> + <p> + The memory of some remarks which are uttered with peculiar fervor remains + with the utterer. Some time later—long after—Captain Candage + remembered that remark and informed himself that, outside of weather + predictions, he was a mighty poor prophet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V ~ ON THE BRIDGE OF YACHT “<i>OLENIA</i>” + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O the times are hard and the wages low, + Leave her, bullies, leave her! + I guess it's time for us to go, + It's time for us to leave her. + —Across the Western Ocean. +</pre> + <p> + Captain Mayo was not finding responsibility his chief worry while the <i>Olenia</i> + was making port. + </p> + <p> + It was a real mariner's job to drive her through the fog, stab the harbor + entrance, and hunt out elbow-room for her in a crowded anchorage. But all + that was in the line of the day's work. While he watched the compass, + estimated tide drift, allowed for reduced speed, and listened for the + echoes which would tell him his distance from the rocky shore, he was + engaged in the more absorbing occupation of canvassing his personal + affairs. + </p> + <p> + As the hired master of a private yacht he might have overlooked that + affront from the owner, even though it was delivered to a captain on the + bridge. + </p> + <p> + But love has a pride of its own. He had been abused like a lackey in the + hearing of Alma Marston. It was evident that the owner had not finished + the job. Mayo knew that he had merely postponed his evil moment by sending + back a reply which would undoubtedly seem like insubordination in the + judgment of a man who did not understand ship discipline and etiquette of + the sea. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that Marston intended to call him “upon the carpet” on the + quarter-deck as soon as the yacht was anchored, and proposed to continue + that insulting arraignment. + </p> + <p> + In his new pride, in the love which now made all other matters of life so + insignificant, Mayo was afraid of himself; he knew his limitations in the + matter of submission; even then he felt a hankering to walk aft and jounce + Julius Marston up and down in his hammock chair. He did not believe he + could stand calmly in the presence of Alma Marston and listen to any + unjust berating, even from her father. + </p> + <p> + He tried to put his flaming resentment out of his thoughts, but he could + not. In the end, he told himself that perhaps it was just as well! Alma + Marston must have pride of her own. She could not continue to love a man + who remained in the position of her father's hireling; she would surely be + ashamed of a lover who was willing to hump his back and take a lashing in + public. His desire to be with her, even at the cost of his pride, was + making him less a man and he knew it. He decided to face Marston, man + fashion, and then go away. He felt that she would understand in spite of + her grief. + </p> + <p> + Then, turning from a look at the compass, he saw that the yacht's owner + was on the bridge. Half of an un-lighted cigar, which was soggy with the + dampness of the fog, plugged Marston's-mouth. + </p> + <p> + He scowled when the captain saluted. + </p> + <p> + “You needn't bother to talk now,” the millionaire broke in when Mayo began + an explanation of his delay in obeying the call to the quarter-deck. “When + I have anything to say to a man I want his undivided attention. Is this + fog going to hold on?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, until the wind hauls more to the norrard.” + </p> + <p> + “Then anchor.” + </p> + <p> + “I am heading into Saturday Cove now, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Anchor here.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm looking for considerably more than a capful of wind when it comes, + sir. It isn't prudent to anchor offshore.” + </p> + <p> + Marston grunted and turned away. He stood at the end of the bridge, + chewing on the cigar, until the <i>Olenia</i> was in the harbor with + mudhook set. Mayo twitched the jingle bell, signaling release to the + engineer. + </p> + <p> + “I am at your service, sir,” he reported, walking to the owner. + </p> + <p> + Marston rolled the plugging cigar to a corner of his mouth and inquired, + “Now, young man, tell me what you mean by saluting a Bee line steamer with + my whistle?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not salute the <i>Conomo</i>, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You gave her three whistles.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but—” + </p> + <p> + “You're on a gentleman's yacht now, young man, and not on a + fishing-steamer. Yachting etiquette doesn't allow a steam-whistle to be + sounded in salute. Mr. Beveridge has just looked it up for me, and I know, + and you need not assume any of your important knowledge.” Marston seemed + to be displaying much more irritation than a small matter warranted. But + what he added afforded more light on the subject. “The manager of the Bee + line was on board that steamer. You heard him hoot that siren at me!” + </p> + <p> + “I heard him give me cross-signals in defiance of the rules of the road, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you know that he whistled at me as an insult—as a sneer?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard only ordinary signals, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything is ordinary to a sailor's observation! You allowed him to + crowd you off your course. You made a spectacle of my yacht, splashing it + around like a frightened duck.” + </p> + <p> + “I was avoiding collision, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have made your bigness with my yacht! You sneaked and dodged + like a fishing-boat skipper. Was it on a fishing-boat you were trained to + those tricks?” + </p> + <p> + “I have commanded a fishing-steamer, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “On top of it all you gave him three whistles—regular fishing-boat + manners, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo straightened and his face and eyes expressed the spirit of a + Yankee skipper who knew that he was right. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” insisted Marston, “that you saluted him.” + </p> + <p> + “And I say, sir, that he cross-signaled, an offense that has lost masters + their licenses. When I was pinched I gave him three whistles to say that + my engines were going full speed astern. If Mr. Beveridge had looked + farther in that book he might have found that rule, too!” + </p> + <p> + “When I looked up at the bridge, here, you were waving your hand to him—three + whistles and a hand-wave! You can't deny that you were saluting!” + </p> + <p> + “I was shaking my fist at him, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Within himself Captain Mayo was frankly wondering because the owner of the + <i>Olenia</i> was displaying all this heat. He remembered the taunt from + the pilot-house of the <i>Conomo</i> and understood vaguely that there + were depths in the affair which he had not fathomed. But he was in no mood + to atone vicariously for the offenders aboard the <i>Conomo</i>. + </p> + <p> + “If I could have found a New York captain who knew the short cuts along + this coast I could have had some decency and dignity on board my yacht. + I'm even forgetting my own sense of what is proper—out here wasting + words and time in this fashion. You're all of the same breed, you + down-easters!” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure you can find a New York captain—” began Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want your opinion in regard to my business, young man. When I + need suggestions from you I'll ask for them.” He flung his soggy cigar + over the rail and went down the ladder, and the fog closed immediately + behind him. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo paced the bridge. He was alone there. A deck-hand had hooded + the brass of the binnacle and search-light, listening while the owner had + called the master to account. Mayo knew that the full report of that + affair would be carried to the forecastle. His position aboard the yacht + had become intolerable. He wondered how much Marston would say aft. His + cheeks were hot and rancor rasped in his thoughts. In the hearing of the + girl he adored his shortcomings would be the subject for a few moments of + contemptuous discourse, even as the failings of cooks form a topic for + idle chatter at the dinner-table. + </p> + <p> + Out of the blank silence of the wrapping fog came many sounds. Noises + carried far and the voice of an unseen singer, who timed himself to the + clank of an Apple-treer pump, brought to Mayo the words of an old shanty: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Come all you young fellows that follow the sea, + Now pray pay attention and lis-ten to me. + O blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down! + Way-ay, blow the man down. + O blow the man down in Liverpool town! + Give me some time to blow the man down. + 'Twas aboard a Black-Bailer I first served my time, + And in that Black-Bailer I wasted my prime. + 'Tis larboard and starboard on deck you will sprawl, + For blowers and strikers command the Black Ball. + So, it's blow the man down, bullies—” + </pre> + <p> + Alma Marston's voice interrupted his somber appreciation of the + significance of that ditty. “Are you up there, Boyd?” she asked, in + cautious tones. + </p> + <p> + He hurried to the head of the ladder and saw her at its foot, half hidden + in the mists even at that short distance. He reached down his hand and she + came up, grasping it. + </p> + <p> + She was studying his expression with both eagerness and apprehension. “I + couldn't stay away from you any longer,” she declared. “The fog is good to + us! Father could not see me as I came forward. I must tell you, Boyd. He + has ordered me to stay aft.” + </p> + <p> + He did not speak. + </p> + <p> + “Has he dared to say to you what he has been saying below about you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it needed any especial daring on your father's part; I am + only his servant,” he said, with bitterness. + </p> + <p> + “And he—he insulted you like that?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose your father did not look on what he said as insult. I repeat, I + am a paid servant.” + </p> + <p> + “But what you did was right! I know it must have been right, for you know + everything about what is right to do on the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand my duties.” + </p> + <p> + “And he blamed you for something?” + </p> + <p> + “It was a bit worse than that from my viewpoint.” He smiled down at her, + for her eyes were searching his face as if appealing for a bit of + consolation. + </p> + <p> + “Boyd, don't mind him,” she entreated. “Somebody who has been fighting him + in business has been very naughty. I don't know just what it's all about. + But he has so many matters to worry him. And he snaps at me just the same, + every now and then.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, some men are cowards enough to abuse those who must look to them for + the comforts of this world,” he declared. + </p> + <p> + “We must make allowances.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not stay in a position where a man who hires me thinks he can talk + to me as if I were a foremast hand. Alma, you would despise me if I + allowed myself to be kicked around like a dog.” + </p> + <p> + “I would love you all the more for being willing to sacrifice something + for my sake. I want you here—here with all your love—here with + me as long as these summer days last.” She patted his cheek. “Why don't + you tell me that you want to stay with me, Boyd? That you will die if we + cannot be together? We can see each other here. I can bring Nan Burgess on + the bridge with me. Father will not mind then. Let each day take care of + itself!” + </p> + <p> + “I want to be what you want me to be—to do what you want me to do. + But I wish you would tell me to go out into the world and make something + of myself. Alma, tell me to go! And wait for me!” + </p> + <p> + She laid her face against his shoulder and reached for his fingers, + endeavoring to pull one of his arms about her. But both of his hands were + clutching the rail of the bridge. He resisted. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to be like all the rest? Just money and trouble and worry?” + She stretched up on tiptoe and brushed a kiss across his fog-wet cheek. + “Are you asleep, my big boy? Yesterday you were awake.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I am really awake to-day, and that I was dreaming yesterday. + Alma, I cannot sneak behind your father's back to make love to you. I + can't do it. I'm going to give up this position. I can't endure it.” + </p> + <p> + “I say 'No!' I need you.” + </p> + <p> + “But—” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not give you up.” + </p> + <p> + There was something dramatic in her declaration; her demeanor expressed + the placid calm of absolute proprietorship. She worked his unwilling + fingers free from the rail. + </p> + <p> + “I love you because you can forget yourself. Now don't be like all the + others.” + </p> + <p> + He realized that a queer little sting of impatience was pricking him. The + girl did not seem to understand what his manhood was prompting. + </p> + <p> + “You mustn't be selfish, Boyd!” + </p> + <p> + She put into words the vague thought which had been troubling him in + regard to her attitude; and now that he understood what his thought had + been he was incensed by what seemed his own disloyalty. And yet, the girl + was asking him to make over his nature! + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid it's all wrong. These things never seem to come out right,” he + mourned. + </p> + <p> + “You are trying to turn the world upside down all at once—and all + alone. Don't think so much, you solemn Yankee. Just love!” + </p> + <p> + He put his aims about her. “I'm sailing in new waters. I don't seem to + know the true course or the right bearings!” + </p> + <p> + “Let's stay anchored until the fog lifts! Isn't that what sailors usually + do?” + </p> + <p> + He confessed it, kissing her when she lifted her tantalizing face from his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Now you'll let the future alone, won't you?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” But even while he promised he was obliged to face that future. + </p> + <p> + Julius Marston, at the foot of the ladder, called to his daughter. “Are + you up there?” he demanded, sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Come down here.” + </p> + <p> + She gave her lover a hasty caress and obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo was obliged to listen. Marston, in his anger, showed no + consideration for possible eavesdroppers. + </p> + <p> + “I have told you to stay aft where you belong.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, father, I don't understand why—” + </p> + <p> + “Those are my orders! I understand. <i>You</i> don't need to understand. + This world is full of cheap fellows who misinterpret actions.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo grasped the rails of the bridge ladder and did down to the + deck without touching his feet to the treads. He appeared before the + father and daughter with startling suddenness. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marston, I am leaving my position on board here as soon as you can + get another man to take my place.” + </p> + <p> + “You are, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You signed papers for the season. It is not convenient for me to make a + change.” Marston spoke with the crispness of a man who had settled the + matter. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo was conscious that the girl was trying to attract his gaze, + but he kept his eyes resolutely from her face. + </p> + <p> + “I insist on being relieved.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no patience with childishness in a man! I found it necessary to + reprimand you. You'll probably know your place after this.” He turned + away. + </p> + <p> + “I have decided that I do not belong on this yacht,” stated Mayo, with an + emphasis he knew the girl would understand. “You must get another master!” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot pick captains out of this fog, and I allow no man to tell me my + own business. I shall keep you to your written agreement. Hold yourself in + readiness to carry telegrams ashore for me. I take it there is an office + here?” + </p> + <p> + “There is, sir,” returned Mayo, stiffly. + </p> + <p> + The girl, departing, bestowed on him a pretty grimace of triumph, plainly + rejoicing because his impetuous resignation had been overruled so + autocratically. But Mayo gave a somber return to the raillery of her eyes. + He had spoken out to Marston as a man, and had been treated with the + contemptuous indifference which would be accorded to a bond-servant. He + was wounded by the light manner in which she viewed that affront, even + though her own father offered it. + </p> + <p> + He stood there alone for a time, meditating various rash acts. But under + all the tumult of his feelings was the realization that the responsibility + for that yacht's discipline and safety rested on his shoulders and he went + about his duties. He called two of the crew and ordered the gangway steps + down and the port dinghy cleared and lowered. Then he went to the + chart-room and sat on a locker and tried to figure out whether he was + wonderfully happy or supremely miserable. + </p> + <p> + Marston promptly closeted himself with his three wise men of business + after he went aft. “We'll frame up those telegrams now and get them off,” + he told them. “I thought I'd better wait until I had worked the bile out + of my system. Never try to do sane and safe business when you're angry, + gentlemen! I'm afraid those telegrams would not have been exactly coherent + if I had written them right after that Bee liner smashed past us.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been ready to believe that Tucker would come in with us on the + right lay,” said one of the associates. + </p> + <p> + “So did I,” agreed Marston. “I have thought all his loud talk has been + bluff to beat up a bigger price. But, after what he did to-day! Oh no! He + is out to fight and he grabbed his chance to show us! I do not believe a + lot of this regular fight talk. But when a man comes up and smashes me + between the eyes I begin to suspect his intentions.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no need of dickering with him any longer, Mr. Marston. He made + his work as dirty as he could to-day—he has left nothing open to + doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry,” said another of the group. “Tucker has let himself get ugly.” + </p> + <p> + “So have I,” replied Marston, dryly. “And I'm growing senile, too, I'm + afraid. I went forward and wasted as much anathema on that skipper of mine + as I would use up in putting through a half-million deal with an + opposition traffic line. Next thing I know I'll be arguing with, the + smoke-stack. But I must confess, gentlemen, that Tucker rather took my + breath away to-day. Either he has become absolutely crazy or else he + doesn't understand the strength of the combination.” + </p> + <p> + “He hasn't waked up yet. He doesn't know what's against him.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be our fault, in a measure,” stated one of the men. “We haven't + been able to let men like Tucker in on the full details.” + </p> + <p> + “In business it's the good guesser who wins,” declared Marston. “Our + merger isn't a thing to be advertised. And if we do any more explaining to + Tucker the whole plan <i>will</i> be advertised, you can depend on it. The + infernal fool has been holding us up three months, demanding more + knowledge—and he can't be trusted. There's only one thing to do, + gentlemen! That!” He drove his fist into his palm with significant thud. + </p> + <p> + “Is the Bee line absolutely essential in our plans?” + </p> + <p> + “Every line along this coast is essential in making that merger stock an + air-tight proposition.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a new line and is not paying dividends.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for that matter, it's got nothing in that respect on some of the + other lines we're salting down in the merger,” suggested a member of the + party, speaking for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid you said it then, Thompson! American bottoms seem to be turned + into barnacle-gardens,” declared the man who had questioned the matter of + Tucker's value. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, just a moment!” Julius Marston leaned forward in his chair. + His voice was low. His eyes narrowed. He dominated them by his + earnestness. “You have followed me in a number of enterprises, and we have + had good luck. But let me tell you that we have ahead of us the biggest + thing yet, and we cannot afford to leave one loose end! Not one, + gentlemen! That's why a fool like Tucker doesn't deserve any consideration + when he gets in our way. Listen to me! The biggest thing that has ever + happened in this world is going to happen. How do I know? I am not sure + that I do know. But as I have just told you, the man who guesses right is + the winner.” His thin nose was wrinkled, and the strip of beard on his + chin bristled. Sometimes men called Marston “the fox of Wall Street.” He + suggested the reason for his nickname as he sat there and squinted at his + associates. “And there's an instinct that helps some men to guess right. + Something is going to happen in this world before long that will make + millionaires over and over out of men who have invested a few thousands in + American bottoms.” + </p> + <p> + “What will happen?” bluntly inquired one of the men, after a silence. + </p> + <p> + “I am neither clairvoyant nor crystal-gazer,” said Marston, grimly. “But I + have led you into some good things when my instinct has whispered. I say + it's going to happen—and I say no more.” + </p> + <p> + “To make American bottoms worth while the whole of Europe will have to be + busy doing something else with their ships.” + </p> + <p> + “All right! Then they'll be doing it,” returned Marston. + </p> + <p> + “It would have to be a war—a big war.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well! Maybe that's the answer.” + </p> + <p> + “But there never can be another big war. As a financier you know it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have made some money by adhering to the hard and fast rules of finance. + But I have made the most of my money by turning my back on those rules and + listening to my instinct,” was Marston's rejoinder. “I don't want to + over-influence you, gentlemen. I don't care to discuss any further what + you may consider to be dreams. I am not predicting a great war in Europe. + Common sense argues the other way. But I am going into this ship-merger + proposition with every ounce of brains and energy and capital I possess. + The man who gets in my way is trying to keep these two hands of mine off + millions!” He shook his clutched fists above his head. “And I'll walk over + him, by the gods! whether it's Tucker or anybody else. We have had some + good talks on the subject, first and last. I'm starting now to fight and + smash opposition. What do you propose to do in the matter, gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + They were silent for a time, looking at one another, querying without + words. Then out of their knowledge of Julius Marston's uncanny abilities, + remembering their past successes, came resolve. + </p> + <p> + “We're in with you to the last dollar,” they assured him, one after the + other. + </p> + <p> + “Very well! You're wise!” + </p> + <p> + He unlocked a drawer of his desk and secured a code-book. He pressed a + buzzer and the secretary came hurrying from his stateroom. + </p> + <p> + “We'll open action, gentlemen, with a little long-distance skirmish over + the wire.” + </p> + <p> + He began to dictate his telegrams. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI ~ AND WE SAILED + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O Johnny's gone to Baltimore + To dance upon that sanded floor. + O Johnny's gone for evermore; + I'll never see my John no more! + O Johnny's gone! + What shall I do? + A-way you. H-e-e l-o-o-o! + O Johnny's gone! + What shall I do? + Johnny's gone to Hilo. + —Old Hauling Song. +</pre> + <p> + The taciturn secretary fumbled his way forward and delivered to Captain + Mayo a little packet securely bound with tape. + </p> + <p> + “Orders from Mr. Marston that you take these ashore, yourself. They are + important telegrams and he wants them hurried.” + </p> + <p> + The master called his men to the dinghy, and they rowed him away through + the fog. It was a touchy job, picking his way through that murk. He stood + up, leaning forward holding to his taut tiller-ropes, and more by ears + than his eyes directed his course. A few of the anchored craft, knowing + that they were in the harbor roadway, clanged their bells lazily once in a + while. Yacht tenders were making their rounds, carrying parties who were + paying and returning calls, and these boats were avoiding each other by + loud hails. Small objects loomed largely and little sounds were + accentuated. + </p> + <p> + The far voice of an unseen joker announced that he could find his way + through the fog all right, but was afraid he had not strength enough to + push his boat through it. + </p> + <p> + But Mayo knew his waters in that harbor, and found his way to the wharf. + His real difficulties confronted him at the village telegraph office. The + visiting yachtsmen had flooded the place with messages, and the flustered + young woman was in a condition nearly resembling hysteria. She was + defiantly declaring that she would not accept any more telegrams. Instead + of setting at work upon those already filed she was spending her time + explaining her limitations to later arrivals. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo stood at one side and looked on for a few moments. A gentle + nudge on his elbow called his attention to an elderly man with stringy + whiskers, who thus solicited his notice. The man held a folded paper + gingerly by one corner, exhibiting profound respect for his minute burden. + </p> + <p> + “You ain't one of these yachting dudes—you're a skipper, ain't you?” + asked the man. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I can talk to you, as one officer to another—and glad + to meet one of my own breed. I'm first mate of the schooner <i>Polly</i>. + Mr. Speed is my name.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo nodded. + </p> + <p> + “And I need help and advice. This is the first tele-graft I ever had in my + hands. I'd rather be aholt of an iced halyard in a no'easter! I've been + sent ashore to telegraft it, and now she says she won't stick it onto the + wire, however it is they do the blasted trick.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo had already noticed that the messengers from the yachts were + killing time by teasing the flustered young woman; it was good-humored + badinage, but it was effectively blocking progress at that end of the + line. + </p> + <p> + He felt a “native's” instinctive impulse to go to the relief of the young + woman who was being baited by the merrymakers; the responsibility of his + own errand prompted him to help her clear decks. But he waited, hoping + that the yachtsmen would go about their business. + </p> + <p> + “From the <i>Polly</i>, Mr. Speed?” he inquired, amiably. “Is the Polly in + the harbor? I didn't notice her in the fog.” + </p> + <p> + “Reckon you know her, by the way you speak of her,” replied the gratified + Mr. Speed. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to, sir. She was built at Mayoport by my great-grandfather before + the Mayo yards began to turn out ships.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I swanny! Be you a Mayo?” + </p> + <p> + The captain bowed and smiled at the enthusiasm displayed by Mr. Speed. + </p> + <p> + “By ginger! that sort of puts you right into <i>our</i> fambly, so to + speak!” The mate surveyed him with interest and with increasing + confidence. “I'm in a mess, Cap'n Mayo, and I need advice and comfort, I + reckon. I was headed on a straight tack toward my regular duty, and all of + a sudden I found myself jibed and in stays, and I'm there now and + drifting. Seeing that your folks built the <i>Polly</i>, I consider that + you're in the fambly, and that Proverdunce put you right here to-night in + this telegraft office. Do you know Cap'n Epps Candage?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Or his girl, Polly, named for the <i>Polly?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “No, I must confess.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it may be just as well for ye that ye don't,” said Oakum Otie, + twisting his straggly beard into a spill and blinking nervously. “There I + was, headed straight and keeping true course, and then she looked at me + and there was a tremble in her voice and tears in her eyes—and the + next thing I knowed I was here in this telegraft place with this!” He held + up the folded paper and his hand shook. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo did not understand, and therefore he made no remarks. + </p> + <p> + “There was a song old Ephrum Wack used to sing,” went on Mr. Speed, + getting more confidential and making sure that the other men in the room + were too much occupied to listen. “Chorus went: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I ain't afeard of the raging sea, + Nor critters that's in it, whatever they be. + But a witch of a woman is what skeers me! +</pre> + <p> + “There I've been, standing by Cap'n Epps in the whole dingdo, and she got + me one side and looked at me and says a few things with a quiver in her + voice and her eyes all wet and shiny and”—he paused and looked down + at the paper with bewilderment that was rather pitiful—“and I walked + right over all common sense and shipboard rules and discipline and + everything and came here, fetching this to be stuck on to the wire, or + whatever they do with telegrafts. But,” he added, a waver in his tones, + “she is so lord-awful pretty, I couldn't help it!” + </p> + <p> + Still did Captain Mayo refrain from comment or question. + </p> + <p> + “The question now is, had I ought to,” demanded Mr. Speed. “I'm taking you + into the fambly on my own responsibility. You're a captain, you're a + native, and I need good advice. Had I ought to?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me, sir. The matter seems to be private, + and, furthermore, I don't know what you're talking about.” + </p> + <p> + “She says it's to the milliner so that the milliner will hold the job + open. But I'm suspicioning that it's roundabout to the beau that's in love + with her. That's the style of women. Cap'n Epps shanghaied her to get her + away from that fellow. Now she has got it worked around so that she is + going back. But there's a beau in it instead of a milliner. She wouldn't + be so anxious to get word to a milliner. That's my idee, and I reckon it's + yours, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I really have no ideas on the subject,” returned Captain Mayo. “But if + you have promised a young lady to send a telegram for her I would + certainly keep that promise if I were in your place.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment he regretted his rather impetuous advice, for Mr. Speed + slapped the paper against a hard palm and blurted out: “That's all I + wanted! Course and bearings from an a-number-one adviser. New, how'll I go + to work to send this thing?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been figuring on that matter for the last few minutes, myself,” + acknowledged the captain. “It's about time to have a little action in this + place.” + </p> + <p> + He was obliged to elbow his way through the group of men who surrounded + the telegraph operator. Oakum Otie followed on his heels, resolved to + study at close range the mystery of telegraphing, realizing what he needed + for his own instruction. + </p> + <p> + “These telegrams are important and they must go at ore, madam,” Mayo + informed the flustered young woman. + </p> + <p> + “I can't send them. I am bothered so much I can't do anything,” she + stammered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, forget your business, skipper,” advised one of the party. + </p> + <p> + “It is not my business, sir.” He laid the packet of messages before the + operator on her little counter and tapped his finger on them. “They must + go,” he repeated. + </p> + <p> + “In their turn,” warned the yachtsman, showing that he resented this + intrusion. “And after the party is over!” + </p> + <p> + “I intended to confine my conversation to this young lady,” said Mayo. He + turned and faced them. “But I have been here long enough to see that you + gentlemen are interfering with the business of this office. Perhaps your + messages are not important. Mine are.” + </p> + <p> + The yachtsman was not sober nor was he judicious. “Go back to your job, + young fellow,” he advised. “You are horning in among gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I,” squawked Mr. Speed, with weather eye out for clouds of any + sort. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo gave his supporter a glance of mingled astonishment and + relish. “We'd better not have any words about the matter, gentlemen,'' he + suggested, mildly. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” stated the spokesman. “If you'll pass on there'll be no + words—or anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll dispense with words!” The quick anger of youth flared in Mayo. + The air of the man rather than his words had offended deeply. “You'd like + to have this room to yourself so that you can attend to your business, I + presume?” he asked the operator. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I would.” + </p> + <p> + Oakum Otie laid his folded paper upon the packet of Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “You will leave the room gentlemen,” advised the captain. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Speed thrust out his bony elbows and cracked his hard fists together. + “I have never liked dudes,” he stated. “I have been brought up that way. + All my training with Cap'n Epps has been that way.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you fit into this thing?” demanded one of the yachtsmen. + </p> + <p> + “About like this,” averred Mr. Speed. He grabbed the young man by both + shoulders and ran him out into the night before anybody could interfere. + Then Mr. Speed reappeared promptly and inquired, “Which one goes next?” + </p> + <p> + “I think they will all go,” said the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Come on,” urged one of the party. “We can't afford to get into a brawl + with natives.” + </p> + <p> + “You bet you can't,” retorted Oakum Otie. “I hain't hove bunches of + shingles all my life for nothing!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo said nothing more. But after the yachtsmen had looked him over they + went out, making the affair a subject for ridicule. + </p> + <p> + “Hope I done right and showed to you that I was thankful for good advice,” + suggested Mr. Speed, seeking commendation. + </p> + <p> + “Just a bit hasty, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, but there's nothing like handing folks a sample just to show up + the quality of the whole piece.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you—both of you,” said the grateful operator. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better lock your door,” advised Mayo. “Men are thoughtless when + they have nothing to do except play.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so grateful! And I'm going to break an office rule,” volunteered the + girl. “I shall send off your telegrams first.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope you can tuck that little one in second—it won't take up + much room!” pleaded Oakum Otie. “It's to help an awful pretty girl—looks + are a good deal like yours!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll attend to it,” promised the young woman, blushing. + </p> + <p> + Outside in the village street Mr. Speed wiped his rough palm against the + leg of his trousers and offered his hand to the captain. “I'll have to say + good-by to you here, sir. I've got a little errunting to do—fig o' + terbacker and a box of stror'b'ries. I confess to a terrible tooth for + stror'b'ries. When the hanker ketches me and I can't get to stror'b'ries + my stror'b'ry mark shows up behind my ear. I hope I have done right in + sending off that tele-graft for her—but it's too bad that a + landlubber beau is going to get such a pretty girl.” Then Oakum Otie + sighed and melted away into the foggy gloom. + </p> + <p> + When Captain Mayo was half-way down the harbor, on his way back to the + yacht, he was confronted by a spectacle which startled him. The fog was + suddenly painted with a ruddy flare which spread high and flamed steadily. + His first fears suggested that a vessel was on fire. The <i>Olenia</i> lay + in that direction. He commanded his men to pull hard. + </p> + <p> + When he burst out of the mists into the zone of the illumination his + misgivings were allayed, but his curiosity was roused. + </p> + <p> + A dozen yacht tenders flocked in a flotilla near the stern of a rusty old + schooner. All the tenders were burning Coston lights, and from several + boats yachtsmen were sending off rockets which striped the pall of fog + with bizarre colorings. + </p> + <p> + The stern of the schooner was well lighted up by the torches, and Mayo saw + her name, though he did not need that name to assure him of her identity; + she was the venerable <i>Polly</i>. + </p> + <p> + The light which flamed about her, showing up her rig and lines, was + weirdly unreal and more than ever did she seem like a ghost ship. The + thick curtain of the mist caught up the flare of the torches and reflected + it upon her from the skies, and she was limned in fantastic fashion from + truck to water-line. Shadows of men in the tenders were thrown against the + fog-screen in grotesque outline, and a spirit crew appeared to be toiling + in the top-hamper of the old schooner. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo ordered his men to hold water and the tender drifted close to + the flotilla. He spied a yacht skipper whom he had known when both were in + the coasting trade. + </p> + <p> + “What's the idea, Duncan?” + </p> + <p> + His acquaintance grinned. “Serenade for old Epps Candage's girl—handed + to her over his head.” He pointed upward. + </p> + <p> + Projecting over the schooner's rail was the convulsed countenance of + Captain Candage. Choler seemed to be consuming him. The freakish light + painted everything with patterns in arabesque; the captain's face looked + like the countenance of a gargoyle. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, observing with the natural prejudice of a “native,” detected mockery + in the affair. He had just been present at one exhibition of the convivial + humor of larking yachtsmen. + </p> + <p> + “What's the special excuse for it?” he asked, sourly. + </p> + <p> + “According to the story, Epps has brought her with him on this trip to + break up a courting match.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, does that have anything to do with this performance?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's only a little spree,” confessed the other. “It was planned out + on our yacht. Old Epps made himself a mucker to-day by sassing some of the + gents of the fleet, and the boys are handing him a little something. + That's all! It's only fun!” + </p> + <p> + “According to my notion it's the kind of fun that hurts when a girl is + concerned, Duncan.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as serious as ever, eh? Well, my notion is that a little + good-natured fun never hurts a pretty girl—and they say this one is + some looker! Oh, hold on a minute, Boyd!” The master of the <i>Olenia</i> + had turned away and was about to give an order to his oarsmen. “You ought + to stop long enough to hear that new song one of the gents on the <i>Sunbeam</i> + has composed for the occasion. It's a corker. I heard 'em rehearsing it on + our yacht.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of his impatient resentment on behalf of the daughter of Epps + Candage, Captain Mayo remained. Just then the accredited minstrel of the + yachtsmen stood up, balancing himself in a tender. He was clearly revealed + by the lights, and was magnified by the aureole of tinted fog which + surrounded him. He sang, in waltz time, in a fine tenor: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Our Polly O, + O'er the sea you go; + Fairer than sunbeam, lovely as moon-gleam, + All of us love thee so! + While the breezes blow + To waft thee, Polly O, + We will be true to thee, + Crossing the blue to thee, + Polly—Polly! + Dear little Polly, + Polly—O-O-O!” + </pre> + <p> + He finished the verse and then raised both arms with the gesture of a + choral conductor. + </p> + <p> + “All together, now, boys!” + </p> + <p> + They sang with soul and vigor and excellent effect. + </p> + <p> + Ferocity nearly inarticulate, fury almost apoplectic, were expressed by + the face above the weather-worn rail. + </p> + <p> + “They say that music soothes the savage breast, but it don't look like it + in this case,” observed Captain Duncan with a chuckle. + </p> + <p> + “Clear off away from here, you drunken dudes! I'll have the law on ye! + I'll have ye arrested for—for breaking the peace.” + </p> + <p> + That threat, considering the surroundings, provoked great hilarity. + </p> + <p> + “Give way all! Here comes a cop!” warned a jeering voice. + </p> + <p> + “He's walking on the water,” explained another. + </p> + <p> + “The man must be a fool,” declared Captain Mayo. “If he'd go below and + shut up, they'd get tired and leave in a few minutes.” + </p> + <p> + However, Captain Candage seemed to believe that retreat would be greatly + to his discredit. He continued to hang over the rail, discharging as + complete a line of deep-water oaths as ever passed the quivering lips of a + mariner. Therefore the playful yachtsmen were highly entertained and + stayed to bait him still further. Every little while they sang the Polly + song with fresh gusto, while the enraged skipper fairly danced to it in + his mad rage and flung his arms about like a crazy orchestra leader. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Speed came rowing in his dory, putting out all his strength, splashing + his oars. “My Gawd! Cap'n Mayo,” he gasped, “I heard 'em hollering 'Oh, + Polly!' and I was 'feard she was afire. What's the trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better get on board, sir, and induce Captain Candage to go below + and keep still. He is fast making a complete idiot of himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I hain't got no influence over him. I ask and implore you to step on + board and soothe him down, sir. You can do it. He'll listen to a Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd better not try. It's no job for a stranger, Mr. Speed.” + </p> + <p> + “He'll be heaving that whole deckload of shingles at 'em next!” + </p> + <p> + “Get his daughter to coax him.” + </p> + <p> + “He won't listen to her when he's that fussed up!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry! Give way men!” + </p> + <p> + His rowers dropped their oars into the water and pulled away with evident + reluctance. + </p> + <p> + “Better stay and see it out,” advised Captain Duncan. + </p> + <p> + “I don't care much for your show,” stated Mayo, curtly. + </p> + <p> + The cabin curtains were drawn on the <i>Olenia</i>, and he felt especially + shut away from human companionship. He went forward and paced up and down + the deck, turning over his troubled affairs in his mind, but making poor + shift in his efforts to set anything in its right place. + </p> + <p> + There were no indications that the serenading yachtsmen were becoming + tired of their method of killing time during a fog-bound evening. They had + secured banjos and mandolins, and were singing the Polly song with better + effect and greater relish. And continually the hoarse voice of the <i>Polly's</i> + master roared forth malediction, twisted into new forms of profanity. + </p> + <p> + But Captain Mayo, pacing under the damp gleam of the riding-light, paid + but little heed to the hullabaloo. He was too thoroughly absorbed in his + own troubles to feel special interest in what his neighbors were doing. He + did not even note that a fog-sodden breeze had begun to puff spasmodically + from the east and that the mists were shredding overhead. + </p> + <p> + However, all of a sudden, a sound forced itself on his attention; he heard + the chuckling of sheaves and knew that a sail was being hoisted. The + low-lying stratum of fog was still thick, and he could not perceive the + identity of the craft which proposed to take advantage of the sluggish + breeze. The “ruckle-ruckle” of the blocks sounded at quick intervals and + indicated haste; there was a suggestion of vicious determination on the + part of the men who were tugging at the halyards. Then Captain Mayo heard + the steady clanking of capstan pawls. He knew the methods of the + Apple-treers, their cautiousness, and their leisurely habits, and he could + scarcely believe that a coasting skipper was intending to leave the harbor + that night. But the capstan pawls began to click in staccato, showing that + the anchor had been broken out. + </p> + <p> + Protesting shouts from all about in the gloom greeted that signal. + </p> + <p> + There was no mistaking the hoarse voice of Captain Candage when it was + raised in reply; his tones had become familiar after that evening of + malediction. + </p> + <p> + “Dingdam ye, I know of a way of getting shet of the bunch of ye!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't try to shift your anchorage!” + </p> + <p> + “Anchorage be hossified! I'm going to sea!” bellowed the master of the <i>Polly</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Down with that hook of yours! You'll rake this whole yacht fleet with + your old dumpcart!” + </p> + <p> + “You have driv' me to it! Now you can take your chances!” + </p> + <p> + The next moment Mayo heard the ripping of tackle and a crash. + </p> + <p> + “There go two tenders and our boat-boom! Confound it, man, drop your + hook!” + </p> + <p> + But from that moment Captain Candage, as far as his mouth was concerned, + preserved ominous silence. The splintery speech of havoc was more + eloquent. + </p> + <p> + Mayo could not see, but he understood in detail what damage was wrought + upon the delicate fabric of yachts by that unwieldy old tub of a schooner. + Here, another boat-boom carried away, as she sluggishly thrust her bulk + out through the fleet; there an enameled hull raked by her rusty + chain-plate bolts. Now a tender smashed on the outjutting davits, next a + wreck of spidery head-rigging, a jib-boom splintered and a foretopmast + dragged down. If Captain Mayo had been in any doubt as to the details of + the disasters he would have received full information from the + illuminating profanity of the victims. + </p> + <p> + He knew well enough that Captain Candage was not performing with wilful + intent to do all that damage. In what little wind there was the schooner + was not under control. She was drifting until she got enough headway to be + steered. In the mean time she was doing what came in her way to do. The <i>Polly</i> + had been anchored near the <i>Olenia</i>. As soon as her anchor left + bottom the schooner drifted up the harbor. Mayo knew, in a few minutes, + that Candage was bringing her about. An especial outbreak of smashing + signaled that manouver. + </p> + <p> + Mayo sniffed at the breeze, judged distance and direction, and then he + rushed forward and pounded his fist on the forecastle hatch. + </p> + <p> + “Rout out all hands!” he shouted. “Rouse up bumpers and tarpaulin!” + </p> + <p> + With the wind as it was, he realized that the schooner would point up in + the <i>Olenia</i>'s direction when Candage headed out to sea. + </p> + <p> + At last Mayo caught a glimpse of her through the fog. His calculation had + been correct. Headed his way she was. She was moving so slowly that she + was practically unmanageable; her apple-bows hardly stirred a ripple, but + with breeze helping the tide-set she was coming irresistibly, paying off + gradually and promising to sideswipe the big yacht. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had a mariner's pride in his craft, and a master's devotion to duty. + He did not content himself with merely ordering about the men who came + tumbling on deck. + </p> + <p> + He grabbed a huge bumper away from one of the sailors who seemed uncertain + just what to do; he ran forward and thrust it over the rail, leaning far + out to see that it was placed properly to take the impact. He was giving + more attention to the safety of the <i>Olenia</i> than he was to what the + on-coming <i>Polly</i> might do to him. + </p> + <p> + Under all bowsprits on schooners, to guy the headstays, thrusts downward a + short spar, at right angles to the bowsprit; it is called the martingale + or dolphin-striker. The amateur riggers who had tinkered with the Polly's + gear in makeshift fashion had not troubled to smooth off spikes with which + they had repaired the martingale's lower end. Captain Mayo ducked low to + dodge a guy, and the spikes hooked themselves neatly into the back of his + reefer coat. Mr. Marston had bought excellent and strong cloth for his + captain's uniform. The fabric held, the spikes were well set, the <i>Polly</i> + did not pause, and, therefore, the master of the <i>Olenia</i> was yanked + off his own deck and went along. + </p> + <p> + All the evening Mayo's collar had been buttoned closely about his neck to + keep out the fog-damp, and when he was picked up by the spikes the collar + gripped tightly about his throat and against his larynx. His cry for help + was only a strangled squawk. His men were scattered along the side of the + yacht, trying to protect her, the night was over all, and no one noted the + mode of the skipper's departure. + </p> + <p> + The old schooner scrunched her way past the <i>Olenia</i>, roweling the + yacht's glossy paint and smearing her with tar and slime. It was as if the + rancorous spirit of the unclean had found sudden opportunity to defile the + clean. + </p> + <p> + Then the <i>Polly</i> passed on into the night with clear pathway to the + open sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII ~ INTO THE MESS FROM EASTWARD + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Farewell to friends, farewell to foes, + Farewell to dear relations. + We're bound across the ocean blue— + Bound for the foreign nations. + Then obey your bo's'n's call, + Walk away with that cat-fall! + And we'll think on those girls when we can no longer stay. + And we'll think on those girls when we're far, far away. + —Unmooring. +</pre> + <p> + For the first few moments, after being snatched up in that fashion, Mayo + hung from the dolphin-striker without motion, like a man paralyzed. He was + astounded by the suddenness of this abduction. He was afraid to struggle. + Momentarily he expected that the fabric would let go and that he would be + rolled under the forefoot of the schooner. Then he began to grow faint + from lack of breath; he was nearly garroted by his collar. Carefully he + raised his hands and set them about a stay above his head and lifted + himself so that he might ease his throat from the throttling grip of the + collar. He dangled there over the water for some time, feeling that he had + not strength enough, after his choking, to lift himself into the chains or + to swing to the foot-rope. + </p> + <p> + He glanced up and saw the figurehead; it seemed to be simpering at him + with an irritating smile. There was something of bland triumph in that + grin. In the upset of his feelings there was personal and provoking + aggravation in the expression of the figurehead. He swore at it as if it + were something human. His anger helped him, gave him strength. He began to + swing himself, and at last was able to throw a foot over a stay. + </p> + <p> + He rested for a time and then gave himself another hoist and was able to + get astride the bowsprit. He judged that they must be outside the headland + of Saturday Cove, because the breeze was stronger and the sea gurgled and + showed white threads of foam against the blunt bows. His struggles had + consumed more time than he had realized in the dazed condition produced by + his choking collar. + </p> + <p> + He heard the popping of a motor-boat's engine far astern, and was cheered + by the prompt conviction that pursuit was on. Therefore, he made haste to + get in touch with the <i>Polly's</i> master. He scrambled inboard along + the bowsprit and fumbled his way aft over the piles of lumber, obliged to + move slowly for fear of pitfalls, Once or twice he shouted, but he + received no answer, He perceived three dim figures on the quarter-deck + when he arrived there—three men. Captain Candage was stamping to and + fro. + </p> + <p> + “Who in the devil's name are <i>you?</i>” bawled the old skipper. “Get + off'm here! This ain't a passenger-bo't.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll get off mighty sudden and be glad to,” retorted Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll be hackmetacked!” exploded Mr. Speed shoving his face over the + wheel. “It's—” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up!” roared the master. “How comes it you're aboard here as a + stowaway?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk foolishness,” snapped Captain Mayo “Your old martingale spikes + hooked me up. Heave to and let me off!” + </p> + <p> + “Heave to it is!” echoed Oakum Otie, beginning to whirl the tiller. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage turned on his mate with the violence of a thunderclap. + “Gad swigger your pelt, who's giving off orders aboard here? Hold on your + course!” + </p> + <p> + “But this is—” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up!” It was a blast of vocal effort. “Hold your course!” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>I</i> say, heave to and let that motor-boat take me off,” insisted + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage leaned close enough to note the yacht skipper's uniform + coat. “Who do you think you're ordering around, you gilt-striped, + monkey-doodle dandy?” + </p> + <p> + “That motor-boat is coming after me.” + </p> + <p> + “Think you're of all that importance, hey? No, sir! It's a pack of 'em + chasing me to make me go back into port and be sued and libeled and + attached by cheap lawyers.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to be seized and libeled! You had no business ratching out of + that harbor in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Ought to have taken a rising vote of dudes, hey, to find out whether I + had the right to h'ist my mudhook or not?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not here to argue. You can do that in court. I tell you to come into + the wind and wait for that boat.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better, Cap Candage,” bleated Oakum Otie. “This is—” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up! I'm running my own schooner, Mr. Speed.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is one of the—” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care if he is one of the Apostles. I know my own business. Shut + up! Hold her on her course!” + </p> + <p> + He took two turns along the quarter-deck, squinting up into the night. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Candage, you and I are going to have a lot of trouble with + each other if you don't show some common sense. I must get back to my + yacht.” + </p> + <p> + “Jump overboard and swim back. I ain't preventing. I didn't ask you on + board. You can leave when you get ready. But this schooner is bound for + New York, they're in a hurry for this lumber, and I ain't stopping at way + stations!” He took another look at the weather, licked his thumb, and held + it against the breeze. “Sou'west by sou', and let her run! And shut up!” + he commanded his mate. + </p> + <p> + Mayo grabbed one of the yawl davits and sprang to the rail. + </p> + <p> + “We're some bigger than a needle, but so long as the haystack stays thick + enough I guess we needn't worry!” remarked Captain Candage, cocking his + ear to listen to the motor-boat's exhaust. + </p> + <p> + “Hoi-oi!” shouted Mayo into the night astern. He knew that men hear + indistinctly over the noise of a gasoline-engine, but he had resolved to + keep shouting. + </p> + <p> + “This way, men! This way with that boat!” + </p> + <p> + “'Vast heaving on that howl!” commanded Candage. + </p> + <p> + But Mayo persisted with all his might. His attention was confined wholly + to his efforts, and he was not prepared for the sudden attack from behind. + The master of the <i>Polly</i> seized Mayo's legs and yanked him backward + to the deck. The young man fell heavily, and his head thumped the planks + with violence which flung him into insensibility. + </p> + <p> + When he opened his eyes he looked up and saw a hanging-lamp that creaked + on its gimbals as it swayed to the roll of the schooner. He was in the <i>Polly's</i> + cabin. Next he was conscious that he was unable to move. He was seated on + the floor, his back against a stanchion, his hands lashed behind him by + bonds which confined him to the upright support. But the most + uncomfortable feature of his predicament was a marlinespike which was + stuck into his mouth like a bit provided for a fractious horse, and was + secured by lashings behind his head. He was effectually gagged. + Furthermore, the back of his head ached in most acute fashion. He rolled + his eyes about and discovered that he had a companion in misery. A very + pretty young woman was seated on a camp-chair across the cabin. Her face + expressed much sympathy. + </p> + <p> + He gurgled a wordless appeal for help, and then perceived that she was + lashed into her chair. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could take that awful thing out of your mouth, sir.” + </p> + <p> + He gave her a look which assured her that he shared in her desire. + </p> + <p> + “My father has tied me into this chair. I tried to make him stop his + dreadful talk when the boats came and burned the lights. He put me down + here and made a prisoner of me. It is terrible, all that has been + happening. I can't understand! I hope you will not think too hard of my + father, sir. Honestly, he seems to be out of his right mind.” + </p> + <p> + He wanted to return some comforting reply to this wistful appeal, but he + could only roll his head against the stanchion and make inarticulate + sounds. + </p> + <p> + “He seemed to be very bitter when he brought you below. I could not make + him listen to reason. I have been thinking—and perhaps you're the + gentleman who led the singing which made him so angry?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo shook his head violently in protest at this suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mind,” she assured him. “I knew it was only in fun.” She + pondered for a few minutes. “Perhaps they wouldn't have teased one of + their city girl friends in that way—but I suppose men must have a + good time when they are away from home. Only—it has made it hard for + me!” There were tears in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Mayo's face grew purple as he tried to speak past the restraining spike + and make her understand his sentiments on the subject of that serenade. + </p> + <p> + “Don't try to talk, sir. I'm so sorry. It is shameful!” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the cabin after that for a long time. He looked up at + the swinging lamp, his gaze wandered about the homely cabin. But his eyes + kept returning to her face. He could not use his tongue, and he tried to + tell her by his glances, apologetic little starings, that he was sorry for + her in her grief. She met those glances with manifest embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + After an absence which was prolonged to suit his own sour will in the + matter, Captain Candage came stamping stormily down the companionway. He + stood between his captives and glowered, first at one and then at the + other. + </p> + <p> + “Both of ye blaming me, I reckon, for what couldn't be helped.” + </p> + <p> + “Father, listen to me now, if you have any sense left in you,” cried the + girl, with passion. “Take that horrible thing out of that gentleman's + mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “It has come to a pretty pass in this world when an honest man can't carry + on his own private business without having to tie up meddlers so as to + have a little peace.” He walked close to Mayo and shook a monitory finger + under the young man's nose. “Now, what did ye come on board here for, + messing into my affairs?” + </p> + <p> + The indignant captain put forth his best efforts to make suitable retort, + but could only emit a series of “guggles.” + </p> + <p> + “And now on top of it all I am told by my mate, who never gets around to + do anything that ought to be done till it's two days too late, that you + are one of the Mayos! Why wasn't I informed? I might have made + arrangements to show you some favors. I might have hove to and taken a + chance, considering who you was. And now it's too late. Everybody seems to + be ready to impose on me!” + </p> + <p> + Again Mayo tried to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you shut up that gobbling and talk sense?” shouted the irate + skipper, with maddening disregard of the captive's predicament. + </p> + <p> + “Father, are you completely crazy? You haven't taken that spike out of his + mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “Expect a man to remember everything when he is all wrapped in his own + business and everybody trying to meddle with it?” grumbled Candage. He + fumbled in his pocket and produced a knife. He slashed away the rope yarn + which lashed the marlinespike. “If you can talk sense I'll help you do it! + I reckon you can holler all you want to now. Them dudes can't find their + own mouths in a fog, much less this schooner. Now talk up!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo worked his aching jaws and found his voice. “You know how I happened + to get aboard, Captain Candage. I am skipper of the <i>Olenia</i>. Put + back with me if you want to save trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Not by a tin hoopus, sir! I ain't going about and tackle them reefs in + this fog. I've got open sea ahead, and I shall keep going!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo was a sailor who knew that coast, and he admitted to himself that + Candage's stubbornness was justified. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't responsible for your getting aboard here. I'll land you as soon + as I can—and that covers the law, sir.” + </p> + <p> + During a prolonged silence the two men stared at each other. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, Captain Candage, I trust you will not consider that you have + a right to keep me tied up here any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that there's a better understanding about who is boss aboard here, I + don't know as I'm afraid to have you at large,” admitted the skipper. “I + only warn you to remember your manners and don't forget that I'm captain.” + </p> + <p> + He flourished his clasp-knife and bent and cut the lashings. Then he + strode across the cabin and performed like service for his daughter. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon I can afford to have <i>you</i> loose, too, now that you can't + tell me my business in front of a lot of skylarkers throwing kisses right + and left!” + </p> + <p> + “Father! Oh, oh!” She put her hands to her face. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage seemed to be having some trouble in keeping up his rôle of + a bucko shipmaster; he shifted his eyes from Mayo's scowl and surveyed his + daughter with uncertainty while he scratched his ear. + </p> + <p> + “When a man ain't boss on his own schooner he might as well stop going to + sea,” he muttered. “Some folks knows it's the truth, being in a position + to know, and others has to be showed!” He went stamping up the + companionway into the night. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo waited, for some minutes. The girl did not lift her head. + </p> + <p> + “About that—What he said about—You understand! I know better!” + he faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” she said, gratefully, still hiding her face from him. + </p> + <p> + “Men sometimes do very foolish things.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know my father could be like this.” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking about the men who came and annoyed him. I can understand + how he felt, because I am 'a 'native' myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were from outside.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Boyd Mayo. I'm from Mayoport.” + </p> + <p> + She looked up at him with frank interest. + </p> + <p> + “My folks built this schooner,” he stated, with modest pride. + </p> + <p> + “I'm Polly Candage—I'm named for it.” + </p> + <p> + “It's too bad!” he blurted. “I don't mean to say but what the name is all + right,” he explained, awkwardly, “but I don't think that either of us is + particularly proud of this old hooker right at the present moment.” He + went across the cabin and sat down on a transom and, tested the bump on + the back of his head with cautious palm. + </p> + <p> + She did not reply, and he set his elbows on his knees and proceeded to + nurse his private grouch in silence, quite excluding his companion from + his thoughts. Now that he had been snatched so summarily from his hateful + position on board the <i>Olenia</i>, his desire to leave her was not so + keen. After Mayo's declaration to the owner, Marston might readily + conclude that his skipper had deserted. His reputation and his license as + a shipmaster were in jeopardy, and he had already had a bitter taste of + Marston's intolerance of shortcomings. If Marston cared to bother about + breaking such a humble citizen, malice had a handy weapon. But most of all + was Mayo concerned with the view Alma Marston would take of the situation. + She would either believe that he had fallen overboard in the skirmish with + the attacking Polly or had deserted without warning—and in the case + of a lover both suppositions were agonizing. His distress was so apparent + that the girl, from her seat on the opposite transom, extended sympathy in + the glances she dared to give him. + </p> + <p> + “How did you tear your coat so badly in the back?” she ventured at last. + </p> + <p> + “Spikes your excellent father left sticking out of his martingale,” he + said, a sort of boyish resentment in his tones. + </p> + <p> + “Then it is only right that I should offer to mend it for you.” + </p> + <p> + She hurried to a locker, as if glad of an excuse to occupy herself. She + produced her little sewing-basket and then came to him and held out her + hand. + </p> + <p> + “Take it off, please.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't trouble,” he expostulated, still gruff. + </p> + <p> + “I insist. Please let me do a little something to make up for the <i>Polly's</i> + naughtiness.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be all right until I can get ashore—and perhaps I'll never + have need to wear the coat again, anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't you allow me to be doing something that will take my mind off my + troubles, sir?” Then she snapped her finger into her palm and there was a + spirit of matronly command in her voice, in spite of her youth. “I insist, + I say! Take off your coat.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed, a little grin crinkling at the corners of his mouth—a + flicker of light in his general gloom. After he had placed the coat in her + hands he sat down on the transom and watched her busy fingers. She worked + deftly. She closed in the rents and then darned the raveled places with + bits of the thread pulled from the coat itself. + </p> + <p> + “You are making it look almost as good as new.” + </p> + <p> + “A country girl must know how to patch and darn. The folks in the country + haven't as many things to throw away as the city folks have.” + </p> + <p> + “But that—what you are doing—that's real art.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt does dressmaking and I have helped her. And lately I have been + working in a millinery-shop. Any girl ought to know how to use her + needle.” + </p> + <p> + He remembered what Mr. Speed had said about the reason for her presence on + the <i>Polly</i>. He cast a disparaging glance around the bare cabin and + decided in his mind that Mr. Speed had reported truthfully and with full + knowledge of the facts. Surely no girl would choose that sort of thing for + a summer vacation. + </p> + <p> + She bent her head lower over her work and he was conscious of warmer + sympathy for her; their troubled affairs of the heart were in similar + plight. He felt an impulse to say something to console her and knew that + he would welcome understanding and consolation from her; promptly he was + afraid of his own tongue, and set curb upon all speech. + </p> + <p> + “A man never knows how far he may go in making fool talk when he gets + started,” he reflected. “Feeling the way I do to-night, I'd better keep + the conversation kedge well hooked.” + </p> + <p> + Now that her hands were busy, she did not find the silence embarrassing. + Mayo returned to his ugly meditations. + </p> + <p> + After a time he was obliged to shift himself on the transom. The schooner + was heeling in a manner which showed the thrust of wind. He glanced up and + saw that the rain was smearing broad splashes on the dingy glass of the + windows. The companion hatch was open, and when he cocked his ear, with + mariner's interest in weather, he heard the wind gasping in the open space + with a queer “guffle” in its tone. + </p> + <p> + Instinctively he began to look about the cabin for a barometer. + </p> + <p> + Already that day the <i>Olenia's</i> glass had warned him by its downward + tendency. He wondered whether further reading would indicate something + more ominous than fog. + </p> + <p> + Across the cabin he noted some sort of an instrument swinging from a hook + on a carline. He investigated. It was a makeshift barometer, the + advertising gift of a yeast company. The contents of its tube were roiled + to the height of the mark which was lettered “Tornado.” + </p> + <p> + “You can't tell nothing from that!” Captain Candage had come down into the + cabin and stood behind his involuntary guest. “It has registered 'Tornado' + ever since the glass got cracked. And even at that, it's about as reliable + as any of the rest of them tinkerdiddle things.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you a regular barometer—an aneroid?” inquired Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I can smell all the weather I need to without bothering with one of them + contrivances,” declared the master of the schooner, in lordly manner. He + began to pull dirty oilskins out of a locker. + </p> + <p> + Mayo hurried up the companionway and put out his head. There were both + weight and menace in the wind which hooted past his ears. The fog was + gone, but the night was black, without glimmer of stars. The white crests + of the waves which galloped alongside flaked the darkness with ominous + signalings. + </p> + <p> + “If you can smell weather, Captain Candage, your nose ought to tell you + that this promises to be something pretty nasty.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it might be called nasty by lubbers on a gingerbread yacht, but I + have sailed the seas in my day and season, and I don't run for an inshore + puddle every time the wind whickers a little.” He was fumbling with a + button under his crisp roll of chin beard and gave the other man a stare + of superiority. + </p> + <p> + “You don't class me with yacht-lubbers, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you was just on a yacht, wasn't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Captain Candage, you may just as well understand, now and + here, that I'm one of your kind of sailors. Excuse me for personal talk, + but I want to inform you that from fifteen to twenty I was a + Grand-Banksman. Last season I was captain of the beam trawler <i>Laura and + Marion</i>. And I have steamboated in the Sound and have been a first mate + in the hard-pine trade in Southern waters. I have had a chance to find out + more or less about weather.” + </p> + <p> + “Un-huh!” remarked the skipper, feigning indifference. “What about it?” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you that you have no business running out into this mess that is + making from east'ard.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have been so much and so mighty in your time, then you understand + that a captain takes orders from nobody when he's on board his own + vessel.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand perfectly well, sir. I'm not giving orders. But my own life + is worth something to me and I have a right to tell you that you are + taking foolhardy chances. And you know it, too!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage's gaze shifted. He was a coaster and he was naturally + cautious, as Apple-treers are obliged to be. He knew perfectly well that + he was in the presence of a man who knew! He had not the assurance to + dispute that man, though his general grudge against all the world at that + moment prompted him. + </p> + <p> + “I got out because they drove me out,” he growled. + </p> + <p> + “A man can't afford to be childish when he is in command of a vessel, sir. + You are too old a skipper to deny that.” + </p> + <p> + “I was so mad I didn't stop to smell weather,” admitted the master, + bracing himself to meet a fresh list of the heeling <i>Polly</i>. He + evidently felt that he ought to defend his own sagacity and absolve + himself from mariner's culpability. + </p> + <p> + “Very well! Let it go at that! But what are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't beat back to Saturday Cove against this wind—not now! She + would rack her blamed old butts out.” + </p> + <p> + “Then run her for Lumbo Reach. You can quarter a following sea. She ought + to ride fairly easy.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a narrow stab in a night as black as this one is.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll make a cross-bearing for you. Where's your chart?” Mayo exhibited a + sailor's alert anxiety to be helpful. + </p> + <p> + “I 'ain't ever needed a chart—not for this coast.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll have to guess at it, sir.” He closed his eyes in order to + concentrate. “You gave a course of sou'west by sou'. Let's see—it + was nine-fifteen when I just looked and we must have logged—” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't no use to stab for such a hole in the wall as Lumbo Reach,” + declared Candage in discouraged tones. + </p> + <p> + “But you've got your compass and I can—” + </p> + <p> + “There ain't no depending on my compass within two points and a half.” + </p> + <p> + “Confound it, I can make allowance, sir, if you'll tell me your + deviation!” + </p> + <p> + “But it's a card compass and spins so bad in a seaway there ain't no + telling, anyway. In my coasting I haven't had to be particular.” + </p> + <p> + “Not as long as you had an apple-tree in sight,” jeered Mayo, beginning to + lose his temper. + </p> + <p> + “I don't dare to run in the direction of anything that is solid—we'll + hit it sure, 'n' hell-fire will toast corn bread. We've got to stay to + sea!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo set his teeth and clenched his fists and took a few turns up + and down the cabin. He looked up into the night through the open hatch of + the companion-way. The pale glimmer of the swinging lamp tossed a mild + flare against the blackness and lighted two faces which were limned + against that pall. Both Oakum Otie and Smut-nosed Dolph were at the wheel. + Their united strength was needed because the schooner was yawing madly + every now and then when the mightier surges of the frothing sea hoisted + her counter, chasing behind her like wild horses. Those faces, when Mayo + looked on them, were very solemn. The two were crouching like men who were + anxious to hide from a savage beast. They grunted as they struggled with + the wheel, trying to hold her up when the <i>Polly</i> tobogganed with + rushes that were almost breath-checking. + </p> + <p> + Mayo hastened to the girl. “I must have my coat, Miss Candage. I thank + you. It will do now.” + </p> + <p> + She held it open for his arms, as a maid might aid her knight with his + armor. “Are we in danger?” she asked, tremulously. + </p> + <p> + “I hope not—only it is uncomfortable—and needless,” he said, + with some irritation. + </p> + <p> + “Must I stay down here—alone?” + </p> + <p> + “I would! It's only a summer blow, Miss Candage. I'm sure we'll be all + right.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage had gone on deck, rattling away in his stiff oilskins. + </p> + <p> + Mayo followed, but the master came down a few steps into the companionway + and intercepted the volunteer, showing a final smolder of his surliness. + </p> + <p> + “I want to notify you that I can run my own bo't, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, run it with a yeast barometer, a straw bottom, a pinwheel compass, + and your general cussedness of disposition,” shouted Mayo into the whirl + of the wind, his anxiety whetting his much-tried temper. + </p> + <p> + “If you're feeling that way, I don't want you up here.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm feeling worse than you'll ever understand, you stubborn old fool!” + </p> + <p> + “I let one man call me a fool to-day and I didn't make back talk—but + I know where to draw the line,” warned Candage. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, I propose to start in with you right now, sir, on a basis + you'll understand! I say you're a fool and need a guardian—and from + now on I'm going to make my bigness aboard here! Get out of my way!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo then emphasized his opinion of Captain Candage by elbowing + the master to one side and leaping out on deck. + </p> + <p> + “That may be mutiny,” stated Mr. Speed through set teeth, checking the + startled exclamation from his helper at the wheel. “But, by the Judas + I-scarrot, it's a Mayo that's doing it! Remember that, Dolph!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII ~ LIKE BUGS UNDER A THIMBLE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Up comes the skipper from down below, + And he looks aloft and he looks alow. + And he looks alow and he looks aloft, + And it's, “Coil up your ropes, there, fore and aft.” + With a big Bow-wow! + Tow-row-row! + Fal de rai de, ri do day! + —Boston Shanty. +</pre> + <p> + Captain Mayo strode straight to the men at the wheel. “Give me those + spokes!” he commanded. “I'll take her! Get in your washing, boys!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir!” assented Mr. Speed, giving the resisting Dolph a violent + shove. + </p> + <p> + When Captain Candage began to curse, Captain Mayo showed that he had a + voice and vocabulary of his own. He fairly roared down the master of the + <i>Polly</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Now shut up!” he ordered the dumfounded skipper, who faced him, mouth + agape. “This is no time for any more foolishness. It's a case of work + together to save our lives. Down with 'em, boys!” + </p> + <p> + “That's right,” declared the mate. “She don't need much of anything on her + except a double-reefed mitten with the thumb brailed up.” + </p> + <p> + The wind had not attained the velocity of a gale, but it did have an ugly + growl which suggested further violence. Mayo braced himself, ready to + bring the schooner about in order to give the crew an opportunity to + shorten sail. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage, deposed as autocrat for the moment, seemed to be + uncertain as to his duties. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, understanding mariner nature, felt some contrition and was prompted + by saner second thought. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better take the wheel, Captain Candage. You know her tricks better + than I do in a seaway. I'll help the boys take in sail.” + </p> + <p> + The master obeyed with alacrity. He seemed to be cowed. Anger no longer + blinded him to their predicament. + </p> + <p> + “Just say what you want done, and I'll try to do it,” he told Mayo, in a + voice which had become suddenly mild and rather beseeching. Then he called + to his daughter, who had come to the foot of the companion steps, “Better + blow out that cabin light, Polly girl! She's li'ble to dance bad, and we + don't want to run the chance of fire.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo got a glimpse at her face as he hurried upon the house on his way to + the main halyards. Her face was pale, but there was the firm spirit of her + Yankee ancestry of the sea in her poise and in her very silence in that + crisis. She obeyed without complaint or question and the cabin was dark; + even the glimmer of the light had held something of cheer. Now the gloom + was somber and depressing. + </p> + <p> + The schooner came round with a sort of scared hurry when the master threw + the wheel hard over and trod on the spokes with all his weight. As soon as + the bellying mainsail began to flap, the three men let it go on the run. + They kept up the jumbo sail, as the main jib is called; they reefed the + foresail down to its smallest compass. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, young, nimble, and eager, singly knotted more reef points than both + his helpers together, and his crisp commands were obeyed unquestioningly. + </p> + <p> + “He sartinly is chain lightning in pants,” confided Dolph to Otie. + </p> + <p> + “He knows his card,” said Otie to Dolph. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo led the way aft, crawling over the shingles and laths. + </p> + <p> + “I hope it's your judgment, sir, that we'd better keep her into the wind + as she is and try to ride this thing out,” he suggested to the master. + </p> + <p> + “It is my judgment, sir,” returned Captain Candage, with official gravity. + </p> + <p> + Hove to, the old <i>Polly</i> rode in fairly comfortable style. She was + deep with her load of lumber, but the lumber made her buoyant and she + lifted easily. Her breadth of beam helped to steady her in the sweeping + seas—but Captain Mayo clung to a mainstay and faced the wind and the + driving rain and knew that the open Atlantic was no place for the <i>Polly</i> + on a night like that. + </p> + <p> + Spume from the crested breakers at her wallowing bow salted the rain on + his dripping face. It was an unseasonable tempest, scarcely to be looked + for at that time of year. But he had had frequent experience with the + vagaries of easterlies, and he knew that a summer easterly, when it comes, + holds menacing possibilities. + </p> + <p> + “They knowed how to build schooners when your old sirs built this one at + Mayoport,” declared Captain Candage, trying to put a conciliatory tone + into his voice when he bellowed against the blast. “She'll live where one + of these fancy yachts of twice her size would be smothered.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not answer. He leaped upon the house and helped Dolph and Otie + furl the mainsail that lay sprawled in the lazy-jaeks. They took their + time; the more imminent danger seemed to be over. + </p> + <p> + “I never knowed a summer blow to amount to much,” observed Mr. Speed, + trying to perk up, though he was hanging on by both hands to avoid bring + blown off the slippery house. + </p> + <p> + “It depends on whether there's an extra special squall knotted into it + somewhere to windward,” said Mayo, in a lull of the wind. “Then it can + amount to a devil of a lot, Mr. Speed!” + </p> + <p> + The schooner washed her nose in a curving billow that came inboard and + swept aft. With her small area of exposed sail and with the wind buffeting + her, she had halted and paid off, lacking steerageway. She got several + wallops of the same sort before she had gathered herself enough to head + into the wind. + </p> + <p> + Again she paid off, as if trying to avoid a volleying gust, and another + wave crested itself ahead of the blunt bows and then seemed to explode, + dropping tons of water on deck. Laths, lumber, and bunches of shingles + were ripped loose and went into the sea. The <i>Polly</i> appeared to be + showing sagacity of her own in that crisis; she was jettisoning cargo for + her own salvation. + </p> + <p> + “Good Cephas! this is going to lose us our decklo'd,” wailed the master. + “We'd better let her run!” “Don't you do it, sir! You'll never get her + about!” Mayo had given over his work on the sail and was listening. Above + the scream of the passing gusts which assailed him he was hearing a dull + and solemn roar to windward. He suspected what that sound indicated. He + had heard it before in his experience. He tried to peer into the driving + storm, dragging the rain from his eyes with his fingers. Then nature held + a torch for him. A vivid shaft of lightning crinkled overhead and spread a + broad flare of illumination across the sea. His suspicions, which had been + stirred by that sullen roar, were now verified. He saw a low wall of white + water, rolling and frothing. It was a summer “spitter” trampling the + waves. + </p> + <p> + A spitter is a freak in a regular tempest—a midsummer madness of + weather upheaval. It is a thunderbolt of wind, a concentration of gale, a + whirling dervish of disaster—wind compactly bunched into one + almighty blast—wind enough to last a regular gale for a whole day if + the stock were spent thriftily. + </p> + <p> + “Don't ease her an inch!” screamed Mayo. + </p> + <p> + But just then another surging sea climbed aboard and picked up more of the + laths and more of the shingles, and frolicked away into the night with the + plunder. Captain Candage's sense of thrift got a more vital jab than did + his sense of fear. His eyes were on his wheel, and he had not seen the + wall of white spume. + </p> + <p> + “That decklo'd has got to be lashed,” he muttered. He decided to run with + the wind till that work could be performed. He threw his helm hard over. + Mayo had been riding the main boom astraddle, hitching himself toward the + captain, to make him hear. When the volunteer saw the master of the <i>Polly</i> + trying to turn tail to the foe in that fashion, he leaped to the wheel, + but he was too late. The schooner had paid off too much. The yelling + spitter caught them as they were poised broadside on the top of a wave, + before the sluggish craft had made her full turn. + </p> + <p> + What happened then might have served as confirmation of mariners' + superstition that a veritable demon reigns in the heart of the tempest. + The attack on the old <i>Polly</i> showed devilish intelligence in + team-work. A crashing curler took advantage of the loosened deckload and + smashed the schooner a longside buffet which sent all the lumber in a + sliding drive against the lee rail and rigging. The mainsail had been only + partly secured; the spitter blew into the flapping canvas with all its + force and the sail snapped free and bellied out. + </p> + <p> + The next instant the <i>Polly</i> was tripped! + </p> + <p> + She went over with all the helpless, dead-weight violence of a man who has + caught his toe on a drooping clothes line in the dark. + </p> + <p> + The four men who were on deck were sailors and they did not need orders + when they felt that soul-sickening swing of her as she toppled. + Instinctively, with one accord, they dived for the cabin companionway. + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly, as a sailor, the first thought of each was that the schooner + was going on to her beam-ends. Therefore, to remain on deck meant that + they would either slide into the water or that a smashing wave would carry + them off. + </p> + <p> + They went tumbling down together in the darkness, and all four of them, + with impulse of preservation as instant and true as that of the trap-door + spider, set their hands to the closing of the hatch and the folding leaves + of the door. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo, his clutch still on a knob, found himself pulled under water + without understanding at first just what had happened. He let go his grip + and came up to the surface, spouting. He heard the girl shriek in + extremity of terror, so near him that her breath swept his face. He put + out his arm and caught her while he was floundering for a footing. When he + found something on which to stand and had steadied himself, he could not + comprehend just what had happened; the floor he was standing on had queer + irregularities. + </p> + <p> + “We've gone over!” squalled Mr. Speed in the black darkness. “We've gone + clear over. We're upside down. We're standing on the ceiling!” + </p> + <p> + Then Mayo trod about a bit and convinced himself that the irregularities + under his feet were the beams and carlines. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Polly</i> had been tripped in good earnest! Mr. Speed was right—she + was squarely upside down! + </p> + <p> + Even in that moment of stress Mayo could figure out how it had happened. + The spitter must have ripped all her rotten canvas off her spars as she + rolled and there had been no brace to hold her on her beam-ends when she + went over. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage was spouting, splashing near at hand, and was bellowing + his fears. Then he began to call for his daughter in piteous fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Are you drownded, Polly darling?” he shouted. + </p> + <p> + “I have her safe, sir,” Mayo assured him in husky tones, trying to clear + the water from his throat. “Stand on a beam. You can get half of your body + above water.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all off with us,” gasped the master. “We're spoke for.” + </p> + <p> + Such utter and impenetrable blackness Mayo had never experienced before. + Their voices boomed dully, as if they were in a huge hogshead which had + been headed over. + </p> + <p> + '“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,'” quavered + the cook. “If anybody knows a better prayer I wish he'd say it.” + </p> + <p> + “Plumb over—upside down! Worse off than flies in a puddle of Porty + Reek molasses,” mourned Mr. Speed. + </p> + <p> + The master joined the mate in lamentation. “I have brought my baby to + this! I have brought my Polly here! God forgive me. Can't you speak to me, + Polly?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo found the girl very quiet in the hook of his arm, and he put his free + hand against her cheek. She did not move under his touch. + </p> + <p> + “She has fainted, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “No, she's dead! She's dead!” Candage began to weep and started to splash + his way across the cabin, directed by Mayo's voice. + </p> + <p> + “She is all right—she is breathing,” the young man assured the + father. “Here! This way, captain! Take her. Hold her up. I want to see + whether anything can be done for us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can be done!” whimpered Candage. “We're goners.” + </p> + <p> + “We're goners,” averred Oakum Otie. + </p> + <p> + “We're goners,” echoed Dolph. + </p> + <p> + Mayo gave the girl into the groping arms of her father and stood for a few + moments reflecting on their desperate plight. He was not hopeful. In his + heart he agreed with the convictions which his mates were expressing in + childish falsetto. But being a young sailor who found his head above + water, he resolved to keep on battling in that emergency; the adage of the + coastwise mariner is: “Don't die till Davy Jones sets his final pinch on + your weasen!” + </p> + <p> + First of all, he gave full consideration to what had happened. The <i>Polly</i> + had been whipped over so quickly that she had been transformed into a sort + of diving-bell.{*} That is to say, a considerable amount of air had been + captured and was now retained in her. It was compressed by the water which + was forced up from below through the windows and the shattered skylight. + The pressure on Mayo's temples afforded him information on this point. The + <i>Polly</i> was floating, and he felt comforting confidence that she + would continue to float for some time. But this prospect did not insure + safety or promise life to the unfortunates who had been trapped in her + bowels. The air must either escape gradually or become vitiated as they + breathed it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The strange adventure of the <i>Polly</i> is not an + improbability of fiction. A Bath, Maine, schooner, lumber- + laden, was tripped in exactly this fashion off Hatteras. + Captain Boyd Mayo's exploit has been paralleled in real life + in all details. My good friend Captain Elliott C. Gardner, + former skipper of the world's only seven-master, the <i>Thomas + W. Lawson</i>, furnished those details to me, and after writing + this part of the tale I submitted the narrative to him for + confirmation. It has received his indorsement.—H. D. +</pre> + <p> + There was only one thing to do, he decided: take advantage of any period + of truce which their ancient enemy, the sea, had allowed in that desperate + battle. + </p> + <p> + A sailor is prey to hazards and victim of the unexpected in the + ever-changing moods of the ocean; he must needs be master of expedients + and ready grappler of emergencies. + </p> + <p> + “Where are your tools—a saw—a chisel?” demanded Mayo. He was + obliged to repeat that query several times. His companions appeared to be + wholly absorbed in their personal woes. + </p> + <p> + At last Mr. Speed checked his groans long enough to state that the tools + were in “the lazareet.” + </p> + <p> + The lazaret of a coaster is a storeroom under the quarter-deck—repository + of general odds and ends and spare equipment. + </p> + <p> + “Any way to get at it except through the deck-hatch?” + </p> + <p> + “There's a door through, back of the companion ladder,” said Mr. Speed, + with listless indifference. + </p> + <p> + Mayo crowded his way past the ladder after he had waded and stumbled here + and there and had located it. He set his shoulders against the slope of + the steps and pushed at the door with his feet. After he had forced it + open he waded into the storeroom. It was blind business, hunting for + anything in that place. He knew the general habits of the hit-or-miss + coasting crews, and was sure that the tools had been thrown in among the + rest of the clutter by the person who used them last. If they had been + loose on the floor they would now be loose on the ceiling. He pushed his + feet about, hoping to tread on something that felt like a saw or chisel. + </p> + <p> + “Ahoy, you men out there!” he called. “Don't you have any idea in what + part of this lazaret the tools were?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they was probably just throwed in,” said Mr. Speed. “I wish you + wouldn't bother me so much! I'm trying to compose my mind to pray.” + </p> + <p> + There were so much ruck and stuff under his feet that Mayo gave up + searching after a time. He had held his breath and ducked his head under + water so that he might investigate with his bare hands, but he found + nothing which would help him, and his brain was dizzy after his efforts + and his mouth was choked by the dirty water. + </p> + <p> + But when he groped his way back into the main cabin his hands came in + contact with the inside of the lazaret door. In leather loops on the door + he found saw, ax, chisel, and hammer. He was unable to keep back a few + hearty and soul-satisfying oaths. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you tell me where the tools were? They're here on the door.” + </p> + <p> + “I had forgot about picking 'em tip. And my mind ain't on tools, anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “Your mind will be on 'em as soon as I can get forward there,” growled the + incensed captain. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was not sure of what he needed or what he would be obliged to do, + therefore he took all the tools, holding them above water. When he waded + past Captain Can-dage he heard the old skipper trying to comfort the girl, + his voice low and broken by sobs. She had recovered consciousness and Mayo + was a bit sorry; in her swoon she had not realized their plight; he feared + hysterics and other feminine demonstrations, and he knew that he needed + all his nerve. + </p> + <p> + “We're going to die—we're going to die!” the girl kept moaning. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my poor baby, and I have brought you to it,” blubbered her father. + </p> + <p> + “Please keep up your courage for a little while, Miss Candage,” Mayo + pleaded, wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “But there's no hope!” + </p> + <p> + “There's hope just as long as we have a little air and a little grit,” he + insisted. “Now, please!” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid!” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + “So am I,” he confessed. “But we're all going to work the best we know + how. Can't you encourage us like a brave, good girl?” He went stumbling + on. “Now tell me, mate,” he commanded, briskly, “how thick is the bulkhead + between the cabin, here, and the hold?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't bother to think,” returned Mr. Speed. + </p> + <p> + “It's only sheathing between the beams, sir,” stated Captain Candage. + </p> + <p> + “Mate, you and the cook lend a hand to help me.” + </p> + <p> + Oakum Otie broke off the prayer to which he had returned promptly. “What's + the use?” he demanded, with anger which his fright made juvenile. “I tell + you I'm trying to compose my soul, and I want this rampage-round stopped.” + </p> + <p> + “I say what's the use, too!” whined Dolph. “You can't row a biskit across + a puddle of molasses with a couple of toothpicks,” he added, with cook's + metaphor for the absolutely hopeless. + </p> + <p> + Mayo shouted at them with a violence that made hideous din in that narrow + space. “You two men wade across here to me or I'll come after you with an + ax in one hand and a hammer in the other! Damn you, I mean business!” + </p> + <p> + They were silent, then there sounded the splash of water and they came, + muttering. They had recognized the ring of desperate resolve in his + command. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, when he heard their stertorous breathing close at hand, groped for + them and shoved tools into their clutch. He retained the hammer and chisel + for himself. + </p> + <p> + “That's about all I need you for just now—for tool-racks,” he + growled. “Make sure you don't drop those.” + </p> + <p> + The upturned schooner rolled sluggishly, and every now and then the water + swashed across her cabin with extra impetus, making footing insecure. + </p> + <p> + “If I tumble down I'll have to drop 'em,” whimpered Oolph. + </p> + <p> + “Then don't come up. Drowning will be an easier death for you,” declared + the captain, menacingly. He was sounding the bulkhead with his hammer. + </p> + <p> + The tapping quickly showed him where the upright beams were located on the + other side of the sheathing. In his own mind he was not as sanguine as his + activity might have indicated. It was blind experiment—he could not + estimate the obstacles which were ahead of him. But he did understand, + well enough, that if they were to escape they must do so through the + bottom of the vessel amidship; there, wallowing though she was, there + might be some freeboard. He had seen vessels floating bottom up. Usually a + section of the keel and a portion of the garboard streaks were in sight + above the sea. But there could be no escape through the bottom of the + craft above them where they stood in the cabin. He knew that the counter + and buttock must be well under water. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a full cargo belowdecks?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” stated Captain Candage, hinting by his tone that he wondered what + difference that would make to them in the straits in which they were + placed. + </p> + <p> + Mayo felt a bit of fresh courage. He had been afraid that the <i>Polly's</i> + hold would be found to be stuffed full of lumber. His rising spirits + prompted a little sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + “How did it ever happen that you didn't plug the trap you set for us?” + </p> + <p> + “Couldn't get but two-thirds cargo below because the lumber was sawed so + long. Made it up by extra deck-lo'd.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, piled it all on deck so as to make her top-heavy—so as to be + sure of catching us,” suggested Mayo, beginning to work his hammer and + chisel on the sheathing. + </p> + <p> + “'Tain't no such thing!” expostulated Captain Candage, missing the irony. + “Them shingles and laths is packet freight, and I couldn't put 'em below + because I've got to deliver 'em this side of New York. And you don't + expect me to overhaul a whole decklo'd so as to—” + </p> + <p> + “Not now,” broke in Mayo. “The Atlantic Ocean has attended to the case of + that deckload.” + </p> + <p> + “My Gawd, yes!” mourned the master. “I was forgetting that we are upside + down—and that shows what a state of mind I'm in!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo had picked his spot for operations. He drove his chisel through the + sheathing as close to the cabin floor as he could. Remembering that the + schooner was upside down and that the floor was over his head, the + aperture he was starting work on would bring him nearest the bilge. When + he had chiseled a hole big enough for a start, he secured the saw from the + mate and sawed a square opening. He lifted himself up and worked his way + through the hole and found himself on lumber and out of water. It was what + he had been hoping to find, after the assurance from the master: the + partial cargo of lumber in the hold had settled to the deck when the + schooner tipped over. Investigating with groping hands, he assured himself + that there were fully three feet of space between the cargo and the bottom + of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + “Come here with your daughter, Captain Candage!” he called, cheerily. + “It's dry in here.” + </p> + <p> + He kneeled and held his hands out through the opening, directing them with + his voice, reaching into the pitchy darkness until her hands found his, + and then he brought her up to him and in upon the lumber. + </p> + <p> + “It's a little better, even if it's nothing to brag about,” he told her. + “Sit over there at one side so that the men can crawl in past you. I'll + need them to help me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think now—shall we die?” she asked, in tremulous + whisper. + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't think so,” he told her, stoutly. + </p> + <p> + They were alone in the hold for a few moments while the others were + helping one another through the opening. + </p> + <p> + “But in this trap—in the dark—crowded in here!” Her tone did + not express doubt; it was pathetic endeavor to understand their plight. + “My father and his men are frightened—they have given up. And you + told me that you are frightened!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am!” + </p> + <p> + “But they are not doing anything to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that is because they are not scared as much as I am. It often + happens that the more frightened a man is in a tight place the more he + jumps around and the harder he tries to get out.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care what you say—I know what you are!” she rejoined. “You + are a brave man, Captain Mayo. I thank you!” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet! Not until—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, now! You have set me a good example. When folks are scared they + should not sit down and whimper!” + </p> + <p> + He reached and found a plump little fist which she had doubled into a real + knob of decision. + </p> + <p> + “Good work, little girl! Your kind of grit is helping me.” He released her + hand and crawled forward. + </p> + <p> + “This ain't helping us any,” complained Captain Candage. “I know what's + going to happen to us. As soon as it gets daylight a cussed coast-guard + cutter will come snorting along and blow us up without bothering to find + out what is under this turkle-shell.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, look here, Candage,” called Captain Mayo, angrily, “that's enough of + that talk! There's a-plenty happening to us as it is, without your + infernal driveling about what <i>may</i> happen.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it about time for a real man to help Captain Mayo instead of + hindering him?” asked the girl. Evidently her new composure startled her + father. + </p> + <p> + “Ain't you scared any more, Polly? You ain't losing your mind, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have it back again, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Your daughter is setting you a good example, Captain Candage. Now let's + get down to business, sir! What's your sheathing on the ribs?” + </p> + <p> + “Inch and a half spruce, if I remember right.” + </p> + <p> + “I take it she is ribbed about every twelve inches.” + </p> + <p> + “Near's I remember.” + </p> + <p> + “All right! Swarm forward here, the three of you, and have those tools + handy as I need 'em.” + </p> + <p> + He had brought the hammer and chisel in his reefer pockets, and set at + work on the sheathing over his head, having picked by touch and sense of + locality a section which he considered to be nearly amidship. It was blind + effort, but he managed to knock away a few square feet of the spruce + boarding after a time. + </p> + <p> + “Hand me that saw, whoever has it.” + </p> + <p> + A hand came fumbling to his in the dark and gave him the tool. He began on + one of the oak ribs, uncovered when the boarding had been removed. It was + difficult and tedious work, for he could use only the tip of the saw, + because the ribs were so close together. But he toiled on steadily, and at + last the sound of his diligence appeared to animate the others. When he + rested for a moment Captain Candage offered to help with the sawing. + </p> + <p> + “I think I'll be obliged to do it alone, sir. You can't tell in the dark + where I have left off. However, I'm glad to see that you're coming back to + your senses,” he added, a bit caustically. + </p> + <p> + The master of the <i>Polly</i> received that rebuke with a meekness that + indicated a decided change of heart. “I reckon me and Otie and Dolph have + been acting out what you might call pretty pussylaminous, as I heard a + schoolmarm say once,” confessed the skipper, struggling with the big word. + “But we three ain't as young as we was once, and I'll leave it to you, + sir, if this wasn't something that nobody had ever reckoned on.” + </p> + <p> + “There's considerable novelty in it,” said Mayo, in dry tones, running his + fingers over the rib to find the saw-scarf. The ache had gone out of his + arms, and he was ready to begin again. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry we yanked you into all this trouble,” Can-dage went on. “And on + the other hand, I ain't so sorry! Because if you hadn't been along with us + we'd never have got out of this scrape.” + </p> + <p> + “We haven't got out of it yet, Captain Candage.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we are making an almighty good start, and I want to say here in the + hearing of all interested friends that you're the smartest cuss I ever saw + afloat.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will forgive father,” pleaded Polly of the <i>Polly</i>. He + felt her breath on his cheek. She was so near that her voice nearly jumped + him. “I don't mean to get in your way, Captain Mayo, but somehow I feel + safer if I'm close to you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I guess all of us do,” admitted Captain Candage. + </p> + <p> + Mayo stopped sawing for a moment. “What say, men? Let's be Yankee sailors + from this time on! We'll be the right sort, eh? We'll put this brave + little girl where she belongs—on God's solid ground!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” boomed Mr. Speed. “I have woke up. I must have been out of my + mind. I showed you my nature when I first met you, Captain Mayo, and I + reckon you found it was helpful and enterprising. I'll be the same from + now on, even if you order me to play goat and try to butt the bottom out + of her with my head.” “Me, too!” said Smut-nosed Dolph. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX ~ A MAN'S JOB + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O Nancy Dawson, hi—o! + Cheer'ly man! She's got a notion, hi—o! + Cheer'ly manl For our old bo'sun, hi—o! + Cheer'ly man! O hauley hi—o! + Cheer'ly man! + —Hauling Song. +</pre> + <p> + Boyd Mayo soon found that his ancestors had put no scrub timber into the + <i>Polly</i>. The old oak rib was tough as well as bulky. The task of + sawing with merely the tip of the blade in play required both muscle and + patience, and the position he was obliged to assume added to his + difficulties. He rested after he had sawed the rib in four places, and + decided to give Oakum Otie something to do; the mate had been begging for + an opportunity to grab in. He was ordered to knock away as much as he + could of the sawed section with hammer and chisel. Mayo figured that when + this section of rib had been removed it would leave room for a hole + through the bottom planks at least two feet square—and there were no + swelling girths in their party. + </p> + <p> + The mate had strength, and he was eager to display that helpful spirit of + which he had boasted. He went at the beam with all his might. + </p> + <p> + Mayo's attention had been centered on his task; now, with a moment's + leisure in which to note other matters, he was conscious of something + which provoked his apprehension; the air under the hull of the schooner + was becoming vitiated. His temples throbbed and his ears rang. + </p> + <p> + “Ain't it getting pretty stuffy in here?” asked the master, putting words + to Mayo's thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “I have been feeling like a bug under a thimble for some little time,” + stated Otie, whacking his chisel sturdily. + </p> + <p> + “Her bottom can't be awash with all this lumber in her. If we can only get + a little speck of a hole through the outside planking right now, we'd + better do it,” suggested Candage. + </p> + <p> + “That's just what I have been doing,” declared Mr. Speed. “I'm right after + the job, gents, when I get started on a thing. Helpful and enterprising, + that's my motto!” + </p> + <p> + The next moment, before Mayo, his thoughts busy with his new danger of + suffocation, could voice warning or had grasped the full import of the + dialogue, the chisel's edge plugged through the planking. Instantly there + was a hiss like escaping steam. Mayo yelled an oath and set his hands + against the mate, pushing him violently away. The industrious Mr. Speed + had been devoting his attention to the planking instead of to the sawed + beam. + </p> + <p> + Wan light filtered through the crevice made by the chisel and Mayo planted + his palm against the crack. The pressure held his hand as if it were + clamped against the planks, and the hissing ceased. + </p> + <p> + The schooner, as she lay, upside down in the sea, was practically a + diving-bell; with that hole in her shell their safety was in jeopardy. The + girl seemed to understand the situation before the duller minds of her + father and his mates had begun to work. She frenziedly sought for Mayo's + disengaged hand and thrust some kind of fabric into it. + </p> + <p> + “It's from my petticoat,” she gasped. “Can you calk with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Hand me the chisel,” he entreated. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she had given the tool to him he worked his hand free from the + crack and instantly drove the fabric into the crevice, crowding it fold by + fold with the edge of the chisel. + </p> + <p> + “Hope I didn't do anything wrong, trying to be helpful,” apologized Mr. + Speed. + </p> + <p> + “I'll do the rest of this job without any such help,” growled the captain. + </p> + <p> + “But what are you stopping the air for when it's rushing in to liven us + up?” asked Dolph, plaintively. + </p> + <p> + “It was rushing out, fool! Rushing out so fast that this lumber would have + flattened us against the bottom of this hull in a little while.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have figgered it just t'other way,” stated Mr. Speed, humbly. + “Outside air, being fresh, ought nat'rally to rush in to fill the holes we + have breathed out of this air.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo was in no mood to lecture on natural phenomena. He investigated the + cut which had been made by the incautious mate and estimated, by what his + fingers told him, that the schooner's bottom planks were three inches + thick. He settled back on his haunches and gave a little thought to the + matter, and understood that he had a ticklish job ahead of him. Those + planks must be gouged around the complete square of the proposed opening, + so that the section might be driven out in one piece by a blow from + beneath. That section must give way wholly and instantly. They were doomed + if they made a half-job of it. In that pitchy blackness he had only his + fingers to guide him. That one little streak of light from the open world + without was tantalizing promise. On the other side of those planks was + God's limitless air. The poor creatures penned under that hull were + gasping and choking for want of that air. Mayo set bravely to work, + hammering at the chisel-head above him. + </p> + <p> + All were silent. They felt the initial languor of suffocation and knew the + peril which was threatening them. + </p> + <p> + “If there is anything I can do—” ventured Otie. + </p> + <p> + “There isn't!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo felt the lack of oxygen most cruelly, because he was working + with all his might. Perspiration was streaming into his eyes, he was + panting like a running dog, his blows were losing force. + </p> + <p> + He found that Otie had partly cleared out the rib before that too-willing + helper had taken it into his head to knock a hole through the planking. + The rib must come away entirely! The tough oak resisted; the chisel + slipped; it was maddeningly slow work. But he finished the task at last + and began to gouge a channel in the planking close to the other ribs. + Torpor was wrapping its tentacles about him. He heard his companions + gasping for breath. Then, all at once, he felt a little pat on his + shoulder. He knew that tap for what it was, though she did not speak to + him; it was the girl's reassuring touch. It comforted him to be told in + that manner that she was keeping up her courage in the horrible situation. + He beveled the planks as deeply as he dared, and made his cut around three + sides of his square. He was forced to stop for a moment and lay prostrate, + his face on the lumber. + </p> + <p> + “Take that saw, one of you, and chunk off a few short lengths of plank,” + he whispered, hoarsely. The rasp of the hand-saw informed him that he had + been obeyed. + </p> + <p> + He held his eyes wide open with effort as he lay there in the darkness. + Then he struggled up and went at his task once more. Queerly colored + flames were shooting before his straining eyes. He toiled in partial + delirium, and it seemed to him that he was looking again at the + phantasmagoria of the Coston lights on the fog when the yachtsmen were + serenading the girl of the Polly. He found himself muttering, keeping time + to his chisel-blows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Our Polly O, + O'er the sea you go—” + </pre> + <p> + In all the human emotions there is no more maddening and soul-flaying + terror than the fear of being shut in, which wise men call claustrophobia. + Mayo had been a man of the open—of wide horizons, drinking from the + fount of all the air under the heavens. This hideous confinement was + demoralizing his reason. He wanted to throw down his hammer and chisel and + scream and kick and throw himself up against the penning planks. On the + other side was air—the open! There was still one side of the square + to do. + </p> + <p> + Again that comforting little hand touched his shoulder and he was spurred + by the thought that the girl was still courageous and had faith in him. He + groaned and kept on. + </p> + <p> + Lapse of time ceased to have significance. Every now and then the hammer + slipped and bruised his hand cruelly. But he did not feel the hurt. Both + tools wavered in his grasp. He struck a desperate—a despairing blow + and the hammer and chisel dropped. He knew that he had finished the fourth + side. He fell across Polly Candage's lap and she helped him to his knees. + </p> + <p> + “I'm done, men,” he gasped. “All together with those joists! Strike + together! Right above my head.” + </p> + <p> + He heard the skipper count one—two—three. He heard the + concerted blow. The planks did not give way. + </p> + <p> + “We don't seem to have no strength left,” explained the mate, in hoarse + tones. + </p> + <p> + They struck again, but irregularly. + </p> + <p> + “It's our lives—our lives, men!” cried Mayo. “Ram it to her!” + </p> + <p> + “Here's one for you, Captain Mayo,” said Candage, and he thrust a length + of plank into the groping hands. + </p> + <p> + “Make it together, this time—together!” commanded Mayo. “Hard—one, + two, three!” + </p> + <p> + They drove their battering-rams up against the prisoning roof. Fury and + despair were behind their blow. + </p> + <p> + The glory of light flooded into their blinking eyes. + </p> + <p> + The section had given way! + </p> + <p> + Mayo went first and he snapped out with almost the violence of a cork + popping from a bottle. He felt the rush of the imprisoned air past him as + he emerged. Instantly he turned and thrust down his hands and pulled the + girl up into the open and the others followed, the lumber pushing under + their feet. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to Captain Mayo, after those few frenzied moments of escape, + that he had awakened from a nightmare; he found himself clinging to the + schooner's barnacled keel, his arm holding Polly Candage from sliding down + over the slimy bottom into the sea. + </p> + <p> + “Good jeero! We've been in there all night,” bawled Captain Candage. He + lay sprawled on the bottom of the Polly, his hornbeam hands clutching the + keel, his face upraised wonderingly to the skies that were flooded with + the glory of the morning. Otie and Dolph were beside him, mouths open, + gulping in draughts of the air as if they were fish freshly drawn from the + ocean depths. + </p> + <p> + There was a long silence after the skipper's ejaculation. + </p> + <p> + Thoughts, rather than words, fitted that sacred moment of their salvation. + </p> + <p> + The five persons who lay there on the bottom of the schooner stared at the + sun in its cloudless sky and gazed off across the sea whose blue was + shrouded by the golden haze of a perfect summer's day. Only a lazy roll + was left of the sudden turbulence of the night before. A listless breeze + with a fresh tang of salt in it lapped the surface of the long, slow + surges, and the facets of the ripples flashed back the sunlight cheerily. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage pulled himself to the keel, sat upon it, and found speech + in faltering manner. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't a member of no church, never having felt the need of j'ining, and + not being handy where I could tend out. But I ain't ashamed to say here, + before witnesses, that I have just been telling God, as best I know how, + hoping He'll excuse me if I 'ain't used the sanctimonious way, that I'm + going to be a different man after this—different and better, + according to my best lights.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you have spoken for all of us, Captain Can-dage,” said Mayo, + earnestly. “I thank you!” + </p> + <p> + They all perceived that the <i>Polly</i> had made offing at a lively pace + during her wild gallop under the impetus of the easterly. + </p> + <p> + Mayo balanced himself on the keel and took a long survey of the horizon. + In one place a thread of blue, almost as delicate as the tracery of a vein + on a girl's arm, suggested shore line. But without a glass he was not + sure. He saw no sign of any other craft; the storm had driven all coasters + to harbor—and there was not wind enough as yet to help them out to + sea again. But he did not worry; he was sure that something, some yacht or + sea-wagon, would come rolling up over the rim of the ocean before long. + The faint breeze which fanned their faces was from the southwest, and that + fact promised wind enough to invite shipping to spread canvas. + </p> + <p> + Only the oval of the schooner's broad bilge showed above water, and the + old Polly was so flat and tubby that their floating islet afforded only + scant freeboard. + </p> + <p> + Mayo shoved his arm down into the hole through which they had escaped. + After the air had been forced out the lumber was within reach from the + schooner's bottom. He fumbled about and found the ax. Some of the short + bits of lumber which they had used as battering-rams were in the jaws of + the hole. He busied himself with hewing these ends of planks into big + wedges and he drove them into cracks between the planks near the keel. + </p> + <p> + “It may come to be a bit sloppy when this sou'wester gets its gait on,” he + suggested to the skipper. “We'll have something to hang on to.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage's first thankfulness had shown a radiant gloss. But he was + a sailorman, he was cautious, he was naturally apprehensive regarding all + matters of the sea, and that gloss was now dulled a bit by his second + thought. + </p> + <p> + “We may have to hang on to something longer 'n we reckon on. We're too far + off for the coasters and too far in for the big fellers. And unless + something comes pretty clost to us we can't be seen no more 'n as if we + was mussels on a tide reef. We'd ought to have something to stick up.” + </p> + <p> + “If we could only work out one of those long joists it would make a little + show.” Captain Mayo shoved his arm down the hole again. “But they are + wedged across too solidly.” + </p> + <p> + “I think there's a piece of lumber floating over there,” cried the girl. + She was clinging to one of the wedges, and the composure which she felt, + or had assumed, stirred Mayo's admiration. The plump hand which she held + against her forehead to shield her eyes did not tremble. From the little + Dutch cap, under the edge of which stray locks peeped, down over her + attire to her toes, she seemed to be still trim and trig, in spite of her + experiences below in the darkness and the wet. With a sort of mild + interest in her, he reflected that her up-country beau would be very + properly proud of her if he could see her there on that schooner's keel. + </p> + <p> + “What a picture you would make, Miss Candage, just as you are!” he + blurted. She took down her hand, and the look she gave him did not + encourage compliments. “Just as you are, and call it 'The Wreck,'” he + added. + </p> + <p> + “Do I look as badly as all that, Captain Mayo?” + </p> + <p> + “You look—” he expostulated, and hesitated, for her gaze was + distinctly not reassuring. + </p> + <p> + “Don't tell me, please, how I look. I'm thankful that I have no mirror. + Isn't that a piece of lumber?” she inquired, crisply, putting a stop on + further personalities. “Wait! It's down in a hollow just now.” + </p> + <p> + The sea lifted it again immediately. Mayo saw that it was a long strip of + scantling, undoubtedly from the deckload that the <i>Polly</i> had + jettisoned when she was tripped. It lay to windward, and that fact + promised its recovery; but how was the tide? Mayo squinted at the sun, did + a moment's quick reckoning from the tide time of the day before, and + smiled. + </p> + <p> + “We'll get that, Miss Candage. She's coming this way.” + </p> + <p> + Watching it, seeing it lift and sink, waiting for it, helped to pass the + time. Then at last it came alongside, and he crawled cautiously down the + curve of the bilge and secured it. After he had braced it in the hole in + the schooner's bottom with the help of Mr. Speed, the girl gave him a + crumpled wad of cloth when he turned from his task. + </p> + <p> + “It's the rest of my petticoat. You may as well have it,” she explained, a + pretty touch of pink confusion in her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Speed boosted Mayo and the young man attached the cloth to the + scantling and flung their banner to the breeze. Then there was not much to + do except to wait, everlastingly squinting across the bright sea to the + horizon's edge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X ~ HOSPITALITY, PER JULIUS MARSTON + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hoo—oo—rah; and up she rises! + Hoo—oo—rah! and up she rises! + Early in the morning. + What shall we do with a saucy sailor? + Put him in the long boat and make him bail 'erv + Early in the morn—ing! + —Old “Stamp-and-go.” + </pre> + <p> + Mayo saw the sail first. It was coming in from the sea, and was very far + and minute. He pointed it out with an exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make it, sir?” asked Captain Candage. “Your eyes are younger + 'n mine are.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon it's a fisherman bound in from Cashes Banks. He seems to be + lying well over, and that shows there's a good breeze outside. He ought to + reach near enough to see us, judging from the way he's heading.” + </p> + <p> + That little sail, nicked against the sky, was something else to watch and + speculate on and wait for, and they forgot, almost, that they were hungry + and thirsty and sun-parched. + </p> + <p> + However, Captain Mayo kept his own gaze most steadfastly on the landward + horizon. He did not reveal any of his thoughts, for he did not want to + raise false hopes. Nevertheless, it was firmly in his mind that no matter + what might be the sentiments of Julius Marston in regard to his recent + skipper, the mate and engineer on board the <i>Olenia</i> were loyal + friends who would use all their influence with the owner to urge him to + come seeking the man who had been lost. + </p> + <p> + The fact that a motor-boat had come popping out of Saturday Cove in + pursuit of the schooner suggested that Mate McGaw had suspected what had + happened, and was not dragging the cove-bottom for a drowned man. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had plenty of time for pondering on the matter, and he allowed hope + to spice his guesses. He knew Mate McGaw's characteristics and decided + that the yacht would get under way early, would nose into a few near-by + harbors where a gale-ridden schooner might have dodged for safety, and + then would chase down the sea, following the probable course of a craft + which had been caught in that nor'easter. Mate McGaw was a sailorly man + and understood how to fit one fact with another. He had a due portion of + mariner's imagination, and was not the sort to desert a chum, even if he + were obliged to use stiff speech to convert an owner. Therefore, Mayo + peered toward the blue shore-line, coddling hope. He wondered whether Mate + McGaw would have courage to slip a word of encouragement to Alma Marston + if she asked questions. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was elated rather than astonished when he spied a smear of drab smoke + and was able to determine that the craft which was puffing that smoke was + heading out to sea, not crawling alongshore. + </p> + <p> + “That's a fisherman all right, and he's bound to come clost enough to make + us out,” stated Captain Candage, his steady gaze to southward. + </p> + <p> + “But here comes another fellow who is going to beat him to us,” announced + Captain Mayo, gaily. + </p> + <p> + “And what do you make it?” asked the skipper, blinking at the distant + smoke. + </p> + <p> + “A yacht, probably.” + </p> + <p> + “Huh? A yacht! If that's what it is they'll most likely smash right past. + They'll think we're out here on a fishing picnic, most like. That's about + all these yacht fellers know.” + </p> + <p> + The girl gave her father a frown of protest, but Mayo smiled at her. + </p> + <p> + “I think this one is different, sir. If I am not very much mistaken, that + is the yacht <i>Olenia</i> and she is hunting me up. Mate McGaw is one of + our best little guessers.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later he was able to assure them that the on-coming + craft was the <i>Olenia</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Good old Mate McGaw!” he cried, rapturously. In his joy he wished he + could make them his confidants, tell them who was waiting for him on board + that yacht, make them understand what wonderful good fortune was his. + </p> + <p> + After a time—the long time that even a fast yacht seems to consume + in covering distance to effect the rescue of those who are anxious—the + Olenita's whistle hooted hoarsely to assure them that they had been seen. + </p> + <p> + “The same to you, Mate McGaw!” choked Captain Mayo, swinging his cap in + wide circles. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing that things have come round as they have, I'm mighty glad for you, + Captain Mayo,” declared Candage. “I ain't no kind of a hand to plaster a + man all over with thanks—” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want thanks, sir. We worked together to save our lives.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'm hoping that there won't be any hard feelings one way or the + other. I have lost my schooner by my blasted foolishness. So I'll say + good-by and—” + </p> + <p> + “Good-by?” demanded Mayo, showing his astonishment. “Why are you saying + good-by to me now?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are going aboard your yacht.” + </p> + <p> + “The rest of you are going there, too.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't for poor critters like us to go mussing—” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Captain Candage, I am the captain of that yacht, and I say + that you are coming on board and stay until I can set you ashore at the + handiest port.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd just as lieve wait for that fisherman, sir. I'll feel more at home + aboard him.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to think of your daughter's condition first, Captain Candage. + She needs a few comforts right away, and you won't find them on board a + fisherman.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to the girt who sat on the keel, silent, looking away to sea. + She seemed to show a strange lack of interest in the yacht. Her pretty + face exhibited no emotion, but somehow she was a wistfully pathetic figure + as she sat there. Mayo's countenance showed much more concern than she + expressed when she faced about at the sound of his voice and looked at + him. Color came into his cheeks; there was embarrassment in his eyes, a + queer hesitancy in his tones. + </p> + <p> + “There is a young lady—there are several young ladies—but + there is Mr. Marston's daughter!” he faltered. “She is on the yacht. I—I + know she will do all she can for you. She will be good to you!” His eyes + fell under her frank and rather quizzical gaze. + </p> + <p> + “She might not care to be bothered with such a ragamuffin.” + </p> + <p> + “I can speak for her!” he cried, eagerly. He was now even more disturbed + by the glance she gave him. He had read that women have intuition in + affairs of the heart. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite certain you can, Captain Mayo,” she assured him, demurely. + “And I am grateful. But perhaps we'd be better off on board that other + vessel—father and the rest of us.” + </p> + <p> + “I insist,” he said, but he did not dare to meet her searching eyes. “I + insist!” he repeated, resuming the decisive manner which he had shown + before on board the <i>Polly</i>. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Olenia</i>, slowing down, had come close aboard, and her churning + screws pulled her to a standstill. Her crew sent a tender rattling down + from her port davits. As she rolled on the surge her brass rails caught + the sunlight in long flashes which fairly blinded the hollow eyes of the + castaways. The white canvas of bridge and awnings gleamed in snowy purity. + She was so near that Dolph smelled the savory scents from her galley and + began to “suffle” moisture in the corners of his mouth. + </p> + <p> + They who waited on the barnacled hulk of the Polly, faint with hunger, + bedraggled with brine, unkempt and wholly miserable after a night of toils + and vigil, felt like beggars at a palace gate as they surveyed her + immaculateness. + </p> + <p> + A sort of insolent opulence seemed to exude from her. Mayo, her captain + though he was, felt that suggestion of insolence more keenly than his + companions, for he had had bitter and recent experience with the moods of + Julius Marston. + </p> + <p> + He did not find Marston a comforting object for his gaze; the + transportation magnate was pacing the port alley with a stride that was + plainly impatient. Close beside the gangway stood Alma Marston, spotless + in white duck. Each time her father turned his back on her she put out her + clasped hands toward her lover with a furtive gesture. + </p> + <p> + Polly Candage watched this demonstration with frank interest, and + occasionally stole side-glances at the face of the man who stood beside + her on the schooner's bottom; he was wholly absorbed in his scrutiny of + the other girl. + </p> + <p> + Mate McGaw himself was at the tiller of the tender. His honest face was + working with emotion, and he began to talk before the oarsmen had eased + the boat against the overturned hulk. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't closed my eyes, Captain Mayo. Stayed up all night, trying to + figure it out. Almost gave up all notion that you were aboard the + schooner. You didn't hail the boat we sent out.” + </p> + <p> + “I tried to do it; perhaps you couldn't hear me.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage's countenance showed gratitude and relief. + </p> + <p> + “This morning I tried Lumbo and two other shelters, and then chased along + the trail of the blow.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo trod carefully down the bilge and clasped the mate's hand. “I was + looking for you, Mr. McGaw. I know what kind of a chap you are.” + </p> + <p> + McGaw, still holding to the captain's hand, spoke in lower tones. “Had a + devil of a time with the owner, sir. He was bound to have it that you had + deserted.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid he would think something of the sort.” + </p> + <p> + The mate showed frank astonishment. “You was afraid of <i>what?</i> Why, + sir, I wanted to tell him that he was a crazy man to have any such ideas + about you! Yes, sir, I came nigh telling him that! I would have done it if + I hadn't wanted to keep mild and meek whilst I was arguing with him and + trying to make him give me leave to search!” + </p> + <p> + “We have had a terrible time of it, Mr. McGaw,” stated Mayo, avoiding the + mate's inquisitiveness. “I am going to take these folks on board and set + them ashore.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, sir, of course.” + </p> + <p> + The two of them stood with clasped hands and held the tender close to the + wreck until the passengers embarked. When they reached the foot of the <i>Olenia</i>'s + steps Captain Mayo sent his guests ahead of him. + </p> + <p> + Marston paused in his march and scowled, and the folks on the quarter-deck + crowded to the rail, showing great interest. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo exchanged a long look with Alma Marston when he came up the + steps. Love, pity, and greeting were in his eyes. Her countenance revealed + her vivid emotions; she was overwrought, unstrung, half-crazed after a + night spent with her fears. When he came within her reach caution was torn + from her as gossamer is flicked away by a gale. Impulse had always + governed her; she gave way to it then. + </p> + <p> + “I don't care,” she sobbed. “I love you. They may as well know it!” + </p> + <p> + Before he understood her intentions or could prevent her rashness she + flung her arms about his neck and kissed him repeatedly. + </p> + <p> + Marston stood in his tracks like a man stricken by paralysis; his cigar + dropped from his open mouth. This exhibition under his very nose, with his + guests and the whole crew of his yacht looking on, fairly stunned him. + </p> + <p> + “If you had died I would have died!” she wailed. + </p> + <p> + Then her father plunged toward her, elbowing the astonished Beveridge out + of his way. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo gently unhooked the arms of the frantic girl from about his + neck and stepped forward, putting himself between father and daughter. He + was not taking sensible thought in the matter; he was prompted by an + instinctive impulse to protect her. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had no word ready at his tongue's end, and Mar-ston's anathema was + muffled and incoherent. The girl's rash act had tipped over the sane and + manly self-possession of both of them. The captain was too bewildered to + comprehend the full enormity of his action in standing guard over the + daughter of Julius Marston, as if she needed protection on her father's + quarter-deck. He did not move to one side of the alley when Marston jerked + an impatient gesture. + </p> + <p> + “I want to say that I am wholly to blame, sir,” he faltered. “I hope you + will overlook—” + </p> + <p> + “Are you presuming to discuss my daughter's insanity with me?” He noticed + that the sailors were preparing to hoist the tender to the davits. “Drop + that boat back into the water!” he shouted. There was an ugly rasp in his + voice, and for a moment it seemed as if he were about to lose control of + himself. Then he set a check on his temper and tongue, though his face was + deathly white and his eyes were as hard as marbles. Resolve to end further + exhibition in this incredible business dominated his wrathful shame. + </p> + <p> + “If you will set us ashore—” pleaded Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Get back into that boat, you and your gang, whatever it is!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marston, this young woman needs—” + </p> + <p> + “Get into that boat, or I'll have the bunch of you thrown overboard!” The + owner spoke in low tones, but his furious determination was apparent. + </p> + <p> + “We will go without being thrown, sir. Will you order us set aboard that + fisherman?” He pointed to the little schooner which was almost within + hailing distance. + </p> + <p> + “Get off! I don't care where you go!” He crowded past Mayo, seized his + daughter's arm, and led her aft. + </p> + <p> + She seemed to have expended all her determination in her sensational + outburst. + </p> + <p> + The captain met her pleading gaze as she turned to leave. “It's for the + best,” he declared, bravely. “I'll make good!” + </p> + <p> + The pathetic castaways from the <i>Polly</i> made a little group at the + gangway, standing close to the rail, as if they feared to step upon the + white deck. Mate McGaw intercepted Mayo as he was about to join them. + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't I better stretch Section Two of the collision act a mite and scare + him with the prospect of a thousand-dollar fine?” asked the mate, eagerly. + “My glory, Captain Mayo, I'm so weak I can hardly stand up! Who'd have + thought it?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll go aboard the schooner, Mr. McGaw. It's the place for us.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe it is, but I'll speak up if you say the word, and make him set you + ashore—even if I leave along with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your job, sir. Will you pick up my few little belongings in my + stateroom and bring them to me, Mr. McGaw? I'd better stay here on deck + with my friends.” He emphasized the last word, and Captain Candage gave + him a grateful look. “I'm sorry, mates! I can't say any more!” Captain + Mayo did not allow himself to make further comment on the melancholy + situation. The others were silent; the affair was out of their reckoning; + they had no words to fit the case. Polly Candage stood looking out to sea. + He had hoped that she would give him a glance of understanding sympathy, + at least. But she did not, not even when he helped her down the steps into + the tender. + </p> + <p> + Mate McGaw came with the captain's bag and belongings, and promptly + received orders from the owner from the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + “Go on to the bridge and hail that schooner. Tell her we are headed for + New York and can't be bothered by these persons!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. McGaw grasped Mayo's hand in farewell, and then he hurried to his + duty. His megaphoned message echoed over their heads while the tender was + on its way. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir!” returned the fishing-skipper, with hearty bellow. “Glad to + help sailors in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “And that shows you—” blurted Captain Candage, and stopped his say + in the middle of his outburst when his daughter shoved a significant fist + against his ribs. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo turned his head once while the tender was hastening toward + the schooner. But there were no women in sight on the yacht's deck. There + was an instant's flutter of white from a stateroom port, but he was not + sure whether it was a handkerchief or the end of a wind-waved curtain. He + faced about resolutely and did not look behind again. Shame, misery, + hopelessness—he did not know which emotion was stinging him most + poignantly. The oarsmen in the tender were gazing upward innocently while + they rowed, but he perceived that they were hiding grins. His humiliation + in that amazing fashion would be the forecastle jest. Through him these + new friends of his had been subjected to insult. He felt that he + understood what Polly Candage's silence meant. + </p> + <p> + The next moment he felt the pat of a little hand on the fist he was + clenching on his knee. + </p> + <p> + “Poor boy!” she whispered. “I understand! It will come out right if you + don't lose courage.” + </p> + <p> + But she was not looking at him when he gave her a quick side-glance. + </p> + <p> + The fisherman had come into the wind, rocking on the long swell, dingy + sails flapping, salt-stained sides dipping and flashing wet gleams as she + rolled. Her men were rigging a ladder over the side. + </p> + <p> + “I want to say whilst we're here together and there's time to say it,” + announced Captain Candage, “that we are one and all mighty much obliged + for that invite you gave us to come aboard the yacht, sir, and we all know + that if—well, if things had been different from what they was you + would have used us all right. And what I might say about yachts and the + kind of critters that own 'em I ain't a-going to say.” + </p> + <p> + “You are improving right along, father,” observed Polly Candage, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Still, I have my own idees on the subject. But that's neither here nor + there. You're a native and I'm a native, and I want ye should just look at + that face leaning over the lee rail, there, and then say that now we know + that we're among real friends.” + </p> + <p> + It was a rubicund and welcoming countenance under the edge of a rusty + black oilskin sou'wester hat, and the man was manifestly the skipper. + Every once in a while he flourished his arm encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + “Hearty welcome aboard the <i>Reuben and Esther</i>,” he called out when + the tender swung to the foot of the ladder. “What schooner is she, there?” + </p> + <p> + “Poor old <i>Polly</i>,” stated the master, first up the ladder. In his + haste to greet the fishing-skipper he left his daughter to the care of + Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “That's too bad—too bad!” clucked the fishing-skipper, full measure + of sympathy in his demeanor. “She was old, but she was able, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “And here's another poor Polly,” stated Captain Candage. “I was fool + enough to take her out of a good home for a trip to sea.” + </p> + <p> + The skipper ducked salute. “Make yourself to home, miss. Go below. House + is yours!” + </p> + <p> + Then the schooner lurched away on her shoreward tack, and the insolent + yacht marched off down across the shimmering waves. + </p> + <p> + Mayo shook hands with the solicitous fisherman in rather dreamy and + indifferent fashion. He realized that he was faint with hunger, but he + refused to eat. Fatigue and grief demanded their toll in more imperious + fashion than hunger. He lay down in the sun in the lee alley, put his head + on his crossed arms, and blessed sleep blotted out his bitter thoughts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI ~ A VOICE FROM HUE AND CRY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But when the money's all gone and spent, + And there's none to be borrowed and none to be lent, + In comes old Grouchy with a frown, + Saying, “Get up, Jack, let John sit down.” + For it's now we're outward bound, + Hur-rah, we're outward bound! + —Song of the Dog and Bell. +</pre> + <p> + Captain Mayo, when he woke, had it promptly conveyed to him that + hospitality on board the <i>Reuben and Esther</i> had watchful eyes. While + he was rubbing feeling back into his stiffened limbs, sitting there in the + lee alley, the cook came lugging a pot of hot coffee and a plate heaped + with food. + </p> + <p> + “Thought you'd rather have it here than in the cuddy. The miss is asleep + in the house,” whispered the cook. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage came to Mayo while the latter was eating and sat down on + the deck. Gloom had settled on the schooner's master. “I don't want to + bother you with my troubles, seeing that you've got aplenty of your own, + sir. But I'm needing a little advice. I have lost a schooner that has been + my home ever since I was big enough to heave a dunnage-bag over the rail, + and not a cent of insurance. Insurance would have et up all my profits. + What do you think of my chances to make a dollar over and above providing + I hire a tugboat and try to salvage?” + </p> + <p> + “According to my notion your chances would be poor, sir. Claims in such + cases usually eat up all a craft is worth. Besides, you may find those + yachtsmen on your back for damages, providing you get her in where she can + be libeled.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't wonder a mite,” admitted Captain Can-dage. “The more some + folks have the more they keep trying to git.” + </p> + <p> + “I was looking her bottom over while we sat there, and it must be owned up + that her years have told on her.” + </p> + <p> + “I hate to let her go.” + </p> + <p> + “That's natural, sir. But I have an idea that she will be reported as a + menace to navigation, and that a coastguard cutter will blow her up before + you can get around to make your salvage arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + “When a man is down they all jump on him.” + </p> + <p> + “I can agree with you there,” affirmed Captain Mayo, mournfully. + </p> + <p> + “She showed grit—that girl,” ventured Candage, giving the other man + keen survey from under his grizzled brows. + </p> + <p> + “I must ask you to furl sail on that subject, sir,” snapped Mayo, with + sailor bluntness. + </p> + <p> + “I only said it complimentary. Lots of times girls have more grit than + they are given credit for. You think they're just girls, and then you find + out that they are hero-ines! I thought I had some grit, but my own Polly + has shamed me. I was just down watching her—she's asleep in Cap'n + Sinnett's bunk. Made the tears come up into my eyes, sir, to ponder on + what she has been through on account of my cussed foolishness. Of course, + you haven't been told. But confession is good for a man, and I'm going to + own up. I took her with me to get her away from a fellow who is courting + her.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not offer comment. He wanted to advise the skipper to keep still + on that subject, too. + </p> + <p> + “I don't say he ain't good enough for her. Maybe he is. But I 'ain't been + realizing that she has growed up. When I found she was being courted it + was like hitting a rock in a fairway. You are young, and you are around + consid'able and know the actions of young folks. What's your advice?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything about the circumstances, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “But speaking generally,” insisted Captain Candage. “I want to do what's + right. There ain't many I can bring myself to ask. I'm a poor old fool, + I'm afraid. Won't you kind of grab in on this, Captain Mayo? I do need a + little advice.” His rough hands trembled on his knees. + </p> + <p> + “If the young man is worthy—is the right sort,” returned Mayo, in + gentler tones, “I think you are making a great mistake by interfering.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go look that young fellow over—re-survey him, as ye might + say,” stated the skipper, after a moment's meditation. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know your daughter very well, sir, but I have much faith in her + judgment. If I were you I'd allow her to pick her own husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks for that advice. I know it comes from a man who has shown that he + knows exactly what to do in emergencies. I have changed my mind about her + being courted, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Honest love isn't a question of money, Captain Candage. Many good girls + are ruined by—” He was speaking bitterly and he checked himself. + “Where is Captain Sinnett going to set us ashore?” + </p> + <p> + “Maquoit. He is going to take his fish to the big market. But he said he + would set us ashore anywhere, and so I said Maquoit. I might as well be + there as anywhere till I know what I'm going to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Same thing holds good for me, I suppose. I don't feel like going to the + city just yet.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Sinnett came rolling into the alley, and when Mayo started to + thank him for the trouble he was taking he raised in genial protest a hand + which resembled in spread a split codfish. + </p> + <p> + “Trouble! It ain't trouble. Was going to call into Maquoit to ice up, + anyway. I know my manners even if them yachting fellows didn't.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage preserved the demeanor of innocence under Mayo's scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + “I've missed you off the fishing-grounds—didn't know you had gone on + to a yacht, sir,” pursued Captain Sinnett. “Hope to see you back into the + fishing business again; that is, providing you don't go on one of them + beam trawlers that are hooking up the bottom of the Atlantic and sp'iling + the thing entire for us all.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you about the trawler; that's why I quit. And as to + yachting, I think I'll go after a real man's job, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “So do! You'll be contenteder,” replied the other, significance in his + tones. + </p> + <p> + Mayo knew that his secret had been exposed, but he had no relish for an + argument with Captain Candage on the subject of garrulity. He finished his + coffee and went forward where the fishermen were coiling the gang-lines + into the tubs. + </p> + <p> + The fisherman made port at Maquoit late in the afternoon, and was warped + to her berth at the ice-house wharf. + </p> + <p> + The castaways went ashore. + </p> + <p> + Maquoit was a straggling hamlet at the head of a cove which nicked the + coast-line. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage, an Apple-treer, who knew every hole alongshore where + refuge from stress of weather was afforded, led his party through the + village with confidence. + </p> + <p> + “There's a widder here who will put us up for what time we want to stay—and + be glad of the money. I knowed her husband in the coasting trade. I like + to get into a place like this that 'ain't been sp'iled by them cussed + rusticators and the prices they are willing to pay,” he confided to Mayo. + He slyly exhibited a wallet that was stuffed with paper money. “I ain't + busted, but there's no sense in paying more 'n five dollars a week + anywhere for vittles and bed. She will make plenty off'n us at that rate. + You just let me do the dickering.” + </p> + <p> + The widow proved to be a kindly soul who, in the first excitement of her + sympathetic nature, resolutely refused to consider the matter of any + payment whatever. + </p> + <p> + “You are shipwrecked, and my poor husband's body wouldn't rest quiet + wherever it is in the Atlantic Ocean if I grabbed money from shipwrecked + folks.” + </p> + <p> + However, in the end, Captain Candage worked her up from three dollars to + five per week, and she took Polly Candage into her heart and into the best + chamber. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo came back to supper after a moody stroll about the village. + Skipper Candage was patrolling the widow's front yard and was exhibiting + more cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + “It's God's Proverdunce and your grit that has saved us, sir. I have come + out of my numb condition and sense it all. What's your plans?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't seem to be able to make any just yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to stay right here for a spell, and shall keep Dolph and Otie + with me. We shall be here on the coast where we can hear of something to + grab in on. As soon as Polly gets straightened around I'll let her go home + to her aunt. But, of course, hanging around here doesn't offer you any + attractions, sir. You're looking for bigger game than we are.” + </p> + <p> + “I have about made up my mind to leave in the morning on the stage. I'll + go somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + The widow tapped her knuckles on the glass of a near-by window. “Supper!” + she announced. “Hurry in whilst it's hot!” + </p> + <p> + “I always do my best pondering on a full stomach,” said Captain Candage. + “And I smell cream-o'-tartar biskits and I saw her hulling field + strorb'ries. Better look on the bright side of things along with me, + Captain Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo failed to find any bright side as he turned his affairs over + in his mind. He had only a meager stock of money. He had used his modest + earnings in settling the debts of the family estate. The outlook for + employment was vague—he could not estimate to what extent the + hostility of Julius Marston might block his efforts, provided the magnate + troubled himself to descend to meddle with the affairs of such an + inconspicuous person. His poor little romance with Alma Marston had been + left in a shocking condition. He did not talk at the supper-table, and the + widow's wholesome food was like ashes in his mouth. He went out and sat on + the porch of the widow's cottage and looked into the sunset and saw + nothing in its rosy hues to give him encouragement for his own future. + </p> + <p> + Polly Candage came timidly and sat down beside him. “Father says you think + of leaving in the morning!” + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing for me here.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably not.” + </p> + <p> + A long silence followed. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you don't care to have me talk to you, Captain Mayo?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll listen to you gratefully, any time.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm only a country girl. I don't know how to say it—how to tell you + I'm so sorry for you!” + </p> + <p> + “That one little pat on my hand to-day, it was better than words.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all I can think about—your unhappiness.” + </p> + <p> + “That touches me because I know that you have enough sorrow of your own.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorrow!” She opened her eyes wide. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I have no business speaking of it,” he returned, with + considerable embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “And yet I have been so bold as to speak to you!” + </p> + <p> + There was a touch of reproach in her voice, and therefore he ventured: + “Your father told me—I tried to stop him, but he went on and said—Well, + I understand! But I have some consolation for you and I'm going to speak + out. He says he is going to allow you to marry your young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he dare to talk such matters over with you?” + </p> + <p> + “He insisted on doing it—on asking my advice. So I advised in a way + to help you. I am glad, for your sake, that he is coming to his senses.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you for your help,” she said, stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “Of course it's none of my business. I'm sorry he told me. But I wish you + all happiness.” + </p> + <p> + She rose as if to go away. Then she stamped her foot and sat down. “My + father ought to be muzzled!” + </p> + <p> + She realized that he might misinterpret her indignation, for he said: “I'm + ashamed because I meddled in your affairs. But from what you saw to-day in + my case, I felt that I ought to help others who are in the same trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “But my father has mistaken my—” She broke off in much confusion, + not understanding the queer look he gave her. “I—I am glad my father + is coming to his senses and will allow me to—to—marry the + young man,” she stammered. “And now I think I may be allowed to say that I + hope you may have the girl you love, some day. Would you like to have me + talk to you about her—how dear and pretty I think she is?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it hurts! But I do want you to know, Miss Can-dage, that I'm not out + fortune-hunting. I love her for herself—just herself—nothing + more!” + </p> + <p> + “I know it must be so.” + </p> + <p> + “And I know that a young man you would choose is worthy of you. I told + your father—” + </p> + <p> + “No matter. <i>That</i> hurts, too! We both understand. We'll leave it + there!” + </p> + <p> + After the declaration of that truce they were frankly at ease and began to + chat with friendly freedom. The dusk came shading into the west, the + evening star dripped silver light. + </p> + <p> + “It's a peaceful spot here,” she suggested. “Everybody seems to be + contented.” + </p> + <p> + “Contentment—in a rut—that may be the best way of passing this + life, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you were in the rut, Captain Mayo, you might find that contentment + would not agree to come and live with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably it wouldn't! I'd have to be born to the life here like this chap + who is coming up the hill. You can see that he isn't worrying about + himself or the world outside.” + </p> + <p> + The man was clumping slowly along in his rubber boots; an old cap was + slewed awry on his head, its peak drawn down over one ear. He cocked up + the other ear at sound of voices on the porch and loafed up and sat down + on the edge of the boarding. Captain Mayo and the girl, accustomed to + bland indifference to formality in rural neighborhoods, accepted this + interruption without surprise or protest. + </p> + <p> + “'Tain't a bad night as nights go,” stated the caller. + </p> + <p> + “It's a beautiful night,” said Polly Candage. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon it seems so to you, after what you went through. I've been + harking to your father telling the yarn down to the store.” + </p> + <p> + They did not reply, having their own ideas as to Captain Candage's + loquacity. + </p> + <p> + The caller hauled a plug of tobacco from his pocket, gnawed off a chew, + and began slow wagging of his jaws. “This world is full of trouble,” he + observed, + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be,” agreed Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Them what's down get kicked further down.” + </p> + <p> + “Also true, in many cases.” + </p> + <p> + “Take your case! It's bad. But our'n is worse!” The caller pointed to the + dim bulk of a small island which the cove held between the bold jaws of + its headland. “The old sir who named that Hue and Cry Island must have + smelt into the future so as to know what was going to happen there some + day—and this is the day!” He chewed on, and his silence became + irritating. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what has happened?” demanded the captain. + </p> + <p> + “It hasn't happened just yet—it's going to.” + </p> + <p> + Further silence. + </p> + <p> + “Tell us what's going to happen, can't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I can, now that you have asked me. I ain't no hand to butt in. + I ain't no hand to do things unless I'm asked. There's seventeen fam'lies + of us on Hue and Cry and they've told us to get off.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you?” + </p> + <p> + “The state! Some big bugs come along and said the Governor sent 'em, and + they showed papers and we've got to go.” + </p> + <p> + “But I know about Hue and Cry!” protested Mayo. “You people have lived + there for years!” + </p> + <p> + “Sure have! My grandfather was one of the first settlers. Most all of us + who live there had grandfathers who settled the place. But according to + what is told us, some heirs have found papers what say that they own the + island. The state bought out the heirs. Now the state says get off. We're + only squatters, state says.” + </p> + <p> + “But, good Caesar, man, you have squatter rights after all these years. + Hire a lawyer. Fight the case!” + </p> + <p> + “We ain't fighters. 'Ain't got no money—'ain't got no friends. Might + have fit plain heirs, but you can't fight the state—leastways, poor + cusses like us can't.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's the problem! That's what made me say that this world is + full of trouble. You see, we have taken town help in years past—had + to do it or starve winters. And we have had state aid, too. They say that + makes paupers of us. Every town round about has served notice that we + can't settle there and gain pauper residence. Hue and Cry 'ain't ever been + admitted to any town. Towns say, seeing that the state has ordered us off, + now let the state take care of us.” + </p> + <p> + “And men have been here, representing the state?” + </p> + <p> + “You bet they have.” + </p> + <p> + “What do they say?” + </p> + <p> + “Say get off! But they won't let us settle on the main. Looks like they + wanted us to go up in balloons. But we hain't got no balloons. Got to + move, though.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard of such a thing!” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I, neither,” admitted this man, with a sort of calm numbness of + discouragement. “But that ain't anyways surprising. We don't hear much + about anything on Hue and Cry till they come and tell us. Speaking for + myself, I ain't so awful much fussed up. I've got a house-bo't to take my + wife and young ones on, and we'll keep on digging clams for trawlers—sixty + cents a bucket, shucked, and we can dig and shuck a bucket a day, all + hands turning to. We won't starve. But I pity the poor critters that + 'ain't got a house-bo't. Looks like they'd need wings. I ain't worrying a + mite, I say. I had the best house on the island, and the state has allowed + a hundred and fifty dollars for it. I consider I'm well fixed.” + </p> + <p> + The plutocrat of the unhappy tribe of Hue and Cry rose and stretched with + a comfortable grunt. + </p> + <p> + “If it ain't one thing it's another,” he said, as he started off. “We've + got to have about so much trouble, anyway, and it might just as well be + this as anything else.” % + </p> + <p> + “Why, that's an awful thing to happen to those people!” declared the girl. + “I must say, he takes it calmly.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a fair sample of some of the human jellyfish I have found hidden + away in odd corners on this coast,” stated Captain Mayo. “Not enough mind + or spirit left to fight for his own protection. But this thing is almost + unbelievable. It can't be possible that the state is gunning an affair + like this! I'll find somebody who knows more about it than that + clam-digging machine!” + </p> + <p> + A little later a man strolled past, hands behind his back. He was placidly + smoking a cigar, and, though the dusk had deepened, Mayo could perceive + that he was attired with some pretensions to city smartness. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir,” called the young man. “But do you know anything + about the inwardness of this business on Hue and Cry Island?” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell you <i>all</i> about it,” stated the person who had been + hailed. He sauntered up and sat down on the edge of the porch. He showed + the air of a man who was killing time. “I'm in charge of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not of putting those people off the island?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure! That's what I'm here for. I'm state agent on pauper affairs, acting + for the Governor and Council.” + </p> + <p> + “You say the state is back of this?” demanded Mayo, incredulously. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! It's a matter that the state was obliged to take up. State has + bought that island from the real heirs, has ordered off those squatters, + and we shall burn down their shacks and clear the land up. Of course, we + allow heads of families some cash for their houses, if you can call 'em + houses. That's under the law regulating squatter improvements. But + improvements is a polite word for the buildings on that island. It is + going to cost us good money to clear up for that New York party who has + made an offer to the state—he's going to use the island for a summer + estate.” + </p> + <p> + He flicked the ashes from his cigar and broke in on Mayo's indignant + retort. + </p> + <p> + “It had to be done, sir. They have intermarried till a good many of the + children are fools. The men are breaking into summer cottages, after the + owners leave in the fall. They steal everything on the main that isn't + nailed down. They have set false beacons in the winter, and have wrecked + coasters. Every little while some city newspaper has written them up as + wild men, and it has given the state a bad name. We're going to break up + the nest.” + </p> + <p> + “But where will they go?” + </p> + <p> + “Fools to the state school for the feeble-minded, cripples to the + poorhouse. The able-bodied will have to get out and go to work at + something honest.” + </p> + <p> + “But, look here, my dear sir! Those poor devils are starting out with too + much of a handicap. After three generations on that island they don't know + how to get a living on the main.” + </p> + <p> + “That's their own lookout, not the state's! State doesn't guarantee to + give shiftless folks a living.” + </p> + <p> + “How about using a little common sense in the case of such people?” + </p> + <p> + “You are not making this affair your business, are you?” asked the + commissioner, with acerbity. + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Better not; and you'd better not say too much to <i>me!</i>” He rose and + dusted off his trousers. “I have investigated for the Governor and Council + and they are acting on my recommendations. You might just as well advise + nursing and coddling a nest of brown-tail moths—and we are spending + good money to kill off moths. We don't propose to encourage the breeding + of thieves. We are not keeping show places of this sort along the coast + for city folks to talk about and run down the state after they go back + home. It hurts state business!” He marched away. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo strode up and down the porch and muttered some emphatic + opinions in regard to the intellects and doings of rulers. + </p> + <p> + “You see, I know the sort of people who live on that island, Miss Candage. + I have seen other cases alongshore. They are blamed for what they don't + know—and what they are led into. Amateur missionaries will load them + down in a spasm of summer generosity with a lot of truck and make them + think that the world owes them a living. The poor devils haven't wit + enough to look ahead. When it comes winter they are starving—and + when children are hungry and cold a man will tackle a proposition that is + more dangerous than a summer cottage locked up for the winter. Next comes + along some chap like that state agent, who prides himself on being + straight business and no favors! He puts the screws to 'em! There's nobody + to help those folks in the real and the right way. I pity them!” + </p> + <p> + “I live in the country and I know how unfeeling the boards of selectmen + are in many of the pauper cases. When it's a matter of saving money for + the voters and making a good town record, they don't care much how poor + folks get along.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo continued to patrol the porch. “I'm in a rather rebellious state of + mind just now, I reckon,” he admitted. “Seems to me that a lot of folks, + including myself, are getting kicked. I'm smarting! I have a + fellow-feeling for the oppressed.” He laughed, but there was no merriment + in his tones. “It's the little children who will suffer most in this, Miss + Candage,” he went on. “They are not to blame—they don't understand.” + </p> + <p> + “And of course nothing can be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing sensible, I'm afraid.” He walked to and fro for many minutes. + “You see, it's none of my business,” he commented, when he came and sat + down beside her. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there's not one man in the world to step forward and say a good + word for them,” said the girl, softly, uttering her thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Words wouldn't amount to anything—with the machinery of the state + grinding away so merrily as it is. But this matter is stirring my + curiosity a little, Miss Candage. That's because I am one of the oppressed + myself, I reckon.” Again his mirthless chuckle. “I intended to take the + stage out of here in the morning, but I have an idea that I'll stay over + and see what happens when that gentleman who represents our grand old + state proceeds to scatter those folks to the four winds.” + </p> + <p> + “I was hoping you would stay over, Captain Mayo.” She declared that with + frank delight. + </p> + <p> + “But you don't expect me to do anything, of course!” + </p> + <p> + “It's not that. You see, I'd like to go down to the island and—and + father is so odd he might not be willing to escort me,” she explained, + trying to be matter-of-fact, her air showing that she regretted her + outburst. + </p> + <p> + “I volunteer, here and now.” + </p> + <p> + She rose and put out her hand to him. “I have not thanked you for saving + my life—saving us all, Captain Mayo. It is too holy a matter to be + profaned by any words. But here is my hand—like a friend—like + a sister—no”—she held herself straight and looked him full in + the face through the gloom and tightened her hold on his fingers—“like + a man!” + </p> + <p> + He returned her earnest finger-clasp and released her hand when her + pressure slackened. That sudden spirit, the suggestion that she desired to + assume the attitude of man to man with him, seemed to vanish from her with + the release of her fingers. + </p> + <p> + She quavered her “Good night!” There was even a hint of a sob. Then she + ran into the house. + </p> + <p> + Mayo stared after her, wrinkling his forehead for a moment, as if he had + discovered some new vagary in femininity to puzzle him. Then he resumed + his patrol with the slow stride of the master mariner. Hue and Cry raised + dim bulk in the harbor jaws, showing no glimmer of light. It was barren, + treeless, a lump of land which towns had thrust from them and which county + boundaries had not taken in. He admitted that the state had good reasons + for desiring to change conditions on Hue and Cry, but this callous, brutal + uprooting of helpless folks who had been attached to that soil through + three generations was so senselessly radical that his resentment was + stirred. It was swinging from the extreme of ill-considered indulgence to + that of utter cruelty, and the poor devils could not in the least + understand! + </p> + <p> + “There seem to be other things than a spiked martingale which can pick a + man up and keep him away from his own business,” he mused. “What fool + notion possesses me to go out there to-morrow I cannot understand. + However, I can go and look on without butting into stuff that's no affair + of mine.” + </p> + <p> + Two men were shuffling past in the road. In the utter silence of that + summer night their conversation carried far. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, as I was saying, there he lays dead! When I was with him on the + <i>Luther Briggs</i> he fell from the main crosstrees, broke both legs and + one arm, and made a dent in the deck, and he got well. And a week ago, + come to-morrow, he got a sliver under his thumb, and there he lays dead.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the way it often is in life. Whilst a man is looking up into the sky + so as to see the big things and dodge 'em, he goes to work and stubs his + toe over a knitting-needle.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right,” Captain Mayo informed himself; “but I can't seem to help + myself, somehow!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII ~ NO PLACE POR THE SOLES OP THEIR FEET + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Don't you hear the old man roaring, Johnny, + One more day? Don't you hear that pilot bawling, + One more day? Only one more day, my Johnny, + One more day! O come rock and roll me over, + One more day. + —Windlass Song. +</pre> + <p> + When the subject of the proposed expedition to Hue and Cry was broached at + the breakfast-table, Captain Epps Candage displayed prompt interest. + </p> + <p> + “It's going to be a good thing for the section round about here—roust + 'em off! Heard 'em talking it over down to Rowley's store last evening. + I'll go along with you and see it done.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo and Polly Candage exchanged looks and refrained from comment. It was + evident that Captain Candage reflected the utilitarian view of Maquoit. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had put off that hateful uniform of Marston's yacht, and the girl + gave him approving survey when he appeared that morning in his shore suit + of quiet gray. With the widow's ready aid Polly Candage had made her own + attire presentable once more. When they walked down to the shore she + smiled archly at Mayo from under the brim of a very fetching straw poke. + </p> + <p> + “I ran down to the general store early and bought a boy's hat,” she + explained. “I trimmed it myself. You know, I'm a milliner's apprentice. + Does it do my training credit?” + </p> + <p> + He was somewhat warm in his assurances that it did. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to be pleased by your praise,” she said, demurely, “because women + wear hats for men's approval, and if my customers go home and hear such + nice words from their husbands my business career is sure to be a + success.” + </p> + <p> + “Your business career?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir!” She bobbed a little courtesy. “I have money, sir! Money + of my own. Five thousand dollars in the bank, if you please! Oh, you need + not stare at me. I did not earn it. My dear mother's sister left it to me + in her will. And some day when you are walking down the city street you'll + see a little brass sign—very bright, very neat—and there'll be + 'Polly' on it. Then you may come up and call on the great milliner—that + will be this person, now so humble.” + </p> + <p> + “But that young man!” he protested, smiling at her gaiety. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that young man?” She wrinkled her nose. Then she flushed, conscious + that he was a bit surprised at her tone of disdain. “Why, he will wear a + frock-coat and a flower in the buttonhole and will bow in my customers. + You didn't think my young man was a farmer-boy, did you?” + </p> + <p> + She hurried ahead of him to the beach, where her father was waiting with + his men. Captain Candage had borrowed a dory for the trip. He installed + himself in the stern with the steer-oar, and the young man and the girl + sat together on the midship seat. The skipper listened to their chat with + bland content. + </p> + <p> + “There's a fellow that's one of our kind, and he ain't trying to court my + girl,” he had confided to Mr. Speed. “He is spoke for and she knows it. + And under them circumstances I believe in encouraging young folks to be + sociable.” + </p> + <p> + It was still early morning when they arrived at the island, but the state + agent was there ahead of them. They saw him walking briskly about among + the scattered houses, puffing on his cigar. + </p> + <p> + He was making domiciliary visits and was transacting business in a loud + tone of voice. That business was paying over the money which the state had + allowed for “squatter improvements.” In the case of the settlers on Hue + and Cry the sums were mere pittances; their improvements consisted of + tottering shacks, erected from salvaged flotsam of the ocean and patched + over and over with tarred paper. + </p> + <p> + There was only one building on the island which deserved + </p> + <p> + the name of dwelling; from this their communicative caller of the + preceding evening was removing his scant belongings. His wife and children + were helping. He set down a battered table when he met Mayo and his party. + </p> + <p> + “I'm the only citizen who can get away early and—as you might call + it—respectable, gents. I took my hundred and fifty and bought that + house-bo't out there.” It was an ancient scow, housed over, and evidently + had grown venerable in service as a floating fish-market. “They can't + drive me off'n the Atlantic Ocean! The others 'ain't woke up to a + reelizing sense that they have got to go and that this all means business! + I'm getting away early or else they'd all be trying to climb aboard my + bo't like the folks wanted to do to Noah's ark when they see that the + flood wasn't just a shower.” He lifted his table upon his head and marched + on, leading his flock. + </p> + <p> + All the population of the island was out of doors. The women and the + children were idling in groups; the men were listlessly following the + commissioner on his rounds. No spirit of rebelliousness was evident. The + men acted more like inquisitive sheep. They were of that abject variety of + poor whites who accept the rains from heaven and bow to the reign of + authority with the same unquestioning resignation. + </p> + <p> + But Mayo discovered promptly an especial reason for the calmness exhibited + by these men. Their slow minds had not wakened to full comprehension. + </p> + <p> + “What do you men propose to do?” demanded Captain Mayo of a group which + had abandoned the commissioner and had strolled over to inspect the + new-comers. + </p> + <p> + “There ain't nothing we can do,” stated a spokesman. + </p> + <p> + “But don't you understand that this man is here with full power from the + state to put you off this island?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they have threated us before. But something has allus come up. We + haven't been driv' off.” + </p> + <p> + “But this time it's going to happen! Why don't you wake up? Where are you + going?” + </p> + <p> + “That's for somebody else to worry about. This ain't any of our picking + and choosing.” + </p> + <p> + “What's the use of trying to beat anything sensible through the shells of + them quahaugs?” snarled Captain Candage, with 'longcoast scorn for the + inefficient. + </p> + <p> + “Not much use, I'm afraid,” acknowledged the young man. “But look at the + children!” + </p> + <p> + Those pathetic waifs of Hue and Cry were huddled apart, dumb with terror + which their elders made no attempt to calm. They were ragged, pitiful, + wistful urchins; lads with pinched faces, poor little snippets of girls. + Their childish imaginations made of the affair a tragedy which they could + not understand. Under their arms they held frightened cats, helpless + kittens, or rag dolls. The callous calm of the men mystified them; the + weeping of their mothers made their miserable fear more acute. They stared + from face to face, trying to comprehend. + </p> + <p> + “What can I say to them?” asked Polly Candage, in a whisper. “It's wicked. + They are so frightened.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps something can be done with that agent. I'm trying to think up + something to say to him,” Mayo told her. + </p> + <p> + An old man, a very old man, sat on an upturned clamhod and yawled a + discordant miserere on a fiddle. His eyes were wide open and sightless. A + woman whose tattered skirt only partly concealed the man's trousers and + rubber boots which she wore, occasionally addressed him as “father.” She + was piling about him a few articles of furniture which she was lugging out + of their home; that house was the upper part of a schooner's cabin—something + the sea had cast up on Hue and Cry. She was obliged to bend nearly double + in order to walk about in the shelter. Dogs slinked between the feet of + their masters, canine instinct informing them that something evil was + abroad that day. The children staring wide-eyed and white-faced, the + weeping women, the cowed men who shuffled and mumbled! Among them strode + the god of the machine, curt, contemptuous, puffing his cigar! He came + past Captain Mayo and his friends. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir,” called the captain; “but are you sure that you + are doing this thing just right?” + </p> + <p> + “Let's see—if I remember, I had a little talk with you last night!” + suggested the agent, frostily. “Whom do you represent?” “Myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Just how do you fit into this matter?” “I don't think I do fit—there + seem to be too many sharp corners,” stated Mayo, not liking the other's + insolent manner. “Well, I fit! I have state authority.” “So you have told + me. May I ask you a question?” “Go ahead, but be lively. This is my busy + day.” “These people are being rooted up; they don't seem to know what's to + become of them. What will be done?” + </p> + <p> + “I told you last evening! Fools in an institution; able-bodied must go to + work. The state proposes—” “When you say 'state' just what do you + mean, sir?” “I mean that I have investigated this matter and I'm running + it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I thought! The state usually doesn't know much about what its + agents are doing.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not doubting my authority, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I'm doubting your good judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, my man!” + </p> + <p> + “We'd better not lose our tempers,” advised Mayo, calmly. “You are a state + servant, you say. Then a citizen has a right to talk to you. Let's leave + the state out of this, if you question my right. Man to man, now! You're + wrong.” + </p> + <p> + The population of the island had drawn close circle about them. + </p> + <p> + “That's enough talk from you,” declared the agent, wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + “You are trying to make over all at once what it has taken three + generations to bring about,” insisted Mayo. “You can't do it!” + </p> + <p> + “You watch me and see if I can't! When I transact any business I'm paid to + transact it gets transacted. I might have given these people a few more + days if you had not come sticking your oar in here. But now I propose to + show you! I'll have 'em off here by nightfall, and every shack burned to + the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say you're going to rub it into these poor folks just + because I have tried to say something to help them?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll show you and them that it isn't safe to monkey with the state when + the state gets started.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the state be condemned!” exploded Mayo, feeling his own temper + getting away from him. “This isn't the state—it's a case of a man's + swelled head!” + </p> + <p> + “Get off this island, you and your meddlers,” commanded the agent. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, when we are ready to leave, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo was wondering at his own obstinacy. He knew that a rather boyish + temper, resentment roused by the other man's arrogance, had considerable + to do with his stand in the matter, but underneath there was protest at + the world's injustice. He felt that he had been having personal experience + with that injustice. He knew that he had not come out to Hue and Cry to + volunteer as the champion of these unfortunates, but now that he was there + and had spoken out it was evident that he must allow himself to be forced + into the matter to some extent; the agent had declared in the hearing of + all that this interference had settled the doom of the islanders. Polly + Candage was standing close to the champion, and she looked at him with + eyes that flashed with pride in him and spirit of her own. She reached and + took one of the frightened children by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “If I have been a little hasty in my remarks I apologize,” pleaded the + captain, anxious to repair the fault. “I don't mean to interfere with your + duty. I have no right to do so!” + </p> + <p> + “You hear what your friend says, after getting you into the mess,” shouted + the agent, so that all might hear. “Now he is getting ready to trot away + and leave you in your trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong there, my friend. If you are angry with me, go ahead and + have your quarrel with me. Don't bang at me over the shoulders of these + poor folks. It isn't a square deal.” + </p> + <p> + “They go off to-day—and they go because you have butted into the + matter. The whole of you have got to be shown that the state doesn't stand + for meddlers after orders have been given.” Then he added, with malice: + “You folks better ride this chap down to the beach on a rail. Whatever + happens to you is his fault!” + </p> + <p> + This attempt to shift responsibility as a petty method of retaliation + stirred Mayo's anger in good earnest. + </p> + <p> + The agent was dealing with men who were scarcely more than children in + their estimates of affairs; they muttered among themselves and scowled on + this stranger who had brought their troubles to a climax. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to allow you to get away with that kind of talk, Mr. Agent. + You know perfectly well that people on the main will not hire these men, + even if they <i>are</i> able-bodied. Everybody is down on them. You said + that to me last evening. They will be kicked from pillar to post—from + this town to that! They will be worse than beggars. And they must drag + these women and little children about with them. I will expose this + thing!” + </p> + <p> + “That exposure will sound fine!” sneered the commissioner. “Exposing a + state officer for doing what the Governor and Council have ordered!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ordered on your advice!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it has been ordered! And I'll be backed up! As soon as I can get to + a justice I shall swear out a warrant against you for interfering with a + state officer.” He flung down the stub of his cigar. “Listen, you people! + Get off this island. Anybody who is here at sunset—man, woman, or + child—will be arrested and put in jail for trespassing on state + land. Now you'd all better give three cheers for your meddling friend, + here!” + </p> + <p> + “They have allus let us stay, even when they have threated us before now,” + whimpered a man. “He has poured the fat into the fire for us, that's what + he has done!” He pointed his finger at Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “It's wicked!” gasped the girl. “These poor folks don't know any better, + they are not responsible!” + </p> + <p> + “Say, look here, you folks!” shouted Mr. Speed, who had been holding + himself in with great difficulty. “It's about time for you to wake up!” + </p> + <p> + The plutocrat of the house-boat had come up from the beach and had been + listening. The whimpering man started to speak again, and the magnate of + the island cuffed him soundly; it was plain that this man, who had lived + in the best house, had been a personage of authority in the tribe. + </p> + <p> + “I'm ashamed of the whole caboodle of ye,” he vociferated. “Here's a gent + that's been standing up for us. He's the only man I ever heard say a good + word for us or try to help us! Nobody else in the world ever done it! Take + off your hats and thank him!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm in it!” whispered Mayo to the girl. “For heaven's sake, what am I + going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Do all you can—please, Captain Mayo!” + </p> + <p> + He stepped forward. The agent began to shout. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on, sir!” broke in the captain with quarter-deck air that made for + obedience and attention. “You have had your say! Now I'm going to have + mine. Listen to me, folks! I'm not the man to get my friends into trouble + and then run off and leave 'em. All of you who are kicked out by the state—all + men, women, and children who are ready to go to work—come over to me + on the main at Maquoit with what stuff you can bring in your dories. I'll + be waiting for you there. My name is Boyd Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll remember that name, myself,” declared the angry agent. “You'll be + shown that you can't interfere in a state matter.” + </p> + <p> + “You have turned these folks loose in the world, and I'm going to give 'em + a hand when they come to where I am. If you choose to call that + interference, come on! It will make a fine story in court!” + </p> + <p> + He did not stop to shake the grimy hands which were thrust out to him. He + pushed his way out of the crowd, and his party followed. + </p> + <p> + “Meet me yonder on the main, boys,” he called back with a sailor + heartiness which they understood. “We'll see what can be done!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what in the infernal blazes can be done?” growled Captain Candage, + catching step with the champion. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You can't do nothing any more sensible with them critters than you could + with combined cases of the smallpox and the seven years' itch.” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” cried the girl, reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “I know what I'm talking about! This is dum foolishness!” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo is a noble man! You ought to be ashamed of hanging back when + your help is needed.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't blame you for sassing that skewangled old tywhoopus, sir,” + admitted the old skipper. “I wanted to do it myself. But—” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I don't deserve much praise,” said Mayo. “I've been getting + back at that agent. He made me mad. I'm apt to go off half-cocked like + that.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I, sir—and I'm always sorry for it. We'd better dig out + before that tribe of gazaboos lands on our backs.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not a bit of it! I have given my word, sir. I must see it through.” + </p> + <p> + “But what are you going to do with 'em?” + </p> + <p> + “Blessed if I know right now! When I'm good and mad I don't stop to + think.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I meet 'em for you and tell 'em you have had a sudden death in + your family and have been called away? They won't know the difference,” + volunteered Captain Candage. “And a real death would be lucky for you + beside of what's in store if you hang around.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall hang around, sir. I can't afford to be ashamed of myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you have said quite enough, father,” stated Polly Candage, with + vigor. + </p> + <p> + '“I have heard of adopting families before,” said the irreconcilable one, + “but I never heard of any such wholesale operation as this. I'm thinking + I'll go climb a tree.” + </p> + <p> + They embarked in the dory. Mr. Speed and Dolph splashed their oars and + rowed, exchanging looks and not venturing to offer any comment. + </p> + <p> + “You might auction 'em off to farmers for scarecrows,” pursued Captain + Candage, still worrying the topic as a dog mouths a bone. “They ain't fit + for no more active jobs than that.” + </p> + <p> + “I do hope you'll forgive my father for talking this way,” pleaded Polly + Candage. She raised brimming eyes to the sympathetic gaze of the young man + beside her. “He doesn't understand it the way I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I don't exactly understand it myself,” he protested. + </p> + <p> + “But what you are doing for them?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't done anything as yet except start trouble for them. Now I must + do a little something to square myself.” + </p> + <p> + “There's a reward for good deeds, Captain Mayo, when you help those who + cannot help themselves. I believe what the Bible says about casting bread + on the waters. It will return to you some day!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled down on her enthusiasm tolerantly, but he was far from realizing + then that this pretty girl, whose eyes were so bright behind her tears, + and whose cheeks were flushed with the ardor of her admiration, was + speaking to him with the tongue of a sibyl. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIII ~ A CAPTAIN OP HUMAN FLOTSAM + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O what is that which smells so tarry? + I've nothing in the house that's tarry. + It's a tarry sailor, down below, + Kick him out into the snow! + Doo me axna, dinghy a-a-a ma! + Doo me ama-day! + —Doo Me Ama. +</pre> + <p> + Captain Candage growled and complained so persistently during the trip to + the main that Mayo expected to be deserted by the querulous skipper the + moment the dory's prow touched the beach. But the skipper came dogging at + his heels when Mayo set off up the one street of Maquoit. + </p> + <p> + “May I come along with you?” asked the girl at his side. “I can see that + you are thinking up some plan. I do Hope I may come!” He gave her his aim + for answer. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't been into this port for some time, Captain Candage, but the + last trip I made here, as I remember, a man named Rowley, who runs the + general store, was first selectman.” + </p> + <p> + “Is now,” grunted the skipper. “They've got into the habit of electing him + and can't seem to break off.” + </p> + <p> + When they arrived in front of the store Captain Candage took the lead. + </p> + <p> + “I may as well go in and introduce you, whatever it is you want of him. I + know Rufe Rowley as well as anybody ever gets to know him.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rowley leaned over his counter and acknowledged the introduction with + a flicker of amiability lighting his reserve. But his wan smile faded into + blankness and he clawed his chin beard nervously when Mayo informed him + that he had invited the evicted folks of Hue and Cry to land on the + mainland that day. + </p> + <p> + “As overseer of the poor in this town I can't allow it, Captain Mayo!” + </p> + <p> + “Those people must land somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, of course!” admitted Selectman Rowley. “But not here! I'm + beholden to the taxpayers.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose the officers of all the other towns about here will say the + same?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes! Of course.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you still own that old fish-house?” asked the captain, after + hesitating for a few moments; “the sardine-canning plant?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You're not using it now?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't paying you any revenue, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you ought to be willing to let it pretty cheap—month-to-month + lease!” + </p> + <p> + “Depends on what I'm letting it for.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to stow those poor people in there till I can arrange further for + them, either show the matter up to the state, or get work for them, or + something! Will you let me have it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir!” declared the selectman, with vigor. + </p> + <p> + “It's only monthly lease, I repeat. You can prevent them from getting + pauper residence here, in case none of my plans work.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't want 'em here—won't have 'em! I consider taxpayers first!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't ye ever consider common, ordinary, human decency?” roared Captain + Epps Candage. + </p> + <p> + It was astonishing interruption. Its violence made it startling. Mayo + whirled and stared amazedly at this new recruit. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage yanked his fat wallet from his pocket and dammed it down + on the counter with a bang which made the selectman's eyes snap. + </p> + <p> + “You know <i>me</i>, Rowley! We've got the money to pay for what we order + and contract for. Them folks ain't paupers so long as we stand be-hind + 'em. We are bringing 'em ashore, here, because it's right to help 'em get + onto their feet. Hold on, Captain Mayo; you let me talk to Rowley! Him and + me know how to get sociable in a business talk!” + </p> + <p> + However, Captain Candage seemed to be seeking sociability by bellowing + ferociously, thudding his hard fist on the counter. Mayo was not easily + surprised by the temperamental vagaries of queer old 'longcoast crabs like + Captain Candage, but this sudden conversion did take away his breath. + </p> + <p> + “When a close and partickler friend of mine, like this one I've just + introduced, comes to you all polite and asks a favor, I want general + politeness all around or I'll know the reason why,” shouted the + intermediary. “Look-a-here, Rowley, you pretend to be a terrible Christian + sort of a man. When I have been fog-bound here I've tended out on + prayer-meetings, and I have heard you holler like a good one about dying + grace and salvation is free. I've never heard you say much about living + charity that costs something!” + </p> + <p> + “I claim to be a Christian man,” faltered Rowley, backing away from the + banging fist. + </p> + <p> + “Then act like one. If you don't do it, blast your pelt, I'll post you for + a heathen from West Quoddy to Kittery!” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, my dad!” whispered the girl, snuggling close to the + skipper's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Furthermore, Rowley, besides paying you a fair rental for that old + fish-house we'll buy grub for them poor devils out of your store.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rowley caressed his beard and blinked. + </p> + <p> + “They're like empty nail-kags, and they'll eat a lot of vittles and we've + got the money to pay!” + </p> + <p> + “I have a wallet of my own,” stated Captain Mayo. He had not recovered + from his amazement at the sudden shift about of Captain Candage. After all + the sullen growling he had been tempted to ask the old skipper to stop + tagging him about on his errand of mercy. + </p> + <p> + “Hear that, Rowley? This is the best friend I've got in the whole world! + Brought him in here! Introduced him to you! Here's my daughter! + Interested, too! Now, whatever you say, you'd better be sure that you pick + the right words.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm always ready to help friends,” stated Mr. Rowley. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and do business in a slack time,” added Captain Candage. + </p> + <p> + “I'm willing to show Christian charity to them that's poor and oppressed. + But what's the sense in doing it in this case?” + </p> + <p> + “A great many folks in this life need a hard jolt before they turn to and + make anything of themselves,” said Captain Mayo. “The people on Hue and + Cry have had their jolt. I do believe, with the right advice and + management, they can be made self-supporting. They have been allowed to + run loose until now, sir. I have been pulled into the thing all of a + sudden, and now that I'm in I'm willing to give up a little time and + effort to start 'em off. I haven't much of anything else to do just now,” + he added, bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Come into my back office,” invited Mr. Rowley. + </p> + <p> + “Much obleeged—we'll do so,” said Captain Candage. “You're a bright + man, Rowley, and I knowed you'd see the p'int when it was put up to you + right and polite.” + </p> + <p> + The business in the back office was soon settled satisfactorily, and a + busy day followed on the heels of that momentous morning. When night fell + the men, women, and children whom a benevolent state—through its + “straight-business” agent—had turned loose upon the world to shift + for themselves, were located in a single colony in the spacious + fish-house. + </p> + <p> + A few second-hand stoves, hired from Rowley, served to cook the food + bought from Rowley, and the families grouped themselves in rooms and + behind partitions and arranged the poor belongings they had salvaged from + their homes. Even the citizen who had at first resolved to go floating on + the bosom of the deep joined the colony. + </p> + <p> + “It's more sociable,” he explained, “and my wife don't like to give up her + neighbors. Furthermore, I know the whole bunch, root and branch, whims, + notions, and all, and they can't fool me. I'll help boss 'em!” He became a + lieutenant of value. + </p> + <p> + This community life under a better roof than had ever sheltered them + before in their lives seemed to delight the refugees. Old and young, they + enjoyed the new surroundings with the zest of children. They had never + taken thought of the morrow in their existence on Hue and Cry. Given food + and shelter in this new abode, they did not worry about the problems of + the future. They roamed about their domain with the satisfaction of + princes in a palace. They did not show any curiosity regarding what was to + be done with them. They did not ask Captain Mayo and his associates any + questions. They surveyed him with a dumb and sort of canine thankfulness + when he moved among them. He himself tried questions on a few of the more + intelligent men, hoping that they would show some initiative. They told + him with bland serenity that they would leave it all to him. + </p> + <p> + “But what are you going to do for yourselves?” + </p> + <p> + “Just what you say. You're the boss. Show us the job!” + </p> + <p> + It was borne in upon him that he had taken a larger contract than he had + planned on. Rowley and the taxpayers on the main looked to him on one + side, and his dependents on the other. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be up to me—to us, I mean,” he told the girl, ruefully, + when they were on their way to the widow's cottage that evening. “It's up + to me most of all, however, for I'm the guilty party—I have pulled + you and your father in. I'm pegged in here till I can think up some sort + of a scheme.” + </p> + <p> + She had been working all day faithfully by his side, a tactful and + indefatigable helper. He would have been all at sea regarding the women + and children without her aid, and he told her so gratefully. + </p> + <p> + “Both my hands and my heart are with you in this thing, Captain Mayo. And + I know you'll think of some way out for them—just as you helped us + out of the schooner after we had given up all hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Getting out of the schooner was merely a sailor's trick of the hands, + Miss Candage. I don't believe I'll be much of a hand at making over human + nature. I have too much of it myself, and the material down in that + fish-house would puzzle even a doctor of divinity.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you will think of some plan,” she assured him-with fine loyalty. “If + you will allow me to help in my poor way I'll be proud.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not tell you what I think of your help; it might sound like soft + talk. But let me tell you that you have one grand old dad!” he declared, + earnestly; but although he tried to keep his face straight and his tones + steady he looked down at her and immediately lost control of himself. + Merriment was mingled with tears in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't he funny?” she gasped, and they halted in their tracks and laughed + in chorus with the whole-hearted fervor of youth; that laughter relieved + the strain of that anxious day. + </p> + <p> + “I am not laughing <i>at</i> your father—you understand that!” he + assured her. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, you are not! I know. But you are getting to understand him, + just as I understand him. He is only a big child under all his bluster. + But he does make me so angry sometimes!” + </p> + <p> + “You can't tell much about a Yankee till he comes out of his shell, and I + agree with you as to the aggravating qualities in Captain Candage. I'm not + very patient myself, when I'm provoked! But after this he and I will get + along all right.” + </p> + <p> + They walked on to the cottage. + </p> + <p> + “Good night,” he said at the door. + </p> + <p> + “And you have no plan as yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe something will come to me in a dream.” + </p> + <p> + The dream did not come to him, for his sleep was the profound slumber of + exhaustion. He went down in the early dawn and plunged into the sea, and + while he was walking back toward the cottage an idea and a conviction + presented themselves, hand in hand. The conviction had been with him + before—that he could not back out just then and leave those poor + people to shift for themselves, as anxious as he was to be off about his + own affairs; his undertaking was quixotic, but if he abandoned it at that + juncture a queer story would chase him alongcoast, and he knew what sort + of esteem mariners entertained for quitters. + </p> + <p> + However, deep in his heart, he confessed that it was not merely sailor + pride that spurred him. The pathetic helplessness of the tribe of Hue and + Cry appealed with an insistence he could not deny. He understood them as + he understood similar colonies along the coast—children whom an + indifferent world classed as man and treated with thoughtless injustice! + Work was prescribed for them, as for others! But, they did not know how to + work or how to make their work pay them. + </p> + <p> + The idea which came to him with the conviction that he must help these + folks concerned work for them. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast he took Captain Candage into his confidence, much to the + skipper's bland delight at being considered. + </p> + <p> + “I hope it's something where we can fetch Rowley in,” confessed the + skipper. “I don't care anything for them critters,” he added, assuming + brusqueness. “Don't want it hinted around that I'm getting simple in my + old age. But they give me an excuse to bingdoodle Rowley.” + </p> + <p> + “To carry out that plan I have outlined we need some kind of a packet,” + said Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Sure! We'll go right to Rowley. He'll know. If there's anything in this + section that he 'ain't got his finger on some way—bill of sale, + mortgage, debt owed to him or expecting to be owed, then it ain't worth + noticing.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Rowley listened in his back office. He stroked his beard contentedly + and beamed his pleasure when he saw the prospect of making another + profitable dicker with men who seemed to be reliable and energetic. + </p> + <p> + “I had a mortgage on the <i>Ethel and May</i> when Captain Tebbets passed + on to the higher life,” he informed them. “Widder gave up the schooner + when I foreclosed, she not desiring to—er—bother with vessel + proputty. So I have it free and clear without it standing me such a + terrible sum! Shall be pleased to charter to you gents at a reasonable + figure. Furthermore, seeing that industry makes for righteousness, so we + are told, your plan of making those critters go to work may be a good one, + providing you'll use a club on 'em often enough.” + </p> + <p> + “From what I've heard of your talk in prayer-meeting I should think you'd + advise moral suasion,” suggested Captain Candage, plainly relishing this + opportunity to “bingdoodle.” + </p> + <p> + “I use common sense, whether it's in religion or politics or business,” + snapped Rowley, exhibiting a bit of un-Christian heat. + </p> + <p> + “It's advisable to ile up common sense with a little charity, and then the + machine won't squeak so bad.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't undertake to trot a dogfish on my knee or sing him to sleep + with a pennyr'yal hymn, Captain Candage.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we can show results without the club,” interposed Mayo, with mild + intent to smooth the tone of this repartee. + </p> + <p> + The clerk called Mr. Rowley out into the store on some matter of special + importance, and the selectman departed, coming down rather hard on his + heels. + </p> + <p> + “The old Adam sort of torches up through his shell once in a while,” + commented Candage. + </p> + <p> + “We'd better settle the charter price, sir, before you lay aboard him too + much,” advised the young man. + </p> + <p> + “I just natch'ally can't help harpooning him,” confessed the skipper. + “He's a darned old hypocrite, cheating widders and orphans by choice + because they 'ain't got the spunk to razoo back, and I've allus enjoyed + fighting such as him. Him and me is due for a row. But I'll hold off the + best I can till we have got him beat down.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo's plan involved the modest venture of chartering a craft suitable for + fishing. There was no material for real Banksmen in the Hue and Cry + colony, but the run of the men would serve to go trawling for ground and + shack fish a few miles off the coast. It was the only scheme which would + afford employment for the whole body of dependents; older and more + decrepit men and the women and children could dig and shuck clams for the + trawl bait. In order to encourage ambition and independence among the + abler men of the colony, Mayo suggested that the fishermen be taken on + shares, and Captain Candage agreed. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Rowley came back into the office he found his match waiting for + him in the person of Captain Candage, primed and ready to drive a sharp + bargain. At the end of an hour papers representing the charter of the <i>Ethel + and May</i> were turned over. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon it's a good job,” affirmed the skipper, when he and Mayo were + outside the Rowley store. “I have made up my mind to let poor old <i>Polly</i> + go to Davy Jones's locker. I wrote to the shippers and the consignees of + the lumber last night. If they want it they can go after it. I may as well + fish for the rest of this season!” He regarded Captain Mayo with eyes in + which query was almost wistftul. “Of course, you can depend on me to see + to it that you get your share, sir, just as if you were aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going aboard, Captain Candage.” + </p> + <p> + The old man stopped stock still and stared. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't anything in sight just now. You need help in getting the thing + started right. I'm not going away and leave that gang on your hands until + I can see how the plan works out. I'll go as mate with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not by a blame sight you won't go as no mate with me,” objected Candage. + “You'll go as skipper and I'll be proud to take orders from you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + They were wrangling amiably on that point when they returned to the + widow's cottage. Polly Candage broke the deadlock. + </p> + <p> + “Why not have two captains? That will be something brand new along the + coast!” + </p> + <p> + “The rest of it is brand new enough without that,” blurted her father. + “But considering what kind of a crew we've got I guess two captains ain't + any too much! I'll be captain number two and I know enough to keep my + place.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think you and I will ever do much quarreling again!” smiled + Captain Mayo, extending his hand and receiving Candage's mighty grip. “I + am going to start out a few letters, and I'll go now and write them. Until + those letters bring me something in the way of a job I am with you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage walked down toward the fish-house with his daughter. + “Polly,” he declared, after an embarrassed silence, “I have been all wrong + in your case, girl. Here and now I give you clearance papers. Sail for + home just as soon as you want to. I'm asking no questions! It's none of my + business!” + </p> + <p> + “My little affairs must always be business of yours, father,” she + returned.. “I love you. I will obey you.” + </p> + <p> + “But I ain't giving off no more orders. I ain't fit to command in the + waters where you are sailing, Polly dear. So run along home and be my good + girl! I know you will be!” + </p> + <p> + “I have changed my mind about going home—just now!” Her eyes met his + frankly. “I have written to Aunt Zilpah to send me some of my clothes. + Father,” there was feminine, rather indignant amazement in her tones, “do + you know that there isn't a single woman from Hue and Cry who knows how to + use a needle?” + </p> + <p> + “I might have guessed it, judging from the way their young ones and men + folk go looking!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you realize that those children don't even know their A-B-C's?” + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of any college perfessers being raised on that island.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to take a vacation from the millinery-shop, now that I am down + here. I'll show those women how to sew and cook, and I'll teach those + children how to read. It's only right—my duty! I couldn't go home + and be happy without doing it!” + </p> + <p> + “Calling that a vacation is putting a polite name to it, Polly.” + </p> + <p> + “If you could have seen their eyes, father, when I promised to help them, + you wouldn't wonder why I am staying.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't wonder, Polly, my girl! If you had gone away and—and left + us—Mayo and me—I should have been mighty disappointed in ye! + But I really never thought much about your going—'cause you wouldn't + go, I knew, till you had helped all you could.” He put his arm around her. + “I have been worrying about having brought you away. But I guess God had + it all figgered out for us. I didn't know my own girl the way I ought to + have knowed her. I'd been away too much. But now we're sort of growing up—together—sort + of that, ain't we, Polly dear?” + </p> + <p> + She put her arms about his neck and answered him with a kiss. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIV ~ BEARINGS FOR A NEW COURSE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And now, my brave boys, comes the best of the fun, + It's hands about ship and reef topsails in one; + So it's lay aloft, topman, as the hellum goes down, + And clew down your topsails as the mainyard goes round. + —La Pique. +</pre> + <p> + At the end of that week the <i>Ethel and May</i> had delivered at market + her first fare of fish and her captains had divided her first shares. Mayo + decided that the results were but of proportion to the modest returns. He + was viewing the regeneration of the tribe of Hue and Cry. In their case it + had been the right touch at the right time. For years their hopes had been + hungry for a chance to make good. Now gratitude inspired them and an + almost insane desire to show that they were not worthless drove them to + supreme effort. The leaven of the psychology of independence was getting + in its work. + </p> + <p> + The people of Hue and Cry for three generations had been made to feel that + they were pariahs. When they had brought their fish or clams to the + mainland the buyers were both unjust and contemptuous, as if they were + dealing with begging children who must expect only a charitable gift for + their product instead of a real man's price. Prices suited the + fish-buyers' moods of the day. The islanders had never been admitted to + the plane of straight business like other fishermen. They had always taken + meekly what had been offered—whether coin or insults. Therefore, + their labor had never returned them full values. + </p> + <p> + They who bought made the poor wretches feel that it constituted a special + favor to take their fish at any price. + </p> + <p> + They seemed to come into their own that first day at market when the <i>Ethel + and May</i> made her bigness in the dock at the city fish-house. Masterful + men represented them in the dealings with the buyers. The crew hid their + delighted grins behind rough palms when Captain Epps Candage bawled out + bidders who were under market quotations; they gazed with awe on Captain + Mayo when he read from printed sheets—print being a mystery they had + never mastered—and figured with ready pencil and even corrected the + buyer, who acknowledged his error and humbly apologized. No more + subservient paltering at the doors of fish-houses! + </p> + <p> + Back home the women and the children and the old folks had a good roof + over their heads; the fishers had the deck of a tidy schooner under their + feet. Shiftlessness departed from them. After years of oppression they had + found their opportunity. More experienced men would have found this new + fortune only modest; these men grasped it with juvenile enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + They were over the side of the schooner and out in their dories when more + cautious trawlsmen hugged the fo'c'sle. On their third trip, because of + this daring, they caught the city market bare on a Thursday and made a + clean-up. + </p> + <p> + “I'm told that Saint Peter started this Friday notion because he was in + the fish business,” stated Captain Candage, sorting money for the shares. + “All I've got to say is, he done a good job of it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Speed, sailing as mate, always found ready obedience. + </p> + <p> + Smut-nosed Dolph never listened before to such praise as was lavished by + the hungry men over the pannikins which he heaped. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo, casting up accounts one day, was honestly astonished to find + that almost a month had passed since he had landed at Maquoit. + </p> + <p> + “That goes to show how a man will get interested when he is picked up and + tossed into a thing,” he said to Polly Candage. + </p> + <p> + “You are making real men of them, Captain Mayo!” She added, with a laugh, + “And you told me you were no kind of a hand at making over human nature!” + </p> + <p> + “They are doing it themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “I will say nothing to wound your modesty, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I must wake up. I must! There's nothing worth while in the profit for + both your father and myself. I want him to have the proposition alone. + There'll be a fair make for him. I didn't intend to stay here so long. I + guess I sort of forgot myself.” He went on with his figures. + </p> + <p> + “But I knew you could not forget,” she ventured, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + He glanced up and found a queer expression on her countenance. There were + frank sympathy and friendliness in her eyes. He had revolved bitter + thoughts alone, struggling with a problem he could not master. In sudden + emotion—in an unpremeditated letting-go of himself—he reached + out for somebody in whom to confide. He needed counsel in a matter where + no man could help him. This girl was the only one who could understand. + </p> + <p> + “There may be letters waiting for me in the city—in the big city + where I may be expected,” he blurted. “I haven't dared to send any.” He + hesitated, and then gave way to his impulse. “Miss Polly, I haven't any + right to trouble you with my affairs. I may seem impertinent. But you are + a girl! Does a girl usually sit down and think over all the difficulties—when + she doesn't get letters—and then make allowances?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure she does—when she loves anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet it may seem very strange. I am worried out of my senses. I don't + know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + She was silent for a long time, looking away from him and twisting her + hands in her lap; she was plainly searching her soul for inspiration—and + courage! + </p> + <p> + “You think she will understand the situation?” he insisted. + </p> + <p> + “She ought to.” + </p> + <p> + “But no word from me! Silence for weeks!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice was low, but she evidently had found courage. “I have not heard + one word—not a letter has come to me—since I left my aunt's + home.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you feel sure that he loves you just the same? You don't need + letters?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no! I don't need letters.” + </p> + <p> + “But in my case?” + </p> + <p> + “I could see that she loves you very much. She stood out before them all, + Captain Mayo. That sort of a girl does not need letters.” + </p> + <p> + “You have put new courage in me. I believe you understand just how a girl + would feel. You know a Yankee! He expects to find a friend just where he + left him, in the matter of affection.” + </p> + <p> + “A girl does not need to be a Yankee to be that way in her love.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't sneak around to her by the back way—I can't do that!” he + cried. “I don't want to be ashamed of myself. I don't want to bring more + trouble to her. Don't you think she will wait for me until I can come—and + come right!” + </p> + <p> + “She will wait for you, sir. It's the nature of women to wait—when + they love.” + </p> + <p> + “But I cannot ask her to wait forever. That's why I must go away and try + to make good.” He set his teeth, and his jaw muscles were ridged. “I + believe a man can get what he goes after in the right spirit, Miss Polly.” + He swing off the porch and left her. + </p> + <p> + The fog was heavy on shore and sea that day, holding the <i>Ethel and May</i> + in port. He disappeared into the stifling mist, and the girl sat and + stared into that vacancy for a long time. + </p> + <p> + Mayo rowed out to the schooner, which was anchored in the harbor roads. He + was carrying his accounts to Captain Candage. + </p> + <p> + Standing and facing forward as he rowed, he came suddenly upon a big + steam-yacht which had stolen into the cove through the fog and was + anchored in his course. She was the <i>Sprite</i>, and he had formed a + 'longshore acquaintance with her skipper that summer, meeting him in + harbors where the <i>Sprite</i> and <i>Olenia</i> had been neighbors in + the anchorage. He stopped rowing and allowed the dory to drift. He noted + that the blue flag was flying at the main starboard spreader, announcing + the absence of the owner, and he understood that he could call for the + skipper without embarrassing that gentleman. One of the crew was putting + covers on the brasswork forward. + </p> + <p> + “Compliments to Captain Trott, and tell him that Captain Mayo is at the + gangway.” + </p> + <p> + The skipper appeared promptly, replying to the hail before the sailor had + stirred. “Come aboard, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not bother you that much, captain. I can ask my question just as + well from here. Do you know of any good opening for a man of my size?” + </p> + <p> + The captain of the <i>Sprite</i> came to the rail and did not reply + promptly. + </p> + <p> + “I have left the <i>Olenia</i> and I'm looking for something.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Trott started for the gangway. “Oh, you needn't trouble to come + down, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather, Captain Mayo.” After he had descended he squatted on the + platform at the foot of the ladder and held the dory close, grasping the + gunwale. “What are you doing for yourself these days?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo had no relish for a long story. “I'm waiting to grab in on + something,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + Captain Trott did not show any alacrity in getting to the subject which + Mayo had broached. “It has set in pretty thick, hasn't it? I have been + ordered in here to wait for my folks; they're visiting at some big estate + up-river.” + </p> + <p> + “But about the chance for a job, captain!” + </p> + <p> + “Look here! What kind of a run-in did you have with the <i>Olenia</i> + owner?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo opened his mouth and then promptly closed it. He could not reveal the + nature of the trouble between himself and his former employer. + </p> + <p> + “We had words,” he said, stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I reckon so! But the rest of it!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't tell me any more than you feel like doing, of course,” said + Captain Trott. “But I have to tell <i>you</i> that Mr. Marston has come + out with some pretty fierce talk for an owner to make. He has made quite a + business of circulating that talk. I didn't realize that you are of so + much importance in the world, Mayo,” he added, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what he is saying.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you leave him in the night—without notice, or something of + the kind?” + </p> + <p> + “It was an accident.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you have a good story to back you up, Captain Mayo, for I have + liked you mighty well ever since meeting you first. What is behind it?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “But you can tell somebody—somebody who can straighten the thing out + for you, can't you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Captain Trott.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know what has happened in your case, don't you?” The skipper of + the <i>Sprite</i> exhibited a little testiness at being barred out of + Mayo's confidence. + </p> + <p> + The young man shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Marston claims that you mutinied and deserted him—slipped away in + the night—threw up your job on the high seas—left him to work + to New York with a short crew—the mate as captain.” + </p> + <p> + “That's an infernal lie!” + </p> + <p> + “Then come forward and show him up.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot talk about the case. I have my reasons—good ones!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry for you, Mayo. You are done in the yachting game, I'm afraid. + He'll blacklist you in every yacht club from Bar Harbor to Miami. I have + heard my folks talking about it. He seems to have a terrible grudge—more + than a big man usually bothers about in the case of a skipper.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo set his oar against the edge of the platform and pushed off. The + skipper called after him, but he was instantly swallowed up by the fog and + did not reply. + </p> + <p> + On board the <i>Ethel and May</i> his ragged but cheery crew were baiting + up, hooking clams upon the ganging hooks, and coiling lines into tubs. The + men grinned greeting when he swung over the rail. He scowled at them; he + even turned a glowering look on Captain Candage when he met the latter on + the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir! I see how it is! You're getting cussed sick of this two-cent + game here,” said Candage, mournfully. “I don't blame ye. We ain't in your + class, here, Captain Mayo.” He took the papers which the young man held + out to him. “I suppose this is the last time we'll share, you and me. I'll + miss ye devilish bad. I'd rather go for nothing and let you have it all + than lose ye. But, of course, it ain't no use to argue or coax.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo went and sat on the rail, folding his arms, and did not reply. The + old skipper trudged forward, his head bowed, his hands clutched behind his + back. When he returned Mayo stood up and put his hand on the old man's + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Candage, please don't misunderstand me. Just at present I feel + that the only friends I have in the world are here. Don't mind the way I + acted just now when I came on board. I have had a lot of trouble—I'm + having more of it. I'm not going to leave you just yet. I want to stay + aboard until I can think it all over—can get my grip. That is, if + you're satisfied to have it that way!” + </p> + <p> + “Satisfied! Jumping Cicero!” exploded Captain Can-dage. He took the dory + and rowed ashore. He found his daughter gazing into the fog from the porch + of the widow's cottage. “He is going to stay a while longer,” he informed + her, rapturously. “Something has happened. Do you suppose that girl has + throwed him over?” + </p> + <p> + “Father, do you dare to chuckle because a friend is in trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll laugh and slap my leg if he ever gets shet of that hity-tity girl,” + he rejoined, stoutly. + </p> + <p> + “I am astonished—I am ashamed of you, father!” + </p> + <p> + “Polly dear, be honest with your dad!” he pleaded. “Do you want to see him + married off to her?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly do. I only wish I might help him.” Her lips were white, her + voice trembled. She got up and hurried into the house. + </p> + <p> + “I'll be cussed if I understand wimmen,” declared Captain Candage, + fiddling his finger under his nose. “That feller she has picked out for + herself must be the Emp'ror of Peeroo.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo did not come ashore again before the <i>Ethel and May</i> + sailed. + </p> + <p> + The fog cleared that night and they smashed out to the fishing-grounds + ahead of a cracking breeze, and had their trawls down in the early dawn. + At sundown, trailed by a wavering banner of screaming gulls who gobbled + the “orts” tossed over by the busy crew cleaning their catch, they were + docking at the city fish-house. + </p> + <p> + “Lucky again,” commented Captain Candage, returning from his sharp dicker + with the buyer. “The city critters are all hungry for haddock, and that's + just what we hit to-day.” He surveyed his gloomy partner with sympathetic + concern. “Why don't you take a run uptown?” he suggested. “You're sticking + too close to this packet for a young man. Furthermore, if you see a store + open buy me a box of paper collars. Rowley hain't got my size!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo, unreconciled and uneasy, hating that day the sound of the flapping, + sliding fish as they were pitchforked into the tubs for hoisting, annoyed + by the yawling of pulleys and realizing that his nerves were not right at + all, obeyed the suggestion. He had a secret errand of his own, yielding to + a half-hope; he went to the general-delivery window of the post-office and + asked for mail. He knew that love makes keen guesses. The <i>Olenia</i> + had visited that harbor frequently for mail. But there was nothing for + him. He strolled about the streets, nursing his melancholy, forgetting + Captain Candage's commission, envying the contentment shown by others. + </p> + <p> + In that mood he would have avoided Captain Zoradus Wass if he had spied + that boisterously cheerful mariner in season. But the captain had him by + the arm and was dancing him about the sidewalk, showing more affability + than was his wont. + </p> + <p> + “Heifers o' Herod! youngster,” shouted the grizzled master, “have you come + looking for me?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” faltered Mayo. “Did you want to see me?” + </p> + <p> + “Have worn taps off my boots to-day chasing from shipping commissioner's + office to every hole and corner along the water-front. Heard you had quit + aboard a yacht, and reckoned you had got sensible again and wanted real + work.” + </p> + <p> + “If you had asked down among the fish-houses you might have got on track + of me, sir.” Mayo's tone was somber. + </p> + <p> + “Fish! You fishing?” demanded Captain Wass, with incredulity. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and on a chartered smack at that—shack-fishing on shares!” + Mayo was sourly resolved to paint his low estate in black colors. “And I + have concluded it's about all I'm fit for.” + </p> + <p> + “That's fine, seaman-like talk to come from a young chap I have trained up + to master's papers, giving him two years in my pilot-house. I was afraid + you were going astern, you young cuss, when I heard you'd gone skipper of + a yacht, but I didn't think it was as bad as all this.” + </p> + <p> + “My yachting business is done, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank the bald-headed Nicodemus! There's hopes of you. Did anybody tell + you I've been looking for you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Glad of it. Now I can tell you myself. Do you know where I am now?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard you were on a Vose line freighter, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know who told you that—but it wasn't Ananias. You're right. + She's the old <i>Nequasset</i>, handed back to me again because I'm the + only one who understands her cussed fool notions. First mate got drunk + yesterday and broke second mate's leg in the scuffle—one is in jail + and t'other in the hospital, and never neither of 'em will step aboard any + ship with me again. I sail at daybreak, bade to the Chesapeake for steel + rails. Got your papers?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Come along. You're first mate.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really want me, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Want you? Confound it all, I've got you! In about half a day I'll have + all the yacht notions shaken out of you and the fish-scales stripped off, + and then you'll be what you was when I let you go—the smartest + youngster I ever trained.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo obeyed the thrust of the jubilant master's arm and went along. “I'll + go and explain to Captain Can-dage, my partner.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. I'll go along, too, and help you make it short.” + </p> + <p> + As they walked along Captain Wass inspected his companion critically. + </p> + <p> + “High living aboard Marston's yacht make you dyspeptic, son? You look as + if your vittles hadn't been agreeing with you.” + </p> + <p> + “My health is all right, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Heard you had trouble with Marston,” proceeded the old skipper, with + brutal frankness. “Anybody who has trouble with that damnation pirate + comes well recommended to me. He is trying to steal every steamboat line + on this coast. Thank Gawd, he can never get his claws on the old Vose + line. Some great doings in the steamboat business are ahead, Mayo. Reckon + it's a good line to be in if you like fight and want to make your + bigness.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo walked on in silence. He was troubled by this added information that + news of his affair with Marston had gained such wide currency. However, he + was glad that this new opportunity offered him a chance to hide himself in + the isolation of a freighter's pilot-house. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage received the news with meek resignation. “I knowed it + would have to come,” he said. “Couldn't expect much else. Howsomever, it + ain't comforting.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't keep a good boy like this pawing around in fish gurry,” stated + Captain Wass. + </p> + <p> + “I know it, and I wish him well and all the best!” + </p> + <p> + Their leave-taking, presided over by the peremptory master of the <i>Nequasset</i>, + was short. + </p> + <p> + “I'll probably have a chance to see you when we come here again,” called + Mayo from the wharf, looking down into the mournful countenance of the + skipper. “Perhaps I'll have time to run down to Maquoit while we are + discharging. At any rate, explain it all for me, especially to your + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell all concerned just what's right,” Captain Candage assured him. + “I'll tell her for you.” + </p> + <p> + She was on the beach when the skipper came rowing in alone from the <i>Ethel + and May</i>. + </p> + <p> + “He's gone,” he called to her. “Of course we couldn't keep him. He's too + smart to stay on a job like this.” + </p> + <p> + When they were on their way up to the widow's cottage he stole + side-glances at her, and her silence distressed him. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see! He says to me—if I can remember it right-he says, says + he, 'Take my best respects and '—let's see—yes, 'take my best + respects and love to your Polly—'” + </p> + <p> + “Father! Please don't fib.” + </p> + <p> + “It's just as I remember it, dear. 'Especial,' he says. I remember that! + 'Especial,' he says. And he looked mighty sad, dear, mighty sad.” He put + his arm about her. “There are a lot of sad things in this world for + everybody, Polly. Sometimes things get so blamed mixed up that I feel like + going off and climbing a tree!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XV ~ THE RULES Of THE ROAD + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now the <i>Dreadnought's</i> a-sailing the Atlantic so wide, + Where the high, roaring seas roll along her black side. + Her sailors like lions walk the deck to and fro, + She's the Liverpool packet—O Lord let her go! + —Song of the Flash Packet. +</pre> + <p> + On a day in early August the <i>Nequasset</i> came walloping laboriously + up-coast through a dungeon fog, steel rails her dragging burden, caution + her watchword. + </p> + <p> + The needle of her indicator marked “Half speed,” and it really meant half + speed. Captain Zoradus Wass made scripture of the rules laid down by the + Department of Commerce and Labor. There was no tricky slipping-over under + his sway—no finger-at-nose connivance between the pilot-house and + the chief engineer's grille platform. No, Captain Wass was not that kind + of a man, though the fog had held in front of him two days, vapor thick as + feathers in a tick, and he had averaged not much over six nautical miles + an hour, and was bitterly aware that the rate of freight on steel rails + was sixty-five cents a ton. + </p> + <p> + “And as I've been telling you, at sixty-five cents there's about as much + profit as there would be in swapping hard dollars from one hand to the + other and depending on what silver you can rub off,” said Captain Wass to + First-mate Mayo. + </p> + <p> + The captain was holding the knob of the whistle-pull In constant clutch. + Regularly every minute <i>Nequasset's</i> prolonged blast sounded, + strictly according to the rules of the road. + </p> + <p> + Her voice started with a complaining squawk, was full toned for a few + moments, then trailed off into more querulousness; the timbre of that tone + seemed to fit with Captain Wass's mood. + </p> + <p> + “It's tough times when a cargo-carrier has to figger so fine that she can + lose profit on account of what the men eat,” he went on. “If you're two + days late, minding rules in a fog, owners ask what the tophet's the matter + with you! This kind of business don't need steamboat men any longer; it + calls for boarding-house keepers who can cut sirloin steak off'n a critter + clear to the horn, and who are handy in turning sharp corners on + left-overs. I'll buy a book of cooking receets and try to turn in + dividends.” + </p> + <p> + The captain was broad-bowed, like the <i>Nequasset</i>, he sagged on short + legs as if he carried a cargo fully as heavy as steel rails, his white + whiskers streamed away from his cutwater nose like the froth kicked up by + the old freighter's forefoot. He chewed slowly, conscientiously and + continuously on tobacco which bulged in his cheek; his jaws, moving as + steadily as a pendulum swings, seemed to set the time for the isochronal + whistle-blast. Sixty ruminating jaw-wags, then he spat into the fog, then + the blast—correct to the clock's tide! + </p> + <p> + The windows of the pilot-house were dropped into their casings, so that + all sounds might be admitted; the wet breeze beaded the skipper's whiskers + and dampened the mate's crisp hair. While the mate leaned from a window, + ear cocked for signals, the captain gave him more of the critical + inspection in which he had been indulging when occasion served. + </p> + <p> + Furthermore, Captain Wass went on pecking around the edges of a topic + which he had been attacking from time to time with clumsy attempt at + artful inquisition. + </p> + <p> + “As bad as it is on a freighter, I reckon you ain't sorry you're off that + yacht, son?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not sorry, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “From what you told me, the owner was around meddling all the time.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't remember that I ever said so, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I thought you did,” grunted Captain Wass, and he covered his + momentary check by sounding the whistle. + </p> + <p> + “Now that you are back in the steamboat business, of course you're a + steamboat man. Have the interests of your owners at heart,” he resumed. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a lot of help to the regular steamboat men—the good old + stand-bys—if they could get some kind of a line on what them Wall + Street cusses are gunning through with Marston leading 'em—or, at + leastways, he's supposed to be leading. He hides away in the middle of the + web and lets the other spiders run and fetch. But it's Marston's scheme, + you can bet on that! What do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't thought anything about it, Captain Wass.” “But how could you + help thinking, catching a word here and a word there, aboard that yacht?” + </p> + <p> + “I never listened—I never heard anything.” + </p> + <p> + “But he had them other spiders aboard—seen 'em myself through my + spy-glass when you passed us one day in June.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose they talked together aft, but my duty was forward, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “It's too bad you didn't have a flea put into your ear about getting a + line on Marston's scheme, whatever it is. You could have helped the real + boys in this game!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not reply. + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass showed a resolve to quit pecking at the edges and make a dab + at the center of the subject. He pulled the whistle, released the knob, + and turned back to the window, setting his elbows on the casing. + </p> + <p> + “Son, you ain't in love with that pirate Marston, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir!” replied the young man, with bitterness that could not be + doubted. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how about your being in love with his daughter?” The caustic humor + in the old skipper's tones robbed the question of some of its brutal + bluntness, and Mayo was accustomed to Captain Wass's brand of humor. The + young man did not turn his head for a few moments; he continued to look + into the fog as if intent on his duty; he was trying to get command of + himself, fully aware that resentment would not work in the case of Zoradus + Wass. When Mayo did face the skipper, the latter was discomposed in his + turn, for Mayo showed his even teeth in a cordial smile. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I have been trying the chauffeur trick in order to catch an + heiress, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's quite a gab-wireless operating along-coast and sailors + don't always keep their yawp closed after they have taken a man's money to + keep still,” stated Captain Wass, pointedly. “I wouldn't blame you for + grabbing in. You're good-looking enough to do what others have done in + like cases.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir. What's the rest of the joke?” + </p> + <p> + “I never joke,” retorted the skipper, turning and pulling the + whistle-cord. <i>Nequasset's</i> squall rose and died down in her brazen + throat. “Her name is Alma?” he prodded. “Something of a clipper. If + Marston ever makes you general manager, put me into a better job than + this, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “I will, sir!” + </p> + <p> + The skipper gave his mate a disgusted stare. “You're a devil of a man to + keep up a conversation with!” He spat against the wall of the fog and + again let loose the freighter's hoarse lament. + </p> + <p> + From somewhere, ahead, a horn wailed, dividing its call into two blasts. + </p> + <p> + “Port tack and headed acrost us,” snarled the master, after a sniff at the + air and a squint at the sluggish ripple. + </p> + <p> + “Why ain't the infernal fool anchored, instead of drifting around + underfoot? How does he bear, Mr. Mayo?” He was now back to pilot-house + formality with his mate. + </p> + <p> + “Two points and a half, starboard bow, sir. And there's another chap + giving one horn in about the same direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Another drifter—not wind enough for 'em to know what tack they're + really on. Well, there's always Article Twenty-seven to fall back on,” + grumbled the skipper. He quoted sarcastically in the tone in which that + rule is mouthed so often in pilot-houses along coast: '“Due regard shall + be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special + circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules necessary, + and so forth and et cetry. Meaning, thank the Lord, that a steamer can + always run away from a gad-slammed schooner, even at half speed. Hope if + it ever comes to a showdown the secretary of the bureau of commerce will + agree with me. Ease her off to starboard, Mr. Mayo, till we bring 'em + abeam.” + </p> + <p> + The mate gave a quick glance at the compass. “East by nothe, Jack,” he + commanded. + </p> + <p> + “East by nothe, sir,” repeated the quartermaster in mechanical tones, + spinning the big wheel to the left. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that the <i>Nequasset</i> had considerable company on the + sea that day. A little abaft her beam a tugboat was blowing one long and + two short, indicating her tow. She had been their “chum” for some time, + and Mayo had occasionally taken her bearings by sound and compass and knew + that the freighter was slowly forging ahead. He figured, listening again + to the horns, that the Nequasset was headed to clear all. + </p> + <p> + “You take a skipper who studies his book and is always ready to look the + department in the eye, without flinching, he has to mind his own business + and mind the other fellow's, too,” said Captain Wass, continuing his + monologue of grouch. “Dodging here and there, keeping out of the way, two + days behind schedule, meat three times a day or else you can't keep a + crew, and everybody hearty at meal-time! My owners have never told me to + let the law go to hoot and ram her for all she's worth! But when I carry + in my accounts they seem to be trying to think up language that tells a + man to do a thing, and yet doesn't tell him. What's that?” He put his head + far out of the window. + </p> + <p> + Floating out of the fog came a dull, grunting sound, a faint and far-away + diapason, a marine whistle which announced a big chap. + </p> + <p> + “I should say it is a Union liner, sir—either the <i>Triton</i> or + <i>Neptune</i>.” + </p> + <p> + They listened. They waited two long minutes for another signal. + </p> + <p> + “Seems to be taking up his full, legal time,” growled Captain Wass. “Since + Marston has gobbled that line maybe he has put on a special register to + keep tabs on tooting—thinks it's waste of steam and will reduce + dividends. Expects us little fellows to do the squawking!” + </p> + <p> + The big whistle boomed again, dead ahead, and so much nearer that it + provoked the skipper to lash out a round oath. + </p> + <p> + “He is reeling off eighteen knots for a gait, or you can use my head for a + rivet nut!” He yanked the cord and the freighter howled angrily. The other + replied with bellowing roar—autocratic, domineering. With irony, + with vindictiveness, Captain Wass pitched his voice in sarcastic nasal + tone and recited another rule—thereby trying to express his irate + opinion of the lawlessness of other men. + </p> + <p> + “Article Sixteen, Mr. Mayo! He probably carries it in his watch-case + instead of his girl's picture! Nice reading for a rainy day! 'A + steam-vessel hearing apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of a + vessel, the position of which is not ascertained, shall, so far as the + circumstances of the case permit, stop her engines and then navigate with + caution until all danger of collision is over.' Hooray for the rules!” + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass hooked a gnarled finger into the loop of the bell-pull and + yanked upward viciously. A dull clang sounded far below. He pulled again + and the vibration of the engine ceased. + </p> + <p> + “Gad rabbit it! I'll go the whole hog as the department orders! If he + bangs into me we'll see who comes off best at the hearing.” + </p> + <p> + He gave the bell-loop two quick jerks; then he shifted his hand to another + pull and the jingle bell sounded in the engine-room—the <i>Nequasset</i> + was ordered to make full speed astern. + </p> + <p> + The freighter shook and shivered when the screw began to reverse, pulling + at the frothing sea, clawing frantically to haul her to a stop. The + skipper then gave three resentful, protesting whistle-blasts. + </p> + <p> + But the reply he received from ahead was a hoarse, prolonged howl. In it + there was no hint that the big fellow proposed to heed the protest of the + three blasts. It was insistence on right of way, the insolence of the + swaggering express liner making time in competition with rivals; it hinted + confident opinion that smaller chaps would better get out of the way. + </p> + <p> + The on-comer had received a signal which served to justify that opinion. + Captain Wass had docilely announced that he was going full speed astern, + his whistle-blasts had declared that he had stepped off the sidewalk of + the ocean lane—as usual! The big fellows knew that the little chaps + would do it! + </p> + <p> + Mate Mayo leaned from the window, his jaw muscles tense, anxiety in his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + The big whistle now was fairly shaking the curtains of the mists and was + not giving him any comforting assurance that the liner was swinging to + avoid them. + </p> + <p> + The quartermaster was taking the situation more philosophically than his + superiors. He hummed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sez all the little fishes that swim to and fro, + She's the Liverpool packet—O Lord let her go! +</pre> + <p> + “Does that gor-righteously fool ahead there think I blowed three whistles + to salute Marston's birthday or their last dividend, Mr. Mayo?” shouted + Captain Wass. + </p> + <p> + Fogs are freaky; ocean mists are often eerie in movements. There are + strata, there are eddying air-currents which rend the curtain or shred the + massing vapors. The men in the pilot-house of the <i>Nequasset</i> + suddenly found their range of vision widened. The fog did not clear; it + became more tenuous and showed an area of the sea. It was like a thin veil + which disclosed dimly what it distorted and magnified. + </p> + <p> + In a fog, experienced steamboat men always examine with earnest gaze the + line where fog and ocean merge. They do not stare up into the fog, trying + to distinguish the loom of an on-coming craft; they are able to discern + first of all the white line of foam marking the vessel's cutwater kick-up + or her wake. + </p> + <p> + “There she comes, sir!” announced the mate. He pointed his finger at a + foaming upthrust of tossing water. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir! Eighteen knots and both eyes shut!” But there was relief + mingled with the resentment. His quick glance informed him that the liner + would pass the <i>Nequasset</i> well to starboard—her bow showed a + divergence of at least two points from the freighter's course. But the + next instant Captain Wass yelped a shout of angry alarm. “Yes, both eyes + shut!” he repeated. + </p> + <p> + Right in line with the liner's threshing bow was a fisherman's Hampton + boat, disclosed as the fog drifted. + </p> + <p> + The passenger-steamer gave forth a half-dozen “woofs” from her whistle, + answering the freighter's staccato warning, but gave no signs of slowing. + But that they were making an attempt to dodge the mite in their path was + made known by a shout from their lookout and his shrill call: “Port! Hard + over!” + </p> + <p> + The fisherman had all the alertness of his kind, trained by dangers and + ever-present prospect of mischance to grab at desperate measures. He + leaped forward and pulled out his mast and tossed mast and sail overboard. + </p> + <p> + He knew that he must encounter the tremendous wash and wake of the rushing + hull. His shell of a boat, if made topheavy by the sail, would stand small + show. + </p> + <p> + “He's a goner!” gasped Captain Wass. “She's a-going to tramp him plumb + underfoot—unless she's going to get up a little more speed and jump + over him!” he added, moved to bitter sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + They saw the little boat go into eclipse behind the black prow, the first + lift of the churning waters flipping the cockleshell as a coin is snapped + by the thumb. The fisherman was not in view—he had thrown himself + flat in the bottom of his boat. + </p> + <p> + “He's under for keeps,” stated the skipper, with conviction. “If her + bilge-keel doesn't cooper him, her port propeller will!” + </p> + <p> + So rapidly was the liner moving, so abrupt her swoop to the right, that + she leaned far over and showed them the red of her huge bilge. Her high + speed enabled her to make an especially quick turn. As they gaped, her two + stacks swung almost into line. Her shearing bow menaced the <i>Nequasset</i>. + </p> + <p> + “The condemned old hellion is going to nail <i>us</i>, now!” bellowed + Captain Wass. In his panic and his fury he leaped up and down, pulling at + the whistle-cord. + </p> + <p> + She was almost upon them—only a few hundred yards of gray water + separated the two steamers. + </p> + <p> + She was the <i>Triton!</i> + </p> + <p> + Her name was disclosed on her bow. Her red hawse-holes showed like + glowering and savage eyes. There was indescribably brutal threat in this + sudden dart in their direction. It was as if a sea monster had swallowed + an insect in the shape of a Hampton boat and now sought a real mouthful. + But her great rudder swung to the quick pull of her steam steering-gear + and again she sheered, cutting a letter s. The movement brought her past + the stern of the <i>Nequasset</i>, a biscuit-toss away. The mighty surge + of her roaring passage lifted the freighter's bulk aft, and the huge wave + that was crowded between the two hulls crowned itself with frothing white + and slapped a good, generous ton of green water over the smaller steamer's + superstructure. + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass grabbed down his megaphone; he wanted to submit a few remarks + which seemed to fit the incident. + </p> + <p> + But the captain of the Triton was beforehand with a celerity which matched + the up-to-date speed of his craft. He was bellowing through the huge + funnel which a quartermaster was holding for him. His language was + terrific. He cursed freighters in most able style. He asked why the <i>Nequasset</i> + was loafing there in the seaway without steering headway on her! That + amazing query took away Captain Wass's breath and all power to retort. + Asking that of a man who had obeyed the law to the letter! A fellow who + was banging through the fog at eighteen knots' speed blaming a + conscientious skipper because the latter had stopped so as to get out of + the way! + </p> + <p> + And, above all, going so fast when he asked the question that he was out + of ear-shot before suitable answer could be returned! + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass revolved those whirling thoughts in a brain which flamed and + showed its fires through the skipper's wide-propped eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then he banged his megaphone across the pilot-house. It rebounded against + him, and he kicked it into a corner. He began to whack his fist against a + broad placard which was tacked up under his license as master. The + cardboard was freshly white, and its tacks were bright, showing that it + had been recently added as a feature of the pilot-house. Big letters in + red ink at the top counseled, “Safety First.” Other big letters at the + bottom warned, “Take No Chances.” The center lettering advised shipmasters + that in case of accident the guilty parties would feel all the weight of + Uncle Sam's heavy palm; it was the latest output from the Department of + Commerce and Labor, and bore the signature of the honorable secretary of + the bureau. + </p> + <p> + Mayo noted that his chief was wholly absorbed in this speechless activity; + therefore he pulled the bells which stopped the backward churning and sent + the freighter on her way. They passed the fisherman in the Hampton boat; + he was bailing his craft. + </p> + <p> + “That was a rather close call, sir! I am glad that I have been trained by + you to be a careful man. You took no chances!” + </p> + <p> + “And where have I got to by obeying the United States rules and never + taking chances, Mr. Mayo? At sixty-five I'm master of a freight-scow, + sassed by owners ashore and sassed on the high seas by fellows like that + one who just slammed past us! If that passenger-steamer had hit me the + lawyers would have shoved the tar end of the stick into my hands! It's all + for the good of the hellbent fellows the way things are arranged in this + world at the present time. I'll be lucky if he doesn't lodge complaint + against me when he gets to New York, saying that I got in his way!” He cut + off a fresh sliver of black plug and took his position at the + whistle-pull. “You'd better go get an heiress,” he advised his mate, + sourly. “Being an old-fashioned skipper in these days of steam-boating is + what I'm too polite to name. And as to being the other kind—well, + you have just seen him whang past!” + </p> + <p> + However, as they went wallowing up the coast, their old tub sagging with + the weight of the rails under her hatches, Mate Mayo felt considerable of + a young man's ambitious envy of that spick-and-span swaggerer who had + yelled anathema from the pilot-house of the <i>Triton</i>. It was real + steamboating, he reflected, even if the demands of owners and + dividend-seekers did compel a master to take his luck between his teeth + and gallop down the seas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVI ~ MILLIONS AND A MITE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To Tiffany's I took her, + I did not mind expense; + I bought her two gold ear-rings, + They cost me fifty cents. + And a-a-away, you santee! + My dear Annie! + O you New York girls! + Can't you dance the polka! + —Shanty, “The Lime Juicer.” + </pre> + <p> + Mr. Ralph Bradish, using one of the booth telephones in the Wall Street + offices of Marston & Waller, earnestly asked the cashier of an up-town + restaurant, as a special favor, to hold for twenty-four hours the personal + check, amount twenty-five dollars, given by Mr. Bradish the evening + before. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later, with the utmost nonchalance and quite certain that the + document was as good as wheat, Mr. Bradish signed a check for one million + two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + That amount in no measure astonished him. He was quite used to signing + smashing-big checks when he was called into the presence of Julius + Marston. Once, the amount named was two millions. And there had been + numbers and numbers of what Mr. Bradish mentally termed “piker checks”—a + hundred thousand, two and three hundred thousand. And he had never been + obliged to request any hold up on those checks for want of funds. Because, + in each instance, there had been a magic, printed line along which Mr. + Bradish had splashed his signature. + </p> + <p> + Before he blotted the ink on this check Bradish glanced, with only idle + curiosity, to note in what capacity he was serving this time. The printed + line announced to him that he was “Treasurer, the Paramount Coast + Transportation Company, Inc.” He remembered that in the past he had signed + as treasurer of the “Union Securities Company,” the “Amalgamated Holding + Company,” and for other corporations sponsoring railroads and big + industries with whose destinies Julius Marston, financier, appeared to + have much to do. It was evident that Financier Marston preferred to have a + forty-dollar-a-week clerk do the menial work of check-signing, or at least + to have that clerk's name in evidence instead of Marston's own. + </p> + <p> + That modesty about having his name appear in public on a check seemed to + attach to the business habits of Mr. Marston. + </p> + <p> + Mighty few person were ever admitted to this inner sanctuary where Bradish + sat facing his employer across the flat-topped desk. And men who saw that + employer outside his office did not turn their heads to stare after him or + point respectful finger at him or remark to somebody else, “There's the + big Julius Marston.” In the first place, Mr. Marston was not big in a + physical sense, and there was nothing about him which would attract + attention or cause him to be remarked in a crowd. And only a few persons + really knew him, anyway. + </p> + <p> + He sat in his massive chair; one hand propped on the arm, his elbow + akimbo, and with the other hand plucked slowly at the narrow strip of + beard which extended from his lower lip to the peaked end of his chin. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Mr. Bradish,” he remarked, after the latter had lifted the + blotter from the check. + </p> + <p> + Bradish rose and bowed, and started to leave. He was a tall and shapely + young man, with a waist, with a carriage. His garb was up-to-the-minute + fashion—repressed. He was a study in brown, as to fabric of attire + and its accessories. One of those white-faced chaps who always look a bit + bored, with a touch of up-to-date cynicism! One of those fellows who + listen much and who say little! + </p> + <p> + “Just a moment, Bradish,” invited Marston, and the young man stopped. “I + like your way in these matters. You don't ask questions. You show no silly + interest in any check you sign.” + </p> + <p> + Bradish reflected an instant on the check in the restaurant cashier's + drawer, and pinched his thin lips a little more tightly. + </p> + <p> + “I'm quite sure you don't do any broadcast talking about the nature of + these special duties.” The financier pointed to the check. “I'll say quite + frankly that I didn't select you for this service until I had ascertained + that you did no talking about your own affairs in the office with my other + clerks.” + </p> + <p> + Bradish inclined his head respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “In financial matters it is necessary to pick men carefully. I trust you + understand my attitude. These transactions are quite legitimate. But + modern methods of high finance make it necessary to manipulate the details + a little. Your attitude in accepting these duties, as a matter of course + is very gratifying from a business standpoint. As a little mark of our + confidence in you, you will receive seventy-five dollars per week + hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Martson allowed himself a quick, dry smile. “This isn't a bribe, you + understand. There is nothing attached to this nominal service which + requires bribing. We merely want to make it worth while for a prudent and + close-mouthed young man to remain with us.” + </p> + <p> + A buzzer, as unobtrusive as were all the characteristics of Financier + Marston, sounded its meek purr. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he murmured into the receiver of the telephone which communicated + with the watchful picket of the Marston & Waller offices. “Who? Oh, + she may come in at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait here a moment, if you please, Mr. Bradish. It is my daughter who has + dropped in for a moment's word with me. I have something more for you to + attend to.” + </p> + <p> + Bradish walked to one of the windows. He stared sharply at the girl who + hurried in. Her hat and face were shrouded in an automobile veil, and the + cloistered light of the big room helped to conceal her features. But + Bradish seemed to recognize something about her in spite of the vagueness + of outline. When she spoke to her father the young man's eyes snapped in + true astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't explain it very well over the telephone, papa, so I came right + down. Do forgive me if I bother you for just a minute.” She glanced + quickly at the young man beside the window, but found him merely an + outline against the light. + </p> + <p> + “Only one of our clerks,” said her father. “What is it, my girl?” + </p> + <p> + “It's Nan Burgess's house-party at Kingston! There's to be an automobile + parade—all decorated—at the fête, and I want to go in our big + car, and have it two days. I was afraid you'd say no if I asked you over + the telephone, but now that I'm right here, looking you in the eyes with + all the coaxing power of my soul, you just can't refuse, can you, papa?” + </p> + <p> + “I think perhaps I would have consented over the telephone, Alma.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I may take the car?” Her playful tones rose in ecstatic crescendo. + The impulsiveness of her nature was displayed by her manner in accepting + this favor. She danced to her father and threw her arms about him. She + exhibited as much delight as if he had bestowed upon her a gift of + priceless pearls. The exuberance of her joy appeared to annoy him a bit. + </p> + <p> + “Gently, gently, Alma! If you waste your thanks in this manner for a + little favor, what will you do some day for superlatives when you are + really eager to thank some-body for a big gift?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'll always have thanks enough to go around—that's my + disposition. The folks who love me, I can love them twice as much. You're + a dear old dad, and I know you want me to run along so that you can go to + making a lot more money. So I'll just take myself out from underfoot.” + </p> + <p> + When she turned she glanced again at the person near the window, and this + time she got a good look at his face. Even the veil could not hide from + Bradish the color which spread into her cheeks. She was so conscious of + her embarrassment and of her appearance that she did not turn her face to + her father when he spoke to her. + </p> + <p> + “One moment, Alma! Seeing that my big car is going to have a two days' + vacation in the country, I may as well make it do one last business errand + for me.” + </p> + <p> + He called Bradish to the desk by a side jerk of the head. + </p> + <p> + “I want that check put into the hands of the brokerage firm of Mower + Brothers as quickly as possible. My car is at the door, and it may as well + take you along. Alma, allow this young man of ours to ride with you to the + place where I'm sending him.” + </p> + <p> + He did not present Bradish to Miss Marston. Bradish did not expect the + financier to do so. But this dismissal of him as a mere errand-boy—with + the young lady staring him out of countenance in a half-frightened way—did + cut the pride a bit, even in the case of a mere clerk. And this clerk was + pondering on the memory that only the night before he had clasped this + young lady—then a party unknown who was evidently bent upon an + escapade <i>incog</i>.—had encircled this selfsame maiden with his + arms during many blissful dances in one of the gorgeous Broadway public + ball-rooms. And he had regaled her and a girl friend on viands for which + his twenty-five-dollar check had scarcely sufficed to pay. + </p> + <p> + Bradish was pretty familiar with the phases and the oddities of the + dancing craze, but this <i>contretemps</i> rather staggered him. + </p> + <p> + They had asked no questions of each other during those dances. They had + been perfectly satisfied with the joy of the moment. She had looked at him + in a way and with a softness in her eyes which told him that she found him + pleasing in her sight. She had been enthusiastic, with that same + exuberance he had just witnessed, over his grace in the dance. They had + promised to meet again at the ball-room where social conventions did not + prevent healthy young folks from enjoying themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” she whispered to him, as she preceded him through the + door. “You work in my father's office?” + </p> + <p> + “You are surprised—a little shocked—and I don't blame you,” he + returned, humbly. “As for me, I am simply astounded. But I am not a + gossip.” + </p> + <p> + She stole a look at his pale, impassive face, and some of her father's + instinct in judging men seemed to reassure her. + </p> + <p> + “One must play a bit,” she sighed. “And it's so stupid most of the time, + among folks whom one knows very well. There are no more surprises.” + </p> + <p> + As he shut the door softly behind them Bradish heard Marston, once more + immersed in his affairs of business, directing over the telephone that one + Fletcher Fogg be located and sent to him. + </p> + <p> + “I apologize,” said Bradish, in the corridor. They were waiting for the + elevator. + </p> + <p> + “For what?” She lifted her eyebrows, and there was no hint of annoyance in + her dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + “For—well—seeing how the matter stands, it almost seems as if + I had presumed—was masquerading. I am only a clerk, and—” + </p> + <p> + “But you are a clerk in Julius Marston's offices,” she said, with pride, + “and that means that you are to be trusted. I require no apology from you, + Mr.—er—” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Ralph Bradish.” + </p> + <p> + “I dodged away from dullness last evening; I was hoping to have a bit of a + frolic. And I found a young gentleman who asked no impertinent questions, + who was very gracious, and who was a delight in the dance. It was all very + innocent—rather imprudent—but altogether lovely. There!” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “And—well, after Nan Burgess's house-party, I—” + </p> + <p> + She glanced up at him, provocation in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “But I don't dare to hope, do I, that you will condescend to come again + and dance with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Julius Marston has taught his daughter to keep her promise, sir. If I + remember, I promised.” + </p> + <p> + He did not reply, for the elevator's grille door clashed open for them to + enter. + </p> + <p> + And in the elevator, and later in the car, he was silent, as became the + clerk of Marston's offices in the company of Marston's daughter when there + were listeners near. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes gave him distinct approval and her lips gave him a charming smile + when he alighted at his destination. + </p> + <p> + Bradish stood for a moment and gazed after the car when it threaded its + way into the Broadway traffic. + </p> + <p> + “She's a flighty young dame, with a new notion for every minute,” he told + himself. “You can see that plain enough. It's probably all jolly on her + part. However, in these days, if a fellow keeps his head steady and his + feet busy, there's no telling what the tango may lead to. This may be + exactly, what I've been paying tailors' bills for.” + </p> + <p> + Indicating that in these calculating times the spirit of youth in the + ardor of love at first sight is not as the poet of romance has painted it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVII ~ “EXACTLY!” SAID MR. FOGG + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O I am not a man o' war or privateer,” said he, + Blow high, blow low, and so sailed we! + “But I'm an honest pirate a-looking for my fee, + Cruising down along the coast of the High Barbaree.” + —Shanty of the “Prince Luther.” + </pre> + <p> + Mr. Fletcher Fogg privately and mentally and metaphorically slapped + himself on the back whenever he considered his many activities. + </p> + <p> + He was perfectly certain that he was the best little two-handed general + operator of an all-around character that any gentleman could secure when + that gentleman wanted a job done and did not care to give explicit + instructions as to the details of procedure. + </p> + <p> + The look of grief and regret that the fat face of Mr. Fogg could assume + when said gentleman—after the job was done—blamed the methods + as unsanctioned, even though the result had been achieved—that + expression was a study in humility—humility with its tongue in its + cheek. + </p> + <p> + If Mr. Fogg could have advertised his business to suit himself—being + not a whit ashamed of his tactics—he would have issued a card + inscribed about as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Mr. FLETCHER FOGG: Promoting and demoting. Building and + busting. The whole inside of any financial or industrial + cheese cleaned out without disturbing the outside rind. All + still work done noiselessly. Plenty of brass bands for loud + work. Broad shoulders supplied to take on all the blame.” + </pre> + <p> + Mr. Fogg, in the presence of Julius Marston, was properly obsequious, but + not a bit fawning. He wiped away the moisture patches beside his nose with + a purple handkerchief, and put it back into his outside breast pocket with + the corners sticking out like attentive ears. He crossed his legs and set + on his knee an ankle clothed in a purple silk stocking. On account of his + rotundity he was compelled to hold the ankle in place in the firm clutch + of his hand. He settled his purple tie with the other hand. + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad I was in reach when you wanted me,” he assured Mr. Marston. “I'm + just in on the <i>Triton</i>. And I want to tell you that you're running + that steamboat line in the way an American business man wants to have it + run. If I had been on any other line, sir, I wouldn't have been here + to-day when you were looking for me. Everything else on the coast prowling + along half-speed, but down slammed the old <i>Triton</i>, scattering 'em + out from underfoot like an auto going through a flock of chickens, but not + a jar or a scrape or a jolt, and into her dock, through two days of thick + fog, exactly on the dot. That's the way an American wants to be carried, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so, Mr. Fogg,” agreed Julius Marston. “And that's why we feel + it's going to be a good thing for all the coast lines to be under one + management—our management.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” + </p> + <p> + “It's true progress—true benefit to travelers, stockholders, and all + concerned. Consolidation instead of rivalry. I believe in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” + </p> + <p> + “As a broad-gauged business man—big enough to grasp big matters—you + have seen how consolidation effects reforms.” + </p> + <p> + “No two ways about it,” affirmed Mr. Fogg. + </p> + <p> + “That was very good missionary work you did in the matter of the Sound + & Cape line—very good indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “It's astonishing what high and lofty ideas some stockholders have about + properties they're interested in. In financial matters the poorest + conclusion a man can draw is that a stock will always continue to pay + dividends simply because it always has done so. I had to set off a pretty + loud firecracker to wake those Sound & Cape fellows up. I had to show + 'em what damage the new deals and competition and our combination would do + to 'em if they kept on sleeping on their stock certificates. Funny how + hard it is to pry some folks loose from their par-value notions.” Mr. Fogg + delivered this little disquisition on the intractability of stockholders + with reproachful vigor, staring blandly into the unwinking gaze of Mr. + Marston. “I don't want to praise my own humble efforts too much,” he went + on, “but I truly believe that inside another thirty days the Sound crowd + would have been ready to cash in at fifty, in spite of that minority bunch + that was hollering for par. That was only a big yawp from a few folks.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty was a fair price in view of what's ahead in the way of competition, + but we have made it a five-eighths proposition in order to clinch the deal + promptly. I just sent one of our boys around with the check.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg beamed. He used his purple handkerchief on his cheeks once more. + He allowed to himself a few words of praise: “They'll understand some day + that I saved 'em from a bigger bump. But it's hard to show some people.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Fogg, we come to the matter of the Vose line. What's the + outlook?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg looked sad. “After weeks of chasing 'em, I can only say that + they're ugly and stubborn, simply blind to their best interests.” + </p> + <p> + “Insist on par, do they?” + </p> + <p> + “Worse than that. Old Vose and his sons and those old hornbeam directors—retired + sea-captains, you know, as hard as old turtles—they have taken a + stand against consolidation. They belong in the dark ages of business. Old + Vose had the impudence to tell me that forming this steamboat combine was + a crime, and that he wouldn't be a party to a betrayal of the public. He + won't come in; he won't sell; he's going to compete.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marston stroked his strip of beard. “In order for our stock to be what + we intend it to be, the Paramount Coast Transportation has got to operate + as a complete monopoly, as you understand, Mr. Fogg. A beneficent monopoly—consolidation + benefiting all—but nevertheless a monopoly. With one line holding + out on us, we've got only a limping proposition.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” + </p> + <p> + “What are we going to do about the Vose line?” + </p> + <p> + “Let it compete, sir. We can kill it in the end.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly—probably. But that plan will not serve, Mr. Fogg.” + </p> + <p> + “It's business.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is not finance. I'm looking at this proposition solely as a + financier, Mr. Fogg. I hardly know one end of a steamboat from the other. + I'm not interested in rate-cutting problems. I don't know how long it + would take to put the Vose line under. But I do know this, as a financier, + handling a big deal, that the Paramount stock will not appeal to investors + or the bonds to banks unless we can launch our project as a clean, perfect + combination, every transportation charter locked up. I handle money, and I + know all of money's timidity and all of money's courage. You think the + Vose directors are able to hold their stockholders in line, do you?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg uncrossed his legs, put both feet on the floor, hooked his hands + across his paunch, and gazed up at the ceiling, evidently pondering + profoundly. + </p> + <p> + “I repeat, I'm not viewing this thing as a steamboating proposition, not + figuring what kind of tariffs will kill competition,” stated Mr. Marston. + “I'm not estimating what kind of tariffs will make a profit for the + Paramount. I'd as soon sell sugar over the counter. My associates expect + me to make money for them in another way—make it in big lumps and on + a quick turn. The Vose line, competing, kills us from the financial + viewpoint.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the room for some time. + </p> + <p> + “There's never any telling what stockholders will do,” remarked Mr. Fogg, + his eyes still studying the panels of the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marston did not dispute that dictum. + </p> + <p> + His field-marshal slowly tipped down his head and gave his superior + another of those bland stares. + </p> + <p> + “So I'll go right ahead and see what they'll do, sir.” + </p> + <p> + He rose and kicked the legs of his trousers into place. + </p> + <p> + “You understand that in this affair, as in all matters where you have been + employed, there must be absolutely clean work. There must be no come-back. + Of course, I have instructed you to this effect regularly, but I wish to + have you remember that I have repeated the instructions, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” Mr. Fogg's eyes did not blink. + </p> + <p> + “You will be prepared to testify to that effect in case the need ever + arises.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg delivered that word like a countersign. Into it, in his + interviews with Julius Marston, he put understanding, humility, promise. + </p> + <p> + “May we expect quick action?” asked the financier. “The thing mustn't hang + fire. We have a lot of our nimble money tied up as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” returned Mr. Fogg, on his way to the door. “Quick action it + is!” + </p> + <p> + “This is probably the craziest idea that ever popped into a man's head + when that man was sitting in Julius Marston's office,” reflected Mr. Fogg, + marching through the anteroom of this temple of finance. “There's one + thing about it that's comforting—it's so wild-eyed it will never be + blamed on to Julius Marston as any of his getting up. And that's his + principal lookout when a deal is on. It seems to be up to me to deliver + the goods.” + </p> + <p> + He sat down on a bench in the waiting-room and rubbed his knuckles over + his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Just let me get this thing right end to,” he told himself. “How did the + idea happen to hit me, anyway? Oh, yes! Old Vose bragging to me that every + stockholder in the Vose line was behind him, and that the annual meeting + was about to come off, and then I would see what a condemned poor show I + stood to get even the toe of my boot into the crack of the company door. + He's a Maine corporation. I've known of cases where that fact helped a + lot. There are plenty of ifs and buts in this thing, but here goes!” + </p> + <p> + He applied himself to one of the office telephones, asked for several + numbers, one after the other, and put questions with eagerness and + rapidity. + </p> + <p> + The information he received seemed to disturb him considerably. He came + out of the booth and scrubbed his cheeks with his purple handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + “Their annual meeting at ten o'clock to-morrow morning, four hundred miles + from here! Well, I suppose I ought to be thankful that it's not being held + right now,” Mr. Fogg informed himself, determined to fan that one flicker + of hope with both wings of his optimism. “But I've got to admit that + twenty-four hours is almighty scant time for a job of this sort, even when + the operator is the little Fogg boy himself. Damme, I haven't come to a + full, realizing sense yet of all I've got to do and how I'm going to do + it.” + </p> + <p> + He hurried out, dove into an elevator, and was shot down to the street. + </p> + <p> + He was lucky enough to find a taxi at the curb. + </p> + <p> + “Grand Central,” he told the driver. “I've got five dollars that says you + can beat the Subway express and land me in season for the ten-o'clock + limited for Boston.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as it became evident to Mr. Fogg that his driver had seen his duty + and was going to do it, traffic squad be blowed, the promoter settled + back, and his thoughts began to revolve faster than the taxi's wheels. + </p> + <p> + “It's going to be like the mining-camp 'lulu hand,'” was his mental + preface to his plans. “It can be played only once in a sitting-in; it has + got to be backed with good bluff, but it's a peach when it works. And what + am I a promoter for? What have I studied foreign corporation laws for?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg took off his hat and mopped his bald spot, wrinkling his eyelids + in deep reflection. + </p> + <p> + “The idea is,” he mused, “I'm a candidate for the presidency of the Vose + line at to-morrow's meeting. But I haven't been elected yet!” + </p> + <p> + However, Mr. Fogg's preliminary sniffing at the affairs of the Vose line + had informed him where he could pick up at least ten scattered shares of + their stock. He figured that before midnight he would have them in his + possession. As to the next day and the next steps, well, the nerve of a + real American plunger clings to life until the sunset of all hopes, even + as the snake's tail, though the serpent's head be bruised beyond repair, + is supposed to wriggle until sunset. + </p> + <p> + He despatched a telegram at New Haven. He received a reply at Providence, + and he read it and felt like a gambler who has drawn a card to fill his + bobtail hand. When a design is brazen and the game is largely a bluff, + plain, lucky chance must be appealed to. + </p> + <p> + The telegram had been addressed to Attorney Sawyer Franklin, in a Maine + city. It had requested an appointment with Mr. Franklin on the following + morning. + </p> + <p> + The reply had stated that Mr. Franklin was critically ill in a hospital, + but that all matters of business would be attended to by his office force, + as far as was possible. + </p> + <p> + Attorney Sawyer Franklin, as Mr. Fogg, of course, was fully aware, was + clerk of the Vose line corporation, organized according to the Maine law + as a “foreign corporation,” under the more liberal regulations which have + attracted so many metropolitan promoters into the states of Maine and New + Jersey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVIII ~ HOW AN ANNUAL MEETING WAS HELD—ONCE! + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O, a ship she was rigged and ready for sea, + And all of her sailors were fishes to be! + Windy-y-weather, + Stormy-y-weather! + When the wind blows we're all together! + —The Fishes. +</pre> + <p> + Fletcher Fogg, suave, dignified, radiating business importance, freshened + by a barber's ministrations, walked into the Franklin law-offices the next + morning at nine-thirty. + </p> + <p> + He announced himself to a girl typist, and she referred him to a young man + who came forth from a private room. + </p> + <p> + “I have power of attorney from Mr. Franklin to transact his routine + business,” explained the young man. “Of course, if it's a new case or a + question of law—” + </p> + <p> + “Neither, neither, my dear sir! Simply a matter of routine. But,” he + leaned close to the young man's ear, “strictly private.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg himself closed the door of the inner office when the two had + retired there. + </p> + <p> + “One of your matters to-day, I believe, is the annual meeting of the Vose + line. I am a stockholder.” + </p> + <p> + Fogg produced a packet of certificates and laid them on the desk. + </p> + <p> + “Are there to be any officers or other stockholders present?” he asked, + showing just a bit of solicitude, in spite of himself. + </p> + <p> + “I think not,” returned the young man. “Nothing has been said about it. + The proxies and instructions have been sent in, as usual, by registered + mail.” He indicated documents stacked on the desk. “I was just about to + begin on the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose our proxies run to the clerk of the corporation, as usual, with + full power of substitution, clerk to follow instructions,” said Mr. Fogg, + a bit pompously, using his complete knowledge of corporation routine. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. We handle most of the corporation meetings that way when it's + all cut and dried. In this case, it's simply a re-election of the old + officers.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg pulled his chair closer, dabbed his purple handkerchief on each + side of his nose, and inquired, kindly and confidentially: “My son, what's + your name?” + </p> + <p> + “David Boyne.” + </p> + <p> + “Law student here—secretary, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly—and a long, hard pull ahead of you. It's too bad you're not + in New York, where a young man doesn't have to travel the whole way + around, but can cut a corner or two. I could give you a lot of examples of + bright young chaps who have grabbed in when the grabbing was good. + </p> + <p> + “But I haven't the time. You take my word for it. I'm a plain, outspoken + business man, and I'm in with the biggest financial interests in New York. + And I'm going to offer you the grandest opportunity of your life right + now, David.” + </p> + <p> + He picked up his certificates and arranged them in one hand, as a player + arranges his cards. + </p> + <p> + “I have here ten shares, say, and each share is owned by a different + individual—all good men. You don't know them, but I do. They are + connected with our big interests. And I'm right here as a stockholder. Do + you realize, David, that instructing you to hold this meeting without a + single stockholder present is really asking you to do something that's not + strictly legal?” + </p> + <p> + “We usually do it this way,” faltered Boyne. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly! Men like those who are running the Vose line are always asking + an innocent man to do something illegal. I'm going to come right to the + point with you, David. Those old moss-backs who have sent those + instructions are trying to wreck the Vose line. I want you to disregard + those instructions. I am anxious to be president and general manager of + the line. I want you to elect as directors these stockholders.” He tapped + his finger on the certificates. + </p> + <p> + The young man was both frightened and bewildered. He turned pale. “I can't + do that,” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you can. There are the proxies. It's up to you to vote 'em as you + want to. They allow full power of substitution, usual fashion!” + </p> + <p> + “But I can't disobey my instructions.” + </p> + <p> + “I say you can, if you've got grit enough to make a good thing for + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Such a thing was never done here.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably not. It's a new idea. But new things are being done right along + in high finance. You ought to be up where big things are happening every + day. You stand in with me, and I'll put you there. You see, I'm getting + right down to cases on this matter with you, David. Vote those proxies as + I direct and I'll hand you five thousand dollars inside of two hours, and + will plant you in a corking job with my people as soon as this thing calms + down. I could have palavered a long time before coming to business in this + way, but I see you're a bright young fellow and don't need a lot of + hair-oil talk. I don't ask you to hurt anybody in especial. You can elect + the old treasurer—we don't want to handle the money—this is no + cheap brace game. But I want a board of directors who will put me in as + general manager until certain reforms can be instituted so as to bring the + line up to date. Five thousand dollars, mind you, and then you'll be taken + care of.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'll be put into state prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, my boy! Why would you vote those proxies according to your + instructions? Why, because it would be for your interest to do so if I + hadn't come in here with a better proposition. Now it's for your interest + to vote 'em as I tell you. The most they can make out of it is a breach of + trust, and that amounts to nothing. With five thousand dollars in your + mitt, you wouldn't need to hang around here to take a lot of slurs. I'll + slip you another thousand for your expenses on a little trip till the air + is all clear.” + </p> + <p> + Boyne stared at this blunt and forceful tempter; his hand which clutched + the chair-arms trembled; “I'm going to be still more frank with you, my + boy. And, by the way, you must know that I'm no mere four-flusher. You've + heard of Fletcher Fogg, eh? You knew who I was when you got that wire from + me yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, I know of you through our corporation work, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” Mr. Fogg assumed even more unctuously the manner of an old + friend. “Now, as I say, I'm going to be frank—take you in on the + ground floor. Of course, they can have another—a special meeting of + the Vose line after a thirty days' notice to the stockholders. They will + probably call that meeting, and I don't care if they do. But I have an + ambition to be general manager of the line for those thirty days to make—well, + I want to make a little investigation of general conditions,” declared Mr. + Fogg, resorting to his purple handkerchief. “That's all I care to say. At + the end of thirty days we may—I'm speaking of the big interests I + represent—we may decide to buy the line and make it really worth + something to the stockholders. You understand, I hope. It's strictly + business—it's all right—it's good financiering. After it's all + over and those old, hardshell directors wake up, I'll venture to say + they'll be pleased all around that this little turn has been made. In the + mean time, having been taken care of, you needn't mind whether they're + pleased or not.” + </p> + <p> + Boyne looked at the sheaf of certificates in Fogg's hand; he bent + frightened gaze on the documents stacked on the desk. They lay there + representing his responsibility, but they also represented opportunity. + The sight of them was a rebuke to the agitated thoughts of treason which + assailed him. But the mere papers had no voice to make that rebuke + pointed. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg did have a voice. “Five thousand dollars in your fist, my boy, as + soon as I can work the wire to New York—and there's no piker about + the man who can have five thousand flashed in here when he asks for it. + You can see what kind of men are behind me. What do you care about old man + Vose and his crowd?” + </p> + <p> + “There's Mr. Franklin! I'll be doing a mighty mean trick, Mr. Fogg. No, + I'll not do it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg did not bluster. He was silent for some time. He pursed his lips + and stared at Boyne, and then he shifted his gaze to the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + “It's too bad—too bad for a young fellow to turn down such an + opportunity,” he sighed. “It can be done without you, Boyne, in another + way. The same result will happen. But you might as well be in on it. Now + let me tell you a few instances of how some of the big men in this country + got their start.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg was an excellent raconteur with a vivid imagination, and it did + not trouble his conscience because the narratives he imparted to this + wide-eyed youth were largely apocryphal. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” he put in at the end of the first tale, “what a flying start + will do for a man. Suppose that chap I've just told you about sat back and + refused to jump when the road was all open to him! You don't hear anybody + knocking that man nowadays, do you? And yet that's the trick he pulled to + get his start.” + </p> + <p> + With a similar snapper did Mr. Fogg touch up each one of his stories of + success. + </p> + <p> + “I—I didn't have any idea—I thought they managed it some other + way,” murmured David Boyne. + </p> + <p> + “Your horizon has been limited; you haven't been out in the world enough + to know, my son.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of all those men, of course. They're big men to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “You didn't think they got to be millionaires by saving the money out of + clerks' salaries, did you? Of course, Boyne, I admit that in this affair + you'll be up to a little sharp practice. But you're not stealing anything. + Nobody can lug off steamships in a vest pocket. It's only a deal—and + deals are being made every day.” + </p> + <p> + Fogg was a keen judge of his fellow-men. He knew weakness when he saw it. + He could determine from a man's lower lip and the set of his nose whether + that person were covetous. And he knew now what signified the flush on + Boyne's cheeks and the light in his eyes. However, there was something + else to reckon with. + </p> + <p> + “I will not betray Mr. Franklin's confidence in me. Positively, I will + not,” said the young man. “He's sick, and that would make it worse.” + </p> + <p> + “How sick is he?” + </p> + <p> + “He is very, very ill. It was an operation, and he has had a relapse. But + we hope he's coming out all right.” + </p> + <p> + “What hospital is he in?” + </p> + <p> + Boyne gave the name. + </p> + <p> + “I think I'll call up and ask when it is expected that he can see + visitors,” announced Fogg, with business briskness. “I wish Franklin had + been here on deck—Franklin, himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe Mr. Franklin would turn a trick of this sort,” asserted + the clerk. “I'd hate to face him, after doing it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Franklin would be able to see further into a financial deal than a young + chap,” said Mr. Fogg, severely, and then he found his number and made his + call. “Good heavens!” he blurted, after a question. “I am in his office. + Yes, I'll tell Boyne.” + </p> + <p> + With a fine affectation of grief and surprise, he snapped the transmitter + upon the hook and whirled on Boyne. His back had been toward the young man—he + had spoken with hand across the receiver. + </p> + <p> + “He has just died—he's dead! Franklin has passed away.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have been notified,” gasped Boyne. + </p> + <p> + “They were just going to call you. You heard me say I'd inform you.” + </p> + <p> + “But I must call the hospital—offer my services. I must go up + there.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg put out his hand and pressed the young man back into his chair. + “A lulu must be played quick and the pot raked sudden,” he reflected. + </p> + <p> + “Just a moment, my son. Now you're standing on your own bottom. You won't + have to explain to Mr. Franklin.” + </p> + <p> + He pointed to the clock. His stories had consumed time. The hour was + ten-thirty-five. + </p> + <p> + “That annual meeting of the Vose line was called for ten of the clock + to-day. Mr. Franklin was alive at that hour. He was the clerk of that + corporation. What happens now will not embarrass you so far as he's + concerned. Be sensible. Make a stroke for yourself. You're out of a job, + anyway. Go to it, now.” + </p> + <p> + Fogg spoke sharply, imperiously. He exerted over the young man all the + force of his personality. + </p> + <p> + “Five thousand dollars—protected by my interests—slipped out + of sight for a few months—it's easy. Sit down there and make up your + records; vote those proxies. Vote 'em, I say. This meeting was held at ten + o'clock. Make up your records.” + </p> + <p> + He stood over Boyne, arguing, promising, urging, and the young man, at + last, sweating, flushed, trembling, bent over his documents, sorted them, + and made up his records. + </p> + <p> + “We'll send on a copy to the office of the Vose line by registered mail,” + commanded Fogg. “Attest it as a copy of the true record by notary. When it + drops in on 'em I will be there, with my directors and my little story—and + the face of Uncle Vose will be worth looking at, though his language may + not be elevating. You come out with me, Boyne. I'm going to the telegraph + office.” + </p> + <p> + “But I must get in touch at once with Mr. Franklin's family—offer my + services,” pleaded the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “There isn't a thing you can do right now,” snapped the masterful + gentleman from New York. “I suggest that you close the office. Send the + girl home. You should do that much out of respect to your employer's + memory.” + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later the record had been mailed and the flustered Boyne was + trotting around town with Mr. Fogg. The latter seemed to have a tremendous + amount of business on his hands. He hired a cab and was hustled yon and + thither, leaving the young man in the vehicle, with instructions to stay + there, whenever a stop was made. But at last Mr. Fogg returned from an + errand with some very tangible results. He put a packet of bank-notes into + Boyne's shaking hands. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever see as much real money before, my son?” asked Fogg, + genially. “That's your five thousand. And here's five hundred toward that + expense money we promised. I'm suggesting that you leave town to-night. + Tuck that cash away on yourself and duck out of sight.” + </p> + <p> + Having secured the money and placed that powerful argument in the young + man's hands, Mr. Fogg's hurry and anxiety seemed to be over. When he had + seen the packet buttoned inside Boyne's coat he smiled. + </p> + <p> + “The trade is clinched and the job is done, son, and I feel sure that, + being a healthy young American citizen with plenty of cash to pay your + way, you're not going to let go that cash nor do any foolish squealing.” + </p> + <p> + “I've gone too far to back out,” admitted Boyne, patting the outside of + his coat. “But it seems like a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “I've heard a little piece of good news while I've been running around—forgot + to tell you,” said Fogg, in a matter-of-fact way. “That fool attendant at + the hospital must have misunderstood me, or I misunderstood him. Franklin + isn't dead.” + </p> + <p> + “He-isn't-dead?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Last report is that he's better this forenoon. But that's the way + some of these crazy attendants mix things up when anybody inquires at a + hospital. Now, of course, seeing that the registered copy is on its way + and Franklin is getting better, that's all the more reason why you don't + care to hang around these diggings and be annoyed. I've got a scheme. It + will take you out of town in a very quiet style. I have telephoned down to + the docks, and there's a Vose freighter in here discharging rails. Do you + live at home or at a boarding-place?” + </p> + <p> + “I board,” said Boyne, still wrestling with the sickening information that + he had betrayed an employer who was alive; somehow the sentiment that it + was equally base to betray a deceased employer had not impressed itself on + his benumbed conscience. He was now keenly aware that he feared to meet up + with a living and indignant Lawyer Franklin. Fogg questioned, and Boyne + gave his boarding-house address. + </p> + <p> + “We'll drive there, and I'll wait outside in the cab until you can scratch + together a gripful of your things. Don't load yourself down too much. + Remember, you've got plenty of cash in your pockets.” + </p> + <p> + A little later Fogg escorted the young man up the gang-plank of the <i>Nequasset</i>, + from whose hold the last of her load of clanging rails was being derricked + by panting windlass engines. To Captain Zoradus Wass, who was lounging + against the rail just outside the pilot-house, Mr. Fogg marched with + business promptitude, and spoke with assurance. + </p> + <p> + “Captain, my name is Fletcher Fogg. Within forty-eight hours the directors + of the Vose line will elect me president and general manager. That news + may be rather astonishing, but it's true.” + </p> + <p> + The veteran skipper did not reply. He shifted a certain bulge from one + cheek to the other. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” queried Fogg, a bit sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't saying anything” + </p> + <p> + “You believe what I tell you, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know you.” + </p> + <p> + “This young man is David Boyne, acting clerk of the Vose line corporation. + The annual meeting has just been held in this city. He made the official + records. He will tell you that a new board of directors has been chosen—the + old crowd is out.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so,” stated Boyne, obeying the prompting of Fogg's quick glance. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know you, either.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg was not abashed. “It isn't especially necessary that you know us. + How soon do you leave?” + </p> + <p> + “We're going out light as soon as them rails are on the wharf.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sending Mr. Boyne with you on a tour of inspection, captain. Please + give him quarters and use him right.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing doing till I get orders from the owners,” declared Captain Wass. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't I told you that I shall be general manager of this line + to-morrow, or next day, at the latest?” + </p> + <p> + “When you're general manager come around and give off your orders, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do it. I'll come aboard in New York—” + </p> + <p> + “I'm ordered to Philadelphia,” prompted Captain Wass. “That's where you'll + find me.” + </p> + <p> + “Philadelphia, then! I'll come aboard and fire you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do just as you feel like doing.” + </p> + <p> + “You refuse to take along this young man?” + </p> + <p> + “This ain't a passenger-boat. I don't know you. Show orders from owners—otherwise + nothing doing.” + </p> + <p> + Mate Mayo had come out of his cabin, near at hand. With a young man's + quicker perception of possibilities and contingencies he realized that his + skipper might be letting an old man's obstinacy block common sense. + </p> + <p> + The first mate had an eye for men and their manners. He had been listening + to Mr. Fogg. That gentleman certainly seemed to know what he was talking + about. And young Mate Mayo, having a nose for news as well as an eye for + men, understood that the coast transportation business was in a touchy + state generally. He gave Mr. Fogg further inspection and decided that a + little skilful compromising was advisable. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Wass, will you step aside with me a moment?” asked the mate. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to have a word with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Have it right here,” said the captain, tartly. “I never have any business + that's got to be whispered behind corners.” He scowled when his mate gave + him a wink, both suggestive and imploring. “Spit it out!” + </p> + <p> + “The law doesn't allow us to take passengers, as you suggest. And + naturally you don't like to act without orders from owners.” He looked at + Mr. Fogg as he spoke, plainly offering apology to that gentleman. “But we + need a second steward and—” + </p> + <p> + “We don't!” Captain Wass was blunt and tactless. + </p> + <p> + “I beg pardon—we really do. And we can sign this young man in a—a + sort of nominal way, and then when we get to Philadelphia we'll probably + find the matter all straightened out.” + </p> + <p> + “What's your name?” asked Mr. Fogg. + </p> + <p> + “Boyd Mayo, sir. First mate.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Mayo, you're a young man with a lot of common sense,” declared Fogg. + </p> + <p> + To himself, staring at the young man, he said: “I'm going to play this + game out with two-spots, and here's one ready for the draw!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see you in Philadelphia, Mr. Mayo,” he continued, aloud. “I am + exactly what I say I am. Captain Wass, you've got something coming to you. + Mr. Mayo, you've got something coming to you, also—and it's good!” + His assertiveness was compelling, and even the captain displayed symptoms + of being impressed. “It isn't at all necessary that my agent make this + trip with you, Captain Wass. Perhaps I had no distinct right to bring him + here. But I am a hustling sort of a business man and I want to get at + matters in short order. However, I ask no favors. Come on, Boyne!” + </p> + <p> + “We'll sign him on as steward to cover the law,” proffered the captain, as + terse in consent as he was in refusal. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” agreed Fogg. “You've got an able first mate, sir.” He flipped + his watch out. “I've got a train to make, gentlemen. Good day!” + </p> + <p> + He took Boyne by the arm and led him to the ladder from the bridge. “Son,” + said he, “you dig into that Mayo chap till you know him up and down and + through and through. I'm going to use him. And you keep your mouth shut + about yourself.” He backed down the ladder, feeling his way cautiously + with his fat legs, trotted to the waiting cab, and was whirled away. + </p> + <p> + At high noon the next day Fletcher Fogg marched into the general offices + of the Vose line in company with ten solid-looking citizens. Imperturbable + and smiling, he allowed President Vose to shriek anathema and to wave the + certified copy of the record of the annual meeting under the snub Fogg + nose. + </p> + <p> + “What you say doesn't change the situation in the least,” affirmed Mr. + Fogg. “You'll find the actual records of the meeting deposited in the + usual place in the state of your incorporation. If you think these new + directors are not lawfully and duly elected, you can apply to the courts.” + </p> + <p> + “You confounded thief, it's likely to take a year to get a decision. This + is damnable. It's piracy. You know what courts are!” + </p> + <p> + “Poke up your courts, then. It isn't my fault if they're slow.” + </p> + <p> + The new directors filed into the board-room and with great celerity + proceeded to elect Fletcher Fogg to be president and general manager of + the Vose line. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” pleaded the deposed executive head. “My money + is in here—my whole life is in it—my pride—my intention + to see that the public gets a square deal. You infernal rogue, what are + you going to do with my property?” + </p> + <p> + “That's my own business,” said Fletcher Fogg. + </p> + <p> + “You can't get away with it—you can't do it!” raged Vose. “I'll get + at the inside of how that meeting was conducted. You'd better take + backwater right now, Fogg, and save yourself. I'm not afraid to tell you + what I'm going to do. I'll have a temporary injunction issued. I'll prove + fraud was used at that meeting—bribery, yes, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg smiled and sat down at the president's desk. “First he'll have to + find a young man by the name of David Boyne,” he told himself. + </p> + <p> + “Vose,” said the new president, “all you can show a court is the record of + an annual meeting, duly and legally held. And if the judge wants to have a + look at me he'll find me running this line a blamed sight better than you + have ever run it.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a cheap, plain trick,” bleated the aged steamship manager. “Your + crowd is going to sell out to the Paramount—it's your plot.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no! We're not inviting injunctions and law and newspaper talk and + slurs and slander, Mr. Vose. If there's ever any selling out you'll be the + first to suggest it; I never shall. You see, I'm just as frank with you as + you are with me. Selling this line to the Paramount right now, just + because the new board is in, would be ragged work—very coarse work. + Thank Heaven, I have a proper respect for the law—and what it can do + to bother a fool. I am not a fool, Mr. Vose.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIX ~ THE PRIZE PACKAGE FROM MR. FOGG + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Our captain stood on his quarter-deck, + And a fine little man was he! + “Overhaul, overhaul, on your davit tackle fall, + And launch your boats to the sea, + Brave boys! And launch your boats to the sea.” + —The Whale. +</pre> + <p> + A slowing, tug, tooting fussy and staccato blasts which Captain Wass + translated into commands to hold up, intercepted the <i>Nequasset</i> in + Hampton Roads. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fletcher Fogg was a passenger on the tug. In a suit of natty gray, he + loomed conspicuously in the alley outside the tug's pilot-house. He cursed + roundly when he toilsomely climbed the ladder to the freighter's deck, for + the rusty sheathing smutched the knees of his trousers. + </p> + <p> + “I'm doing a little better than I promised you, captain,” he stated when + he arrived finally in the presence of the master. “I said Philadelphia. + But here I am. Do you know me now?” + </p> + <p> + “Your name is Fogg,” returned Captain Wass, exhibiting no special delight. + </p> + <p> + “And I'm manager of this line. As it seems to be pretty hard for you to + get anything through that thick nut of yours, I'll ask you to glance at a + paper which will save argument.” + </p> + <p> + The paper was an attested notification, signed by the directors, stating + in laconic legal phrase what Mr. Fogg had just declared. + </p> + <p> + “You recognize my authority, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Your bill o' lading reads O. K.,” assented the skipper. + </p> + <p> + “Very well! Exactly! Then you take your orders. Proceed to an anchorage + off Lambert Point below Norfolk, pick a berth well off the channel, and + put down both hooks. The boat is going out of commission. I find you're + not making any money for the owners.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't my fault. With charters at—” began the master, + indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't any time for a joint debate. You are laid off. Bring your + accounts to the main office as soon as you have turned the steamer over to + the caretaker—he'll come out from Norfolk.” Manager Fogg turned on + his heel to meet Mate Mayo. “You will report at the main offices, too, Mr. + Mayo. Have you master's papers?” + </p> + <p> + “I have, sir—Atlantic waters, Jacksonville to East-port.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good—you're going to be promoted. I shall put you aboard the + passenger-steamer <i>Montana</i> as captain.” He looked about sharply. + “Where is my agent?” + </p> + <p> + “There, in the quartermaster's cabin. We gave him that,” replied Captain + Wass, gruffly. “I'm glad I'm out of steamboating. I've learned how to run + a boarding-house and make money out of it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg did not understand that sneer, and he paid no attention to the + captain's manner. He started for the cabin indicated. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can swell around in gold braid now and catch your heiress,” + observed Captain Wass to his mate. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry, skipper,” said the young man, with real feeling. “You are the + man to be promoted, not I. It isn't right—it doesn't seem real.” + </p> + <p> + “There isn't any real steamboating on this coast any longer. It is—I + don't know what the devil it is,” snarled the veteran. “I have been + sniffing and scouting. I'd like to be a mouse in the wall of them New York + offices and hear what it is they're trying to do to us poor cusses. + Ordered one day to keep the law; ordered the next day to break the law; + hounded by owners and threatened by the government! I'm glad I'm out of it + and glad you've got a good job. That last I'm specially glad about. But + keep your eye peeled. There are queer doings round about you!” + </p> + <p> + Fogg entered the cabin and shut the door behind him. He found Boyne + sitting on a stool and looking somewhat apprehensive. “Hiding?” inquired + Fogg. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I wouldn't show myself till I was sure about who was on that + tug,” said the young man. + </p> + <p> + “That's the boy, David,” complimented Fogg, with real heartiness. “You're + no fool. Nothing like being careful. Pack your bag and go aboard the tug.” + He marched out. + </p> + <p> + “Philadelphia charter has been canceled, eh?” asked Captain Wass. The tone + of his voice did not invite amity. + </p> + <p> + “It has, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Seems queer to turn down a cargo that's there waiting—and the old + boat can carry it cheaper than anybody else, the way I've got expenses + fined down.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you trying to tell me my business?” + </p> + <p> + “I have beep steamboating forty years, and I know a little something about + it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg looked at the old mariner, eyes narrowed. He wanted to inform + Captain Wass that the latter knew altogether too much about steamboating + for the kind of work that was planned out along the coast in those + ticklish times. + </p> + <p> + “Then I ain't to expect anything special from now on?” asked the skipper. + In spite of his determination to be crusty and keep his upper lip stiff, + he could not repress a little wistfulness, and his eyes roved over the old + freighter with affection. + </p> + <p> + “Not a thing, sir!” Mr. Fogg was blunt and cool. He started for the + ladder. He slapped the shoulder of Mayo as he passed the young man. + “Here's the kind of chap we're looking for nowadays. The sooner you + report, my boy, the better for you.” + </p> + <p> + With Boyne following him, he climbed down the swaying ladder, and was + lifted from the lower rungs over the tug's rail to a secure footing. + </p> + <p> + After the lines had been cast off and the tug went floundering away at a + sharp angle, Captain Wass scuffed into his pilot-house and gave the bells. + </p> + <p> + “She seems to feel it—honest she does!” he told Mate Mayo. “She goes + off logy. She doesn't pick up her heels. Nor could I do it when I walked + in here. Going to be scrapped—the two of us! Cuss their picking and + stealing and fighting and financing. They ain't steam-boating any longer. + They're using good boats to play checkers in Wall Street with. Well, son,” + he mourned, hanging dispiritedly over the sill of the window and staring + up the wind-swept Chesapeake, “I ain't going to whine—but I shall + miss the old packet and the rumble and racket of the old machine down + there in her belly. I'd even take the job of watchman aboard her if he + would hire me.” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to fancy me a bit. I'll ask him to hire you,” proffered the + mate, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon you didn't get the look in his eye when he fired me,” said + Captain Wass. “I won't allow you to say a word to him about me. You go + ahead, boy, and take the job he has offered. But always remember that he's + a slick operator. See what he has done to Uncle Vose; and we haven't been + able to worm it out of that passenger how it was done, either. Financing + in these days comes pretty nigh to running without lights and under forced + draught. It gets a man to Prosperity Landing in a hurry, providing he + doesn't hit anything bigger than he is. They're going to haul up this + freighter and blame it on to me because I ain't making money for the + owners. They'll have plenty of figgers to show it. Look out that they + don't lay something worse and bigger to you. They're going to play a game + with the Vose line, I tell you! In the game of big finance, 'tag-gool,' + making 'it' out of the little chap who can't run very fast, seems to be + almighty popular.” + </p> + <p> + He slowed the freighter to a snail's pace when he approached the dredged + channel, and at last the leadsman found suitable bottom. Both anchors were + let go. + </p> + <p> + The old skipper sounded the jingle, telling the chief engineer that the + engine-crew was released. In a speaking-tube the captain ordered both + boilers to be blown off. + </p> + <p> + “And there's the end of me as master of my ship,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Mate Mayo's eyes were wet, but words of sympathy to fit the case did not + come to his sailor tongue, and he was silent. + </p> + <p> + When the tug was near Newport News, Manager Fogg took David Boyne apart + from all ears which might hear. He gave the young man another packet of + money. + </p> + <p> + “The rest of your expenses for a good trip,” he said. “You seem to be a + chap who knows how to mind his own business—and able to get at the + other fellow's business in pretty fair shape. You haven't told such an + awful lot about young Mayo, but it's satisfactory to learn that he has + lived such a simple and every-day life that there isn't much to tell.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw a man so sort of guileless,” affirmed Boyne. “Not that I have + had a lot of experience, but in a lawyer's office you are bound to see + considerable of human nature.” + </p> + <p> + “He is no doubt a very deserving young man—and I'm glad I can use + him,” said Fogg, not able to keep all the grimness out of his tones. “Now, + son,” he went on, after a moment of pondering, “you stay on board this tug + till I have been gone five minutes. There are a lot of sharp eyes around + in these times, and some of Vose's friends would be glad to run to him + with a story about me. After five minutes, you take your bag and walk to + Dock Seven and go aboard the freighter <i>Ariel</i>—go just as if + you belonged there. Tell the captain that you are Daniel Boyle—get + the name—Daniel Boyle. And never tell anybody until you hear from me + that your name is David Boyne. That freighter leaves to-night for Barbados + with sugar machinery. You'll have a nice trip.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care how far away I get,” declared Boyne, rather bitterly. “I + have done a tough trick. I'm pretty much of a renegade. No, I don't care + how far I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I, either,” agreed Fogg, but a smile relieved the brutality of the + speech. “You see, son, both of us have special reasons why it's just as + well for you to be away from these diggings for a time. If some folks get + hold of you they'll bother you with a lot of foolish questions. When you + get tired of Barbados go ahead and pick out another nice trip, and keep + going, and later on we'll find a good job for you up this way. Keep me + posted. Good-by.” + </p> + <p> + The tug had docked and he hurried off and away. + </p> + <p> + “It's quite a game,” reflected Mr. Fogg. “I've bluffed a pot with one + two-spot. Work was a little coarse because it had to be done on short + notice. The work I do with my second two-spot is going to be smoother, and + there won't be so much beefing after the pot is raked in. Too much + hollering, and your game gets raided! I can see what would happen to me—Julius + Marston doing it—if I give the strong-arm squad an opening. But if + they see the little Fogg boy slip a card in the next deal he's going to + make—well, I'll eat the <i>Montana</i>, if that's the only way to + get rid of her.” + </p> + <p> + Boyd Mayo lost no time in obeying his orders to report in New York. He + gave his name to a clerk at the offices of the Vose line and asked to see + Mr. Fogg. He presented himself a bit timorously. He was not at all sure of + his good fortune. It is rather bewildering for a young man to have the + captaincy of a twin-screw passenger racer popped at one as carelessly as + tossing a peanut to a child. He crushed his cap between trembling palms + when he followed the clerk into the inner office. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg rose and greeted Mayo with great cordiality. “Good morning, + captain,” said the manager. “Allow me to hope that you're going to be as + lively in keeping to schedule time as you have been in getting here from + Norfolk.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't feel like wasting much time, considering what was promised me,” + stammered Mayo, not yet sure of himself. + </p> + <p> + “Afraid I might change my mind?” + </p> + <p> + “It seemed too good to be true. I wanted to get here as soon as I could + and make sure that I had heard right, sir. Here are my papers.” + </p> + <p> + He laid them in the manager's hand. Fogg did not unfold them. He fanned + them, indicating a chair. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Captain Mayo. You understand that new management has taken hold + of the Vose line in order to get some life and snap into the business. We + have strong competition. A big syndicate is taking over the other + steamship properties, and we must hustle to keep up with the procession. + I'm laying off freighters that are not showing a proper profit—I'm + weeding out the moss-covered captains who are not up with the times. + That's why I'm putting you on the <i>Montana</i> in place of Jacobs.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a good man—one of the best,” ventured Mayo, loyalty to his + kind prompting him. “I'll be sorry to see him step aside, as glad as I am + to be promoted—and that's honest.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the way to talk; but we've got to have hustle and dash, and young + men can give us what we're after. It doesn't mean that you've got to take + reckless chances.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, Mr. Fogg. My training with Captain Wass has been the other + way. And if you could only give him—” + </p> + <p> + “Captain, you've got your own row to hoe. Keep your eye on it,” advised + the general manager, sharply. “I'm picking captains for the Vose boats, + and I think I understand my business. Now what I want to know is, do you + have confidence in me? Are you going to be loyal to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir!” affirmed Mayo, impressed by his superior's brisk, brusque + business demeanor. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly! And the only talk I want you to turn loose is to the effect that + you believe I'm doing my best to make this line worth something to the + stockholders. Where are you stopping?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo named a little hotel around the corner. + </p> + <p> + “I'll put you aboard the <i>Montana</i> just as soon as I can arrange the + details of transfer. I may let Jacobs make another trip or so. Report here + each morning at nine. For the rest of the time keep within reach of the + hotel telephone.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo saluted and went out. + </p> + <p> + Fogg called the observer at the weather bureau on the telephone and asked + some questions. He was informed that the wind had swung into the northwest + and that the long-prevailing fog had been blown off the coast. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg appeared to feel somewhat peevish over this sudden departure of + the weather phenomenon which bore his family name. He slammed the receiver + on to the hook and said a naughty word. A person overhearing might have + wondered a bit, for here was a steamboat manager cursing the absence of + the fog instead of preserving his profanity to expend on the presence of + the demoralizing mists. But the reign of the north wind in late summer is + never long; three days later the breeze shifted, and the gray banks of the + fog marched in from the open sea. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was awakened early by the clamor of the whistles of river craft, for + the little hotel was near the water-front. He saw the fog drifting in + shredded masses against the high buildings, shrouding the towers. He had + been waiting his call to duty with much impatience, finding the + confinement of the hotel irksome in the crisp days of sunlight, eager to + be out and about this splendid new duty which promised so much. + </p> + <p> + It was the <i>Montana's</i> sailing-day from the New York end. + </p> + <p> + He had gone to sleep thrilling with the earnest hope that he would be + called to take her out. But when he looked out into that morning, saw the + draping curtains of the stalking mists, heard the frantic squallings of + craft in the harbor, frenzied howls of alarm, hoarse hootings of protests + and warnings, he was suddenly and pointedy anxious to have his elevation + to the pilot-house of the <i>Montana</i> deferred. Better the smoky, + cramped office of the little hotel where he had been chafing in dismal + waiting. He was perfectly willing to sit there and study over again the + advertising chromos on the walls and gaze out on the everlasting + procession of rumbling drays. But at eight o'clock the telephone summoned + him. + </p> + <p> + “This is General-Manager Fogg,” the voice informed him, though he did not + require the information; he knew those crisp tones. “I am speaking from my + apartments. Please proceed at once to the <i>Montana</i>. I'll come aboard + within an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you expect me to take command—to—take her out to-day?” + faltered Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. Captain Jacobs will transfer command as soon as I get down.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo had just been rejoicing in his heart because Jacobs would be obliged + to bear the responsibility of that day's sailing; he had been perfectly + sure that a new man would not be summoned under the conditions which + prevailed. He wanted to suggest to Manager Fogg that making the change + just then would be inadvisable. He cleared his throat and searched his + soul for words. But a sharp and decisive click told him that Mr. Fogg + considered the matter settled. He came away from the telephone, dizzy and + troubled, and he was not comforted when he recollected how Manager Fogg + had received meek suggestions in the past. He paid his modest account, + took his traveling-bag, and started for the Vose line pier. + </p> + <p> + When he saw her looming in the fog—his ship at last—he felt + like running away from her incontinently, instead of running toward her. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had all of a young man's zeal and ambition and courage—but he + had in full measure a sailor's caution and knowledge of conditions; he had + been trained by that master of caution, Captain Zoradus Wass. He was + really frightened as he stared up at the towering bow, the mighty flanks, + the graceful sweep of superstructure, and realized that he must guide this + giant and her freightage of human beings into the white void of the fog. + In his honesty he acknowledged to himself that he was frightened. + </p> + <p> + The whole great fabric fairly shouted responsibility at him. + </p> + <p> + He was confident of his ability. As chief mate he had mastered the + problems of courses and manoeuvers in the fog along that same route which + he must now take. But until then the supreme responsibility had devolved + upon another. + </p> + <p> + Men were rushing freight aboard on rattling trucks—parallel lines of + stevedores were working. There were many trunks, avant couriers of the + passengers. + </p> + <p> + He went aboard by the freight entrance and found his way to the row of + officers' staterooms. He recognized the gray-bearded veteran who was + pacing the alley outside the pilot-house, though the man was not in + uniform; it was the deposed master. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Captain Mayo,” he said, without any resentment in his + tones. “I congratulate you on your promotion.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you understand that I didn't go hunting for this job,” blurted + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I believe it's merely a matter of new policy—so Manager Fogg tells + me. Understand me, too, Captain Mayo! I harbor no resentment, especially + not against you.” + </p> + <p> + He put out his hand in fine, manly fashion, and was so distinctly the best + type of the dignified, self-possessed sea-captain of the old school, that + Mayo fairly flinched at thought of replacing this man. + </p> + <p> + Captain Jacobs opened the door lettered “Captain.” “All my truck is out + and over the rail. I'll sit in with you, if you don't mind, until Mr. Fogg + arrives. You're going to have a thick passage, Captain Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't seem right to me—putting a new man on here in this fog,” + protested Mayo, warmly. “I ought to have her in clear weather till I know + her tricks. In a pinch, when you've got to know how a boat behaves, and + know it mighty sudden in order to avoid a smash, one false move puts you + into the hole.” + </p> + <p> + “They seem to be running steamboat lines from Wall Street nowadays, + instead of from the water-front,” said Captain Jacobs, dryly. “It's all in + the game as they're playing it in these times. There's nothing to be said + by the men in the pilot-house.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a sailor, and a simple one. I think I know my job, Captain Jacobs, or + else I wouldn't accept this promotion. But I've got no swelled head. It's + the proper and sensible thing for you to take the <i>Montana</i> out + tonight and let me hang around the pilot-house and watch you. If I can + prevail upon Mr. Fogg to allow it, will you make another trip?” + </p> + <p> + “I would do it to help you, but I'll be blasted if I'll help Fogg—not + if he would get down now and beg me,” declared Captain Jacobs, showing + temper for the first time. “And if you had been pitchforked out as I've + been after all my years of honest service you'd feel just as I do, Captain + Mayo. You don't blame me, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't blame you.” + </p> + <p> + “You know the courses, and you'll have the same staff as I've had. You'll + find every notation in the log accurate to the yard or the second. She's a + steady old girl and, knowing tide set and courses, as you do, you can + depend on her to the turn of a screw. You have my best wishes—but + I'm done.” + </p> + <p> + He put the fervor of final resolve into the declaration. But, with + sailor's fraternal spirit of helpfulness he sat down and went into the + details of all the Montana's few whims. He called in the mates and + introduced them to the new master. They seemed to be quiet, sturdy men who + bore no malice because a new policy had put a new man over them. + </p> + <p> + Then arrived General-Manager Fogg, and in this strictly business presence + Mayo did not presume to voice any of his doubts or his opinion of his + inefficiency. + </p> + <p> + The rather stiff and decidedly painful ceremony of speeding the former + commander was soon over, and Captain Jacobs departed. + </p> + <p> + “Why haven't you put on your uniform?” asked Fogg. “You have fixed + yourself out with a new one, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” Mayo's cheeks flushed slightly when he recollected how he had + strutted before the mirror in his room at the hotel. But he had been + ashamed to hurry into his gilt-incrusted coat in the presence of Captain + Jacobs. + </p> + <p> + “Get it on as soon as you can,” ordered the general manager. “I want you + to make a general inspection of the boat with me.” + </p> + <p> + They made the tour, and in spite of his misgivings, when he saw the mists + sweeping past the end of the pier Captain Mayo, receiving the salutes of + respectful subalterns, felt the proud joy of one who has at last arrived + at the goal of his ambition. + </p> + <p> + Master of the crack <i>Montana</i>, queen of the Vose fleet, at the age of + twenty-six! + </p> + <p> + He glanced into each of the splendid mirrors of the great saloon to make + sure of the gold letters on his cap. + </p> + <p> + The thick carpet seemed grateful to his step. The ship's orchestra was + rehearsing in its gallery. + </p> + <p> + If only that devilish fog would lift! But still it surged in from the sea, + and the glass, down to 29.40, promised no clearing weather. + </p> + <p> + “Safety to the minutest detail—that's my motto,” declared Manager + Fogg. “Order a fire drill.” + </p> + <p> + It was accomplished, and Mr. Fogg criticized the lack of snap. He was + rather severe after the life-boat drill, was over. He ordered a second + rehearsal. He commanded that the crew do it a third time. The warmth of + his insistence on this feature of shipboard discipline was very + noticeable. + </p> + <p> + “And when you put those boats back see to it that every line is free and + coiled and every cover loose. It costs a lot of good money if you kill off + passengers in these days.” Then he hurried away. “I'll see you before + sailing-time,” he informed Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + The new skipper was glad to be alone and to have leisure for study of the + steamer's log-books. He had been accustomed to a freighter's slower time + on the courses. He did a little figuring. He found that at seventy-five + revolutions per minute the <i>Montana</i> would log off about the same + speed that the freighter made when doing her best. He resolved to make the + fog an excuse and slow down to the <i>Nequasset's</i> familiar rate of + progress. He reflected that he would feel pretty much at home under those + circumstances. He was heartened, and went about the ship looking less like + a malefactor doomed to execution. + </p> + <p> + When General-Manager Fogg, bustled on board a few minutes prior to the + advertised sailing-time at five o'clock, he commented on Captain Mayo's + improved demeanor. + </p> + <p> + “Getting one of the best jobs on this coast seemed to make considerable of + a mourner out of you. Perhaps a mirror has shown you how well you look in + that new uniform. At any rate, I'm glad to see you have chirked up. And + now I'll give you a piece of news that ought to make you look still + happier: I'm going along on this trip with you. If you show me that you + can do a good job in this kind of weather you needn't worry about your + position.” + </p> + <p> + The expression on Captain Mayo's face did not indicate unalloyed delight + when he heard this “good news.” Unaccustomed as he was to the ship, he + could not hope to make a smooth showing. + </p> + <p> + “And still you refuse to cheer up!” remonstrated the manager. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you are going along, sir. Don't misunderstand me. But a sailor + is a pretty serious chap when he feels responsibility. I'm undertaking a + big stunt.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the best way to find out whether you're the man for the job—whether + you're the man I think you are. It's a test that beats sailing ships on a + puddle.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you're aboard,” repeated the captain. “It's going to shade down + my responsibility just a little.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, is it?” cried Manager Fogg, his tones sharp. “Not by a blamed + sight! You're the captain of this craft. I'm a passenger. Don't try to + shirk. You aren't afraid, are you?” + </p> + <p> + They were standing beside the dripping rail outside the pilot-house. Far + below them, in the spacious depths of the steamer, a bugle sounded + long-drawn notes and the monotonous calls of stewards warned “All ashore!” + </p> + <p> + The gangways were withdrawn with dull “clackle” of wet chains over + pulleys, and Captain Mayo, after a swift glance at his watch, to make sure + of the time, ordered a quartermaster to sound the signal for “Cast off!” + The whistle yelped a gruff note, and, seeing that all was clear, the + captain yanked the auxiliary bell-pulls at the rail. Two for the port + engine, two for the starboard, and the <i>Montana</i> began to back into + the gray pall which shrouded the river. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo saw the lines of faces on the pier, husbands and wives, + mothers and sweethearts, bidding good-by to those who waved farewell from + the steamer's decks. He gathered himself with supreme grip of resolve. It + was up to him! He almost spoke it aloud. + </p> + <p> + Tremors of doubt did not agitate him any longer. It was unthinking faith, + nevertheless it was implicit confidence, that all those folks placed in + him. They were intrusting themselves to his vessel with the blind + assurance of travelers who pursue a regular route, not caring how the + destination is reached as long as they come to their journey's end. + </p> + <p> + The hoarse, long, warning blast which announced to all in the river that + the steamer was leaving her dock drowned out the shouts of farewell and + the strains of the gay air the orchestra was playing. + </p> + <p> + “See you later,” said General-Manager Fogg. “I think I'll have an early + dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo climbed the short ladder and entered his pilot-house. + </p> + <p> + It was up to him! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XX ~ TESTING OUT A MAN + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now the first land we made is call-ed The Deadman, + The Ramhead off Plymouth, Start, Portland and Wight. + We sail-ed by Beachy, + By Fairlee and Dungeness, + Until we came abreast of the South Foreland Light. + —Farewell and Adieu. +</pre> + <p> + With starboard engine clawing her backward, and the port engine driving + her ahead, the Montana swung her huge bulk when she was free of the + penning piers. The churning propellers, offsetting, turned her in her + tracks. Then she began to feel her way out of the maze of the traffic. + </p> + <p> + The grim, silent men of the pilot-houses do not talk much even when they + are at liberty on shore. They are taciturn when on duty. They do not + relate their sensations when they are elbowing their way through the East + River in a fog; they haven't the language to do so. + </p> + <p> + A psychologist might make much out of the subject by discussing + concentration sublimated, human senses coordinating sight and sound on the + instant, a sort of sixth sense which must be passed on into the limbos of + guesswork as instinct. + </p> + <p> + The man in the pilot-house would not in the least understand a word of + what the psychologist was talking about. + </p> + <p> + The steamboat officer merely understands that he must be on his job! + </p> + <p> + The <i>Montana</i> added her voice to the bedlam of river yawp. + </p> + <p> + The fog was so dense that even the lookout posted at her fore windlasses + was a hazy figure as seen from the pilot-house. A squat ferryboat, which + was headed across the river straight at the slip where her shore gong 'was + hailing her, splashed under the steamer's bows, two tugs loafed + nonchalantly across in the other direction—saucy sparrows of the + river traffic, always underfoot and dodging out of danger by a breathless + margin. + </p> + <p> + Whistle-blasts piped or roared singly and in pairs, a duet of steam + voices, or blended at times into a puzzling chorus. + </p> + <p> + A steamer's whistle in the fog conveys little information except to + announce that a steam-propelled craft is somewhere yonder in the white + blank, unseen, under way. No craft is allowed to sound passing signals + unless the vessel she is signaling is in plain sight. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo could see nothing—even the surface of the water was + almost indistinguishable. + </p> + <p> + Ahead, behind, to right and left, everything that could toot was busy and + vociferous. Here and there a duet of three staccato blasts indicated that + neighbors were threatening to collide and were crawfishing to the best of + their ability. + </p> + <p> + Twice the big steamer stopped her engines and drifted until the squabble + ahead of her seemed to have been settled. + </p> + <p> + A halt mixes the notations of the log, but the mates of the steamer made + the Battery signals, and after a time the spidery outlines of the first + great bridge gave assurance that their allowances were correct. + </p> + <p> + Providentially there was a shredding of the fog at Hell Gate, a + shore-breeze flicking the mists off the surface of the water. + </p> + <p> + Then was revealed the situation which lay behind the particularly emphatic + and uproarious “one long and two short” blasts of a violent whistle. A + Lehigh Valley tug was coming down the five-knot current with three light + barges, which the drift had skeowowed until they were taking up the entire + channel. With their cables, the tug and tow stretched for at least four + thousand feet, almost a mile of dangerous drag. + </p> + <p> + “Our good luck, sir,” vouchsafed the first mate. “She was howling so loud, + blamed if I could tell whether she was coming or going. She's got no + business coming down the Sound.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo, his teeth set hard, his rigid face dripping with moisture, + as he stood in the open window, stopped the engines of his giant charge + and jingled for full speed astern in order to halt her. He had no desire + to battle for possession of the channel with what he saw ahead. + </p> + <p> + At that moment Manager Fogg came into the pilothouse, disregarding the “No + Admittance” sign by authority of his position. He lighted a cigar and + displayed the contented air of a man who has fed fully. + </p> + <p> + “You have been making a pretty slow drag of it, haven't you, Captain Mayo? + I've had time to eat dinner—and I'm quite a feeder at that! And we + haven't made the Gate yet!” + </p> + <p> + “We couldn't do a stroke better and be safe,” said the captain over his + shoulder, his eyes on the tow. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter now?” + </p> + <p> + “A tug and three barges in the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say you're holding up a Vose liner with eight hundred + passengers, waiting for a tugboat? Look here, Mayo, we've got to hustle + folks to where they want to go, and get them there in time.” + </p> + <p> + “That tow is coming down with the current and has the right of way, sir. + And there's no chance of passing, for she's sweeping the channel.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe there's any law that makes a passenger-boat hold up for + scows,” grumbled Fogg. “If there is one, a good man knows how to get + around it and keep up his schedule.” He paced the pilot-house at the + extreme rear, puffing his cigar. + </p> + <p> + He grunted when Mayo gave the go-ahead bells and the throb of the engines + began. + </p> + <p> + “Now ram her along, boy. People in these days don't want to waste time on + the road. They're even speeding up the automobile hearses.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo did not reply. He was grateful that the dangers of Hell Gate + had been revealed. The mists hung in wisps against North Brother Island + when he swung into the channel of the Gate, and he could see, far ahead, + the shaft of the lighthouse. It was a stretch where close figuring was + needed, and this freak of the mists had given him a fine chance. He + jingled for full speed and took a peep to note the bearing of Sunken + Meadow spindle. + </p> + <p> + “Nothe-east, five-eighths east!” he directed the quartermaster at the + wheel. + </p> + <p> + The man repeated the command mechanically and brought her to her course + for the Middle Ground passage. + </p> + <p> + After they had rounded North Brother, Whitestone Point tower was revealed. + It really seemed as if the fog were clearing, and even in the channel + between Execution Rocks and Sands Point his hopes were rising. But in the + wider waters off Race Rock the <i>Montana</i> drove her black snout once + more into the white pall, and her whistle began to bray again. + </p> + <p> + The young captain sighed. “East, a half nothe!” + </p> + <p> + “East, a half nothe, it is, sir!” + </p> + <p> + At least, he had conquered East River, the Gate, and the narrows beyond, + and had many miles straight ahead to the whistler off Point Judith. He was + resolved to be thankful for small favors. + </p> + <p> + He hoped that with the coming of the night and on account of the + prevalence of the fog he would find that shipping of the ordinary sort had + stopped moving. However, in a few minutes he heard telltale whistles + ahead, and he signaled half speed. A lumbering old lighter with a yawing + derrick passed close aboard. An auxiliary fisherman, his exhaust snapping + like a machine-gun, and seeming to depend on that noise for warning, was + overtaken. + </p> + <p> + “Can you leave that window for a minute, Captain Mayo?” asked the general + manager. + </p> + <p> + The captain promptly joined Mr. Fogg at the rear of the spacious + pilot-house. + </p> + <p> + “See here, Cap,” remonstrated his superior, “I came down through these + waters on the <i>Triton</i> of the Union line the other day, and she made + her time. What's the matter with us?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm obeying the law, sir. And there are new warnings just issued.” He + pointed to the placard headed “Safety First” in big, red letters. “The + word has been passed that the first captain who is caught with the goods + will be made an example of.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” commented Fogg, studying the end of his cigar. His tone was + a bit peculiar. “But the <i>Triton</i> came along.” + </p> + <p> + “And she nigh rammed the <i>Nequasset</i> in the fog the last trip I made + up the coast. It was simply touch and go, Mr. Fogg, and all her fault. We + were following the rules to the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “And that's one way of spoiling the business of a steamboat line,” snapped + Fogg. He added, to himself, “But it isn't my way!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry, but I have been trained to believe that a record for safety is + better than all records for speed, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I let Jacobs go because he was old-fashioned, Mayo. This is the age of + taking chances—taking chances and getting there! Business, politics, + railroading, and steam-boating. The people expect it. The right folks do + it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are general manager of this line, Mr. Fogg. Do you order me to make + schedule time, no matter what conditions are?” + </p> + <p> + “You are the captain of this boat. I simply want you to deliver up-to-date + goods. As to how you do it, that is not my business. I'm not a + sea-captain, and I don't presume to advise as to details.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo was young, He knew the 'longcoast game. He was ambitious. + Opportunity had presented itself. He understood the unreasoning temper of + those who sought dividends without bothering much about details. He knew + how other passenger captains were making good with the powers who + controlled transportation interests. He confessed to himself that he had + envied the master of the rushing <i>Triton</i> who had swaggered past as + if he owned the sea. + </p> + <p> + Till then Mayo had been the meek and apologetic passer-by along the ocean + lane, expecting to be crowded to one side, dodging when the big fellow + bawled for open road. + </p> + <p> + He remembered with what haste he always manouvered the old <i>Nequasset</i> + out of the way of harm when he heard the lordly summons of the passenger + liners. Was not that the general method of the freighter skippers? Why + should he not expect them to get out of his way, now that he was one of + the swaggerers of the sea? Let them do the worrying now, as he had done + the worrying and dodging in the past! He stepped back to his window, those + reflections whirling in his brain. + </p> + <p> + “This is no freighter,” he told himself. “Fogg is right. If I don't + deliver the goods somebody else will be called on to do it, so what's the + use? I'll play the game. Just remember—will you, Mayo—that + you've got your heart's wish, and are captain of the <i>Montana</i>. If I + lose this job on account of a placard with red letters, I'll kick myself + on board a towboat, and stay there the rest of my life.” + </p> + <p> + He yanked a log-book from the rack and noted the steamer's average speed + from the entries. He signaled to the engine-room through the + speaking-tube. + </p> + <p> + “Give her two hundred a minute, chief!” he ordered. + </p> + <p> + And fifteen seconds later, her engines pulsing rhythmically, the big craft + was splitting fog and water at express speed, howling for little fellows + to get out from underfoot. + </p> + <p> + Down in the gleaming depths of her the orchestra was lilting a gay waltz, + silver clattered over the white napery of the dining-room, men and women + laughed and chattered and flirted; men wrote telegrams, making + appointments for the morrow at early hours, and the wireless flashed them + forth. They were sent with the certainty on the part of the senders that + no man in these days waits for tide or fog. The frothing waters flashed + past in the night outside, and they who ventured forth upon the dripping + decks glanced at the fan of white spume spreading into the fog, and were + glad to return to cozy chairs and the radiance of the saloon. + </p> + <p> + High up forward, in the pilot-house, were the eyes and the brains of this + rushing monster. It was dark there except for the soft, yellow gleam of + the binnacle lights. It was silent but for the low voice of a mate who + announced his notations. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally the mates glanced at each other in the gloom when a steamer's + whistle sounded ahead. This young captain seemed to be a chap who carried + his nerve with him! They were used to the more cautious system of Captain + Jacobs. + </p> + <p> + The master did not reduce speed. He leaned far out, his hand at his ear. + The third time an unknown sounded her blast he took a quick glance at the + compass. + </p> + <p> + “Two points shift—so she shows,” he said aloud. “We'll pass her all + right.” + </p> + <p> + The change in the direction of the sound had assured him. A few minutes + later the whistle voiced a location safely abeam. But the next whistle + they heard sounded dead ahead, and increased in volume of sound only + gradually. They were overtaking a vessel headed in the same direction. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo pulled the cord oftener and sounded more prolonged, more + imperious hoots. He ordered no change in his course. He was headed for the + Point Judith whistler, and did not propose to take chances on fumbling by + any detours. The craft ahead at last seemed to recognize the voice of its + master. The sound of the whistle showed that it had swung off the course. + </p> + <p> + The mate mumbled notations. + </p> + <p> + “All ears out!” ordered the captain. “We ought to make that whistler!” And + in the next breath he said: “There she is!” He pointed a wet hand ahead + and slightly to port. A queer, booming grunt came to them. “You're all + right, old girl,” he declared. “Jacobs wasn't over-praising you.” He + reached over the sill and patted the woodwork of his giant pet. He turned + to the quartermaster. “East, five-eighths south,” was his direction. + </p> + <p> + “East, five-eighths south, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “What's the next we make, captain?” asked the general manager from the + gloom at the rear of the pilot-house. + </p> + <p> + “Sow and Pigs Lightship, entrance of Vineyard Sound, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Good work! I'm going to take a turn below. See you again! What can I tell + any uneasy gentleman who is afraid he'll miss a business appointment in + the morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him we'll be on time to the dot,” declared the captain, quietly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg closed the pilot-house door behind himself and chuckled when he + eased his way down the slippery ladder. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg sauntered through the brilliantly lighted saloon, hands in his + pockets, giving forth an impression of a man entirely at ease. Nobody + appeared to recognize the new general manager of the Vose line, and he + attracted no special attention. But if any one had been sufficiently + interested in Mr. Fogg to note him closely it would have been observed + that his mouth worked nervously when he stood at the head of the grand + stairway and stared about him. His jowls sagged. When he pulled out his + handkerchief his hand trembled. + </p> + <p> + He descended the stairs to the main-deck and peered about in the + smoking-quarters, running his eyes over the faces of the men gathered + there. All at once he lifted his chin with a little jerk and climbed the + stairs again. A big man tossed away a cigar and followed at a respectful + distance. He pursued Mr. Fogg through the saloon and down a corridor and + went into a stateroom on the general manager's heels. + </p> + <p> + “By gad, Burkett, I'm getting cold chills!” exploded Mr. Fogg, as soon as + the door was closed. + </p> + <p> + “Don't understand just why.” + </p> + <p> + “Those people out there—I've just been looking 'em over. It's + monkeying with too big a proposition, Burkett. You can't reckon ahead on a + thing like this.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure you can. I've doped it right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know you understand what you're talking about, but—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I ought to know. I've been pilot for the re-survey party on the + shoals for the last two months. I know every inch of the bottom.” + </p> + <p> + “But the panic. There's bound to be one. The rest of 'em won't understand, + Burkett. It's going to be awful on board here. I'll be here myself. I + can't stand it.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, governor; there won't be any panic. She'll slide into the sand + like a baby nestling down into a crib. There isn't a pebble in that sand + for miles. Half of this bunch of passengers will be abed and asleep. They + won't wake up. The rest will never know anything special except that the + engines have stopped. And that ain't anything unusual in a fog. It's a + quiet night—not a ripple. Nothing to hurt us. The wireless will + bring the revenue cutter out from Wood's Hole, and she'll stand by till + morning and take 'em off.” + </p> + <p> + “The theory is good. It's mostly my own idea, and I'm proud of it, and I + was mighty glad to find a man of your experience to back me up with the + practical details,” said Fogg, trying to fortify his faith with words but + failing. “But now that it's coming down to cases I'm afraid of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's up to you, of course, governor. I insist it can be done, and + done smooth, and you'll lay off this steamer nice, slick, and easy! That + will put a crimp into the Vose line and make them stockholders take notice + the next time a fair offer is made.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the thing to do, and I know it. The conditions are just right, and + we've got a green captain to make the goat of. All set! But it's an awful + thing to monkey with—eight hundred people, and no knowing how + they'll take it! It came over me while I stood there and looked at 'em!” + </p> + <p> + “Sand is sand, and the whole, round earth is braced up under that sand. + She can't sink. She'll simply gouge her way like a plow into a furrow, and + there she'll stick, sitting straight, solid as an island—and it will + be a devil of a while before they'll be able to dig her out. It's a crimp + for the Vose line, I say, governor!” Malevolence glowed in Burkett's + little eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, the money I'm getting for this job looks good to me, governor, + but my chance to put a wallop into anything that old Vose and his sons are + interested in looks just as good. I wouldn't be in this just for the money + end of it. I'm no pirate, but when they kicked me out of the pilot-house + and posted me up and down this coast, they put themselves in line to get + what's coming to 'em from me.” + </p> + <p> + “But have you considered every side of it?” pleaded Fogg. “You're the + practical man in this proposition. What can happen?” + </p> + <p> + “If you do exactly what I tell you to do nothing can happen but what's on + our program. Just let me stiffen you up by running the thing over once + more.” + </p> + <p> + He pulled a hand-smutched, folded chart from his breast pocket and spread + it over his knees. With blunt forefinger he indicated the points to which + he made reference in his explanation. + </p> + <p> + “When he fetches Nobska horn on his port, bearing nor'west by west, he'll + shift his course. After about five miles he's due to shift again, swinging + six points to nor-rard. You'll hear the mate name the bearing of West Chop + steam-whistle. Then you walk right up to the left of the compass and stand + there. You may hear a little tongue-clattering for a few seconds. There'll + be a little cussing, maybe, but you won't be cussed, of course. You stand + right there, calm and cool, never batting an eyelid. And then it will + happen, and when it does happen it will be a surprise-party all right.” + </p> + <p> + “It's wrecking a seven-thousand-ton passenger-steamer in the night!” + mourned the general manager. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't! It's putting her into a safe cradle.” + </p> + <p> + “But at this speed!” + </p> + <p> + “That chap in the pilot-house is no fool. He'll get his hint in time to + save her from real damage. You needn't worry!” + </p> + <p> + Fogg opened his traveling-bag and lifted out a strip of metal. He handled + it as gingerly as if it were a reptile, and he looked at it with an air as + if he feared it would bite him. + </p> + <p> + “That's the little joker,” said Burkett. “About two points deviation by + local attraction will do the business!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm tempted to throw it overboard and call it all off, Burkett. I have + put through a good many deals in my life in the big game, but this looks + almost too raw. I can't help it! I feel a hunch as if something was going + to miscue.” + </p> + <p> + “I've got no more to say, governor.” + </p> + <p> + “My crowd doesn't ask questions of me, but they expect results. If I don't + do it, I suppose I'll kick myself in the morning.” He cocked up his ear + and listened to the bawling of the liner's great whistle. “But it seems + different in the night.” + </p> + <p> + “You ain't leaving any tracks,” encouraged Burkett. “And this being his + first run makes it more plausible. You're here all naturally, yourself. It + might seem rather queer if you made another trip. It's his first run on + her, I remind you. If he makes a slip-up it won't surprise the wise guys-a + mite.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be all set—I've got to admit it. By gad, Burkett, I + have always put a thing through when I've started on it! That's why they + call in the little Fogg boy. I'd rather apologize to my conscience than to—Well, + never mind who he is.” He tucked the strip of metal into his inside coat + pocket and buttoned the coat. “Blast it! nothing that's very bad can + happen in this calm sea—and that last life-boat drill went off fine. + Here goes!” declared Fogg, with desperate emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “That's the boy!” declared Burkett, encouraged to familiarity by their + association in mischief. + </p> + <p> + The general manager found the night black when he edged his way along the + wet deck to the pilot-house. The steamer's lights made blurred patches in + the fog. Now she seemed to have the sea to herself; there were no + answering whistles. + </p> + <p> + “I'm back again, Captain Mayo,” he said, as he closed the door against the + night. “I hope I won't bother you folks here. I'll stay out from + underfoot.” He sat down on a transom at the extreme rear of the house and + smoked his cigar with nervous vehemence. + </p> + <p> + Another quartermaster succeeded the man at the wheel, the mate made his + notations of dead reckoning and pricked the chart, the usual routine was + proceeded with. Mayo continued at the window, head out-thrust, except when + he glanced at chart or compass or noted the dials which marked the screws' + revolutions. + </p> + <p> + Every now and then he put his ear to the submarine-signal receiver. At + last he heard the faint, far throb of the Sow and Pigs submarine bell—seven + strokes, with the four seconds' interval, then the seven strokes repeated. + </p> + <p> + A bit later he got, sweet and low as an elfland horn, the lightship's + chime whistle. It was dead ahead, which was not exactly to his + calculation. The tide set had served stronger than he had reckoned. He + ordered the helmsman to ease her off a half-point, in order to make safe + offing for the turn into Vineyard Sound. + </p> + <p> + Well up in the sound the bell of Tarpaulin Cove reassured him, and after a + time he heard the unmistakable blast of the great reed horn of Nobska + uttering its triple hoot like a giant owl perched somewhere in the mists. + </p> + <p> + “Nobska,” said the mate. “We are certainly coming on, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobly,” agreed Captain Mayo, allowing himself a moment of jubilation, + even though the dreaded shoals were ahead. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to keep this speed across the shoals, Captain Mayo?” asked + the general manager, displaying real deference. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir!” stated the captain with decision, bracing himself to give Mr. + Fogg a sharp word or two if that gentleman advanced any more of his + “business man's reasons” for speed. “It would not be showing due care.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear you say that,” affirmed Mr. Fogg, heartily. “It may be a + little out of place, right now, but I want you to know that I feel that I + have picked out just the right man to command this ship. I'm glad of a + chance to say this where your mates can hear me.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Fogg,” returned the young man, gratefully. “This is a + soul-racking job, and I'm glad you are here to see what we are up against. + I don't feel that we'll be wasting much time in crossing the shoals if we + go carefully. We can let her out after we swing east of Monomoy. She's a + grand old packet.” + </p> + <p> + In the gloom Fogg ran his fingers gingerly over the outside of his coat to + make sure that the strip of metal was in its place. + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the pilot-house after that. Ahead there was ticklish + navigation. There were the narrow slues, the crowding shoals, the blind + turns of Nantucket Sound, dreaded in all weathers, but a mariner's horror + in a fog. + </p> + <p> + Nobska's clarion call drew slowly abeam to port, and after due lapse of + time West Chop's steam-whistle lifted its guiding voice in the mists + ahead. + </p> + <p> + “Better use the pelorus and be careful about West Chop's bearing after we + pass her, Mr. Bangs,” Captain Mayo warned his first mate. + </p> + <p> + As a sailor well knows, the bearing of West Chop gives the compass + direction for passage between the shoals known as Hedge Fence and Squash + Meadow—a ten-mile run to Cross Rip Lightship. In a fog it is vitally + important to have West Chop exact to the eighth of a point. + </p> + <p> + Fogg was glad that he was alone where he sat. He trembled so violently + that he set an unlighted cigar between his teeth to keep them from + rattling together. + </p> + <p> + The mate was outlined against the window, his eyes on the instrument, his + ear cocked. Every half-minute West Chop's whistle hooted. + </p> + <p> + “Right, sir!” the mate reported at last, speaking briskly. “I make it west + by nothe, five-eighths nothe.” + </p> + <p> + Fogg rose and half staggered forward, taking a position just to the left + of the wheel and compass. + </p> + <p> + “East by south, five-eighths south,” the captain directed the helmsman. + “Careful attention, sir. Tide is flood, four knots. Make the course good!” + </p> + <p> + The quartermaster repeated and twirled his wheel for the usual number of + revolutions to allow a three-points change. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo stepped back and glanced at the compass to make certain that + his helmsman was finding his course properly. “What in tophet's name is + the matter with you, man?” he shouted. “Bring this ship around! Bring her + around!” He grabbed the wheel and spun it. “You're slower than the devil + drawing molasses,” raged Mayo, forgetting his dignity. + </p> + <p> + “She must have yawed,” protested the man. “I had her on her course, sir. I + supposed I had her over.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not to suppose. You are to keep your eyes on that compass card + and move quicker when I give an order.” + </p> + <p> + The helmsman's eyes bulged as he stared at the compass. While he had + winked his eyes, so it seemed to him, the true course had fairly straddled + away from the lubber line. + </p> + <p> + In his frantic haste Captain Mayo put her over too far. He helped the man + set her on the right course. Then he signaled half speed. The devious and + the narrow paths were ahead of them.. + </p> + <p> + “That's an almighty funny jump the old dame made then,” pondered the + quartermaster. But he was too well trained to argue with a captain. He + accepted the fault as his own, and now that she was on her course, he held + her there doggedly. + </p> + <p> + Even the <i>Montana's</i> half speed was a respectable gait, and the + silent crew in her pilot-house could hear the sea lathering along her + sides. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of that, Mr. Bangs?” the captain asked, after a + prolonged period of listening. + </p> + <p> + “Bell, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “But the only bell in that direction would be on Hedge Fence Lightship in + case her whistle has been disabled.” + </p> + <p> + “Sounds to me like a vessel at anchor.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's right in the fairway.” Captain Mayo convinced himself by a + glance at the compass. “No craft would drop her hook in the fairway. + That's no bell on the Hedge Fence,” reflected the captain. “It's a + schooner's bell. But sound often gets freaky in a fog. We're on our course + to the fraction, and we've got to keep going!” + </p> + <p> + And after a moment the bell ceased its clangor. It was a distant sound, + and its location was indefinite even to a sharp ear. + </p> + <p> + “It strikes me that sounds in general are a little warded all of a + sudden,” said the captain to his mate. “I'll swear that I can hear Hedge + Fence's five-second blasts now. But there she howls off the starboard bow. + The clouds must be giving us an echo. We've got to leave it to the + compass.” + </p> + <p> + A skilful mariner is careful about forsaking the steady finger of a proved + compass in order to chase sounds around the corner in foggy weather. He + understands that air strata raise the dickens with whistle-blasts. There + are zones of silence—there is divergence of sound. + </p> + <p> + Fogg held his position, his legs braced, and nobody paid any especial + attention to him. They in the pilothouse were too busy with other affairs. + </p> + <p> + There is one sound in thick weather that tells a navigator much. It is the + echo of his own whistle. + </p> + <p> + The big steamer was hoarsely hooting her way. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there was a sound which fairly flew up and hit Captain Mayo in + the face. It was an echo. It was the sound of the <i>Montana's</i> + whistle-blast flung back at him from some object so near at hand that + there was barely a clock-tick between whistle and echo. + </p> + <p> + The captain yelped a great oath and yanked his bell-pulls furiously. “That + echo came from a schooner's sails,” he shouted. + </p> + <p> + Then, dead ahead, clanged her bell. The next instant, plunging along at + least eight miles an hour, in spite of engines clawing at full speed + astern, the towering bow smashed into the obstacle in her path. + </p> + <p> + It was a mighty shock which sent a tremor from stem to stern of the great + fabric. They saw that they hit her—a three-masted schooner at + anchor, with her sails set, dingy canvas wet and idle in the foggy, + breathless night. But their impact against her was almost as if they had + hit a pier. The collision sent them reeling about the pilot-house. As they + drove past they saw her go down, her stern a splintered mass of wreckage, + in which men were frantically struggling. + </p> + <p> + “That's a granite-lugger! See her go down, like a stone!” gasped Mate + Bangs. “My God! What do you suppose she has done to us forward?” + </p> + <p> + “Get there. Get there!” roared Captain Mayo. “Get there and report, sir!” + </p> + <p> + But before the chief mate was half-way down the ladder on his way the + wailing voice of the lookout reported disaster. “Hole under the water-line + forward,” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “There are men in the water back there, sir,” said a quartermaster. + </p> + <p> + “We're making water fast in the forward compartment,” came a voice through + the speaking-tube. + </p> + <p> + Already they in the pilot-house could hear the ululation of women in the + depths of the ship, and then the husky clamor of the many voices of men + drowned the shriller cries. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo had seen the survivors from the schooner struggling in the + water. But he rang for full speed ahead and ordered the quartermaster to + aim her into the north, knowing that land lay in that direction. + </p> + <p> + “Eight hundred lives on my shoulders and a hole in her,” he told himself, + while all his world of hope and ambition seemed rocking to ruin. “I can't + wait to pick up those poor devils.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes—in so few minutes that all his calculations as to + his location were upset—the <i>Montana</i> plowed herself to a + shuddering halt on a shoal, her bow lifting slightly. And when the engines + were stopped she rested there, sturdily upright, steady as an island. But + in her saloon the men and women who fought and screamed and cursed, + beating to and fro in windrows of humanity like waves in a cavern, were + convinced that the shuddering shock had signaled the doom of the vessel. + Half-dressed men, still dizzy with sleep, confused by dreams which blended + with the terrible reality, trampled the helpless underfoot, seeking exit + from the saloon. + </p> + <p> + The hideous uproar which announced panic was a loud call to the master of + the vessel. He understood what havoc might be wrought by the brutal + senselessness of the struggle. He ran from the pilot-house, stepping on + the feet of the general manager, who was stumbling about in bewildered + fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Call all the crew to stations and guard the exits,” Captain Mayo + commanded the second mate. + </p> + <p> + On his precipitate way to the saloon the captain passed the room of the + wireless operator, and the tense crackle of the spark told him that the + SOS signal was winging its beseeching flight through the night. + </p> + <p> + Three men, half dressed, with life-preservers buckled on in hit-or-miss + fashion, met him on the deck, dodged his angry clutch, and leaped over the + rail into the sea, yelling with all the power of their lungs. + </p> + <p> + A quartermaster was at the captain's heels. + </p> + <p> + “Get over a life-boat on each side and attend to those idiots!” roared + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + He thrust his way into a crowded corridor, beating frantic men back with + his fists, adjuring, assuring, appealing, threatening. He mounted upon a + chair in the saloon. He fairly outbellowed the rest of them. Men of the + sea are trained to shout against the tempest. + </p> + <p> + “You are safe! Keep quiet! Sit down! This steamer is ashore on a + sand-bank. She's as solid as Bunker Hill.” He shouted these assurances + over and over. + </p> + <p> + They began to look at him, to pay heed to him. His uniform marked his + identity. + </p> + <p> + “You lie!” screamed an excited man. “We're out to sea! We're sinking! + Where are your life-boats?” + </p> + <p> + Bedlam began again. Like the fool who shouts “Fire!” in a throng, this + brainless individual revived all the fears of the frenzied passengers. + </p> + <p> + Mayo realized that heroic action was necessary. He leaped down from the + chair, seized the man who had shouted, and beat the fellow's face with the + flat of his hard hand. + </p> + <p> + That scene of conflict was startling enough to serve as a real jolt to + their attention. They hushed their cries; they looked on, impressed, + cowed. + </p> + <p> + “If there's any other man in this crowd who wants to tell me I'm a liar, + let him stand out and say so,” shouted Captain Mayo. “You're making fools + of yourselves. There's no danger.” + </p> + <p> + He released the pallid and trembling man of whom he had made an example + and stepped on to a chair. He put up his hand, dominating them until he + had secured absolute silence. + </p> + <p> + “You—you—you!” he said, crisply, darting finger here and + there, pointing out individuals. “You seem to have more level heads than + the rest, you men! Go forward where the man is casting the lead. Cast the + lead yourselves. Come back here and report to these passengers, as their + committee. I'm telling you the truth. There's no water under us to speak + of.” He remained in the saloon until his committee returned. + </p> + <p> + The man who reported looked a bit sheepish. “The captain is right, ladies + and gentlemen. We could even see the sand where she has plowed it up—they've + got lanterns over the rail. There's no danger.” + </p> + <p> + A steward trotted to Captain Mayo and handed him a slip of paper. The + captain read the message and shook the paper in the faces of the throng. + </p> + <p> + “The revenue cutter <i>Acushnet</i> has our wireless call and is starting, + and the <i>Itasca</i> will follow. I advise you to go to bed and go to + sleep. You're perfectly, absolutely safe. You will be transferred when + it's daylight. Now be men and women!” + </p> + <p> + He hurried out on deck. His men were hoisting aboard the three dripping, + sputtering passengers who had run amuck. + </p> + <p> + “And those same men would look after a runaway horse and sneer that he + didn't have any brains,” remarked Captain Mayo, disgustedly. + </p> + <p> + For the next half-hour he was a busy man. He investigated the <i>Montana's</i> + wound, first of all. He found her flooded forward—her nose anchored + into the sand with a rock-of-ages solidity. + </p> + <p> + His heart sank when he realized what her plight meant from the wrecking + and salvage viewpoint. In those shifting sands, winnowed constantly by the + rushing currents of the sound, digging her out might be a Gargantuan task, + working her free a hopeless undertaking. + </p> + <p> + His tour of investigation showed him that except for her smashed bow the + steamer was intact. Her helplessness there in the sand was the more + pitiable on that account. + </p> + <p> + He had not begun to take account of stock of his own responsibility for + this disaster. The whirl of events had been too dizzying. As master of the + ship he would be held to account for her mishap. But to what extent had he + been negligent? He could not figure it out. He realized that excitement + plays strange pranks with a man's consciousness of linked events or of the + passage of time. He could not understand why the steamer piled up so + quickly after the collision. According to his ample knowledge of the + shoals, he had been on his true course and well off the dangerous + shallows. + </p> + <p> + His first mate met him amidship. “I sent off one of our life-boats, sir. + Told 'em to go back and hunt for the men we saw in the water. They found + two. Others seem to be gone.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you thought of it, Mr. Bangs. I ought to have attended to it, + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “You had enough on your hands, sir, as it was. She was the <i>Lucretia M. + Warren</i>, with granite from Vinal-haven. That's what gave us such an + awful tunk.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are the men?” + </p> + <p> + “Mate and a sailor. They've had some hot drinks, and are coming along all + right.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll have a word with them, Mr. Bangs.” + </p> + <p> + The survivors of the <i>Warren</i> were forward in the crew's quarters, + and they were still dazed. They had not recovered from their fright; they + were sullen. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry, men! Sailor to sailor, you know what I mean if I don't say any + more. It's bad business on both sides. But what were you doing in the + fairway?” + </p> + <p> + “We wa'n't in the fairway,” protested a grizzled man, evidently the mate. + He was uneasy in his borrowed clothes—he had surrendered his own + garments to a pantryman who had volunteered to dry them. + </p> + <p> + “You must have been,” insisted Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I know we was all of two miles north of the regular course. I 'ain't + sailed across these shoals for thirty years not to know soundings when I + make 'em myself. Furthermore, she'll speak for herself, where she's sunk.” + </p> + <p> + The captain could not gainsay that dictum. + </p> + <p> + The mate scowled at the young man. + </p> + <p> + “I've got a question of my own. What ye doing, yourself, all of two miles + out of your course, whanging along, tooting your old whistle as if you + owned the sea and had rollers under you to go across dry ground with, + too?” + </p> + <p> + “I was not two miles out of my course,” protested the captain, and yet the + sickening feeling came to him that there had been some dreadful error, + somewhere, somehow. + </p> + <p> + “When they put these steamers into the hands of real men instead of having + dudes and kids run 'em, then shipping will stand a fair show on this + coast,” declared the mate, casting a disparaging glance at Mayo's new + uniform. “It was my watch on deck, and I know what I'm talking about. You + came belting along straight at us, two points out of your course, and I + thought the fog was playing tricks, and I didn't believe my own ears. You + have drowned my captain and four honest men. When I stand up in court + they'll get the straight facts from me, I can tell you that. And they tell + me it's your first trip. I might have knowed it was some greenhorn, when I + heard you coming two points off your course. You'd better take off them + clothes. I reckon you've made your <i>last</i> trip, too!” + </p> + <p> + It was the querulous railing of a man who had been near death; it was the + everlasting grouch of the sailing-man against the lordly steamboater. Mayo + had no heart for rebuke or retort. What had happened to him, anyway? This + old schooner man seemed to know exactly what he was talking about. + </p> + <p> + “If you don't believe what I'm telling you, go out on deck and see if you + can't hear the Hedge Fence whistle,” advised the mate, sourly. “If she + don't bear south of east I'll eat that suit they're drying out for me. And + that will show you that you're two miles to the norrard of where you ought + to be.” + </p> + <p> + On his way to the pilot-house Captain Mayo did hear the hollow voice of + the distant whistle, with its double blast and its long interval of + silence. The sound came from abaft his beam and his disquietude increased. + </p> + <p> + Then the acute realization was forced in upon him that he had the general + manager of the line to face. The captain had not caught sight of his + superior during the excitement; he wondered now why Mr. Fogg had effaced + himself so carefully. + </p> + <p> + The red coal of a cigar glowed in a corner of the pilothouse. From that + corner came curt inquiry: “Well, Captain Mayo, what have you got to say + about this?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I'll do my talking after I have had daylight on the proposition, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you have any idea how you happened to be off your course so far?” + asked Fogg, his anxiety noticeable in his tones. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know I was off my course?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—er—why, well, you wouldn't be aground, would you, if you + hadn't lost your way?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't lose my way, Mr. Fogg.” + </p> + <p> + “What did happen, then?” + </p> + <p> + “That's for me to find out.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to say anything to you yet, Captain Mayo. It's too sudden—too + big a blow. It's going to paralyze the Vose line.” Mr. Fogg said this + briskly, as if he were passing small talk on the weather. + </p> + <p> + “I'm thankful that you're taking the thing so calmly, sir. I've been + dreading to meet you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh—a business man in these days can't allow himself to fly to + pieces over setbacks. Optimism is half the battle.” + </p> + <p> + But Mayo, sitting there in that dark pilot-house for the rest of the + night, staring out into the blank wall of the fog and surveying the wreck + of his hopes, was decidedly not optimistic. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXI ~ BITTER PROOF BY MORNING LIGHT + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Bad news, bad news to our captain came + That grieved him very sore; + But when he knew that all of it was true, + It grieved him ten time more, + Brave boys! + It grieved him ten times more! + —Cold Greenland. +</pre> + <p> + Morning brought to him neither cheer nor counsel. The winds swept the fog + off the seas, and the brightness of the sunshine only mocked the gloom of + Captain Mayo's thoughts. + </p> + <p> + He was most unmistakably far off his course. He took his bearings + carefully, and he groped through his memory and his experience for reasons + which would explain how he came to be away up there on Hedge Fence. Two of + the masts of the sunken stone-schooner showed above the sea, two + depressing monuments of disaster. He took further bearings and tested his + compass with minute care. So far as he could determine it was correct to + the dot. + </p> + <p> + It was a busy forenoon for all on board the steamer. The revenue cutters + took off the passengers. Representatives of the underwriters came out from + Wood's Hole on a tug. The huge <i>Montana</i>, set solidly into its bed of + sand, loomed against the sky, mute witness of somebody's inefficiency or + mistake. + </p> + <p> + Late in the day Captain Mayo and General-Manager Fogg locked themselves in + the captain's cabin to have it out. + </p> + <p> + When the master had finished his statement Mr. Fogg flicked the ash from + his cigar, studied the glowing end for a time, and narrowed his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “So, summing it all up, it happened, and you don't know just how it + happened. You were off your course and don't know how you happened to be + off your course. You don't expect us to defend you before the steamboat + inspectors, with that for an explanation, Mayo?” + </p> + <p> + “All I can do is to tell the truth at the hearing, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “They'll break you, sure as a mule wags ears. There are five dead men + inside that wreck yonder. Don't you reckon you'll be indicted for + manslaughter?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall claim that the collision was unavoidable.” + </p> + <p> + “But you were off your course—were in a place you had no business to + be in. That knocks your defense all to the devil. You are in almighty bad, + Mayo. You must wake up to it.” + </p> + <p> + The young man was pale and rigid and silent. + </p> + <p> + “The Vose line is in bad enough as it is, without trying to defend you. I + suppose I'll be blamed for putting on a young captain. Mayo, I am older + than you are and wiser about the law and such matters. Why don't you duck + out from under, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean run away?” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't put it quite as bluntly as that. I mean, go away and keep out + of sight till it quiets down. If you stay they'll put you on the rack and + get you all tangled up by firing questions at you. And what will you gain + by going through the muss? You've got to agree with me that the inspectors + will suspend you—revoke your license. Here's this steamer here, + talking for herself. If you stay around underfoot, and all the evidence is + brought out at the hearing, then the Federal grand jury will take the + thing up, probably. They'll have a manslaughter case against you.” + </p> + <p> + Still Captain Mayo did not speak. + </p> + <p> + “If you simply drop out of sight I don't believe they'll chase you. + Personally, having watched you last night, I don't believe you are guilty + of any very bad break. It simply happened wrong. We don't want all the + notoriety a court trial would bring to the line. And here's what I'll do, + Mayo. I'll slip you a few hundred for expenses so that you can go away and + grab into the shipping game somewhere else. A fellow like you can land on + his feet.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Fogg, a renegade steamboat man stands a mighty poor show. I may be + suspended, and worse may happen to me, but I'm not going to ruin myself + and my good name by running away. That's confession! It's wrecking all my + prospects forever—and I have worked too hard for what I've got. I'm + going to stay here and face the music—tell my story like a man.” + </p> + <p> + “It will make a fine story—and you have told me yourself that they + are just waiting to make a smashing example of somebody,” sneered Fogg. + “You, a cub captain, broke the navigation rules last night by running at + least fifteen knots in the fog. Your log and the testimony of your mates + will show that. I'm not blaming you, son. I'm showing you how it looks! + You got off your course and rammed a schooner at anchor, and you didn't + even stop to pick up her men. I saw that much. Mayo, the only sensible + thing for you to do is to duck out from under. It will save the line from + a lot of scandal and bad advertising. By gad! if you don't do that much + for us, after the offer I've just made you, I'll go onto the stand and + testify against you.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be mighty ready and anxious to make me the goat in this + thing,” blazed the young man, his temper getting away from him. He had + been without sleep for many hours, his soul had been crucified by the + bitter experiences he had been through. + </p> + <p> + “Are you looking for a fight?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Fogg, I'm looking for a square deal. I haven't done anything + intentionally to make me a fugitive from justice. I won't run away.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't be the first witness who has helped big interests by keeping + out of sight and out of reach of the lawyers. It's business, Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be, Mr. Fogg. I don't know the inside of the big deals. I'm only a + sailor. I associate with sailors. And I've got a little pride in my good + name.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg looked at this recalcitrant with scorn. He wanted to tell this + stubborn individual that he was merely a two-spot in the big game which + was being played. But the expression on Mayo's face encouraged neither + levity nor sneers. + </p> + <p> + “I'll give you a thousand dollars expense money for your trip and will + talk job with you next year after you get your license back,” proffered + the general manager. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo fixed flaming eyes on the tempter. “What special, private + reason have you got for wanting to bribe me?” demanded the young man, with + such heat that Fogg flinched. “You are making something very mysterious + out of what should be open and aboveboard. That may be Wall Street + tactics, Mr. Fogg, but it doesn't go with a sailor who has earned a + master's papers and is proud of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, pass on then,” directed Fogg. “There's a tug alongside to take the + underwriters back to Wood's Hole. Go along—to jail, or wherever it + is you'll fetch up.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall stay aboard this ship as her captain until I am relieved + according to the formalities of the admiralty law,” declared Captain Mayo, + with dignity. “I don't propose to run away from duty or punishment, Mr. + Fogg.” + </p> + <p> + The general manager pursed a contemptuous mouth and departed from the + cabin. He went away on the tug without further word to Mayo. + </p> + <p> + During the next two days small craft buzzed about the stricken giant like + flies around a carcass. There were insurance men, wreckers with plans and + projects, sightseers, stockholders—and one visitor was Captain + Zoradus Wass. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing else to do just now, boy, except to come and sympathize with + you.” He clucked his tongue against his teeth as he looked the steamer + over. It was condolence without words. “Now tell me the story of it—with + all the fine details,” he demanded, after they were closeted in the + captain's cabin. He sat with elbows on his knees and gazed at the floor + during the recital, and he continued to gaze at the floor for some time + after Mayo had ceased speaking. + </p> + <p> + “I admit that the quartermaster let her off for just a minute—less + than a minute,” repeated the young man. “I had only just looked away for + an instant. I helped him put her over. We couldn't have done more than cut + a letter S for a few lengths. But the more I think of it, the queerer it + seems. Two points off, almost in a finger-snap!” + </p> + <p> + “Tell that part of it over and over again, while I shut my eyes and get it + fixed in my mind as if I had seen it,” requested Captain Wass. “Who was + there, where did they stand, and so forth and et cetry. When a thing + happens and you can't figger it out, it's usually because you haven't + pawed over the details carefully enough. Go ahead! I'm a good listener.” + </p> + <p> + But after he had listened he had no comments to make. He went out of the + cabin after a few minutes' wait which was devoted to deep meditation, and + strolled about the ship, hands behind his back, scuffing his feet. A + half-hour later, meeting Captain Mayo on his rounds, the veteran inquired: + </p> + <p> + “How do you happen to have Oliver Burkett aboard here?” “I don't know + him.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to know him. He is the captain the Vose line fired off the <i>Nirvana</i> + three years ago. He gave the go-ahead and a jingle when he was making + dock, and chewed up four fishing-boats and part of the pier. He had to + choose between admitting that he was drunk, crazy, or bribed by the + opposition. And I guess they figured that he was all three. Was he aboard + here the night it happened?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “According to my notion it's worth finding out,” growled Captain Wass. + “I'm not seeing very far into this thing as yet, son, and I'll admit it. + But if dirty work was done to you, Burkett would have been a handier tool + for Fogg than a Stillson wrench in a plumbing job. No, don't ask me + questions now. I haven't got any consolation for you or confidence in + myself. I'm only thinking.” + </p> + <p> + The next day the wounded <i>Montana</i> was formally surrendered to the + underwriters. + </p> + <p> + Captain Boyd Mayo was ordered to appear before the United States + inspectors, and he went and told his story as best he could. But his best + was an unconvincing tale, after all. He left the hearing after his + testimony and walked down to the little hotel by the water-front to wait + for news. + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass came bustling down to the little hotel, plumping along at an + extra rate of speed, setting his heels down hard, a moving monument of + gloom. + </p> + <p> + His protégé, removing disconsolate gaze from the dusty chromos on the + office walls, did not require verbal report; Captain Wass's demeanor told + all. + </p> + <p> + “And you couldn't expect much of anything else,” declared the old man. “I + made the best talk I could for you after you had finished your testimony + and had gone out. But it was no use, son! The department has been laying + for a victim. Both of us have known that right along. They have soaked it + to you good and proper.” + </p> + <p> + “How long am I suspended for?” faltered Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “That's the point! Indefinitely. You were meat. Everybody watching the + case. They trimmed you.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo set his hands into his thick hair, propped his head, and stared at + the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Indefinitely doesn't mean forever, but there ain't much comfort in that. + I'll tell you what it does mean, boy. It means that if there has been + crooked work we've got to show it up in order to reinstate you. And now + get a good brace on yourself. I've taken a peek in at the United States + court.” + </p> + <p> + The young man, without lifting his head, gave the veteran a piteous + side-glance. + </p> + <p> + “Fletcher Fogg is buzzing around the outside of that hive. He has Burkett + along for an understrapper. They are marshaling in witnesses before the + grand jury—those men from the <i>Warren</i>, and you know what + they'll say, of course! Your mates and quartermasters, too! Mayo, they're + going to railroad you to Atlanta penitentiary. They have put something + over on you because you are young and they figured that you'd be a little + green. It seemed queer to me when Fogg was so mighty nice to you all of a + sudden. But they don't lay off a man like Jacobs and put in a new man just + to be nice. They either felt they couldn't work Jacobs, or else they felt + a green man would give 'em a good excuse for what happened.” + </p> + <p> + “But they couldn't arrange to have a schooner—” + </p> + <p> + “That was probably more than they figured on. But as long as it has + happened they're going to use it to best advantage. You're going to have + both tin cans tied to you, son. Every cussed bit of influence is going to + be used against you. Poor devils on the outside, like you and I, don't + understand just how slick the ways can be greased. Mayo, I'm going to give + you good advice. Duck out!” + </p> + <p> + “Run away like a confessed criminal? That's the advice Fogg gave me. I + don't think your advice is good, Captain Wass. I won't run away.” + </p> + <p> + “It may not be good advice. I ain't wise enough to know everything that's + best. But if they put you behind the bars in Atlanta, son, you'll stay + there till your term is up. No matter what is found out in your case, it + will take money and a lot of time to get the truth before the right + people. But if you ain't in prison, and we can get a line on this case and + dig up even a part of the truth, then you've got a fighting chance in the + open. If we can get just enough to make 'em afraid to put you onto the + witness-stand, that much may make 'em quit their barking. You're a sailor, + boy! You know a sailor can't do much when his hands are tied. Stay outside + the penitentiary and help me fight this thing.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what to do,” mourned the young man. “I'm all in a whirl. I'm + no coward, Captain Wass. I'm willing to face the music. But I'm so + helpless.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay outside jail till the fog lifts a bit in this case,” adjured his + mentor. “Are you going to lie down and stick up your legs to have 'em + tied, like a calf bound for market? Here are a few things you can do if + you duck out of sight for a little while. I'll go ahead and—” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he checked himself. He was facing the window, which commanded a + considerable section of street. He wasted no further breath on good + advice. + </p> + <p> + “I know those men coming down there,” he cried. “They're bailiffs. I saw + them around the court-house. They're after you, Mayo! You run! Get away! + There must be a back door here. Scoot!” He pulled the unresisting + scapegoat out of his chair and hustled him to the rear of the office. + </p> + <p> + A young man may have the best intentions. He may resolve to be a martyr, + to bow to the law's majesty. But at that moment Mayo was receiving + imperious command from the shipmaster whose orders he had obeyed for so + long that obedience was second nature. And panic seized him! Men were at + hand to arrest him. There was no time to reason the thing out. Flight is + the first impulse of innocence persecuted. Manly resolve melted. He ran. + </p> + <p> + “I'll stay behind and bluff 'em off! I'll say you're just out for a + minute, that I'm waiting here for you,” cried Captain Wass. “That will + give you a start. Try the docks. You may find one of the boys who will + help.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo escaped into a yard, dodged down an alley, planning his movements as + he hurried, having a mariner's quickness of thought in an emergency. + </p> + <p> + He made directly for the pier where steam-vessels took water. A huge + ocean-going tug was just getting ready to leave her berth under the + water-hose. Her gruff whistle-call had ordered hawsers cast off. Mayo's + 'longcoast acquaintance was fairly extensive. This was a coal-barge tug, + and he waved quick greeting to the familiar face in her pilot-house and + leaped aboard. He climbed the forward ladder nimbly. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon you'll have to make it hello and good-by in one breath, mate,” + advised the skipper. “I'm off to take a light tow down-coast. Norfolk next + stop.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her go—sooner the better,” gasped the fugitive. “I'll explain + why as soon as you are out of the dock.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say that you want to take the trip?” + </p> + <p> + “I've got to take it.” + </p> + <p> + The skipper cocked an eyebrow and pulled his bell. “Make yourself to home, + mate,” he advised. “I hope you ain't in so much of a hurry to get there as + you seem to be, for I've got three barges to tow.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo sat down on the rear transom and was hidden from all eyes on the + pier. + </p> + <p> + There was no opportunity for an explanation until the barges had been + picked up, for there was much manouver-ing and much tooting. But he found + ready sympathy after he had explained. + </p> + <p> + “The law sharps are always hankering to catch a poor cuss who is trying to + navigate these waters and suit the inspectors and the owners at the same + time,” admitted the master of the tug. “I have read everything the papers + had to say about your case, and I figured they didn't give you a fair + show. Newspapers and lawyers and owners don't understand what a fellow is + up against. I'm glad you're aboard, mate, because I want to hear your + side, with all the details.” + </p> + <p> + The threshing over of the matter occupied many hours of the long wallow + down the Jersey coast, and the tug captain weighed all features of the + case with the care of a man who has plenty of time on his hands and with + the zest a mariner displays in considering the affairs of his kind of + folk. + </p> + <p> + “If I didn't know you pretty well, Mayo, and know what kind of a man you + got your training with, I might think—just as those law sharps will + probably say—that you were criminally careless or didn't know your + business. But that dodge she made on you! Two points off her course! + You've got to put your finger right on there and hold it! Let me tell you + something. It was a queer thing in my own case. That was a queer thing in + your case. Stand two queer things in our business up beside each other and + squint at 'em and you may learn something.” + </p> + <p> + “She was on her course—I put her there with my own hands,” persisted + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Sure! You know your business. If this thing was going to be left to the + bunch that know you, you'd go clear. But here's what happened in my case: + I had a new man in the wheel-house, here, and he almost rammed me into + Cuttyhunk, gave me a touch and go with the Pollock Rip Lightship, and had + me headed toward Nauset when the fog lifted. And he was steering my + courses to the thinness of a hair, at that! Say, I took a sudden tumble + and frisked that chap and dragged a toad-stabber knife out of his pocket—one + of those regular foot-long knives. It had been yawing off that compass all + the way from a point to a point and a half. When did you shift + wheel-watch?” + </p> + <p> + “Before we made Vineyard Sound.” + </p> + <p> + “And no trouble coming up the sound?” + </p> + <p> + “Made Nobska and West Chop to the dot.” + </p> + <p> + “Then perhaps your general manager, who was in that pilot-house, had an + iron gizzard inside him. Most of them Wall Street fellows do have!” said + the skipper, with sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + “There's something going on in the steamboat business that I can't + understand,” declared Mayo. “It's high up; it hasn't to do with us chaps, + who have to take the kicks. Fogg brought a man aboard the old <i>Nequasset</i>, + and he didn't bring along a good explanation to go with that man. I have + been wondering ever since how it happened that Fogg got to be general + manager of the Vose line so almighty sudden.” + </p> + <p> + “Them high financiers play a big game, mate. And if you happened to be a + marked card in it, they'd tear you up and toss you under the table without + thinking twice. If you'll take a tip from me, you lay low and do a lot of + thinking while Uncle Zoradus does his scouting. What are you going to do + when you get to Norfolk?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't thought.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the both of us better think, and think hard, mate. If the United + States is really after you there'll be a sharp eye at every knot-hole. I + can't afford to let 'em get in a crack at me for what I've done.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll jump overboard outside the capes before I'll put you in wrong,” + asserted Mayo, with deep feeling. + </p> + <p> + That night the captain of the tug took a trick at the wheel in person. + </p> + <p> + His guest lay on the transom, smoking the skipper's spare pipe, and + racking his mind for ways and means. After a time he was conscious that + the captain was growling a bit of a song to relieve the tedium of his + task. He sang the same words over and over—a tried and true + Chesapeake shanty: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh, I sailed aboard a lugger, and I shipped aboard a scow, + And I sailed aboard a peanut-shell that had a razor bow. + Needle in a haystack, brick into a wall! + A nigger man in Norfolk, he ain't no 'count at all!” + </pre> + <p> + Mayo rolled off the transom and went to the captain's side. “There's more + truth than poetry in that song of yours, sir,” he said. “You have given me + an idea. A nigger in Norfolk doesn't attract much attention. And I haven't + got to be one of the black ones, either. Don't you suppose there's + something aboard here I can use to stain my face with?” + </p> + <p> + “My cook is a great operator as a tattoo artist.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I want to make the disguise permanent, sir,” stated the + young man, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “What I mean is, he may have something in his kit that he can use to paint + you with. What's your idea—stay there? I'm afraid they'll nail you.” + > + </p> + <p> + “I'll stay there just long enough to ship before the mast on a schooner. + There isn't time to think up any better plan just now. Anything to keep + out of sight until I can make up my mind about what's really best to be + done.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll have that cook up here,” offered the captain. “He's safe.” + </p> + <p> + The cook took prompt and professional interest in the matter. “Sure!” he + said. “I've got a stain that will sink in and stay put for a long time, if + no grease paint is used. Only you mustn't wash your face.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no danger of a fellow having any inducement to do that when he's + before the mast on a schooner in these days,” declared the tug captain, + dryly. + </p> + <p> + An hour later, Captain Boyd Mayo, late of the crack liner <i>Montana</i>, + was a very passable mulatto, his crisply curling hair adding to the + disguise. He swapped his neat suit of brown with a deck-hand, and received + some particularly unkempt garments. + </p> + <p> + The next night, when the tug was berthed at the water station, he slipped + off into the darkness, as homeless and as disconsolate as an abandoned + dog. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXII ~ SPECIAL BUSINESS OF A PASSENGER + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O Ranzo was no sailor, + He shipped on board a whaler. + O pity Reuben Ran-zo, Ran-zo, boys! + O poor old Reuben Ranzo, Ranzo, boys! + —Reuben Ranzo. +</pre> + <p> + Captain Mayo kept out of the region of the white lights for some time. He + had a pretty wide acquaintance in the Virginia port, and he knew the + beaten paths of the steamboating transients, ashore for a bit of a blow. + </p> + <p> + He lurked in alleys, feeling especially disreputable. He was not at all + sure that his make-up was effective. His own self-consciousness convinced + him that he was a glaring fraud, whose identity would be revealed promptly + to any person who knew him. But while he sneaked in the purlieus of the + city several of his 'longshore friends passed him without a second look. + One, a second engineer on a Union line freighter, whirled after passing, + and came back to him. + </p> + <p> + “Got a job, boy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “We need coal-passers on the <i>Drummond</i>. She's in the stream. Come + aboard in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + But it was not according to Mayo's calculation, messing with steamboat + men. “Ah doan' conclude ah wants no sech job,” he drawled. + </p> + <p> + “No, of course you don't want to work, you blasted yaller mutt!” snapped + the engineer. He marched on, cursing, and Mayo was encouraged, for the man + had given him a thorough looking-over. + </p> + <p> + He went out onto the wider streets. He was looking for a roving schooner + captain, reckoning he would know one of that gentry by the cut of his jib. + </p> + <p> + A ponderous man came stumping down the sidewalk, swinging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “He's one of 'em,” decided Mayo. The round-crowned soft hat, undented, the + flapping trouser legs, the gait recognized readily by one who has ever + seen a master mariner patrol his quarter-deck—all these marked him + as a safe man to tackle. He stopped, dragged a match against the brick + side of a building, and relighted his cigar. But before Mayo could reach + him a colored man hurried up and accosted the big gentleman, whipping off + his hat and bowing with smug humility. Mayo hung up at a little distance. + He recognized the colored man; he was one of the numerous Norfolk runners + who furnish crews for vessels. He wore pearl-gray trousers, a tailed coat, + and had a pink in his buttonhole. + </p> + <p> + “Ah done have to say that ah doan' get that number seven man up to now, + Cap'n Downs, though I have squitulate for him all up and down. But ah done + expect—” + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs scowled over his scooped hands, puffing hard at his cigar. + He threw away the match. + </p> + <p> + “Look-a-here! you've been chasing me two days with new stories about that + seventh man. Haven't you known me long enough to know that you can't trim + me for another fee?” + </p> + <p> + “Cap'n Downs, you done know yo'self the present lucidateness of the + sailorman supply.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that if you don't get that man aboard my schooner to-night or the + first thing to-morrow morning you'll never put another one aboard for me. + You go hustle! And look here! I see you making up your mouth! Not another + cent!” + </p> + <p> + The colored man backed off and went away. + </p> + <p> + Mayo accosted the captain when that fuming gentleman came lunging along + the sidewalk. “Ah done lak to have that job, cap'n,” he pleaded. + </p> + <p> + “You a sailor?” + </p> + <p> + “Yas, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it you ain't hiring through the regular runners?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah doan' lak to give all my money to a dude nigger to go spotein' on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's something in that,” acknowledged Captain Downs, softening a + bit. “I haven't got much use for that kind myself. You come along. But if + you ain't A-1, shipshape, and seamanlike and come aboard my vessel to loaf + on your job you'll wish you were in tophet with the torches lighted. Got + any dunnage laying around anywhere?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I guess you're a regular sailor, all right, the way the breed + runs nowadays. That sounds perfectly natural.” The captain led the way + down to a public landing, where a power-yawl, with engineer and a mate, + was in waiting. “Will she go into the stream to-night, Mr. Dodge?” asked + Captain Downs, curtly. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir! About four hundred tons still to come.” + </p> + <p> + Schooner captains keep religiously away from their vessels as long as the + crafts lie at the coal-docks. + </p> + <p> + “Come up for me in the morning as soon as she is in the stream. Here's a + man to fill the crew. If that coon shows up with another man kick the two + of 'em up the wharf.” + </p> + <p> + “Will the passenger come aboard with you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “He called me up at the hotel about supper-time and said something about + wanting to come aboard at the dock. I tried to tell him it was foolish, + but it's safe to reckon that a man who wants to sail as passenger from + here to Boston on a coal-schooner is a fool, anyway. If he shows up, let + him come aboard.” Captain Downs swung away and the night closed in behind + him. + </p> + <p> + Mayo took his place in the yawl and preserved meek and proper silence + during the trip down the harbor. + </p> + <p> + When they swung under the counter of the schooner which was their + destination, the young man noted that she was the <i>Drusilla M. Alden</i>, + a five-master, of no very enviable record along the coast, so far as the + methods and manners of her master went; Mayo had heard of her master, + whose nickname was “Old Mull.” He had not recognized him under the name of + Captain Downs when the runner had addressed him. + </p> + <p> + The new member of the crew followed the mate up the ladder—only a + few steps, for the huge schooner, with most of her cargo aboard, showed + less than ten feet of freeboard amidships. + </p> + <p> + “Sleepy, George?” asked the mate, when they were on deck. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you may as well go on this watch.” + </p> + <p> + “Yass'r!” + </p> + <p> + “We'll call it now eight bells, midnight. You'll go off watch eight bells, + morning.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo knew that the hour was not much later than eleven, but he did not + protest; he knew something about the procedure aboard coastwise + coal-schooners. + </p> + <p> + Search-lights bent steady glare upon the chutes down which rushed the + streams of coal, black dust swirling in the white radiance. The great + pockets at Lambert Point are never idle. High above, on the railway, + trains of coal-cars racketed. Under his feet the fabric of the vessel + trembled as the chutes fed her through the three hatches. Sweating, + coal-blackened men toiled in the depths of her, revealed below hatches by + the electric lights, pecking at the avalanche with their shovels, trimming + cargo. + </p> + <p> + The young man exchanged a few listless words with the two negroes who were + on deck, his mates of the watch. + </p> + <p> + They were plainly not interested in him, and he avoided them. + </p> + <p> + The hours dragged. He helped to close and batten the fore-hatch, and later + performed similar service on the hatch aft. The main-hatch continued to + gulp the black food which the chute fed to it. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a tall young man appeared to Mayo. The stranger was smartly + dressed, and his spick-and-span garb contrasted strangely with the general + riot of dirt aboard the schooner. He trod gingerly over the dust-coated + planks and carried two suit-cases. + </p> + <p> + “Here, George,” he commanded. “Take these to my stateroom.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going as passenger,” said the young man, impatiently, and Mayo + remembered what the captain had told the mate. + </p> + <p> + Passengers on coal-schooners, sailing as friends of the master, were not + unknown on the coast, but Mayo judged, from what he had heard, that this + person was not a friend, and had wondered a bit. + </p> + <p> + “I am not allowed to go aft, sir, without orders from the mate.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the mate?” + </p> + <p> + “I think he is below, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Asleep?” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't wonder.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not trouble to use his dialect on this stranger, a mere + passenger, who spoke as if he were addressing a car-porter. The tone + produced instant irritation, resentment in the man who had so recently + been master of his ship. + </p> + <p> + The passenger set down his baggage and pondered a moment. He looked Mayo + over in calculating fashion; he stared up the wharf. Then he picked up his + bags and hurried along the port alley and disappeared down the + companionway. + </p> + <p> + He returned in a few moments, came into the waist of the vessel, and made + careful survey of all about him. There were two sailors far forward, + merely dim shadows. For some reason general conditions on the schooner + seemed to satisfy the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “The thing is breaking about right—about as I reckoned it would,” he + said aloud. “Look here, George, how much talking do you do about things + you see?” + </p> + <p> + “Talking to who, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to your boss—the captain—the mate.” + </p> + <p> + “A sailor before the mast is pretty careful not to say anything to a + captain or the mates unless they speak to him first, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “George, I'm not going to do anything but what is perfectly all right, you + understand. You'll not get into any trouble over it. But what you don't + see you can't tell, no matter if questions are asked later on. Here, take + this!” He crowded two silver dollars into Mayo's hands and gave him a + push. “You trot forward and stay there about five minutes, that's the boy! + It's all right. It's a little of my own private business. Go ahead!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo went. He reflected that it was none of his affair what a passenger + did aboard the vessel. It was precious little interest he took in the + craft, anyway, except as a temporary refuge. He turned away and put the + money in his pocket, the darkness hiding his smile. + </p> + <p> + He did not look toward the wharf. He strolled on past the forward house, + where the engineer was stoking his boiler, getting up steam for the + schooner's windlass engine. When he patrolled aft again, after a + conscientious wait, he found the passenger leaning against the coachhouse + door, smoking a cigarette. The electric light showed his face, and it wore + a look of peculiar satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Just then some one fumbled inside the coach-house door at the stranger's + back, and when the latter stepped away the first mate appeared, yawning. + </p> + <p> + “I'm the passenger—Mr. Bradish,” the young man explained, promptly. + “I just made myself at home, put my stuff in a stateroom, and locked the + door and took the key. Is that all right?” + </p> + <p> + “May be just as well to lock it while we're at dock and stevedores are + aboard,” agreed the mate. + </p> + <p> + “How soon do we pull out of here?” + </p> + <p> + The mate yawned again and peered up into the sky, where the first gray of + the summer dawn was showing over the cranes of the coal-pockets. “In about + a half-hour, I should say. Just as soon as the tug can use daylight to put + us into the stream.” + </p> + <p> + The roar of the coal in the main-hatch chute had ceased. The schooner was + loaded. + </p> + <p> + “Go strike eight bells, Jeff, and turn in!” ordered the mate, speaking to + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll stay outside, here, and watch the sun rise,” said Bradish. “It + will be a new experience.” + </p> + <p> + “It's an almighty dirty place for loafing till we get into the stream and + clean ship, sir. I should think taking an excursion on a coal-lugger would + be another new experience!” There was just a hint of grim sarcasm in his + tone. + </p> + <p> + “The doctor ordered me to get out and away where I wouldn't hear of + business or see business, and a friend of mine told me there were plenty + of room and comfort aboard one of these big schooners. That cabin and the + staterooms, they're fine!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they have to give a master a good home these days. That's a Winton + carpet in the saloon,” declared the mate, with pride. “And we've got a + one-eyed cook who can certainly sling grub together. Yes, for a cheap + vacation I dun'no' but a schooner is all right!” + </p> + <p> + The two were getting on most amicably when Mayo went forward. He was + dog-tired and turned in on tie bare boards of his fo'cas'le berth. + </p> + <p> + No bedding is furnished men before the mast on the coal-carriers. + </p> + <p> + If a man wants anything between himself and the boards he must bring it + with him, and few do so. At the end of each trip a crew is discharged and + new men are hired, in order to save paying wages while a vessel is in port + loading or discharging. Therefore, a coastwise schooner harbors only + transients, for whom the fo'cas'le is merely a shelter between watches. + </p> + <p> + But Mayo was a sailor, and the bare boards served him better than bedding + in which some dusky and dirty son of Ham had nestled. He laid himself down + and slept soundly. + </p> + <p> + The second mate turned out the watch below at four bells—six in the + morning. The schooner was in the stream and all hands were needed to work + hose and brooms and clear off the coal-dust. Mayo toiled in the wallow of + black water till his muscles ached. + </p> + <p> + There was one happy respite—they knocked off long enough to eat + breakfast. It was sent out to them from the cook-house in one huge, metal + pan without dishes or knives or forks. + </p> + <p> + A white cook wash dishes for negroes? + </p> + <p> + Mayo knew the custom which prevailed on board the schooners between the + coal ports and the New England cities, and he fished for food with his + fingers and cut meat with his jack-knife with proper meekness. + </p> + <p> + When he was back at his scrubbing again the cook passed aft, bearing the + zinc-lined hamper which contained the breakfast for the cabin table. That + this cook had the complete vocabulary of others of his ilk was revealed + when the man with the hose narrowly missed drenching the hamper. + </p> + <p> + “That's right, cook!” roared Captain Downs, climbing ponderously on board + from his yawl. “Talk up to the loafing, cock-eyed, pot-colored sons of a + coal-scuttle when I ain't here to do it. Turn away that hose, you + mule-eared Fiji!” He turned on Mayo, who stood at one side and was poising + his scrubbing-broom to allow the master to pass. “Get to work, there, + yellow pup! Get to work!” + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily the skipper addresses one of his sailors only through the mate. + But there was no mate handy just then. + </p> + <p> + “One hand for the owners and one hand for yourself when you're aloft, but + on deck it's both hands for the owners,” he stated, as he plodded aft, + giving forth the aphorism for the benefit of all within hearing. + </p> + <p> + The passenger was still on deck, and Mayo heard Captain Downs greet him + rather brusquely. + </p> + <p> + Then the cook's hand-bell announced breakfast, and before the captain and + his guest reappeared on deck a tug had the <i>Alden's</i> hawser and was + towing her down the dredged channel on the way to Hampton Roads and to + sea. + </p> + <p> + Mayo went at his new tasks so handily that he passed muster as an able + seaman. If a sailor aboard a big schooner of these days is quick, willing, + and strong he does not need the qualities and the knowledge which made a + man an “A. B.” in the old times. + </p> + <p> + While the schooner was on her way behind the tug they hoisted her sails, a + long cable called “the messenger” enabling the steam-winch forward to do + all the work. Mayo was assigned to the jigger-mast, and went aloft to + shake out the topsail. It was a dizzy height, and the task tried his + spirit, for the sail was heavy, and he found it difficult to keep his + balance while he was tugging at the folds of the canvas. He was obliged to + work alone—there was only one man to a mast, and very tiny insects + did his mates appear when Mayo glanced forward along the range of the + masts. + </p> + <p> + The tug dropped them off the Tail of the Horseshoe; a smashing sou'wester + was serving them. + </p> + <p> + With all her washing set, the schooner went plowing out past the capes, + and Mayo was given his welcome watch below; he was so sleepy that his head + swam. + </p> + <p> + When he turned out he was ordered to take his trick at the wheel. The + schooner had made her offing and was headed for her northward run along + the coast, which showed as a thin thread of white along the flashing blue + of the sea. + </p> + <p> + Mayo took the course from the gaunt, sooty Jamaican who stepped away from + the wheel; he set his gaze on the compass and had plenty to occupy his + hands and his mind, for a big schooner which is logging off six or eight + knots in a following sea is somewhat of a proposition for a steersman. + Occasionally he was obliged to climb bodily upon the wheel in order to + hold the vessel up to her course. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs was pacing steadily from rail to rail between the wheel and + the house. At each turn he glanced up for a squint at the sails. It was + the regular patrol of a schooner captain. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his absorption in his task, Mayo could not resist taking an + occasional swift peep at the passenger. The young man's demeanor had + become so peculiar that it attracted attention. He looked worried, ill at + ease, smoked his cigarettes nervously, flung over the rail one which he + had just lighted, and started for the captain, his mouth open. Then he + turned away, shielded a match under the hood of the companionway, and + touched off another cigarette. He was plainly wrestling with a problem + that distressed him very much. + </p> + <p> + At last he hurried below. He came up almost immediately. He had the air of + a man who had made up his mind to have a disagreeable matter over with. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs,” he blurted, stepping in front of Old Mull and halting + that astonished skipper, “will you please step down into the cabin with me + for a few moments? I've something to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, tell it—tell it here!” barked the captain. + </p> + <p> + “It's very private, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know of any privater place than this quarterdeck, fifteen miles + offshore.” + </p> + <p> + “But the—the man at the wheel!” + </p> + <p> + “Good Josephus! That ain't a man! That's a nigger sailor steering my + schooner. Tell your tale, Mr. Bradish. Tell it right here. That fellow + don't count any more 'n that rudder-head counts.” + </p> + <p> + “If you could step down into the cabin, I—” + </p> + <p> + “My place is on this quarter-deck, sir. If you've got anything to say to + me, say it!” He began to pace again. + </p> + <p> + Bradish caught step, after a scuff or two. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you're going to take this thing right, Captain Downs. It may sound + queer to you at first,” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, well, tell it to me—tell it! Then I will let you know + whether it sounds queer or not.” + </p> + <p> + “I brought another passenger on board with me. She is locked in a + stateroom.” + </p> + <p> + Old Mull stopped his patrol with a jerk. “She?” he demanded. “You mean to + tell me you've got a woman aboard here?” + </p> + <p> + “We're engaged—we want to get married. So she came along—” + </p> + <p> + “Then why in tophet didn't ye go get married? You don't think this is a + parsonage, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “There were reasons why we couldn't get married ashore. You have to have + licenses, and questions are asked, and we were afraid it would be found + out before we could arrange it.” + </p> + <p> + “So this is an elopement, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the young lady's father has foolish ideas about a husband for his + daughter, and she doesn't agree with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is her father?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't intend to tell you, sir. That hasn't anything to do with the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs looked his passenger up and down with great disfavor. “And + what's your general idea in loading yourselves onto me in this fashion?” + </p> + <p> + “You have the right, as captain of a ship outside the three-mile limit, to + marry folks in an emergency.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't sure that I've got any such right, and I ain't at all certain + about the emergency, Mr. Bradish. I ain't going to stick my head into a + scrape.” + </p> + <p> + “But there can't be any scrape for you. You simply exercise your right and + marry us and enter it in your log and give us a paper. It will be enough + of a marriage so that we can't be separated.” + </p> + <p> + “Want to hold a hand you can bluff her father with, hey? I don't approve + of any such tactics in matrimony.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't be doing this if there were any other safe way for us,” + protested Bradish, earnestly. “I'm no cheap fellow. I hold down a good + job, sir. But the trouble is I work for her father—and you know how + it always is in a case like that. He can't see me!” + </p> + <p> + “Rich, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir!” Bradish made the admission rather sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “It's usually the case when there's eloping done!” + </p> + <p> + “But this will not seem like eloping when it's reported right in the + newspapers. Marriage at sea—it will seem like a romantic way of + getting rid of the fuss of a church wedding. We'll put out a statement of + that sort. It will give her father a chance to stop all the gossip. He'll + be glad if you perform the ceremony.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, young fellow, you're not rehearsing the stuff on me that you used on + the girl, are you? Well, it doesn't go! + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs, you must understand how bull-headed some rich men are in + matters of this kind. I am active and enterprising. I'll be a handy man + for him. He likes me in a business way—he has said so. He'll be all + right after he gets cooled down.” + </p> + <p> + “More rehearsal! But I ain't in love with you like that girl is.” + </p> + <p> + “We're in a terrible position, captain! Perhaps it wasn't a wise thing to + do. But it will come out all right if you marry us.” + </p> + <p> + “What's her name?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “How in the devil can I marry you and her if I don't know her name?” + </p> + <p> + “But you haven't promised that you will do your part! I don't want to + expose this whole thing and then be turned down.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't making any rash promises,” stated Captain Downs, walking to the + rail and taking a squint at the top-hamper. “Besides,” he added, on his + tramp past to the other rail, “he may be an owner into this schooner + property, for all I know. Sixteenths of her are scattered from tophet to + Tar Hollow!” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't worry about his owning schooner property! He is doing quite a + little job at putting you fellows out of business!” + </p> + <p> + Curiosity and something else gleamed in Captain Downs's eyes. “Chance for + me to rasp him, hey, by wishing you onto the family?” + </p> + <p> + This new idea in the situation appealed instantly to Bradish as a + possibility to be worked. “Promise man to man that you'll perform the + marriage, and I'll tell you his name; then you'll be glad that you have + promised,” he said, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I don't reckon I'd try to get even with Judas I-scarrot himself by + stealing his daughter away from him, sir. There's the girl to be + considered in all such cases!” + </p> + <p> + “But this isn't stealing! We're in love.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, but you ain't fooling me very much, young fellow. I don't say but + what you like her all right, but you're after something else, too.” + </p> + <p> + “A man has to make his way in the world as best he can.” + </p> + <p> + “That plan seems to be pretty fashionable among you financing fellows + nowadays. But I'm a pretty good judge of men and you can't fool me, I say. + Now how did you fool the girl?” + </p> + <p> + It was blunt and insulting query, but Bradish did not have the courage to + resent it; he had too much need of placating this despot. The lover + hesitated and glanced apprehensively at the man at the wheel. + </p> + <p> + “Don't mind that nigger!” yelped Captain Downs, “How did you ever get nigh + enough to that girl to horn-swoggle her into this foolishness?” + </p> + <p> + “We met at dances. We were attracted to each other,” explained Bradish, + meekly. + </p> + <p> + “Huh! Yes, they tell me that girls are crazy over hoof-shaking these days, + and I suppose it's easy to go on from there into a general state of plumb + lunacy,” commented Old Mull, with disgust. “You show you ain't really in + love with her, young man. You'd never allow her to cut up this caper if + you were!” + </p> + <p> + He stuck an unlighted cigar in his mouth and continued to patrol his + quarter-deck, muttering. + </p> + <p> + Bradish lighted a cigarette, tossed it away after two puffs, and leaned + against the house, studying his fingertips, scowling and sullen. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had heard all the conversation, but his interest in the identity of + these persons was limited; New York was full of rich men, and there were + many silly daughters. + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” suggested the captain, unamiably, “whatever is done later, + there's something to be done now. It's cruelty to animals to keep that + girl shut up in that stateroom any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “She didn't want to come out and show herself till I had had a talk with + you, sir. I have spoken to her through the door a few times.” He + straightened himself and assumed dignity. “Captain Downs, I call it to + your attention—I want you to remember that I have observed all the + proprieties since I have been on board.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs snorted. “Proprieties—poosh! You have got her into a + nice scrape! And she's down there locked in like a cat, and probably + starving!” + </p> + <p> + “She doesn't care to eat. I think she isn't feeling very well.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't think she would! Go bring her up here, where she can get some + fresh air. I'll talk to her.” + </p> + <p> + After a moment's hesitation Bradish went below. He returned in a little + while. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his efforts to pretend obliviousness Mayo stared hard at the + companionway, eager to look on the face of the girl. But she did not + follow her lover. + </p> + <p> + “She doesn't feel well enough to come on deck,” reported Bradish. “But she + is in the saloon. Captain Downs, won't you go and talk to her and say + something to make her feel easy in her mind? She is very nervous. She is + frightened.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not much of a ladies' man,” stated Old Mull. But he pulled off his + cap and smoothed his grizzled hair. + </p> + <p> + “And if you could only say that you're going to help us!” pleaded the + lover. “We throw ourselves on your mercy, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't much good as a life-raft in this love business.” He started for + the companionway. + </p> + <p> + “But don't tell her that you will not marry us—not just now. Wait + till she is calmer.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I sha'n't tell her! Don't worry!” said Captain Downs, with a grim set + to his mouth. “All she, or you, gets out of me can be put in a flea's + eye.” + </p> + <p> + He disappeared down the steps, and Bradish followed. A mate had come aft, + obeying the master's hand-flourish, and he took up the watch. In a little + while Mayo was relieved. He went forward, conscious that he was a bit + irritated and disappointed because he had not seen the heroine of this + love adventure, and wondering just a bit at his interest in that young + lady. + </p> + <p> + An hour later Mayo, coiling down lines in the alley outside the + engine-room, overheard a bulletin delivered by the one-eyed cook to the + engineer. + </p> + <p> + The cook had trotted forward, his sound eye bulging out and thus mutely + expressing much astonishment. “There's a dame aft. I've been making tea + and toast for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you act as if it was the first woman you'd ever seen. What's the + special excitement about a skirt going along as passenger?” + </p> + <p> + “She wa'n't expected to be aboard. I heard the old man talking with her. + The flash gent that's passenger has rung her in somehow. I didn't get all + the drift be-cause the old man only sort of purred while I was in hearing + distance. But I caught enough to know that it ain't according to + schedule.” + </p> + <p> + “Good looker?” The engineer was showing a bit of interest. + </p> + <p> + “She sure is!” declared the cook, demonstrating that one eye is as handy, + sometimes, as two. “Peaches and cream, molasses-candy hair, hands as white + as pastry flour. Looks good enough to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody would ever guess you are a cook, hearing you describe a girl,” + sneered the engineer. + </p> + <p> + “There's a mystery about her. I heard her kind of taking on before the + dude hushed her up. She was saying something about being sorry that she + had come, and that she wished she was back, and that she had always done + things on the impulse, and didn't stop to think, and so forth, and + couldn't the ship be turned around.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo forgot himself. He stopped coiling ropes and stood there and listened + eagerly until the cook's indignant eye chanced to take a swing in his + direction. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see who's standing there butting in on the private talk of two + gents?” he asked the engineer. “Hand me that grate-poker—the hot + one. I'll show that nigger where he belongs.” + </p> + <p> + But Mayo retreated in a hurry, knowing that he was not permitted to + protest either by word or by look. However, the cook had given him + something else besides an insult—he had retailed gossip which kept + the young man's thoughts busy. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his rather contemptuous opinion of the wit of a girl who would + hazard such a silly adventure, he found himself pitying her plight, + guessing that she was really sorry. But as to what was going on in the + master's cabin he had no way of ascertaining. He wondered whether Captain + Downs would marry the couple in such equivocal fashion. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, pondered Mayo, how did it happen to be any affair of his? He + had troubles enough of his own to occupy his sole attention. + </p> + <p> + Their spanking wind from the sou'west let go just as dusk shut down. A + yellowish scud dimmed the stars. Mayo heard one of the mates say that the + glass had dropped. He smelled nasty weather himself, having the sailor's + keen instinct. The topsails were ordered in, and he climbed aloft and had + a long, lone struggle before he got the heavy canvas folded and lashed. + </p> + <p> + When he reached the deck a mate commanded him to fasten the canvas covers + over the skylights of the house. The work brought him within range of the + conversation which Captain Downs and Bradish were carrying on, pacing the + deck together. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I don't want to throw down anybody, captain,” Bradish was + saying. There was an obsequious note in his voice; it was the tone of a + man who was affecting confidential cordiality in order to get on—to + win a favor. “But I have a lot of sympathy for you and for the rest of the + schooner people. I have been right there in the office, and have had a + finger in the pie, and I've seen what has been done in a good many cases. + Of course, you understand, this is all between us! I'm not giving away any + of the office secrets to be used against the big fellows. But I'm willing + to show that I'm a friend of yours. And I know you'll be a friend of mine, + and keep mum. All is, you can get wise from what I tell you and can keep + your eyes peeled from now on.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo heard fragmentary explanation of how the combination of steamboat and + barge interests had operated to leave only pickings to the schooners. The + two men were tramping the deck together, and at the turns were too far + away from him to be heard distinctly. + </p> + <p> + “But they're putting over the biggest job of all just now,” proceeded + Bradish. “Confound it, Captain Downs, I'm not to be blamed for running + away with a man's daughter after watching him operate as long as I have. + His motto is, 'Go after it when you see a thing you want in this world.' + I've been trained to that system. I've got just as much right to go after + a thing as he. I'm treasurer of the Paramount—that's the trust with + which they intend to smash the opposition. My job is to ask no questions + and to sign checks when they tell me to, and Heaven only knows what kind + of a goat it will make of me if they ever have a show-down in the courts! + They worked some kind of a shenanigan to grab off the Vose line; I wired a + pot of money to Fletcher Fogg, who was doing the dirty work, and it was + paid to a clerk to work proxies at the annual meeting. And then Fogg put + up some kind of a job on a greenhorn captain—worked a flip trick on + the fellow and made him shove the <i>Montana</i> onto the sands. I suppose + they'll have the Vose line at their price before I get back.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo sat there in the shadow, squatting on legs which trembled. + </p> + <p> + This babbler—tongue loosened by his new liberty and by the + antagonism his small nature was developing, anticipating his employer's + enmity—had dropped a word of what Mayo knew must be the truth. It + had been a trick—and Fletcher Fogg had worked it! Mayo did not know + who Fletcher Fogg's employer might be. From what office this tattler came + he did not know; but it was evident that Bradish was cognizant of the + trick. As a result of that trick, an honest man had been ruined and + blacklisted, deprived of opportunity to work in his profession, was a + fugitive, a despised sailor, kicked to the Very bottom of the ladder he + had climbed so patiently and honorably. + </p> + <p> + Furious passion bowled over Mayo's prudence. He leaped down from the top + of the house and presented himself in front of the two men. + </p> + <p> + “I heard it—I couldn't help hearing it!” he stuttered. + </p> + <p> + “Here's a nigger gone crazy!” yelped Captain Downs. “Ahoy, there, for'ard! + Tumble aft with a rope!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm no nigger, and I'm not crazy!” shouted Mayo. + </p> + <p> + The swinging lantern in the companionway lighted him dimly. But in the + gloom his dusky hue was only the more accentuated. His excitement seemed + that of a man whose wits had been touched. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it was a trick. But what was the trick?” he demanded, starting + toward Bradish, his clutching hands outspread. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs kicked at this obstreperous sailor, and at the same time + fanned a blow at his head with open palm. + </p> + <p> + Mayo avoided both the foot and the hand. “What does the law say about + striking a sailor, captain? Hold on, there! I'm just as good a man as you + are. Don't you tell those men to lay hands on me.” He backed away from the + sailors who came running aft, with the second mate marshaling them. He + stripped up his sleeve and held his arm across the radiance of the + binnacle light. “That's a white man's skin, isn't it?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of play-acting is all this?” asked Old Mull, with astonished + indignation. + </p> + <p> + In that crisis Mayo controlled his tongue after a mighty effort to steady + himself. He was prompted to obey his mood and announce his identity with + all the fury that was in him. But here stood the man who had served as one + of the tools of his enemies, whoever they were. For his weapon against + this man Mayo had only a few words of gossip which had been dropped in an + unwary moment; he realized his position; he regretted his passionate + haste. He was not ready to put himself into the power of his enemies by + telling this man who he was; he remembered that he was running away from + the law. + </p> + <p> + Bradish gaped at this intruder without seeming to understand what it all + meant. + </p> + <p> + “Passengers better get below out of the muss,” advised Captain Downs. + “Here's a crazy nigger, mate. Grab him and tie him up.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo backed to the rack at the rail and pulled out two belaying-pins, + mighty weapons, one for each hand. + </p> + <p> + Bradish hurried away into the depths of the house, manifestly glad to get + out from underfoot. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you allow those niggers to lay their hands on me,” repeated the man + at bay. “Captain Downs, let me have a word to you in private.” He had + desperately decided on making a confidant of one of his kind. He bitterly + needed the help a master mariner could give him. + </p> + <p> + “Get at him!” roared the skipper. “Go in, you niggers!” + </p> + <p> + “By the gods! you'll be short-handed, sir. I'll kill 'em!” + </p> + <p> + That threat was more effective than mere bluster. Captain Downs + instinctively squinted aloft at the scud which was dimming the stars; he + sniffed at the volleying wind. + </p> + <p> + “One word to you, and you'll understand, sir!” pleaded Mayo. He put the + pins back into the rack and walked straight to the captain. + </p> + <p> + There was no menace in his action, and the mate did not interfere. + </p> + <p> + “Just a word or two to you, sir, to show you that I have done more than + throw my hat into the door of the Masters and Mates Association.” He + leaned close and whispered. “Now let me tell you something else—in + private?” he urged in low tones. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs glanced again at the bared arm and surveyed this sailor with + more careful scrutiny. “You go around and come into the for'ard cabin + through the coach-house door,” he commanded, after a little hesitation. + </p> + <p> + Mayo bowed and hurried away down the lee alley. + </p> + <p> + That cabin designated as the place of conference was the dining-saloon of + the schooner. He waited there until Captain Downs, moving his bulk more + deliberately, trudged down the main companionway and came into the + apartment through its after-door which no sailor was allowed to profane. + </p> + <p> + “Can anybody—in there—hear?” asked Mayo, cautiously. He + pointed to the main saloon. + </p> + <p> + “She's in her stateroom and he's talking through the door,” grunted the + skipper. “Now what's on your mind?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo reached his hand into an inside pocket of his shirt and drew forth a + document. He laid it in Captain Downs's hand. The skipper sat down at the + table, pulled out his spectacles, and adjusted them on his bulging nose in + leisurely fashion, spread the paper on the red damask cloth, and studied + it. He tipped down his head and stared at Mayo over the edge of his + glasses with true astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “This your name in these master's papers?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You're—you claim to be the Captain Mayo who smashed the <i>Montana?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “I'm the man, sir. I hung on to my papers, even though they have been + canceled.” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know about these papers? How do I know your name is Mayo? You + might have stolen 'em—though, for that matter, you might just as + well carry a dynamite bomb around in your pocket, for all the good they'll + do you.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the point, sir. They merely prove my identity. Nobody else would + want them. Captain Downs, I'm running away from the law. I own up to you. + Let me tell you how it happened.” + </p> + <p> + “Make it short,” snapped the captain, showing no great amiability toward + this plucked and discredited master. “The wind is breezing up.” + </p> + <p> + He told his story concisely and in manly fashion, standing up while + Captain Downs sat and stared over his spectacles, drumming his stubby + fingers on the red damask. + </p> + <p> + “There, sir, that's why I am here and how I happened to get here,” Mayo + concluded. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't prepared to say it isn't so,” admitted Old Mull at last, “no + matter how foolish it sounds. And I'm wondering if next I'll find the King + of Peruvia or the Queen of Sheba aboard this schooner. New folks are + piling in fast! I know Captain Wass pretty well, though I never laid eye + on you to know you. Where's that wart on his face?” + </p> + <p> + “Starboard side of his nose, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he do, whittle off his chaw or bite the plug?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither. Chews fine cut.” + </p> + <p> + “What's his favorite line of talk?” + </p> + <p> + “Reciting the pilot rules and jawing because the big fellows slam along + without observing them.” + </p> + <p> + “Last remark showing that you have been in the pilothouse along with + Captain Wass! Examination is over and you rank one hundred and the board + stands adjourned!” He rose and shook hands with Mayo. “Now what can I do + for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't suppose you can do much of anything, Captain Downs. But I'm going + to ask you this, master to masted. Don't let a soul aboard this schooner + know who I am—especially those two back there!” He pointed to the + door of the main saloon. + </p> + <p> + “Seems to be more or less of a masked-ball party aboard here!” growled the + skipper. + </p> + <p> + “That man you call Bradish, whoever he is, knows what kind of a game they + played on me. I want to get it out of him. If he knows who I am he won't + loosen! I was a fool to break in as I did. He was coming across to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Seemed to be pretty gossipy,” admitted the captain. “Is trying to be my + special chum so as to work me!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you suppose you can get some more out of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Might be done.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel that it's sailors against the shore pirates this time, sir. Won't + you call that man out here and ask him some questions and allow me to + listen?” + </p> + <p> + “Under the circumstances I'll do it. Sailors first is my motto. You step + into the mate's stateroom, there, and put ear to the crack o' the door.” + </p> + <p> + But when Bradish appeared, answering the captain's summons, all his + chattiness had left him. He declared that he knew nothing about the + trouble in the <i>Montana</i> case. + </p> + <p> + “But you said something about a scheme to fool a green captain?” + </p> + <p> + “It was only gossip—I probably got it wrong. I have thought it over + and really can't remember where I heard it or much about it. Might have + been just newspaper faking.” + </p> + <p> + He kept peering about the dimly lighted room. + </p> + <p> + “You needn't worry, young man. That nigger isn't here.” + </p> + <p> + “But he said he was a white man. And how does he come to be interested?” + </p> + <p> + “It's a nigger gone crazy about that case—he has probably been + reading fake stories in the papers, too,” stated Captain Downs, grimly. “I + must remind you again, Bradish, that you were talking to me in pretty + lively style.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a man lets out a lot of guesswork when he is nervous about his own + business.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I might fix it so that you'd be a little less nervous, providing + you'll show a more willing disposition when I ask you a few questions,” + probed the skipper. But this insistence alarmed Bradish and his blinking + eyes revealed his fears and suspicions. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything about the <i>Montana</i> case. I don't intend to do + any talking about it.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs tapped harder on the table, scowled, and was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Anything else, sir?” inquired Bradish, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Guess not, if that's the way you feel about it!” snapped Captain Downs. + </p> + <p> + Bradish went back into the main saloon, and the eavesdropper ventured + forth. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know just what the dickens to do about you, now that I know who + you are,” confessed the master, looking Mayo up and down. + </p> + <p> + “There isn't anything to do except let me go back to my work, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm in a devil of a position. You're a captain.” + </p> + <p> + “I shipped on board here before the mast, Captain Downs, and knew exactly + what I was doing. I'll take my medicine.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't like to have you go for'ard there among those cattle, Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs, it was wrong for me to make the break I did on your + quarter-deck. I ought to have kept still; but the thing came to me so + sudden that I went all to pieces. I'd like to step back into the crew and + have you forget that I'm Boyd Mayo. I'll sneak ashore in Boston and lose + myself.” + </p> + <p> + The captain tipped up his cap and scratched the side of his head. “Seems + as if I remember you being at the wheel, Mayo, when that fellow was + unloading some pretty important information on to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't help hearing, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “So you know he's eloping with a girl?” The old skipper lowered his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever hear of such a cussed, infernal performance? And I have + talked with the girl, and she really doesn't seem to be that sort at all. + She's flighty, you can see that. She has been left to run loose too much, + like a lot of girls in society are running loose nowadays. They think of a + thing that's different, and, biff! they go do it. She is wishing she + hadn't done this. That shows some sense.” He studied the young man. “Do + you know anything about this right a captain has to perform marriage + ceremonies?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing special.” + </p> + <p> + “It will probably be a good thing for that girl to be married and settled + down. She seems to have picked out Bradish. Mayo, you're one of my kind, + and I want to help you. I'll take a chance on my right to perform the + ceremony. What say if we get Bradish back in here and swap a marriage for + what he can tell us about the <i>Montana</i> business?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs, a fellow who will put up a job of this kind on a girl, no + matter if she has encouraged him, is a cheap pup,” declared Mayo, promptly + and firmly. “I don't want to buy back my papers in any such fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you don't approve of my marrying them?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't any right to tell you what you shall do, sir. I'm talking + merely for myself.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs pondered. “If he's her father's right-hand man, he's + probably just as good as most of the land pirates who have been courting + her. If she goes home married, even if it is only marriage on the high + seas, contract between willing persons with witnesses and the master of + the vessel officiating, as I believe it's allowed, she'll have her good + name protected, and that means a lot. I don't know as I have any right to + stand out and block their way, seeing how far it has gone. What do you + think, Mayo?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe I want to make any suggestions, sir.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the door aft opened. Mayo was near the door of the mate's + stateroom in the shadows, and he dodged back into his retreat. He heard + Bradish's voice. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs, this young lady has something to say to you and I hope + you'll listen!” + </p> + <p> + Then the girl's voice! It was impetuous outburst. She hurried her words as + if she feared to wait for second and saner reflection. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs, I cannot wait any longer. You must act. I beg of you. I + have made up my mind. I am ready!” + </p> + <p> + “Ready to get married, you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! Now that my mind is made up, please hurry!” + </p> + <p> + Her tone was high-pitched, tears were close behind her desperation, her + words rushed almost incoherently. But Mayo, staring sightlessly in the + black darkness of the little stateroom, his hearing keen, knew that voice. + He could not restrain himself. He pulled the door wide open. + </p> + <p> + The girl was Alma Marston. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were bright, her cheeks were flushed, and it was plain that her + impulsive nature was flaming with determination. The shadows were deep in + the corners of the saloon, and the man in the stateroom door was not + noticed by the three who stood there in the patch of light cast by the + swinging lamp. + </p> + <p> + “I ask you—I beg you—I have made up my mind! I must have it + over with.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't have hysterics! This is no thing to be rushed.” + </p> + <p> + “You must.” + </p> + <p> + “You're talking to a captain aboard his own vessel, ma'am!” + </p> + <p> + From Mayo's choking throat came some sort of sound and the girl glanced in + his direction, but it was a hasty and indifferent gaze. Her own affairs + were engrossing her. He reeled back into the little room, and the swing of + the schooner shut the door. + </p> + <p> + “You are captain! You have the power! That's why I am talking to you, + sir!” + </p> + <p> + “But when you talked with me a little while ago you were crawfishing!” was + Captain Downs's blunt objection. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry I have been so imprudent. I ought not to be here. I have said + so. I do too many things on impulse. Now I want to be married!” + </p> + <p> + “More impulse, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I must be able to face my father.” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the saloon. + </p> + <p> + Mayo shoved trembling fingers into his mouth and bit upon them to keep + back what his horrified reason warned him would be a scream of protest. In + spite of what his eyes and ears told him, it all seemed to be some sort of + hideous unreality. + </p> + <p> + “It's a big responsibility,” proceeded Captain Downs, mumbling his words + and talking half to himself in his uncertainty. “I've been trying to get + some light on it from another—from a man who ought to understand + more about it than what I do. It's too much of a problem for a man to + wrassle with all alone.” + </p> + <p> + He turned his back on them, gazed at the stateroom door, tipped his cap + awry, and scratched his head more vigorously than he had in his past + ponderings. + </p> + <p> + “Say, you in there! Mate!” he called, clumsily preserving Mayo's + incognito. “I'm in a pinch. Say what you really think!” + </p> + <p> + There was no word from the stateroom. + </p> + <p> + “You're an unprejudiced party,” insisted the skipper. “You have good + judgment. Now what?” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that, in there?” demanded Bradish. + </p> + <p> + “Why should this person, whoever he is, have any-thing to say about my + affairs?” asked the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Because I'm asking him to say!” yelped the skipper, showing anger. “I'm + running this! Don't try to tell me my own business!” He walked toward the + door. “Speak up, mate!” + </p> + <p> + “It's an insult to me—asking strangers about my private affairs!” + The protest of the girl was a furious outburst. + </p> + <p> + “I resent it, captain! Most bitterly resent it,” stated Bradish. + </p> + <p> + The old skipper walked back toward them. “Resent it as much as you + condemned like, sir! You're here asking favors of me. I want to do what is + right for all concerned. You ought to be married—I admit that. But + what sort of a position does it leave me in? Are you going to tell me this + girl's name?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm Alma Marston!” She volleyed the name at him with hysterical violence, + but he did not seem to be impressed. “I am Julius Marston's daughter!” + </p> + <p> + The skipper looked her up and down. + </p> + <p> + “Now you will be so good as to proceed about your duty!” she commanded, + haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can't expect me to show any special neighborly kindness to the + Wall Street gouger who kept me tied up without a charter two months last + spring with his steamboat combinations and his dicker deals!” + </p> + <p> + “How are we to take that, sir?” asked Bradish. + </p> + <p> + The girl was staring with frank wonder at this hard-shelled mariner whom + she had not been able to impress by her name or her manner. + </p> + <p> + “Just as you want to.” + </p> + <p> + “I demand an explanation.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll give it to you, seeing that I'm perfectly willing to. Take it + one way, and I'm willing to wallop Julius Marston by handing him the kind + of a son-in-law you'd make; take it the other way, and I ain't particular + about doing anything to accommodate anybody in the Marston family.” He + eyed them sardonically. + </p> + <p> + “So, you see, I'm betwixt and between in the matter! It's like settling a + question by flipping a cent. And I'll tell you what I'm going to do!” He + smacked his palm on the table. He strode back toward the stateroom door. + “Mate, ahoy, there! Sailor to sailor, now, and remember that you have + asked something of <i>me!</i> If you were captain of this schooner would + you marry off these two?” + </p> + <p> + They waited in silence, in which they heard the whummle and screech of the + wind outside and the angry squalling of the sheathing of the plunging + schooner's cabin walls. + </p> + <p> + The voice which replied to Captain Downs's query did not sound human. It + was a sort of muffled wail, but there was no mistaking its positiveness. + </p> + <p> + “No!” said the man behind the door. + </p> + <p> + Back to the table lurched Captain Downs. He pounded down his fist. “That + settles it with me!” Then he poised his big hand on the edge of the + table-cover. “I was ready to tip one way or the other and it needed only a + little push. I have tipped.” Down came the palm flat on the table-cloth + with final and decisive firmness. “Young man,” he informed Bradish, + “there's an extra stateroom, there, off this dining-saloon. You take it!” + </p> + <p> + “What can I tell my father?” wailed the girl, the fire of her + determination suddenly quenched by sobbing helplessness. + </p> + <p> + “You can tell him that I temporarily adopted you as my daughter at three + bells on this particular evening, and I'll go to him and back you up if it + becomes necessary.” He opened the door leading aft and bowed. “Now, you + trot along to your stateroom, sissy!” + </p> + <p> + After hesitating a few moments she hurried away. The skipper locked the + door and slipped the key into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I'm going to—” began Bradish, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't wasting any thoughts on you, sir. I'm saving 'em all for the <i>Drusilla + M. Alden</i> just now.” + </p> + <p> + The craft's plunging roll gave evidence that the sea was making. At that + instant the first mate came down a few steps of the forward companionway, + entering through the coach-house door. + </p> + <p> + “She's breezing up fresh from east'ard, sir!” he reported. + </p> + <p> + “So I've judged from the way this sheathing is talking up. I'll be on deck + at once, Mr. Dodge.” + </p> + <p> + That report was a summons to a sailor; Mayo came staggering out of the + stateroom. He looked neither to right nor left nor at either of the men in + the saloon. He stumbled toward the companionway, reaching his hands in + front of him after the fashion in which a man gropes in the dark. + </p> + <p> + “Are you letting a nigger—and a crazy one at that—decide the + biggest thing in my life?” raged Bradish. + </p> + <p> + “I know what I'm doing,” Captain Downs assured him. But the skipper was + manifestly amazed by the expression he saw on Mayo's face. + </p> + <p> + “I won't stand for it! Here, you!” Bradish rushed across the room and + intercepted Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Come away from that man!” commanded the skipper. + </p> + <p> + But Bradish was not in a mood to obey authority. “There's something behind + this and I propose to be let in on it! Stop, you!” He pushed Mayo back, + but the latter's face did not change its expression of dull, blank, utter + despair which saw not and heard not. Mayo recovered himself and came on + again, looking into vacancy. + </p> + <p> + “If you have a grudge against me, by the gods, I'll wake you up and make + you explain it!” shouted Bradish. He drew back his arm and drove a quick + punch squarely against the expressionless face. The blow came with a lurch + of the vessel and Mayo fell flat on his back. He went down as stiffly as + he had walked, with as little effort to save himself as a store dummy + would have made. + </p> + <p> + But he was another man when he came upon his feet. + </p> + <p> + Bradish had awakened him! + </p> + <p> + The master of the <i>Alden</i> hurried around the table, roaring oaths, + and tried to get between them, but he was an unwieldy man on his short + legs. Before he was in arm's-length they were at each other, dodging here + and there. + </p> + <p> + Bradish was no shrimp of an adversary; he was taller than his antagonist, + and handled his fists like a man who had been trained as an amateur boxer. + </p> + <p> + They fought up and down the cabin, battering each other's face. + </p> + <p> + The indignant master threatened them with an upraised chair, tried to + strike down their hands with it, but they were in no mood to mind a + mediator. They fought like maddened cats, banging against the cabin walls, + whirling in a crazy rigadoon to find an opening for their fists; Captain + Downs was not nimble enough to catch them. Uttering awful profanity, he + threatened to shoot both of them and rushed into the main saloon, + unlocking the door. + </p> + <p> + “I'm coming back with a gun!” he promised. But the fight ended suddenly in + a wrestling trick. + </p> + <p> + Mayo closed in, got Bradish's right hand in a grip, and doubled the arm + behind his adversary's back. Then he tripped the city man and laid him + backward over the table and against its edge with a violence that brought + a yell of pain and made Bradish limp and passive. Mayo held him there. + </p> + <p> + “My grudge, eh? My grudge!” the victor panted. “Because you wouldn't tell + me how the sneaks ruined me? No! The girl isn't here now. I'll tell you! + It's because you stole her self-respect and her good name, and it makes + you too dirty a dog to be her husband!” + </p> + <p> + He picked up Bradish and threw him on the floor. When he turned he saw the + girl's white, agonized, frightened face at the crack of the saloon door. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Downs!” she shrieked, “that negro is killing him. He's killing + Ralph!” + </p> + <p> + The victor turned his back on her and lurched around the table on his way + out. He stroked blood from his face with his palm, and was glad that she + had not recognized him; and yet, her failure to do so, even though he was + such a pitiable figure of the man she had known, was one more slash of the + whip of anguish across his raw soul. For a moment they had stood there, + face to face, and only blank unrecognition greeted him; it made this + horrible contretemps seem all the more unreal. + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not pause to listen to the ravings of Captain Downs, who came + thrusting past her. Dizzy, bleeding, half blind, he rushed up the forward + companionway and went into the black night on deck. + </p> + <p> + The mate was bawling for all hands to shorten sail, and Mayo took his + place with the toilers, who were manning sheets and downhauls. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIII ~ THE MONSTER THAT SLIPPED ITS LEASH + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And there Captain Kirby proved a coward at last, + And he played at bo-peep behind the mainmast, + And there they did stand, boys, and shiver and shake, + For fear that that terror their lives it would take. + —Admiral Benbow. +</pre> + <p> + Rain came with the wind, and the weather settled into a sullen, driving, + summer easterly. + </p> + <p> + Late summer regularly furnishes one of those storms to the Atlantic coast, + a recrudescence of the wintry gales, a trial run of the elements, a sort + of inter-equinoctial testing out so that Eurus may be sure that his + bellows is in working condition. + </p> + <p> + Such a storm rarely gives warning ahead that it is to be severe. It seems + to be a meteorological prank in order to catch mariners napping. + </p> + <p> + At midnight the <i>Alden</i> was plunging into creaming seas, her five + masts thrummed by the blast. With five thousand tons of coal weighting + her, she wallowed like a water-soaked log. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, who was roused from his hideous agony of soul at four bells, + morning, to go on deck for his watch, ventured as near the engine-room + door as he dared, for the rain was soaking his meager garments and the red + glow from within was grateful. The ship's pump was clanking, a + circumstance in no way alarming, because the huge schooners of the coal + trade are racked and wrenched in rough water. + </p> + <p> + The second mate came to the engine-room, lugging the sounding-rod to the + light in order to examine the smear on its freshly chalked length. + </p> + <p> + He tossed it out on deck with a grunt of satisfaction. “Nothing to hurt!” + he said to the engineer. “However, I'd rather be inside the capes in this + blow. The old skimmer ain't what she used to be. Johnson, do you know that + this schooner is all of two feet longer when she is loaded than when she + is light?” + </p> + <p> + “I knew she was hogged, but I didn't know it was as bad as that.” + </p> + <p> + “I put the lead-line on her before she went into the coal-dock this trip, + and I measured her again in the stream yesterday. With a cargo she just + humps right up like a monkey bound for war. That's the way with these + five-masters! They get such a racking they go wrong before the owners + realize.” + </p> + <p> + “They'll never build any more, and I don't suppose they want to spend much + money on the old ones,” suggested the engineer. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally not, when they ain't paying dividends as it is.” He stepped to + the weather rail and sniffed. “I reckon the old man will be dropping the + killick before long,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Mayo knew something of the methods of schooner masters and was not + surprised by the last remark. + </p> + <p> + In the gallant old days, when it was the custom to thrash out a blow, the + later plan of anchoring a big craft in the high seas off the Delaware + coast, with Europe for a lee, would have been viewed with a certain amount + of horror by a captain. + </p> + <p> + But the modern skipper figures that there's less wear and tear if he + anchors and rides it out. To be sure, it's no sort of a place for a + squeamish person, aboard a loaded schooner whose mudhook clutches bottom + while the sea flings her about, but the masters and crews of coal-luggers + are not squeamish. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, glancing aft, saw two men coming forward slowly, stopping at regular + intervals. The light of a lantern played upon their dripping oilskins. + When they arrived at the break of the main-deck, near the forward house, + he recognized Captain Downs and the first mate. The second mate stepped + out and replied to the captain's hail. + </p> + <p> + “Bring a maul and some more wedges!” commanded the master. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Drusilla</i> is getting her back up some more,” commented the second + mate, starting for the storeroom. “I don't blame her much. This is no + place for an old lady, out here to-night.” He ordered Mayo to accompany + him. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments they reported to the captain, the mate carrying the + two-headed maul and the young man bearing an armful of wedges. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs bestowed on Mayo about the same attention he would have + allowed to a galley cockroach. He pointed to a gap in the rail. + </p> + <p> + “There—drive one in there,” he told the mate. “Let that nigger hold + the wedge.” There was rancor in his voice—baleful hostility shone in + his snapping eyes; no captain tolerates disobedience at sea, and Mayo had + disregarded all discipline in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The young man kneeled and performed the service and followed the party + dutifully when they moved on to the next gap. + </p> + <p> + The pitching schooner groaned and grunted and squalled in all her fabric. + </p> + <p> + Every angle joint was working—yawing open and closing with dull + grindings as the vessel rolled and plunged. + </p> + <p> + “By goofer, she's gritting her teeth in good shape!” commented the first + mate. + </p> + <p> + “She ought to have been stiffened a year ago, when she first began to + loosen and work!” declared Captain Downs. His anxiety stirred both his + temper and his tongue. “I was willing to have my sixteenth into her + assessed for repairs, but a stockholder don't have to go to sea! I wish I + had an excursion party of owners aboard here now.” + </p> + <p> + “When these old critters once get loose enough to play they rattle to + pieces mighty fast,” said the mate. “But this is nothing specially bad.” + </p> + <p> + “Find out what we've got under us,” snapped Captain Downs. The wedges had + been driven. “Let this nigger carry the lead for'ard!” + </p> + <p> + It was a difficult task in the night, because the leadline had to be + passed from the quarter-deck to the cathead outside the shrouds; the rails + and deck were slippery. Plainly, Captain Downs was proposing to show Mayo + “a thing or two.” + </p> + <p> + He let go the lead at command, and heard the man on the quarter-deck, + catching the line when it swung into a perpendicular position, report + twenty-five fathoms. + </p> + <p> + Again, answering the mate's bawled orders, Mayo carried the lead forward + and dropped it, after a period of waiting, during which the schooner had + been eased off. He was soaked to the skin, and was miserable in both body + and mind. He had betrayed himself, he had made an enemy of the man who + knew something which could help him; he felt a queer sense of shame and + despair when he remembered the girl and the expression of her face. He + tried to convince himself that he did not care what her opinion of him + was. What happened to that love she had professed on board the <i>Olenia?</i> + What manner of maiden was this? He did not understand! + </p> + <p> + Five times he made his precarious trip with the lead, fumbling his way + outside the rigging. + </p> + <p> + In twenty fathoms Captain Downs decided to anchor, after the mate, + “arming” the lead by filling its cup with grease, found that they were + over good holding ground. + </p> + <p> + When the <i>Alden</i> came into the wind and slowed down, slapping wet + sails, the second mate hammered out the holding-pin of the gigantic port + anchor, and the hawse-hole belched fathom after fathom of chain. + </p> + <p> + All hands were on deck letting sails go on the run into the lazy-jacks, + and the big schooner swung broadside to the trough of the sea. She made a + mighty pendulum, rolling rails under, sawing the black skies with her + towering masts. + </p> + <p> + There are many things which can happen aboard a schooner in that position + when men are either slow or stupid. A big negro who was paying out the + mizzen-peak halyards allowed his line to foul. Into the triangle of sail + the wind volleyed, and the thirty-foot mizzen-boom, the roll of the ship + helping, swung as far as its loosened sheets allowed. The “traveler,” an + iron hoop encircling a long bar of iron fastened at both ends to the deck, + struck sparks as a trolley pulley produces fire from a sleety wire. + </p> + <p> + With splintering of wood and clanging of metal, the iron bar was wrenched + from its deck-fastenings and began to fly to and fro across the deck at + the end of its tether, like a giant's slung-shot. It circled, it spun, it + flung itself afar and returned in unexpected arcs. + </p> + <p> + Men fled from the area which this terror dominated. + </p> + <p> + The boom swung until it banged the mizzen shrouds to port, and then came + swooping back across the deck, to slam against the starboard shrouds. The + clanging, tethered missile it bore on its end seemed to be searching for a + victim. When the boom met the starboard shrouds in its headlong rush, the + schooner shivered. + </p> + <p> + “Free that halyard and douse the peak!” roared the first mate. + </p> + <p> + A sailor started, ducking low, but he ran back when the boom came across + the deck with such a vicious swing that the iron bar fairly screamed + through the air. + </p> + <p> + “Gawd-a-mighty! She'll bang the mast out of her!” clamored Captain Downs. + “Get some men to those halyards, Mr. Dodge! Catch that boom!” + </p> + <p> + The mate ran and kicked at a sailor, shouting profane orders. He seized + the fellow and thrust him toward the pins where the halyards were belayed. + But at that instant the rushing boom came hurtling overhead with its + slung-shot, and the iron banged the rail almost exactly where the fouled + line was secured. The mate and the sailor fell flat on their faces and + crawled back from the zone of danger. + </p> + <p> + “Get some rope and noose that boom! Lassoo it!” commanded the master, + touching up his orders with some lurid sea oaths. + </p> + <p> + But the men who stepped forward did so timidly and slowly, and dodged back + when the boom threatened. The flying bar was a terrible weapon. Now it + swung in toward the mast—now swept in wider radius. Just where it + would next sweep the deck between the masts depended on the vagary of wave + and wind. It was perfectly apparent that anybody who got in its path would + meet death as instantly as a fly under a housewife's spanker. + </p> + <p> + Life is sweet, even if a man is black and is toiling for a dollar-a-day + wage. + </p> + <p> + And even if a man is a mate, at a higher wage and with more + responsibility, he is inclined to think of himself before he figures on + saving a mast and gear for a schooner's owners. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of a gor-rammed crew have I got aboard here?” shrieked the + master. + </p> + <p> + “About the kind that all wind-jammers carry these days,” said a voice at + his elbow. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs whirled and found Mayo there. “How do you dare to speak to + me, you tin-kettle sailor?” demanded the master. In his passion he went + on: “You're aboard here under false pretenses. You can't even do your + work. You have made this vessel liable by assaulting a passenger. You're + no good! With you aboard here I'm just the same as one man short.” But he + had no time to devote to this person. + </p> + <p> + He turned away and began to revile his mates and his sailors, his voice + rising higher each time the rampaging boom crashed from side to side. One + or two of the backstays had parted, and it was plain that before long the + mast would go by the board. + </p> + <p> + “If that mast comes out it's apt to smash us clear to the water-line,” + lamented the captain. + </p> + <p> + “If you can make your herd of sheep give me a hand at the right time, I'll + show you that a tin-kettle sailor is as good as a wind-jammer swab,” said + Mayo, retaliating with some of the same sort of rancor that Captain Downs + had been expending. In that crisis he was bold enough to presume on his + identity as a master mariner. “I'd hate to find this kind of a bunch on + any steamboat I've ever had experience with.” + </p> + <p> + Then he ran away before the captain had time to retort. He made a slide + across the danger zone on his back, like a runner in a ball game. This + move brought him into a safe place between the mainmast and the mizzen. + There was a coil of extra cable here, and he grabbed the loose end and + deftly made a running bowline knot. He set the noose firmly upon his + shoulders, leaped up, and caught at the hoops on the mizzenmast. + </p> + <p> + “See to it that the line runs free from that coil, and stand by for + orders!” he shouted, and though his dyed skin was dark and he wore the + garb of the common sailor, he spoke with the unmistakable tone of the + master mariner. The second mate ran to the line and took charge. + </p> + <p> + “This is a bucking bronco, all right!” muttered Mayo. “But it's for the + honor of the steamboat men! I'll show this gang!” + </p> + <p> + He poised himself for a few moments on the crotch of the boom, clinging to + the cringles of the luff—the short ropes with which the sail is + reefed. + </p> + <p> + As he stood there, gathering himself for his desperate undertaking, + waiting for opportunity, taking the measure of the lashing and insensate + monster whom he had resolved to subdue, he heard Captain Downs bawl an + impatient command: + </p> + <p> + “Passengers go below!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo looked aft and saw Alma Marston clinging to the spike-rack of the + spanker mast. The coach-house lantern shone upon her white face. + </p> + <p> + “Go below!” repeated the master. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “This is no place for a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “The vessel is going to sink!” she quavered. + </p> + <p> + “The schooner is all right. You go below!” + </p> + <p> + How bitter her fear was Mayo could not determine. But even at his distance + he could see stubborn resolution on her countenance. + </p> + <p> + “If I've got to die, I'll not die down there in a box,” she cried. “I'm + going to stay right here.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs swore and turned his back on her. Apparently he did not care + to come to a real clinch with this feminine mutineer. + </p> + <p> + The great spar crashed out to the extent of its arc, and the sail volleyed + with it, ballooning under the weight of the wind. The reef-points were no + longer within Mayo's reach. He ran along the boom, arms outspread to + steady himself, and was half-way to its end before the telltale surge + under him gave warning. Then he fell upon the huge stick, rolled under it, + and shoved arms and legs under the foot of the sail. Barely had he + clutched the spar in fierce embrace before it began its return journey. It + was a dizzy sweep across the deck, a breath-taking plunge. + </p> + <p> + When the spar collided with the stays he felt as if arms and legs would be + wrenched from his body. He did not venture to move or to relax his hold. + He clung with all his strength, and nerved himself for the return journey. + He had watched carefully, and knew something of the vagaries of the giant + flail. When it was flung to port the wind helped to hold it there until + the resistless surge of the schooner sent it flying wild once more. He + knew that no mere flesh and blood could endure many of those collisions + with the stays. He resolved to act on the next oscillation to port, in + order that his strength might not be gone. + </p> + <p> + “See that the cable runs free!” he screamed as he felt the stick lift for + its swoop. + </p> + <p> + He swung himself upward over the spar the moment it struck, and the + momentum helped him. He ran again, steadying himself like a tight-wire + acrobat. He snatched the noose from his shoulders, slipped it over the end + of the boom, and yelled an order, with all the strength of his lungs: + </p> + <p> + “Pull her taut!” + </p> + <p> + At that instant the boom started to swing again. + </p> + <p> + Standing on the end of the spar, he was outboard; the frothing sea was + under him. He could not jump then; to leap when the boom was sweeping + across the deck meant a skinful of broken bones; to wait till the boom + brought up against the stays, so he realized, would invite certain + disaster; he would either be crushed between the boom and shrouds or + snapped far out into the ocean as a bean 'is filliped by a thumb. On the + extreme end of the spar the leverage would be so great that he could not + hope to cling there with arms and legs. + </p> + <p> + A queer flick of thought brought to Mayo the phrase, “Between the devil + and the deep sea.” That flying boom was certainly the devil, and the + foaming sea looked mighty deep. + </p> + <p> + Her weather roll was more sluggish and Mayo had a moment to look about for + some mode of escape. + </p> + <p> + He saw the sail of “number four” mast sprawling loose in its lazy-jacks, + unfurled and showing a tumbled expanse of canvas. When he was inside the + rail, and while the boom was gathering momentum, he took his life in his + hands and his grit between his teeth and leaped toward the sail. He made + the jump just at the moment when the boom would give him the most help. + </p> + <p> + He heard Captain Downs's astonished oath when he dove over that worthy + mariner's head, a human comet in a twenty-foot parabola. + </p> + <p> + He landed in the sail on his hands and knees, yelling, even as he + alighted: “Catch her, boys!” + </p> + <p> + They did it when the spar banged against the stays. They surged on the + rope, tightened the noose, and before the vessel rolled again had made + half a dozen turns of the free end of the cable around the nearest cleats. + </p> + <p> + Mayo scrambled down from the sail and helped them complete the work of + securing the spar. He passed near Captain Downs when the job had been + finished. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” growled the master of the <i>Alden</i>, “what do you expect me to + say to that?” + </p> + <p> + “I simply ask you to keep from saying something.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “That a steamboat man can't earn his pay aboard a wind-jammer, sir. I + don't like to feel that I am under obligations in any way.” + </p> + <p> + The master grunted. + </p> + <p> + “And if the little thing I have done helps to square that break I made by + licking your passenger I'll be glad of it,” added Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “You needn't rub it in,” said Captain Downs, carefully noting that there + was nobody within hearing distance. “When a man has been in a nightmare + for twenty-four hours, like I've been, you've got to make some allowances, + Captain Mayo. This is a terrible mixed-upmess.” He squinted at the mizzen + rigging where the lanterns revealed the damage. “And by the way those + backstays are ripped out, and seeing how that mast is wabbling, this + schooner is liable to be about as badly mixed up as the people are on + board of her.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo turned away and went back to his work. They were rigging extra stays + for the mizzenmast. And he noted that the girl near the coach-house door + was staring at him with a great deal of interest. But in that gloom he was + only a moving figure among toiling men. + </p> + <p> + An hour later the mate ordered the oil-bags to be tied to the catheads. + The bags were huge gunny sacks stuffed with cotton waste which was + saturated with oil. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the fact that her spanker, double-reefed, was set in order to + hold her up to the wind, weather-vane fashion, the schooner seemed + determined to keep her broadside to the tumbling seas. The oil slick + helped only a little; every few moments a wave with spoondrift flying from + it would smash across the deck, volleying tons of water between rails, + with a sound like thunder. At these times the swirling torrent in the + waist would reach to a man's knees. + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not take his watch below. The excitement of his recent experience + had driven away all desire for sleep, and the sheathing in the fo'c'sle + was squawking with such infernal din that only a deaf man could have + remained there in comfort. + </p> + <p> + However, he was not uneasy in regard to the safety of the schooner. In a + winter gale, with ice caking on her, he would have viewed their situation + in different light. But he had frequently seen the seas breaking over the + wallowing coal-luggers when he had passed them at anchor on the coast. + </p> + <p> + He made a trip of his own along the main-deck, scrambling upon the spars + to avoid the occasional deluge which swept her amidship. The battened + hatches were apparently withstanding the onslaughts of the waves. He could + feel less weight in the wind. It was apparent that the crisis of the blow + had passed. The waves were not so savage; their crests were not breaking. + But just then the second mate rushed past, and Mayo overheard the report + he gave the captain, who was pacing the lee alley: + </p> + <p> + “The mizzenmast is getting more play, sir. I'm afraid it's raising the + devil with the step and ke'lson.” + </p> + <p> + “Rig extra stays and try her again for water,” ordered the master. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, returning to the mizzen, found the entire crew grouped there. The + mast was writhing and groaning in its deck collar, twisting its coat—the + canvas covering at its foot where it entered the deck. + </p> + <p> + The dusky faces were exhibiting much concern. They had flocked where the + ship was dealing herself a wound; the sailor sixth sense of impending + trouble had drawn them there. + </p> + <p> + “Four of you hustle aloft and stand ready to make fast those stays!” + commanded the first mate. + </p> + <p> + “Rest of you make ready tackle!” shouted the second mate, following close + on Mayo's heels. + </p> + <p> + The negroes did not stir. They mumbled among themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Step lively!” insisted the mate. + </p> + <p> + “'Scuse us, but dat mast done goin' to tumble down,” ventured a man. + </p> + <p> + “Aloft with you, I say!” + </p> + <p> + Just then the schooner slatted herself on a great roller, and the + starboard stays snapped, one after the other, like mammoth fiddle-strings. + The mast reeled and there was an ominous sound below the deck. + </p> + <p> + “She done put a hole into herself!” squealed a sailor. + </p> + <p> + In the gloom their eyes were gleaming with the fires one beholds in the + eyes of frightened cats. + </p> + <p> + “Dere she comes!” shouted one of them. He pointed trembling finger. + </p> + <p> + Over the coamings of the fore-hatch black water was bubbling. + </p> + <p> + Yelping like animals, the sailors stampeded aft in a bunch, bowling over + Mayo and the mates in their rush. + </p> + <p> + “Stop 'em, captain!” bellowed the first mate, guessing their intent. He + rose and ran after them. But fright gave them wings for their heels. They + scampered over the roof of the after-house, and were on the quarter-deck + before the skipper was out of the alley. They leaped into the yawl which + was swung at the stern davits. + </p> + <p> + “You renegades!” roared the master. “Come out of that boat!” + </p> + <p> + With the two mates at his heels he rushed at them. They grabbed three + struggling men by the legs and dragged them back. But the negroes wriggled + loose, driven to frantic efforts by their panic. They threw themselves + into the boat again. + </p> + <p> + “Be men!” clamored Mayo, joining the forces of discipline. “There's a + woman aboard here!” + </p> + <p> + But the plea which might have affected an Anglo-Saxon did not prevail. + Their knives were out—not for attack on their superiors, but to + slash away the davit tackle. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, boys! Throw 'em out!” shouted the master, leading the way into + the yawl over the rail. + </p> + <p> + His two mates and Mayo followed, and the engineer, freshly arrived from + forward, leaped after them. But as fast as they tossed a man upon the + quarter-deck he was up and in the boat again fighting for a place. + </p> + <p> + “Throw 'em overboard!” roared the master, venting a terrible oath. He + knocked one of the maddened wretches into the sea. The next moment the + captain was flat on his back, and the sailors were trampling on him. + </p> + <p> + Most of the surges came riding rail-high; sometimes an especially violent + wave washed the deck aft. + </p> + <p> + Following it, a chasm regularly opened under the vessel's counter, a + swirling pit in the ocean twenty feet deep. + </p> + <p> + There was good fortune as well as misfortune in the affair of the yawl. + When at last it dropped it avoided the period of the chasm. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the efforts of the captain and his helpers the sailors + succeeded in slashing away the davit tackle. A swelling roller came up to + meet the boat as the last strand gave way and swept it, with its freight, + out into the night. But as it went Mayo clutched a davit pulley and swung + in midair. + </p> + <p> + The dizzy depths of the sea opened under him as he dangled there and gazed + down. + </p> + <p> + An instant later all his attention was focused on Alma Marston, who stood + in the companionway clutching its sides and shrieking out her fears. The + lantern showed her to him plainly. Its radiance lighted him also. He + called to her several times, angrily at last. + </p> + <p> + “Where is that man, Bradish?” he demanded, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if his arms would be pulled out. He could not reach the davit + iron from where he hung; the schooner's rail was too far away, though he + kicked his feet in that direction. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a fool! Stop that screaming,” he told her. “Can Bradish!” + </p> + <p> + “He is sick—he—he—is frightened,” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Come out here! Pull on that rope! Swing me in, I can't hold on here much + longer. Do you want to see me drown?” + </p> + <p> + She came along the rail, clinging to it. + </p> + <p> + “No, not that rope! The other one! Pull hard!” + </p> + <p> + She obeyed, fighting back her fear. The davit swung inward slowly, and he + managed to slide his legs up over the rail and gain the deck. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you!” he gasped. “You're quite a sailor!” + </p> + <p> + He had been wondering what his first words to her would be. Even while he + swung over the yawning depths of the sea the problem of his love was so + much more engrossing than his fear of death that his thoughts were busy + with her. He tried to speak to her with careless tone; it had been in his + mind that he would speak and bow and walk away. But he could not move when + she opened her eyes on him. She was as motionless as he—a silent, + staring pallid statue of astounded fright. The rope slipped slowly from + her relaxing fingers. + </p> + <p> + “Yes! It's just the man you think it is,” he informed her, curtly. “But + there's nothing to be said!” + </p> + <p> + “I must say something—” + </p> + <p> + But he checked her savagely. “This is no place to talk over folly! It's no + place to talk anything! There's something else to do besides talk!” + </p> + <p> + “We are going to die, aren't we?” She leaned close to him, and the + question was hardly more than a whisper framed by her quivering lips. + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” he answered, brutally. + </p> + <p> + “Then let me tell you—” + </p> + <p> + “You can tell me nothing! Keep still!” he shouted, and drew away from her. + </p> + <p> + “Why doesn't Captain Downs come back after us?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a fool! The sea has taken them away.” + </p> + <p> + They exchanged looks and were silent for a little while, and the pride in + both of them set up mutual barriers. It was an attitude which conspired + for relief on both sides. Because there was so much to say there was + nothing to say in that riot of the sea and of their emotions. + </p> + <p> + “I won't be a fool—not any more,” she told him. There was so + distinctly a new note in her voice that he stared at her. “I am no + coward,” she said. She seemed to have mastered herself suddenly and + singularly. + </p> + <p> + Mayo's eyes expressed frank astonishment; he was telling himself again + that he did not understand women. + </p> + <p> + “I don't blame you for thinking that I am a fool, but I am not a coward,” + she repeated. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry,” stammered the young man. “I forgot myself.” + </p> + <p> + “There is danger, isn't there?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid the mast has pounded a bad hole in her. I must run forward. I + must see if something can't be done.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going with you.” She followed him when he started away. + </p> + <p> + “You must stay aft. You can't get forward along that deck. Look at the + waves breaking over her!” + </p> + <p> + “I am going with you,” she insisted. “Perhaps there is something that can + be done. Perhaps I can help.” + </p> + <p> + The girl was stubborn, and he knew there was no time for argument. + </p> + <p> + Three times on their way forward he was obliged to hold her in the hook of + his arm while he fought with the torrent that a wave launched upon the + deck. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt regarding the desperate plight of the schooner. She was + noticeably down by the head, and black water was swashing forward of the + break of the main-deck. The door of the galley was open, and the one-eyed + cook was revealed sitting within beneath a swinging lantern. He held a cat + under his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Bear a hand here, cook!” called Mayo. + </p> + <p> + But the man did not get off his stool. + </p> + <p> + “Bear a hand, I say! We've got to rig tackle and get this long-boat over.” + </p> + <p> + The schooner's spare boat was in chocks between the foremast and the main. + Mayo noted that it was heaped full of spare cable and held the usual odds + and ends of a clutter-box. He climbed in hastily and gave a hand to the + girl to assist her over the rail. + </p> + <p> + “It will keep you out of the swash,” he advised her. “Sit there in the + stern while I toss out this truck.” + </p> + <p> + But she did not sit down. She began to throw out such articles as her + strength could manage. + </p> + <p> + Again Mayo hailed the cook, cursing him heartily. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it ain't any use,” declared the man, with resignation. “We're + goners.” + </p> + <p> + “We aren't gone till we go, you infernal turtle! Come here and pitch in.” + </p> + <p> + “I hain't got no heart left for anything. I never would have believed it. + The Old Man going off and saving a lot of nigger sailors instead of me—after + all the vittles I've fixed up for him. If that's the kind of gratitude + there is in the world, I'm glad I'm going out of it. Me and the cat will + go together. The cat's a friend, anyway.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo lost his temper then in earnest. All his nature was on edge in that + crisis, and this supine surrender of an able-bodied man whose two hands + were needed so desperately was peculiarly exasperating. He leaped out of + the boat, ran into the galley, and gave the cook an invigorating beating + up with the flat of his hands. The cook clutched his cat more firmly, + braced himself on the stool, and took his punishment. + </p> + <p> + “Kill me if you want to,” he invited. “I've got to die, and it don't make + a mite of difference how. Murder me if you're so inclined.” + </p> + <p> + “Man—man—man, what's the matter with you?” gasped Mayo. “We've + got a chance! Here's a girl to save!” + </p> + <p> + “She hain't got no business being here. Was sneaked aboard. It's no use to + pound me. I won't lift a finger. My mind is made up. I've been deserted by + the Old Man.” + </p> + <p> + “You old lunatic, Captain Downs got carried away by those cowards. Wake + up! Help me! For the love of the Lord, help me!” + </p> + <p> + “Rushing around will only take my mind off'n thoughts of the hereafter, + and I need to do some right thinking before my end. It ain't any use to + threaten and jaw; nothing makes any difference to me now.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo saw the uselessness of further appeal, and the fellow dangled as + limply as a stuffed dummy when the young man shook him. Therefore Mayo + gave over his efforts and hurried back to the long-boat. The spectacle of + the girl struggling with the stuff she was jettisoning put new + determination into him. Her amazing fortitude at the time when he had + looked for hysterics and collapse gave him new light on the enigma of + femininity. + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell me that Bradish is ill?” he asked, hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + “He is in the cabin. He would not talk to me. I could not induce him to + come on deck.” + </p> + <p> + “I must have help with the tackle,” he told her, and started aft on the + run. + </p> + <p> + He found Bradish sprawled in a morris-chair which was lashed to a + radiator. He expected hot words and more insults, but Bradish turned to + him a face that was gray with evident terror. His jaw sagged; his eyes + appealed. + </p> + <p> + “This is awful!” he mourned. “What has happened on deck? I heard the + fighting. Where is Miss Mar-ston?” + </p> + <p> + “She is forward. There has been an accident—a bad one. We have lost + the captain and crew. Come on. I need help.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't help. I'm all in!” groaned Bradish. + </p> + <p> + “I say you must. It's the only way to save our lives.” + </p> + <p> + Bradish rolled his head on the back of the chair, refusing. His manner, + his sudden change from the fighting mood, astonished Mayo. The thought + came to him that this man had been pricked to conflict by bitter grudge + instead of by his courage. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Bradish, aren't you going to help me save that girl?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not a sailor. There's nothing I can do.” + </p> + <p> + “But you've got two hands, man. I want to get a boat overboard. Hurry!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! I wouldn't get into a small boat with these waves so high. It + wouldn't be safe.” + </p> + <p> + “This schooner is sinking!” shouted Mayo. He fastened a heavy clutch upon + Bradish's shoulders. “There's no time to argue this thing. You come + along!” + </p> + <p> + He hauled Bradish to his feet and propelled him to the companionway, and + the man went without resistance. It was evident that real danger and fear + of death had nearly paralyzed him. + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing I can do!” he kept bleating. + </p> + <p> + But Mayo hurried him forward. + </p> + <p> + “Ralph!” cried the girl, fairly lashing him with the tone in which she + delivered the word. “What is the matter with you?” + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing I can do. It isn't safe out here.” + </p> + <p> + “You must do what this man tells you to do. He knows.” + </p> + <p> + But Bradish clung to the gunwale of the long-boat and stared out at the + yeasty waves, blinking his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “If I only had a couple of men instead of these two infernal tapeworms,” + raged Mayo, “I could reeve tackle and get this boat over. Wake up! Wake + up!” he clamored, beating his fist on Bradish's back. + </p> + <p> + “Ralph! Be a man!” There were anger, protest, shocked wonder in her tones. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Mayo saw an ominous sight and heard a boding sound. The + fore-hatch burst open with a mighty report, forced up by the air + compressed by the inflowing water. He wasted no more breath in argument + and appeals. He realized that even an able crew would not have time to + launch the boat. The schooner was near her doom. + </p> + <p> + In all haste he pulled his clasp-knife and cut the lashings which held the + boat in its chocks. That the craft would be driven free from the + entangling wreckage and go afloat when the schooner went under he could + hardly hope. But there was only this desperate chance to rely upon in the + emergency. + </p> + <p> + In his agony of despair and his fury of resentment he was tempted to climb + into the boat and leave the two cowards to their fate. But he stooped, + caught Bradish by the legs and boosted him over the gunwale into the yawl. + A sailor's impulse is to save life even at the risk of his own. Mayo ran + to the galley and kicked the cook off the stool and then drove him + headlong to the longboat. The man went along, hugging his cat. + </p> + <p> + “What will happen to us?” asked the girl when Mayo climbed in. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” he panted. “I reckon the devil is pitching coppers for us + just now—and the penny is just hopping off his thumb nail!” + </p> + <p> + His tone was reckless. The excitement of the past few hours was having its + effect on him at last. He was no longer normal. Something that was almost + delirium affected him. + </p> + <p> + “Aren't you frightened?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he admitted. “But I'm going to keep hustling just the same.” + </p> + <p> + Bradish and the cook were squatting amidships in the yawl. + </p> + <p> + “You lie down under those thwarts, the two of you, and hang on,” cried + Mayo. Then he quickly passed a rope about the girl's waist and made the + ends of the line fast to the cleats. “I don't know what will happen when + the old tub dives,” he told her. “Those five thousand tons of coal will + take her with a rush when she starts. All I can say is, hold tight and + pray hard!” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” she said, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “By gad, she's got grit!” muttered the young man, scrambling forward over + the prostrate forms of the other passengers. “I wonder if all the women in + the world are this way?” He was remembering the bravery of Polly Candage. + </p> + <p> + There was a huge coil of rope in the bow, spare cable stored there. Mayo + made fast the free end, working as rapidly as he was able, and bundled + about half the coil into a compact mass—a knob at the end of some + ten fathoms of line. And to this knob he lashed oars and the mast he found + stowed in the boat. He knew that if they did get free from the schooner + only an efficient sea-anchor or drag would keep the yawl right side up. + When this task was finished he crouched low in the bow and looked at the + girl. + </p> + <p> + “We're about ready to start on our journey,” he called to her. “If I don't + see you again, good-by!” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not say good-by to you, Captain Mayo—not yet!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIV ~ DOWN A GALLOPING SEA + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I saddled me an Arab steed and saddled her another, + And off we rode together just like sister and like brother, + Singing, “Blow ye winds in the morning! + Blow ye winds, hi ho! Brush away the morning dew, + Blow ye winds, hi ho!” + —Blew Ye Winds. +</pre> + <p> + With anxiety that was almost despairing Mayo looked up at the shrouds, + stays, and halyards, which were set like nets to right and left and + overhead. + </p> + <p> + A big roller tumbled inboard and filled the space forward of the break of + the main-deck. The swirling water touched the sides of the long-boat and + then receded when the stricken schooner struggled up from the welter. A + scuttle-butt was torn from its lashings and went by the board, and other + flotsam followed it. + </p> + <p> + Mayo found that spectacle encouraging. But the longboat sat high in its + chocks; when it did float it might be too late. + </p> + <p> + Another wave roared past, and the long-boat quivered. Then Mayo took a + chance without reckoning on consequences. He made a double turn of the + cable around his forearm and leaped out of the boat and stood on deck, his + shoulder against the stem. The next wave washed him to his waist, tore at + him, beat him against the long-boat's shoe, but he clung fast and lifted + and pushed with all his strength. + </p> + <p> + That push did it! + </p> + <p> + The boat needed just that impetus to free her from the chocks. She lifted + and rushed stern foremost to lee, and the young man dragged after her. + </p> + <p> + When the boat dipped and halted in a hollow of the sea he clutched the bow + and clambered in. Tugging mightily, he managed to dump the sea-anchor + over. + </p> + <p> + The next wave caught her on the quarter and slopped a barrel of water into + her. But she kept right side up, and in a few moments the cable + straightened and she rode head into the tumult of the ocean; the + sea-anchor was dragging and performing its service. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was obliged to kick the two men with considerable heartiness before + he could stir them to bailing with the buckets. The bedraggled cat fled to + the shelter of the girl's arms. Mayo struggled aft, in order to take his + weight from the bow of the boat, and when he sat down beside the girl she + was “mothering” the animal. + </p> + <p> + “It's coming in faster than I can throw it out!” wailed Bradish. + </p> + <p> + “Bail faster, then! Bail or drown!” + </p> + <p> + “She's leaking,” announced the cook. “She has been on deck so long she has + got all dried out.” + </p> + <p> + “Bail or drown!” repeated Mayo. To the girl he said: “This seems to be the + only way of getting work out of cowards. They'll have to do it. I'm about + done for.” + </p> + <p> + The waves were lifting and dropping them in dizzying fashion. There was + suddenly a more violent tossing of the water. + </p> + <p> + “That's the old packet! She went under then!” Mayo explained. “Thank the + Lord we are out of her clutches! I was afraid we were stuck there.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any hope for us now?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. If the boat stays afloat and the wind doesn't haul and + knock this sea crossways, if somebody sees us in the morning, if we don't + get rolled onto the coast in the breakers and—” He did not finish. + </p> + <p> + “It seems that a lot of things can happen at sea,” she suggested. + </p> + <p> + “That fact has been proved to me in the past few weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean in the past few hours, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Marston, what has happened on that schooner is a part of the + business, and a sailor must take it as it comes along. I wish nothing + worse had happened to me than what's happening now.” + </p> + <p> + She made no reply. + </p> + <p> + “But no matter about it,” he said, curtly. + </p> + <p> + The two men, kneeling amidships, clutching a thwart and bailing with their + free hands, toiled away; even Bradish had wakened to the fact that he was + working for his own salvation. + </p> + <p> + In the obscurity the waves which rose ahead seemed like mountains topped + with snow. Hollows and hills of water swept past on their right and left. + But the crests of the waves were not breaking, and this fact meant respite + from immediate danger. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry it was all left to you to do,” ventured the girl, breaking a + long silence. “I thought Ralph had more man in him,” she added, bitterly. + “I feel that he ought to apologize to you for—for several things.” + </p> + <p> + He, on his part, did not reply to that. He was afraid that she intended to + draw him into argument or explanation. Just what he would be able to say + to her on that topic was not clear to him. + </p> + <p> + “It seems as if years had gone by instead of hours. It seems as if I had + lived half a life since I left home. It seems as if I had changed my + nature and had grown up to see things in a different light. It is all very + strange to me.” + </p> + <p> + He did not know whether she were talking to herself or to him. He did not + offer comment. + </p> + <p> + There was a long period of silence. The sound of rushing waters filled, + that silence and made their conversation audible only to themselves when + they talked. + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand how you happened to be on that schooner—as—as + you were,” she said, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't rig myself out this way to play any practical jokes, Miss + Marston,” he returned, bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “I would like to know how it all happened—your side of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have talked too much already.” + </p> + <p> + There was no more conversation for a long time. He wondered how she had + mustered courage to talk at all. They were in a predicament to try the + courage of even a seasoned seaman. In the night, tossed by that wild sea, + drifting they knew not where, she had apparently disregarded danger. He + asked himself if she had not merely exhibited feminine ignorance of what + their situation meant. He had often seen cases where apparent bravado was + based on such ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “I must say that you told me at least one truth a while ago—you are + not a coward,” he said at last. + </p> + <p> + She was comforting the wretched cat. “But I am miserably frightened,” she + admitted. “I don't dare to think about the thing. I don't dare to look at + the waves. I talked to you so as to take my mind off my troubles. I didn't + mean to be prying.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what has been done to me,” he blurted. “Hearing somebody's + troubles may take your mind off your own.” + </p> + <p> + While the two men amidships bailed doggedly and weariedly, he told his + story as briefly as he could. The gray dawn showed her face to him after a + time, and he was peculiarly comforted by the sympathy he saw there. He did + not communicate to her any suspicions he may have entertained. With sailor + directness he related how he had hoped, and how all had been snatched away + from him. But on one topic the mouths of both seemed to be sealed! + </p> + <p> + After a time Bradish and the cook were enabled to rest from the work of + bailing. The planks of the boat swelled and the leak was stopped. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better crawl aft here and sit beside Miss Marston,” advised Mayo. + “Be careful how you move.” + </p> + <p> + He passed Bradish and took the latter's place with the cook, and felt a + sense of relief; he had feared that the one, the dreaded topic would force + itself upon him. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see no sense in prolonging all this agony,” averred his + despondent companion. “We ain't ever going to get out of this alive. We're + drifting in on the coast, and you know what that means.” + </p> + <p> + “You may jump overboard any time you see fit,” said the skipper of the + craft. “I don't need you any longer for bailing!” + </p> + <p> + “If that's the way you feel about it, you won't get rid of me so easy,” + declared the cook, malevolence in his single eye. + </p> + <p> + Mayo noticed, with some surprise, that after the two had exchanged a few + words there was silence between Bradish and the girl. The New-Yorker was + pale and trembling, and his jaw still sagged, and he threw glances to + right and left as the surges galloped under them. He was plainly and + wholly occupied with his fears. + </p> + <p> + When day came at last without rain, but with heavy skies, in which masses + of vapor dragged, Mayo began eager search of the sea. He had no way of + determining their whereabouts; he hoped they were far enough off-shore to + be in the track of traffic. However, he could see no sail, no encouraging + trail of smoke. But after a time he did behold something which was not + encouraging. He stood up and balanced himself and gazed westward, in the + direction in which they were drifting; every now and then a lifting wave + enabled him to command a wide expanse of the sea. + </p> + <p> + He saw a white ribbon of foam that stretched its way north and south into + the obscurity of the mists. He did not report this finding at once. He + looked at his companions and pondered. + </p> + <p> + “I think you have something to say to me,” suggested the girl. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I ought to say it. I've been wondering just how it ought to be + said. It's not pleasant news.” + </p> + <p> + “I am prepared to hear anything, Captain Mayo. Nothing matters a great + deal just now.” + </p> + <p> + “We are being driven on to the coast. I don't know whether it's the + Delaware or the New Jersey coast. It doesn't make much difference. The + breakers are just as bad in one place as in the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you anchor this boat? Are you going to let it go ashore and be + wrecked?” asked Bradish, with anger that was childish. + </p> + <p> + “The anchor seems to have been overlooked when we started on this little + excursion. As I remember it, there was some hurry and bustle,” returned + Mayo, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you remember it? You got us into this scrape. You slammed and + bossed everybody around. You didn't give anybody else a chance to think. + You call yourself a sailor! You're a devil of a sailor to come off without + an anchor.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so,” admitted Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “And there wasn't any sense, in coming off in this little boat. We ought + to have stayed on the schooner.” + </p> + <p> + “Ralph!” protested the girl. “Have you completely lost your mind? Don't + you know that the schooner sank almost the minute we left it?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bradish's mind was very much occupied at the time,” said Captain + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe the schooner sank. What does a girl know about such + things? That fellow got scared, that's the trouble. There isn't any sense + in leaving a big boat in a storm. We would have been taken off before + this. We would have been all right. This is what comes of letting a fool + boss you around when he is scared,” he raved. + </p> + <p> + “You are the fool!” she cried, with passion. “Captain Mayo saved us.” + </p> + <p> + “Saved us from what? Here we are going into the breakers—and he says + so—and there's no anchor on here. He took everything out of my + hands. Now why doesn't he do something?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't pay any attention to him,” she pleaded. + </p> + <p> + “We are going to be drowned! You can't deny it, can you? We're going to + die!” He pulled a trembling hand from between his knees, where he had held + both hands pinched in order to steady them. He shook his fist at Mayo. + “Own up, now. We're going to die, aren't we?” + </p> + <p> + “I think it's right to tell the truth at this stage,” said Mayo, in steady + tones. “We're not children. Yonder is a beach with sand-reefs and + breakers, and when we strike the sand this boat will go over and over and + we shall be tossed out. The waves will throw us up and haul us back like a + cat playing with mice. And we stand about the same chance as mice.” + </p> + <p> + “And that's the best you can do for us—and you call yourself a + sailor!” whined Bradish. + </p> + <p> + “I'm only a poor chap who has done his best as it came to his hand to do,” + said the young man, seeking the girl's eyes with his. + </p> + <p> + She gazed at him for a moment and then put both hands to her face and + began to sob. + </p> + <p> + “It's a hard thing to face, but we'd better understand the truth and be as + brave as we can,” said Mayo, gently. + </p> + <p> + “For myself I ain't a mite surprised,” averred the cook. “I had my hunch! + I was resigned. But my plans was interfered with. I wanted to go down in + good, deep, green, clean water like a sailor ought to. And now I'm going + to get mauled into the sand and have a painful death.” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up!” barked Mayo. + </p> + <p> + The girl was trembling, and he feared collapse. + </p> + <p> + Bradish began to blubber. “I'm not prepared to die,” he protested. + </p> + <p> + Mayo studied his passenger for some time, wrinkling his brows. “Bradish, + listen to me a moment!” + </p> + <p> + The New-Yorker gave him as much attention as terror and grief permitted. + </p> + <p> + “There isn't much we can do just now to fix up our general earthly + affairs. But we may as well clean the slate between us two. That will help + our consciences a little. I haven't any quarrel with you any more. We + won't be mushy about it. But let's cross it off.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all over,” mourned Bradish. “So what's the use of bearing grudges?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it's true that the court has indicted me for manslaughter. + Bradish, tell me, man to man, whether I've got to go into those breakers + with that on my conscience!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you do! You know whether those men of the schooner <i>Warren</i> + were drowned by any criminal mistake of mine or not!” + </p> + <p> + Bradish did not speak. + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't have said as much to Captain Downs if you hadn't known + something,” insisted the victim of the plot. + </p> + <p> + “It was only what Burkett let drop when he came after some money. I + suppose he thought it was safe to talk to me. But what's the good of my + giving you guesswork? I don't know anything definite. I don't understand + sailor matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Bradish, what Burkett said—was it something about the compass—about + putting a job over on me by monkeying with the compass?” + </p> + <p> + “It was something like that.” His tone exhibited indifference; it was + evident that he was more occupied with his terror than with his + confession. + </p> + <p> + “Didn't Burkett say something about a magnet?” + </p> + <p> + “He got off some kind of a joke about Fogg in the pilot-house and fog + outside—but that the Fogg inside did the business. And he said + something about Fogg's iron wishbone.” + </p> + <p> + “So that was the way it was done—and done by the general manager of + the line!” cried Mayo. “The general manager himself! It's no wonder I have + smashed that suspicion between the eyes every time it bobbed up! I + suspected—but I didn't dare to suspect! Is that some of your high + finance, Bradish?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn't,” declared the New-Yorker, with heat. “It's an understrapper + like Fogg going ahead and producing results, so he calls it. The big men + never bother with the details.” + </p> + <p> + “The details! Taking away from me all I have worked for—my + reputation as a master, my papers, my standing—my liberty. By the + gods, I'm going to live! I'm going through those breakers! I'll face that + gang like a man who has fought his way back from hell,” raged the victim. + </p> + <p> + “This—this was none of my father's business! It could not have + been,” expostulated Miss Marston. + </p> + <p> + “Your father never knows anything about the details of Fogg's operations,” + declared Bradish. + </p> + <p> + “He ought to know,” insisted the maddened scapegoat. “He gives off his + orders, doesn't he? He sits in the middle of the web. What if he did know + how Fogg was operating?” + </p> + <p> + “Probably wouldn't stand for it! But he doesn't know. And the Angel + Gabriel himself wouldn't get a chance to tell him!” declared the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “A put-up job, then, is it—and all called high finance!” jeered + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “High finance isn't to blame for tricks the field-workers put out so that + they can earn their money quick and easy. What's the good of pestering me + with questions at this awful time? I'm going to die! I'm going to die!” he + wailed. + </p> + <p> + Miss Marston slid from the seat to her knees, in order that she might be + able to reach her hand to Mayo. “Will you let this handclasp tell you all + I feel about it—all your trouble, all your brave work in this + terrible time? I am so frightened, Captain Mayo! But I'm going to keep my + eyes on you—and I'll be ashamed to show you how frightened I am.” + </p> + <p> + He returned the fervent clasp of her fingers with gentle pressure and + reassuring smile. “Honestly, I feel too ugly to die just now. Let's keep + on hoping.” + </p> + <p> + But when he stood up and beheld the white mountains of water between their + little boat and the shore, and realized what would happen when they were + in that savage tumult, with the undertow dragging and the surges lashing, + he felt no hope within himself. + </p> + <p> + From the appearance of the coast he could not determine their probable + location. The land was barren and sandy. There seemed to be no inlet. As + far as he could see the line of frothing white was unbroken. The sea + foamed across broad shallows, where no boat could possibly remain upright + and no human being could hope to live. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he remained standing and peered under his hand, resolved to + be alert till the last, determined to grasp any opportunity. + </p> + <p> + All at once he beheld certain black lines in perpendicular silhouette + against the foam. At first he was not certain just what they could be, and + he observed them narrowly as the boat tossed on its way. + </p> + <p> + At last their identity was revealed. They were weir-stakes. The weir + itself was evidently dismantled. Such stakes as remained were set some + distance from one another, like fence-posts located irregularly. + </p> + <p> + He made hasty observation of bearings as the boat drifted, and was certain + that the sea would carry them down past the stakes. How near they would + pass depended on the vagary of the waves and the tide. He realized that + three men, even if they were able seamen, could do little in the way of + rowing or guiding the longboat in the welter of that sea, now surging + madly over the shoals. He knew that there was not much water under the + keel, for the ocean was turbid with swirling sand, and the waves were more + mountainous, heaped high by the friction of the water on the bottom. Every + now and then the crest of a roller flaunted a banner of bursting spray, + showing breakers near at hand. + </p> + <p> + Mayo hurried to the bow of the boat and pulled free a long stretch of + cable. He made a bowline slip-knot, opened a noose as large as he could + handle, coiled the rest of the cable carefully, and poised himself on a + thwart. + </p> + <p> + “What now?” asked the cook. + </p> + <p> + “No matter,” returned Mayo. His project was such a gamble that he did not + care to canvass it in advance. + </p> + <p> + The nearer they drove to the stakes the more unattainable those objects + seemed. They projected high above the water. + </p> + <p> + The cook perceived them and got up on his knees and squinted. “Huh!” he + sniffed. “You'll never make it. It can't be done!” + </p> + <p> + In his fierce anxiety Mayo heaved his noose too soon, and it fell short. + He dragged in the cable with all his quickness and strength and threw the + noose again. The rope hit the stake three-quarters of the way up and fell + into the sea. + </p> + <p> + “It needs a cowboy for that work,” muttered the cook. + </p> + <p> + Mayo recovered his noose and poised himself again. + </p> + <p> + In the shallows where they were the boat which bore him became a veritable + bucking bronco. It was flung high, it swooped down into the hollows. He + made a desperate try for the next stake in line. The noose caught, and he + snubbed quickly. The top of the stake came away with a dull crack of + rotten wood when the next wave lifted the boat. + </p> + <p> + Mayo pulled in his rope hand over hand with frantic haste. He was obliged + to free the broken stake from the noose and pull his extemporized lasso + into position again. He made a wider noose. His failure had taught a point + or two. He waited till the boat was on the top of a wave. He curbed his + desperate impatience, set his teeth, and whirled the noose about his head + in a widening circle. Then he cast just as the boat began to drop. The + rope encircled the stake, dropped to the water, and he paid out all his + free cable so that a good length of the heavy rope might lie in the water + and form a makeshift bridle. When he snubbed carefully the noose drew + close around the stake, and the latter held. The waves which rode under + them were terrific, and Mayo's heart came into his mouth every time a tug + and shock indicated that the rope had come taut. + </p> + <p> + However, after five minutes of anxious waiting, kneeling in the bow, his + eyes on the cable, he found his courage rising and his hopes glowing. + </p> + <p> + “Does it mean—” gasped the girl, when he turned and looked at her. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know just what it will mean in the end, Miss Marston,” he said, + with emotion. “But it's a reprieve while that rope holds.” + </p> + <p> + Bradish sat clutching the gunwale with both hands, staring over his + shoulder at the waters frothing and roaring on the shore. The girl glanced + at him occasionally with a certain wonderment in her expression. It seemed + to Mayo that she was trying to assure herself that Bradish was some person + whom she knew. But she did not appear to have much success in making him + seem real. She spoke to him once or twice in an undertone, but he did not + answer. Then she turned her back on him. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Mayo leaped up and shouted. + </p> + <p> + A man was running along the sandy crest of a low hill near the beach. He + disappeared in a little structure that was no larger than a sentry-box. + </p> + <p> + “There's a coast-guard patrol from the life-saving station. There must be + one somewhere along here!” + </p> + <p> + The man rushed out and flourished his arms. + </p> + <p> + “He has telephoned,” explained Mayo. “Those are the boys! There's hope for + us!” + </p> + <p> + There was more than hope—there was rescue after some hours of dreary + and anxious waiting. + </p> + <p> + The life-boat came frothing down the sea from the distant inlet, and they + were lifted on board by strong arms. + </p> + <p> + And then Alma Marston gave Mayo the strangest look he had ever received + from a woman's eyes. But her lips grew white and her eyes closed, and she + lapsed into unconsciousness while he folded a blanket about her. + </p> + <p> + “You must have had quite a job of it, managing a woman through this + scrape,” suggested the captain of the crew. + </p> + <p> + “It's just the other way,” declared Mayo. “I'm giving her credit for + saving the whole of us.” + </p> + <p> + “How's that?” + </p> + <p> + “I might find it a little hard to make you understand, captain. Let it + stand as I have said it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXV ~ A GIRL AND HER DEBT OF HONOR + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Says she, “You lime-juice sailor, + Now see me home you may.” + But when we reached her cottage door + She unto me did say— + And a-way, you santee, + My dear Annie! + O you New York girls, + Can't you dance the polka! + —Walking Down the Broadway. +</pre> + <p> + Mayo was promptly informed that Captain Downs and the crew of the <i>Alden</i> + were safe. + </p> + <p> + “He caught our flare, got his motor to working, and made the inlet by a + lucky stab,” explained the coast-station captain. “But he didn't reckon + he'd ever see you folks again. How did it happen he didn't tell me there + was a woman aboard?” + </p> + <p> + “You'll have to ask him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” + </p> + <p> + “You'll have to ask him that, too. I'm only a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + The captain looked him over with considerable suspicion: His shirt was + torn and his white skin was revealed. The drenching by rain and spray had + played havoc with his disguise; most of the coloring had been washed away. + </p> + <p> + “Have you got anything special to say about yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The captain turned his back on his men and leaned close to Mayo. “They + have had your picture in the paper this week,” he said. “You're the + captain they are wanting in that <i>Montana</i> case. They're after you. + I've got to report on this thing, you understand!” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, captain.” + </p> + <p> + “But I reckon we'll talk it all over after we get to the station,” said + the master, kindly. “There may be something in it that I don't + understand.” + </p> + <p> + “There's considerable in it that I don't understand myself, just now, but + I'm going to find out,” declared Captain Mayo. + </p> + <p> + They placed Ahpa Marston in the care of the station captain's wife as soon + as they were safely on shore in the inlet. Fortunate chance had sent the + woman to the station that day on a visit to her husband. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs, fed and warmed, watched the new arrivals eat beside the + kitchen stove and listened to the story Mayo had for him. + </p> + <p> + The bedraggled cat lapped milk, protected from the resentful jealousy of + the station's regular feline attaché by the one-eyed cook. + </p> + <p> + And afterward, closeted with Captain Downs and the station captain, Mayo + went over his case. + </p> + <p> + “I must say you seem to be pretty hard and fast ashore in mighty sloppy + water,” commented the coastguard captain. “It isn't my especial business—but + what do you propose to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Go to New York and take what they're going to hand me, I suppose. I ought + to have stayed there and faced the music. I have put myself in bad by + running away. But I was rattled.” + </p> + <p> + “The best of us get rattled,” said the host, consolingly. “I'm not a + policeman, sheriff, or detective, mate. I'll report this case as Captain + Downs and so many souls saved from the schooner <i>Alden</i>. You'd better + trot along up to the city and face 'em as a man should. I'll rig you out + in some of my clothes. Your old friend, Wass, meant well by rushing you + away, but I've always found that in a man's fight you can't do much unless + you're close enough to t'other fellow to hit him when he reaches for you.” + </p> + <p> + A half-hour later, made presentable in the coast-guard captain's liberty + suit, Mayo walked through the kitchen. Bradish and the cook were still in + front of the stove. + </p> + <p> + The captain's wife, standing in a door which admitted to an inner room, + put up a finger to signal the young man and then nodded her head in + invitation. “The young lady wants to see you, sir,” she informed him in a + whisper, when he stepped to her side. “Go in!” She closed the door behind + him and remained in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + He stood in the middle of the room and gazed at the girl for some time, + and neither of them spoke. She was swathed in blankets and was huddled in + a big chair; her face was wan and her eyes showed her weariness. But her + voice was firm and earnest when she addressed him. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo, what I am going to say to you will sound very strange. Tell + me that you'll listen to me as you would listen to a man.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid—” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + “It's too bad that man and woman can seldom meet on the plane where man + and man meet. But I don't want to be considered a girl just now. I'm one + human being, and you're another, and I owe something to you which must be + paid, or I shall be disgraced by a debt which will worry me all my life.” + She put out her hands and knotted the fingers together in appeal. + “Understand me—help me!” + </p> + <p> + He was ill at ease. He feared with all his soul to meet the one great + subject. + </p> + <p> + “When we thought we were going to die I told you it seemed as if I had + lived a life in a few hours—that I did not seem like the same person + as I looked into my thoughts. Captain Mayo, that is true. It is more + apparent to me now when I have had time to search my soul. Oh, I am not + the Alma Marston who has been spoiled and indulged—a fool leaping + here and there with every impulse—watching a girl in my set do a + silly thing and then doing a sillier thing in order to astonish her. That + has been our life in the city. I never knew what it meant to be a mere + human being, near death. You know you saved me from that death!” + </p> + <p> + “I only did what a man ought to do, Miss Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps. But you did it, that's the point. There are other men—” + She hesitated. “I have had a talk with Mr. Bradish,” she told him. “It was + a mistake. You saved me from that mistake. You did it in the cabin of the + schooner. He has told me. It was better for me than saving my life.” + </p> + <p> + “But because a man isn't a sailor—isn't used to danger—” he + expostulated. + </p> + <p> + “That is not it. I say I have just had a talk with Mr. Bradish! I have + found out exactly what he is. I did not find it out when I danced with + him. But now that I have come near to dying with him I have found him + out.” The red banners in her cheeks signaled both shame and indignation. + “A coward will show all his nature before he gets himself in hand again, + and Mr. Bradish has shown me that he is willing to ruin and disgrace me in + order to make profit for himself. And there is no more to be said about + him!” She paused. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo, I know what idea you must have of me—of a girl who + would do what I have done! But you don't have half the scorn for me I have + for myself—for the girl I was. But I have my self-respect now! I + respect the woman that I am at this moment after that experience! Perhaps + you don't understand. I do! I'm glad I have that self-respect. I shall + face what is ahead of me. I shall do right from now on.” She spoke quickly + and passionately, and he wanted to say something, but his sailor tongue + halted. “I am not going to bring up a certain matter—not now! It's + too sacred. I am too miserably ashamed! Again, Captain Mayo, I say that I + want to stand with you as man to man! I want to render service for what + you have done for me. You have lost everything out of your life that you + value. I want you to have it back. Will you listen to me now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “You go to my father with a letter from me. I do not believe he knows what + kind of methods have been practised by his understrappers, but he can find + out. You tell him that he must find out—that he must make them + confess. You tell him that this is a man's fight, and that you are + fighting back with all the strength that you can command. You tell him + that you have me hidden, and that I cannot get away—as my own letter + will tell him. You tell him that he must make a fair exchange with you—give + you back what is yours before he can have what is his.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo walked backward limply, feeling for the wall with his hands behind + him, and leaned against it. + </p> + <p> + “You are single-handed—it's a big game they play up in the city when + they are after money—and you must take what cards are offered,” she + insisted, displaying the shrewdness of the Marston nature. + </p> + <p> + “You mean to say that I'm going to your father as if I were holding you + for ransom?” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Something like that,” she returned, eagerly. “The only way you'll get + what you want—and get it quickly—is by a good bluff. I have + had some good samples of your courage, Captain Mayo. You can do it + beautifully.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'm not going to do it!” + </p> + <p> + “I say you are!” + </p> + <p> + “Not by a—” His feelings were carrying him away. He was forgetting + that these dealings were with an impulsive girl. His anger was mounting. + She was putting him on the plane of a blackleg. + </p> + <p> + “Go ahead and talk as strongly as you like, Captain Mayo. It will make it + seem like man's business between us.” + </p> + <p> + “Those tricks may be all right in Wall Street, but they don't do for me. + And you've got a pretty poor opinion of me if you think I'll do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be quixotic,” she protested, impatiently. “We are living in + up-to-date times, Captain Mayo. Some of those underlings have played a + nasty trick on you. They must be exposed.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a girl's crazy notion!” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo, is this the way you help me pay my debt?” + </p> + <p> + “You don't owe me anything.” + </p> + <p> + “And now you pay me an insult! Are my honor as a girl and my life worth + nothing? You have saved both.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how to talk to you. I haven't had any experience in talking + with women. I simply say that I'm not going to your father in any such + manner. Certainly not!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you realize what I have offered you?” she pleaded. “You are + throwing my sacrifice in my face. As the case stands now, I can hurry off + to the home of some girl friend and make up a little story of a foolish + lark, and my father will never know what has been happening. He expects me + to do a lot of silly things.” + </p> + <p> + “That's your business—and his,” he returned, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo, I have been trying to show you that I am fit to be + considered something besides a silly girl. I wanted you to know that I + have a sense of obligation. The plan may seem like a girl's romantic + notion. But it isn't. It's bold, and your case heeds boldness. I was + trying to show you that I'm not a coward. I was going to confess to my + father what I have done and start on the level with him. You throw it all + in my face—you insult my plan by calling it crazy.” + </p> + <p> + “It is,” he insisted, doggedly. “And I'm in bad enough as it is!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you're afraid, then?” + </p> + <p> + He frowned. Her sneer seemed gratuitous injury. + </p> + <p> + He did not understand that variety of feminine guile which seeks to goad + to action one who refuses to be led. + </p> + <p> + “I admire boldness in a man when his case is desperate and he is trying to + save himself. I have lived among men who are bold in going after what they + want.” + </p> + <p> + “I have had a little experience with that kind of land pirates, and I + don't like the system.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not make any unnecessary sacrifices,” she de-clared, tartly, but + there were tears in her eyes. “I did what I could to help you when you + were trying to save me. Why are you so ungenerous as to refuse to help me + now?” + </p> + <p> + “It's taking advantage of you—of your position.” + </p> + <p> + “But I offer it—I beg of you to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not do it.” + </p> + <p> + “You absolutely refuse?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall leave you to your own fate, Captain Mayo. You don't expect + me to go to my father with the story, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not'.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall go ahead now and protect myself the best I can. I am sure that + Captain Downs will keep my secret. I shall forget that I ever sailed on + that schooner. I suppose you will black yourself up and run away again!” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to New York.” + </p> + <p> + “To be put in jail?” + </p> + <p> + “Probably.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me very angry. After you have shown that you can fight, just + when you ought to fight the hardest you slink bade to be whipped.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Marston, if you care to put it that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, good-by!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-by!” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps each expected that the other would break the wall of reserve at + this moment of parting. He hesitated a moment—an awkward instant—then + he bowed and left the room. + </p> + <p> + Captain Downs walked with Mayo for a distance across the sand-dunes when + the latter started to make his way to the nearest railroad station. The + captain intended to remain at the inlet tmtil a representative of the <i>Alden's</i> + owners arrived. + </p> + <p> + They left Bradish still huddled behind the stove in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “Unless my eyes have gone back on me, Captain Mayo, my notion is that the + dude is wasting his time hanging around that girl any more,” suggested + Captain Downs. “She has had him out on the marine railway of love, has + made proper survey, and has decided that she would hate to sail the sea of + matrimony with him. Don't you think that's so?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you're a good judge of what you see, Captain Downs.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon that you and I as gents and master mariners are going to keep + mum about her being aboard the <i>Alden?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The coast-guard crew don't know who she is, and they can't find out. So + she can go home and mind her business from this time out. 'Most every + woman does one infernal fool thing in her life—and then is all right + ever after. But now a word on some subject that's sensible! What are you + going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Stick my head into the noose. It's about the only thing I can do.” + </p> + <p> + “But you'll talk up to 'em, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll play what few cards I hold as best I know, sir. The most I can hope + for is to make 'em drop that manslaughter case. Perhaps I can say enough + so that they'll be afraid to bring me to trial. As to getting my papers + back, I'm afraid that's out of the question. I'll have to start life over + in something else.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayo, why don't you go to the captain's office?” He promptly answered the + young man's glance of inquiry. “Julius Marston himself is the supreme boss + of that steamship-consolidation business. Bradish gave all that part away, + telling about those checks; though, of course, we all knew about Marston + before. It is probably likely that Marston gives true courses to his + understrappers. If they take fisherman's cuts between buoys in order to + get there quick, I'll bet he doesn't know about it. Go to him and tell + him, man to man, what has happened to you.” + </p> + <p> + “There are two reasons why I shall probably never see Mr. Marston,” + returned Mayo, grimly. “First, I'll be arrested before I can get across + New York to his office; second, I'll never get farther than the outer + office. He's guarded like the Czar of Russia, so they tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Does his girl know anything about your case?” + </p> + <p> + “I blabbed it to her—like a fool—when we were in the boat. Why + is it that when a man is drunk or excited or in trouble, he'll blow the + whole story of his life to a woman?” growled Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I've thought that over some, myself,” admitted Captain Downs. “Especially + on occasions when I've come to and realized what I've let out. I suppose + it's this—more or less: A man don't tell his troubles to another + man, for he knows that the other man is usually in'ardly glad of it + because any friend is in trouble. But a woman's sympathy is like a + flaxseed poultice—it soothes the ache and draws at the same time.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo trudged on in silence, kicking the sand. + </p> + <p> + “Seems to me the smallest thing that girl could have done was to offer to + get you a hearing with her old man. It was some chore you did for her, + mate!” + </p> + <p> + “I had to save myself. A few more in the party didn't matter.” + </p> + <p> + “These society girls think of themselves first, of course! I don't suppose + you give a hoot for my advice, Captain Mayo, but I'm talking to you in the + best spirit in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you are, Captain Downs,” declared the young man, his sullenness + departing. “I didn't mean to show bristles to you! I'll try to see + Marston. It 'll be a hard stunt. But I'm in the mood to try anything. By + gad! if they lug me to jail, I'll go kicking!” + </p> + <p> + “That's the spirit, boy. And if you can get in a few kicks where Julius + Marston can see 'em they may count. He's the boss! I don't think I'll go + any farther with you. This is too hard footing for an old waddler like me. + Good luck!” + </p> + <p> + They shook hands and turned their backs on each other with sailor + repression in the matter of the emotions. + </p> + <p> + The young man went on his way, wondering in numbed despair how he could + have left Alma Marston with merely a curt word of farewell. + </p> + <p> + Mayo lurked that evening in the purlieus of Jersey City, and entered the + metropolis after midnight on a ferryboat which had few passengers and + afforded him a dark corner where he was alone. He found lodgings in humble + quarters on the East Side. + </p> + <p> + In the morning he nerved himself to the ordeal of appearing in the + streets. His belief in his own innocence made his suffering greater as he + waited for the clap of a heavy hand on his shoulder and the summons of an + officer's voice. He knew that the eyes of Uncle Sam are sharp and his + reach a long one. He had firm belief in the almost uncanny vigilance of + government officers. He was rather surprised to find himself at last in + the outer office of Marston & Waller. + </p> + <p> + He sat down on a bench and waited for a time in order to regain his + self-possession. He wanted to control features and voice before accosting + one of the guardians of the magnate. But the espionage of the attendants + did not permit loiterers to remain long in that place without explanation. + A man tiptoed to him and asked his name and his business. + </p> + <p> + “My name doesn't matter,” said Mayo. “But I have important business with + Mr. Marston. If you will tell him that the business is most important—that + it is something he ought to know, and that—” + </p> + <p> + “You haven't any appointment, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think for one moment that you can get in to see Mr. Marston + without giving your name and explaining beforehand the nature of your + business?” + </p> + <p> + “I hoped so, for it is important.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “It's private—it's something for Mr. Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” was the man's curt rejoinder. He went back to his post. In a + few moments he returned to Mayo. “You mustn't remain here. You cannot see + Mr. Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't you take in a message from me? I'll explain—” + </p> + <p> + “Explain to me. That's what I'm here for.” + </p> + <p> + Telling that cold-blooded person that this visitor was the broken master + of the <i>Montana</i> was out of the question. To mention the case of the + <i>Montana</i> to this watchdog was dangerous. But Mayo dreaded to go back + to the street again. + </p> + <p> + “I'll stay here a little while and perhaps I can—” he began. + </p> + <p> + “If you stay here without explaining your business I'll have you escorted + down to the street by an officer, my friend.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo rose and hurried out. + </p> + <p> + “An officer!” Even in his despairing and innocent quest of a hearing he + was threatened with arrest! He sneaked back to his lodgings and hid + himself in the squalid apartment and nursed the misery of his soul. + </p> + <p> + That night Mayo sat till late, toiling over a letter addressed to Julius + Marston. + </p> + <p> + He despatched it by messenger at an early hour, and mustered his courage + in the middle of the forenoon and followed in person. He assumed a + boldness he did not feel in his quaking heart when he approached the + guardian of the outer office. + </p> + <p> + “Will you ask Mr. Marston if he will see the man who sent him a letter by + messenger this morning?” “What letter? Signed by what name?” “He will + understand what letter I refer to.” “He will, will he?” The attendant gave + this applicant sharp scrutiny. The coast-guard captain's liberty garments + were not impressive, nor did they fit very well. Mayo displayed the + embarrassment of the man who knew he was hunted. “Do you think Mr. Marston + receives only one letter by messenger in a morning? Look here, my man, you + were in here yesterday, and I look on you as a suspicious character. You + cannot see Mr. Marston on any such excuse. Get out of that door inside of + one minute or I'll send in a police call!” + </p> + <p> + And once more Mayo fled from the danger which threatened him. He bought a + stock of newspapers at a sidewalk news-stand; his hours of loneliness in + his little room the day before had tortured him mentally. He sat himself + down and read them. The news that the Vose line had gone into the + steamship combination was interesting and significant. Evidently the <i>Montana's</i> + lay-up had discouraged the mass of stockholders. He had time to kill and + thoughts to stifle; he went on reading scrupulously, lingering over + matters in which he had no interest, striving to occupy his mind and drive + the bitter memories and his fears away from him. Never in his life before + had he read the society tattle in the newspapers. However, dragging along + the columns, he found a paragraph on which he dwelt for a long time. It + stated that Miss Marston of Fifth Avenue had returned by motor from a + house-party in the Catskills, accompanied by Miss Lana Vanadistine, who + would be a house guest of Miss Marston's for a few days. + </p> + <p> + That bit of news was significant. She had established her alibi; she had + reinstated herself and had turned a smooth front to the world. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was certain in his soul that he knew her kind. His illusions were + departing. Now that her tragic experience was behind her, now that she was + back among her own, now that the fervor of romance was cool, she was + thanking God, so he told himself, that she had not sacrificed herself for + anybody. He was honestly glad that she was at home, glad of the hint which + the paragraph gave—that her secret was still her own, so far as + family and the social world were concerned. + </p> + <p> + That night Mayo took further counsel with himself. In the morning his + final decision was made. He would endeavor once more to see Julius + Maxston. He determined that he would march into the outer office, boldly + announce his name, assert that he was there to expose a crime, and tell + them that if Mr. Marston refused to hear him he should tell what he knew + to the public through the newspapers; then he would ask them to send for + the police, if the door of Marston's office remained closed to him. He + would call attention to himself and to his case by all the uproar he could + make. When he went to jail he would go with plenty of folks looking on. + Let Marston and his fellow-financiers see how they liked that! + </p> + <p> + It was a desperate and a crude plan, but Mayo was not a diplomat—he + was a sailor. + </p> + <p> + He marched forth on his errand with his chin up and resolve flaming within + him. + </p> + <p> + Other men, prosperous-looking and rotund men, rode up in the elevator with + him and went into Marston & Waller's office ahead of him, for he had + modestly stepped to one side to allow them to pass. + </p> + <p> + He heard some talk of a “board meeting.” It was plain that Mr. Marston was + to be occupied for a time. This was not a favorable moment in which to + project himself upon the attention of the financier; he needed a clear + field. Therefore he tramped up and down the corridor of the office + building, watching the elevator door, waiting to see the rotund gentlemen + go on their way. And with attention thus focused he saw Miss Alma Marston + arrive. + </p> + <p> + She waited until the elevator had passed on, and then she came directly to + him. Her expression did not reveal her mood except to hint that she was + self-possessed. + </p> + <p> + “I am not especially surprised to find you here,” she told him. “I believe + you said to Captain Downs—so he informed me—that you were + going to try to see my father. And men who try to see my father, without + proper introduction, usually kick their heels outside his office for some + days.” + </p> + <p> + There was a bit of hauteur in her voice. She preserved much of the + acerbity which had marked her demeanor when they had said good-by to each + other. He would not acknowledge to himself that he hoped she would meet + him on another plane; he meekly accepted her attitude as the proper one. + He was a sailor, and she was the daughter of Julius Marston. + </p> + <p> + “Do you blame me for being suspicious in regard to what you intend to say + to my father?” she demanded. “I tell you frankly that I came here looking + for you. We must settle our affair.” + </p> + <p> + “I am trying to get word with him about my own business—simply my + own business, Miss Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “But as to me! What are you going to say to him about me? You remember I + told you that I intended to protect myself,” she declared, with some + insolence. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you had a better opinion of me,” he protested. “Miss Marston, + as far as I am concerned, you never were on that schooner. I know nothing + about you. I do not even know you. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + He started away hastily. “Don't stay here. Don't speak to me. Somebody may + see you.” + </p> + <p> + “'Come back here!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped. + </p> + <p> + “I demand an explicit promise from you that if you are able to talk with + my father you will never mention my name to him or try to take advantage + of the dreadful mistake I made.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise, on my honor,” he said, straightening. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And now that I have promised,” he added, red in his tanned cheeks, “I + want to say to you, Miss Marston, that you have insulted me gratuitously. + I suppose I'm not much in the way of a gentleman as you meet them in + society. I'm only a sailor. But I'm neither a tattler nor a blackmailer. I + know the square thing to do where a woman is concerned, and I would have + done it without being put under a pledge.” He bowed and walked away. + </p> + <p> + She gazed after him, a queer sparkle in her eyes. “We'll see about you, + you big child!” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + She entered the waiting-room of the Marston & Waller suite, and was + informed that her father was busy with a board meeting. + </p> + <p> + “But it's merely a bit of routine business. It will soon be over, Miss + Marston—if you will be so good as to wait.” + </p> + <p> + After a time the gentlemen filed out, but she waited on. + </p> + <p> + “Tell my father that I'm here and will be in presently,” she commanded the + guardian. + </p> + <p> + Before the messenger returned Mayo came in, rather apprehensively. He + tried to avoid her, but she met him face to face and accosted him with + spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Now that I have put you on your honor, I'm not afraid to have you talk + your business over with my father. Come with me. I will take you to him. + Then we will call accounts square between us.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” he consented. “After what I have been through here, I feel + that one service matches the other.” Mayo followed her and came into The + Presence. + </p> + <p> + Julius Marston was alone, intrenched behind his desk, on his throne of + business; the dark back of the chair, towering over his head, set off in + contrast his gray garb and his cold face; to Mayo, who halted respectfully + just inside the door, he appeared a sort of bas-relief against that + background—something insensate, without ears to listen or heart to + bestow compassion. + </p> + <p> + The girl, hurrying to him, engaged his attention until she had seated + herself on the arm of his chair. Then he saw Mayo, recognized him, and + tried to rise, but she pushed him back, urging him with eager appeal. + </p> + <p> + “You must listen to me, father! It is serious! It is important!” + </p> + <p> + He groped for the row of desk buttons, but she held his hand from them. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo strode forward, determined to speak for himself, rendered + bold by the courageous sacrifice the girl was making. + </p> + <p> + “Not a word! Not a word! The supreme impudence of it!” Marston repeated + the last phrase several times with increasing violence. He pushed his + daughter off the arm of the chair and struggled up. Only heroic measures + could save that situation—and the girl knew her father! She forced + herself between him and his desk. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better listen!” she warned him, hysterically. “A few days ago I ran + away to be married!” + </p> + <p> + He stood there, stricken motionless, and she put her hands against his + breast and pressed him back into his chair. + </p> + <p> + “But this is not the man, father!” + </p> + <p> + Marston had been gathering his voice for wild invective, but that last + statement took away all his power of speech. + </p> + <p> + “I warned you that you'd better listen!” + </p> + <p> + In that moment she dominated the situation as completely as if she stood + between the two men with a lighted bomb in her hand. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was overwhelmed even more completely than the financier. He realized + that her extortion of a pledge from him had been subterfuge; her + triumphant eyes flashed complete information on that point. Both anger and + bewilderment made him incapable of any sane attempt to press his case with + Marston at that time. He turned and started for the door. + </p> + <p> + “Stop that man, father. You'll be sorry if you do not! He must stay!” + </p> + <p> + “Come back here!” shouted Marston. + </p> + <p> + Mayo looked behind. + </p> + <p> + The magnate stood with finger on the push-button. “Come back, I say!” + </p> + <p> + “I protest. This is none of my business. I am here for something else than + to listen to your daughter's private affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “You come back!” commanded the father in low tones of menace, “or I'll + have you held for the United States marshals the minute you step foot + outside that door.” + </p> + <p> + Raging within himself at the tactics of this incomprehensible girl, + Captain Mayo walked slowly to the desk; it occurred to him that it was as + hard to get out of Julius Marston's office as it was to get in. + </p> + <p> + “I would never have come in here if I had dreamed that your daughter would + tell you what she has. I am in a false position. I insist that you allow + me to leave.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll leave when I get to the bottom of this thing! Now, Alma, what new + craziness is all this?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not resenting the word you apply to it,” she replied, facing him + resolutely. “I did it—and I don't know why I did it!” + </p> + <p> + “Did what?” + </p> + <p> + “I ran away. I did it because the girls dared me to do it. I promised a + man I would marry him.” + </p> + <p> + “This man, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I have told you this is not the man.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, who, then?” Incredulity was mingled with her father's wrath. + </p> + <p> + “One of your trusted young gentlemen. Mr. Ralph Bradish.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you meet him?” + </p> + <p> + “At the dances.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at our house?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know how you are so sure of that, father,” she returned, a touch + of rather wistful reproach in her tones. “You have left me alone in that + house ever since mother went away. But it was not at our house—it + was in the public ball-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Hell set to music!” he rasped. “I ought to have realized that you are + still an infant!” + </p> + <p> + “No; I am a woman to-day. I lived a whole lifetime in one night on the + ocean. I know you have reason to be ashamed of me. But I'll never give you + cause for shame again. Now what are you going to say to this man who saved + my life—who did more than that? He saved me from myself!” + </p> + <p> + Marston narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Mayo. “I don't understand this + thing yet! The story doesn't ring right.” He turned on his daughter. “How + did this man save your life? Be quick and be short!” + </p> + <p> + He interrupted her in the middle of her eager recital. He had been + scowling while she talked, staring into vacancy in meditation. + </p> + <p> + “A story-book tale!” he declared, impatiently, and yet there was a shade + of insincerity in that impatience. “I would be bitterly ashamed of you, + Alma, if you had run away as you are trying to make me believe. But—” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you believe me?” + </p> + <p> + “Silence! But this trumped-up story is too transparent. You are still + acting the fool in the matter of this person, here. Now see here, my man, + you are here to-day on the <i>Montana</i> affair. Isn't that so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I was sure of it. How did you dare to sneak into that job after I had + discharged you from the <i>Olenia</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “There was no sneaking to it! I was hired by Mr. Fogg and I—” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure that I did not know you were on board the <i>Montana</i>. + But I cannot attend to all the details of my business. You realize, don't + you, that you are a fugitive from justice?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a scapegoat for the dirty dogs who operate for you!” + </p> + <p> + “That's enough! I am investigating this matter now? Sit down in that + chair!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo obeyed, lulled by the assurance. + </p> + <p> + “Alma, you go home!” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to stay here, father, until Captain Mayo—” + </p> + <p> + “I have listened to all the falsehoods I propose to hear!” This rejoinder + astounded his two listeners. “I see into this matter clear to the bottom. + I am amazed that you should think such a silly yarn would deceive me for a + moment.” He had pressed one of the buttons. To the man who opened the door + he said: “Tell Mr. Bradish that I want to see him here at once. He is in + the office, isn't he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir! I will inform him.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo and the girl exchanged eloquent looks; they had been leaving Mr. + Bradish out of their calculations; they had discarded him from their + thoughts; that he had had the effrontery to reappear in the Marston & + Waller offices was news indeed. + </p> + <p> + Marston took the girl by the arm and led her toward a door. “I tell you to + go home!” he cried, angrily, stopping her protests. “No, you are going by + this side door. I do not believe one word you have told me. It's all a + transparent attempt to continue your folly. I'll know how to look after + you from now on!” He closed the door behind her and locked it. + </p> + <p> + “I swear this is all true, sir,” pleaded Mayo. “I'm not trying to deceive + you through your daughter. I did not understand what she intended to say. + I want my rights as a man who has been tricked, abused—” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bradish appeared, bowing respectfully. He was once more part of the + smooth machinery of the Marston & Waller offices. He was pale, calm, + cool, subdued master of his emotions as the employees of Julius Marston + were trained to be. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever see this man before? Of course you never did!” prompted the + financier. + </p> + <p> + “I never saw him before, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not! What have you to say to the ridiculous, nonsensical story + that you attempted to elope with my daughter?” + </p> + <p> + Not by a flicker of the eyelids did the imperturbable maker of + million-dollar checks show confusion. + </p> + <p> + “If such a lie needs denial from me I most firmly do deny it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You cheap renegade!” roared the captain. + </p> + <p> + “That will do, Mr. Bradish!” + </p> + <p> + The clerk obeyed the wave of his master's hand and retired quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marston,” raved Mayo, “I'm fighting for all that's worth while to me + in life. My reputation as a master mariner, my chance to make a living in + my work. I was a fool on board your yacht! With all my soul I am penitent. + I will-” + </p> + <p> + “Enough! Don't you dare to discuss my own daughter with me!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't intend to, sir. I'm going to believe that you don't know what + your understrappers have done to me. You only see results. But find out + what is being done in your name, Mr. Marston. Some day it will be bad for + you if you don't stop 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that a threat?” + </p> + <p> + “It's only my appeal for justice. My God, sir—” + </p> + <p> + “There's justice waiting for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then send out for your marshals. Let them drag me into court! Your man + Bradigh's mouth is closed now, but it has been open. I know what has been + done to me. Let them put me on the stand. You don't dare to have me stand + up in court and tell what I know.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you suppose I am running the Federal courts?” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better find out whether you have power or not. There are men in + this world who will believe an honest man's true story!” + </p> + <p> + “Good day!” said Mr. Marston, significantly. + </p> + <p> + Mayo hesitated, gazed into the impassive countenance of the magnate, and + then conviction of the uselessness of argument overwhelmed him. He started + for the door. + </p> + <p> + “Certain sensible things can be done,” Marston called after him. “You'd + better get out of New York. If you know of a place to hide you'd better + get into it.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not reply. He strode out through the offices, descended to the + street, and went on his way. + </p> + <p> + He did not notice that an automobile pursued him through the roaring + traffic of the streets, halting ahead of him when, he had turned into one + of the quieter thoroughfares. + </p> + <p> + The car was close to the curb, and Alma Marston put out her hand and + signaled to him. “He gave-you no hope-nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “I have waited. I thought of asking you to come for a talk with me.” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it's better as it is! There isn't very much to be said-not now!” + She leaned over the side of the tonneau and the clatter of traffic enabled + her to talk without taking the eavesdropping chauffeur into their + confidence. “I am not worthy of your thoughts or your confidence after + this, Boyd. What I was yesterday I am not to-day; I have told you that. + No, do not say anything! I know, now, that I was only playing with love. I + cannot name what I feel for you now; I have insulted the word 'love' too + much in the past. I'm not going to say anything about it. Was it any + excuse for me that you had sunk a ship, were going to prison for killing + men, so the papers hinted? No, it was not! But I allowed myself to make it + an excuse for folly.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know what love is,” he declared. In the agony of his + degradation he had no relish for softer sentiments. But he did not dare to + look up at her. + </p> + <p> + “I <i>did</i> not know! But perhaps some day I can show you that I do now + know,” she replied, humbly. “That will be the day when I can give you the + proofs against the men who have tried to ruin you. I am inside the camp of + your enemies, Boyd, and I'll give you those proofs—even against my + own father, if he is guilty. That's all! Let's wait. But while you are + working I hope it's going to give you a bit of courage to know that I am + working for you!” She patted his cheek. “Go on!” she called to her driver. + The car jerked forward and was hidden among the chariots roaring down + through the modern Babylon. + </p> + <p> + Without power for self-analysis, without being able to penetrate the inner + recesses of his own soul in that crisis, he trudged on. + </p> + <p> + A little later, almost unconscious of volition in the matter, he found + himself at a steamboat office buying a ticket. He was going back to the + obscurity of Maquoit. But he was fully conscious that he was not obeying + Julius Marston's injunction to go and hide. A deeper sentiment was drawing + him. He knew where there existed simple faith in him and affection for + him, and he craved that solace. There were humble folks in Maquoit who + would welcome him. + </p> + <p> + “I'll go back—I'll go home,” he said. Once he would have smiled at + the thought that he would ever call the Hue and Cry colony “home.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVI ~ THE FANGS OF OLD RAZEE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A dollar a day is a Hoosier's pay, + Lowlands, lowlands, a-way, my John! + Yes, a dollar a day is a Hoosier's pay, + My dollar and a half a day. + —Old Pumping Song. +</pre> + <p> + Before leaving New York Mayo made inquiries at offices of shipping brokers + and trailed Captain Zoradus Wass to his lair in the loafers' room of a + towboat office. Their conference was a gloomy one; neither had any comfort + for the other. Mayo was laconic in his recital of events: he said that he + had run away—and had come back. Of Marston and Marston's daughter he + made no mention. + </p> + <p> + “I have been to see that fat whelp of a Fogg,” stated the old master + mariner. “I ain't afraid of him. I had a good excuse; I said I wanted a + job. I didn't let on to him that I advised you to slip your cable, but I + might have curried favor with him by saying so. He seemed to be pretty + well satisfied because you had skipped.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Wass, that's the main thing I've come to talk over with you. + Here's my ticket back home. But I feel that I ought to walk up to the + United States marshal's office and surrender myself. And I want to ask you + about the prospects of my getting bail. Can you help me?” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon if I saw you behind bars I'd do my best to get you out, son. But + you steer away from here on a straight tack and mind your own business! + When the United States wants you they'll come and get you—you + needn't worry!” + </p> + <p> + “But I do worry, sir! I am dodging about the streets. I expect to feel a + hand on my shoulder every moment. I can't endure the strain of the thing! + I don't want anybody to think I'm a sneak.” + </p> + <p> + “As near's I can find out by nosing around a little that indictment is a + secret one—even if it really was returned. And I'm half inclined to + think there wasn't any indictment! Perhaps those officers were only sent + out to get you and hold you as a witness. Fogg has been doing most of the + talking about there being an indictment. However it is, if they don't want + you just yet I wouldn't go up to a cell door, son, and holler and pound + and ask to be let in. Law has quite a way of giving a man what he hollers + for. You go away and let me do the peeking and listening for you around + these parts. I'm collecting a little line of stuff on this water-front. + Haven't much else to do, these days!” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon my first hunch was the right one, sir!' I'll go along home. If + you hear anybody with a badge on inquiring for me tell him I'm fishing on + the <i>Ethel and May</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a mean job for you, son. But I guess I'd better not say anything + about it, seeing what I have shanghaied you into.” + </p> + <p> + “It has not been your fault or mine, what has happened, sir. I am not + whining!” + </p> + <p> + “By gad! I know you ain't! But get ready to growl when the right time + comes, and keep your teeth filed! When it's our turn to bite we'll make a + bulldog grip of it!” He emphasized the vigor of that grip in his farewell + handshake. + </p> + <p> + But Mayo did not reflect with much enthusiasm on Captain Wass's + metaphorical summons to combat. + </p> + <p> + Returning to Maquoit, the young man decided that he was more like a beaten + dog slinking back with canine anxiety to nurse his wounds in secret. + </p> + <p> + His experiences had been too dreadful and too many in the last few days to + be separated and assimilated. He had been like a man stunned by a fall—paralyzed + by a blow. Now the agonizing tingle of memory and despair made his + thoughts an exquisite torture. He tried to put Alma Marston out of those + thoughts. He did not dare to try to find a place for her in the economy of + his affairs. However, she and he had been down to the gates of death + together, and he realized that the experience had had its effect on her + nature; he believed that it had developed her character as well. + Insistently the memory of her parting words was with him, and he knew, in + spite of his brutal and furious efforts to condemn her, that love was not + dead and that hope still lived. + </p> + <p> + He swung aboard the <i>Ethel and May</i> one afternoon, after he had + waited patiently for her arrival with her fare. + </p> + <p> + “I have come back to fish with you, Captain Candage, until my troubles are + straightened out—if they ever are.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage was silent, controlling some visible emotions. + </p> + <p> + “I have come back to be with folks who won't talk too much about those + troubles,” he added, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” agreed the skipper. “Nothing is ever gained by stirring up + trouble after it has been well cooked. Swing the pot back over the fire, I + say, and let it simmer till it cools off of itself. I thought you would + come back.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I knew they had taken away your papers. Furthermore, Polly has been + saying that you would come back.” + </p> + <p> + “And why did she think so?” asked Mayo, in milder tones. + </p> + <p> + “She didn't say why,” admitted Captain Candage. “Maybe women see into + things deeper than men do.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems like coming home—coming home when a man is sick and tired + of everything in the world, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Reckon my Polly had something like that in mind. She dropped a few hints + that she hoped you'd come and get rested up from your troubles.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has gone back to her work, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, she is still on her job at Maquoit, sir—calls it her real job. + She isn't a quitter, Polly isn't. She says they need her.” + </p> + <p> + “Like the song says, 'The flowers need the sunshine and the roses need the + dew,' that's how they need her,” averred Oakum Otie. “Though them Hue and + Cry women and children can't be said to be much like roses and geraniums! + But they're more like it than they ever was before, since Miss Polly has + taken hold of 'em. It's wonderful what a good girl can do when she tries, + Captain Mayo!” + </p> + <p> + Resuming his life on the fishing-schooner was like slipping on a pair of + old shoes, and Mayo was grateful for that New England stoicism which had + greeted him in such matter-of-fact fashion. + </p> + <p> + “What you want to tell me is all right and what you don't want to tell me + is still better,” stated Captain Candage. “Because when you ain't talking + about it you ain't stirring it!” + </p> + <p> + So, in that fashion, he came back into the humble life of Maquoit. There + had been no awkwardness in his meeting with Captain Candage; it had been + man to man, and they understood how to dispense with words. But Mayo + looked forward to his meeting with Polly Candage without feeling that + equanimity which the father had inspired. + </p> + <p> + He felt an almost overmastering desire to confide to her his troubles of + the heart. But he knew that he would not be able to do that. His little + temple had been so cruelly profaned. His humiliation was too great. + </p> + <p> + He was conscious that some other reason was operating to hold him back + from explaining to her; and because he did not understand just what it was + he was ill at ease when he did come face to face with her. He was grateful + for one circumstance—their first meeting was in the old fish-house + at Maquoit, under the hundred curious eyes of the colony. He had rowed + ashore in his dory and went to seek her in the midst of her activities. + She put out both her hands and greeted him with frank pleasure and seemed + to understand his constraint, to anticipate his own thoughts, to respect + his reticence. + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you have come back to wait till all your troubles are settled. + The most consoling friends are those who know and who sympathize and who + keep still! Now come with me and listen to the children and see what the + women are doing. You will be proud and glad because you spoke up for them + that day when we went over to Hue and Cry.” + </p> + <p> + After that there was no constraint between them; they kept their own + affairs hidden from each other. The autumn passed and the long, chill + evenings came, and when the fishing-schooner was in port at Maquoit, + between trips, Mayo and the girl spent comfortable hours together, playing + at cards under the widow's red-shaded lamp and under the widow's approving + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “No, they ain't courting, either,” she informed the pestering neighbors. + “Do you suppose I have been twice married and twice a widder not to know + courting when I see it? It's 'Boyd this' and 'Polly that,' to be sure, the + whole continyal time; but she is engaged to somebody else, because she has + been wearing an engagement ring that has come to her since she has been + here. She showed it to me, and she showed it to him! And as for him, + everybody 'longcoast knows how dead gone on him that millionaire girl is! + Now everybody mind their own business!” + </p> + <p> + As the days passed the widow's counsel seemed to apply to all the affairs + of Maquoit; folks went at their business in good earnest. + </p> + <p> + The winter wind nipped, the wharf piles were sheathed with ice, and only + hardy men were abroad on the waterfront of the coast city, but the crew of + the <i>Ethel and May</i> were unusually cheerful that day. + </p> + <p> + The schooner had stayed on Cashes Banks and had ridden out a gale that had + driven other fishermen to shelter. Then in the first lull she had sent her + dories over the rail and had put down her trawls for a set, and a rousing + set it was! It seemed as if the cod, hake, and haddock had been waiting + for that gale to stop so that they might hunt for baited hooks and have a + feast. Nearly every ganging-line had its prize. The bow pulley in each + dory fairly chuckled with delight as the trawl line was pulled over it. + Every three feet was a ganging-line. Each dory strung out a mile of trawl. + And when the dories returned to the schooner and dumped the catch into the + hold the little craft fairly wallowed under her load. + </p> + <p> + They caught the market bare; the gale had blown for nearly a week. + Fish-houses bid spiritedly against one another, and when at last a trade + was made and the schooner's crew began to pitchfork the fish into the + winch buckets, and the buckets rose creaking out over the rail, the two + captains went into the office of the fish-house to figure some mighty + gratifying profits. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing like luck in the fishing game, gents,” observed the manager. + </p> + <p> + “Well, grit counts for something,” stated Captain Candage. “We've got a + crew that ain't afraid of a little weather.” + </p> + <p> + “If that's the case, there may be something for you off-coast about now + that's better than the fishing game.” + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” asked the old skipper. + </p> + <p> + “Wrecking. Seen the morning papers?” + </p> + <p> + “We've had something to do besides fool with papers.” + </p> + <p> + “That new Bee line steamer, <i>Conomo</i>, has been piled up on Razee + Reef.” + </p> + <p> + “One time—this last time—she hugged too close!” snapped the + young man. The others bent an inquiring gaze on him. But he did not + explain. His thoughts were busy with the events of that day when the Bee + line steamer started his troubles with Marston. + </p> + <p> + “Paper says she's considered a total loss,” went on the manager. “If + that's so, and the underwriters give her up, there ought to be some fine + picking for men with grit. The board of survey went out to her on a tug + this morning.” He gave them their check, and they went aboard their + schooner. + </p> + <p> + The affair of the <i>Conomo</i> was not mentioned between them until they + were at sea on their way to the eastward again. The piece of news did not + interest Mayo at first, except as a marine disaster that had no bearing on + his own affairs. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage was stumping the quarter-deck, puffing at his short, black + pipe. “I don'no' as you feel anyways as I do about it, Captain Mayo, but + it ain't going to be no great outset to us if we make a leg out to Razee + and see what's going on there,” he suggested. + </p> + <p> + “I have no objections,” returned Mayo. “But the way things are managed + nowadays in case of wrecks, I don't see much prospect of our getting in on + the thing in any way.” + </p> + <p> + “Mebbe not; but in case they're going to abandon her there'll be some + grabbing, and we might as well grab with the rest of 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “If they can't get her off some junk concern will gamble on her. But we'll + make an excursion of it to see the sights, sir. We can afford a little + trip after what we pulled down to-day.” + </p> + <p> + There was no hope of reaching the wreck before nightfall, so they jogged + comfortably in the light westerly that had succeeded the gale. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage took the first watch after the second dog-watch, and at + two bells, or nine o'clock, in the evening, Mayo awoke and heard him give + orders to “pinch her.” He heard the sails flap, and knew that the men were + shortening in readiness to lay to. He slipped on his outer clothing and + went on deck. + </p> + <p> + “We're here,” stated the old skipper, “and it looks like some other + moskeeters had got here ahead of us, ready to stick in their little bills + when they get a chance.” + </p> + <p> + It was a clear night, brilliant with stars. In contrast with the twinkling + and pure lights of the heavens, there were dim reds and greens and + yellow-white lights on the surface of the ocean. These lights rocked and + oscillated and tossed as the giant surges swept past. + </p> + <p> + “I make out half a dozen sail—little fellers—and two tugs,” + said Captain Candage. “But get your eye on the main squeeze!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo looked in the direction of the extended mittened hand. + </p> + <p> + “Some iceberg, hey?” commented the skipper. + </p> + <p> + A short half-mile away, a veritable ghost ship, loomed the wrecked <i>Conomo</i>. + Spray had beaten over her and had congealed until she seemed like a mass + of ice that had been molded into the shape of a ship. She gleamed, a + spectral figure, under the starry heavens. + </p> + <p> + A single red light, a baleful blob of color, showed from her main rigging. + </p> + <p> + They surveyed her for some time. + </p> + <p> + “I should say she was spoke for,” was Captain Candage's opinion. “It's + high tide now, and a spring tide at that, and them tugs is just loafing + out there—ain't making a move to start her. We can tell more about + the prospect in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + Then the two captains turned in, for the <i>Ethel and May</i> lay to + docilely with a single helmsman at the wheel. + </p> + <p> + The crisp light of morning did not reveal anything especially new or + important. There were half a dozen small schooners, fishermen, loafing + under shortened canvas in the vicinity of the wreck. One of the tugs + departed shoreward after a time. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had assured himself, through the schooner's telescope, that the + remaining tug was named <i>Seba J. Ransom</i>. + </p> + <p> + “The captain of that fellow went mate with me on a fishing-steamer once,” + he informed Captain Candage. “Jockey me down in reaching distance and I'll + go aboard him in a dory. He may have some news.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Dodge was immensely pleased to see his old chum, and called him up + into the pilot-house and gave him a cigar. + </p> + <p> + “It's only a loafing job,” he said. “I've got to stand by and take off her + captain and crew in case of rough weather or anything breaks loose more'n + what's already busted. They are still hanging by her so as to deliver her + to the buyer.” + </p> + <p> + “Buyer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yep! To whatever junkman is fool enough to bid her in. She's stuck fast. + Underwriters have gone back on that tug, and are going to auction her. I'm + here to help keep off pirates and take her men ashore after she has been + handed over. You a pirate, Mayo?” he asked, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “I'm almost anything nowadays, if there's a dollar to be made,” returned + the young man. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Ransom's</i> captain gave him a wink. “I'm on to what happened on + board the <i>Olenia</i>” he confided. “Feller who was in the crew told me. + You're good enough for old Marston's girl. Why haven't you gone up to New + York and taken—” + </p> + <p> + “Cut that conversation, Dodge,” barked Mayo, his face hard and his jaw + jutting threateningly. “Good day!” added the young man, slamming the + pilot-house door behind him. + </p> + <p> + His schooner, standing off and on, picked him up. + </p> + <p> + “There's no use hanging around here,” he informed the old skipper. + “They're going to junk her, if they can find anybody fool enough to bid. + She'll be guarded till after the auction.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore the <i>Ethel and May</i> shook out all her canvas and headed + full and by for Maquoit to secure her fresh supply of bait. + </p> + <p> + “It's a shame,” mourned Captain Candage, staring over the taffrail at the + ice-sheathed steamer. “'Most new, and cost two hundred and fifty thousand + dollars to build, if I remember right what the paper said when she was + launched.” + </p> + <p> + “If she was making money they'll have another one in her place,” said + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Don'no' about that, sir. The Bee line wasn't none too strong financially, + I'm told—a lot of little fellers who put in what they could scrape + and borrowed the rest. Depends on insurance and their courage what they do + after this.” He offered another observation after he had tamped down a + load in his black pipe. “Men will do 'most anything for money—enough + money.” + </p> + <p> + “Seems as if I'd heard that statement before,” was Mayo's curt rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know it ain't in any ways new. But the more I think over what has + happened to the <i>Conomo</i>, the pickeder seems the point to that + remark. And whilst I was standing off and on, waiting for you, I run close + enough to that steamer to make out a few faces aboard her.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo glanced at him without comment. + </p> + <p> + “F'r instance, I saw Art Simpson. You know him, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “He was captain of Mr. Marston's yacht once.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did he leave her?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard he had been discharged. That was what the broker said when he + hired me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's what Simpson said. He made a business of going around and + swearing about it. Seemed to want to have everybody 'longcoast hear him + swear about it. When I see a man make too much of a business of swearing + about another man I get suspicious. After Art Simpson worked his cards so + as to get the job of second officer on board the new <i>Conomo</i> I got + <i>more</i> suspicious. Now that I have seen how that steamer has been + plunked fair and square on Razee, I'm <i>almighty</i> suspicious. I'm + suspicious enough to believe that she banged during Art Simpson's watch.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you driving at, Captain Candage? Are you hinting that anybody + would plant a man for a job of that kind?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly what I'm hinting,” drawled the skipper. + </p> + <p> + “But putting a steamer on the rocks at this time of year!” + </p> + <p> + “No passengers—and plenty of life-boats for the crew, sir. I have + been hearing a lot of talk about steamboat conditions since I have been + carrying in fish.” + </p> + <p> + “I've found out a little something in that line myself,” admitted Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “There's one thing to be said about Blackbeard and Cap'n Teach and old Cap + Kidd—they went out on the sea and tended to their own pirating; they + didn't stay behind a desk and send out understrappers.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo, in spite of his bitter memories of Julius Mar-ston's attitude, felt + impelled to palliate in some degree the apparent enormities of the + steamboat magnates. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe the big fellows know all that's done, Captain Candage. As + responsible parties they wouldn't dare to have those things done. The + understrappers, as you say, are anxious to make good and to earn their + money, and when the word is passed on down to 'em they go at the job + recklessly. I think it will be pretty hard to fix anything on the real + principals. That's why I am out in the cold with my hands tied, just now.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish we were going to get into the <i>Conomo</i> matter a little, so + that we could do some first-hand scouting. It looks to me like the rankest + job to date, and it may be the opening for a general overhauling. When + deviltry gets to running too hard it generally stubs its toes, sir.” + Captain Candage found a responsive gleam in Mayo's eyes and he went on. + “Of course, I didn't hear the talk, nor see the money pass, nor I wa'n't + in the pilot-house when Art Simpson shut his eyes and let her slam. But + having been a sailorman all my life, I smell nasty weather a long ways + off. That steamer was wrecked a-purpose, and she was wrecked at a time o' + year when she can't be salvaged. You don't have to advise the devil how to + build a bonfire.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo did not offer any comment. He seemed to be much occupied by his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Two days later a newspaper came into Mayo's hands at Maquoit, and he read + that the wrecked steamer had been put up at auction by the underwriters. + It was plain that the bidders had shared the insurance folks' general + feeling of pessimism—she had been knocked down for two thousand five + hundred dollars. The newspapers explained that only this ridiculous sum + had been realized because experts had decided that in the first blow the + steamer would slip off the ledges on which she was impaled and would go + down like a plummet in the deep water from which old Razee cropped. Even + the most reckless of gambling junkmen could not be expected to dare much + of an investment in such a peek-a-boo game as that. + </p> + <p> + “But I wonder what was the matter with the expert who predicted that,” + mused Mayo. “He doesn't know the old jaw teeth of Razee Reef as well as I + do.” + </p> + <p> + When the <i>Ethel and May</i> set forth from Maquoit on her next trip to + Cashes Banks, Mayo suggested—and he was a bit shamefaced when he did + so—that they might as well go out of their way a little and see what + the junkers were doing at Razee. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage eyed his associate with rather quizzical expression. + “Great minds travel, et cetry!” he chuckled. “I was just going to say that + same thing to you. On your mind a little, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and only a little. Of course, there can't be anything in it for us. + Those junkers will stick to her till she ducks for deep water. But I've + been wondering why they think she's going to duck. I seined around Razee + for a while, and the old chap has teeth like a hyena—regular fangs.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe they took Art Simpson's say-so,” remarked the old man, wrinkling + his nose. “Art would be very encouraging about the prospects of saving her—that + is to say, he would be so in case losing that steamer has turned his + brain.” + </p> + <p> + “Guess there wasn't very much interest by the underwriters,” suggested + Mayo. “They weren't stuck very hard, so I've found out. She was mostly + owned in sixty-fourths, and with marine risks up to where they are, small + owners don't insure. It's a wicked thing all through, Candage! That great, + new steamer piled up there by somebody's devilishness! I believe as you do + about the affair! I've been to sea so long that a boat means something to + me besides iron and wood. There's something about 'em—something—” + </p> + <p> + “Almost human,” put in the old man. “I sorrowed over the <i>Polly</i>, but + I didn't feel as bad as if she'd been new. It was sort of like when old + folks die of natural causes—you know they have lived about as long + as they can. It's sorrowful to have 'em go, but you have to feel + reconciled. But I know just how it is with you in the case of that + steamer, for I'm a sailor like you. It's just like getting a fine boy + through college, seeing him start out full of life, and courage, and + hopes, and prospects, and then seeing him drop dead at your feet.” + </p> + <p> + There was a quaver in the old man's tones. But Mayo, who knew the souls of + mariners, understood. Under their hard shells there is imagination that + has been nurtured in long, long thoughts. In the calms under starlit + skies, in the black darkness when tossing surges swing beneath the keel, + in the glimmering vistas of sun-lighted seas, sailors ponder while their + more stolid brothers on land allow their souls to doze. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Captain Candage. That's why I almost hate to go out to the + <i>Conomo</i>. Those infernal ghouls of junkmen will be tearing her into + bits instead of trying to put the breath of life back into her.” + </p> + <p> + The helpless steamer seemed more lonely than when they had visited her + before. The mosquito fleet that had surrounded her, hoping for some stray + pickings, had dispersed. A tug and a couple of lighters were stuck against + her icy sides, and, like leeches, were sucking from her what they could. + They were prosecuting their work industriously, for the sea was calm in + one of those lulls between storms, a wintry truce that Atlantic coastwise + toilers understand and depend on. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, his curiosity prompting him, determined to go on board one of the + lighters and discover to what extremes the junk jackals were proceeding. + </p> + <p> + Two of his dorymen ferried him after the schooner had been hove to near + the wreck. + </p> + <p> + “What's your business?” inquired a man who was bundled in a fur coat and + seemed to be bossing operations. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing much,” confessed the young man from his dory, which was tossing + alongside the lighter. “I'm only a fisherman.” + </p> + <p> + The swinging cranes of the lighters, winches purring, the little + lifting-engines puffing in breathless staccato, were hoisting and dropping + cargo—potatoes in sacks, and huge rolls of print paper. Mayo was a + bit astonished to note that they were not stripping the steamer; not even + her anchors and chains had been disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Fend off!” commanded the boss. + </p> + <p> + Captain Dodge dropped one of the windows of his pilot-house and leaned on + his elbows, thrusting his head out. The tug <i>Seba J. Ransom</i> was + still on the job. She was tied up alongside the wreck, chafing her fenders + against the ice-sheathed hull. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Captain Mayo!” he called, a welcoming grin splitting his features. + “Come aboard and have a cigar, and this time I'll keep the conversation on + fish-scales and gurry-butts.” + </p> + <p> + The man in the fur coat glanced from one to the other, and was promptly + placated. “Oh, this is a friend of yours, is he, Captain Dodge?” + </p> + <p> + “You bet he is. He's been my boss before now.” + </p> + <p> + “If that's the case make yourself at home anywhere. But you know what some + of these fellows alongcoast who call themselves fishermen will do around a + wreck when your back is turned!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo nodded amicably. + </p> + <p> + “Step on board,” invited the boss. + </p> + <p> + “I'm all right here in the dory, and I'm out from underfoot, sir. We're + going along to the fishing-grounds in a jiffy. I'm only satisfying a + sailor's curiosity. Wondered what you intended to do with this + proposition.” + </p> + <p> + “We're only grabbing what's handy just now. Some of the cargo forward is + above water. I'm in on this thing in a sort of queer way myself.” This + keen-eyed young man who had been so heartily indorsed by the tugboat + skipper afforded the man in the fur coat an opportunity for a little + conversation about himself. “I'm the outside man for Todd & Simonton, + of Boston, and bought on the jump after I'd swapped a wire or so with the + house. Happened into that auction, and bought blind. I believe in a gamble + myself. Then somebody wired to the concern that they had been stuck good + and fine, and they gave me a sizzler of a call-down in a night message. A + man can sit at desk in Boston and think up a whole lot of things that + ain't so. Well, I've flown out here with what equipment I could scrape up + in a hurry, and you can see what I'm doing! There's enough in sight in the + way of loose cargo to square me with the concern. But, blast the luck! If + Jake Simonton had a little grit and would back me I believe we'd make a + killing.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, it all depends on how she's resting and what will happen when + the next blow comes,” said Mayo. “Have you been below?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a hustler on a dicker, and a hellion on junk,” snapped the boss. “I'm + no sailor, prophet, or marine architect. I simply know that she's full of + water aft and has got something serious the matter with her innards. I'm + pulling enough out to make Simonton sorry he sassed me in a night message. + Only he will never let on that he's sorry. He never lets loose any + boomerangs that will scale around and come back and hit him. He wants to + be in a position to rasp me the next time I make a mistake in a gamble.” + </p> + <p> + “All the crew gone ashore—the Bee line men?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure—bag and baggage. We own her as she stands. That second officer + had 'em shivering every time a wave slapped her. I was glad when he got + away. He pretty nigh stampeded <i>my</i> men. Said she was liable to slide + any minute.” + </p> + <p> + The drawling voice of Captain Dodge broke in above them. “Here comes the + tug <i>Resolute</i>” he stated. “Mebbe it's another one of them night + messages from your concern, Titus. May want you to put what you can carry + of her in a paper bag and bring it to Boston.” + </p> + <p> + “You never can tell what they're going to do in Boston,” growled the + outside man. “I get discouraged, sometimes, trying to be enterprising.” + </p> + <p> + He began to pace, looking worried, and did not reply to several questions + that Mayo put to him. So the young man accepted Captain Dodge's invitation + and climbed to the tugboat's pilot-house. He had a very human hankering to + know what the coming of that tug from the main signified, and decided to + hang around a little while longer, even at the risk of making Captain + Candage impatient. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Resolute</i> brought a telegram, and the man in the fur coat + slapped it open, took in its gist at one glance, and began to swear with + great gusto. + </p> + <p> + He climbed into the <i>Ransom's</i> pilot-house, with the air of a man + seeking comfort from friends, and fanned the sheet of paper wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + “Orders to resell. Get out from under. Take what I can get. Don't want the + gamble. And here I have cleaned a good profit already.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you fire back a message advising 'em to hold on?” asked Captain + Dodge. + </p> + <p> + “And have a gale come up in a few hours and knock her off'n this rock? + That's what would happen. It would be just my luck. I'm only a hired man, + gents. If my firm won't gamble, it ain't up to me. If I disobey orders and + hold on, I'll be scared to death the first time the wind begins to blow. + There's no use in ruining a fine set of nerves for a firm that won't + appreciate the sacrifice, and I need nerve to keep on working for 'em. I + say it ain't up to me. Me for shore as soon as I load those lighters. + Every dollar I get by reselling is velvet, so let 'ergo!” + </p> + <p> + “What do they tell you to do about price?” ventured Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Take the first offer—and hurry about it. They seem to have an idea + that this steamer is standing on her head on the point of a needle, and + that only a blind man will buy her.” + </p> + <p> + He went back to his crew, much disgusted, ordered the freshly arrived tug + to wait for a tow, and spurred laggard toilers with sharp profanity. + </p> + <p> + “Somebody has been scaring his concern,” suggested Mayo, left alone with + Captain Dodge. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so—but it may be good business to get scared, provided they + can unload this onto somebody else for a little ready cash. This spell of + weather can't last much longer. Look at that bank to s'uthard. I don't + know just what is under her in the way of ledges—never knew much + about old Razee. But my prediction is, she'll break in two as soon as the + waves give her any motion.” + </p> + <p> + It was on the tip of Mayo's tongue to argue the matter with the tugboat + man, but he took second thought and shut his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “You're probably right,” he admitted. “I'd better be moving. I don't see + any fish jumping aboard our schooner. We've got to go and catch 'em. + Good-by, Dodge.” + </p> + <p> + When his associate came in over the rail of the <i>Ethel and May</i> + Captain Candage, from force of habit, having picked up his men, gave + orders to let her off into the wind. + </p> + <p> + “Hold her all-aback!” commanded Mayo. “Excuse me, Captain Candage, for a + cross-order, but I've got a bit of news I want you to hear before we + leave. The junk crowd has got cold feet and are going to sell as she + stands, as soon as they get cargoes for those lighters.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, she does lay in a bad way, and weather is making,” said the + skipper, fiddling his forefinger under his nose dubiously. + </p> + <p> + “They haven't even skimmed the cream off her—probably will get all + her cargo that's worth saving and some loose stuff in the rigging line. By + gad! what a chance for a gamble!” + </p> + <p> + “It might be for a feller who had so much money he could kiss a slice of + it good-by in case the Atlantic Ocean showed aces,” said the old man, + revealing a sailor's familiarity with a popular game. + </p> + <p> + “There is such a thing as being desperate enough to stake your whole + bundle,” declared Mayo. “Captain, I'm young, and I suppose I have got a + young man's folly. I can't expect you to feel the way I feel about a + gamble.” + </p> + <p> + “I may look old, but I haven't gone to seed yet,” grumbled the skipper. + “What are you trying to get through you?” + </p> + <p> + “That fat man on that lighter has a telegram in his pocket from his folks + in Boston, ordering him to take the first offer that is made for the <i>Conomo</i> + as she stands. I'm fool enough to be willing to put in every dollar I've + got, and take a chance.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage stared at his associate for a time, and then walked to the + rail and took a long look at the steamer. “I never heard of a feller ever + getting specially rich in the fishing game,” he remarked. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, wild thoughts urging him to desperate ventures, snapped out + corroboration of that dictum.. + </p> + <p> + “And I've known a lot of fellers to go broke in the wrecking game,” + pursued Captain Candage. “How much have you got?” That question came + unexpectedly. + </p> + <p> + “I've got rising six hundred dollars.” He was carrying his little hoard in + his pocket, for a man operating from the hamlet of Maquoit must needs be + his own banker. + </p> + <p> + “I've got rising six hundred in my own pocket,” said the skipper. “That + fat man may have orders to take the first offer that's made, but we've got + to make him one that's big enough so that he won't kick us overboard and + then go hunt up a buyer on the main.” + </p> + <p> + The two Hue and Cry fishermen who had ferried the young man were nesting + their dory on top of other dories, and just forward of the house, and were + within hearing. Neither captain noted with what interest these men were + listening, exchanging glances with the man at the wheel. + </p> + <p> + “And after we waggle our wad under his nose—and less than a thousand + will be an insult, so I figger—what have we got left to operate + with? It won't do us any good to sail round that steamer for the rest of + the winter and admire her. What was you thinking, Mayo, of trying to work + him for a snap bargain, now that he's here on the spot and anxious to + sell, and then grabbing off a little quick profit by peddling her to + somebody else?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir!” cried the young man, with decision. “I've got my own good + reasons for wanting to make this job the whole hog or not a bristle! I + won't go into it on any other plan.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we'll be into something, all right, after we invest our money—the + whole lump. We'll most likely be in a scrape, not a dollar left to hire + men or buy wrecking outfit.” + </p> + <p> + The two men finished lashing the dories and went forward. + </p> + <p> + “It's a wild scheme, and I'm a fool to be thinking about it, Captain + Candage. But wild schemes appeal to me just now. I can make some more + money by working hard and saving it, a few dollars at a time, but I never + expect to see another chance like this. Oh yes, I see that bank in the + south!” His eyes followed the skipper's gloomy stare. “By to-morrow at + this time she may be forty fathoms under. But here's the way I feel.” He + pulled out his wallet and slapped it down on the roof of the house. “All + on the turn of one card! And there comes the blow that will turn it!” He + pointed south into the slaty clouds. + </p> + <p> + Captain Candage paused in his patrol of the quarterdeck and gazed down on + the wallet. Then he began to tug at his own. “I'm no dead one, even if my + hair is gray,” he grumbled. + </p> + <p> + The two captains looked at the two wallets, and then at each other. The + next moment their attention was fully taken up by another matter. Their + crew of fifteen men came marching aft and lined up forward of the house. A + spokesman stepped out. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse us, captings, for meddling into something that p'raps ain't none + of our business. We ain't meaning to peek nor pry, but some of us couldn't + help overhearing. We've cleaned out our pockets. Here it is—three + hundred and sixty-eight dollars and thirty-seven cents. Will you let me + step onto the quarter-deck and lay it down 'side of them wallets?” He + accepted their amazed silence as consent, and made his deposit solemnly. + </p> + <p> + “But this is all a gamble, and a mighty uncertain one,” protested Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “We 'ain't never had no chance to be sports before in all our lives,” + pleaded the man. “We wouldn't have had that money if you two heroes hadn't + give us the chance you have. We wa'n't more'n half men before. Now we can + hold up our heads. You'll make us feel mighty mean, as if we wasn't fit to + be along with you, if you won't let us in.” + </p> + <p> + “You bet you can come in, boys!” shouted Captain Candage. “I know how you + feel.” + </p> + <p> + “And another thing,” went on the spokesman. “We 'ain't had much time to + talk this over; we rushed aft here as soon as we heard and had cleaned out + our pockets. But we've said enough to each other so that we can tell you + that all of us will turn to on that wreck with you and work for nothing + till—till—well, whatever happens. Don't want wages! Don't need + promises! And if she sinks, we'll sing a song and go back to fishing + again.” + </p> + <p> + The man at the wheel let go the spokes and came forward and deposited a + handful of money beside the rest. “There's mine. I wisht it was a million; + it would go just as free.” + </p> + <p> + “Boys, I'd make a speech to you—but my throat is too full,” choked + Mayo. “I know better, now, why something called me over to Hue and Cry + last summer. Hard over with that wheel! Jockey her down toward the wreck!” + </p> + <p> + When they were within hailing distance of the lighter Mayo raised his + megaphone. “Will you take fifteen hundred dollars—cash—now—for + that wreck, as you leave her when you've loaded those lighters?” he + shouted. + </p> + <p> + There was a long period of silence. Then the man in the fur coat replied, + through his hollowed hands: “Yes—and blast the fools in Boston who + are making me sell!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVII ~ THE TEMPEST TURNS ITS CARD + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And one thing which we have to crave, + Is that he may have a watery grave. + So well heave him down into some dark hole, + Where the sharks 'll have his body and the devil have his soul. + With a big bow wow! + Tow row row! + Pal de, rai de, ri do day! + —Boston. +</pre> + <p> + After the man in the fur coat had placed a hastily executed bill of sale + in Mayo's hands, he frankly declared that his interest in the fortune of + the wrecked steamer had ceased. + </p> + <p> + “The Resolute reports that storm signals are displayed. I'll simply make + sure of what I've got. I'll play the game as those quitters in Boston seem + to want me to play it.” + </p> + <p> + The tugs, departing with their tows, squalled salutes to the little + schooner hove to under the counter of the <i>Conomo</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Sounds like they was making fun of us,” growled Candage. He scowled into + the gray skies and across the lonely sea. + </p> + <p> + Mayo, too, sensed a derisive note in the whistle-toots. Depression had + promptly followed the excitement that had spurred him into this venture. + The crackle of the legal paper in his reefer pocket only accentuated his + gloom. That paper seemed to represent so little now. It was not merely his + own gamble—he had drawn into a desperate undertaking men who could + not afford to lose. They had put all their little prosperity in jeopardy. + There were women and children ashore to consider. He and his fellows now + owned that great steamer which loomed there under the brooding heavens. + But it was a precarious possession. The loss of her now would mean not + merely the loss of all their little hoards—it would mean the loss of + hope, and the sacrifice of expectations, and the regret of men who have + failed in a big task. He realized how stinging would be defeat, for he was + building the prospects of his future upon winning in this thing. + </p> + <p> + Hope almost failed to reassure him as he gazed first at the departing + lighters and then at the ice-panoplied hulk on Razee. + </p> + <p> + Surely no pauper ever had a more unwieldy elephant on his hands, without a + wisp of hay in sight for food.. He had seen wrecking operations: money, + men, and gigantic equipment often failed to win. Technical skill and + expert knowledge were required. He did not know what an examination of her + hull would reveal. He had bought as boys swap jack-knives—sight + denied! He confessed to himself that even the pittance they had gambled on + this hazard had been spent with the recklessness of folly, considering + that they had spent their all. They had nothing left to operate with. It + was like a man tying his hands behind him before he jumped overboard. + </p> + <p> + Oh, that was a lonely sea! It was gray and surly and ominous. + </p> + <p> + Black smoke from the distant tugs waved dismal farewell. A chill wind had + begun to harp through the cordage of the little schooner; the moan—far + flung, mystic, a voice from nowhere—that presages the tempest + crooned in his ears. + </p> + <p> + “I can smell something in this weather that's worse than scorched-on hasty + pudding,” stated Captain Can-dage. “I don't know just how you feel, sir, + but if a feller should ride up here in a hearse about now and want my + option on her for what I paid, I believe I'd dicker with him before we + come to blows.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't blame you,” confessed the young man. “This seems to be another + case of 'Now that we've got it, what the devil shall we do with it?'” + </p> + <p> + “Let's pile ashore on the trail of them lighters and dicker it, and be + sensible,” advised his associate. “I feel as if I owned a share in old + Poppocatterpettul—or whatever that mountain is—and had been + ordered to move it in a shawl-strap.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo surveyed their newly acquired property through the advancing dusk. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I know a feller we can unload onto,” persisted Candage. “He has + done some wrecking, and is a reckless cuss.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” snapped his associate, “we'll settle one point right now, + sir. I'm not hurrahing over this prospect—not at all. But I'm in it, + and I'm going to stick on my original plan. I don't want anybody in with + me who is going to keep looking back and whining. If everything goes by + the board, you won't hear a whicker out of me. If you want to quit now, + Captain Candage, go ahead, and I'll mortgage my future to pay back what + you have risked. Now what do you say?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I say you're talking just the way I like to hear a man talk,” + declared the skipper, stoutly. “I'll be cursed if I like to go into a + thing with any half-hearted feller. You're <i>my</i> kind, and after this + you'll find me <i>your</i> kind.” He turned and shouted commands. “Get in + mains'l, close reef fores'l, and let her ride with that and jumbo.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the idea!” commended Mayo. “The Atlantic Ocean is getting ready to + deal a hand in this game. We have got to stick close if we're going to see + what cards we draw.” + </p> + <p> + A fishing-schooner, if well handled, is a veritable stormy petrel in + riding out a blow. Even the ominous signs of tempest did not daunt the two + captains. They were there to guard their property and to have their hopes + or their fears realized. + </p> + <p> + “If the <i>Conomo</i> has got her grit with her and lives through it,” + said Captain Candage, “we'll be here to give her three cheers when it's + over. And if she goes down we'll be on deck to flap her a fare-ye-well.” + </p> + <p> + In that spirit they snugged everything on board the schooner and prepared + to defy the storm. It came in the night, with a howl of blast and a + fusillade of sleet like bird-shot. It stamped upon the throbbing sea and + made tumult in water and air. At midnight they were wallowing with only a + forestays'l that was iced to the hardness of boiler plate. But though the + vast surges flung their mighty arms in efforts to grasp the schooner, she + dodged and danced on her nimble way and frustrated their malignity. Her + men did not sleep; they thawed themselves in relays and swarmed on deck + again. Each seemed to be animated by personal and vital interest. + </p> + <p> + “You can't buy crews like this one with wages,” observed Captain Candage, + icicled beard close to Mayo's ear. “I reckon it was about as my Polly said—you + cast bread on the waters when you took their part on Hue and Cry.” + </p> + <p> + The young man, clinging to a cleat and watching the struggles of their + craft, waved a mittened hand to signify that he agreed. In that riot of + tempest and ruck of sea he was straining his eyes, trying to get a glimpse + of the hulk on Razee. But the schooner had worked her way too far off to + the west, pressed to leeward by the relentless palm of the storm. + </p> + <p> + Then at last came morning, an opaque dawn that was shrouded with swirling + snow, and all was hidden from their eyes except the tumbling mountains of + water which swept to them, threatened to engulf them, and then melted + under their keel. The captains could only guess at the extent of their + drift, but when the wind quieted after midday, and they were able to get + sail on the schooner, they were in no doubt as to the direction in which + the steamer must lie. They began their sloshing ratch back to east. + </p> + <p> + Mayo braved nipping wind and iced rigging and took the glass to the main + crosstrees. He remained there though he was chilled through and through. + </p> + <p> + At last, near the horizon's rim, he spied a yeasty tumult of the sea, + marking some obstruction at which the waves were tussling. In the midst of + this white welter there was a shape that was almost spectral under the + gray skies. The little schooner pitched so ferociously that only + occasionally could he bring this object into the range of the glass. But + he made sure at last. He clutched the glass and tobogganed to deck down + the slippery shrouds. + </p> + <p> + “She's there, Captain Candage!” he shouted. “The teeth of old Razee are + still biting.” + </p> + <p> + They were back to her again before the early night descended. She was iced + to the main truck, and the spray had deposited hillocks of ice on her + deck, weighting her down upon the ledges which had pinioned her. But in + spite of the battering she had received her position had not changed. They + circled her—the midget of a schooner seeming pitifully inadequate to + cope with this monster craft. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” sighed Captain Candage, “thank the Lord she's still here. Our work + is cut out for us now—whatever it is we can do with her. They say a + mouse set a lion loose once by gnawing his ropes. It looks to me as if + we're going to have some blasted slow gnawing here.” + </p> + <p> + They lay by her that night in a quieting sea, and spent wakeful hours in + the cabin, struggling rather helplessly with schemes. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, it's comforting to find her here and to know that the Atlantic + Ocean will have to get more muscle to move her,” said Candage. “And then + again, it ain't so darnation comforting. Looks to me as if she's stuck + there so solid that you couldn't joggle her off if you hove the moon at + her. I reckon my hope has been what yours has been, Mayo—salvage her + whole instead of junking her.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a sailor, not a junkman. I'd almost rather let my money go, Captain + Candage, than be a party to smashing up that new steamer into old iron. + She has fooled the guessers by sticking where she is. It has been my hope + from the first that she can be floated. She is not a rusted old iron + rattletrap. Of course, she's got a hole in her, and we can see now that + she's planted mighty solid. But she is sound and tight, I'll wager, in all + her parts except where that wound is. I suppose most men who came along + here now would guess that she can't be got off whole. I'm going into this + thing and try to fool <i>those</i> guessers, too.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the only real gamble,” agreed the skipper. “We'd only make days' + wages by carving her into a junk-pile. A scrap-heap ain't worth much + except as old iron at half a cent a pound; but a new steamer like that is + worth two hundred thousand dollars, by gorry! if she's afloat.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we've got to do something besides lay to here and look at her + lines. In the first place, I want to know what's the matter with her—about + how much of a hole she has got. Our eyes ought to tell us a little + something.” + </p> + <p> + And on that errand Mayo departed the next morning after breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Only a sailor, young, alert, and bold, could have scaled the side of the + steamer in that weather. Her ladder was in place, but nothing much except + an exaggerated icicle. But it was on the lee side of her, and his dory was + fairly well protected from the rush of the seas. With his hatchet he + hacked foothold on the ladder, left his men in the dory, and notched his + perilous way to the deck. The fore-hatch was open, just as the hastily + departing salvagers had left it. He went below, down the frosted iron + ladder. He was fronted with a cheerless aspect. Cargo and water hid what + damage she had suffered. The fat man had secured most of the cargo that + the water had not ruined. + </p> + <p> + He climbed back on deck and explored amidships and aft. Her engine-room + was partially flooded, for her forepeak was propped on the higher part of + the reef, and water had settled aft. Her crew's quarters were above the + main-deck, as is the case with most cargo-carriers of the newer type. He + found plenty of tinned food in the steward's domains, coal in tie galley + bunker, and there was bedding in the officers' staterooms. + </p> + <p> + Mayo scrambled back to his dory and went aboard the schooner. He reported + his findings. + </p> + <p> + “And here's the only sensible plan for the present, Captain Candage: I'll + take two men and a dory and go aboard and guard our property. Somebody + must stay here—and I don't want you to take the chances on that + wreck. You've got a daughter. You probably know more of the shipyard crowd + in Limeport than I do. That's the nearest city, and I believe that when + you report that the <i>Conomo</i> is holding after this storm you can hire + some equipment on credit and borrow some money.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear I'll do my best. I know a lot of water-front folks, and I've + always paid my bills.” + </p> + <p> + “We need stuff for the whole wrecking game—engine, pumps, and all + the rest. You go and scout on shore and capture a few men and bring 'em + out here to look our prospect over.” + </p> + <p> + “Offer 'em a lay?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. We'll make this a close corporation. I don't propose to let a + lot of land sharks in here to manipulate us out of what's our own. It's + our gamble, and we want what's coming out of it. Go ashore and see what + you can do on prices and terms. Don't close anything till you and I have + conferred. I'll have a schedule of needs made up by the time you're back.” + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later he was located on the wreck with the two men he had + selected as his companions. They carried tackle with them, with which they + hoisted after them their dory—their main bower in case of emergency. + </p> + <p> + And the sea which Mayo surveyed was more lonely than ever, for the <i>Ethel + and May</i> was standing off across the heaving surface toward the main + and the hulk was left alone in the expanse of ocean. He felt very much of + a pygmy and very helpless as he scrambled about over the icy decks. He + remembered that faith can move mountains, but he was as yet unable to + determine just what power would be able to move that steamer, into whose + vitals the reef of Razee had poked its teeth. + </p> + <p> + At eight bells, midnight, Mayo turned out of his berth, for he heard + something that interested him. It was a soft pattering, a gentle swishing. + As a mariner, he knew how sudden can be meteorological changes on the + coast in winter. When the north winds have raged and howled and have blown + themselves out, spitting sleet and snow, the gentler south winds have + their innings and bear balmier moisture from the Gulf Stream. He poked his + head out and felt a soft air and warm rain. He had been hoping and half + expecting that a change of weather would bring this condition—known + as a January thaw. He went back to his bunk, much comforted. + </p> + <p> + A bright sun awoke him. Clear skies had succeeded the rain, All was + dripping and melting. Chunks of ice were dropping from the steamer's + stubby masts, and her scuppers were beginning to discharge water from the + softening mass on her deck. + </p> + <p> + He and his little crew ate breakfast with great good cheer, then secured + axes from the steamer's tool-house and began to chop watercourses in the + ice. A benignant sun in a cloudless sky had enlisted himself as a member + of the wrecking crew on Razee Reef. That weather would soon clear the <i>Conomo</i> + of her sheathing. + </p> + <p> + This was a cheerful prospect, because rigging and deck equipment of + various kinds would be released. The steamer began to look like a less + discouraging proposition. She was no longer the icicle that had put a + chill into underwriters and bidders. Mayo lost the somberness that had + weighed upon him. The sea did not seem so lonely and so threatening. He + felt that he could show something tangible and hopeful to the parties whom + Captain Can-dage might be able to solicit. + </p> + <p> + When he saw a tug approaching in the afternoon his optimism suggested that + it brought the skipper and his party; his own hopes were so high now that + he felt that men with equipment and money would be eager to loan it to + parties who possessed such excellent prospects. In this fashion he + translated this apparent haste to get to the reef. + </p> + <p> + But it was not Captain Candage who hailed him when the tug eased herself + against the ladder, her screw churning the sea in reverse. A stranger came + out of the pilothouse of the <i>Resolute</i>, carrying a big leather + suit-case. He was plainly the passenger who had chartered her. A deck-hand + tossed a cast-line to the steamer's deck, and Mayo promptly threw it back. + </p> + <p> + “You can't come aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “Who says so?” + </p> + <p> + “I say so. I have a bill of sale of her in my pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't recognize it. The law will have something to say about that + later.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care what the law may say later. I'm talking right now. We own + this steamer. What are you here for?” + </p> + <p> + “I left quite a lot of little personal belongings on her. I went away in a + hurry. I want to come aboard with this valise and get 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “They must be pretty valuable belongings, seeing that you've chartered a + tug to come out here.” + </p> + <p> + “A fellow's own property means more to him than it does to anybody else. + Now that I've gone to all this expense, you ain't mean enough are you, to + keep me off? This is between sailors.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” + </p> + <p> + The man hesitated. “Well, if I've got to be introduced I'll say my name is + Simpson—I have been second officer aboard there.” + </p> + <p> + “You're not here with any legal papers—you're not trying any trick + to get possession, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Take all in hearing to witness that I ain't! I'll pick up my stuff and + leave in ten minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Come aboard, then.” + </p> + <p> + The man set down his suit-case and hitched a heave-line to the handle. He + coiled the line and handed it to a deck-hand. “Throw that to me when I'm + on deck,” he ordered. Then he came up the ladder. + </p> + <p> + “Heave, and I'll hoist up the bag,” suggested Mayo at the rail. + </p> + <p> + “Wait till I get there,” barked the visitor, still climbing. He caught the + line after he had reached the rail and pulled up the case with some effort + and great care. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, that bag isn't empty,” said Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Who said it was? I'm carrying around in it all I own in the world. I'm + starting for New York as soon as this tug sets me ashore.” + </p> + <p> + He picked up the case and started for the officers' quarters. Mayo went + along, too. + </p> + <p> + “You afraid I'm going to steal her engine out of her? The few little + things of mine I'm after were hidden away, and that's how I forgot 'em. + Now don't insult me by following me around as if I was a thief.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know just what you are,” muttered the young man. “There's + something that looks mighty phony about this, but I haven't got you sized + up just yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go back—go back right now. I supposed I was asking a favor of + a gentleman and a brother officer.” He started on his return to the + ladder. + </p> + <p> + “Go get your stuff,” commanded Mayo. “If your business here is all your + own, I don't want to spy on you.” + </p> + <p> + He went back to question the captain of the tug for information in regard + to the <i>Ethel and May</i>. + </p> + <p> + “She's in Limeport,” reported the captain, elbows on his window-sill. + “Came past her in the inner harbor this morning. You've bit off quite a + chunk here, haven't you? We all thought this storm had sluiced her. Made + quite a stir up and down the water-front when old Can-dage blew along and + reported that she had lived it out.” + </p> + <p> + “Reckon some of the panic boys are talking in another key about the + prospects out here, about now, aren't they?” + </p> + <p> + “Ain't so sure about that, sir,” stated the towboat man, loafing into an + easier attitude. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't there a feeling on shore that we are likely to make good on this + proposition?” There was solicitude in Mayo's voice. He was acutely + anxious. On the sentiment ashore depended Captain Candage's success. + </p> + <p> + “Can't say that I hear of any!” + </p> + <p> + “But the talk must—” + </p> + <p> + “There ain't very much talk—not now. It's generally reckoned that + this packet is a gone goose and folks are talking about something else.” + </p> + <p> + “But she is here—she is upright and fast! She is—” + </p> + <p> + The towboat man was not enough interested to listen to statements + concerning the <i>Conomo's</i> condition. “Look-a-here, son,” he broke in, + “do you think for a minute that this thing wouldn't have been grabbed up + by the real people if there had been any show of a make? I know there + isn't a show!” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” demanded Mayo, with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't I been talking with the representative of one of the biggest + salvaging companies on the Atlantic coast? He's there in Limeport now—was + aboard my tug this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “How does he know?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he does know. That's his business. And everybody in Limeport knows + what he has said. He hasn't been bashful about expressing his opinion.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo leaned over the rail, a baleful light in his eyes indicating what his + own opinions regarding this unknown detractor were, just then. + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to know who this Lord Guess-so is—barking behind honest + men's backs!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Fogg! That's him! Seems to know his business!” + </p> + <p> + “Fogg?” + </p> + <p> + “'Exactly!' That's his great word,” explained the other, grinning. “Some + chap, too, with cigars and language!” + </p> + <p> + “By the gods, now I know who chartered this tug!” he shouted. “What kind + of a fool am I getting to be?” + </p> + <p> + He turned and ran toward the officers' quarters. He leaped into the main + passageway and explored headlong the staterooms. There was no sign of his + visitor. + </p> + <p> + At that moment, in the tumult of his thoughts, he had only a glimmering of + an idea as to what might be the motive of the man's visit. But he was + certain, now, that a wretch who had deliberately wrecked a rival steamer—if + Candage's suspicions were correct—would do almost anything else for + money. + </p> + <p> + A narrow companionway with brass rails led below to the crew's quarters. + Mayo, coming to the head of it, saw the man hurrying to its foot. The + captain grasped the rails and slid down with one swoop. + </p> + <p> + “What in the devil's name are you doing?” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + The intruder grabbed him and threw him to one side, and started up the + companionway. He had dropped the suit-case to seize Mayo, and it bounced + in a way to show that it was empty. + </p> + <p> + Mayo leaped and grasped the other's legs as he was mounting. The man + kicked him ferociously in the breast before the attacker managed to pinion + the legs in his arms. They went down together, rolling over and over. + </p> + <p> + The stranger was stocky and strong, his muscles toughened by a sailor's + activities. Moreover, he seemed to be animated by something more than a + mere grudge or desire to defend himself; he fought with frenzy, beating + his fists into Mayo's face and sides as they rolled. Then he began to + shout. He fairly screamed, struggling to release himself. + </p> + <p> + But his assailant was just as tough and just as desperate, and he had a + younger man's superior agility. The other had forced the fight. Mayo + proposed to hang to him until he discovered the meaning of this peculiar + ferocity. + </p> + <p> + He flipped across his prisoner, clutched him by both ears, and rapped the + man's head so smartly on the deck planks that his victim relaxed, half + unconscious. + </p> + <p> + Then he opened staring eyes. “Let me go! Let me go! I quit. Run for it. + Let me run. We're goners!” he squalled. + </p> + <p> + “Run? Why?” demanded the victor. + </p> + <p> + “Dynamite! I've planted it. The fuse is going.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Below—somewhere. I've forgot. I, can't remember. My mind is gone. + I'm too scared to think. Run!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo jumped up and yanked the man to his feet. “Take me to it!” he + shouted. + </p> + <p> + “There ain't time. I guessed at the fuse—it may burn quicker than I + reckoned.” + </p> + <p> + The young man drove his fist into the other's face and knocked him down. + Then he jerked him upright again. + </p> + <p> + “Take me where you've planted that dynamite or we'll stay here and go up + together. And now you know I mean what I say.” + </p> + <p> + The last blow had cowed his man; he raised his fist again. + </p> + <p> + The visitor leaped away from him and ran along the lower deck, Mayo at his + heels. He led the way aft. In the gloom of betweendecks there gleamed a + red spark. Mayo rushed to it, whipped off his cap, and snuffed the baleful + glow. When he was sure that the fuse was dead he heard his man scrambling + up the companion ladder. He pursued and caught the quarry as he gained the + upper deck, and buffeted the man about the ears and forced him into a + stateroom. + </p> + <p> + “This means state prison for you! You were guilty of barratry before, and + you know it! How did you dare to try this last trick?” + </p> + <p> + “I had my orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Orders from what man?” + </p> + <p> + “No matter. You needn't ask. I won't tell.” The stranger was sullen, and + had recovered some of his assurance, now that his fear of the dynamite was + removed. + </p> + <p> + “You're a lunatic. You ought to have known you couldn't pull off a thing + of this kind.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know about that! It was working pretty slick. If she had split + and gone off these ledges, you couldn't have proved anything special. I've + got good backing. You better let me go.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo glared at him, deprived of speech by this effrontrery. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better come over with the big fellows,” advised the man. “I can + tell you right now that every hole in Limeport has been plugged against + you. You can't hire equipment there, or get a cent's credit. It has all + been nicely attended to. You're here fooling with a dead duck. You'd be + better off if that dynamite had been let alone to split her.” + </p> + <p> + The entire uselessness of words in a situation like this, the inadequacy + of speech to meet such brazen boldness, checked Mayo's oath-peppered + anathema. He pulled the key from the stateroom door and menaced the + prisoner with his fist when the man started to follow him out. + </p> + <p> + “You don't dare to keep me aboard here! Take warning by what they have + already done to you, Mayo! I'm sure of my backing.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll have a chance to use it!” retorted the young man. He dodged out + and locked the stateroom door. + </p> + <p> + “Your passenger is not going back with you, sir,” he called down over the + rail to the towboat captain. + </p> + <p> + “I take my orders from him.” + </p> + <p> + “You are taking them from me now. Cast off!”. + </p> + <p> + “Look here—” + </p> + <p> + “I mean what I say, sir. That man you brought out here is going to stay + till I can put him into the hands of the police.” + </p> + <p> + “What has he done?” + </p> + <p> + “The less you know about the matter the better it will be for yourself and + your boat! You tell the man who chartered your tug—” + </p> + <p> + “You have him aboard, there!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo looked straight into the towboat man's eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You tell Mr. Fogg, who chartered your tug, that I have his man under lock + and key and that the more riot he starts over the matter the better I will + be satisfied. And don't bring any more passengers out here unless they are + police officers.” Then he roared in his master-mariner tones: “Cast off + your lines, sir. You know what the admiralty law is!” + </p> + <p> + The captain nodded, closed his pilot-house window, and clanged his bell. + Mayo knew by his mystified air that he was not wholly in the confidence of + his passenger and his employer. + </p> + <p> + This bungling, barefaced attempt to destroy the steamer touched Mayo's + pride as deeply as it stirred his wrath. Fogg evidently viewed the + pretensions of the new ownership with contempt. He must have belief in his + own power to ruin and to escape consequences, pondered the young man. He + had put Mayo and his humble associates on the plane of the ordinary + piratical wreckers of the coast-men who grabbed without law or right, who + must be prepared to fight other pirates of the same ilk, and whose affairs + could have no standing in a court of law. + </p> + <p> + Even more disquieting were the statements that the avenues of credit + ashore had been closed. Malicious assertions could ruin the project more + effectually than could dynamite. But now that the <i>Conomo</i> had + withstood the battering of a gale and bulked large on the reef, a visible + pledge of value, it did seem that Captain Candage must be able to find + somebody who would back them. + </p> + <p> + For two days Mayo waited with much impatience, he and his men doing such + preliminary work as offered itself. + </p> + <p> + He expected that Fogg would send a relief expedition, but his + apprehensions bore no fruit. His prisoner was sourly reticent and by the + few words he did drop seemed to console himself with the certainty that + retribution awaited Mayo. + </p> + <p> + On the third day came the schooner. She came listlessly, under a light + wind, and her limp sails seemed to express discouragement and + disappointment. Mayo, gazing across to her as she approached, received + that impression, in spite of his hopes. He got a glimpse of Captain + Candage's face as he came to the steamer's side in his dory, and his fears + were confirmed. + </p> + <p> + “'Tain't no use,” was the skipper's laconic report as he swung up the + ladder. + </p> + <p> + “You mean to say you didn't get a rise out of anybody?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing doing nowhere. There's a fat man named Fogg in Limeport, and he + is spreading talk that we 'ain't got law or prospects. Got a few men to + listen to me, but they shooed me off when they found that we wouldn't take + 'em in and give 'em all the profits. Went to Maquoit and tried to get + Deacon Rowley into the thing—and when I go and beg favors of Deacon + Rowley, you can imagine how desperate I am. He's a cash-down fellow—you + have found that out.” + </p> + <p> + “But couldn't you show him that this is the best gamble on the coast?” + </p> + <p> + “He ain't a gambler; he's a sure-thing operator. And when he knew that we + had put in all our cash, he threatened to take the schooner away from us + unless we go back to fishing and 'be sensible'—that's the way he put + it. So then him and me had that postponed row.” + </p> + <p> + “But look at her,” pleaded Mayo, waving his hand, “Ice off her, sound in + all her rivets after her beating. If we could get the right men out here + now—” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't confident, myself, no more,” stated Captain Candage, running an + eye of disfavor over their property. “If ye get out here away from + level-headed business men and dream about what might happen, you can fool + yourself. I can see how it is with you. But I've been ashore, and I've got + it put to me good and plenty. I did think of one way of getting some + money, but I come to my senses and give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “Getting money—how?” + </p> + <p> + “No matter. I'd cut off both hands before I'd let them hands take that + money for a desp'rit thing like this. Let's sell her for scrap to the + first man who'll take her—and then mind our own business and go + fishing.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you take your turn aboard here and let me go ashore?” + </p> + <p> + “There ain't no sense in us wasting more time.” + </p> + <p> + “I've done my trick here, Captain Candage, and it has been a good one. I + only ask you to take your trick, as a shipmate should. Keep a dozen of the + men here with you. There's plenty of grub. Stand off all comers till I get + back.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Make a man's try, sir, before I let 'em dump us. We can always go + fishing. But there's only one<i> Conomo</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll stay. It's only fair to you to have your chance ashore. And I've got + an almighty good rifle aboard that schooner,” stated the skipper. “Send it + to me by one of the men.” + </p> + <p> + “You may need it,” stated Captain Mayo, with grim set to his jaw. “You + come with me. I want to show you a bird that flew aboard here the other + day.” + </p> + <p> + Outside the stateroom door he halted Captain Candage, who was following on + his heels, taking Mayo's statement literally, and showing only mild + interest. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Candage, your man, Art Simpson, is in this stateroom. He came out + here on a tug with a bag of dynamite, and intended to blow up this wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Gawd-a-mighty, ain't they going to stop at anything?” croaked the old + skipper. + </p> + <p> + “It's about time for us to find out how much of this is reckless + devilishness on the part of hired men and how much the big men really know + of what is being done on this coast, sir. And that's why I'm holding this + man Simpson.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me at him!” pleaded Candage. “I'll crack his shell for him! I'll get + at his meat!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo unlocked the door and walked in. + </p> + <p> + “Simpson, you—” bawled the old skipper, and then halted in + confusion, his mouth wide open. + </p> + <p> + “This ain't Art Simpson!” he declared, after amazed survey of the + glowering stranger. “Who be ye?” + </p> + <p> + “None of your infernal business! When you do know who I am you'll discover + that you have a tough proposition on your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “We realize that already, without knowing your name,” retorted Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not worrying; it's for you to do the worrying! I have given you your + warning! Now take what's coming to you from the men who are behind me.” + </p> + <p> + “What's your name—that's what I've asked you?” demanded Candage. + </p> + <p> + “None of your business—that's what I have told you.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll get some light on that subject after I have you on shore,” said + Mayo. “Come on! You're going!” + </p> + <p> + “Sooner the better!” agreed the stranger. “I'll relish seeing you get + yours!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo wasted no time. He sent his prisoner down the ladder to the dory + ahead of him, and put out his hand to the old skipper. + </p> + <p> + “If I can't do better I'll take that devil, whoever he is, by the heels, + and bat out the brains of the other pirates.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon that they'll back down when they, see that you've caught him + foul,” stated the skipper, consolingly. “I've got a lot of confidence in + your grit, sir. But I must say it's a terrible tricky gang we're up + against, so it seems to me.” + </p> + <p> + “This may be just the right string for us to pull,” returned Mayo; + “there's no pleading with them, but we may be able to scare 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I'm too much inclined to look on the dark side,” confessed + Captain Candage. “You're going to find 'em all agin' ye ashore, sir. But + the last words my Polly tells me to say to you was to keep up your courage + and not to mind my growling. She thinks We have got a sure thing here—and + that shows how little a girl knows about men's work!” + </p> + <p> + And yet, that one little message of good cheer from the main so comforted + Mayo that he went on his way with the whimsical thought that girls who + knew just the right time to give a pat and bestow a smile did understand + man's work mighty well. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVIII ~ GIRL'S HELP AND MAN'S WORK + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We know the tricks of wind and tide + That make and mean disaster, + And balk 'em, too, the Wren and me, + Off on the Old Man's Pastur'. + Day out and in the blackfish there + Go wabbling out and under, + And nights we watch the coasters creep + From light to light in yonder. + —The Skipper. +</pre> + <p> + It was the period of January calms—that lull between the tempest + ravings of the equinoxes, and the <i>Ethel and May</i> made slow time of + it on her return to the main. In Mayo's mood of anxious impatience, hope + in his affairs was as baffling as the winds in the little schooner's + sails. + </p> + <p> + His passenger sat on the rail and gave the pacing captain occasional + glances in which irony and sullenness were mingled. + </p> + <p> + “So you're going to put me into court, eh?” he inquired, when at last they + drifted past the end of the breakwater at Limeport. “Well, that will give + you a good excuse for throwing up your work on that wreck.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo kept on walking and did not reply. He had been pondering on the + question of what to do with this new “elephant” on his hands. In a way, + this stranger was an unwieldy proposition to handle in conjunction with + the problem of the <i>Conomo</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Just understand that I don't give a hoot in a scuttlebutt if you do turn + me over to the police,” pursued the man. “I'm going to be taken care of. + So will you! You'll be tied up! Courts like to have chief witnesses attend + strictly to the job.” + </p> + <p> + The young man had only a sailor's vague knowledge of the procedure of + courts of law; but that knowledge and considerable hearsay had convinced + him that law was lagging, exacting, and overbearing. + </p> + <p> + All his time, his best efforts, his presence were needed in the gigantic + task he had undertaken at Razee. To allow himself to be mired in a law + scrape together with this person, even in criminal prosecution of the man, + surely meant delay, along with repeated interruption of his work, if not + its abandonment for a time. + </p> + <p> + “Where's your boss?” he demanded, stopping in front of the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Name, please?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't try to bluff me. Fogg, I mean!” + </p> + <p> + “You'll probably find Mr. Fogg at the Nicholas Hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to walk you up there. If you try to run away—” + </p> + <p> + “Run your Aunt Huldah! Piff, son! Now you're showing sense. Take me to Mr. + Fogg. You'll be shown a few things.” + </p> + <p> + They had no difficulty in finding Mr. Fogg. He was in front of the fire in + the office of the Nicholas, toasting his back and warming his slowly + fanning palms, and talking to a group of men. + </p> + <p> + He affected non-recognition of Mayo when the young man asked, brusquely, + if he might see him in private. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir. And your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger, following up the stairs with Mayo, nudged his companion. + </p> + <p> + “He's a wonder! 'And your friend?'” he quoted with a chuckle. “No coarse + work about that!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo had firmly decided in his mind that his present business was the only + matter he would discuss with Fletcher Fogg. Even though the just wrath of + an innocent man, ruined and persecuted, prompted him to assail this smug + trickster with tongue, and even with fists, he bound himself by mental + promise to wait until he had proofs other than vague words and his own + convictions. + </p> + <p> + “And now—” invited Fogg, when he had closed the door of his room, + waiting tmtil his callers had entered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, <i>now!</i>” blurted Captain Mayo. “Not <i>then</i>, Mr. Fogg! We'll + have that settled later, when I make you pay for what you did to me. This + man here, you know him, of course! He tried to dynamite the <i>Conomo</i>. + I caught him in the act. He is your man. He has made his boasts that he + would be protected.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg turned a cold stare upon the man's appreciative grin. + </p> + <p> + “I never saw this person before, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I know better!” Mayo leaped to a conclusion, and bluffed. “I can prove by + men here in this city that you have been talking with him.” + </p> + <p> + “He may have been one of the persons who came to me asking for work on the + wreck, providing my concern decided to salvage. But we concluded not to + undertake the work, and I paid no attention to him. As far as any memory + of mine is concerned, I never saw him before, I say.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't represent any salvage company,” insisted Mayo. “You have come + here to interfere with anybody who tries to salvage that steamer.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your business with me, sir? Get somewhere!” + </p> + <p> + “I have come to show you this man. If you'll keep your hands off my + affairs, shut your mouth, and stop telling men here that the plan to + salvage is hopeless, I'll turn this man over to you. You know what I ought + to do to you right here and now, Fogg,” he cried, savagely. “But I'm not + going to bother—not now. I'm here to trade with you on this one + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not interested.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall take this man to the police station and lodge my complaint. + When criminal prosecution starts you'll see what happens to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Go as far as you like,” consented Mr. Fogg, listlessly. “You can't make + me responsible for the acts of a person I don't know from Adam.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your last word?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course it is!” snapped the promoter. “You must be a lunatic to think + anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. May I use your telephone to call the police?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” Mr. Fogg lighted a cigar and picked up a newspaper. + </p> + <p> + “Just a moment before you use that 'phone,” objected the third member of + the party. “I want an understanding. You please step out of the room, + Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay where you are,” commanded Fogg. “I'll give no chance for any + underhand work.” He scowled when the prisoner winked at him. “This looks + to me like a put-up job between you two.” + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing put up between us,” declared the man. “There'd better be + something put up between <i>you</i> two. The thing can go about so far, + where I'm concerned, and no farther. I want an understanding, I say!” + </p> + <p> + Fogg slapped open the pages of his newspaper. + </p> + <p> + “I have made my talk,” said Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “By gad, I'm not going to jail—not for anybody!” + </p> + <p> + Fogg removed his eye-glasses and gave the man a full, unblinking stare. + </p> + <p> + “Did you try to dynamite that wreck?” + </p> + <p> + “Is that orders—orders to talk right out?” + </p> + <p> + “Orders? I don't know what you mean, sir. I have asked you a plain + question.” + </p> + <p> + “And you want an answer?” + </p> + <p> + “Naturally.” + </p> + <p> + “What I tried to do didn't work—he was too quick for me. There, now, + get together! He has made you a fair offer, Mr. Fogg. There's no need of + my going to jail. I won't go!” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to go, for what you did!” commented Fogg, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “No, for what he didn't do—from your standpoint,” suggested Captain + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “And you have been boasting, eh?” Fogg kept up his disconcerting stare, + with fishy eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't going to let men walk over me and wipe their feet on me when I'm + obeying orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Orders from whom, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Condemn it all, orders from men who can protect me by saying one word! I + ain't going to stand all this riddle-come-ree business! Flat down, now, + Mr. Fogg, what say?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word! If what this fellow says is true, you ought to be in jail.” + </p> + <p> + “The advice is good. He'll be there very soon,” declared Mayo, starting + for the telephone. Fogg replaced his eye-glasses and began to read. + </p> + <p> + “I'm ready to blow up!” warned the man. He hurried across the room and + guarded the telephone with outspread arms. + </p> + <p> + “Both of you will be sorry if the police are called,” he cried. To Mayo, + who was close to him, he mumbled, “Damn him, if he dumps me like this + you're going to be the winner!” + </p> + <p> + There was so much reality in the man's rancor that Mayo was impressed and + seized upon the idea which came to him. + </p> + <p> + “We'll test your friend,” he whispered, clutching the man, and making + pretense of a struggle. “I'll fake a call. Keep wrestling.” + </p> + <p> + Fogg gave only indifferent attention to the affair in the corner of the + room. + </p> + <p> + With one hand holding down the receiver-arm Mayo called; he was pushed + about violently, but managed to say: “Desk? Call police to hotel—lobby—at + once!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Fogg,” pleaded the man, giving Mayo an understanding nudge with his + elbow, “ain't you going to give me a chance for a private talk?” + </p> + <p> + “If you ever speak to me or try to see me again I'll have you arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “But you're dumping me.” + </p> + <p> + “Get out of this room, both of you! I don't want the police up here.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo clapped hand on his prisoner's shoulder and pushed him out. + </p> + <p> + “Go down-stairs slow,” protested the man. “He is bound to come out and + call me back! He's got to! He doesn't dare to dump me!” + </p> + <p> + “He dares to do anything,” stated Mayo, bitterly, “including what he did + to me and the <i>Montana</i>. I suppose you read about it—everybody + else did.” + </p> + <p> + They walked leisurely, but Mr. Fogg's door remained closed. They waited in + the office of the hotel. He did not appear. + </p> + <p> + “By Judas!” rasped the man, “another two-spot torn up and thrown into the + discard along with you! And I helped 'em do it to you! I'm coming across, + Mayo! That telephone business was a mighty friendly trick to help me force + him. I appreciate it! I was on board the <i>Montana</i> that night you and + she got yours! My name is Burkett—Oliver. I was there, though you + didn't see me.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard you were there, afterward,” stated Captain Mayo, grimly. “Captain + Wass mentioned you!” + </p> + <p> + “And probably didn't give me much of a reputation. I can't help that! You + needn't put one bit more trust in me, Captain Mayo, than you want to. I + don't ask you to have any respect for me. But I want to tell you that when + a man promises to back me and then turns round and dumps me so as to cover + his own tracks, he will get his if I'm able to hand it to him! I'm + generally dirty. I'm especially dirty in a case like that!” + </p> + <p> + “If you show me any favors, Mr. Burkett, I suppose I'll have to depend on + your spite against Fogg instead of your affection for me. You see, I'm + perfectly frank. But I have been fooled too much to place any trust in + anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't ask you to trust me. I know how the <i>Montana</i> job was done. + I'm not going to tell you right now. I'm going to make sure that I have + been thrown down by Fogg. And if I have been—if he means it—I'm + going to use you so that I can get back at him, no matter how much it + helps you. I can be pretty frank myself, you understand!” + </p> + <p> + They were silent and looked at each other. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” inquired Burkett, sourly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what?” asked Mayo, with as little show of liking. + </p> + <p> + “What about this police business—about your complaint against me?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to say anything about the case! You're free, as far as I'm + concerned. I am ashore here to make a raise of money or credit. I can't + spend any time in court, bothering with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon you got your satisfaction out of that beating-up you gave me. I + rather began to like you after that,” said Burkett, pulling one corner of + his mouth into a grin that was a grimace. “I'm going to stay at this + hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Fogg will see that our affair just now was a bluff. He will have you into + camp once more.” + </p> + <p> + “You've got to take your chances on it, Mayo. What do you say?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take my chances.” + </p> + <p> + “By gad! sir, you're a square chap, and I'm not meeting many of that sort + in these days! Let this thing hang. Before you leave the city, slip word + to me here. I'll tell you the news!” + </p> + <p> + With that understanding they parted. + </p> + <p> + Three days later, acknowledging to himself that he was a thoroughly beaten + young man, Mayo walked into the Nicholas Hotel. He had been unable to + secure either encouragement, money, or credit. There were parties who + would back him in any attempt to junk the <i>Conomo</i>; but his + proposition to raise her with the aid of the tribe of Hue and Cry made his + project look like a huge joke and stirred hearty amusement all along the + water-front. Everywhere he found proof of Fogg's neat work of + discouragement. If a real salvaging company had turned the scheme down as + impracticable, how could penniless amateurs hope? It was conceded in + business and financial circles that they hoped because they were amateurs. + </p> + <p> + Mayo's outlook on his own strictly personal affairs was as dismal as his + view of the Razee project in which his associates were concerned. He went + to the hotel merely because he had promised Burkett that he would notify + that modern buccaneer regarding any intended departure. He despondently + reflected that if Fogg and Burkett had agreed again, the combination + against him still existed. If they were persistently on the outs, Burkett + was merely a discredited agent whose word, without proofs, could be as + easily brushed away as his connection with Fogg in the' matter of the <i>Conomo</i>. + In fact, so Mayo pondered, he might find association with Burkett + dangerous, because demands for consideration can be twisted into semblance + of blackmail by able lawyers. He entertained so few hopes in regard to any + assistance from Burkett that he was rather relieved to discover that the + man was no longer a guest at the hotel. + </p> + <p> + “Has he left town?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there's no secret about the thing,” explained the clerk. “Mr. + Fogg had the man arrested yesterday, for threatening words and actions. + Something of that sort. Anyway, he is in jail and must give bonds to keep + the peace.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo's flagging interest in the possibilities of Burkett as an aid in his + affairs was a bit quickened by that piece of news, and he hurried up to + the jail. If ever a captured and fractious bird of passage was beating + wings against his cage's bars in fury and despair, Mr. Burkett was doing + it with vigor. Mayo, admitted as a friend who might aid in quelling the + disturbance that was making the deafened jailers and noise-maddened + prisoners regret the presence of Mr. Burkett, found the man clinging to + the iron rods and kicking his foot against them. + </p> + <p> + “It's the last thing he did before he left town, this what he has done to + me. I can't give bonds. I don't know anybody in this city,” raved the + prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid that I don't know the folks here very well, judging from my + experiences trying to raise money,” stated Captain Mayo, after he had + quieted Burkett. “But I'll go out and see what I can do.” + </p> + <p> + After some pleading he induced a fish wholesaler to go to the jail with + him and inspect Burkett as a risk in the matter of bonds. Mr. Burkett, + being a man of guile, controlled his wrath and offered a presentable guise + of mildness. + </p> + <p> + “But how am I going to know that he won't be hunting this enemy up as soon + as I give bonds?” asked the fishman. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Mayo is tackling a job of wrecking, offcoast,” said Burkett, “and + I'm out of work just now and will go with him. I'll be a safe risk, all + right, out there.” + </p> + <p> + “Does that go with you, Captain Mayo?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + After the matter of bonds had been arranged before the commissioner, and + when Burkett walked down the street with Mayo, the latter stopped on a + corner. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have to leave you here, Burkett. I'm going aboard the schooner. + We're sailing.” + </p> + <p> + “But how about your taking me?” + </p> + <p> + “I was willing to help you lie that much, Burkett. I knew you did not + intend to go with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to put you in bad with anybody after this, Captain Mayo. I + need to keep away for a time where I won't be in danger of seeing Fletcher + Fogg. If I meet him while I'm frothing like this, I'll kill him, even if + it means the chair. Give me a lay aboard that steamer, no matter how bad + your prospects are, and I'll be square with you. That's my man's word to + you. I realize it isn't much of a word in your estimation—but there + are some promises I can keep. I propose to help you get back at Fogg and + his gang. That's reason enough for what I'm doing,” he pleaded, earnestly. + “You ought to see that yourself. I'm just as good a man with machinery as + I am in the pilot-house. I won't set you back any!” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Mr. Burkett, come along,” agreed Mayo, curtly, without + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + There was a fair wind for their departure and Mayo headed the schooner for + Maquoit. The few words which Captain Candage had dropped in regard to + Rowley's state of mind worried Mayo. His little edifice of hope was + tottering to a fall, but the loss of the <i>Ethel and May</i> meant the + last push and utter ruin. He decided that he was in honor bound to + preserve the schooner for the uses of the men of Hue and Cry, even if it + meant abandonment of the <i>Conomo</i> and going back to fishing. Without + that craft they would be paupers once more. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Ethel and May</i> sneaked her way into Maquoit harbor—if a + schooner can be said to sneak. A breeze at nightfall fanned her along, and + when her killick went down, the rusty chain groaned querulously from her + hawse-hole. + </p> + <p> + Mayo rowed ashore and toiled his way up the little street to the widow's + cottage. He was ashamed to meet Polly Candage—ashamed with the + feelings of a strong man who has put out every effort and has failed. But, + somehow, he wanted to feel that sisterly grip of her hand and look down + into those encouraging gray eyes. He remembered that in times past she had + soothed and stimulated him. This time he did not come to her expecting to + get new courage for further effort; he had exhausted all resources, he + told himself. But in his bitter humiliation he needed the companionship of + a true friend—yes, he felt, almost, that she was now the only friend + he had left. His experiences with those whom he had before looked on as + friends had made him feel that he stood alone. + </p> + <p> + She came running to him in the little parlor, her hands outstretched and + her face alight. + </p> + <p> + He felt at first sight of her, and his face flushed at thought of his + weakness, that he wanted to put his head on her shoulder and weep. + </p> + <p> + “You poor boy, things have not been going well!” + </p> + <p> + He choked, for the caress in her tones touched his heart. He patted her + hands, and she sat down beside him on the old haircloth sofa. + </p> + <p> + “I've had a terrible week of it, Polly.” + </p> + <p> + Her sweet smile did not waver. The gray eyes stared straight into his. + </p> + <p> + “I have talked to 'em till my mouth has been parched and my tongue sore, + and God knows my heart is sore. All they do is look at me and shake their + heads. I thought I had friends alongshore—men who believed in me—men + who would take my word and help me. I'll never be fooled again by the + fellows who pat you on the back in sunny weather, and won't lend you an + umbrella when it rains unless you'll leave your watch with 'em for + security. And speaking of the watch,” he went on, smiling wistfully, for + her mere presence and her unspoken sympathy had begun to cheer him, + “reminds me why I'm here in Maquoit. Oh yes,” he put in, hastily, catching + a queer look of disappointment on her face, “I did want to see you. I + looked forward to seeing you after all the others had turned their backs + on me. There's something wonderfully comforting in your face, Polly, when + you just look at me. You don't have to say a word.” + </p> + <p> + “I do thank you, Boyd.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear that Rowley is getting uneasy about his schooner—wants to + take it away from us. So I have sold my watch and all the other bits of + personal things I could turn into cash, and am here to give him the money + and tell him we're going back to fishing again.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll give up the steamer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—and hopes and prospects and all. I've got to.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you could win!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll stay down where I belong. I won't dream any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't give up.” + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing else to do. We poor devils need something besides our + bare hands.” + </p> + <p> + The girl struggled mightily with her next question, but he did not note + her emotions, for his elbows were on his knees and he was staring at the + rag carpet. + </p> + <p> + “Will it cost a lot of money for what you want to do on the steamer?” + </p> + <p> + “We may need a lot before we can do it all. But I have been sitting up + nights planning the thing, Polly. I have gone over and over it. When I was + on board the steamer waiting for your father, I examined her as best I + could.. If I had a little money, I could make a start, and after I + started, and could show the doubters what could be done, I could raise + more money then. I am sure of it. Of course the first investment is the + most dangerous gamble, and that's why everybody is shy. But I believe my + scheme would work, though I can't seem to get anybody else to believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will I understand if you'll tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “I'd get a diver's outfit and material, and build bulk-heads in her, both + sides of the hole in her bottom. Then I'd have an engine and pumps, and + show that I could get the water out of her, or enough of it so that she'd + float.” + </p> + <p> + “But the big hole, you wouldn't mend that?” + </p> + <p> + “I think we could brace the bulkheads so that we could hold the water out + of both ends of her and let the main hole in her alone.” + </p> + <p> + “And she wouldn't sink?” + </p> + <p> + He was patient with the girl's unwisdom in the ways of the sea. + </p> + <p> + “Since you've been here at Maquoit, Polly, you have seen the + lobster-smacks with what they call 'wells' in them. All amidships is full + of water, you know—comes in through holes bored in the hull—fresh + sea-water that swashes in and out and keeps the lobsters alive till they + get to market. But the vessel is tight at both ends, and she floats. Well, + that's what I plan to do with the Conomo. With a few thousand dollars I'm + sure I can make enough of a start so I can show 'em the rest can be done.” + He promptly lost the bit of enthusiasm he had shown while he was + explaining. He began his gloomy survey of the carpet once more. “But it's + no use. Nobody will listen to a man who wants to borrow money on a wild + hope.” + </p> + <p> + She was silent a long time, and gazed at him, and he did not realize that + he was the object of such intent regard. Several times she opened her + mouth and seemed about to address him eagerly, for her eyes were brilliant + and her cheeks were flushed. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had the money to lend you,” she ventured, at last. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I wouldn't take it—not from a girl, Polly. No, indeed! This is + a gamble for men—not an investment for the widow and orphan,” he + declared, smiling at her. “I believe in it; that's because I'm desperate + and need to win. It's for a big reason, Polly!” + </p> + <p> + She turned her face away and grew pale. She flushed at his next words: + </p> + <p> + “The biggest thing in the world to me is getting that steamer off Razee + and showing that infernal Marston and all his 'longcoast gang that I'm no + four-flusher. I've got it in for 'em!” + </p> + <p> + He patted the hands she clasped on her knees, and he did not notice that + she was locking her fingers so tightly that they were almost bloodless. He + rose and started for the door. + </p> + <p> + “I'll go and pacify Rowley to-night, and be ready for an early start.” + </p> + <p> + “Boyd,” she pleaded, “will you do me a little favor?” + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly, Polly.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till to-morrow morning for your business with Mr. Rowley.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” He looked at her with considerable surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Because—well, because you are a bit unstrung, and are tired, and + you and he might have words, and you might not use your cool judgment if + he should be short with you. You know you are a little at odds with all + the world just now!” She spoke nervously and smiled wistfully. “I would be + sorry to have you quarrel with Mr. Rowley because—well, father is a + partner, and has already had words with him. Please wait till morning. You + must not lose the schooner!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm too far down and out to dare to quarrel with Rowley, but I'll do as + you say, Polly. Good night.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a good boy to obey a girl's whim. Good night.” + </p> + <p> + The moment his foot was off the last step of the porch she hurried to her + room in the cottage and secured a little packet from her portfolio. + </p> + <p> + She heard the thud of his dory oars as she walked down the street. She was + glad to know that he was safely out of the way. + </p> + <p> + Rowley's dingy windows shed a dim blur upon the frosty night. It was near + time for him to close his store, and when she entered he was turning out + the loafers who had been cuddling close to his barrel stove. + </p> + <p> + After a few moments of waiting the girl was alone with him. + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't want to buy anything, Mr. Rowley. I need your help. I ask you + to help me to do a good deed.” + </p> + <p> + He pulled his spectacles to the end of his nose and stared at her + doubtfully and with curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “If it's about the schooner, I'd rather do business with men-folks,” he + said. + </p> + <p> + “This is business that only you and I can do, and it must be a secret + between us. Will you please glance at this bank-book?” + </p> + <p> + He licked a thin finger and turned the leaves. + </p> + <p> + “Deposit of five thousand dollars and accrued interest,” he observed, + resuming his inquisitive inspection of her animated countenance. + </p> + <p> + “My mother's sister left me that legacy. It's all my little fortune, sir. + I want to loan that money to my father and Captain Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go ahead, if you're fool enough to. I ain't your guardeen,” + assented Deacon Rowley, holding the book out to her. “But I advise you to + keep your money. I know all about their foolishness.” + </p> + <p> + “My father wouldn't take it from me—and Captain Mayo wouldn't, + either.” + </p> + <p> + “That shows they ain't rogues on top of being fools.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have faith that they can succeed and make a lot of money if they + get a start,” she insisted. “I see you do not understand, sir, what I need + of you. I want you to lend them that money, just as if it came from you. + I'll give you the book and a writing, and you can draw it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't you help a girl who needs help so much? You're a Christian man, you + say.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just why I can't lie about this money. I'll have to tell 'em I'm + lending it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be lending it.” + </p> + <p> + “How's that, miss?” + </p> + <p> + “For your trouble in the matter I'll let you collect the interest for + yourself at six per cent. Oh, Deacon Rowley, all you need to do is hand + over the money, and say you prefer not to talk about it. You're a smart + business man; you'll know what to say without speaking a falsehood. You'll + break my heart if you refuse. Think! You're only helping me to help my own + father. He has foolish notions about this. You can say you'll let them + have it for a year, and you'll get three hundred dollars interest for your + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe they'll ever make enough to pay the interest—much + less the principal.” + </p> + <p> + “Give them five thousand dollars and draw a year's interest for yourself + out of my interest that has accrued.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, how old be you?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll be twenty-two in June.” + </p> + <p> + Deacon Rowley looked at her calculatingly, fingering his nose. + </p> + <p> + “Being of age, you ought to know better, but being of age, you can do what + you want to with your own. Do you promise never to let on to anybody about + this?” + </p> + <p> + “I do promise, solemnly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you sign some papers when I get 'em drawn up, and I'll hand 'em the + money; but look-a-here, if I go chasing 'em with five thousand dollars, + I'll have 'em suspecting that I'm crazy, or something worse. It ain't like + Rufus Rowley to do a thing of this sort with his money.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” she confessed, softening her frank agreement with an + ingenuous smile. “But Captain Mayo is coming to you to-morrow morning on + business about the schooner, and you can put the matter to him in some + way. Oh, I know you're so keen and smart you can do it without his + suspecting a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether you're complimenting me or sassing me, miss. But + I'll see it through, somehow.” + </p> + <p> + She signed the papers giving him power of attorney, left her bank-book + with him, and went away into the night, her face radiant. + </p> + <p> + She threw a happy kiss at the dim anchor light which marked the location + of the <i>Ethel and May</i> in the harbor. + </p> + <p> + “I am helping you get the girl you love,” she said, aloud. + </p> + <p> + She went on toward the widow's cottage. Her head was erect, but there were + tears on her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIX ~ THE TOILERS OF OLD RAZEE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hurrah! Hurrah! for Yankee wit. + Hurrah! Hurrah! for Cape Ann grit. + It's pluck and dash that's sure to win—“The <i>Horton's</i> in! + The <i>Horton's</i> in!” + —Old Locality. +</pre> + <p> + Polly Candage, covering her emotions with that mask of demureness which + nature lends to the weaker sex for their protection, received a tumultuous + Mayo next morning in the parlor of the cottage. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how it has happened. I don't understand it,” he exploded. “I + didn't suppose anybody could blast money out of his pocket with dynamite—your + father said it couldn't be done. But Deacon Rowley has loaned us five + thousand dollars. Here's his check on the Limeport First National. Only + charges six per cent. I'm so weak it was all I could do to walk up here.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he say to explain it?” inquired Polly, with maiden's curiosity + in learning to what extent of prevarication a deacon would go in order to + make three hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't say much of anything. Handed out this check, said my indorsement + on it would be enough for a receipt, and said your father and I could sign + a joint note later—sometime—when he got around to it. Have you + heard any rumor that the old fellow is losing his mind? But this check + looks good!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think he's been pondering on the matter since father was here. In + fact, Deacon Rowley has said a few things to me,” said the girl, meeting + Mayo's gaze frankly. “Not much, of course, but something that hinted he + had a lot of confidence in both of you, seeing that you have used him + nicely in the other business he has done with you. Sometimes, you know, + these hard old Yankees take a liking to somebody and do things all of a + sudden.” + </p> + <p> + “This is sudden, all right enough,” stated Mayo, scratching the serrated + edge of the check across his palm as if to make sure it was real and not a + shadow. “Yes, he told me not to mention the note to him till he said + something to us about it himself, and to keep quiet about the loan. Didn't + want others running to him with their schemes.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I were in your place,” advised the girl, “I wouldn't tell father + where you got the money—not for a time. You know, he doesn't get + along so very well with Deacon Rowley—old folks sometimes do quarrel + so—and he might be worried, thinking the deacon had some scheme + behind this. But you don't think that way, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have the money, and he hasn't asked me to sign any papers. There's no + come-back there, far as I can see,” declared the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Now what will you do?” + </p> + <p> + “Rush for Limeport, hire equipment—for I've cash to pay in advance + for any leases—and get to that wreck and on to my job.” + </p> + <p> + “Simply tell father you raised the money—from a friend! If he is + worrying about anything, he doesn't work half as well. I'll ask God to + help and bless you every hour in the day.” + </p> + <p> + “Polly Candage,” cried Mayo, taking her warm, plump hands, “there's + something about you that has put courage and grit and determination in me + ever since you patted my shoulder there in the old Polly. I have been + thinking it over a lot—I had time to think when I was out aboard + that steamer, waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “There's only one girl for you to think about,” she chided. + </p> + <p> + His face clouded. “And it's the kind of thinking that isn't healthy for a + man with a normal mind. Thank the Lord, I've got some real work to think + about now—and the cash to do that work with.” He fondled his pocket. + </p> + <p> + She went with him to the wharf, and when the schooner slid to sea behind + Hue and Cry her white handkerchief gave him final salute and silent + God-speed. + </p> + <p> + Captain Boyd Mayo, back in Limeport once more, was not the cowed, + apologetic, pleading suppliant who had solicited the water-front + machinists and ship-yard owners a few days before. He proffered no checks + for them to look askance at. He pulled a wallet that was plethoric with + new yellowbacks. He showed his money often, and with a purpose. He drove + sharp bargains while he held it in view. He received offers of credit in + places where before he had been denied. Such magic does visible wealth + exert in the dealings between men! + </p> + <p> + He did not come across Fletcher Fogg in Limeport, and he was glad of that. + Somebody informed him that the magnate had gone back to New York. It was + manifest to Mayo that in his contempt Fogg had decided that the salvaging + of the <i>Conomo</i> intact had been relegated to the storehouse of + dreams. His purpose would be suited if she were junked, so the young man + realized. Only the <i>Conomo</i> afloat, a successful pioneer in new + transportation experiments alongcoast, would threaten his vested + interests. + </p> + <p> + There had been wintry winds and intervening calms in the days since Mayo + had been prosecuting his projects ashore. But by word of mouth from + straying fishermen and captains of packets he had been assured that the + steamer still stuck on Razee. + </p> + <p> + And when at last he was equipped he went forth from Limeport; he went + blithely, although he knew that a Titan's job faced him. He kept his own + counsel as to what he proposed to do with the steamer. He even allowed the + water-front gossips to guess, unchallenged, that he was going to junk the + wreck. He was not inviting more of that brazen hostility that + characterized the operations of Fogg and his hirelings. + </p> + <p> + He was at the wheel of a husky lighter which he had chartered; the rest of + the crew he supplied from his own men. The lighter was driven by its own + power, and carried a good pump and a sturdy crane; its decks were loaded + high with coal. The schooner was now merely convoy. It was an all-day trip + to Razee, for the lighter was a slow and clumsy craft, but when Mayo at + last made fast to the side of the <i>Conomo</i> and squealed a shrill + salute with the whistle, the joy he found in Captain Candage's rubicund + countenance made amends for anxiety and delay. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you'd make a go of it, somehow,” vouchsafed the old skipper. “But + who did you have to knock down in a dark place so as to steal his money + off'n him?” + </p> + <p> + “That's private business till we get ready to pay it back, with six per + cent, interest,” stated the young man, bluntly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well. So long as we've got it I don't care where you stole it,” + returned Candage, with great serenity. “I simply know that you didn't get + it from skinflint Rowley, and that's comfort enough for me. Let me tell + you that we haven't been loafing on board here. We rigged that taakul you + see aloft, and jettisoned all the cargo we could get at. It was all + spoiled by the water. There's pretty free space for operations 'midships. + I've got out all her spare cable, and it's ready.” + </p> + <p> + “And you've done a good job there, sir. We've got to make this lighter + fast alongside in such a way that a blow won't wreck her against us. + Spring cables—plenty of them—and we are sailors enough to know + how to moor. But when I think of what amateurs we are in the rest of this + job, cold shivers run over me.” + </p> + <p> + “That Limeport water-front crowd got at you, too, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Candage, I have watched men more or less in this life. It's + sometimes a mighty big handicap for a man to be too wise. While the + awfully wise man sits back and shakes his head and figures prospects and + says it can't be done, the fool rushes in, because he doesn't know any + better, and blunders the job through and wins out. Let's keep on being + fools, good and plenty, but keep busy just the same.” + </p> + <p> + And on that basis the rank amateurs of Razee proceeded with all the grit + that was in them. + </p> + <p> + The men of Hue and Cry had plenty of muscle and little wit. They asked no + questions, they did not look forward gioomily to doubtful prospects. The + same philosophy, or lack of it, that had always made life full of merry + hope when their stomachs were filled, taking no thought of the morrow, + animated them now. Fate had given Mayo and his associate an ideal crew for + that parlous job. It was not a question of union hours and stated wages; + they worked all night just as cheerily as they worked all day. + </p> + <p> + An epic of the sea was lived there on Razee Reef during the weeks that + followed. + </p> + <p> + The task which was wrought out would make a story in itself, far beyond + the confines of such a narrative as this must be. + </p> + <p> + Bitter toil of many days often proved to be a sad mistake, for the men who + wrought there had more courage in endeavor than good understanding of + methods. + </p> + <p> + Then, after disappointment, hope revived, for further effort avoided the + mistakes that had been so costly. + </p> + <p> + The brunt of the toil, the duty of being pioneer, fell on Mayo. + </p> + <p> + He donned a diving-suit and descended into the riven bowels of the wreck + and cleared the way for the others. + </p> + <p> + On deck they built sections of bulkhead, and he went down and groped in + the murky water, and spiked the braces and set those sections and calked + the spaces between bulkhead and hull. + </p> + <p> + There were storms that menaced their lighter and drove the little schooner + to sea in a welter of tempest. + </p> + <p> + There were calms that cheered them with promise of spring. + </p> + <p> + The schooner was the errand-boy that brought supplies and coal from the + main. But the men who went ashore refused to gossip on the water-front, + and the occasional craft that hove to in the vicinity of Razee were not + allowed to land inquisitive persons on the wreck. + </p> + <p> + After many weeks the bulkheads were set and the pumps were started. There + were three crews for these pumps, and their clanking never ceased, day or + night. There was less water in the fore part; her bow was propped high on + the ledges. The progress here was encouraging. + </p> + <p> + Aft, there were disasters. Three times the bulkhead crumpled under the + tremendous pressure of the sea, as soon as the pumps had relieved the + opposing pressure within the hull. Mayo, haggard, unkempt, unshorn, thin + with his vigils, stayed underwater in his diving-dress until he became the + wreck of a man. But at last they built a transverse section that promised + to hold. The pumps began to make gains on the water. As the flood within + was lowered and they could get at the bulkhead more effectively from the + inside, they kept adding to it and strengthening it. + </p> + <p> + And then came the need of more material and more equipment, for the + gigantic job of floating the steamer was still ahead of them. + </p> + <p> + Mayo felt that he had proved his theory and was now in a position to + enlist the capital that would see them through. He could show a hull that + was sound except for the rent amidships—a hull from both ends of + which the trespassing sea was being evicted. With the money that would + furnish buoying lighters and tugs and the massive equipment for floating + her, he felt that he would be able to convert that helpless mass of junk + into a steamer once more—change scrap-iron into an active value of + at least one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + And when he and Captain Candage had arrived at that hopeful and earnest + belief, following days of tremulous watching of the work the pumps were + doing, the young man went again to the main on his momentous errand. + </p> + <p> + As they sailed into Limeport, Mayo was a bit astonished to see green on + the sloping hills. He had been living in a waking dream of mighty toil on + Razee; he had almost forgotten that so many weeks had gone past. + </p> + <p> + When he went ashore in his dory from the schooner, the balmy breath of + spring breathed out to him from budding gardens and the warm breeze fanned + his roughened cheeks. + </p> + <p> + As he had forgotten that spring had come, so had he forgotten about his + personal appearance. He had rushed ashore from a man's job that was now + waiting for him to rush back to it. He did not realize that he looked like + a cave-man—resembled some shaggy, prehistoric human; his mind was + too full of his affairs on Razee. + </p> + <p> + When Captain Mayo strode down the main street of Limeport, it troubled him + not a whit because folks gaped at him and turned to stare after him. He + had torn himself from his gigantic task for only one purpose, and that + idea filled his mind. + </p> + <p> + He was ragged, his hands were swollen, purple, cut, and raw from his + diver's labors, his hair hung upon his collar, and a beard masked his + face. They who thronged the streets were taking advantage of the first + warm days to show their spring finery. The contrast of this rude figure + from the open sea was made all the more striking as he brushed through the + crowds. + </p> + <p> + Here and there he bolted into offices where there were men he knew and + whom he hoped to interest. He had no fat wallet to exhibit to them this + time. He had only his empty, swollen hands and a wild, eager, stammering + story of what he expected to do. They stared at him, many of them + stupidly, some of them frankly incredulous, most of them without + particular interest. He looked like a man who had failed miserably; there + was nothing about him to suggest success. + </p> + <p> + One man put the matter succinctly: “Look here, Mayo, if you came in here, + looking the way you do, and asked me for a quarter to buy a meal with, I'd + think it was perfectly natural, and would slip you the quarter. But not + ten thousand—you don't look the part.” + </p> + <p> + “What have my clothes got to do with it? I haven't time to think about + clothes. I can't wear a plug hat in a diving-suit. I've been working. And + I'm still on the job. The way I look ought to show you that I mean + business.” + </p> + <p> + But they turned him down. In half a dozen offices they listened and shook + their heads or curtly refused to look into the thing. He had not come + ashore to beg for assistance as if it were a favor. He had come feeling + certain that this time he had a valuable thing to offer. His labors had + racked his body, his nerves were on edge, his temper was short. When they + refused to help he cursed them and tore out. That they allowed his + personal appearance to influence their judgment stirred his fury—it + was so unjust to his self-sacrificing devotion to his task. + </p> + <p> + He soon exhausted his circle of acquaintances, but the rebuffs made him + angry instead of despondent. Thrusting rudely past pedestrians who were + polite and sleek, he marched along the street, scowling. + </p> + <p> + And then his eyes fell on a face that gave a fresh stir to all the + bitterness that was in him. + </p> + <p> + He saw Fletcher Fogg standing outside the Nicholas Hotel. The day was + bland, the spring sun was warming, but it was evident that Mr. Fogg was + not basking contentedly; his countenance was fully as gloomy as that of + Captain Mayo, and he chewed on an unlighted cigar and spat snippets of + tobacco over the curb while he pondered. + </p> + <p> + Mayo was not in a mood to reason with his passion. He had just been + battering his pride and persistence up against men whose manner of refusal + showed that they remembered what Fletcher Fogg had said regarding the + prospects of successful floating of the <i>Conomo</i>. There stood the + ponderous pirate, blocking Mayo's way on the sidewalk, just as he had + blocked the young man's prospects in life in the <i>Montana</i> affair—just + as he had closed avenues of credit. Mayo bumped against him and crowded + him back across the sidewalk to the hotel's granite wall. He put his two + raw, swollen hands on Fogg's immaculate waistcoat and shoved salt-stained, + work-worn, and bearded face close. + </p> + <p> + Even then the promoter did not seem to recognize Mayo. He blinked + apprehensively. He looked about as if he intended to summon help. + </p> + <p> + “You don't seem to have your iron wishbone in your pocket this time,” + growled the assailant. He jabbed his thumbs cruelly into Fogg's ribs. + </p> + <p> + “Gad! You're—you're Captain Mayo! I'll be cursed if I knew you till + you spoke!” + </p> + <p> + “I managed to hold myself in the last time you saw me, Fogg. I was + waiting. Now, damn you, I've got you!” + </p> + <p> + He was making reference merely to the physical grip in which he held the + man. But Fogg seemed to find deeper significance in the words. + </p> + <p> + “I know it, Mayo,” he whined. “That's why I'm down here. I have been + wondering about the best way to get to you—to meet you right!” + </p> + <p> + “You got to me all right, you infernal renegade!” + </p> + <p> + “But, see here, Mayo, we can't talk this matter here on the street.” + </p> + <p> + “There isn't going to be any talking!” The meeting-up had been so + unexpected and Mayo's ire was so hasty that the young man had not taken + thought of what he intended to do. His impulse was to beat that fat face + into pulp. He had long before given up all hope that any appeal to Fogg as + a man would help. He expected no consideration, no restitution. + </p> + <p> + “But there must be some talk. I'm here to make it. You have me foul! I + admit it. But listen to reason,” he pleaded. “It isn't going to do you any + good to rave.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to mash your face for you! I'll take the consequences.” + </p> + <p> + “But after you do that, you still have got to talk turkey with me about + those papers.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of his fury, Mayo realized from Fogg's demeanor and his words + that mere fear of a whipping was not producing this humility; there was a + policeman on the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk so loud,” urged Fogg. “Come up to my room where we can be + private.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo hesitated, puzzled by his enemy's attitude. + </p> + <p> + “It's a word from the Old Man himself. He ordered me down here. It's from + Marston!” whispered the promoter. “I'm in a devil of a hole all around, + Mayo.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well! I'll come. I can beat you up in your room more comfortably!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not afraid of the beating! I wish that was all there was to it,” + muttered Fogg. He led the way into the hotel and Mayo followed, getting a + new grip on himself, conscious that there was some new crisis in his + affairs, scenting surrender of some sort in Fogg's astonishing humility. + </p> + <p> + “Will you smoke?” asked Fogg, obsequiously, when they were in the hotel + room. + </p> + <p> + “No!” He refused with venom. He saw himself in one of the long mirrors and + had not realized until then how unkempt and uncouth he was. He was ill at + ease when he sat down in a cushioned chair. For weeks he had been + accustomed to the rude makeshifts of shipboard. In temper and looks he + felt like a cave-man. + </p> + <p> + “I'm in hopes that we can get together on some kind of a friendly basis,” + entreated Fogg, humbly. “Simply fighting the thing over again won't get us + anywhere. I had to do certain things and I did them. You spoke of my iron + wishbone! Now about that <i>Montana</i> matter—” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want any rehearsal, Mr. Fogg. What's your business with me?” + </p> + <p> + “It's hard to start unless I can feel that you'd listen to some + explanations and make some allowances. When a man works for Julius Marston + he has to forget himself and do—” + </p> + <p> + “I have worked for Julius Marston!” + </p> + <p> + “But not in the finance game, Mayo!” There was a tremble in the promoter's + voice. “Men are only shadows to him when it's a matter of big finance. He + gives his orders to have results produced. He doesn't stop to think about + the men concerned. It's the figures on his books he looks at! He uses a + man like he'd use a napkin at table!” + </p> + <p> + “As you used me! You have had good training!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if the trick was passed on down, it's now being passed on up,” + stated Fogg, despondently. “I'm the goat, right now. Can't you view me + personally in this matter?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to. I would get up and use these fists on you, sore as they + are!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid it's going to be a tough matter for us to settle,” sighed the + promoter. “I thought I had everything tied up in the usual way. Damn it, + if it wasn't for a woman being mixed into it, the thing would have worked + out all right!” He let his temper loose. “You can never reckon on business + when a woman sticks in her fingers! I don't care if you are in love with + Marston's daughter, Mayo! She is like a lot of other cursed high-flier + girls who have always had more time and money than is good for them. She + is Trouble swishing petticoats! And you must have considerable of a + mortgage on her, seeing that she has double-crossed her own father in + order to pull your chestnuts out of the fire!” + </p> + <p> + Having not the least idea what Mr. Fogg was talking about, Mayo was + silent. + </p> + <p> + “You're a cool one! I must hand it to you!” snapped the promoter. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better leave the name of Miss Marston out of this business with me, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “How in blazes can I leave it out, seeing what she has done?” + </p> + <p> + And Mayo, not knowing what new outbreak had marked the activities of the + incomprehensible young lady, resumed his grim silence, his own interests + suggesting that watchful waiting would be his best policy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what are you going to say about the papers?” demanded Fogg. “We may + as well get down to cases!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to say anything.” + </p> + <p> + “You've got to say something, Mayo. This is too big a matter to fool with. + If you are reasonable, you can help me fix it up—and that will help + the girl. She's Mar-ston's daughter, all right, and her father understands + how erratic she is and makes allowances for her freaks. But he can't stand + for some things.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment curiosity was more ardent in Mayo than resentment, though + Fogg's tone in regard to Alma Marston did provoke the latter emotion. It + was evident that she had undertaken something in his behalf—had in + some manner sacrificed her father's interests and her own peace of mind in + order to assist the outcast. He wondered why he did not feel more joy when + he heard that news. He remembered her promise to him when they parted, but + he had erected no hopes on that promise. It had not consoled him while he + had been struggling with his problems. He was conscious that his + sentiments in regard to the whole affair were rather complex, and he did + not bother to analyze them; he sat tight and stared at Mr. Fogg with + non-committal blankness of expression. + </p> + <p> + “Have you the papers with you?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” He added, “Of course not!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right. It may be better, providing they are in a safe place. + Now see here, Mayo! I'm not going to work any bluffs with you. I can't, + under the circumstances. I don't know where Burkett went and—” + </p> + <p> + “Burkett is with me on the <i>Conomo</i>. I'm not going to work any bluffs + with you, either, Fogg!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care where he is nor what he has told you. Any allegations from + regular liars and men who have been fired can be taken care of in court, + under the blackmail law. But in the case of those papers it's different. + I'm open and frank with you, Mayo. We have been betrayed from inside the + fort. Through some leak in the office that girl got hold of those papers. + I don't know what your sense of honor is in such matters. I'm not here to + appeal to it. Too much dirt has been done you to have that argument have + any special effect. I'm open and frank, I say!” He spread his hands. + “Probably she didn't half realize what she was doing! But now that you + have the papers, you realize!” + </p> + <p> + Not by a flicker of an eyelid did Mayo betray his total ignorance of what + Fogg referred to. + </p> + <p> + “I want to ask you, man to man,” proceeded the emissary, “whether you + propose to use those papers simply for yourself—to get back—well—you + know!” He waved his hand. “Or are you going to slash right and left with + 'em, for general revenge?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't decided.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a fair question I have asked. So far as you are concerned in + anything which may be in those papers—and that's mostly my own + reports—you will be squared and more, captain. You can have the <i>Triton</i> + with a ten-years' contract as master, contract to be protected by a bond, + your pay two hundred and fifty dollars a month. Of course that trade + includes your reinstatement as a licensed master and the dropping of all + charges in the <i>Montana</i> matter. There is no indictment, and the + witnesses will be taken care of, so that the matter will not come up, + providing you have enemies. This is man's talk, Mayo! You'll have to admit + it!” + </p> + <p> + “There's another thing which must be admitted, Fogg! I have been + disgraced, hounded, and persecuted. The men along this coast, the most of + them, will always believe I made a mistake. You know what that means to a + shipmaster!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fogg wiped the moisture off his cheeks with a purple handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + “You were put in devilish wrong. I admit it. I went too far. That's why + Marston is making me the goat now. I shall be dumped if this matter isn't + straightened out between us!” + </p> + <p> + “I was in this very room one day, Mr. Fogg, and saw how you dumped one + Burkett. You seemed to enjoy doing it. Why shouldn't I have a little + enjoyment of my own?” + </p> + <p> + “I had to dump him. He was a fool. He had bragged. I had to protect + interests as well as myself. But you haven't anything to consider, right + now, but your own profit.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” inquired Mayo, sardonically. “You seem to have me sized up + as one of these mild and forgiving angels.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, look here, Mayo, don't let any fool notions stand in the way of your + making good. It isn't sense; it isn't business! You have something we want + and we're willing to come across for it.” + </p> + <p> + “What other strings are hitched on?” asked the young man, feigning + intractability as his best resource in this puzzling affair. + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course you give up that fool job you're working on. Quit being a + junkman!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not a junkman. We're going to float the Conomo.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayo, talk sense! That job can't be done!” + </p> + <p> + “So you've been telling every outfitter and banking-man in this city, + Fogg! But now you are talking to a man who knows better. And let me say + something else to you. I'll do no business with the kind of a man you have + shown yourself to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a boy, Mayo. I'm here with full powers. We'll take that wreck + off your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Want to kill her as she stands, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “It's our business what we do with her after we pay our money,” declared + Fogg, bridling. + </p> + <p> + “There's something more than business—business with you—in + this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see there is! It's your childish revenge you're looking after. + I'll give you ten thousand dollars to divide among that bunch of paupers. + Send them along about their fishing, and be sensible.” + </p> + <p> + “It's no use for us to talk, Fogg. I see that you don't understand me at + all. You ought to know better than to ask me to sell out myself and my + partners.” He rose and started for the door. + </p> + <p> + “Partners—those paupers?” + </p> + <p> + “They have frozen and sweat, worked and starved, with me out on Razee + Reef, Fogg. They are partners.” + </p> + <p> + “What's your lay? What are the writings?” insisted the promoter, following + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “Not the scratch of a pen. Only man's decency and honor. You and your boss + haven't got money enough to buy—There isn't anything to sell!” + </p> + <p> + “But there are some things we can buy, if it has come to a matter of + blackmail,” raged Fogg. “Are you cheap enough to trade on a foolish girl's + cursed butting into matters she didn't understand? You have been pawing + those papers over. You know what they mean!” + </p> + <p> + Mayo turned and looked at the excited man. + </p> + <p> + “They have nothing to do with you or your affairs, the most of those + papers,” sputtered Fogg. “Mayo, be reasonable. We can't afford to have our + holding companies shown up. The syndicate can get by that infernal Federal + law if we work carefully.” + </p> + <p> + “Otherwise Marston and you and a few others might go to Atlanta, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't too late to send you there.” + </p> + <p> + “You are worrying about those papers, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I'm worrying about them! What do you suppose I'm down here + for?” + </p> + <p> + “You keep on worrying, Mr. Fogg! Come on into the little corner of hell + where I have been for the last few months; the fire is fine!” + </p> + <p> + He yanked open the door and slammed it behind him, shutting off the + promoter's frenzied appeals. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXX ~ THE MATTER OP A MONOGRAM IN WAX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O come list awhile and you soon shall hear. + By the rolling sea lived a maiden fair. + Her father followed the sum-muggling trade + Like a warlike he-ro, + Like a warlike he-ro that never was aff-er-aid! + —The Female Smuggler. +</pre> + <p> + Captain Mayo carried only doubts and discouragement back to the wreck on + Razee. His doubts were mostly concerned with the matter of the documents + which Mr. Fogg was seeking so insistently. Mayo himself had done a little + seeking. He inquired at the post-office, but there was no mail for him. If + no papers had been abstracted from the Marston archives, if this affair + were some new attempt at guile on the part of Fogg, the promoter had + certainly done a masterly bit of acting, Mayo told himself. He determined + to keep his own counsel and wait for developments. + </p> + <p> + Two days later the developments arrived at Razee in the person of Captain + Zoradus Wass, who came a-visiting in a chartered motor-boat. He climbed + the ladder, greeted his <i>protégé</i> with sailor heartiness, and went on + a leisurely tour of inspection. + </p> + <p> + “Something like a tinker's job on an iron kittle, son,” he commented. “You + must have been born with some of the instincts of a plumber. Keep on the + way you're operating and you'll get her off.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll never get her off by operating as I am just now, Captain Wass. We + are standing still. No money, no credit, no grub. I made a raise of five + thousand and have spent it. I don't dare to go to the old skinflint + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, why not try the heiress?” inquired the old skipper. “You know I + have always advised you strong about the heiress.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Captain Wass, I don't want to hear any more jokes on that + subject,” objected the young roan, curtly. + </p> + <p> + “No joke to this,” stated the captain, with serenity. “Let's step into + this stateroom.” He led the way and locked the door. + </p> + <p> + “There's no joke, son,” he repeated, “and I don't like to have you show + any tartness in the matter. Seeing what friends we have been, I ain't + taking it very kindly because you have been so mighty close-mouthed. I'm a + man to be trusted. You made a mistake in not telling me. The thing 'most + fell down between me and her!” + </p> + <p> + He frowned reproachfully at the astonished Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “She came expecting, of course, that I was about your closest friend, and + when I had to own up that you have never mentioned her to me she thought + she had made a mistake in me, and wasn't going to give me the thing!” + </p> + <p> + “What thing, and what are you talking about?” + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass patted his coat pocket. + </p> + <p> + “I convinced her, and it was lucky that I was able to, for it's a matter + where only a close and careful friend ought to be let in. But after this + you mustn't keep any secrets away from me if you expect me to help you. + However, you have shown that you can take good advice when I give it to + you. I advised you to grab Julius Marston's daughter and, by thunder! you + went and done it. Now—” + </p> + <p> + Mayo impatiently interrupted. Captain Wass was drawling, with manifest + enjoyment of the part he was taking in this romance. + </p> + <p> + “You have brought something for me, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “She is a keen one, son,” proceeded the captain, making no move to show + the object he was patting. “Hunted me up, remembering that I had you with + me on the old <i>Nequasset</i>, and put questions to me smart, I can tell + you! You ought to have been more confidential with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Wass, I can't stand any more of this nonsense. If you have + anything for me, hand it over!” + </p> + <p> + “I have taken pains for you, traveled down here, four or five hundred + miles, taking—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, taking your time for the trip and for this conversation,” declared + Mayo, with temper. “I have been put in a mighty mean position by not + knowing you had these papers.” + </p> + <p> + “Safe and sure has always been my motto! And I had a little business of my + own to tend to on the way. I have been finding out how that fat Fogg + snapped himself in as general manager of the Vose line. Of course, it was + known well enough how he did it, but I have located the chap that done it + for him—that critter we took along as steward, you remember.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of his anxiety to get into his hands the parcel in the old + skipper's pocket, Mayo listened with interest to this information; it + related to his own affairs with Fogg. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to help the honest crowd in the Vose line management to tip + over that sale that was made, and when the right time comes I'll have that + white-livered clerk in the witness-box if I have to lug him there by the + ears. Now, Mayo, that girl didn't say what was in this packet.” He pulled + out a small parcel which had been carefully tied with cords. “She is in + love with you, because she must be in love to go to so much trouble in + order to get word to you. If this is a love-letter, it's a big one. Seems + to be all paper! I have hefted it and felt of it consid'able.” + </p> + <p> + He held it away from Mayo's eager reach and investigated still more with + prodding fingers. + </p> + <p> + “Hope she isn't sending back your love-letters, son. But by the look she + had on her face when she was talking about you to me I didn't reckon she + was doing that. Well, here's comfort for you!” He placed the packet in + Mayo's hands. + </p> + <p> + The parcel was sealed with three neat patches of wax, and on each blob was + imprinted the letters “A M” in a monogram. Mayo turned the packet over and + over. + </p> + <p> + “If you want me to step out, not feeling as confidential toward me as you + used to, I'll do it,” proffered Captain Wass, after a polite wait. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going to open this thing—not yet,” declared the young man. + “That's for reasons of my own—quite private ones, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'd just as soon step out.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. Your being here has nothing whatever to do with the matter.” He + buttoned the packet into his coat pocket. He had little respect for + Fletcher Fogg's delicacy in any question of procedure; the promoter's + animus in the matter of those papers was clear. Nevertheless, the agent + had crystallized in bitter words an idea which was deterring Mayo: would + he take advantage of a girl's rash betrayal of her father? Somehow those + seals with her monogram made sacred precincts of the inside of the packet; + he touched them and withdrew his hand as if he were intruding at the door + which was closed upon family privacy. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you'd rather keep your mind wholly on straight business, seeing + what a bad position you're in,” suggested Captain Wass. “Very well, we'll + put love-letters away and talk about something that's sensible. It's too + bad there isn't some tool we could have to pry open that Vose line + sell-out. The stockholders got cold feet and slid out from under Vose + after the <i>Montana</i> was laid up.” + </p> + <p> + “What has been done with her?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, up to now. Cashed in with the underwriters and are probably + using the money to play checkers with on Wall Street. Maybe they're using + her for a horrible example till they scare the rest of the independents + into the combination.” + </p> + <p> + “Have the underwriters sold?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. She has been bid in—probably by some tinder-strapper of the + big pirates. It's a wonder they let you get hold of this one.” + </p> + <p> + “They thought she was spoken for. When they found that she wasn't, they + sent Burkett out here to blow her up.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass was not astonished by that information. + </p> + <p> + “Probably! All the talk which has been circulated says that you were + junking her. I didn't have any idea you were trying to save her.” + </p> + <p> + “We have been blocked by some busy talkers,” admitted the young man. + </p> + <p> + “It's too bad the other folks can't do some talking and have the facts to + back 'em up, son. Do you know what could be done if that syndicate could + be busted? The old Vose crowd would probably hitch up with the Bee line + folks. The Bee-liners are discouraged, but they haven't let go their + charter. You wouldn't have to worry, then, about getting your money to + finish this job, and you'd have a blamed quick market for this steamer as + soon as she was off this reef.” + </p> + <p> + The bulging packet seemed to press against Mayo's ribs, insistently + hinting at its power to help. + </p> + <p> + “I am going back and have a talk with old man Vose about this steamer,” + said Captain Wass. “Now, son, a last word. I don't want to pry into any + delicate matters. But I sort of smell a rat in those papers in your + pocket. When she took 'em out of her muff all I could smell was violet. Do + you think you've got anything about you that would help me—help us—help + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; only what you see for yourself in this steamer's possibilities.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; then I'll do the best I can. But confound this girl business + when it's mixed into man's matters!” It was heartfelt echo of Mr. Fogg's + sentiments. + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass departed on his chartered motor-boat, after eating some of + the boiled fish and potatoes which made up the humble fare of the workers + on Razee. + </p> + <p> + Mayo based no hopes on the promised intervention of the old skipper. He + had been so thoroughly discouraged by all the callous interests on shore + that he felt sure his project was generally considered a failure. When he + was on shore himself the whole thing seemed to be more or less a dream. + {*} + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * When the steamer <i>Carolyn</i> was wrecked on Metinic Rock a + few years ago a venturesome young man, without money or + experience in salvaging, managed to raise a few thousand + dollars, bought the steamer for $1,000 from a frightened + junk concern, and after many months of toil, during which he + was mocked at by experienced men, managed to float her. She + was sold recently for $180,000, and is now carrying cargoes + to Europe. +</pre> + <p> + They were reduced to extremities on board the <i>Conomo</i>. There was no + more coal for the lighter's engine, equipment was disabled, parts were + needed for worn machinery, Smut-nosed Dolph was pounding Hungryman's + tattoo on the bottom of the flour-barrel, trying to knock out enough dust + for another batch of biscuit. + </p> + <p> + Mayo had kept his promise and had not confided to Captain Candage the + source of the loan which had enabled them to do what they had done. After + a few days of desperate consideration Mayo sailed on the <i>Ethel and May</i> + for Maquoit. + </p> + <p> + He avoided the eyes of the villagers as much as was possible; he landed + far down the beach from the house which was the refuge for the folks from + Hue and Cry. In his own heart he knew the reason for this slinking + approach: he did not want Polly Candage to see him in this plight. Her + trust had been so absolute! Her confidence in him so supreme! In his + mental distress he was not thinking of his rags or his physical + unsightliness. He went straight to the store of Deacon Rowley and his + looks startled that gentleman into some rather unscriptural ejaculations. + </p> + <p> + However, Deacon Rowley promptly recovered his presence of mind when Mayo + solicited an additional loan. The refusal was sharp and conclusive. + </p> + <p> + “But you may as well follow your hand in the thing,” insisted Mayo. + “That's why I have come to you. I hated to come, sir. I have tried all + other means. You can see how I have worked!” He spread his tortured hands. + “Come out and see for yourself!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't like the water.” + </p> + <p> + “But you can see that we are going to succeed if we get more money. You + have five thousand in the project; you can't afford to drop where you + are.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what I can afford to do. I have always said, from the first, that + you'd never make a go of it.” + </p> + <p> + At this statement Mayo displayed true amazement. + </p> + <p> + “But, confound it all, you lent us money! What do you mean by crawfishing + in this way?” + </p> + <p> + Deacon Rowley was visibly embarrassed; he had dropped to this vitally + interested party a damaging admission of his real sentiments. + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I ain't going to dump any more money in, now that you ain't + making good! I might have believed you the first time you came. I reckon I + must have. But you can't fool me again. No use to coax! Not another cent.” + </p> + <p> + “Aren't you worried about how you're going to get back what you have + already lent?” demanded Mayo, with exasperation. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord will provide,” declared Deacon Rowley, devoutly. + </p> + <p> + The young man stared at this amazing creditor, worked his jaws a few + moments wordlessly, found no speech adequate, and stamped out of the + store. He no longer dreaded to meet Polly Candage. He felt that he needed + to see her. He was seeking the comfort of sanity in that shore world of + incomprehensible lunacy; he had had experience with Polly Candage's + soothing calmness. + </p> + <p> + She came out from her little school and controlled her emotions with + difficulty when she saw his piteous condition. + </p> + <p> + “Let's walk where I can feel the comfort of green grass under my feet,” he + pleaded; “that may seem real! Nothing else does!” + </p> + <p> + By her matter-of-fact acceptance of him and his appearance and his mood + she calmed him as they walked along. + </p> + <p> + “And even Rowley,” he added, after his blunt confession of failure, “he + has just turned me down. He won't follow his five thousand with another + cent. The old rascal deserves to be cheated if we fail. He is telling me + that he always believed we would never make good in the job. Is he crazy, + or am I?” + </p> + <p> + “Make all allowances for Deacon Rowley,” she pleaded. “Keep away from him. + He is not a consoling man. But there must be some way for you, Boyd. Let + us think! You have been keeping too close to the thing—to your work—and + there are other places besides Limeport.” + </p> + <p> + “There's New York—and there's a way,” he growled. + </p> + <p> + “You must try every chance; it means so much to you!” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your advice?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Boyd!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped and pulled the sealed packet from his coat. In the stress of + his despair and resentment he was brutal rather than considerate. + </p> + <p> + “There are papers in there with which I can club Julius Marston until he + squeals. I haven't seen them, but I know well enough what they are. I can + scare him into giving back all he has taken away from me. I can make him + give back a lot to other folks. And from those other folks I can get money + to finish our work on the <i>Conomo</i>. Look at the monogram on that + seal, Polly!” He pointed grimy finger and held the packet close. + </p> + <p> + “From—Miss Marston?” she asked, tremulously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Polly.” + </p> + <p> + “And she is helping you?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose she is trying to.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's what a girl should do when she loves a man,” she returned. But + she did not look at him and her lips were white. + </p> + <p> + “And you think I ought to use her help?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” She evidently realized that her tone was a mere quaver of assent, + for she repeated the word more firmly. + </p> + <p> + “But these papers are not hers, Polly. She stole them—or somebody + stole them for her—from her own father,” he went on, relentlessly. + </p> + <p> + “She must love you very much, Boyd.” + </p> + <p> + They turned away from each other and gazed in opposite directions. He was + wondering, as he had through many agonized hours, just what motive was + influencing Alma Marston in those later days. With all his soul he wanted + to question Polly Candage—to get the light of her woman's instinct + on his troubled affairs; but the nature of the secret he was hiding put + effective stopper on his tongue. + </p> + <p> + “Under those circumstances, no matter what kind of a sacrifice she has + made for you, you ought to accept it, Boyd.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to accept it; every impulse in me says to go in and grab. Polly, + hell-fire is blazing inside of me. I want to tear them down—the + whole of them. I do! You needn't jump! But if I use those papers which + that girl has stolen from her father I'll be a dirty whelp. You know it, + and I know it! Suppose you should tell me some secret about your own + father so I could use it to cheat him out of his share of our partnership? + You might mean all right, but after I had used it you would hate me! Now + wouldn't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps—probably I wouldn't hate you,” she stammered. “But I'd + think more of you if you—yes, I'm sure I'd think more of you if you + didn't take advantage of my foolishness.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it, exactly! Any man, if I told him about this situation, would + say that I'm a fool not to use every tool I can get hold of. But you + understand better! I'm glad I came to talk with you. I have been + dreadfully tempted. Your advice is keeping me straight!” + </p> + <p> + “I have not advised you, Boyd!” + </p> + <p> + “You don't need to use words! It's your instinct telling me what is right + to do. You wouldn't think it was a square deal for me to use these papers, + would you?” + </p> + <p> + “If you love her so much that you're willing to sacrifice yourself and + your work and—” + </p> + <p> + “Say it, Polly! I'm sacrificing your father, too! It's for a notion—not + much else!” + </p> + <p> + “No, it must be because you love her so much. You are afraid she will + think less of you if you take advantage of her. I think your stand is + noble, Boyd!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't! I think it's infernal foolishness, and I wish the Mayo breed + didn't have so much of that cursed stiff-necked conscience! Our family + wouldn't be where it is to-day.” He spoke with so much heat that she + turned-wondering eyes on him. + </p> + <p> + “But it's for her sake, Boyd! It's—” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort! That is, it isn't as you think it is.” + </p> + <p> + “I only think you love her.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want you to say that—or believe it!” he raved. “If you only + knew—if I could tell you—you'd see that it's insulting my + common sense to say that I'm in love with Alma Marston. I don't love her! + I—I don't know just where I stand. I don't know what's the matter + with me. I'm in the most damnable position a man can be in. And I'm + talking like a fool. Isn't that so?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand you,” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you don't. I reckon I'm a lunatic. I'll be rolling over here + and biting the grass next!” + </p> + <p> + His passion puzzled her. His flaming eyes, his rough beard, his rage, and + all the uncouth personality of him shocked her. + </p> + <p> + “Boyd, what—whatever is the matter? I'm afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't blame you. I'm afraid of myself these days!” He shook his swollen + fists over his head. + </p> + <p> + “It ought to encourage you because she is trying to help you!” + </p> + <p> + “Be still!” he roared. “You don't know what you're talking about. Help me! + There are women who can help a man—do help a man, every turn he + makes. There are other women who keep kicking him down into damnation even + when they think they are helping. I'm not going to stay here any longer. I + mustn't stay, Polly. I'll be saying things worse than what I have said. + What I said about women doesn't refer to you! You are true and good, and I + envy that man, whoever he is.” + </p> + <p> + He started down the slope toward the beach. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going back to the wreck?” she asked, plaintively. + </p> + <p> + “To the wreck!” + </p> + <p> + “But wait!” She could not control either her feelings or her voice. + </p> + <p> + “I can't wait. I don't dare to stay another minute!” + </p> + <p> + She called again and he halted at a little distance and faced her. He was + absolutely savage in demeanor and tone. + </p> + <p> + “Remember what I said about her! Don't insult my common sense! She is—Oh, + no matter!” He shook his fists again and went on his way. + </p> + <p> + She stood on the hillside and watched him row out to the little schooner. + And through her tears she did not know whether he waved salute to her with + those poor, work-worn hands, or again shook his fists. He made some sort + of a flourish over the rail of the quarter-deck. The grieving and + mystified girl was somberly certain that his troubles had touched Mayo's + wits. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXI ~ THE BIG FELLOW HIMSELF + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Will had promised his Sue that this trip, if well ended, + Should coil up his ropes and he'd anchor on shore. + When his pockets were lined, why his life should be mended, + The laws he had broken he'd never break more. + —Will Watch. +</pre> + <p> + They needed food, lease-money for their hired equipment was due, and the + dependents at Maquoit must be looked after. + </p> + <p> + Pride and hope had inspired the crew at Razee to salvage the <i>Conomo</i> + intact. Material removed from her would immediately become junk to be + valued at junk prices, instead of being a valuable and active asset on + board. But there was no other resource in sight. No word came from Captain + Wass; and Mayo had put little confidence in that possibility, anyway. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing else to do—they must sell off something on which + they could realize quickly. + </p> + <p> + In the estimation of many practical men this procedure would have been a + warrantable makeshift, its sole drawback being a sacrifice of values. But + to the captains on Razee it seemed like the beginning of complete + surrender; it was the first step toward the dismantling of the steamship. + It was making a junk-pile of her, and they confessed to themselves that + they would probably be obliged to keep on in the work of destruction. In + the past their bitterest toil had been spiced with the hope of big + achievement; the work they now set themselves to do was melancholy + drudgery. + </p> + <p> + They brought the <i>Ethel and May</i> alongside and loaded into her the + anchors, chains, spare cables, and several of the life-boats. Mayo took + charge of the expedition to the main. + </p> + <p> + The little schooner, sagging low with her burden, wallowed up the harbor + of Limeport just before sunset, one afternoon. Early June was abroad on + the seas and the pioneer yachting cruisers had been coaxed to the + eastward; Mayo saw several fine craft anchored inside the breakwater and + paid little attention to them. He paced the narrow confines of his + quarter-deck and felt the same kind of shame a ruined man feels when he is + on his way to the pawnshop for the first time. He had his head down; he + hated to look forward at the telltale cargo of the schooner. + </p> + <p> + “By ginger! here's an old friend of yours, this yacht!” called Mr. Speed, + who was at the wheel. + </p> + <p> + They were making a reach across the harbor to an anchorage well up toward + the wharves, and were passing under the stern of a big yacht. Mayo looked + up. It was the <i>Olenia</i>. + </p> + <p> + “But excuse me for calling it a friend, Captain Mayo,” bawled the mate, + with open-water disregard of the possibilities of revelation in his + far-carrying voice. + </p> + <p> + A man rose from a chair on the yacht's quarter-deck and came to the rail. + Though the schooner passed hardly a biscuit-toss away, the man leveled + marine glasses, evidently to make sure that what he had guessed, after Mr. + Speed's remark, was true. + </p> + <p> + Mayo felt an impulse to turn his back, to dodge below. But he did not + retreat; he walked to his own humble rail and scowled up into the + countenance of Julius Mar-ston. The schooner was sluggish and the breeze + was light, and the two men had time for a prolonged interchange of visual + rancor. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean to holler so loud, Captain Mayo,” barked Oakum Otie, in + still more resonant manner, to offer apology. “But seeing her, and + remembering last time I laid eyes on her—” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up!” commanded the master. “I'll take the wheel. Go forward and + clear cable, and stand by for the word!” + </p> + <p> + He looked behind, in spite of himself, and saw that a motor-tender had + come away from the <i>Olenia</i>. It foamed along in the wake of the + schooner. It circled her after it had passed, and kept up those manouvers + until the schooner's anchor was let go. Then the tender came to the side + and stopped. The mate and engineer in her were new men; Mayo did not know + them. The mate tipped respectful salute and stated that Mr. Marston had + sent them to bring Captain Mayo on board the yacht at once. + </p> + <p> + “My compliments to Mr. Marston. But I am not able to come.” + </p> + <p> + They went away, but returned in a short time, and the mate handed a note + over the rail. It was a curt statement, dictated and typewritten, that Mr. + Marston wished to see Captain Mayo on business connected with the <i>Conomo</i>, + and that if Captain Mayo were not able to transact that business Mr. + Marston would be obliged to hunt up some other party who could do business + regarding the <i>Conomo</i>. Remembering that he had the interests of + others to consider, Mayo dropped into the tender, sullen, resentful, + wondering what new test of his endurance was to be made, and feeling + peculiarly ill-equipped, in his present condition of courage and temper, + to meet Julius Marston. + </p> + <p> + The latter had himself under full restraint when they met on the yacht's + quarter-deck, and Mayo was more fully conscious of his own inadequacy. + </p> + <p> + “Below, if you please, captain.” He led the way, even while he uttered the + invitation. + </p> + <p> + No one was visible in the saloon. In the luxury of that interior the + unkempt visitor seemed especially strange, particularly out of place. + </p> + <p> + “You will excuse what has seemed to be my hurry in getting you over here, + sir, but I take it that your sailing into this port just now coincides + with the arrival of the Vose crowd in this city to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fletcher Fogg first, and now Mr. Fogg's employer, had given advance + information which anticipated Mayo's knowledge. The young man had been + having some special training in dissimulation, and he did not betray any + surprise. He bowed. + </p> + <p> + “It's better for you to talk with me before you allow them to make a fool + of you. I am prepared to take that steamer off your hands, as she stands, + at a fair appraisal, and I will give bonds to assume all expenses of the + suit brought by the underwriters.” + </p> + <p> + “There has been no suit brought by the underwriters.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marston raised his eyebrows. “Oh! I must remember that you are + considerably out of the world. The underwriters make claim that the vessel + was not legally surrendered by them. Have you documents showing release? + If so, I'll be willing to pay you about double what otherwise I shall feel + like offering. Take a disputed title in an admiralty case and it's touchy + business.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo remembered the haphazard manner in which the steamer had been + transferred, and he did not reply. + </p> + <p> + Marston's manner was that of calm, collected, cool business; his air + carried weight. More than ever did Mayo feel his own pitiful weakness in + these big affairs where more than honest hard work counted in the final + adjustment. + </p> + <p> + “How much did you pay your big lawyers to stir up this suit by the + underwriters?” he blurted, and Marston's eyelids flicked, in spite of his + impassivity. There was instinct of the animal at bay, rather than any + knowledge, behind Mayo's question. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you suggest that I have anything to do with such a suit?” + </p> + <p> + “You seem almighty ready to assume all liability.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not here to have childish disputes with you, sir. This is straight + business.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you documents, as I have suggested?” + </p> + <p> + “I have my bill of sale. I take it for granted that the folks who sold to + me are backed by papers from the underwriters.” + </p> + <p> + “That's where you are in error, unfortunately. You are all made party to a + suit. Time clause, actual abandonment, right of redemption—all those + matters are concerned. Of course, it means injunction and long litigation. + I suggested assuming liabilities and stepping in, because I am backed by + the best admiralty lawyers in New York. I repeat the offer Mr. Fogg made + to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You admit that Mr. Fogg made that offer for you or your interests, do + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes!” admitted Marston. “We allow Mr. Fogg to act for us in a few + matters.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to know it. There has been so much cross-tag going on that I + have been a little doubtful!” + </p> + <p> + “Kindly avoid sarcasm and temper, if you please! Do you care to accept the + offer?” + </p> + <p> + Mayo glared at the financier, looking him up and down. Furious hatred took + away his power of sane consideration. He was in no mood to weigh chances, + either for himself or for his associates. He doubted Marston's honesty of + purpose. He knew how this man must feel toward the presumptuous fool who + had dared to look up at Alma Marston; he was conscious that the magnate + must be concealing some especial motive under his cold exterior. + </p> + <p> + Whether Marston was anticipating blackmail from Mayo's possession of the + documents or had hatched up ostensible litigation in order to force the + bothersome amateurs out of the <i>Conomo</i> proposition, the young man + could not determine; either view of the situation was equally insulting to + those whom he made his antagonists. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” snapped the magnate, plainly finding it difficult to restrain his + own violent hatred much longer in this interview. “Decide whether you will + have a little ready cash and a good position or whether you will be kicked + out entirely!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want your money! You're trying to cheat me with fake law business + even while you are offering me money! I don't want your job! I have worked + for you once. I'll never be your hired man again.” + </p> + <p> + “If I did not know that you have a better reason for standing out in this + fashion, I'd say that you have allowed, your spite to drive you crazy, + young man.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that better reason?” + </p> + <p> + “Blackmail! You propose to trade on a theft.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo struggled for a moment with an impulse that was almost frantic; he + wanted to throw the packet in Mar-ston's face and tell him that he lied. + Again the young man felt that queer sense of helplessness; he knew that he + could not make Marston understand. + </p> + <p> + “Mayo, I have tried to deal with you as if you were more or less of a man. + I was willing to admit that my agents had injured you by their mistakes. I + have offered a decent compromise. I have done what I hardly ever do—bother + with petty details like this!” + </p> + <p> + That impulse to deliver the papers to Marston was then not so insistent; + even Mayo's rising anger did not prompt him to do that. The wreck of a + man's life and hopes dismissed flippantly as petty details! + </p> + <p> + “Seeing that I am not able to deal with you on a business man's basis, I + shall handle you as I would handle any other thief.” + </p> + <p> + Mayo turned to leave, afraid of his own desperate desire to beat that + sneering mouth into shapelessness. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the companionway stood half a dozen sailors, armed with + iron grate-bars. + </p> + <p> + “If those papers are on you, I'm going to have them,” stated the + financier. “If they are not on you, you'll be glad to tell me where they + are before I get done with you.” + </p> + <p> + The captive halted between the master and the vassals. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to crucify my feelings a little more, Mayo,” stated Marston. + “Step forward here where those men can't hear. It's important.” + </p> + <p> + Marston knocked softly on a stateroom door and his daughter came forth. + She gasped when she saw this ragged visitor, and in her stare there was + real horror. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't been able to sift this thing to the bottom. By facing you two, + as I'm doing, I may be able to get the truth of the case,” said Marston, + with the air of a magistrate dealing with malefactors. “Now, Alma, I'll + allow you a minute or two to use your tongue on this fine specimen before + my men use their bars.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard what my father offered you. You must take it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have other men to consider—honest men, who have worked hard with + me.” + </p> + <p> + He trembled in their presence. Her appearance put sane thoughts out of his + head and choked the words in his throat. He saw himself in a mirror and + wondered if this were not a dream—if it had not been a dream that + she had ever loved him. + </p> + <p> + He wanted to put out to her his mutilated hands which he was hiding behind + him. He yearned to explain to her the man's side of the case. He wanted + her to understand what he owed to the men who had risked their lives to + serve him, to make her realize the bond which exists between men who have + toiled and starved together. + </p> + <p> + “You have yourself to consider, first of all. Much depends. In your silly + notions about a lot of paupers you are throwing my father's kindness in + his face!” + </p> + <p> + He stammered, unable to frame coherent reply. + </p> + <p> + “Be sensible. You have no right to put a heap of scrap-iron and a lot of + low creatures ahead of your personal interests.” + </p> + <p> + There was malice in Marston's eyes. He saw an opportunity to make Mayo's + position even more false in the opinion of the girl. + </p> + <p> + “I'll be entirely frank, Mayo. In spite of our personal differences, I + want your services—I need them. I have found out that you're a young + man of determination and plenty of ability. I'll put you ahead fast if + you'll come over with me. But you must come clean. No strings on you with + that other crowd.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't sell 'em out. I won't do it,” protested Mayo. He did not exactly + understand all the reasons for his obstinacy. But his instinct told him + that Julius Marston was not descending in this manner except for powerful + reasons, and that he was attempting to buy a traitor for his uses. + </p> + <p> + “How do you dare to turn against my father?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I don't know! Something seems to be the matter with me.” He + wrenched at his throat with his hand. + </p> + <p> + “And after what I did—my wicked foolishness—those papers—” + </p> + <p> + “Go on! I propose to get to the bottom of this thing,” declared Marston. + </p> + <p> + The young man drove his hand into his pocket, pulled out the sealed + packet, and forced it into the girl's hands. Marston promptly seized it. + </p> + <p> + “You have not opened it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not open it, either,” cried the girl. “I sealed it, just as it was + tied up.” + </p> + <p> + Marston ripped off the strings and the wax. + </p> + <p> + Outside a loud voice was hailing the yacht. “Compliments of Captain Wass + to Captain Mayo, and will he please say when he is coming back aboard his + schooner?” + </p> + <p> + The financier paid no attention; he was busy with the papers. His face was + white with rage. He threw them about him on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Every sheet is blank—it is waste-paper!” he shouted. “What + confounded trick is this?” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better ask the man who gave that packet to your daughter,” + suggested Mayo. He seemed to be less astonished than Marston and the girl. + “I might have known that your man, Bradish, would be that kind of a + sneak.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know about Bradish being concerned in this?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm guessing it. Probably your daughter can say.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll have no more of your evasions, Alma. I'm going to the bottom of this + matter now. Did Bradish give you this packet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “How did it get to this man here?” + </p> + <p> + “I gave it to a man named Captain Wass.” + </p> + <p> + Again they heard the voice outside. “I don't care if he is busy! I tell + you to take word to Captain Mayo that he is wanted right away on his + schooner. Tell him it's Captain Wass.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil has sent that man along at about the right time,” declared + Marston. He strode to the companion-way. “Inform Captain Wass that he is + wanted on board here! Hide those bars till he is below!” + </p> + <p> + He came back, raging, and stood between Mayo and the girl, who had seemed + to find words inadequate during the short time they had been left + together. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe anything you tell me! There's an infernal trick, here. + The papers are missing. Somebody has them.” + </p> + <p> + His fury blinded his prudence. + </p> + <p> + He strode toward Captain Wass when the old mariner came stumping down the + companionway. + </p> + <p> + “Is your name Wass?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Wass, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You took papers from my daughter and brought them to this man!” + </p> + <p> + “Correct.” + </p> + <p> + Marston stepped back and kicked at the blank sheets on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you can tell me if these are what you brought.”. + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass stared long at Mayo, at the girl, and at the incensed + magnate. Then he looked down at the scattered papers and scratched his + head with much deliberation. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you say something?” demanded Marston. + </p> + <p> + “I'm naturally slow and cautious,” stated Captain Wass. He put on his + spectacles, kneeled on the soft carpet, and examined the blank papers and + the broken seals. He laid them back on the carpet and meditated for some + time, still on his knees. When he looked up, peering over the edge of his + spectacles, he paid no attention to Mar-ston, to the latter's indignant + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Vose and others are waiting for us at the hotel,” he informed Captain + Mayo, “and it's important business, and we'd better be tending to it + instead of fooling around here.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter about any other business except this, sir,” cried Marston. + </p> + <p> + “There can't be much business mixed up in a lot of blank sheets of paper,” + snapped Captain Wass. “What's the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “I have lost valuable papers.” + </p> + <p> + The old skipper bent shrewd squint at the angry man who was standing over + him. “Steamer combination papers, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to know pretty well.” + </p> + <p> + “Ought to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + Captain Wass rose slowly, with grunts, and rubbed his stiff knees. + “Because I've got 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Stole them from the package, did you?” + </p> + <p> + “It wasn't stealing—it was business.” + </p> + <p> + “Hand them over.” + </p> + <p> + “I insist on that, too, Captain Wass,” said Mayo, with indignation. “Hand + over those papers.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't be done, for I haven't got 'em with me. And I won't hand 'em over + till I have used them in my business.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall have you arrested,” announced Marston. + </p> + <p> + “So do. Sooner the whole thing gets before the court, the better.” His + perfect calmness had its effect on the financier. + </p> + <p> + “What are you proposing to use those papers for?” + </p> + <p> + “To make you pirates turn back the Vose line property and pay damages. As + to the rest of your combination, the critters that's in it can skin their + own skunks. I guess the whole thing will take care of itself after we get + the Vose line back.” + </p> + <p> + “You are asking for an impossibility. The matter cannot be arranged.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll see how far Uncle Sam can go in unscrambling that particular + nestful of eggs. I'll give the papers to the government.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you any influence with this man?” Marston asked the astounded + Mayo. + </p> + <p> + “No, he hasn't—not a mite in this case,” returned Captain Wass. “He + needs a guardeen in some things, and I'm serving as one just now.” + </p> + <p> + “You must get them from him—you must, Captain Mayo,” cried the girl. + “I did not understand what I was doing.” + </p> + <p> + “I will get them.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to see you do it, son!” + </p> + <p> + He turned on the Wall Street man. “I'm only asking for what is rightfully + due my own people. I'm a man of few words and just now I'm sticking close + to schedule. Until eleven o'clock to-night you'll find Vose, myself, and + our lawyers at the Nicholas Hotel. After eleven o'clock we shall be in bed + because we've got to get an early start for the wreck out on Razee. We're + going to finance that job. And in case we don't come to terms with you + tonight we shall use our club to keep you out of our business after this. + You know what the club is.” + </p> + <p> + Marston was too busily engaged with Captain Wass to pay heed to his + daughter. She went close to Mayo and whispered. + </p> + <p> + “You must quit them, Boyd. It's for my sake. You must help my father. They + are wretches. Think of what it will mean to you if you can help us! You + will do it. Promise me!” + </p> + <p> + He did not reply. + </p> + <p> + “Do you dare to hesitate for one moment—when I ask you—for my + sake?” + </p> + <p> + “That's my last word,” bawled Captain Wass. “There's no blackmail about it—we're + only taking back what's our own.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you one of those—creatures?” she asked, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + If she had shown one spark of sympathy or real understanding in that + crisis of their affairs, if she had not been so much, in that moment, the + daughter of Julius Marston, counseling selfishness, he might have + fatuously continued to coddle his romance, in spite of all that had + preceded. But her eyes were hard. Her voice had the money-chink in it. He + started, like a man awakened. His old cap had fallen on the carpet. He + picked it up. + </p> + <p> + “Good-by!” he said. “I have found out where I belong in this world.” + </p> + <p> + And in that unheroic fashion ended something which, so he then realized, + should never have been begun. He followed Captain Wass across the saloon. + </p> + <p> + “Better advise your buckos to be careful how they handle them grate-bars,” + shouted Captain Wass. “I'm loaded, and if I'm joggled I'm liable to + explode.” + </p> + <p> + They were not molested when they left the yacht. The doryman who had + brought Captain Wass rowed them to the wharf. + </p> + <p> + “Those papers—” Mayo had ventured, soon after they left the yacht's + side. + </p> + <p> + “Not one word about 'em!” yelped the old skipper. “It's my business—entire! + When the time comes right I'll show you that it's my private business. I + never allow anybody to interfere in that.” + </p> + <p> + That night, after the conference at the hotel, and after Julius Marston, + growling profanity, had put his name to certain papers, drawn by careful + lawyers, Captain Wass explained why the matter of the sealed packet was + his private business. He took Marston apart from the others for the + purpose of explaining. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't said one word to Vose or his associates about this business of + the documents. They think you have come because you wanted to straighten + out a low-down trick worked by an understrapper. So this has put you in + mighty well with the Vose crowd, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Marston grunted. + </p> + <p> + “It ought to be kind of pleasing to have a few men think you are on the + square,” pursued Captain Wass. + </p> + <p> + “That's enough of this pillycock conversation. Hand over those papers!” + </p> + <p> + “Just one moment!” He signaled to Captain Mayo, who came to them. “I'm + going to tell Mr. Marston why those documents were my especial business + to-day, and why you couldn't control me in the matter. I may as well + explain to the two of you at once. It was my own business for this reason: + I don't know anything about any papers. I never saw any. I never opened + that package. I handed it along just as it was given to me. That's true, + on my sacred word, Mr. Marston; and I haven't any reason for lying to you—not + after you have signed those agreements.” + </p> + <p> + “Come outside,” urged the financier. “I want to tell you what I think of + you.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the old skipper, mildly. “And I'd lower your voice, sir, if I + were you. These men here have a pretty good idea of you just now, and I + don't want you to spoil it.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a lying renegade!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no! I have only showed you that all the good bluffers are not confined + to Wall Street. There's one still loose there. Your man Bradish probably + had reasons for wanting to bluff your daughter—and save his own + skin. He'll probably hand your papers to you!” + </p> + <p> + Marston swore and departed. + </p> + <p> + “I laid out that course whilst I was down on my knees in his cabin, sort + of praying for a good lie in a time of desp'rit need,” Captain Wass + confided to Mayo. “It wasn't bad, considering the way it has worked out.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXII ~ A GIRL'S DEAR “BECAUSE!” + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Cheer up, Jack, bright smiles await you + From the fairest of the fair, + And her loving eyes will greet you + With kind welcomes everywhere. + Rolling home, rolling home, + Rolling home across the sea. + Rolling home to dear old England, + Rolling home, dear land, to thee! + —Rolling Home. +</pre> + <p> + There was no niggardliness in the trade the Vose folks made with Captain + Mayo. They contracted to co-operate with him and his men in floating the + steamship, repairing her in dry dock, and refitting her for her route. She + would be appraised as she stood after refitting, as a going proposition, + and Mayo was to receive stock to the amount of her value—stock in + the newly organized Vose line. + </p> + <p> + “Furthermore,” stated old man Vose, “we shall need a chap of just about + your gauge as manager. You have shown that you are able to do things.” + </p> + <p> + He was up on the <i>Conomo's</i> deck after a long inspection of the work + which had been done under difficulties. + </p> + <p> + “You would have had this steamer off with your own efforts if your money + had lasted. Your next job is the <i>Montana</i>; but you'll simply manage + that, Captain Mayo—use your head and save your muscle.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll get her off, seeing that I put her on.” + </p> + <p> + “We all know just how she was put on—and Marston will pay for it in + his hard coin.” + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances Razee Reef was no longer a mourners' bench! The + dreary days of makeshift were at an end. + </p> + <p> + The lighters of one of the biggest wrecking companies of the coast hurried + to Razee and flocked around the maimed steamer—Samaritans of the + sea. Gigantic equipment embraced her; great pumps gulped the water from + her; bolstered and supported, as a stricken man limps with his arms across + the shoulders of his friends, the steamer came off Razee Reef with the + first spring tide in July, and toiled off across the sea in the wake of + puffing tugs, and was shored up and safe at last in a dry dock—the + hospital of the crippled giants of the ocean. + </p> + <p> + No music ever sounded as sweet to Captain Mayo as that clanging chorus the + hammers of the iron-workers played on the flanks of the <i>Conomo</i>. But + he tore himself away from that music, and went down to Maquoit along with + a vastly contented Captain Candage, who remembered now that he had a + daughter waiting for him. + </p> + <p> + She had been apprised by letter of their success and of their coming. + </p> + <p> + Maquoit made a celebration of that arrival of the <i>Ethel and May</i>, + and Dolph and Otie, cook and mate of the schooner, led the parade when the + men were on shore. + </p> + <p> + They came back to their own with the full purses that the generosity of + their employers had provided, and there was no longer any doubt as to the + future of the men who once starved on Hue and Cry. + </p> + <p> + Captain Mayo had declared that he knew where to find faithful workers when + it came time to distribute jobs. + </p> + <p> + Polly Candage had come to him when he stepped foot on shore, hands + outstretched to him, and eyes alight. And when she put her hands in his he + knew, in his soul, that this was the greeting he had been waiting for; her + words of congratulation were the dearest of all, her smile was the best + reward, and for her dear self he had been hungry. + </p> + <p> + But he would not admit to himself that he had come to woo. + </p> + <p> + When the soft dusk had softened the harsh outlines of the little hamlet, + and the others were busy with their own affairs and had left Mayo and + Polly to themselves, he sat with her on the porch of the widow's cottage, + where they spent that first evening after they had been saved from the + sea. + </p> + <p> + There had been a long silence between them. “We have had no opportunity—I + have not dared yet to tell you my best hopes for the dearest thing of + all,” she ventured. + </p> + <p> + “The one up inland. I know. I am glad for you.” + </p> + <p> + “What one up inland?” + </p> + <p> + “That young man—the only young man in all the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes! I had forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + He stared at her. “Forgotten?” + </p> + <p> + “Why—why—I don't exactly mean forgotten. But I was not + thinking about him when I spoke. I mean that now—with your new + prospects—you can go to—to—There may come a time when + you can speak to Mr. Marston.” + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken to Mr. Marston, quite lately. He has spoken to me,” he + said, his face hard. “We shall never speak to each other again, if I can + have my way.” + </p> + <p> + He met her astonished gaze. “Polly, I hate to trouble you with my poor + affairs of this kind. I can talk of business to Mr. Vose, and of the sea + to your father. But there's another matter that I can't mention to anybody—except + you will listen. I will tell you where I saw Mr. Marston—and his + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + She listened, her lips apart. + </p> + <p> + “So, you see,” he said at the end, “it was worse than a dream; it was a + mistake. It couldn't have been real love, for it was not built on the + right foundation. I have never had much experience with girls. I have been + swashing about at sea 'most all my life. Perhaps I don't know what real + love is. But it seems to me it can't amount to much unless it is built up + on mutual understanding, willingness to sacrifice for each other.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” returned Polly, softly. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see that young man of yours, up inland. I want to tell him that + he is mighty lucky because he met you first.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you just why. It isn't right for me to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “But a girl likes to hear such things. Please!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you forgive me for saying what I shouldn't say?” + </p> + <p> + “I will forgive you.” + </p> + <p> + “He's lucky, because if I didn't know you were promised and in love, I'd + go down at your feet and beg you to marry me. You're the wife for a Yankee + sailor, Polly Candage. If only there were two of you in this world, we'd + have a double wedding.” + </p> + <p> + He leaped up and started away. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” she asked, and there was almost a wail in her + tones. “No, he does not understand girls well,” she told herself, + bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going down to Rowley's store to see if he will take his money back + and let us save interest. He told me I'd have to keep the money for a + year.” + </p> + <p> + She called to him falteringly, but with such appeal in her tones that he + halted and stared at her. + </p> + <p> + “Couldn't you—Isn't it just as well to let the matter rest until—till—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there's no time like the present in money matters,” he declared, with + a laugh, wholly oblivious, not in the least understanding her + embarrassment, her piteous effort to bar her little temple of love's + sacrifice so that he could not trample in just then. + </p> + <p> + His laugh was a forced one. He realized that if he did not hurry away from + this girl he would be reaching out his arms to her, declaring the love + that surged in him, now that he had awakened to full consciousness of that + love; his Yankee reticence, his instinct of honor between men, were + fighting hard against his passion; he told himself that he would not + betray a man he did not know, nor proffer love to a girl who, so he + believed, loved another. + </p> + <p> + “May I not go with you?” she pleaded, restraining her wild impulse to run + ahead of him and warn the deacon. + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” he consented, and they walked down the street, neither daring + to speak. + </p> + <p> + They found Rowley alone in his store. He was puttering around, making + ready to close the place for the night. + </p> + <p> + As they entered, the girl stepped behind Mayo and, catching the deacon's + eye, made frantic gestures. In the half gloom those gestures were + decidedly incomprehensible; the deacon lowered his spectacles and stared + at her, trying to understand this wigwagging. + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to take up that loan and save the rest of the year's interest, + Deacon Rowley,” stated Mayo, with sailorly bluntness. + </p> + <p> + The girl was trying to convey to the deacon the fact that he must not + reveal her secret. She was shaking her head. This seemed to the + intermediary like direct and conclusive orders from the principal. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, Captain Mayo! It can't be done.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't call that a square deal between men, no matter what straight + business may be.” + </p> + <p> + Polly now signaled eager assent, meaning to make the deacon understand + that he must take the money. But the deacon did not understand; he thought + the girl affirmed her desire for straight business. + </p> + <p> + “You took it for a year. No back tracks, captain.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, violently. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir! Keep it, as you agreed, and pay your interest.” + </p> + <p> + “Deacon Rowley, you're an old idiot!” blazed the girl. + </p> + <p> + When the deacon yanked off his spectacles, and Captain Mayo turned amazed + eyes to her, she put her hands to her face and ran out of the store, + sobbing. She was only a girl! She had no more resources left with which to + meet that situation in men's affairs. + </p> + <p> + Mayo's impulse was to follow, but the deacon checked him. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't going to be made a fool of no longer in this, even to make three + hundred dollars,” he rasped. + </p> + <p> + “A fool! What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “You go settle it with her.” + </p> + <p> + “What has Polly Candage got to do with this business?” + </p> + <p> + “It's her money.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean to say—” + </p> + <p> + “She drawed her money out of the bank, and horn-swoggled me into lying for + her. What won't a girl do when she's in love with a fellow? If you 'ain't + knowed it before, it's high time you did know it!” + </p> + <p> + That last remark of the deacon's had disgusted reference only to the + matter of the money. But it conveyed something else to Captain Boyd Mayo. + </p> + <p> + He ran out of the store! + </p> + <p> + Far up the road he overtook her. She was hurrying home. When she faced him + he saw tears on her cheeks, though the generous gloom of evening wrapped + them where they stood. He took both her hands. + </p> + <p> + “Polly Candage, why did you risk your money on me?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would succeed!” she murmured, turning her face away. “It was + an—a good investment.” + </p> + <p> + “When you gave it, did you—Were you thinking—Was it only for + an investment, Polly?” + </p> + <p> + She did not reply. + </p> + <p> + “Look here! This last thing ought to tie my tongue, for I owe everything + to you. But my tongue won't stay tied—not now, Polly. I don't care + if there is somebody else up-country. I ought to care. I ought to respect + your—” + </p> + <p> + She pulled a hand free and put plump fingers on his lips. “There is nobody + up-country; there never has been anybody, Boyd,” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + He took her in his arms, and kissed her, and held her close. + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell me one thing, now? I know the answer, sweetheart mine, but + I want to hear you say it. Why did you give me all your money?” + </p> + <p> + She put her palms against his cheeks and spoke the words his soul was + hungry for: + </p> + <p> + “Because I love you!” + </p> + <p> + THE END <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blow The Man Down, by Holman Day + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLOW THE MAN DOWN *** + +***** This file should be named 24793-h.htm or 24793-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/7/9/24793/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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