diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-8.txt | 9045 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-8.zip | bin | 168533 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-h.zip | bin | 356182 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-h/56229-h.htm | 9163 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 74572 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-h/images/frontis.jpg | bin | 49453 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-h/images/logo.jpg | bin | 6133 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/56229-h/images/titlepage.jpg | bin | 49492 -> 0 bytes |
11 files changed, 17 insertions, 18208 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fab0f19 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #56229 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56229) diff --git a/old/56229-8.txt b/old/56229-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index be41ce4..0000000 --- a/old/56229-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9045 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Wireless Operator--With the -Oyster Fleet, by Lewis E. Theiss - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Young Wireless Operator--With the Oyster Fleet - How Alec Cunningham Won His Way to the Top in the Oyster Business - -Author: Lewis E. Theiss - -Illustrator: Frank T. Merrill - -Release Date: December 23, 2017 [EBook #56229] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--OYSTER FLEET *** - - - - -Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -The Young Wireless Operator--With the Oyster Fleet - - - - -_BOOKS BY_ - -LEWIS E. THEISS - - IN CAMP AT FORT BRADY. A Camping Story. 304 pages. - - HIS BIG BROTHER. A Story of the Struggles and Triumphs of a Little - Son of Liberty. 320 pages. - - LUMBERJACK BOB. A Tale of the Alleghanies. 320 pages. - - THE WIRELESS PATROL AT CAMP BRADY. A Story of How the Boy Campers, - Through Their Knowledge of Wireless, "Did Their Bit." 320 pages. - - THE SECRET WIRELESS. A Story of the Camp Brady Patrol. 320 pages. - - THE HIDDEN AERIAL. The Spy Line on the Mountain. 332 pages. - - THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--AFLOAT. How Roy Mercer Won His Spurs - in the Merchant Marine. 320 pages. - - THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--AS A FIRE PATROL. The Story of a Young - Wireless Amateur Who Made Good as a Fire Patrol. 352 pages. - - THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--WITH THE OYSTER FLEET. How Alec - Cunningham Won His Way to the Top in the Oyster Business. 328 - pages. - - Cloth Bound--Illustrated by Colored Plates and Photographs - -[Illustration] - - - - -The Young Wireless Operator-- -With the Oyster Fleet - -_HOW ALEC CUNNINGHAM WON HIS -WAY TO THE TOP IN THE -OYSTER BUSINESS_ - -By -LEWIS E. THEISS - -_ILLUSTRATED BY_ -FRANK T. MERRILL - -[Illustration: Logo] - -W. A. WILDE COMPANY -CHICAGO BOSTON - - -_Copyright_, 1922, -BY W. A. WILDE COMPANY -_All rights reserved_ - -THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--WITH THE OYSTER FLEET - - -_This book is dedicated -to the late -DR. JULIUS NELSON, -sometime biologist for New Jersey, -and to -DR. THURLOW C. NELSON, -his son and successor, who have done and -are doing for the oyster industry, what -Liebig did for agricultural chemistry_ - - - - -Foreword - - -The story of America's wonderful beds of oysters is the same as the -story of her matchless forests, her remarkable deposits of oil, her -countless herds of bison, and her innumerable flocks of wild pigeons; -and that story is completely told in one word of five letters--waste. -When our magnificent Pennsylvania forests were cut, millions of feet of -lumber were wantonly wasted, left to rot on the ground after the bark -had been stripped off. When that unequaled pool of oil was discovered at -Spindletop, gushers were allowed to spout for days and hours merely to -gratify the vanity of purse-proud owners, and oil was wasted by the -hundred thousand barrels. We are paying for such wastes to-day in the -high price of lumber and oil. And our children and our children's -children will go on paying the price. - -I live on the banks of one of America's noblest rivers, the Susquehanna. -A hundred years ago one could throw a line overboard and draw out fish -without number. Now, one can fish half a day without getting a nibble. -Some day, perhaps, we shall have fish again in the Susquehanna. But it -will be in the same way that we are gradually reforesting our denuded -Pennsylvania mountains--at enormous cost, which means perpetually high -priced lumber. It will be the same with our oysters. The enormous beds, -which, properly conserved, would have supplied the nation with cheap -oysters for generations, are gone. - -Most of us know less about oyster production than we do about lumbering -or oil drilling. Yet oystering is one of the few truly picturesque -occupations that survive in American life. This book, like its immediate -predecessor, The Young Wireless Operator--As a Fire Patrol, is written -in the hope that young readers may come to understand the real results -of such wastes--the permanent imposition of unnecessary and burdensome -costs for necessities of life which should be cheap. - - - - -Contents - - - I. A FRIEND IN NEED 9 - - II. THE FLEET SETS SAIL 18 - - III. OVER THE BAR 28 - - IV. DREDGING OYSTERS 42 - - V. EVENING AT THE OYSTER PIER 56 - - VI. OVERBOARD IN THE DARK 67 - - VII. A LETTER FOR ALEC 78 - - VIII. ALEC'S FIRST LESSON IN OYSTER-CULTURE 89 - - IX. UNDER A CLOUD 100 - - X. ALEC'S DECISION 108 - - XI. A WIRELESS TELEPHONE 118 - - XII. ALEC GETS A NEW JOB 133 - - XIII. AN UNLOOKED-FOR FRIEND 150 - - XIV. THE CORNER-STONE THAT ALEC FOUND 161 - - XV. A NEW LIGHT 168 - - XVI. THE PLANTING SEASON BEGINS 180 - - XVII. A SEARCH FOR TRUTH 193 - -XVIII. A LONG CHASE 214 - - XIX. HOME AGAIN 234 - - XX. THE OSPREY'S NEST 247 - - XXI. THE GREAT SECRET 264 - - XXII. THE NEW CAPTAIN OF THE _BERTHA B_ 272 - -XXIII. ADRIFT IN THE STORM 282 - - XXIV. MISFORTUNES NEVER COME SINGLY 298 - - XXV. THE CRISIS 309 - - XXVI. VICTORY 318 - - - - -The Young Wireless Operator--With the Oyster Fleet - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A FRIEND IN NEED - - -The oyster-boat _Bertha B_ lay off her pier at Bivalve, the great New -Jersey oyster shipping centre. On either side of her were other craft of -the oyster fleet, all packed together like cigars in a box, and all held -fast to one another by stout hawsers, for the tide in the Maurice River -was running out at a gallop, driven by a high northeast wind. Yet an -observer could hardly have told whether one boat or a dozen lay off the -pier, so dark was the November morning. Heavy clouds obscured the sky, -hiding star and moon. Not the faintest sign of daybreak was yet visible -in the east. A dense mist, that even in daylight would have made things -appear uncertain and indistinct, drove before the high wind, chilling to -the bone every one it touched. - -For despite the early hour, the oystermen were astir. Lamps glowed in -the snug cabins of the oyster-boats. Here and there a lantern bobbed -mysteriously in the dark. Red and green lights were being hoisted in the -ships' riggings, and white lights fastened astern of many vessels. Harsh -voices were heard calling through the night. The heavy tramp of boots on -wooden decks sounded here and there in the darkness. Now and again there -was a sharp splash as some sailor dropped a bucket into the tide for -water, or a heavy hawser was cast off. On every side was heard the sound -of preparation; for the fleet was about to sail for the oyster grounds. - -Suddenly the door of the _Bertha B's_ cabin opened. A great shaft of -yellow light shot athwart the darkness. Two figures emerged from the -cabin. - -"Hello, Jim," called one of them. There was no answer. After a moment's -pause the speaker called again. This time he raised his voice to a great -bellow and repeated his cry: "Hello, Jim!" The second call, magnified by -the fog, went roaring through the fleet. Still there was no answer. "He -ain't here, Cap," said the man who had called, to the figure by his -side. "Maybe he went ashore to get some tobacco." - -"Tobacco nothing!" exclaimed the other angrily. "The skunk got his -breakfast and then snuk ashore. I ain't surprised. He looked like that -kind o' cattle. Though he did work pretty darned good the three weeks we -had him!" - -The speaker, Captain Christopher Bagley, paused an instant. Then, -"Scabby trick!" he exclaimed. "Leaves us deucedly short handed, and he -knowed it. Better go ashore, George, and see if you can find him. If you -can't, get anybody you can pick up. We got to have another hand." - -The sailor, George Bishop, turned without a word and made his way -ashore, ducking under ropes and rigging, stumbling over chains and -dredges, and stepping carefully from boat to boat, until at last he -reached the ship at the end of the pier. The tide was near ebb, and the -sailor had to climb into the ship's rigging in order to get on the pier. - -The huge shed skirting the shore was dimly lighted by electric lights; -and the illumination from these faintly lighted the pier, along which -the sailor was now making his way. A great pile of burlap sacks was -heaped up near the centre of the pier, and behind these, like a -windbreak, stood a long row of barrels, piled one above another, and at -least three tiers deep. But the sailor took no note of these things. His -glance roved hither and thither through the great shed and on the -various piers, looking for a familiar form. Half-way across the pier, he -met a fellow sailor. - -"Hello, Tom!" he called. "Seen anything of Jim Hawley?" - -"No. Did he give you the slip?" - -"That's what he did. He come aboard and et his breakfast and then snuk -off. And we was short handed at that." - -"I ain't surprised. He was drunk last night." - -"Well, he won't do it again. Captain Bagley won't stand for that kind -of cattle. Don't know where we could get another hand, do you? We're -awful short of men." - -"No, I don't. Everybody around here that's willin' to work was snapped -up long ago. I got to get aboard. I'm late myself. Good-bye." - -The sailor hurried on down the pier and swung himself aboard the ship at -its end. - -Sailor Bishop turned on his heel and started along the pier again, to -pursue his search for the missing deck-hand. But hardly had he taken a -step before the pile of burlap bags stirred strangely. The topmost rose -in air and a human figure crawled out from under them. - -"Hello!" called this figure after the hurrying form of Sailor Bishop. -"Do you want another hand? I'm looking for a job." - -Sailor Bishop turned sharply and stared in astonishment at the person -before him. - -"Who are you? And where did you come from?" he demanded. - -"My name's Alec Cunningham, and I come from Central City, in -Pennsylvania." - -"Ever been oystering?" - -"No, sir. I never saw an oyster-boat before." - -"Don't know whether you'll do or not," said the sailor. "But come aboard -and talk to the captain. I'll be back in a minute. Wait for me here." - -The sailor hurried away, to continue his quest for the missing Hawley. -Alec Cunningham returned to the pile of burlap sacks and dug out an old, -battered valise. Then he carefully piled the burlap sacks in order -again, and when Sailor Bishop returned, he was standing near the end of -the pier, stamping his feet and thrashing his arms about his sides, in -an evident effort to get warm. - -"Come on," said the sailor, and the two climbed cautiously from the pier -to the ship's rigging and then dropped to her deck. Carefully they made -their way across boat after boat, until at last they reached the _Bertha -B_. Sailor Bishop led the way to the cabin and entered, followed by the -stranger. - -"I couldn't find Jim nowhere, Cap," explained the sailor, "but I picked -up this fellow here. He ain't never ketched oysters, but maybe you could -use him at that." - -Captain Bagley stepped forward and looked critically at the stranger. He -saw before him a tall, rangy lad of eighteen years, keen of face, with -dark hair, strong nose, mouth, and chin, and with intelligence plainly -stamped on his open, honest countenance. - -"What's your name?" demanded the captain. - -"Alec C-C-C-Cunningham, sir," replied the lad. - -"Do you stutter always?" - -"N-N-N-No, sir. I don't stutter at all. I'm just a little -ch-ch-ch-chilly." And the lad shivered violently. - -"He was sleeping on the pier in a pile of oyster sacks," said Sailor -Bishop in explanation. - -Captain Bagley stepped forward and laid his hand on young Cunningham's -wrist. It was like ice. The captain ran a quick, investigating finger -over the lad's shoulder. "Hell!" he exclaimed. "The kid ain't got -nothin' on." - -He turned to the cook who was just cleaning up the breakfast dishes. -"Dick," he said, "give this boy some grub and a bowl of coffee, and make -it hot, too." - -Again he turned to the lad before him. "Get over beside the stove," he -said. "Why in the deuce didn't you tell a fellow you were freezing to -death? Sleep out in a pile of oyster sacks! Why didn't you tell a fellow -you had no place to sleep? You could have had a bunk on the _Bertha B_." - -Alec Cunningham tried to express his gratitude, but the right words were -hard to find. - -"I--I--I'm much obliged to you," he said. "I didn't get here till late -last night and I didn't know anybody, and I didn't want to disturb -strangers. But it _was_ cold." - -"Didn't get here till late last night," repeated the captain. "Where do -you come from, and what did you come here for, if you don't know -anything about oystering and don't know anybody here?" - -"I thought maybe I could find my uncle," replied Alec. - -"Then you do know somebody here," said the captain sharply, and again he -looked searchingly at the lad before him. - -"No, sir, I don't," replied Alec. "You see, sir, my father died -recently. My mother has been dead since I was a little baby. I have no -one to live with. So I thought I would look up my uncle. My father used -to tell me about him, but I never saw him. He is an oysterman here at -Bivalve." - -"What's his name?" - -"Thomas Robinson, sir. He was my mother's brother." - -Captain Bagley turned square around. "Now don't that beat the deuce," he -said to himself. After a moment he turned about and faced Alec again. - -"My lad," he said in a strangely altered voice, "you just put your -things in that bunk. The _Bertha B_ is your home as long as you want to -stay on her and work--that is, it is if you don't play us any scabby -tricks like that scoundrel who left us in the lurch this morning." - -"But you know I don't know anything about the oyster business," said -Alec with hesitation. - -"Neither does anybody else when he's born," growled the captain. "We all -had to learn. And unless I can't read faces any longer, you can learn as -good as anybody." - -"Then you'll take me as a hand?" - -"You're engaged already." - -"Oh, sir! I don't know how to thank you. I--I--I was awfully in need of -work. I haven't a cent left. I don't know what I would have done if I -hadn't found work pretty soon. You won't be sorry you hired me." - -An idea struck the captain. "When did you eat last?" he demanded -suddenly. - -"Yesterday morning, sir," replied the lad. - -"Dick, you darned good-for-nothing cook," stormed the captain, "what -are you standing around looking at the kid for? Get busy, or I'll fire -you." - -The cook merely smiled. The captain went blustering off to the -wheel-house. Alec looked puzzled, almost alarmed. In perplexity he -turned to the cook. - -"What about my uncle?" he inquired. "Won't the captain let me try to -find him? What did I do to make the captain angry?" - -"Lad," said the cook kindly, "there ain't no use trying to find your -uncle. He went overboard last spring, when they was h'isting an anchor -on the _Mary Ford_ and the anchor purchase parted. We never seen him -again. He was a buddy of the captain's. If you just behave yourself, -you've got a job with Captain Bagley for life. Now, get busy and eat -your breakfast, for we're going to cast off in a few minutes." - -Alec picked up the steaming bowl of coffee that the cook had placed -before him and was about to take a swallow from it when a crashing sound -rent the air and the _Bertha B_ swayed violently at her moorings. The -captain stepped from the wheel-house and ran out on deck. The sound of -angry voices arose. A moment later Captain Bagley came back. - -"That old fool, Tom Hardy, has fouled us," he said angrily. "He had too -much sail up. But he'll pay for his foolishness. His bowsprit carried -away. I don't know how we're going to get out of here now. The tide's -jammed him fast! Anyway, you'll have plenty of time to eat, lad. So go -to it. Now mind you fill him up, Dick." - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE FLEET SETS SAIL - - -"Come over here to the table and set down," said the cook, with a kindly -smile. So tiny was the cabin that one step took Alec to the proffered -stool. Ravenously hungry though he was, his surroundings were so new and -interesting that for a moment he almost forgot to eat, as he looked -around the cabin. - -Tiny it was, indeed. And yet everything in it was so compactly arranged -that half a dozen men could live in it. In one corner stood a small, -square stove, now delightfully hot, with its top guarded by a slender -iron railing, like a miniature fence. Alec knew at once that this was to -keep the pots and pans from sliding off the stove when the ship was -pitching about. Even the dishes were suggestive of rough weather; for -the cook had given Alec his coffee in a big bowl, and the huge plate -which he was filling up with pork-chops, fried eggs, and steaming fried -potatoes, was nothing but a great soup plate. Beside the stove stood a -little cupboard, and this, with the stove, practically filled the stern -end of the cabin. A coal-oil lamp was fastened to the wall between stove -and cupboard. - -There was just room enough left in this part of the cabin for the men -to pack themselves around the table. The table, however, occupied less -space than any table Alec had ever heard of, for it was nothing but two -smooth, unpainted boards, perhaps four feet long, and hinged so as to -fold together lengthwise. One end of this table now rested in a frame on -the port side of the cabin, while the other end was slung from the cabin -roof by a rope. - -Alec thought he had never tasted anything so good as the pork-chops and -fried eggs. Before he knew it, the cook was filling up his plate again, -and pouring him a second bowl of coffee. Alec dumped some sugar in it -and poured out a generous supply of condensed milk from the tin can the -cook shoved toward him. - -Now he noticed that the little cabin had a window and a door on each -side. The stove and the cupboard occupied the stern end of the cabin. -The forward end of the cabin contained bunks, built one above another, -along the sides, where several men could sleep. The forward end of the -cabin had been converted into a little pilot-house, with glass windows -along its entire front and a door at each side, where the captain -operated the boat. - -For, like most of the oyster craft, the _Bertha B_ had been changed from -sailing ship to power boat. The four-cylindered gasoline engine that -drove the ship and operated the oyster-dredges stood immediately below -the cabin bunk room. Alec could see the engine, for a little hatchway in -the floor of the cabin led directly to the engine room. The hatch was -open and Alec could see a man oiling and adjusting the engine, -preparatory to getting under way. - -When Alec had eaten his fill, the cook began to wash the dishes. Alec -picked up a dish towel and dried them. The cook seemed surprised and -pleased. Alec stacked the dishes away in a tiny cupboard behind the -bunks, at the cook's direction, while the cook folded up the table and -stowed it in a rack overhead, leaving the tiny cabin clear and orderly. - -"Thanks," smiled Dick, when they had finished; and the way the cook -spoke made Alec feel that he had won a friend. - -"If a little thing like drying the dishes will win friends for a -fellow," said Alec to himself, "I'll wipe them every time I get a -chance. I never realized until the last few weeks how much friends mean -to a fellow." - -To the cook he said, "Will it be all right for me to go on deck?" - -"Sure," said the cook. "But put this on." And from a bunk he pulled a -heavy reefing-jacket. - -Gratefully Alec pulled on the coat and stepped out on deck. By this time -the eastern sky was aglow. The fog-bank had dissipated. The sun was not -yet up, but there was sufficient light for Alec to see. - -The first thing to catch his attention was the ship that had fouled the -_Bertha B_ and the boats alongside of her. These craft, as close -together as the fingers of one's hand, lay with their noses pointing -up-stream. Across the bows of the outermost was jammed the offending -vessel, the rushing ebb-tide holding her fast. The end of her bowsprit -dangled helplessly and a broken jib-stay was waving about in the wind. -Jammed tight in her rigging was the bowsprit of one of the ships she had -fouled, holding her tight, like an apple spitted on a stick. But no -damage had been done excepting to the offending vessel herself. Men were -pushing against the ship with boat-hooks, while Captain Hardy's own crew -were pumping at a capstan from which a hawser, stretched tight as a -fiddle string, ran to an up-stream pier. - -The master of the boat was an evil-looking fellow, as burly as he was -hard-featured. In a great, roaring voice he was cursing his crew, -blaming them for the mishap he was responsible for himself. With angry -impatience Captain Bagley watched the efforts that were making to free -the boat. - -"The old fool," he muttered, and to Alec he said, "That fellow ought to -be doing time at Trenton. He's always up to something crooked. The last -time they caught him, he was dredging illegally in the natural beds. He -got off with a fine, but I reckon the next time he gets caught in any -crooked business, he'll go to prison." - -For a few moments Alec watched the sailors pumping at the capstan. Then -his gaze shifted to other interesting sights about him. - -Down-stream and up, rose a forest of masts; for the pier off which the -_Bertha B_ now lay was only one of a score or more parallel piers. And -off each pier were moored six or eight vessels, with still other ships -at greater distances, tied along the shore beyond the great pier shed. -There were scores and scores of boats, mostly two-masted schooners. -Across the river, which was perhaps 1,000 feet wide, was a second great -pier shed that extended along the shore for hundreds of feet, also with -piers running out from it into the river every few rods. And here, and -along the shore above and below the piers, were anchored other scores of -boats. Altogether, the oyster fleet numbered some hundreds of vessels. - -On every ship were signs of activity. In every rigging red and green -lights already sparkled, or men were about to hoist them. On some ships -white lights glimmered aloft; while more and more boats were showing -white lights at their sterns. - -Fascinated, Alec watched the scene. For ship after ship, on either side -of the river, now cast off her lines, swung gracefully with the current -and headed down-stream. On every hand rose the steady put-put-put of -ships' motors. For although most of the oyster craft still carried -sails, practically all of them were driven by gasoline, their sails -being used merely as auxiliaries to their engines, or to steady them -when dredging in a wind. - -And now Alec saw something that made his eyes fairly pop open with -astonishment. Down-stream came a shapely schooner, sails set and -bellying in the wind. But it was neither wind nor tide that drove her so -fast. For behind her, immediately below her white stern light, was a -chugging motor-boat, nose hard against the schooner, pushing her along -at a merry pace. Alec could hardly trust his eyes. For the little -motor-boat was fastened with its nose high in air and its stern deep in -the tide, and had not a soul aboard of her. But above her, at the wheel -on the stern of the schooner, stood a silent steersman. While Alec was -debating with himself as to whether he should believe what he saw or -not, a second oyster-boat came slipping by, also driven by a little -power boat astern. Before he reached the oyster-beds, Alec saw dozens of -boats so operated; and the cook told him that when the oyster-boats -changed from sail power to motors, some ships, like the _Bertha B_, had -had engines installed in their holds, while others were driven instead -by small power boats. - -Presently the ship across their bow was pulled loose, freeing the little -fleet. The outer vessel immediately cast loose, swung in the tide, and -headed down the river. Meantime, a bell rang, there was a sudden -chug-chug-chug alongside, the clank of machinery was heard below, and -the _Bertha B_ began to vibrate. The captain was warming up his motor. - -Then, "Cast off!" came the order from the pilot-house. The hawsers were -hauled aboard. The _Bertha B_ moved forward, described a great arc in -the river, and headed for the sea. - -Wonderful was the sight that now greeted Alec's eyes. Like a flock of -closely herded sheep, the oyster-boats were making for the dredging -grounds. Before him, beside him, and behind him, their sails showing -faintly in the dim light, Alec saw scores of moving ships. Now he -understood the purpose of all the lights he had seen hoisted. Ahead of -him dozens of stern lights shone white, showing exactly where each ship -was riding. And astern, red and green lights flashed their guiding -signals. - -As the light grew stronger, the scenes around the _Bertha B_ stood out -more and more distinctly. Accustomed as Alec was to mountains and -limited views, the pictures that now unfolded before his eyes were like -visions of a new world. The view was boundless. At least, it stretched -level to the distant horizon in every direction. East, west, north, -south, look where he would, the land was as level as a floor. The river -wound about like a snake, and after the _Bertha B_ had traversed one or -two of these serpentine reaches, she seemed to be in the centre of a -vast marsh-land. Everywhere stretched limitless areas of salt meadow. -Cattails, tall rushes, reeds, salt hay, sedges, and other marshy -growths, standing dead and sere, painted the marshes a monotonous brown. -The slightest thing that rose above the general level seemed magnified -into a great bulk. Here and there distant stacks of salt hay stood up -against the sky-line; but they seemed huge, gigantic, unlike any -haystacks Alec had ever seen. And here and there, also, stood solitary -trees or groups of trees, seemingly thrusting their heads into the very -clouds. - -But ever the young oysterman's roving eye came back to the moving fleet. -Two, three, and sometimes even four abreast, trailing close on one -another's heels, the white oyster-boats moved out to sea in majesty. -Overhead sailed innumerable gulls, watching for the scraps thrown from -nautical breakfast tables. And when some cook stepped to his deck and -dumped his table scrapings overboard, gulls came darting from far and -near and settled down to fight and cry over the spoils. - -Suddenly Alec heard the captain's voice. "Come in here, youngster. I -want to talk with you." - -Alec made his way through the cabin into the pilot-house, which was just -deep enough to allow a person to stand comfortably or to sit on a stool. -The floor of the pilot-house was considerably higher than the deck -level, and Alec could see much better here. Also, it was warm. And -although he had been so fascinated by the scene that he had momentarily -forgotten about the weather, he now realized that he had been cold out -on the deck. - -A flash of light caught his eye. Then another light blinked at a much -greater distance. "What are those lights?" Alec asked the captain. - -"Those are the range-lights, to show the way into the harbor. And off -there you can see East Point Light." - -Alec followed the pointing finger of the captain and saw, off the port -bow, a third light gleaming. - -"We seem to be catching those fellows ahead," commented Alec. - -"I reckon they're stuck in the mud," said the captain. "This northeast -wind's been blowing hard for eighteen hours. It will make pretty low -water." - -"How much water does the _Bertha B_ draw?" inquired Alec. - -"Four or five feet," said the captain. - -"Then we ought not to have any trouble," said Alec. "It looks as though -this river was pretty deep." - -"Oh! There's plenty of water in the river; but there's a bar across the -mouth of it, and with this wind blowing there won't be much water over -it." - -Rapidly the _Bertha B_ drew near the boats ahead of her. "They're all -fast," commented the captain, as they passed a schooner on which a -sailor was sounding with a pole. "Don't believe he's got three feet of -water," the captain added. "And look there! The bar's clear out of -water, with a flock of gulls on it. That's a sight you don't often -see--the bar out of water." - -Alec looked where the captain was pointing, and there, a long distance -off the port bow, where the river entered the Delaware Bay, was a -distinct black streak in the water, roughened at one end. The rough -spots were gulls. But Alec would never have known that the black streak -was a strip of mud and the knobby end was a mass of birds, had not the -captain told him. - -"Are we going to get through?" asked Alec, for the _Bertha B_ was still -slowly forging ahead. - -"I don't know," said the captain. "We're in the mud now, but we've got a -good engine and if we can keep in the channel, maybe we can make it. But -she's hard to steer in the mud and most of those boats are right in the -channel." - -Slowly the _Bertha B_ continued to move through the mud. A short -distance ahead of her a schooner lay directly in the path. The captain -turned his wheel and tried to swing the _Bertha B_ to one side, but she -would not turn. Nearer she came and still nearer to the stranded -schooner. But the captain could not turn her. A collision seemed -inevitable. - -"Let go that starboard dredge," cried the captain to Sailor Bishop, who -was still on deck. At the same instant the captain signalled sharply to -the engineer. For a single moment the propeller ceased to turn. Then the -_Bertha B_ trembled from end to end, as the engine started again, full -speed astern. The effect was instantaneous. The _Bertha B_ almost -stopped in her tracks. Before ever the sailor could reach the dredge and -heave it overboard, the oyster-boat swung slightly to one side and lay -still. - -"Never mind that dredge," called the captain. To Alec he said, "We're -done. All we can do is to lay here and wait for the tide to float us." - - - - -CHAPTER III - -OVER THE BAR - - -The _Bertha B_ now lay as motionless as "a painted ship upon a painted -ocean." The captain released his hold of the steering-wheel and turned -toward Alec, studying his face again. - -"How old are you?" he asked. - -"I'll be nineteen on my next birthday." - -"You are pretty big for your age." - -"I'm five feet, ten inches," laughed Alec, "and I don't believe I'm done -growing yet." - -"No. You'll be a six footer before you're done. Was your father a large -man?" - -"No, sir. I am already two inches taller than he was." - -"Where do you get your size from? Was your mother large?" - -"No, sir. I've seen pictures of my mother, and she wasn't as tall as -Dad. I guess it must come from good food and exercise." - -"If that's the case, you ought to keep right on growing. You'll get -plenty of both aboard an oyster-boat." - -"If the breakfast I had was a fair sample, I'm sure there will be plenty -of food." - -"I'll see that you get plenty of exercise, too," smiled the captain. - -Again he looked Alec over, seemingly in appraisal of his physical -powers. "You don't look like a working boy," he said. "What kind of -exercise have you been used to?" - -"I never had to work for my living," replied Alec, "because I was going -to school and Dad supported me. But I did all the chores at -home--chopped the wood, took care of the ashes, dug the garden, and so -on. And I was on the high school athletic teams." - -"Humph!" snorted the captain. "That's hard work, that is--playing a -little baseball." - -Alec flushed slightly, but made no reply. He knew well enough that the -captain had never played a hard game of football or he would not have -made that remark. - -"Know anything about water or boats?" the captain asked, after an -interval. - -"I've been used to little sailboats and canoes all my life, sir, and I -can swim." - -Alec might have added that he was the champion swimmer of the Central -City High School, but he wisely did not. - -"Well," rejoined the captain, "that may be useful to you. There are too -many sailors who cannot swim." - -"Sailors who cannot swim," repeated Alec in astonishment. "Why, I -supposed all sailors could swim." - -"Then you supposed wrong. Lots of 'em can't swim a stroke." - -The captain thrust his head out of a window and surveyed the water. -"Tide's about run out," he said. - -Alec noticed that the water below them was moving much slower than it -had been. Accustomed as he was to an inland stream, in which the current -always ran one way, the alternating flow of this tide-water stream -interested him deeply. As he looked at the banks of the river, he could -see that the water had fallen several feet. - -"How much does the tide fall here?" he asked. - -"About six feet, I reckon," said the captain, "but this is an unusually -low tide. In fact, we haven't had a tide as low as this in years. I -don't know when I've seen that bar out of water before. This stiff -northeast wind, coming straight down the river, has blown the water all -out into the Bay." - -"Has the river fallen as much back at the pier as it has here?" asked -Alec, examining the shore carefully. - -"Sure thing. There's enough water to float a boat off the ends of the -piers, but the slips between 'em, where you saw the scows, haven't an -inch of water in 'em. They're only mud-flats, now." - -In the darkness Alec hadn't seen much of the scows, but he did not tell -the captain so. Instead, he said, "It's wonderful. Will it all run back -now?" - -"You'll see it start to flow back in a few minutes. Of course this -won't be a very high tide, for the wind that blew the water out of the -river will keep some of it from running back." - -"Suppose the wind were blowing in exactly the opposite direction," said -Alec. "Would it blow the river full of water?" - -"That's exactly what it would do. When that happens the water sometimes -gets up over the pier you slept on. That's a couple of feet higher than -common." - -"Whew!" whistled Alec. "That's like our spring-floods inland. Everything -gets covered with water." - -"Pretty much the same thing," said the captain. "But we'd a good deal -rather have a high tide than one of your floods. High tides don't do so -much damage as your floods. And then the tides help us a great deal. But -they was more useful before the days of power boats than they are now. -In them days, if there wasn't any wind to blow your boat, all you had to -do was to wait for the tide to change, and you could go up-stream or -down without a bit of wind. But now that we use gasoline, we don't pay -much attention to the tide." - -Alec glanced out of the window again. The chips and bubbles that had -been floating down-stream were now moving ever so slightly in the -opposite direction. - -"Look!" he cried. "The tide's running in." - -"Sure," said the captain. "I've been watching it. We'll be off pretty -soon." - -Again the captain leaned out of his window and looked up-stream and -down. "Every last boat in the fleet is hung up," he said. "Never knowed -that to happen before. Some of 'em always gets through." He closed the -window and once more faced Alec. "What was you studying in school?" he -asked. - -"I took the usual required work in high school," said Alec, "but I was -specializing in biology." - -"What's that?" - -"The study of life processes," replied Alec. - -The captain looked blank. "What do you do in that study?" he asked. - -"Why, you try to find out all about the life of an animal, how it is -born and how it grows and eats and multiplies. You dissect animals, and -you examine them under a microscope. In short, you try to find out all -about an animal's life, just as you oystermen probably do with oysters." - -"Humph!" snorted the captain. Then he laughed aloud. "Now ain't that an -idea," he exclaimed, "watching oysters under a microscope! Young fellow, -we ketch oysters, that's what we do. We ketch 'em for people to eat." - -"But I'm sure it would help you to study them, too. A man can't know too -much about the things he handles." - -"If that's the kind of nonsense they teach you at high school, I'm glad -I never went to one. I can read and write, and that's enough learnin' -for any oysterman." - -Alec made no reply, but the captain's remark had set him thinking. He -wondered if there were not an opportunity to apply his school training -in the oyster business. He knew that science had almost revolutionized -farming, and he wondered if the oyster business might not be somewhat -like farming was before the days of the agricultural colleges. But he -did not know, and he very wisely kept quiet. He determined that he would -look into the matter as he had opportunity. - -He was silent so long that the captain suddenly remarked, "Never mind -what I said, lad. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." - -"You didn't hurt my feelings," smiled Alec. "You just set me to -thinking." - -"Tell me more about your life at Central City," the captain went on. - -"Well, there isn't much to tell. My father worked for the electric light -company, and I belonged to the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol. But that -probably wouldn't interest you, any." - -"You mean that you know something about wireless telegraphy?" - -"Sure. I've got a little outfit with me in my valise. It isn't much of -an outfit, though, for I made it myself. But I can send and receive over -a pretty good radius, even if it is home-made." - -The captain looked at Alec with evident admiration. "Do you mean you -made the set yourself?" - -"Absolutely. I can install it here on the _Bertha B_ and take messages -for you, if you'll let me." - -"It's a nice thing, wireless is," replied the captain, "but it wouldn't -be any use on an oyster-boat. Besides, it would be in the way. You see -how cramped we are for room. These boats was all right as long as they -stuck to sails, but they filled up the hold with engines and winders and -a lot of machinery when they turned 'em into power boats, and they ain't -big enough any longer. We can ketch twice as many oysters with power -boats as we used to with sails, and we don't have room to carry 'em when -we get a big catch. Some day they'll build oyster-boats of a new sort. -They'll make 'em bigger and higher and have room in the hold where we -can put oysters. Then we can catch 'em all winter." - -"Don't you catch them in winter now?" asked Alec in astonishment, for he -distinctly recalled eating oysters all through the winter season. - -"We have to carry 'em on deck," explained Captain Bagley, "and in cold -weather they freeze. Then we have to stop dredging. Your winter oysters -come from the Chesapeake, I reckon; at least in real cold weather. But -tell me some more about this Wireless Patrol. What was it?" - -"Oh! Just a bunch of us fellows who had wireless outfits. We used to -talk to each other at night and listen in to all the news that's flying -about; and we used to go camping, too. When the war came, we knew enough -about wireless to be of some use. We caught the German dynamiters at Elk -City, and four of our boys helped the Secret Service in New York run -down the secret wireless of the Germans. One of our boys, Henry Harper, -is a government wireless man now, and Roy Mercer is wireless man on the -steamer _Lycoming_ running between New York and Galveston. Charley -Russell is a forest ranger back home in the state forest, and he got his -job largely because of his ability with the wireless. They're going to -install a wireless system in his section of the forest, it is so useful -in fighting forest fires." - -"You don't say!" - -"Sure. You see, Charley started as a fire patrol and he saved a tract of -the finest timber in Pennsylvania because he was able to call help -promptly with his wireless. He'd have had to hike twenty-four miles over -the mountains and back to get help if he hadn't had his wireless outfit -with him, and the fire would have got such a start it would have burned -up the whole tract before they could have stopped it. Oh! You can do -most anything with wireless. I'm sorry I can't use my outfit aboard the -_Bertha B_. I could string up my aerial between the masts, and I don't -believe my wires would be one bit in your way." - -The captain smiled indulgently. "Wireless is all right, I know," he -said. "But we ain't got any use for it on an oyster-boat. Our business -is to ketch oysters." - -"Don't you ever have accidents?" inquired Alec. "With so many ships -sailing in the same place, I should think you would have collisions -every day. Why, I should think the oystermen would almost come to -blows, like those gulls there fighting for table scraps." - -"I don't quite get you," said the captain. "Why should we fight?" - -"To see who shall get the oysters, of course. Suppose that ship over -there wanted to dredge in exactly the same spot you have in mind. How -are you going to prevent her from doing it? And where will you get your -oysters then?" - -"Well, you are a landlubber, for sure," laughed the captain. "Why, no -other oysterman would dare come on my grounds. I'd send him to jail, if -he did." - -"What!" cried Alec. "You don't mean that you own part of the oyster-bed? -I supposed the government owned all navigable waters. Our Susquehanna -River is a public stream." - -"Right you be, lad. The government does own the Delaware Bay, but it -leases the oyster-beds, or at least land for oyster-beds, to private -individuals. Each oysterman has his own grounds, just as each of your -Pennsylvania farmers has his own farm." - -"Are you kidding me?" asked Alec, mindful of the reputation sailors have -for spinning yarns. - -"Not a bit," replied the captain. "I thought everybody knew that." - -"But how could a man have an oyster-bed separate from all the other beds -in a big body of water like the Delaware Bay? Why, it must be miles and -miles in width. How could anybody tell just where his oysters were, in -such a vast expanse of water?" - -"How could he tell?" snorted the captain. "How can a farmer tell where -his farm is, with so much land all around it?" - -"Why, he'd fence it in, of course, or mark the boundary lines in some -way." - -"Well, young fellow, oystermen have just as much brains as farmers. And -they are just as particular to fence in their own grounds, too." - -Alec's face was blank for a moment. Then he smiled broadly. "Now you -_are_ kidding me," he said. - -"Not for a minute," said the captain. "Do you see that boat over -there--the _Mary and Hattie_?" - -"Sure!" - -"Do you see those long poles she carries over her starboard rail, near -the stern? They're long saplings with all the branches trimmed off but -the top ones." - -"I see them," said Alec. - -"Well, those are the kind of markers we use to stake off an oyster-bed. -You see there are natural beds in the Bay, where the state won't allow -any dredging except to ketch seed-oysters for spring planting. But an -oysterman can lease as much land elsewhere as he wants and plant it with -oysters. The state surveys it and then the oysterman marks it off with -those poles. And if anybody but the owner dredges oysters in that ground -he'll get just what a fellow would get if he went into a farmer's field -and stole his crops. The oysterman owns every oyster in his bed." - -"Honestly?" asked Alec, who was so much astonished that he forgot his -manners. "Why, I supposed that the oysters grew anywhere on the bottom -and that the oystermen just dredged wherever they felt like dredging." - -"Humph!" said the captain. "There'd be a lot of oysters left in a few -years if we did that. The beds would be dredged clean. That's the way -they used to ketch oysters, and the state had to put a stop to it in -order to save any oysters at all. Why, the whole Atlantic coast used to -be covered with oysters, and now there's only a few beds left. This bed -in the Maurice River Cove is one of the most valuable in the whole -United States. But it wouldn't last long if the state didn't regulate -oystering." - -"How does the state regulate it?" asked Alec. - -"Well, there's the natural bed I told you about. That lies above what we -call the Southwest Line. Nobody dare dredge above that line except in -May and June to ketch seed-oysters. That gives the oysters in the -natural bed a chance to multiply from year to year, so as to provide the -necessary seed." - -"But what's to prevent a boat from slipping in there and dredging -oysters on the sly? If the boats are scattered all over the Bay, and -each boat is busy dredging on its own ground, I don't see what's to -hinder a dishonest captain from stealing the state's oysters." - -Captain Bagley lowered a window-sash and craned his neck, so he could -look up-stream. "See that long, low power boat up there?" he asked, -after running his eye over the fleet behind him. "That's one of the -guard-boats. The state has four of 'em. They're fast little craft and -they watch the fleet every minute. I think that's the _Dianthus_. She -knows just where every boat belongs, and if a fellow dredges on state -land or on some other fellow's ground, she'll nab him quick." - -"Why, that's just like a police force," said Alec. - -"That's exactly what it is. You see this oyster business has grown to be -a big thing. We shipped nine million dollars' worth of oysters out of -Bivalve last year, and the state ain't takin' no chances on having that -business wrecked. So the state keeps pretty close watch on us." - -"Don't it make you kind of nervous, to be watched all the time?" asked -Alec. - -"Lord bless you!" said the captain. "We ain't got no reason to be -nervous. We'd rather have that guard-boat there than not. It protects -our property when we're not around. Most of the oystermen in this fleet -is as honest as the day is long. They wouldn't touch another man's -grounds if you'd pay 'em. But we do have a few crooked ones, like any -other business, and they have to be watched. The guard-boats don't pay -much attention to the rest of us, but they keep pretty close tab on -skippers that are known to be dishonest. Hello! The _Dianthus_ is -moving. We'll see what we can do." - -The captain leaned forward and rang his bell. The motor began to turn -and the ship once more vibrated. Slowly the _Bertha B_ moved ahead. The -captain swung her toward the channel. Around her the water was inky -black, where her propeller was churning up the mud. The water deepened -and the vessel gained headway. In a moment she was going smoothly. The -bar ahead had disappeared. The tide was rising rapidly. All about her, -other ships were starting or trying to start. Those with power forged -slowly ahead through the mud until they reached the centre of the -channel. A few that depended upon their sails alone were forced by the -wind to circle about before they could head toward the oyster grounds. -Everywhere the scene was one of animation. Ahead of the _Bertha B_ and -behind her, ships by the score were once more in motion. The water -sparkled in the light of the rising sun. And as the river widened into -the Bay, the water began to roll and billow under the strong sweep of -the rising wind. - -On went the _Bertha B_. To her left stretched East Point, a long, low -finger of sand, reaching far out into the water, the square, white -lighthouse, surmounted by its round light tower, bulking huge against -the horizon. On the right stretched limitless reaches of brown -marsh-land. Behind her ran the serpentine river. And before her lay the -Bay, a waste of tossing water. As far as Alec could see, nothing else -was visible. It was his first sight of salt water, and he stood -entranced, fascinated by the picture of the tumbling waves, the darting -gulls, and the fair white ships, heading out to the oyster grounds, like -sheep on the way to pasture. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -DREDGING OYSTERS - - -Suddenly Sailor Bishop appeared on deck. He drew off the cover of the -forward hatch and dropped into the hold. Then broad-bladed oyster -shovels, oyster baskets, culling hammers, and other implements were -shoved up through the hatchway. - -"I can help him with that," said Alec, and leaving the pilot-house, he -made his way forward. But the sailor was already out of the hold and -replacing the hatch cover. He grinned at Alec's offer of assistance and -said there was nothing to be done. Nor was there much to do. The -necessary shovels and baskets were placed amidship, where they could be -reached easily by the men at the dredges. Then the two stood side by -side on the deck, looking at the animated scene. The wind still blew -fresh and the air was cold. But with the warm coat outside of him and a -good breakfast inside, Alec was not the least bit chilled. The fresh air -was invigorating. - -The members of the Wireless Patrol had always been told to keep their -eyes and ears open and their mouths closed; and Alec now tried to -practice what he had been taught. The oyster-dredges interested him -keenly. These were huge iron frames, shaped like wish-bones, with ends -that curved over like hooks, and that were connected by a straight iron -bar. This bar was armed with huge iron teeth, like those of a rake. This -toothed bar was intended to drag along the bottom and rake up the -oysters, as pebbles are raked together with a garden rake. The oysters -so caught were held in a bag or network, made of iron rings and links, -that was fastened to the frame of the dredge. - -On either side of the ship lay one of these dredges, ready to be put -overboard. Immediately before each dredge, and mounted in the ship's -rail, was a horizontal iron roller, and just back of this was a vertical -roller. It was perfectly evident that the horizontal roller was intended -for use in pulling the dredge in and out of the ship, while the vertical -roller would revolve under pressure of the dredge chain as this paid out -after the dredge was tossed overboard. The chain, in each case, was -fastened to the apex of the dredge, or what might be called the top of -the wish-bone; and these chains, one from each side, led directly to the -winders amidships, which were simply revolving drums or spools of iron -that wound up the dredge chains. - -Alec was more than eager to see the outfit work, but the ship went on -and on at full speed. - -"How far do we have to go before we begin to dredge?" he finally asked -his companion. - -"I reckon our grounds are about eight miles out," replied the sailor. - -Alec opened his eyes wide, but said nothing. By this time they were far -offshore. They could still see the trees and haystacks on the meadows -but the shore-line was becoming more and more indistinct. The -oyster-boats had scattered in every direction, and now that the ships -had separated there did not seem to be nearly as many of them. - -"There's Egg Island Light," said the sailor, pointing ahead to -starboard. - -Alec looked, and finally made out what seemed to him a tiny, dark column -in the gray waves. With every minute the expanse of water widened and -the shore grew more indistinct. Suddenly Alec's attention was attracted -by something far ahead in the water. He saw at once that it was a little -cluster of saplings, such as he had seen lashed to the side of the _Mary -and Hattie_. Their bushy tops gave them the appearance of a tiny thicket -growing right in the water. Then he saw a second cluster of stakes, and -beyond them, at intervals, other stakes. All these little groups of -stakes were in a straight line, so that the effect was, indeed, not -unlike a long fence-row. As the _Bertha B_ drew nearer to the -oyster-beds, Alec could see stakes in every direction. Most of them, he -noticed, were just bare poles, that stuck out of water two or three -feet, like the tips of so many fishing poles. But some groups of stakes -were still bushy at the top, like the first clusters he had seen. He -asked his companion why two sorts of stakes were used. - -"They was all alike when they was put down," said Sailor Bishop, "but -most of them have lost their tops. The waves and the ice and the -oyster-boats themselves break off the little branches at the tops, -leaving only the bare poles." - -"Then why aren't all the tops broken and not just some?" - -"Oh! Those bushy ones have just been put down. You see the oystermen -like to mark their beds well in the fall. It makes it so much easier to -find their grounds when spring comes." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Why, if this happens to be a cold winter, every pole in sight may be -broke off by the ice. If a skipper has put down fresh poles just before -winter, he can find his bed pretty easy when spring comes." - -"How?" asked Alec in amazement. "How can he ever tell where his grounds -are if his stakes are gone?" - -"Well, they won't be gone altogether. Just the tops are broke off. At -low tide there'll be some stumps sticking up. A skipper just sails out -and gets the range of his beds and then hunts for his stakes till he -finds them. Then he puts down new stakes." - -"But how can he ever get his range, as you call it?" - -"Oh! He knows his landmarks. You see Egg Island Light over there, and -just behind it that tall clump of trees? Well, if we had an oyster-bed -right here, that light and those trees would always be in a line when we -are over our bed. Now if he had some landmarks in this other direction, -too, a skipper could always tell when he was right on this spot, for -he'd have to have both sets of landmarks in line." - -"Why, that's nothing but triangulation," said Alec. "We studied that in -school." - -"I don't know what they call it in school, but that's the way a skipper -finds an oyster-bed when his stakes is gone." - -"What I don't understand," questioned Alec, "is why the ice doesn't take -the stakes away altogether, instead of just breaking off the branches at -the tops of the stakes." - -"Lord bless you, son! You couldn't pull them stakes up with a derrick." - -"Why not?" - -"Because they're down in the mud five or six feet and it holds them -tighter'n a porous plaster sticks to your back." - -"How do you ever get them down so deep?" - -"Oh! They go down easy as a rule. You just take a stake under your arm -and work it down into the mud. It goes down easy enough, but it won't -come out for nothing. Sometimes, though, when the mud's tough or the -bottom sandy, they won't go down nohow. Then we have to pump them down." - -"Pump them down!" cried Alec in astonishment. "What do you mean?" - -"Why, we fasten a hose to the sharp end of the stake, and the engine -sucks the mud or sand up through the hose as we work the stake down. I -tell you them stakes _never_ comes up!" - -"Does it take long to stake out an oyster-bed?" asked Alec. - -"Well, that depends upon the weather and the mud and a lot of other -things. If an oyster captain is too busy to put down his own poles, he -can get a stake sticker to do it for him." - -"What's that?" - -"Oh! There's lots of men with little boats, who ain't got money enough -to start oystering themselves, that make a business of putting out -stakes for men who have beds. They charge a dollar a stake, and in a -good day they can put down twenty-five or thirty stakes." - -"Whew! There must be big money in that. I should think everybody would -become stake stickers instead of oystermen." - -"It ain't as good as it sounds. A man has to own a boat before he can be -even a stake sticker. And he's got to hire two or three men to help him, -and pay for the poles as well. And then it's work that lasts only a -little while each year. So I reckon there ain't so much in it after -all." - -"Likely not," said Alec. "It's like a lot of other things in life. The -less you know about it, the better it looks." - -Just then the captain's voice was heard. "Hey! Kid! Come here." - -Alec turned and saw the captain beckoning to him. He made his way back -to the pilot-house. - -"We're almost to our grounds," said the captain, "and we don't want to -lose a minute. Pull on them oilskins. You can't ketch oysters in them -duds of yourn. You'd soon be soaked." - -The captain pointed to a suit of oilskins hanging above his bunk. Alec -pulled the waterproof clothes, which were bright yellow in color, over -his other clothes, and exchanged his cap for the captain's sou'wester. -Then he took off his shoes and got into the captain's boots. - -"Bishop will tell you what to do, young 'un," said the captain, "and be -darned careful about them winder chains. More'n one man's had his arm -took off in this fleet by winder chains." - -Alec went forward. "What do you want me to do?" he asked the sailor. - -"You help me handle this dredge. We pull it in this way," and he -indicated how he and Alec were to take hold of it. "And then we grab -them round rings and dump the oysters out on the deck. Then we shove the -dredge overboard again and go to culling. I'll show you how to do that -when we get some oysters. We're almost there now. See them four bunches -of stakes? They're the corners of our grounds." - -"How big is this bed?" asked Alec. - -"I reckon about ten acres, but Cap'n Rumford's got a good many other -beds farther out. I reckon he must have more'n a thousand acres of -oysters." - -"Cap'n Rumford?" asked Alec. "Who's he? I thought our captain's name was -Bagley." - -The sailor looked at Alec and laughed. "So it is," he said. "But he's -merely the cap'n of this boat. Cap'n Rumford's the owner of the outfit. -We're just workin' for him." - -"Do you dredge all the oysters from those thousand acres?" - -"Lord bless you!" laughed the sailor. "It takes a whole fleet to do -that. Cap'n Rumford has three or four boats going all the time." - -"Isn't that an awful lot of oysters--a thousand acres?" - -"I reckon it's just about the biggest oyster-bed down here. You're dead -lucky to start oystering with the Rumford outfit, lad. As long as you do -the right thing by the cap'n, he'll sure treat you white." - -Just then the cook and the engineer came on deck. "Now me and you will -handle this dredge," said Sailor Bishop, "and Dick and Joe'll take care -of the other. Just git over on that side of the dredge. And watch them -chains. We're almost ready." - -The _Bertha B_ passed one of the clumps of stakes that Sailor Bishop had -pointed out. - -And at once, "Let go your dredges!" came the order from the pilot-house. - -Alec and the sailor seized the starboard dredge by which they stood, and -Dick and Joe grasped the other; and both dredges shot overboard at the -same instant. The chains paid out against the vertical rollers with a -loud rattle. Alec stood silent, eagerly awaiting the first haul. He -wondered what would be in the dredge. The engine continued to churn up -the water, and the _Bertha B_ forged ahead, dragging her heavy, clumsy -dredges behind her. - -"How deep is this bed?" asked Alec. - -"About eighteen or twenty feet, I reckon." - -"Are they all as deep as that?" - -"No. Some of them ain't more than ten feet deep. It all depends -upon----" - -Suddenly there was a loud, clanking sound in the hold. The chain of the -starboard dredge began to grow taut. - -"Look out for that chain," warned the sailor again, as it began to reel -up. - -Suddenly the dredge shot out of water and followed the chain over the -roller. Alec and the sailor grabbed it and shoved it to the deck. In -another second they had thrust the dredge back over the side. - -The sailor picked up a culling hammer, which was very much like an -enlarged tack-hammer, and fell to sorting oysters. The very largest he -put in a basket by themselves. These were "primes," and there were few -of them. The remaining oysters, the "culls," he dropped into another -basket as fast as he could sort them out. Many old oyster shells had -come up with the dredge. These and the "rattlers" (oysters with cracked -or broken shells), the sailor raked into a little pile by themselves -with his culling hammer. The rattlers were detected by tapping the -shells with the hammer. They gave forth a hollow, rattling sound. - -Alec dropped on one knee, in imitation of his companion, and also began -to cull the oysters. At first he was somewhat clumsy; but with a little -practice, he acquired considerable dexterity. In the heap with the -oysters were a few clams, a small crab, a conch shell, and an -evil-looking fish, that the sailor struck in the head with his culling -hammer and contemptuously called a "Cape May minister." When the sailor -had filled his basket with cull oysters, he dumped it in the middle of -the deck hard against the pilot-house. Then he dropped a single oyster -in a basket that stood in front of the winders. Alec filled his basket -and the sailor dumped it also and dropped another oyster in the basket. -It was the method of keeping tally. - -Meantime the other dredge had come aboard, and Dick and Joe were also -hard at it. The captain, operating the dredges from the pilot-house, -brought up the dredges at frequent intervals. When the starboard dredge -chain began to wind up again, Alec and the sailor seized their shovels -and shoveled the old shells and rattlers overboard again. But try as -they would, they could hardly cull their pile of oysters before another -dredgeful came aboard. Alec observed that Sailor Bishop was much the -quickest of the three men at the dredges. He determined to watch him -closely and try to become just as expert himself. - -Also he understood why the captain had had him don water-proof clothes. -The deck was adrip with water from the oysters, and every few minutes a -wave splashed against the side of the boat, drenching the schooner with -spray. Without the oilskins Alec would soon have been wet to the hide. - -He found, too, that he needed more than oilskins to protect him. His -fingers were rapidly becoming raw, and he saw that they would soon be -cut to the bone by the sharp shells. His companions all wore rubber -finger-stalls and Alec sighed with relief when he found that he could -borrow some for his own fingers. - -Presently Alec noticed that another oyster-boat was dredging in the -adjoining bed. As the two boats sailed back and forth, passing and -repassing each other, Alec couldn't help thinking how much like two -farmers they were, plowing in adjoining fields. The other boat was one -of the few ships in the fleet that still operated by wind power. Alec -thought her a beautiful sight as she heeled over before the sharp wind, -and sent the waves foaming from her bow and the spray dashing high. And -she was far more picturesque than the _Bertha B_, which spread no sails -at all. For this ship had all her sails set, and her steersman stood on -deck in the open, vigorously twirling his steering-wheel. - -The day wore on. Monotonously the _Bertha B's_ propeller churned the -yeasty waves. The winders rattled and clanked. Regularly the dredges -came aboard and were dropped back again into the waves. The wind blew -fresh. The sun shone bright. The waves sparkled. The pile of oysters -before the pilot-house grew larger and larger. From time to time the -cook slipped into the cabin, and Bishop stepped across the deck to help -Joe with the other dredge. Now that he had acquired some facility in -handling the oysters, and his fingers no longer smarted with the salt -water, Alec enjoyed every moment. He didn't feel the least bit seasick, -and the cool, fresh air was delightful to breathe. But he could see that -in cold, stormy weather it would be anything but fun to work on the open -deck of an oyster-boat. Time passed faster than he dreamed. For suddenly -the _Bertha B's_ whistle blew. The oystermen stopped work as though they -had been shot. - -"What's wrong?" asked Alec. - -"Nothing," said Bishop. "It's time for dinner." - -"But it _can't_ be noon yet," insisted Alec. - -"It isn't. We eat dinner at ten o'clock on an oyster-boat." - -"Well, I'm not sorry to hear it," said Alec. "It can't come too early -for me." - -After dinner, dredging was resumed. By mid afternoon more than four -hundred baskets of oysters were heaped up on deck of the _Bertha B_. -Then the dredges were stowed aboard, and the ship headed for the mouth -of the river. From every direction other boats were making for the same -point. But this time there was no bar visible. There was water aplenty. -Up the river raced the oyster-boats, sometimes three and even four -abreast, every ship piled high with oysters. On the way up the river -supper was served. Before five o'clock the _Bertha B_ had reached the -oyster piers. She pulled on past them to a huge float, on which the -oysters were shoveled to allow them to lie in the brackish water to -fatten. Then the deck was washed and the implements stowed in the hold. -Captain Bagley headed the _Bertha B_ down-stream once more, and in a few -minutes she was moored snugly to the very pier on which Alec had sought -shelter the night before. - -But it was a very different world to Alec. He had a warm place to sleep -on the _Bertha B_; he had all he could eat; he had a job; and he had -found friends. He didn't know yet how much his job would pay him, for it -hadn't occurred to him to ask. It was enough for the present to know -that he had work and would no longer have to go hungry. About his new -friends he knew almost nothing; but he felt sure they were going to be -friends, for they all had treated him in a kindly fashion. Concerning -his future he had as yet little idea. A few weeks previously it had -never occurred to him that he would ever be an oysterman. But now that -he had had a taste of oystering and had begun to get an insight into it, -he saw at once that it was entirely possible that he might become an -oysterman. He knew that men could rise in the oyster business as well as -in any other. Like the sensible boy he was, Alec told himself that he -would work as hard as he could, learn all he could, and earn and save -all he could. If he got ready for an opportunity, the opportunity might -come. Now that he did have to support himself, he meant to make the best -job of it he knew how. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -EVENING AT THE OYSTER PIER - - -On the way across the river every man in the crew had pulled off his -oilskins, and now all were ready to go ashore. - -"Come along with me, Alec," said Captain Bagley as he scrambled over the -rail. - -The _Bertha B's_ pier, and all the other piers, were covered for the -greater part of their length by an enormous roof sloping up to the -building that extended along the landward side of the piers. This -building, hundreds of feet in length, was tenanted by the various oyster -shippers. Each occupied a small section of it containing wareroom and -storage compartments on the pier level, and office rooms on the floor -above. At every pier little openings, like tiny tunnels, led through -this long building to the wide shipping platform on the farther side, -where the trains were loaded. - -Captain Bagley entered one of these tunnel-like passages, but half-way -through he stepped into a little wareroom, nearly filled with sacked -oysters, and mounted some narrow wooden stairs. Alec followed close at -his heels. The stairs led to the office of Captain Rumford, and that -individual was sitting behind his desk, addressing shipping tags. He -looked up as Captain Bagley entered, said "Hello!" and went on -addressing tags. Captain Bagley sat down in a chair, by the pot-bellied -stove in the centre of the room, and motioned for Alec to occupy a -second chair. - -On the walls were hung pictures of boats, gaudy advertising calendars of -oyster shippers and ship-chandlers, with models of oyster-boats, that -Alec found very interesting. Oilskins hung on pegs and long boots stood -in a corner, showing that Captain Rumford was as well prepared for bad -weather as any of his sailors. Alec rightly guessed that sometimes he -went along with his boats to the oyster grounds. - -When Captain Rumford had finished his tags, he laid down his pen, turned -away from his desk, and tilted back in his chair. "Well, Bagley, how did -it go to-day?" he asked. - -"Not so bad, not so bad," replied Captain Bagley, "everything -considered. Looked bad for a time, though. That Hawley got drunk last -night and snuk off after he'd had his breakfast. But this kid turned up -and took his place. Then old Hardy fouled us and broke his bowsprit, and -that held us up so long we got stuck on the bar. Every boat in the fleet -got hung up. Bar was clean out o' water. Made us late gettin' out. But -we got more than four hundred baskets at that. Not so bad, eh? Not so -bad." - -"Good enough, Bagley. Who is the lad?" - -"Name's Alec Cunningham," said Captain Bagley. "Alec, this is Captain -Rumford." - -Alec sprang to his feet, stepped to the captain's side, and shook hands -with him. - -He knew at once that he was going to like Captain Rumford. The captain's -glance seemed to bore right through Alec. He felt as though the captain -could read everything that was in his mind. But there was a kindly -expression about his face that won Alec instantly. - -"Where do you come from?" asked Captain Rumford. "I never saw you around -here." - -"He come from up in Pennsylvania," said Captain Bagley, "and he's a -nephew of my old buddy, Thomas Robinson, that was drowned when the _Mary -Ford's_ anchor purchase parted last spring. His parents is dead and he -come here to find his uncle. Hit here last night without a cent and -slept out on our pier in them oyster sacks. Darned wonder he didn't -freeze to death." - -"That's a shame," exclaimed Captain Rumford, "with so many bunks around -here he could have slept in. Why, there's half a dozen in this office." - -"It didn't hurt me any," laughed Alec, "but it was cold." And a little -shiver ran down his back at the recollection of his chilly bed. - -"Wonder where Hawley got his booze," said Captain Rumford presently. "He -was a pretty good man, wasn't he? What are you going to do with him?" - -"Yes. He was a good worker, but I ain't got time to fool with that kind -o' cattle. I'll tell him to go aboard and get his things. I've got to -have men I can depend on." - -Captain Rumford arose and began to pull on his overcoat. "Time to be -getting home," he said. "Just a word with you, Bagley, before I go." He -entered an inner room, followed by his ship captain. "Does this young -chap intend to become an oysterman?" asked the shipper. - -"I don't know that, Cap'n," replied the master of the _Bertha B_. "He -was flat on his back when he struck here and would probably have taken -any job he could get. Hadn't had anything to eat for twenty-four hours." - -"Well, he's got a good, clean face. I like the cut of his jib. Got lots -of grit, if I ain't mistaken. Looks as though he knew something, too." - -"He's a wireless man. Got an outfit with him that he made himself. He's -had a high school education, too." - -"He has, eh? Well, I've been sizing him up, and I thought he was a -clever lad. Got the making of a good man in him. How does he work?" - -"Good! Mighty good. Took right hold like an old-timer. Just had to see a -thing done once, and he picked it up as though he had done it all his -life." - -"Know anything about his habits?" - -"No. But he don't use tobacco, and I'm pretty sure he never touched -booze." - -"Well, take care of him, but don't spoil him. Put him through the mill -and see what he's got in him. If he's the lad I take him to be, we don't -want him to get away from us. It's hard to find really good men -nowadays. Well, I must get home. Now mind you don't spoil him." - -When the two men came back into the main office Captain Rumford said -rather severely, "Young man, Captain Bagley wants to take you on as a -regular hand. He says he's going to fire the fellow who was drunk this -morning. I don't know about it. I don't know about it. It's a risky -thing to do, when we're so short handed. Jim Hawley is a good worker." - -"Oh, sir, if only you will let me stay," pleaded Alec, "you'll never be -sorry. It's true I don't know anything about oystering yet, but I can -learn, sir. And I can and will work as hard as anybody. I need the -work--need it terribly. Please, sir, give me a chance." - -"Well," said the shipper, "I make it a rule not to interfere with my -captains. Bagley says he wants you, and I suppose I shall have to humor -him. Your uncle was a great friend of his. But mind, you can't hold a -job on one of my boats just because your uncle was a friend of the -skipper. I'll give you a job. But it's up to you to keep it. -Understand?" - -"Thank you, sir. Thank you," said Alec gratefully. "It's very good of -you to give me the chance. I'll try to make good, sir. I can learn as -well as anybody." - -"Very well. We will see what you can do. Now I must be getting home, or -I'll have to account to Mrs. Rumford for this extra half hour." - -The captain's face was as stern as ever, but there was a twinkle in his -eyes that belied the sternness. And the tone in which the skipper said, -"Good night, Bagley," confirmed Alec's first impression that Captain -Rumford had a soft heart under his somewhat rough exterior. - -The three oystermen went down-stairs. Captain Rumford locked the door -and went to his automobile, parked on the farther side of the railroad. -Alec and Captain Bagley turned back toward the pier shed. To Alec, the -interview just ended seemed momentous. He had a job. He had a start in -life. But little did he dream what a part this half hour in the oyster -shipper's office was destined to play in his life. - -It was still daylight, though dusk was at hand. "If it's all right," -said Alec, "I'd like to look around a bit." - -"Look as much as you like," said Captain Bagley. "But you'd better turn -in early. You know we have to be out to the oyster-beds by sunup. Hello! -There's Hawley now." - -Alec waited to see what would happen. The big oysterman came swinging -along under the pier shed, just sufficiently unsteady on his feet to -betray the fact that he had been drinking again. - -"Go aboard and get your duds," called Captain Bagley sharply, as the man -came up to him. "You can get what's due you on Friday when the rest are -paid." - -"What do you mean?" - -"You know well enough what I mean. Take your clothes out of my boat and -don't you set foot in her again." - -The drunken oysterman leered at Captain Bagley. "You can't fire me. -You've got only three men left and there ain't another hand to be had." - -"There ain't, eh? Well, here's one. He did your work to-day, and he's -going to do it every day. See? Now get your things out of the _Bertha B_ -and be quick about it." - -Instantly a change came over the oysterman. "Take the bread from an -honest man's mouth, would you?" he snarled, turning upon Alec. "Take his -job away from him, would you? You young pup, I'll fix you!" - -His attitude was so threatening that Alec stepped back in alarm. - -Captain Bagley grasped the sailor by the arm and spun him around. "You -get your clothes and get out here before you get in trouble," he said -sternly. - -The oysterman swore viciously, but obeyed, and went shambling down the -pier to the boat. - -"You'd better keep your weather-eye on him," said the captain. "I don't -believe he'd really try to hurt you, but he's a bad actor when he gets -drunk. So just watch him. I'll go aboard and see that he behaves himself -on the _Bertha B_." - -Alec hastened to have a look at his surroundings before darkness came. -Although it was late in the day, there was still much activity on the -piers, for this was the rush season. In the slips between piers were -many square-ended scows, some loaded deep with oysters that were covered -with burlap sacks against a sudden cold snap, while others were entirely -emptied of their cargo, their sacks laid in neat piles amidships. - -Still other scows were being unloaded. Mostly four scow men were at work -in each scow, counting and culling the oysters. As fast as the baskets -were filled, they were hoisted to the piers, where other men emptied -them into sacks and tossed the empty baskets back into the scows. Six -baskets filled a sack. The sacks were sewed up as fast as they were -filled, and trundled off on trucks to the waiting cars. Such rattlers -and empty shells as had gotten in among the good oysters were thrown in -little heaps in the centres of the scows. - -Presently Alec saw a rough looking old fellow sculling a flat-bottomed -boat into a slip where some empty scows were floating. - -"Can I have your shells, Cap'n?" asked the boatman of the shipper who -stood on the pier, sewing up the last of his sacks. - -"Sure," said the shipper, and the old boatman began to shovel the shells -from the scows into his own boat. - -"Now I wonder what he wants with those shells," thought Alec. Then, -following his rule, he decided to watch and see what the old fellow did -with them. - -As there were six scows to clean, it was evident that it would take him -some time to get all the shells; so Alec walked on. He went past pier -after pier. On most of them, men were just finishing their day's work, -sewing up and trundling away the last of their oysters. On some piers -were great rows of barrels, such as had sheltered Alec from the wind on -Captain Rumford's pier. On practically every pier baskets were stacked -up like the barrels; and when Alec noticed how wet they were, he rightly -guessed that they were left out in the wind to dry. On some piers seines -were hung up on long poles that extended from rafter to rafter. Yawl -boats, most of them equipped with gasoline engines, floated in the -slips. And several had been stowed on piers. One by one the oyster craft -were tying up at the ends of the piers, so that the river began to -present as crowded an appearance as it had in the early morning. - -At the end of the pier shed was a big blacksmith shop, with quantities -of dredges, anchors, and other boat equipment to be mended. - -Alec went around the end of the pier house and started back along the -wide shipping platform. He was amazed to see that three lines of cars on -three parallel tracks stood ready to receive the day's yield of oysters. -Little, metal markers, labeled Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, New -York, and so on, were stuck in the doors of the various cars, to help -the men trucking the oysters get them in the proper cars. The strings of -cars reached the full length of the oyster sheds, which must have been -at least two hundred yards; and Alec saw at once that when the three -strings were coupled in one train, there would be considerably more than -a third of a mile of oysters going to market. When he remembered that he -had seen another train at the oyster sheds across the river, he suddenly -realized what an enormous industry this oyster business was, and what a -lot of money there must be in it for successful oyster shippers. It made -him more determined than ever to look into the situation well and see if -his opportunity in life might not lie right here. - -As Alec walked along the shipping platform, his wonder grew. Here were -telegraph stations, butcher shops, ship-chandleries, where one could buy -almost anything needed aboard ship, and so on, as well as the offices of -the oystermen. Overhead swung the signs of the different shippers, and -Alec was interested in reading them. On these signs he saw many of the -names he had seen earlier in the day on the oyster-boats themselves; and -he guessed that many of these boats, like the _Bertha B_ and the _Mary -and Willie_, must have been named after members of the shippers' -families. - -By the time Alec had completed the circuit of the oyster sheds, and -gotten back to the slip where the old man was collecting shells, it was -almost dark. The shell collector was just sculling his craft out of the -slip into the river. Alec walked to the end of the pier and saw that the -man was pointing his boat up-stream. Deciding to follow him on land, -Alec hurried along under the pier shed in pursuit. - -Long before this the electric lights had been lighted, and Alec did not -realize how dark it really was until he had passed beyond the shed under -the open sky. At first he could hardly see anything. Once he glanced -back, and in the faint light from the pier shed made out the form of a -man behind him. As he went on, he heard footsteps coming close, but -thought nothing of it. He came to a little landing place built of a few -planks, that projected well out over the water. His eyes had now grown -accustomed to the dark, and he cautiously made his way out on this -landing, to look for the shell collector. He was surprised to hear a -tread behind him on the landing. Just as he turned to see who was -coming, there was a rush of feet on the planks, a hoarse voice cursed -him viciously, and in another instant powerful arms grasped him and -flung him headlong into the swirling tide. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -OVERBOARD IN THE DARK - - -Down, down, down into the chilling water went Alec. So confused was he -that he did not know which way was down and which was up. He opened his -eyes but the muddy water was inky black and he could see nothing. So -sudden and unexpected had been the attack that he had not had time even -to catch his breath before he sank beneath the water. Immediately he -began to suffer for air. - -Instinctively Alec struck out, but after a few strokes he stopped -swimming. He was recovering his wits rapidly, and he realized that it -was worse than useless to try to swim until he knew in which direction -he was going. He might swim under a scow or boat and be drowned. It was -fortunate indeed that Alec ceased swimming when he did, for the tide and -his own efforts were taking him directly under a big oyster-float. The -instant he stopped swimming, the lifting force of the water shot him -upward. It was high time he got his head above water, for his lungs -seemed about to burst. He knew he could not hold his breath much longer. - -With quick wit he raised his hands above his head the instant he felt -himself rising. And it was well he did so. Hardly had he lifted them -before he crashed into one of the great timbers of the oyster-float. The -impact almost broke his fingers; and although his hands lessened the -force of the blow, nevertheless he bumped his head so hard that for an -instant he was dazed. His extended hands alone had saved him from being -knocked senseless and drowned. For a second he lost control of himself -and swallowed some water. Sudden terror clutched his heart. He realized -that in another moment he might drown. Wildly, frantically, he clawed at -the timber above him. One hand met solid wood wherever it moved. But the -other shot upward into the free air. With his last remaining ounce of -strength Alec dragged himself from under the log that formed the edge of -the float and pulled himself up until his nose was above water. - -Shuddering, gasping, gulping in both air and water, Alec clung to the -log desperately. Panic took possession of him. He tried to cry out, but -succeeded only in swallowing more water. Wildly he clutched the float -and tried to draw himself up on it; but the great round log, slippery -with mud and slime, gave him not the slightest finger hold. Almost -exhausted and nearly paralyzed with cold, he slipped back into the -water. But his hands still rested on the log. - -Then he took a grip on himself and choked back the wave of fear that was -chilling his heart worse than the cold water was numbing his muscles. -He let his body sink in the flood until only his nose and eyes were -above water; and clinging to the log, he remained perfectly still for a -moment to recruit his waning strength. Meantime his mind and his eyes -were both busy. - -By this time his eyes were free from water and accustomed to the -darkness. He could see fairly well. A hasty glance showed him a long -line of floats, oyster-boats, scows, and similar craft moored parallel -with the shore. He was in the smooth water between float and shore and -only a few yards distant from solid ground. With that realization a wave -of courage swept over Alec that seemed almost to warm him. For now he -knew he should get out all right. He had only to swim the little -distance between float and shore and he was safe. - -Boldly he struck out, and a few strokes carried him close to the bank. -His foot touched bottom. He swam another stroke or two and put his feet -down to walk ashore. Then he gave a cry of terror as he felt himself -sinking down, down, down into the terrible, black, clinging mud. He -tried to raise his foot, but only sank the deeper. Already he was in mud -above his knees, and his nose was frightfully close to the surface of -the water. Through his head flashed the memory of the oyster stakes in -the muddy bottom of the Bay--six feet deep in the mud, so Sailor Bishop -had told him, and held so tight that they could not be pulled out. A -fresh wave of fear swept over him. - -But he fought desperately to keep his wits. He realized that his broad -shoes would not go down into the mud like the sharpened ends of poles. -He stood perfectly still to see whether or not he was still sinking -deeper. When he realized that he was not, he could have shouted for joy. -The tide was running out, and the water would not come up over his head, -even if the mud did hold him prisoner for a time. But soon he realized -that cold could kill him quite as effectively as water. For now that the -fear of drowning had left him, he became conscious of the fact that he -was shaking all over and that his teeth were chattering terribly. He -must get out and get out at once. But how should he get out? He dared -not move, lest he sink deeper into the mud. And there did not appear to -be a soul anywhere around. There were no lights near. It was supper -time, and everybody had gone home for the night. - -Suddenly he heard the steady put-put-put of a motor-boat coming up the -river. The sound drew near. - -"Help! Help! Help!" cried Alec at the top of his voice. - -But the boat continued to chug steadily upstream, its rhythmic -put-put-put-put drowning out all sound of Alec's feeble cries. Again and -again Alec called for help, but the boat went steadily on. It passed the -craft moored below Alec. It came abreast of the oyster-float. Still -Alec's cries were unheard. As the boat came directly opposite him, Alec -gathered his remaining strength for a last effort and fairly screamed, -"Help! Help! Help!" - -There was a sudden commotion on the motor-boat. The steersman rose to -his feet and peered into the darkness. A second man shut off the engine. - -"Hello!" hailed a voice from the boat. "Where are you?" - -"Back of the oyster-float near shore," cried Alec. "I'm stuck in the -mud." - -"Stand still and we'll get you in a minute," came the quick response. - -"Put-put-put," went the little motor-boat again, and in another moment -it was alongside the float. A sailor leaped from the boat, with a coil -of rope in his hand. He splashed his way across the float, calling, -"Where are you?" - -"Right here," called Alec, raising his arms above the water and waving -them in air. - -"Catch this rope," answered the sailor, and a line came whizzing -straight into Alec's upraised arms. - -"I've got it," said Alec. - -"Tie it under your arms and hold fast." - -Alec's hands shook so that he could hardly knot the rope, but finally he -had it fast about his chest. He grasped the rope at arms' length. "All -right," he cried. - -"Heave ho!" sang the voice on the float. "Here you come, my hearty." And -the rope tightened. - -Alec pulled on the rope as hard as he could, and worked his feet loose. -The instant he was free from the mud, he went skimming through the water -to the side of the float, where strong arms lifted him up. - -"You didn't have much to go on," said the sailor. "It's a darned good -thing for you that the tide was running out instead of in. Who are you, -and how'd you come to get in the water? Been drinking?" - -"My name's Alec Cunningham, and I belong on the _Bertha B_. Somebody -threw me overboard." Alec's teeth were chattering so that he couldn't -say another word. - -"Drunk as a fool," said the sailor. "Bagley don't have any hand named -Cunningham. Wish I knowed where he belonged." - -"I'm not drunk," said Alec, shivering more violently than before, "and I -do belong on the _Bertha B_. Just went to work this morning." - -"Maybe he ain't drunk," said the steersman on the boat, as they stepped -aboard. "Maybe he does belong on her. We'll go see. We got to take him -somewhere darned quick or he'll freeze to death." - -The motor-boat was headed down-stream and in a few minutes came -alongside the _Bertha B_. "Hello, Bagley!" called the steersman. - -"Hello!" cried the skipper on the _Bertha B_, coming out on deck. - -"Do you know a young fellow named Cunningham? Says he belongs to your -crew." - -"Sure I do. What's happened to him?" - -"We got him here. Just fished him out of the river." - -"The deuce you did! Get him in here quick before he freezes." - -Alec was helped aboard the _Bertha B_. He tried to thank the men who had -rescued him. - -"Shut up and git in there by the fire," shouted Captain Bagley. - -Alec hustled into the cabin. In all his life fire had never felt so -good. - -"Boys," said Captain Bagley, "you saved a darned nice kid. How'd he git -in the water?" - -"Says somebody throwed him in. Don't _look_ as though he was drunk, -though." - -"No. He ain't drunk. And if he says somebody throwed him in, why, -somebody did. I'll find out about this. Good night." Captain Bagley -turned toward his cabin. "The old rip!" he muttered. "I knowed he was a -bad actor, but I never dreamed he'd attempt murder." - -Then the captain was inside the cabin. "Strip them clothes off, quick!" -he called to Alec. Then turning to the engineer, he said, "What you -standing there for, Joe? Git the coffee-pot on and stir up the fire." - -Captain Bagley seemed equal to any emergency. Before you could bat an -eye he had pulled the wet garments from Alec's shivering form and was -rubbing him with a rough towel. He rubbed until Alec's skin was aglow. -Then he dived into his bunk and from his locker drew out a clean suit -of heavy woolen underwear. - -"Warm these," he said, handing the garments to Joe, while he himself -fell to rubbing and slapping Alec with his hands. - -"Now git into them duds quick," he ordered, as Joe passed Alec the -underclothes, which he had been holding before the fire. - -As Alec pulled on the warm clothes, the captain said, "Git this inside -you," and he poured out a cup of black coffee that was smoking hot. - -Alec downed the draught, though it almost burned his mouth. The captain -poured another cup. - -"Drink it," he said. Again he turned to the engineer. "See if Dick's got -any lemons in his cupboard." - -The engineer found some. "Give 'em to me," said the captain. In a second -he had cut them in half and was squeezing out the juice. "Put a quart of -water over the open fire, Joe," he said. - -Joe got the water. Captain Bagley poured the lemon juice into it, and -added some sugar. In no time the mixture was steaming. - -"Drink it," said the captain. - -"I'm full," said Alec. "I just had two cups of hot coffee." - -"Shut up and drink it," said the captain. - -As Alec took the proffered draught and began to sip it, the captain -roared, "Drink it!" And Alec downed the whole quart. - -"Now stand just as close to the fire as you can. Joe, put on more -draft. Can't you get her any hotter?" - -The stove was already cherry red, but that did not satisfy the energetic -skipper. Joe poked up the fire and Alec got as close to the stove as he -could. Soon he began to perspire profusely. - -"Good!" said the oyster skipper, as he saw the beads of sweat gather and -run down Alec's face. "Now, you young rascal, tell us how all this -happened." - -Briefly Alec related the story of his adventure. - -"Who done it?" demanded Captain Bagley. - -"I--I--I wouldn't like to say," said Alec, "because I am not absolutely -certain. I'd hate to accuse any man of attempting to commit murder -unless I was sure. I never really saw the man because it was so dark." - -"Ain't you got any idea who it was?" - -"All I've got to go on is the voice. I could hear that in the dark as -well as in the light." - -"Had you heard it before?" - -"Yes, sir. It sounded very much like the voice of the man you -discharged." - -"I reckon you are right, youngster. I reckon you are right. I only wish -you was a little more certain about it. He ought to go to prison. But -I'd like to have sufficient evidence to make a case before I have him -arrested. Maybe I can find somebody who seen him in that neighborhood. -I'll scout around a bit and see what I can pick up." - -"I wouldn't want him imprisoned," said Alec. "He didn't do me any harm, -even if he did try to." - -"We don't know yet whether he did you any harm or not, and anyhow, -that's got nothing to do with it. We can't afford to have that sort of -cattle running at large." - -Captain Bagley sat down and pondered over the matter for some time. "How -do you feel?" he asked suddenly. - -"Pretty good," said Alec, "though my head aches something fierce. I -reckon it's from the bump I got." - -"Well, that settles it. You don't ketch no oysters to-morrow." - -"What do you mean?" asked Alec. - -"I mean that you are not going out to the oyster grounds." - -"Indeed I am," said Alec. "I'd be a nice sort of a pill to lay off when -you're so short handed, just because I got a ducking." - -"Don't you give me any back talk," said the skipper, "or I'll throw you -overboard again. I know a lot more about falling into cold water than -you do. You may have a high fever by morning. And anyway, it's going to -be a darned nasty day. There's a storm brewin', and you'd more than -likely get sick. Then I would be up against it, wouldn't I, with only -three hands to work two dredges. I've got to have men I can depend -upon." - -"You can depend upon me," protested Alec. "I'll work even if I am sick. -Won't you let me go, please? I just can't afford to lose a day. I need -the money so bad, sir." - -"What for? You got a place to sleep and plenty to eat. Why do you need -money so bad?" - -Alec turned his face away from the captain. "It's some bills I owe at -home," he said. There were tears in his voice, though he kept them out -of his eyes, and the captain forbore to question him. - -"All right, lad," he said, in a tone of wonderful tenderness, "you shall -have your day's work. But you will have to do it ashore. I'll get one of -Zipp's men to help me and you can help Zipp." - -"Who's Zipp, and what does he do?" - -"Oh! That's Frank Jordan, the foreman of the scow gang. Zipp's his -nickname. He handles the oysters after we put them on the float. Now you -just stay by the fire and sweat, while I go to the office and talk to -the captain." - -Captain Bagley let himself into the office with his key, turned up the -lights, and in a moment was talking to Captain Rumford over the -telephone. - -"Sure," said the boss, when Captain Bagley had told him of Alec's mishap -and his plan for an exchange of men. "I'll call up Zipp right away, and -one of his men will be on hand in the morning. Leave the kid in the -office if you get away before Zipp gets there. We'll take good care of -him." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -A LETTER FOR ALEC - - -So it came about that when the _Bertha B_ sailed for the oyster grounds -next morning, Alec was not aboard of her. He passed a restless night in -his bunk, and was astir the moment Dick arrived to start breakfast. He -pulled on his clothes and set about helping the cook, who knew nothing -whatever about Alec's adventure. He raked the fire, put on fresh coal, -filled the coffee-pot with water from the cask on deck, and tried to -make himself unobtrusively helpful. His head still ached, and he did not -feel very well. In his secret heart he was glad enough that the captain -would not allow him to go out to the oyster grounds. - -When he had eaten his breakfast, Alec went ashore with the skipper, -while the boats moored outside the _Bertha B_ were casting loose. -Captain Bagley opened the office and stirred the fire. - -"Keep it warm in here," he said to Alec. "You can set and sleep in this -easy chair, or you can lay down on a bunk in the other room. Now take -care of yourself." And the captain was off. - -For a time Alec sat by the fire, thinking over the events of the past -few days. Then he fell to meditating on what he ought to do with -himself. He had never had a consuming desire to do any one thing in life -in preference to all other tasks, as some boys have. Always he had cared -more for boats and the water than for any other form of sport; but it -had never occurred to him that boating might in some sense become his -life-work. Now the possibility seemed very real, and not at all -distasteful. But if he became an oysterman, he wanted to be more than -merely a deck-hand. He wanted to climb up, to be at the top of the -business instead of the bottom. When he remembered what he had been told -as to the difficulties of becoming an oyster-planter and of the large -amount of money required, he could see no way to achieve such an end. He -did not see how he could ever earn and save enough money to buy an -oyster-boat. Alec was a lad of good sense, however, and after -speculating about the matter for a time, he suddenly said to himself, -"This is all foolishness. You don't even know yet whether or not you -want to be an oysterman. If you do, the best way to succeed is to learn -all about the business you can. So you had better get out and make use -of your time, instead of loafing here." - -He left the office and went down to the pier shed. Practically all the -oyster-boats had cast off and were on their way to the Bay. Alec could -see their lights twinkling in the darkness over a long stretch of river. -It was still too early for those who worked about the piers to be on -hand, so Alec had the pier shed pretty much to himself. He walked up and -down, looking at everything that interested him. - -Presently the night-watchman came along, lantern in hand, and looked at -him pretty sharply. "Looking for somebody?" he asked; and Alec saw the -man was suspicious of him. - -"Just waiting for Captain Rumford or some of his scow men," said Alec. -"I'm working for the captain. Went out on the _Bertha B_ yesterday, but -I'm going to work here to-day." - -The watchman seemed satisfied. "You're working for a fine man," he said. -"There ain't none better than Captain Rumford." - -Together they strolled along until they came to Captain Rumford's pier. -In the slip were four oyster scows, their bottoms littered with old -shells. All the other scows about had been cleaned and put in order. - -"The captain won't like that," said the watchman. "That's twice lately -that nobody got his shells. He's the very deuce for having things -orderly." - -"What do you mean?" asked Alec. "Was somebody supposed to take those -shells away?" And he thought of the old man he had been following when -he was thrown overboard. - -"Sure. There are several fellows that collect 'em, and the captain -always gives 'em to the first fellow that asks for 'em, though old Pete -usually gets 'em. But the captain don't care who takes 'em, so his -scows are clean." - -"What does anybody want old oyster shells for?" demanded Alec. "Why, I -saw an old man with a whole boat load of them." - -"They want 'em to sell," explained the watchman. "Guess you don't know -much about the oyster business yet." - -"Don't know a thing," said Alec. "Never saw an oyster-boat before -yesterday. I can't imagine how anybody could sell all the shells that -old fellow had in his boat." - -"A fellow could sell a million bushels of 'em if he had 'em," said the -watchman. "You know the oyster-planters put these shells back in the -oyster-beds in spring. They buy 'em back from these fellows at five -cents a bushel." - -"What!" exclaimed Alec. "The planters sow oyster shells in their beds! -Surely you can't grow little oysters from old shells!" - -The watchman laughed heartily at Alec. "Of course you can't grow little -oysters _from_ old shells. But you can grow 'em _on_ old shells." - -"I don't understand." - -"Why, the little oysters--spats we calls 'em--just floats about in the -water after they are born, and if they didn't have anything to fasten -to, they'd all die and be lost. There ain't nothin' they can fasten to -on the mud bottoms, so the oystermen puts down old shells and the spats -makes fast to 'em." - -"Well, I never!" exclaimed Alec. "There's a whole lot more to oystering -than I ever dreamed. I reckon what you say accounts for the way oysters -grow in clusters. We dredged up lots of clusters of oysters with four or -five oysters stuck together. And now that I think of it, I remember that -there were usually one or two old shells in each cluster." - -"I reckon Captain Rumford will be right mad when he sees them shells in -the scows," said the watchman. "I heard him giving Pete--that's the old -fellow you spoke of--the deuce only last week for not getting the scows -clean on time. You see, it's the rush season. Help is short, and it's -all the captain can do to keep up with his orders. Now these scows will -have to be cleaned before any more oysters can be fetched." - -"Then I'll clean them," said Alec, and getting some baskets, he dropped -into the nearest scow. The watchman moved on about his work. - -In no time Alec had the scow clean and her burlap sacks piled neatly in -the centre. He hoisted his baskets of shells to the pier and tackled the -next scow. - -Captain Rumford was on hand before any of his men came. "Who put those -shells there?" he demanded, noticing the baskets Alec had placed along -the edge of the pier. - -"I did, sir," said Alec, somewhat fearfully. - -"You did! Where did you get them, and what did you do it for?" - -"I got them out of the scows, sir. They hadn't been cleaned." - -"The deuce they hadn't. That's twice Pete has left my scows full of -shells within two weeks. We've got to have some better method of getting -rid of old shells. Can't stand this. Busy as all fiddlesticks and our -scows full of shells when we come to work. - -"Say, boy," said Captain Rumford after a moment's pause, "who told you -to clean out those scows?" - -"Nobody, sir. I thought it would help along with the day's work and I -did it. I didn't know what else to do with them, so I put them in the -baskets I found here." - -"You've got some sense, lad. Keep on that way and you'll be an oyster -shipper before you can vote." - -Zipp and his two scow men soon arrived. The captain lent Alec his boots, -which were far too large for Alec, and one of the scow men gave him a -reefing-jacket. A motor-boat lay in the slip. Zipp started the engine, -while the other men made fast the scows, and soon the little party was -chugging off to an oyster-float. The four scow men sat in the motor-boat -and the scows were towed behind. With great oyster-forks, somewhat like -enlarged spading forks, the gang shoveled the oysters from the float -into the scows. It was hard work, for the forks were large and the -oysters heavy. When the oysters were all taken up, the scows were towed -back to the shipping pier and made fast in the slip again. Then the -counting began. - -Zipp showed Alec how to count his oysters, two at a cast. The four -counters dropped to their knees and began work. But Alec paused for a -moment to watch his companions. He saw that Zipp could count oysters -faster than either of the two other scow men, just as Sailor Bishop -could cull them faster than either Joe or Dick. Alec watched Zipp -closely, to see how he worked. Then he set himself to the task of -learning how to count fast. He still had the finger-stalls he had worn -the day before and the sharp shells did not hurt his fingers in the -least. In a little while he was making the oysters fairly fly. - -Basket after basket, the oysters were shoved up on the pier, where other -workers emptied them into sacks. Captain Rumford himself sewed the sacks -up and kept a watchful eye on things. In no time, there was a long row -of sacks standing ready for shipment. - -"Just keep track of the number of baskets that lad hands up," whispered -the shipper to an assistant. "We'll time him for an hour." Thus Alec -underwent another test, though he was altogether in ignorance of the -fact that his work was being watched. - -At every pier men were counting oysters, while other men filled the -sacks and trundled them off to the waiting freight-cars. The place was -as busy as a beehive, yet there was no noise or confusion. No swearing, -no loud talk, disturbed the general quiet. Only the rumble of the -trucks, as men trundled the sacked oysters over the plank floor, rose -above the subdued hum. - -"Hour's up!" said Captain Rumford, glancing at his watch, after a time. -"How many baskets did the kid count?" - -"Seventy-seven." - -"The deuce he did! Why, that's ten thousand oysters. Of course Zipp's -crew average about 11,000 an hour, but they're the best crew here. The -average counter won't handle more than 8,000 to 9,000 an hour. The kid's -quick." - -Presently the skipper got his shipping tags and tied them on the sacks. -Then a man with a truck began to wheel the sacks away to the cars. - -Dinner time came. All hands went up to the office to eat their lunches, -about the warm stove. - -"Here," said Zipp, seeing that Alec had nothing to eat, "have a -sandwich." - -"No. Thanks," said Alec, rather diffidently. "I am not very hungry." But -his eyes belied his tongue. - -"That won't do at all," said the skipper. "Take this and run over to the -hotel and get a good square meal." - -Alec protested. The oyster shipper shoved a dollar into his hand. - -"Now run along, quick," he said, "for we've got to get right back to -work as soon as we can. And none of us can work without food." - -Alec was glad enough when Captain Rumford insisted, and taking the -money, he hurried away to get his dinner. The long table fairly groaned -under the array of good things, and every diner was free to eat as much -as he liked. For the first time in his life, Alec ate oyster potpie; and -wished he could hold more. His dinner cost him seventy-five cents, and -Alec began to understand how fortunate he was to be eating aboard the -_Bertha B_. Even if his pay should prove to be small, he could still -save something, and he needed money desperately. - -Alec intended to give back to Captain Rumford the twenty-five cents left -from his dollar. But the men were already in the scows when he got back -and Captain Rumford was up in his office. Alec went to work, and forgot -about the quarter. - -All the afternoon Alec worked as fast as he could make his fingers fly. -He was working alongside of Zipp, one of the most expert oyster counters -at Bivalve; and it provoked Alec that he could not hand up the baskets -as fast as his fellow. But try as he would, he could not fill the basket -as rapidly as Zipp did. The oysters were all counted and sacked before -the _Bertha B_ came chugging up to her pier. Alec went aboard her as -soon as she made fast, and the cook considerately gave him his supper. - -Then Dick went off to buy supplies for the next day. Alec asked if he -might go along. They got a roast of meat, some sausage, canned beans, -butter, bread, condensed milk, and other articles. - -Captain Bagley, meantime, had gone to the office to make his daily -report to Captain Rumford. That done, he started for a store to buy a -cigar, when the postmaster hailed him. "Say, Cap'n," he said, "you don't -know anything about a party named Cunningham, do you? I've got a letter -addressed to an Alec Cunningham, care of Thomas Robinson. You and -Robinson used to be such pals I thought you might know something about -it." - -"You've come to just the right place. That's Robinson's nephew. He's a -member of my crew now. I'll just get that letter and give it to the -kid." - -When Captain Bagley returned to the _Bertha B_ Alec was sitting alone in -the cabin. - -"Here's a letter for you, Alec," said the skipper. - -Alec tore the letter open and ran his eye over it. Tears came into his -eyes, and he bowed his head on his chest. - -"What's wrong, lad?" asked the skipper, kindly. - -Alec could not trust himself to reply. He merely thrust the letter into -the skipper's hand. - -Captain Bagley read the communication and frowned. "He's pretty much of -a skunk," he said. - -The letter was an imperative demand for the balance due on the tombstone -Alec had ordered for his father. Unless this were first received, the -letter said, the stone would not be set up. - -"I judge you paid him something?" said the captain questioningly. - -"Paid him half the price. It took every cent I had. That's why I landed -here without a penny. And that's why I need money so bad. Oh! I must -get it somehow. I must! I must!" - -"Now, don't you worry about this," said the kindly oysterman. "We can -fix it up for you somehow." - -But Alec refused to be comforted. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -ALEC'S FIRST LESSON IN OYSTER-CULTURE - - -Morning found Alec refreshed in body, but not entirely relieved in mind. -He had loved his father dearly, and the thought that his father's body -lay out in the cold, bleak cemetery without even a headstone to mark his -resting-place, troubled Alec sorely. The very least he could do in -memory of his father, it seemed to Alec, was to erect a marker above the -grave. - -To do this, he had gotten together all the money he could, and given it -to a Central City monument dealer with the understanding that the latter -was to set up the stone Alec selected and Alec was to pay the balance -due on the stone as soon as he found work and could earn the money. But -like many another man, this one had taken advantage of youth. He had -pocketed the money without carrying out his part of the bargain. That -was bad enough. But Alec now felt no certainty that the stone would be -erected after he had paid for it in full; and that was worse still. So -it was a very much troubled and worried lad that tumbled out of Alec's -bunk when Dick arrived to start breakfast. - -It was fortunate for Alec that he possessed such a helpful disposition. -He found a number of things to do for the cook. He stirred up the fire, -got water for the coffee, punched holes in the condensed milk can, cut -the bread, and made himself generally useful; and in work he found -relief from his troubles. He could not keep his mind on his work and his -troubles at the same time; and he had to keep it on his work. - -And when breakfast was over and he had dried the dishes, there were so -many things he wanted to ask the captain about. All that he had learned -about oyster-culture was so interesting it made him want to learn more. -And by this time he realized that there was much, much more to know. - -"Captain Bagley," said Alec, when the _Bertha B_ was fairly under way, -"the pier watchman was telling me that the oystermen spread old shells -over their oyster-beds for the young oysters to attach themselves to. -How can oysters move about in the water? I should think their shells -would keep them on the bottom, even though they are very small. Why, a -grain of sand can't float, and see how much smaller that is than an -oyster." - -"Yes. It's smaller than a grown oyster, but many times as large as a -brand-new oyster. And besides, oysters just born don't have any shells." - -Alec looked sharply at the captain, but could not detect the faintest -twinkle in his eye. "Honest?" he asked. "You're not stringing me?" - -"Not a bit of it, son. Why, a new-born oyster is so small you can't even -see it." - -"Now I _know_ you're teasing me." - -"Indeed, I am not. You have to have a microscope to see an oyster that -has just been born. They _have_ to be very small, for a single oyster -gives birth to millions of little ones. These don't have no shells at -all. And then the tide sweeps 'em in and out, so I reckon they get -scattered pretty much everywhere in the neighborhood of the -oyster-beds." - -"But how do they grow fast to old shells and other oysters if they have -no shells themselves?" - -"Oh! They get shells quick enough. And as soon as they do, they sink to -the bottom and fasten themselves to the first clean rock or shell they -come to. If they don't hit a rock or shell, they sink in the mud and -die. Of course, there ain't no rocks on our mud bottom, and that's why -we have to put shells on the beds. And we no sooner get the bed covered -with shells than we have to scrub 'em, to get the mud off of 'em." - -"Scrub them!" exclaimed Alec. "What do you mean?" - -"Can't you understand English? I mean just what I say--scrub 'em, to get -the dirt off." - -Alec still looked incredulous. "How?" he demanded. - -"Oh! We drag the dredges over the beds without any bags on. It scours -'em off pretty well. They are pretty clean before we get through." - -"But is it really necessary? Did anybody ever see a tiny oyster make -fast to an old shell?" - -"I don't know, son. But I know this: We have to make sure our shells is -clean. We wait till the oysters is about ready to tie up to something -and then we scrub the shells." - -"My gracious! If there are so many little oysters and you put down so -many shells to catch them, I should think there would be more oysters -than you would know what to do with." - -"Does seem that way, don't it? Fact is, though, that mighty few of them -little ones ever gits to be oysters." - -"Why not?" - -"I reckon it's largely on account of what doctors would call 'infant -mortality.' All sorts of things eats 'em. Mussels, and clams, and -barnacles, and old oysters, and turtles, and worms, and sea-squirts, and -drills, all eat oysters at some time or other. Down east the starfish -plays hob with the oyster-beds. We don't have many of them things here, -and I'm glad of it. If we did, I don't know how we'd ever raise any -oysters. Why, even as it is, we don't get more than one oyster out of -every six we plant." - -"How do you know?" - -"Why, we know how many bushels we plant and how many we ketch when -they're old enough to be dredged. We plant about 500 bushels to an acre -and we'd like to plant a thousand if we could get 'em. They're about the -size of your thumb nail and there's about 700 to 900 seed-oysters in a -bushel. By the time we dredge 'em we won't get more'n a basket for every -bushel we planted. How many's that? You ought to know. You counted -oysters all day yesterday." - -"A basket contains 68 casts," said Alec proudly, "and that's 136 -oysters." - -"Correct. And if you multiply that number by six, you'll have just about -the number of seed-oysters in a bushel." - -"If the loss is so great, I should think you would plant the full -thousand bushels per acre instead of five hundred." - -"We would if we could get 'em, son. But you know we get our seed-oysters -out of the natural beds, and we can't dredge there except in May and -June, between sunrise and sunset each day. We get all we can, of course. -And then we buy some from the bushelmen." - -"What are they?" - -"Oh! Fellows that have small boats but no beds. They dredge what they -can get and sell the seed to planters." - -"They're something like the stake stickers." - -"Most of 'em are stake stickers. They ketch seed-oysters in spring and -stick stakes in fall." - -"I should think they'd get enough money to have their own oyster-beds -after a time." - -"Some of 'em do, but there ain't much money in oysters unless you have a -good equipment. Why, a first-class oyster-boat, with up-to-date engine -and machinery, is worth fourteen or fifteen thousand dollars. And then -there's your scows and floats and motor-boats, and a lot of other -things. Why, a pair of dredges alone is worth $150. And then after you -do get a bed and plant it, you've got to wait three years before your -oysters is big enough to ketch. Why, a fellow's got to have nearly -enough money to retire on before he can make a start in the oyster -business." - -Alec looked very sober. "I believe there isn't any use of a fellow like -me trying to become an oyster-planter," he thought. "I couldn't earn and -save fifteen thousand dollars--ever." - -"Think you'd like to be an oysterman?" asked Captain Bagley, looking -searchingly at Alec. - -"I don't know," said Alec. "I've got to do something, and I think I like -oystering as much as anything I ever saw. But I want to get to the top -if I become one." - -"Well, the best way to get to the top is to start at the bottom--and -work. The oyster shippers are always on the watch for bright young -fellows that know the business and ain't afraid of work. Many a fellow -has worked himself up to a partnership in an oyster firm that started -just where you are--at the bottom." - -By this time the _Bertha B_ was nearing the oyster grounds. Alec got -into the captain's oilskins again and was in his place on deck when the -captain gave the word to let go the dredges. - -This time Alec needed no instructions. He took hold like an old-timer. -He was working with Sailor Bishop again, and once more he set himself to -try to learn his companion's trick of culling oysters fast. He grew -more and more expert as the hours passed, and was soon able to keep pace -with Joe and Dick, neither of whom was very quick; but to save him, Alec -could not fill his baskets as fast as Bishop filled his. One reason for -Bishop's speed, Alec found, lay in the sailor's huge hands. His fingers -were the longest Alec had ever seen. The sailor often picked up three or -four oysters at a time. And long practice had made him so expert that he -could often detect a rattler without having to tap it with his hammer. - -In a little while the novelty of the work wore off, but still Alec found -plenty to interest him. His work in biology had given him a keen -interest in all forms of life. The marine life about him was new, and -Alec found continual delight in the contents of the dredges. Now a crab -was brought up. Again some curious fish like a "toady," as ugly and -venomous in appearance as Shakespeare's land toad, came flopping on the -deck; but apparently it had no redeeming jewel in its head, for the -sailors treated it with supreme contempt. Sometimes a king-crab was -caught in the dredge--a curious, brown, horseshoe-shaped creature, with -a long, straight tail of shell. And often there came tumbling aboard -oyster drills, which looked like tiny conchs. There were quantities of -sponge-like plant growths and red moss, like scarlet seaweed. And once -there was real excitement as a huge turtle came flopping aboard. It must -have been two feet in diameter, with clusters of barnacles on its shell -as big as one's fist, and a terrible beak that could take a finger off -at a single snap. - -"Now we'll have some turtle soup," said Sailor Bishop, as he turned the -creature on its back and shoved it out of the way. - -Before Alec knew it, the day's work was done, and the _Bertha B_ was on -her homeward way. In an old dead tree that stood by itself in the salt -meadow Alec saw what looked like a mass of driftwood; but the captain -said it was an osprey's nest. Alec studied the distant nest through a -telescope the captain lent him. It was a huge thing, three or four feet -in diameter, made of old sticks. Later still Alec saw an osprey soaring -not far astern of the _Bertha B_. Even as he watched it, the huge bird -suddenly tilted downward and fell like a plummet into the water. A -moment later it rose from the waves, with a glistening fish in its -talons. On every hand there seemed to be new and interesting things to -see. - -The next day Alec had his first touch of seasickness. The wind was -blowing half a gale when the _Bertha B_ reached the oyster grounds, and -the little boat jumped about in a way that at first alarmed Alec -considerably. But when he saw that the sailors regarded the movement of -the ship as a matter of course, he forgot his fear. Soon he forgot -almost everything else; for his head began to ache, and a feeling of -nausea came over him. He had never felt worse in his life. He thought he -was going to die but did not seem to care. - -"What's the matter?" asked Sailor Bishop. "Getting sick? You look -pretty pale." - -"I won't get sick if I can help it," said Alec to himself. "I'm going to -fight this thing off." - -His head seemed to be in a whirl, and he was afraid to try to stand up, -lest he be pitched overboard. So he knelt on the deck, braced himself -against the movement of the ship, and kept working. Whenever he could, -he straightened up and drew in a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air. -The air made him feel better. He tried to think about his work and not -about himself. And after a time he felt noticeably better. Before the -day was past the feeling of nausea had left him entirely, and never -thereafter did he suffer from seasickness. - -Being a Friday, it was pay-day, though Alec did not know it. When the -_Bertha B_ again lay at her pier at the end of the day, the crew did not -hurry ashore as they had done every other day, though the captain left -the boat the instant she was fast. Presently he returned with a roll of -bills in his hand. He counted out each man's pay and handed the money -around. Then the sailors left fast enough. When they were gone, the -captain turned to Alec. - -"How much do you think I ought to pay you?" he asked. - -"I don't know," said Alec. "I didn't make any bargain with you. I don't -know what I ought to get." - -"I'm going to give you ten dollars," said the captain. "You worked only -four days. Next week, if you put in a full week, I'll give you more. The -deck-hands on this boat get $17.50 a week, but I gave them $20 this week -because they did a mighty good week's work. You'll get just as much as -you make yourself worth. Captain Rumford pays his men well. If you keep -on as good as you've begun, you'll soon be getting as much as any of the -other hands." - -"Thank you," Alec replied. "I'll try. Oh! I'll do my best, for I need -the money so badly. It's going to take me a good many weeks to earn all -I need." And he went over to the stove and sat down on a chair, bowing -his head in his hands. - -"I wish that Hawley would come get this," muttered Captain Bagley to -himself, as he counted out the money that was due the discharged sailor -and laid it in his own bunk. - -His own money he made into a little roll, including with the greenbacks -a check that had come to him by mail. Then he put a little rubber band -around the roll. After a second's hesitation he wrapped Hawley's money -about his own, added another rubber band, and dropping the roll in his -bunk, started to change from his working garb to his street clothes. - -"The deuce!" he said suddenly. "I forgot to ask Captain Rumford about -them dredges. I hope he ain't started for home yet." - -Captain Bagley darted out of the cabin like a streak of lightning, and -ran across the pier to the office. Zipp was there and he told Captain -Bagley that Captain Rumford had just left. Captain Bagley could catch -him before he got to his automobile. The lithe skipper flew down the -stairs and raced up the shipping platform. He overtook the shipper, and -a long conversation followed. On his way back to his boat, Captain -Bagley was called into a ship-chandler's, and a full half hour elapsed -before he got back. To his surprise there was not a soul aboard. Alec -had disappeared. The money the captain had left in his bunk was also -gone. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -UNDER A CLOUD - - -For a moment the captain stared blankly into his bunk. Then, "The little -rip!" he cried. "I never would have believed it of him. Seemed such a -nice, clean kid, too." - -Energetic in all things, the captain began to fire up. His anger -mounted. If he could have laid his hands on Alec just then, he probably -would first have trounced him roundly and explained afterward. But not -having Alec to chastise, he began to swear at him. Presently the captain -cooled off, as he always did, and his better nature came to the top. - -"Poor kid," he muttered. "He was just worried sick about his dad's -tombstone. He wouldn't do such a thing under ordinary circumstances. -Don't be too hard on him, Bagley. And remember, he's your old pal's -nephew." - -Before long the captain decided he would say nothing about the matter -and pocket his loss. Then that same sense of loyalty to his friends made -him decide that he ought to tell Captain Rumford. It would never do for -the shipper to have a thief around without knowing it. Of course Alec -wouldn't be around, Captain Bagley realized, for he would discharge him -the instant he set eyes on him. - -"I'll tell the captain right away," he said to himself. "He'll be home -by this time." - -Captain Bagley hurried to the office and let himself in with his key. He -got the shipper on the telephone almost immediately. Despite his fiery -nature, Captain Bagley possessed great discretion. "Cap'n Rumford," he -said, "there's been some crooked work going on down here. I don't want -to talk about it over the 'phone, but I'd like to tell you about it." - -"I'll be right down," telephoned the shipper. "I'm almost through -supper, and you can look for me as soon as I can get there." - -Captain Bagley sat down to wait for the shipper. The latter lived in a -village only a few miles distant, and his motor-car carried him back to -the office in no time. - -"What's wrong, Bagley?" he said anxiously, as he came into the office. - -"Nothing to worry about, Cap'n, but something that'll disappoint you. I -notice that you took a great fancy to the new hand." - -"Yes. He's a fine lad. He's going to make a good man." - -"Well, I am sorry to tell you he's skipped with my week's pay and the -money that was due Hawley." - -Captain Rumford's face turned black as a thunder-cloud. "Have you any -notion where he skipped to? We must catch him, even if it costs more -than he took. I try to treat my men right, but I'll be hanged if I'll -let anybody rob me." The shipper was now as angry as his oyster captain -had been a little while previously. - -"I haven't any idea where he went." - -"How did it happen? How did he get hold of your roll?" - -"Why, him and me was the only two aboard the _Bertha B_, and I laid my -money in my bunk while I was changing my clothes. Then I happened to -think about them dredges, and I bolted out to ketch you, without a -thought about the money being there. When I got back both the kid and -the money was gone." - -"Looks like a plain enough case," said the shipper. "Do you know of any -reason why he should steal? He looked as honest as sunlight." - -"Yes. There was a very particular reason. He's been worrying about money -ever since he got here. Showed me a letter he got about his father's -tombstone. Seems he paid a marble man to put a stone on his father's -grave. Gave him every cent he had, but that was only half the price. The -man agreed to put the stone up and wait for the balance of his money -until the lad could earn it. But he played the kid dirt. Wrote him he -wouldn't put no stone up until he had every cent. The kid seems to have -thought everything of his dad, and it worried him sick. The last thing -I heard him say was that it would take him an awful long time to get -that money earned." - -"It's a plain case, I guess. That explains why he didn't give me my -quarter," and the shipper told Captain Bagley of his giving Alec a -dollar to get a meal and of Alec's failure to return the change. - -"What are you going to do about it, Cap'n?" inquired Skipper Bagley. "It -ain't fair not to----" - -At that instant a footstep was heard on the stairs. The door opened, and -in walked Alec. - -"So you thought better of it, did you?" said Captain Bagley. - -Alec looked puzzled. "Thought better of what?" he asked. - -"Now don't try any bluffs on us," said the shipper tartly. "Be honest -and admit you stole the money and we may overlook it. We understand that -you were in trouble and needed the money badly." - -Alec was almost dumb with astonishment. "Admit that I stole the money!" -he cried. "I don't understand what you are talking about. I never stole -a cent from anybody." - -"Come, come!" said Captain Rumford sharply. "Don't make the matter worse -by lying about it." - -Alec's eyes blazed. "See here," he said angrily. "I don't care if you -are the biggest oyster shipper in Bivalve. You shall not call me a liar. -I didn't take your money or anybody else's. You've got to take that -back. I won't stand it. I'm not a thief and I'm not a liar." - -Captain Rumford sat sharp up in his chair and fastened his keenest -glance on Alec's face. His look seemed to bore right through the lad. -But Alec never flinched. He looked straight into the captain's eyes -until the shipper shifted his gaze to Bagley. - -"Cap'n," said the oyster shipper, "if that lad's a liar, he's the -nerviest one I ever met with. He's the first man that ever lied to me -and looked me square in the eye afterward." - -"See here," said Alec, trembling with anger. "I demand an explanation. I -tell you I am neither a liar nor a thief; and you have no right to call -me one." - -"Well, that's a simple matter," said the shipper. "Captain Bagley left -you alone in the cabin of his boat with his pay-roll, or what was left -of it. When he came back, you had gone and the cash had disappeared. The -captain says you had very great need of money and were worrying about -how you could get it, when he left the boat. Have you any explanation to -make?" - -"I can explain everything," said Alec. "It's true I need money. Oh, sir, -you don't know how badly I need it! My father did everything in the -world for me, sir, and it will take me weeks and weeks to earn even a -little tombstone to mark his grave with." - -Alec paused to try to get command of his voice. Tears were streaming -down his cheeks. "I loved my father with all my heart," he continued. -"Do you think I would disgrace him by being dishonest? He always taught -me to be honest and honorable above all things, sir. Do you think I -would do the one thing that would hurt my father if he were alive?" - -Once more Alec wiped his eyes as he paused. Then, choking back a sob, he -continued: "I did not take the money, sir. I never knew until this -minute that it was in the captain's bunk. I was so troubled I couldn't -think of anything but how long it was going to take me to earn that -gravestone. When Captain Bagley ran out, he startled me. I remembered I -owed you a dollar, and I came straight here to pay you, sir. I meant to -give you your change the other day, but you were in the office here when -I got back from the hotel and I had to get right to work. Then I forgot -it until after you went home. Here is the dollar now, sir, and I'm much -obliged to you for the loan." - -"Was anybody here when you came to pay me the dollar?" asked the -shipper, again eyeing Alec sharply. - -"Yes, sir. Zipp was here." - -"Did you say anything to him?" - -"Yes, sir. I asked for you, and he said you had just left and that -Captain Bagley had run after you. I didn't want to interrupt any talk -between you and Captain Bagley, so I did not try to overtake you, sir." - -The oyster shipper turned in his seat and picked up his telephone. "345 -R," he said to the operator. - -A moment later he said, "That you, Zipp?" Then, after a pause, "Did the -new deck-hand, Alec Cunningham, come to the office after I left?" Again -there was a pause. "He did, eh? Did he say anything to you?" - -Alec held his breath while Zipp answered. "Asked for me, did he?" -repeated the captain. "And you told him I had gone and Captain Bagley -had run after me." - -The shipper hung up his receiver and turned to Alec. "Well, that story -is straight enough. Where have you been the rest of the time? And what -did you do?" - -"I walked up the shipping platform and looked into several cars that -were being loaded. Then I went to the post-office and asked if there was -a letter for me and got a stamped envelope and a money-order for $8.75 -to send to that tombstone man. Then I started back to the _Bertha B_. I -saw the office door was still open, when I passed, and I came up to see -if I could get an old envelope or a piece of paper to write on. Here's -the envelope and the money-order, sir." - -"Very good," said the shipper. "But still you have not offered any proof -that you didn't take the money. If you didn't take it, who did? You were -the only person in the boat after Captain Bagley came ashore. How can -you get around that?" - -"And you have no proof that I did," replied Alec, his indignation -rising again. "You don't even try to be fair. The _Bertha B_ was at her -pier for more than half an hour without a soul on watch. A dozen men -might have gone into her cabin in that time. You've got to prove that -nobody was aboard of her before you've any right to accuse me of -stealing the money." - -"Don't tell me what I've a right to do," said the shipper, a little -nettled. "Leave the room and don't say a word about this to anybody." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -ALEC'S DECISION - - -Bitter, indeed, were Alec's thoughts as he stumbled down the office -stairs. Blinding tears stood in his eyes. His heart seemed dead within -him. He felt sick all over--sick and indignant. Ever since he was a tiny -child his father had taught him that his honor and his good name were to -be treasured above all things. Never before had anybody even suspected -him of dishonesty. Now he was worse than suspected. He was both accused -and practically condemned. For it was perfectly evident to Alec that the -oyster shipper still doubted him. - -As Alec turned the situation over in his mind, his indignation grew -fiercer and fiercer. He told himself that Captain Bagley had no right to -leave the money in the ship's cabin, as he did; and Alec was right. He -told himself that Captain Bagley should have told him to guard the -money, when he rushed off after the shipper; and again Alec was right. - -"I was free to come and go," said Alec to himself, "and Captain Bagley -had no right to assume that I would stay on the _Bertha B_ all the -time, when there is so much that is interesting to see and learn. Why, -anybody can walk into any of these boats at any time, and Captain Bagley -knows that as well as I do. And if somebody dishonest came aboard and -nobody was in the cabin and some money was lying loose, what could the -captain expect? It wasn't fair for him to do what he did. It wasn't -fair. He never said a word to me about his money and now he holds me -responsible for its loss. It isn't fair! It isn't fair!" - -In deep distress Alec walked up and down under the pier shed. He saw -nothing, heard nothing, felt nothing, but his own distress. - -"And I was trying so hard to be helpful and to show my appreciation of -Captain Bagley's kindness," said Alec to himself. "Kindness! Bah! Let -him keep his kindness for others. What I want is justice. I'll leave him -and his old boat and go where people will treat me fair. That's all the -kindness I want--just a square deal." - -In his bitterness Alec was himself unjust. With the inexperience of -youth, he reasoned that because he had been questioned as to his honesty -he had necessarily been condemned. He failed to see that his employers -owed it to him as well as to themselves and all the other oystermen to -find out who was the thief. Necessarily they had to question Alec first, -for circumstances certainly did point to him. - -The more he brooded over the matter, the more indignant he felt. "I -won't stay here another minute," he said. "I won't have anything to do -with men who have so little fairness." And he headed for the _Bertha B_ -to get his valise and the few poor possessions in it. But half-way down -the pier he stopped abruptly. A new idea popped into his head. "If you -go aboard the _Bertha B_ and take your things, and anything else should -disappear, they'll say you stole the thing and ran away." - -He pondered over the situation. "Run away!" he muttered. "That's just -what you were about to do. An honest man doesn't run away when he's -under fire. He stays and fights. Why, if I had run away, they'd never -have doubted that I was the thief. Gee! I'm glad I thought in time." And -Alec fairly shivered at the thought of what would have happened had he -foolishly gone away. - -"I'll fight," he muttered. "That's what I'll do. I'll show them I'm as -honest and square and smart and able as any man that ever walked these -planks. That's what I'll do. I'll be an oysterman, too. That's settled. -I'll be a planter and shipper, too. I'll be just as big a man at Bivalve -as Captain Rumford or anybody else. I'll show them what Alec -Cunningham's got in him. I'll work and work and work and study and study -and save my money, and some day I'll have the finest oyster-boat that -sails out of this port. And I'll call her _Old Honesty_, too. And she -won't be any old-fashioned sailing boat done over. She'll be an -up-to-date oyster-boat, scientifically made. Captain Rumford will have -to scrap his whole fleet when my new boat gets to work. He'll find it -was a costly thing to call me a thief, that's what he will." - -Now all faintness of heart had gone from Alec. The feeling of sickness -had left him. He was all aglow with determination and purpose. He felt -that the die was cast. He had made up his mind. He felt as strong as -Atlas, as indomitable as Jupiter. In his vision he saw the delectable -goal, but he could not see the hard and painful path that led up to it. - -Nor was all this as foolish as it might seem to many an older head. -Dreams are the thing that accomplishments are made of--dreams and work. -Often the faith and enthusiasm of youth are more effective than the -coldly reasoned acts of maturity. And now, though eventual success was -no whit nearer than it had been a few moments previously, Alec felt -immensely better in mind. He had come to a decision. He had mapped his -course. He meant to keep his job, if that were at all possible, and -fight. And he meant to fight until he got to the top. - -Now his footstep was no longer stumbling. He walked with a firm tread. -As he strode up and down the pier, his heart was beating the call to -arms. - -Suddenly he stopped in his tracks. On the adjoining pier was Hawley. -Although it was now dark, Alec could see him plainly in the glow of the -pier shed's lights. There could be no mistake as to the man's identity. -Where he had come from, Alec had no idea; nor had he a much clearer -idea of where the man was going, for Hawley, plainly intoxicated, was -reeling about uncertainly. And he was dangerously near to the edge of -the pier. He was on the ferry pier, where the tugboat from across the -river landed its passengers; and no oyster-boat had tied up at the end -of this pier. Beyond its edge was only deep, dark, cold, swirling water. - -At sight of Hawley, a feeling of hatred leaped into Alec's heart. He -wanted to rush over to the pier and attack this man who had tried to -kill him. - -Suddenly Alec's heart stood still. The drunken sailor, reeling at the -very edge of the pier, stumbled over a coil of rope, and fell backward -over the string-piece, bellowing like a mad bull. Then there was a -splash and silence. - -For a single instant Alec stood as though rooted to the floor. For one -second he exulted at the disaster that had overtaken his enemy. Then a -shudder ran over him as he realized that in thought, at least, he was a -murderer, and that was a million times worse than being a thief. - -"Help! Help!" he cried at the top of his voice. "Man overboard at the -ferry landing!" - -At the same time he rushed to the end of the pier and looked right and -left for a trace of the missing sailor. In the darkness he could see -only inky water. - -Now he heard men running on the plank floor. "A light!" he cried. "Bring -a light!" - -In a moment the watchman was beside Alec with his lantern. Behind him -came running the shipper and Captain Bagley. Alec seized the lantern and -threw himself prone on the wharf. He held the light over the -string-piece, while he looked right and left into the muddy water. - -"Know who it was?" asked Captain Bagley, as he peered over Alec's -shoulder. - -"Hawley--drunk," said Alec briefly. - -"The deuce!" exclaimed the skipper. "That's the end of him. He can't -swim." - -There was a swirl in the water a little way out from the pier. An arm -and a shoulder writhed into view, then sank. Like a flash Alec was on -his feet. He dropped the lantern on the pier, tore off his coat, and -plunged headlong toward the swirl in the water. - -In a moment his head popped up. "A rope!" he cried, then sank beneath -the tide. The water began to foam and bubble. For an instant the -struggling men came into view. An arm was around Alec's neck and another -about his body. The men on the pier saw that he was struggling -frantically in the clutch of the drowning sailor. The fight was -terrific. Hawley clung to the lad with the strength of a giant, choking -and strangling him. Alec worked frantically to get his arms free, -treading water desperately to keep his head up. He swallowed quantities -of muddy, salt water. Under the awful pressure about his neck, his eyes -seemed to be fairly bulging from his head. Swiftly the tide swept the -struggling men toward the next pier, where a row of oyster-boats lay -fast. If the water carried them under the boats it meant the end of Alec -and Hawley. - -Captain Bagley raced around to the adjoining pier and out on a boat. -Then he darted over the knighthead and lowered himself on the chains -until he was level with the water. - -"Bring that light, quick!" he cried. - -The aged watchman hobbled to him as fast as he was able. Captain Rumford -picked up the coil of rope, carried it swiftly aboard the boat, and made -ready for a cast. - -The tide swept the struggling sailors nearer. With all his power Alec -was trying to free himself from the grip that was strangling him. His -strength was almost gone. He could no longer see anything. His head was -pounding. His brain seemed to swirl. But he tried desperately to keep -his wits. He knew that unless he got free it would all be over in -another moment. Now he wrenched his arms loose. Down under the tide sank -the struggling men again, churning the water to foam in their struggles. - -"Oh God!" cried Captain Bagley. "If only I could swim." - -Above him the watchman steadied the light, while the shipper stood -tense, the looped end of the hawser in his hand, ready to make his cast. - -Down, down, down went the fighting sailors. But now Alec had his arms -loose. With his last ounce of strength he shoved his hand over the arm -that was strangling him and gripped the sailor by the nose. With his -other hand he dealt him as savage a blow as he could in the pit of his -stomach. The effect was magical. The sailor loosened his strangle hold -and doubled up like a jack-knife. Alec grasped the man by the hair, and -with all the strength left in him, struggled upward. His head popped out -of water not ten feet from Skipper Bagley. The sailor, now unconscious, -came to the surface. Alec could do no more. He turned on his back and -tried to float. It seemed to him that he could not even wriggle his -fingers. He was on the verge of unconsciousness himself. Yet he kept -tight hold of Hawley's hair. - -Then a voice that seemed to be almost overhead put new life in him. -"Catch this rope," it said, "and slip it under your arms." - -There was a splash in the water and the rope fell across his very -fingers. Mechanically he grasped it. But he could not get it around his -body. He slipped his free arm through the noose. Gently the rope -tightened and he moved ahead through the water, the unconscious sailor -trailing behind him. In a second Captain Bagley had him by the coat -collar. Then the noose was slipped under both of Alec's arms. - -"Easy now," cried the skipper, as he held himself on the chains with his -legs, keeping Hawley's head above water with one hand, while he steadied -Alec with the other. Strong arms pulled on the rope, and in a moment -Alec was safe. Then the rope was made fast about Hawley, and shortly his -prostrate form lay on the deck. - -Captain Bagley tore off his own coat and wrapped it around Alec. "Run to -the _Bertha B_," he said, "and get them wet things off. Stir up the fire -and get something hot inside you." - -"In a m-m-m-minute," said Alec, his teeth chattering. "We've g-g-got to -save Hawley first." - -"You get out of this," thundered the oyster shipper. "We'll take care of -Hawley." - -He grabbed the unconscious sailor by the heels and lifted him straight -up. Captain Bagley drew down the man's tongue with his handkerchief. -Water gushed from the sailor's open mouth. The watchman squeezed the -man's ribs to try to press out more. Then they laid him on his back and -began to pump his arms up and down. - -"That's too fast," cried Alec, who was making haste slowly and watching -them from the pier. "Fifteen times a minute is right, and you ought to -press in his ribs when you pull down his arms." - -"You get aboard the _Bertha B_," shouted Captain Bagley, "or I'll heave -you overboard again." - -"We've got to get him out of this cold air," said the shipper, for in a -few minutes Hawley began to breathe. "Let's take him into the cabin of -this boat." - -The watchman led the way with his lantern, while the two captains -carried the bulky form of the sailor down the companionway. - -"Get his clothes off," said Captain Rumford. - -Captain Bagley began to strip off the wet garments. Somehow Hawley's -pocket-knife had worked up above his belt, taking the trousers' pocket -with it. Captain Bagley could not loosen the belt buckle. He drew his -own knife and started to cut off the offending pocket. The sailor's -knife came tumbling out. After it slipped a tiny roll of round, green -paper with a rubber band about it. For an instant Captain Bagley seemed -paralyzed. Then he grabbed the roll and tore off the band. A number of -wet greenbacks unrolled under his trembling fingers. Inside of them was -another roll of bills, also fastened with a rubber band. Inside of all -was a check. The ink on it had run, but the captain was still able to -read the name on the check. The check was payable to Captain Christopher -Bagley. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -A WIRELESS TELEPHONE - - -For a moment the oyster skipper was like one struck dumb. Then his usual -explosive nature asserted itself. - -"That's where my money went," he burst out, holding up the severed -pocket. He leaped to his feet. "You look after this scoundrel and don't -let him get away. I'll go take care of the lad. We gave him a rough -deal." - -Captain Bagley was out of the cabin and aboard the _Bertha B_ in no -time. He found Alec shivering by the fire. Without a word the skipper -helped him peel off the last of his wet garments, and once more he set -to rubbing Alec with a rough towel. As he rubbed, he talked. - -"Lad," he said, "we done you wrong. The missing money was in Hawley's -pocket." - -Alec was too much astonished for words. The skipper mistook his silence. -"I want you to let bygones be bygones. Will you?" He held out his hand. - -Alec grasped it warmly. "It's all right," he said, "and we'll forget it. -But I was pretty much cut up for a time. I realize now how bad things -looked." Then, after a moment Alec asked, "How is Hawley? Thank God! I -went after him. Now you _know_ I'm honest." - -"We know more. We know you're a mighty brave lad. There ain't many -fellows around here who would take a chance like that to save a fellow -who had tried to murder them." - -"I don't seem to get warm," said Alec. - -The captain rubbed him more briskly than ever. Still Alec remained -chilly. - -"Guess you'd better put on warm clothes and get right into your bunk," -said the skipper, poking up the fire and shoving the coffee-pot over the -warmest griddle. - -Alec pulled on some clothes, then wrapped himself in a reefing-jacket -and lay down on his bunk, drawing some heavy quilts over him. Still he -shivered. The captain remained with him, dosing him from time to time -during the night with hot drinks that he brewed on the stove. But this -time nature was to take her toll. Morning found Alec with a high fever. - -The instant Captain Bagley was satisfied that Alec was going to be ill, -he telephoned Captain Rumford. Bivalve, which was nothing but a shipping -port with practically no residences, possessed no physician. Captain -Rumford said he would bring his family doctor down with him; and before -many hours passed the physician stood by Alec's bedside. - -"You'll have to take mighty good care of this lad if he is to escape -having pneumonia," said the physician, after testing Alec's pulse and -temperature. "It's a wonder the shock didn't kill him outright." - -"If his condition is so serious as that," said the shipper, "he ought to -be in a good home where he can have proper care." - -"He should. If you were willing to take a deck-hand into your house, -Captain, you would be doing an act of real charity." - -"Not charity," said the phlegmatic shipper slowly. "Justice. We owe a -lot to that lad." - -That was all Alec ever heard Captain Rumford say by way of explanation -or apology. He was a man who often found it difficult to express himself -in words; but he had other ways of expressing himself, as Alec was soon -to learn. Even the little he had said was much for him to utter. But -little as it was, Alec had heard the statement, and it made him feel a -great deal better than any of the doctor's medicines did. - -For though he was speedily whisked away to the shipper's home, where he -had the best of care, his illness was severe. Chills and high fever -seized him alternately. So severe had been the shock of the two -exposures that his system could not seem to rally and throw off the -heavy cold that had seized upon him. Ten days passed before Alec was -pronounced fit by the doctor to take his place on the deck of the -_Bertha B_. - -Irksome enough those ten days seemed to Alec; yet they were probably as -profitable a ten-day period as he ever spent in his life. For not a day -passed that Captain Rumford did not spend considerable time in the -sick-room. In those ten days Captain Rumford came to know Alec better -than he would ordinarily have known him in a year. - -"Alec," he said one day, "did you know that the man who fell overboard -was Hawley--that is, did you know it before you went over after him?" - -"Yes, sir," said Alec. - -"You were morally certain he had tried to kill you, and yet you went -overboard after him?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Why did you do it?" - -"Because he _had_ tried to kill me." - -"I don't understand what you mean." - -"I mean--I mean," stammered Alec, with burning cheeks and downcast eyes, -"that for an instant I was glad he had fallen overboard. Then the -thought came to me that in my mind, at least, I was a murderer, and that -was a million times worse than being the thief you believed me to be. I -couldn't stand it, sir. The thought drove me wild and I had only one -idea--to save Hawley at any price." - -Captain Rumford stared at Alec fixedly. Here was a degree of fineness he -had never before encountered in a human being. "He's true as steel," he -thought to himself. Aloud he said merely, "I see," and paused in -thought. - -"What became of Hawley?" asked Alec suddenly. - -"Oh! He's all right. Bagley was for having him put in prison at first. -Then he cooled down, gave the fellow a deuce of a blowing up, and ended -by finding him a job--just like the captain. Looks as though the fellow -is trying to brace up, too. He'd be a good oysterman if he'd stay sober. -By the way, have you made up your mind what you are going to do with -yourself?" - -"Yes, sir," said Alec emphatically. "I'm going to be an oysterman." But -he did not tell Captain Rumford when he had come to that decision or -why. - -"Do you have any definite plan in mind?" - -"No, sir. I've got to learn more about the oyster business first. But -I'm going to know everything there is to know. And I'm going to have an -up-to-date outfit. No old done-over schooners for me. I'm going to have -an oyster-boat that is an oyster-boat." - -The captain smiled ever so faintly. "What is it going to be like?" he -inquired. - -"Well, it will be bigger and higher and faster and have more hold room -than any oyster-boat now in the fleet. And it will be equipped with -wireless, sir." - -The lurking smile vanished from the captain's face. "Where did you get -those ideas?" he demanded. - -"Partly from hearing others talk and partly from my own observation." - -"If you ever do," said the captain, "I reckon you'll make a lot of ship -owners scrap their boats. They can't compete with an outfit like that. -How are you expecting to get the money for a boat like that? Don't you -know it will cost a lot more than the present type of boat, and goodness -knows that costs enough." - -"The minute I finish paying for my father's gravestone, sir, I'm going -to begin saving for that boat. If these ordinary workers around here -earn a thousand to twelve hundred dollars a year, working ten or twelve -hours a day, as I understand they do, I can earn a lot more working -sixteen hours, can't I? And I can save most of what I earn." - -"So that's your plan," observed the shipper, without comment. Then he -thrust his hand into his breast pocket and drew forth a letter. "Your -mention of your father's gravestone reminds me that I have a letter for -you." And he handed the envelope to Alec. - -"You have made a mistake," said Alec. "This letter is addressed to you." - -"I know. But it is really for you." - -In wonderment Alec opened and read the letter. Moisture came in his -eyes. "Oh, sir, how can I ever thank you?" he cried. - -The letter was from the Central City monument dealer in reply to a sharp -note from the shipper. It said the stone had been set up and that the -dealer would be glad to have the remainder due as soon as Alec could -forward it. Alec did not know it, but the captain had practically -guaranteed the payment of that money. It was his method of making -amends. - -When Alec grew a little stronger and could get about a little, but was -still far from able to go aboard ship, he began to grow very restless. -Finally he asked if he might have his wireless outfit. The shipper got -it for him. The outfit interested everybody in the household, especially -the shipper's daughter Elsa, who was one year younger than Alec. -Following his instructions, she made a single-wire aerial between a -near-by tree and the window, brought the lead-in wire into the room -through an insulating tube, and ran the wire round the edge of the room -to a table beside Alec's bed. Then she ran a ground-wire to a water pipe -and helped Alec wire up his outfit. - -Necessarily this was of the simplest possible sort. There was an old -Ford spark-coil, half a dozen dry cells, a spark-gap, a transmitting -condenser, a helix, a transformer, a crystal detector, headpiece, and -key. All these were of the simplest and cheapest sort. Most of them Alec -had made himself; and though they did not look so nice as the bright, -shiny instruments to be bought of manufacturers, they answered the -purpose quite as well. As Alec and Elsa wired the spark-gap to the -transformer, the transformer to the condenser, the condenser to the -spark-coil, and added the key and the cells, Alec explained how messages -were sent in varying wave-lengths, and how it was possible to listen to -one message and tune out other messages of different wave-lengths. - -"If only I had a little more powerful battery," said Alec, "I could -talk to my old chums at home. I believe I can easily talk to the big -steamers out on the Atlantic, and I'm going to try it. You know one of -my chums is Roy Mercer, wireless man of the steamer _Lycoming_. His boat -will be coming up the coast from Galveston in a few days and I'm going -to try to get into communication with him. Won't he be surprised to find -that I am down in New Jersey and in a fair way to be a sailor myself." - -Elsa was fascinated by the wireless. When Alec picked up some of the -messages that were flying through the air in the evenings, and copied -them down for her, she was so excited she could hardly keep her mind on -her lessons. - -"If only I could understand what it means," she said, as she sat -listening from time to time with the receivers strapped to her ears. - -"That's easy," smiled Alec. "I can teach you and you'll be able to learn -in a few weeks." - -"But you won't be here in a few weeks," sighed Elsa, "and besides I want -to communicate by wireless right away." - -"The only way to do that," said Alec, "is to have a wireless telephone. -But I don't have the instruments. They cost more than a wireless -telegraph set, too." - -"What would you use?" asked Elsa. - -"If I just had a good storage battery instead of these dry cells, a V. -T. socket and bulb, some B batteries and a telephone block to add to the -instruments I already have, we could receive wireless telephone -messages O. K. And it wouldn't take very much additional equipment for -us to be able to send wireless telephone messages. Some day when I have -the time and the money, I'm going to make and buy a complete outfit. -With that, I can hold a conversation with any one else who has an outfit -within range." - -"Wouldn't that be wonderful!" cried Elsa. "Just to think of it! If I had -an outfit here and you had one on the _Bertha B_ we could talk to each -other no matter where you were, whether you were tied up at your pier or -out on the Bay! It would be wonderful." - -When Alec looked at the bright face before him, with the flashing, blue -eyes, pink cheeks, red lips, and curly brown hair, he, too, thought it -would be wonderful. He also thought it would be worth quite as much as -some of the dollars he might earn and save. Very quickly he decided that -he could wait a few hours longer than he had expected for his ideal -oyster-boat, and put those hours into the making of some wireless -telephone sets. Of course they wouldn't look as nice as store goods, but -they would be quite as effective; and when he and Elsa were talking to -each other through miles of space and over leagues of tumbling water, he -knew neither one would remember or care about the looks of their -instruments. What they would be concerned about would be instruments -that talked. That, he suddenly thought, was just what the shipper -wanted and the _Bertha B's_ captain wanted, and everybody else -wanted--dependability, whether in men or instruments. It wasn't the -varnish on the outside that made a man or a wireless instrument worth -while. It was the quality of performance that came out of that man or -instrument. - -Alec had almost fallen into a day-dream when he was recalled by Elsa's -voice. "Dad's crazy about music, you know, and nobody in the family -knows one note from another. He promised me a fine piano on my next -birthday if I'd learn to play it, but I don't want the old piano. I'm -going to ask him to get me a wireless telephone set instead." - -"If you get it," said Alec, "I'll make and buy the pieces I need to -convert this outfit into a first-class telephone set. Then we'll be -fixed. If your father won't buy you the set, then I'll make all the -pieces I can for you, and we can manage to buy what is lacking. You know -a fellow can make almost everything except the receivers and the -battery." - -In one respect Elsa was like Captain Bagley. To think was to act. No -sooner had she decided to ask for a wireless telephone set than she made -her request. She came back with a long face. Her father would none of -it. - -Alec became thoughtful. "If I just had those few pieces I need to add to -this set," he said, "I believe I could make your father change his mind -in regard to the matter." - -"How?" cried Elsa. - -"I believe if he once listened in with a wireless telephone, he'd want -one himself." - -"Impossible!" cried Elsa. "He's as set as Gibraltar in his ways. Why, it -was years before we could get him to install an ordinary telephone, and -he wouldn't get a motor-car until years after everybody else here had -one. And I know he thinks this wireless set of yours is all nonsense." - -"I'd bet a dollar to a doughnut he'd change his mind if I could just get -a telephone set while I'm here." - -"What is it you need? Tell me again." - -"A good storage battery, a V. T. socket and bulb, some B batteries and a -telephone block." - -"Would a battery from a Ford car answer?" - -"That's exactly what I want." - -"Well, I have a Ford runabout, you know, and I take care of it myself. -Dad kicks about it every time I come in smeared up with grease. But he -can't stop me. I'll get that battery charged and uncouple it and bring -it up here. And I've got enough money to buy those other things unless -they're too awful expensive." - -"They don't cost so much," said Alec. "It's the battery that's -expensive." - -"Tell me again what they were. Wait. Write it down." - -Elsa brought a piece of paper and a pencil. Alec wrote down his list. -Then he thought the matter over carefully. "Yes," he said, "those are -all the pieces I need, though I ought to have a second set of -receivers. They'd fix us up all right. If you get them, we can hear -well, especially if the battery is freshly charged. We'll use them while -I'm here, and after I go you can keep them as part of the set I'm going -to make for you." - -Elsa left the room. Presently Alec heard the purring of her motor-car. -Then he sat in silence for a long time. Finally he heard a motor-car -drive into the yard. Not long afterward Elsa came into the room, -struggling with her Ford battery. - -"Had it recharged," she panted, "and got all the things you wanted." - -"Then we'll wire them right up," said Alec. - -"I'm awful sorry, but I have to attend a rehearsal for our class play. I -can't stay now." - -Alec wired up the instruments himself. It was early evening, and -atmospheric conditions seemed ideal for wireless communication. - -"Now we'll see what the outfit will do," said Alec to himself, as he -clamped a pair of receivers on his head and threw over his switch. - -For a long time he listened and worked, tuning and adjusting his -instruments. At first there was a frightful whistling and wailing in his -ears. But gradually he tuned it out, eliminating all but the sounds he -wished to hear. - -"Now I guess I can handle her O. K.," muttered Alec. - -Just then a voice came ringing through the air. "This is WJZ -broadcasting. We will begin our concert this evening with the sextette -from Lucia, rendered by singers from the Metropolitan Opera Company." -Then, after a moment's pause, "Stand by for three minutes." - -"Captain Rumford," called Alec loudly. - -"Hello! What is it?" came the response from below. - -"Won't you come here at once, please?" - -Captain Rumford ran up-stairs to Alec's room, thinking something was the -matter. - -"Please sit down and put this on your head," said Alec. - -The captain frowned. "What's this nonsense?" he said sharply. "I thought -you were in trouble." - -"Please do as I ask," said Alec. "I won't keep you five minutes." - -The captain sat down, the frown still on his forehead. The music -started. Clear as a bell on a frosty morning came the beautiful melody, -now rising, now falling, every word clear and distinct. Captain -Rumford's face was a study. Astonishment, incredulity, intense pleasure -were reflected on his countenance. He sat as one entranced. Skilfully -Alec shifted his tuning instruments, shutting out the occasional blurs -and keeping the tone sharp and distinct. The selection ended. Captain -Rumford turned toward Alec and started to remove his headpiece. - -"Wait," said Alec. "Please sit still." - -"The next number on our programme will be Humoresque, as played by -Mischa Elman," came the voice in the air. - -In another moment the strains of a violin were sounding in the -captain's ears. For nearly an hour he sat in silence, listening to the -world's most beautiful music, rendered by famous musicians. He was too -amazed to speak. He sat there, drinking in the music, the very picture -of ecstasy. - -"Where's that from?" he demanded, when the announcer said the concert -was ended. - -"Newark," said Alec. - -"Impossible! Why, Newark is more than one hundred miles distant. It -can't be." - -Alec smiled. "It was Newark just the same," he said. "That was the -Newark station of the Westinghouse Manufacturing Company broadcasting." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Why, they send out stuff broadcast at every hour of the afternoon and -evening. It's free for everybody. All you need is a wireless telephone -set." - -"Do you mean they send out music?" - -"They send out everything you can think of--government weather -forecasts, marine news, happenings of the day, baseball scores, stories -for children, lectures by famous men and women, the finest kind of -music, and lots of other stuff. They give a concert every night in the -week. And they send their weekly programmes free to anybody that asks -for them. And there are many other stations that broadcast, too. There -are Pittsburgh and Chicago and Anacostia and ever so many others." - -The captain was dumfounded. "Young man!" he said, "What did that outfit -cost?" - -"Very little," said Alec. "I made most of it myself. Elsa got these few -things this afternoon. For a hundred or a hundred and fifty dollars you -could get as fine a receiving set as you'd want. A sending set would -cost more." - -"You can! Alec, will you buy a good set for me and wire it up? I want -the best you can get. You can spend as much money as you like, within -reason." - -"Certainly, sir," said Alec, trying to keep from shouting for very joy. -"I'll be only too glad to. I'll write for catalogues at once and order -the stuff. And when it comes, I'll install it and teach you and Elsa how -to operate it." - -"Fine!" sighed the shipper. "At last we are going to have some music in -this house!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -ALEC GETS A NEW JOB - - -Like many another wish, that for the two sets of wireless telephones was -unexpectedly slow of achievement. The oyster shipper's instruments -arrived promptly enough, and Alec installed them and taught Captain -Rumford and his family how to manipulate them. But it was a long, long -time before Alec's own set was completed. Needing to save every cent -possible, Alec bought only such materials as he could not pick up free, -and set about constructing his instruments; but it was a slow job. - -For now he was once more back on the oyster-boat; and his plan to learn -all there was to learn about oystering, and to spend every minute of his -waking hours at work, was more than an idle boast. So he was up by four -in the morning or soon thereafter, helping the cook. All day he was busy -catching oysters. By the time the _Bertha B_ was scrubbed off and made -fast to her pier, darkness was at hand. Alec's evenings were necessarily -very brief, as it was absolutely necessary for him to go to bed early if -he was to get up early. The only free time he had was that consumed by -the trips to and from the oyster grounds. And even that grew steadily -less, as he took more and more burdens upon his shoulders. - -Like most boys of his age, Alec knew considerable about gasoline motors. -In fact Alec was fairly skilled in their handling. Often he had helped a -neighbor at home clean and repair his motor-car. His high school physics -had taught him a great deal about the theory of gas engine operation. -And he had many times driven his neighbor's car. Altogether, he was a -handy lad to have about where there were gas engines of any sort. - -Down in the hold, where the _Bertha's_ engine chugged so steadily, the -air was always tainted with the sickening fumes of exploded gasoline, -and the smell of oil. For hours every day, year in and year out, Joe had -sat beside his engine, unrelieved. Never before had the _Bertha B_ -numbered among her crew any one else who was capable of tending the -engine. Now, as Alec, little by little, showed his capacity and won -Joe's confidence, he was allowed to handle the big motor. In time, he -was permitted, for limited periods, to operate it altogether, while Joe -went to deck for a breath of fresh air. Thus Alec learned a great deal -about the _Bertha B's_ motor in particular and ship motors in general. - -As against his capability in some lines, was balanced Alec's utter -ignorance in others. He knew nothing whatever about navigation. But he -set himself to learn, and the captain, seeing his desire, aided him. He -explained the compass to Alec and showed him how to steer by it so that -he could keep a given course, when no landmarks were in sight. He told -him how fast the _Bertha B_ ordinarily traveled, and what her maximum -speed was. He explained the best speeds for dredging, the proper length -of chain to use on the dredges at given stages of the tide, showed him -the distant landmarks by which he could locate the Rumford oyster -grounds when the stakes were missing, taught him how to find his way -into the river at night by the range-lights, and how to distinguish East -Point Light from Egg Island Light and all the other lights along the -Bay. And the captain taught him about the tides, and how to figure them -and take advantage of their flow and allow for drift in steering the -boat. He also taught Alec how to find his way through a fog, and how to -judge the direction and distance of sounds in a fog. These and many -other things Captain Bagley explained to his new hand, delighted, as men -of accomplishment always are, to find a lad who was really eager to -learn. - -Day by day Alec grew in knowledge. All that he needed to make his -knowledge wisdom was experience. And with every revolution of the sun he -was acquiring that. Occasionally the captain let Alec steer the boat -while he himself went back in the cabin for a time. Sometimes the -engineer asked Alec to run the motor for a few minutes. And often, when -they were all on deck culling oysters, and Alec and Bishop had cleaned -up their dredgeful, Dick would call across the deck to Alec and ask if -he would look at the roast in the oven, or put a little more water on -the beans or stir the potatoes. And Alec would skip inside and execute -the commission. So he came to know, not only how to prepare the foods -furnished on the _Bertha B_, but also to know which foods sailors like -and which they will not eat. In these and a hundred other ways, Alec was -daily making good his assertion that he wanted to know all there was to -know about the oyster business, and storing away a vast fund of -information that would some day be of the greatest value to him. - -Necessarily, therefore, the construction of his wireless outfit was -delayed. With the ship pitching and rolling, as it usually did in the -Bay, it was difficult to do the fine, exacting work required, such as -the winding of the variometer he was making, or the fitting of the parts -of a large, loose coupler. Yet every available moment went into the -work. - -Meantime, Alec had gained Captain Bagley's permission to put up his -telegraph set on the _Bertha B_. He ran a single-wire aerial from -masthead to cabin roof and brought his lead-in wire directly into his -bunk. He built a shelf at the foot of his bunk and fastened his -instruments on it. His cells he secured in a corner of the bunk itself. - -In these narrow quarters where he could hardly sit upright he carried on -whatever wireless communications he held. They were brief enough. Yet he -listened to many a message speeding through the air, and he particularly -liked to "take Cape May." Never before had Alec been so near a great -wireless plant. The station there, only twenty miles from the _Bertha's_ -pier, sent its powerful messages snapping into Alec's ear as distinctly -as though the sending instruments were in the _Bertha's_ very cabin. - -Best of all were the brief conversations Alec had with Roy Mercer, when -the _Lycoming_ passed. Every time that steamer went up or down the -coast, Roy and Alec got into touch by wireless and told each other what -they had been doing. And sometimes Roy was able to talk to Charley -Russell, another member of the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol, who had -become first a fire patrol and then a ranger in the forests of -Pennsylvania, and had saved the state's finest stand of timber by the -help of his wireless and the powerful battery his fellows of the -Wireless Patrol had purchased for him. Often Alec caught Charley's -answers himself, without needing to have Roy relay them to him. It was -mighty good to hear from his old comrade back among the Pennsylvania -mountains. - -At last, however, Alec completed his telephone set. He still lacked a -battery, but his keen sense of obligation would not let him buy one -until he had entirely wiped out his debt to Captain Rumford. For Alec -now regarded his indebtedness for the gravestone as an obligation to the -shipper rather than to the marble dealer. Every week Alec turned over to -Captain Rumford practically all of his pay. This mounted steadily from -the ten dollars earned in his first week to full pay. So the debt was -extinguished much sooner than Alec had dreamed it would be. - -His next expenditure was for a battery. Once he had secured that, he -wired up his telephone set and found it worked well. That night he broke -his rule about retiring early. He was talking to Elsa. After that the -two conversed for a time in the early evening before the great -electrical companies began to broadcast their programmes, so as to be -done with the instruments before Captain Rumford appeared to listen to -the music. The dream of the captain's life was realized. He had music in -his home every night, and an amplifying horn made it audible to all. - -Alec, needless to say, became a first-class deck-hand. Not a day passed -that he did not learn something new about the oyster business. As he had -practically no expenses, his savings grew fast. - -Cold weather came. From time to time it was too cold to operate the -oyster-boats. Then the fleet lay in port and the shippers worried -because they could not fill their orders. - -"When I get my boat," said Alec to himself, "nothing but the heaviest -ice will prevent her from operating. She will be high enough so the men -can work in the hold, and there won't be any likelihood of the oysters -freezing." - -Truly it is an ill wind that blows nobody good. The cold days, though -they brought loss to shippers and sailors alike, were helpful to Alec. -When there was no work for the lad aboard the _Bertha B_, Captain -Rumford brought him into the office. The shipper still clung to the -old-fashioned business methods he had learned as a boy. He had no -clerical help, but tried to keep his accounts and carry on his -correspondence in person. Though it was more of a task than he could -handle, for a long time he obstinately refused to alter his methods. - -One cold day in midwinter, when every boat in the fleet was tied up, -Alec noticed that the captain was fairly sweating under the mountain of -clerical work that had accumulated. He was writing some letters, which -he had later to copy so as to have duplicates; and there were bills to -be made out, bills to be paid, accounts to be entered in the books, -correspondence to be answered, and a dozen other tasks to be done. - -"Won't you let me help you?" said Alec. "I haven't done a thing since -you brought me into the office but run errands. Any ten-year-old can do -that as well as I can. In high school I studied bookkeeping, -typewriting, commercial correspondence, and a good many other things -about business and office work. I've had the training. Won't you let me -help you?" - -The captain hesitated. In all his life nobody but himself had ever -written a business letter for him, or posted an account in his books. He -looked at the pile of work heaped up on his desk. Then he looked at the -unopened mail Alec had just brought from the post-office. - -"You can slit the envelopes," he said, still hesitating. "That would -save some time." - -Alec had to turn sharp about to hide the smile that he couldn't prevent. -Then he whipped out his knife, and in a minute every letter was cut and -ready to open. Alec even pulled each letter part way out of its -envelope, to facilitate handling. - -"Now let me copy that list, while you look over your mail," urged Alec. - -"I don't know," said the shipper. "Let me see your handwriting." - -Alec wrote the shipper's name and address. His penmanship was a great -deal better than the shipper's cramped and hurried chirography. - -"Well, you be careful--very careful," said the shipper, reluctantly -surrendering his pen to Alec. - -Alec's task was purely mechanical. He copied the list faster and more -legibly than the captain had done. When he completed it, the captain was -addressing shipping tags. "Let me do that, while you do something more -important," urged Alec. - -"Be careful. Be very careful," warned the shipper. - -When the tags were finished, and Captain Rumford found that not a single -mistake had been made, he gave Alec another task. So the two worked -busily all the morning long. Before either was aware of it, noon had -arrived. - -"By George!" cried the shipper, with sparkling eyes. "There's a whole -day's work done and it's only dinner time. We'll be able to make a big -hole in this pile this afternoon," and he pointed to the accumulated -work awaiting attention at one end of his desk. - -The cold spell continued for several days, and in that time Captain -Rumford and Alec cleaned up every one of the accumulated tasks; the -captain got his books posted, and even got a little ahead with some -routine work. The captain felt as though a mountain had been lifted from -his shoulders. Alec realized that another opportunity had come his way. -He had gained an insight into the clerical end of oystering. He didn't -know whether other offices were run like Captain Rumford's or not; but -he did understand that in this particular office, at least, there was -room for great improvement. If only the captain would change his -methods, he could still do his work single-handed. And with the cost of -clerk hire so high, that was a thing worth accomplishing. In his own -mind Alec pictured the office as he would conduct it if it were his. He -thought over all the time-saving devices he could employ. And he decided -that he could do as much work as the captain did in about half the time -it took the shipper. That was not because Alec considered himself a -superior clerk, but because he knew how to use modern clerical devices -and appreciated their value. - -"Captain Rumford," he said, when he had turned the matter over well in -his mind, "I notice that you write out your shipping tags by hand day -after day, and that it takes quite a little time. Don't you have -regular customers that you ship to year after year?" - -"Why, lad, I've got customers I've shipped to for twenty years," said -the captain proudly. - -"And in all those twenty years I suppose you've addressed all your tags -by hand?" - -"Certainly, certainly." - -"Wouldn't you save time, Captain, if you had a rubber stamp made for -each old customer? Here's a tag you've addressed to Day and Moore, -Scranton, Pennsylvania. Ever since I've been here I have noticed bags of -oysters going to them almost daily. So I judge they are old customers." - -"Exactly," replied the shipper. "One of my oldest customers." - -"If you had a rubber stamp with their name and address on it, you could -stamp a tag much faster than you can write it, and the address would be -much easier to read. With a stamp for each old customer, hung up with -the address of each customer over his particular stamp, you could -address a good many tags in a minute. Think how much time you would -save." - -"Um!" grunted the captain. "Um! I'll think it over. It might work. It -might work." - -Alec tried hard to keep down the smile that wanted to come. "And, -Captain Rumford," he went on, "if only you would get a typewriter, I -could write letters for you and make carbon copies or copy them in the -copying-press. It wouldn't take one-fourth the time it takes to write -your letters by hand, let alone make copies of some of them. Then you'd -have copies of everything." - -"Um!" said the captain again. "But who'd do the typewriting when you are -not here? The _Bertha B_ won't always be tied up by cold weather." - -"Well," laughed Alec, "I don't suppose I'll always be a deck-hand on the -_Bertha B_, for that matter. If you wanted to make a deck-hand into an -office hand, I don't know what would prevent you. And I'm sure 'Barkis -would be willin'.'" - -"Barkis," said the shipper, straightening up. "Who's he, and what's he -got to do with my business, anyway?" - -"Oh! He's just a character in a book," said Alec. This time he could not -conceal the smile, and he added, "He's just a funny sort of fellow that -makes you laugh when you think of him." - -"But what's this about his being 'willin''? What's the connection, -anyway?" - -"Oh! That was just a phrase of his, that came into my head. What I meant -was that I would be willing to change from deck-hand to office hand any -time you wanted me to." - -Captain Rumford wheeled around toward Alec as though he were about to -bite him. "Are you getting tired of catching oysters so soon?" he -demanded. "I thought you had some sand." - -"Tired!" cried Alec. "I love it. But I don't want to be a deck-hand -forever, and I don't intend to be, either. There's so much to learn -about the business that I've got to keep moving, or I'll never learn -it." - -"So you think you already know all there is to learn on shipboard, do -you?" said the captain with cold contempt. - -"No, sir. I do not," replied Alec, his cheeks aflame at the captain's -words. "But I realize there are so many things to learn that I must be -moving on or I'll be an old man before I'm ready to start in the -business." - -"So you're still determined to be an oysterman?" - -"Absolutely." - -"That's very good. But if I were you I'd wait a while before I tried to -teach old oystermen how to run their business." - -"If you think that's the way I feel," cried Alec indignantly, "you are -very much mistaken. What I want to do now is to learn all there is to -know about oystering. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to learn some -of the things oystermen have never done. I don't know what they are, -yet, but there are some such things. You don't catch oysters to-day the -same way you did when you were young. Then you didn't have gasoline -engines, or telephones, or motor-boats, or automobiles. And to-morrow we -shall be using lots of things we don't use to-day. I'm going to find out -what they are and learn all about them, so I'll be right up-to-date when -I become an oyster shipper." - -The shipper looked long and hard at Alec. "Why are you so all-fired keen -about doing things in what you call an 'up-to-date way'? Suppose a man -doesn't take up with these newfangled notions, he's still an oysterman, -isn't he, and he still has his beds and still sells oysters, doesn't -he?" - -"Yes, for a time," said Alec slowly. - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean," said Alec, "that no man and no business can be very much -behind the times and remain successful. If a merchant lighted his store -with candles instead of electricity, he would not keep his trade very -long in these days. Some of the oystermen are still using sails, I -notice, while the rest of you are using gasoline. Well, they will -eventually be driven out of the oyster business. They have to pay the -same wages for hands that you do, and they don't catch more than half as -many oysters in the same time. See how that cuts their margin of profit. -When they strike a poor season, a lot of them will go broke." - -"I reckon you're about right." - -"Well, when I become a shipper, I don't intend to go broke, I'm going to -stay right up with the leaders. So I want to know all I can learn about -oystering--office work as well as navigation. And as for your office -work, if you had a typewriter I could answer your letters in the -afternoons, after the _Bertha B_ gets in. The skipper could put me -ashore before he unloads his oysters. Why, I could have your letters -pretty well cleaned up before the boat made fast for the night. I could -help you quite a lot, sir." - -"Um!" grunted the shipper. "I'll think it over." - -But before the captain came to a decision, Alec had found another task -that took every moment of his spare time. The weather turned warm, and -the fleet resumed work. The usual activity again prevailed at the pier -shed. In the midst of it, old Pete had a paralytic stroke. He could no -longer collect shells, and many a shipper found himself with his scows -still full of shells when morning came. Captain Rumford was one of them. -Alec was quick to see the opportunity. If he could take care of these -shells, he would help both his employer and himself, for he could sell -the shells when spring came, to the oyster-planters. At once he spoke to -Captain Rumford about it. - -"If I could get a boat," he said, "I would guarantee to keep your scows -clean." - -"If there was any way you could do it," said the shipper, "I'd be mighty -glad to let you. I'm tired of fooling with these old fellows. It's a -real shell game they work on us." - -"I can do it easily, sir," pleaded Alec. "I have lots of time after the -_Bertha B_ reaches her pier." - -"Maybe you could," said the shipper, still hesitating. - -"Of course I could. I might have to work after dark sometimes, but I -wouldn't mind that." - -"We'll try it," said the shipper suddenly, "but what are you going to do -about a boat?" - -"I've got enough money saved to buy a boat," said Alec, "unless it -costs too much. Would you be willing to help me buy it?" - -"Certainly." - -They found just the boat Alec wanted. It was long, wide, and flat -bottomed with square ends and very high sides. It would hold at least -fifty bushels of shells when full. - -"What do you want such a big boat for?" demanded the shipper. - -"Because I'll need it," said Alec. "While I am taking your shells away, -I might just as well get some more, too. I'm sure some of the other -shippers will give me their shells if I guarantee their removal every -day. There's one thing still puzzling me, though. Where am I to dump the -shells after I have collected them?" - -"I'll fix that," said the shipper. "Old Si Newcomb owns the land along -the river below the sheds. It's just the place you want. He'll let you -put your shells there if I ask him." - -"Thank you," said Alec. "Now I'll take my boat and get your shells." - -"I'll ride back with you," said the shipper. - -Alec took the sculling oar and shoved off. But when he tried to propel -the boat as he had seen men doing, his oar flew out of water and he -could not budge his craft. - -The shipper laughed. "I thought you might find yourself in trouble. It -seems there are still some things an old-timer can teach the young fry. -Give me that oar." - -He fitted it into place and the boat fairly flew over the water under -his skilful strokes. Yet he seemed to be working very little. "Watch -that oar," said the shipper. And after a moment, "Watch my wrist." - -Alec soon caught the trick of twisting the oar with each stroke, and -with a little practice found himself able to propel the boat fairly -well. He sculled the craft to the captain's pier and collected his -shells. Then he asked the shippers at adjoining piers for their shells, -guaranteeing their removal each evening if he could have the shells. -Still awkward in the handling of his boat, Alec was slow in finishing -his task. When he started for his dumping-ground, the tide had turned -and was against him. It was all he could do to force the heavy boat -against the swift current. - -"I see two improvements I need to make right away," said Alec to -himself. "I need lights and I need power. I can buy the lights at once. -And when I get a little more money saved, I'll get one of these portable -motors to hang over the stern. Then I can work faster and easier." - -As soon as he had emptied his shells and made his boat fast, Alec walked -over to Port Norris, the nearest town, where he found an acetylene lamp -that would answer his purpose. He bought it and some carbide and walked -back to Bivalve. He went to his boat, and decided how he would mount the -light. Then he started for the _Bertha B_. But first he paused to look -at the little pile of shells he had thrown on the shore. There were -only a few bushels and the heap seemed very small indeed. - -"I suppose there aren't more than thirty cents' worth altogether," said -Alec to himself, "but never mind. Great oaks from little acorns grow. -Nobody knows how big this shell pile will become, or what will come of -the venture. But one thing's sure. I started at the bottom, and I -haven't gotten far yet, but I've climbed one rung of the ladder, anyhow. -I'm more than a mere deck-hand. I'm a shell merchant, now," and Alec -laughed heartily at the joke. "How long will it be before I'm an oyster -merchant?" - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -AN UNLOOKED-FOR FRIEND - - -Much sooner than he had ever dreamed would be the case, Alec had an -opportunity to become an oyster merchant. But it was a sort of oyster -business very different from any he had thought of. It was no trouble at -all for Alec to secure the shells of additional shippers, for by this -time Alec was favorably known to almost everybody at Bivalve. The story -of his rescue of Hawley had drawn attention to him. And his modest -demeanor, his cheerful way, and his general spirit of helpfulness, -attracted every one who met him. - -But more powerful than these influences was the fact that Captain -Rumford stood behind him. If the captain said a thing would be done, -every man at the oyster piers knew it would be done. And the captain was -glad to speak to any fellow shipper whose shells Alec wanted, and -guarantee their removal. Alec secured those from neighboring piers, so -as to lessen the amount of work he would have to do. Nor was there much -difficulty about this. The oyster shippers generally had been so -dissatisfied with the uncertain manner of collecting shells that they -were ready to adopt almost any plan which promised real improvement. So -Alec speedily found himself with more shells engaged than he really knew -how to handle. - -Naturally he did not get shells away from the old collectors without -gaining their enmity, too. They cursed him when they met him, and some -even threatened him. Alec paid little attention to them; but he was too -wise to disregard their threats altogether. He had had one experience -with an enemy that nearly cost him his life, and he did not propose to -be caught napping a second time. His work after dark made it especially -easy for any one to harm him who so chose. So Alec went about with both -eyes and both ears open. - -One night he had finished collecting his shells and had just pulled into -his dumping-ground, when a dark form stepped out of the marsh reeds and -leaped aboard his boat. Instinctively Alec picked up his oar and -prepared to defend himself. When he saw that the man was Hawley, he -gripped the oar tighter than ever and made ready for a struggle. His -heart began to beat like a pneumatic riveter, but he stood firm, and -tried to appear unconcerned. - -"Hello, youngster," said the giant sailor, advancing a step toward him. -"You're getting a lot of trade, I see." - -"Yes. More than I can handle." - -"Exactly what I reckoned," replied Hawley. "Exactly what I reckoned." - -Alec wondered why, if the man intended harm to him, he did not attack -him at once. "He's just waiting to take me off my guard," he said to -himself. Aloud he said, "The oyster business is pretty slack just now, -and I can just manage to handle the shells. But I don't know what I -would do if the shippers should have a rush of business. I guess I'd -have to have help or else quit the _Bertha B_." - -"Exactly what I reckoned," said Hawley. "Exactly what I reckoned. And I -come to offer to help you." - -Alec nearly tumbled over backward in his astonishment. "I'd like to have -your help all right," he said, still eyeing Hawley distrustfully, "but I -don't know how I'd pay you." - -"Who said anything about pay?" asked Hawley. - -"I don't exactly understand what you mean," said Alec. "Of course you'd -want pay if you helped me, and, of course, I would expect to pay you. -Nobody can afford to work for nothing." - -"Exactly what I reckon," said Hawley. "But I've had my pay already. Now -I want to earn it." - -"I don't understand you." - -The big oysterman stepped forward. Alec retreated and raised his oar. -"Just stand back, will you?" he said. - -"I don't blame you a bit for feelin' that way, seein' as how you never -had no reason to trust me," replied Hawley, and he went back to the very -bow of the boat. "But I don't mean you no harm, lad. I come to help -you. Jim Hawley ain't no copperhead, even if you do have reason to think -so. That wasn't Jim Hawley that chucked you into the river. It was old -John Barleycorn. Jim Hawley ain't that sort of a feller. I'm done with -John Barleycorn, and I want you to know the real Jim Hawley. I want to -help you and it won't cost you a cent." - -Alec was too much astonished for words. "It's mighty kind of you," he -said, "but I couldn't accept any man's services without paying him for -them." - -"Come, come, lad, don't be foolish," urged the big sailor. "You need me -a whole lot more than you think." - -"I'd like to know how." - -"Well, I didn't want to tell you this, lad. But I'd feel safer about you -if I was around. You know them shell collectors you been gettin' shells -away from don't love you any too much, and I don't like to think of you -out here alone in the dark. It's been worryin' me." - -"Worrying you! Why should you worry about me?" - -Big Hawley hung his head. "I ain't had a decent night's sleep since I -sobered up," he said. "Cap'n Bagley told me what an old villain I'd been -and how fine you was about it, not wantin' me put in jail, and I says to -myself, says I, 'If ever you touch another drop of booze, you're a worse -scoundrel than even Bagley takes you for; and he thinks you're next to -the devil.' So I quit drinkin'. Ain't touched a drop since, and ain't -never goin' to touch another. But that didn't make it right with you. -You done the finest thing I ever heard of when you went overboard after -me, and I just can't sleep for worryin' how I'm goin' to make it up to -you. So you see you've just got to let me help you with them shells." - -Hawley's voice had grown husky and his eyes were actually moist before -he stopped talking. There was no doubting his sincerity. - -Alec threw down his oar and sprang toward him. "Don't you bother about -that another minute," he said, holding out his hand, which the sailor -pressed warmly. "I'm glad you are no longer angry at me, and that you -want to be my friend. And if you really want to help with the shells, -I'll be more than glad. But you must let me pay you when I am able." - -"Now don't you ever say another word to me about pay," said Hawley, -clearing his throat and seizing an oyster shovel. "We'll just consider -the matter settled. And I'm much obliged to you. You've done me a mighty -good turn. I won't have to worry no more about you out here in the -darkness all alone." And he fell to shoveling oysters as fast as he -could. - -The winter continued open, and the fleet worked with unusual regularity. -There were not many days when the weather was too rough for dredging. So -the shells accumulated fast. In a little while Alec was able to buy his -portable motor. With the aid of that and with Hawley to assist him, he -could care for his shells in a very short time. - -"It's almost too bad we don't have more shells," he said to Hawley one -day. - -"Git 'em!" said the sailor. "You kin. There ain't anybody round here -won't give 'em to you if you ask, I reckon." - -"I was willing to take old Pete's shells and a few more," said Alec, -"but I wouldn't want to put the other collectors out of business." - -"What's that to you? They'd put you out of business in a minute if they -dared." - -"Just the same, it doesn't seem fair. I can't adopt their standards. -I've got to stick to my own." - -Before many days elapsed, Alec had another opportunity to decide what -standards he would follow. One of his competitors came to him and -offered to pay him twenty-five cents a basket for the rattlers in his -pile of shells. - -"You'd be getting eight times as much for the rattlers as you would for -the shells, and there'd likely be a basket or two a night in such a big -pile of shells. That'd be twenty-five to fifty cents clear velvet every -night." - -Alec was suspicious. "What do you want them for?" he asked. - -"To eat, of course. We can't make enough collecting shells to buy good -oysters. These is all right, if we eat 'em soon." - -"I'll think it over," said Alec. - -When the man was gone, he saw at once the absurdity of the thing. There -were only two or three shell collectors to eat the oysters. Only one of -them had a family. With Alec's shells they would have access to all the -shells in the place. If they could get a basket or two of rattlers from -his shells, there must be a number of baskets among all the -shells--several bushels in fact. It wouldn't be possible for them to eat -all the oysters. - -"There's something crooked about this," said Alec. Then he thought of -what Hawley had told him of the enmity the other shell collectors had -toward him. He decided to ask Hawley about the matter. - -"Jim," he said, when he next saw his helper, "old Wallace offered to buy -all our rattlers. Said he wanted them to eat. What do you suppose he's -up to?" - -"Don't know," replied Hawley, frowning, "but you can bet it ain't for no -good purpose. Why, that old rip's so crooked he can't even walk -straight. You just leave it to me. I'll find out about it." - -Three nights later Hawley sought out Alec after the latter had tumbled -into his bed on the _Bertha B_. "I know what them rips is up to," he -said. "They're openin' their rattlers, treatin' 'em over-night in soda, -and sellin' 'em in cans." - -"They are!" cried Alec. "Selling them as Maurice River Cove oysters?" - -"Surest thing you know." - -"If they do much of that, they'll knock the oyster business into a -cocked hat. Anybody that eats one of those things and sees the label -'Maurice River Cove Oysters,' will never want to taste another." - -"Exactly what I reckon," said big Jim Hawley. - -"I'll tell the shipper about this at once," said Alec. - -He glanced at his watch. "Exactly nine-thirty," he said. "The captain -will be listening to Pittsburgh if he's at home." - -He turned to his wireless telephone, threw over his switch, and began to -speak. "3ADH calling 3ARM," he called. There was no reply. Again he -called. - -Then his receivers began to vibrate. "3ARM answering 3ADH," came the -message. - -"Hello, Captain," he telephoned. "This is Alec. We have found something -going on here that I want to tell you about at once. Can you come down?" - -"Yes. Are you in a hurry?" - -"No. Any time to-night will do." - -"I'll come just as soon as this music's done. Good-bye." - -An hour later the shipper, the skipper, Alec, and big Hawley were in -conference in the cabin of the _Bertha B_. Next day Captain Rumford -called a meeting of all the shippers at Bivalve. The conference decided -to put an end at once to the existing system of shell collecting. - -"We've had enough of this haphazard method," said one shipper. "Let us -give all our shells to one man and hold him responsible for their proper -collection and disposition. Then we shall not have to worry about our -scows any longer, and there won't be any of this crooked work going on -to ruin the oyster business. It seems to me we couldn't do better than -to turn the whole shell business over to that young chap of Cap'n -Rumford's. He's a clean, energetic boy, and he'll take care of the -shells right. With all our shells to handle, there will be enough in it -for him to give his entire time to it." - -"And what do you think I'm going to do if you take away the best young -fellow I ever had in my employ?" asked Captain Rumford. - -"That's your lookout," said his fellow shipper. "The oystermen's -association is just as keen to get a good man as you are to keep one." - -Captain Rumford himself laid the proposition before Alec. The latter was -dumfounded. "Give me twenty-four hours to think it over," he said. - -It was a crisis in Alec's life. It was an opportunity and yet it was not -the sort of opportunity he welcomed. It would take him away from the -direct line he had marked out for himself. Then, too, if he became a -shell collector only, he would have no money coming to him until the -spring planting season, and he did not see how he could get along -without some regular income. Finally, he was reluctant to leave the -employ of Captain Rumford. - -He had almost decided not to accept the offer, when he thought of -Hawley. "Why, he could collect most of those shells himself, if he -worked at it all day," thought Alec. "He can get around so fast with the -little motor that he might be able to do it all himself. Now, how can we -arrange it?" - -He thought over the matter a long time. Before he fell asleep he had -decided what to do. Next morning he sought Hawley on the latter's ship -the instant he was up. - -"Jim," he said, "the oystermen want me to take all their shells. I'd -like to do it. There would be a nice profit in it, but I can't very well -give up my job on the _Bertha B_ and go to collecting shells on nothing -a week. Now if you would go into partnership with me----" - -"On nothing a week?" laughed the big sailor. - -Alec joined in the laugh. "Looks as though that's what I want, doesn't -it? But listen, Jim. Here's my plan. You stay here and handle the -shells. I will be on hand to help you every afternoon. With the motor in -our boat we can handle them all easily. I'll draw my pay on the _Bertha -B_ and give you ten dollars each week. That isn't much, but it will keep -you until we sell the shells. Then you can repay me from your share of -the proceeds. I've been figuring out how many we'll have, and there'll -be enough to bring us both a good profit for all the time and money we -put into it. What do you think of it?" - -"If it will help you," said Hawley, "you just bet I'll do it." - -"It'll help us both." - -"Then that settles it. Here's to the new firm, 'Cunningham and Hawley, -shell merchants.'" - -And turning to the table, Hawley poured out drinks for them both. But it -was only coffee. - -"Shall we have a sign painted?" he laughed. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE CORNER-STONE THAT ALEC FOUND - - -Now that Alec and Jim got all the shells from all the shippers, their -pile grew with unbelievable rapidity. Although the number of shells had -increased so greatly, yet big Jim Hawley was almost always able to -handle the entire day's harvest himself. The powerful little motor shot -his boat from point to point with great speed; and the sailor himself -was so strong and powerful that he could shovel the shells out of his -boat while most other men would have been thinking about it. Thus it -happened that Alec seldom had to help his partner, when the _Bertha B_ -made fast for the day. - -But Alec was not one to waste his time. Whenever Jim did not need him, -Alec hustled up to the shipper's office and helped with the clerical -work. To his delight, Captain Rumford finally procured a typewriter, the -rubber stamps, and some other office equipment suggested by Alec. With -the aid of these and the assistance Alec was able to give him, Captain -Rumford now easily performed the office work that had previously been -such a burden to him. When Sailor Hawley saw the situation, and realised -that Alec had a good chance for promotion if he could be regular with -the office work, he told Alec that the shell collections had fallen off -so much he would not need any help during the remainder of the season. -Perhaps he told the truth. - -Alec, at any rate, now felt free to give Captain Rumford his time every -afternoon. Usually the skipper was able to set Alec ashore by half-past -three o'clock. In the two hours that remained before Captain Rumford -drove home, the captain dictated answers to all his letters, Alec taking -the dictation direct on his typewriter. He had to do this, as he had -never studied stenography. Often, now, he wished he had. But he had -never foreseen the need of it. His deficiency taught him a good lesson, -however. - -"It just goes to show that you never can tell what will come useful," -said Alec. "I'll worry along all right without stenography, I suppose, -but you can just bet that in this oyster game I'm going to know -everything I possibly can pick up that has the slightest bearing on the -business. I'm not going to wake up after I'm a shipper and find that -there is something about my business that I don't know." - -As the winter wore on, work declined at the oyster piers and men were -laid off. Many beds had long ago been dredged clean of their oysters. -Boat after boat was made fast for the season. The fleet dwindled almost -daily in numbers. Then there came periods of very rough weather, when -all the boats remained at their piers. Those days Alec spent wholly in -the office. So his pay continued without interruption. Better still it -increased. As a deck-hand he had been getting $17.50 a week. The shipper -increased his stipend to $20 a week. - -But better even than the increase in pay was the opportunity that came -to visit the captain's home. For often at the week-end Alec was now -asked to accompany the shipper home. Usually he merely spent the evening -there, returning to Bivalve by trolley. But once in a while he was asked -to spend Sunday with the Rumfords. Elsa, of course, hailed his visits -with delight. And it was not long before Mrs. Rumford was almost as glad -to see Alec as her daughter was. About the only welcome Alec ever got -from the head of the house was the statement the latter made, when he -ushered the lad in at the door, "Well, mother, here's this Alec -Cunningham again. He pestered me so to bring him along that I hadn't the -heart to refuse." - -Of course, there wasn't a word of truth in it, but just the same it -always embarrassed Alec a little bit, much to the delight of Elsa. -Probably that was why the shipper teased the lad, for Elsa was the apple -of his eye. To please her, he would have done things far more foreign to -his nature than to crack a joke. - -Probably the reason Elsa was so fond of Alec was because he treated her -as an absolute equal. There was no hint of condescension on his part -when he talked with her, no suggestion of superiority. He never -intimated that because she was a girl she shouldn't do this or that -thing that he did. Like the majority of American girls of to-day, Elsa -was independent, sensible, thoughtful, and able. So her tastes and -desires were remarkably like those of any other normal person of her age -and training. She liked sailing, tennis, swimming, basket-ball, -motoring, camping, and similar sports, and was quite as intelligent -about them as most boys would have been. With similar likes himself, -Alec understood her feelings exactly and treated her much as he would -have treated a boy chum of his own age. Though he was doubtless a little -more chivalrous toward her than he would have been to one of his boy -friends, he did not carry his chivalry to the point where it interfered -with their friendship. So the two became very good chums, indeed. It was -a matter of delight to them both that Alec was able to help her with -many a knotty point in her studies. In every way the two seemed -fashioned to be the best of friends. - -To Alec the privilege of coming to the captain's house meant more than -he could have told. Alec and his father had lived with a very estimable -family. Here at Bivalve he missed greatly that home influence. His -companions on the _Bertha B_ and at the piers he had come to esteem -greatly; yet they were mostly rough workingmen, uncouth in speech and -manner, though pure gold at heart. Alec was at an age and in a situation -when he especially needed the refining influence of a good home. He got -it in Captain Rumford's home. - -Just why Captain Rumford chose to take Alec to his home, the -inscrutable oyster shipper never said. But he never did anything without -a reason. Outsiders who knew about the matter attached far more -significance to it than Alec possibly could. Also they understood much -better than Alec did how fortunate a lad he was. With the leading oyster -shipper at Bivalve back of him, Alec's future was already secure if he -chose to become an oyster-planter himself. - -Alec, fortunately, never once thought of the matter in that light. He -didn't even know that the shipper was behind him. In his own mind he was -simply an employee whom the shipper, for some reason or other, had come -to like. And he meant to do everything in his power to retain Captain -Rumford's good-will. - -It pleased Alec immensely that he had been able to help his benefactor -so much with his office work. The changes that had been made seemed to -lighten the work daily. Yet the changes already made were not all that -Alec hoped to make. He wanted a better system of filing and keeping -records. Every time he looked at the dusty pigeonholes in the old rack -above the captain's desk, each stuffed full of miscellaneous contents, -his fingers itched to tear the whole thing out and install some modern -filing cases. But he knew he must bide his time for that. - -Very late in the winter, or very early in the spring, when the oyster -business was getting toward its lowest ebb and the office work was -light, Alec asked permission to clean the office. The shipper looked at -him in amazement. - -"What for?" he asked. - -"Perhaps we could arrange things in a way that would expedite our work," -replied Alec, watching his boss out of the corner of his eye. - -"Um!" grunted the shipper. "It's likely! Why, I've done business with -this office just as it is for more than thirty years and never found it -necessary yet to change things." - -But in the end, he consented. Alec moved their two desks somewhat, so as -to get better light on them and shifted a few other things. But the main -thing he wanted to do was to clear out those dusty old pigeonholes, and -get the contents arranged better. So he began to take the contents from -pigeonhole after pigeonhole, laying the things he took out in orderly -little piles and trying to rearrange and classify them. But when he -reached the second row in the rack, he suddenly lost all interest in his -work. Out of the pigeonhole came a familiar-looking pamphlet, like -dozens of government bulletins Alec had seen at the high school in -Central City. Alec was about to drop it on the desk when the title -caught his eye. It was "Aids to Successful Oyster-Culture." The bulletin -had recently been issued by the New Jersey Experiment station. - -"Where did you get this?" cried Alec, all afire with interest. - -"What?" said the shipper, glancing up from his work. Then, after seeing -what it was, "Oh! That! Why, that's something the state got out. -Somebody sent me a copy." - -"Is it interesting?" asked Alec. - -"To tell the truth, I never had time to read it. I stuck it in that -pigeonhole and there it's been ever since." - -Alec looked aghast. "Never read it!" he cried. "Would you be willing to -lend it to me? I'll take good care of it and be sure to return it." - -"Take it and keep it. I don't want it." - -Alec folded the bulletin and placed it in his pocket as though it were -rarest treasure. Into his mind flashed the Master's words: "The stone -which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner." - -"Who knows?" he said to himself, "but this may be the very corner-stone -for the structure I intend to build? It may be the very thing I have -been searching for. My entire future may depend upon what I read in this -bulletin." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -A NEW LIGHT - - -Even a cursory examination of the bulletin told Alec he was right in -thinking that the little pamphlet held the secrets for which he had been -searching. Here, in this unconsidered little publication that had been -consigned to the oblivion of a dusty pigeonhole by a man who was -beginning to fall behind the times, was an open sesame to the -treasure-house of the deep. Alec wondered how many more of these -bulletins were likewise resting in dusty pigeonholes. He was sure there -must be many of them similarly tucked out of sight, for the bulletin, -which was the very first of a series planned by the state to set forth -the knowledge of the oyster that had been accumulated by the scientists -of the world, plainly said that the position of the oyster-planter of -to-day was very similar to that of the land farmer of fifty years ago, -before the application of scientific methods to agriculture. If that -were true, Alec knew that little heed would be given to the publication -by many of the oyster-planters. They were too old to change. The -situation gave him the opportunity to become a pioneer and, he firmly -believed, to reap the rewards of the pioneer. - -The quality that distinguished Alec's mind from the mind of the average -lad of his years was that of understanding or comprehension. At school -he had never won unusual grades; yet he had been an unusual student. -Indeed, it would have been remarkable had a lad of his wide interests -gained high marks. His participation in athletics, his accomplishments -with the wireless, his devotion to nature and out-of-door pleasures, and -his efforts along many lines not directly connected with his studies, -practically precluded the possibility of his being an honor student. Yet -no winner of high grades ever understood what he studied better than -Alec comprehended the work he covered. Very early Alec had imbibed the -idea that the purpose of schooling is understanding, not grades, ability -to accomplish, and not diplomas. So he had been more or less indifferent -to the marks he received, but very particular to grasp what he studied. -To an unusual degree he had gained the essence of education, which is -the ability to think. He saw facts as they were, he drew correct -deductions from these facts, and he consequently came to truthful -conclusions. - -Nothing whatever could have meant as much to Alec, situated as he now -was, as did this double ability to understand facts and to draw right -conclusions from them. He was just starting his life-work. He was -building his career. He was erecting a structure to last a lifetime and -perhaps many generations longer. He must fight for all he got. There -would be few who cared whether he built well or poorly, and fewer still -to help him. His alone was the responsibility for the quality of the job -he was doing. What he had told Captain Rumford was true: he wanted to -know, not only about what oyster-planters had done and were doing, but -also what they would be doing in future. Alec had always been like that. -He had always wanted to know the whole truth. - -As he read the bulletin in his hands, he told himself that he was a -fortunate lad, indeed. If oyster-farming is to-day just where land -farming was half a century ago, he told himself, he had become an -oysterman at exactly the right moment. He had had a great deal more -schooling than most of the men now in the business. He could learn the -truth more easily. He had the advantage of knowing nothing whatever -about the oyster business, so that he had no prejudices to hamper him, -no preconceived ideas to hold him back. He was free to learn the truth, -and when he found it, to act accordingly. He could make all his plans -upon a scientific basis. He could be a pioneer in scientific -oyster-culture. And like the farmers who sprayed their fruit-trees while -their neighbors laughed at them, and the dairymen who began raising -blooded stock while their neighbors ridiculed them, he would reap his -reward, the same as those intelligent orchardists and cattlemen had -done. - -Perhaps Alec did not actually think the situation out in such detail, -but the underlying idea he felt very strongly. He had come into the -oyster business at a time when it was about to undergo a change. Not all -the oyster-shippers, he felt sure, would toss aside this valuable -compendium of information as thoughtlessly as Captain Rumford had done. -Few of them, perhaps, were as well qualified as he himself was to carry -out the suggestions made in the book; for he had studied biology. He -knew how to use the microscope. He was familiar with the work that would -be required of the scientific oysterman as suggested by the bulletin. - -For this marvelous little publication told him, not only about the -life-history and habits of oysters, but also how and where they could -best be raised. An open sesame, indeed, was this book. For Alec had long -understood that the present method of oyster-culture was largely a game -of blind man's buff. - -When he had asked the skipper how the oystermen knew good grounds from -poor ones, the captain had replied, "They don't. All they can do is to -shell 'em and see if they get a set." - -That was the doctrine and belief of an experienced and able captain of -an oyster-boat. Yet here in his very hands Alec had proof that an -intelligent person could discover where the good grounds were, easily -and cheaply. It wasn't necessary to own a ship and buy thousands of -bushels of shells and employ expensive help to spread them in order to -find out whether a given place would make good grounds or not. With very -little equipment Alec knew he could test the matter as well as anybody. -He almost cried aloud with sheer joy. For though the planted beds -covered 30,000 acres, and doubtless included many and perhaps most of -the good grounds, Alec did not doubt that there still remained unstaked -areas that would make as good oyster-beds as any already "stuck up." His -job was to find them while he was getting together the money to buy his -equipment. - -When Alec had gone hastily through the bulletin once, he again began to -read it, this time slowly and painstakingly. He found that Skipper -Bagley's assertion that one oyster produces millions of little oysters -was not only true, but was almost an understatement, so incredible was -the actual number, estimated by the scientists at sixteen to sixty -millions, depending upon the size, age, and vigor of the spawning -oyster. And it was equally true, as the skipper had said, that one could -not see newly-formed oysters with the naked eye; for, even at two weeks -of age, when they are about ready to attach to something, they were -still scarcely visible. - -What fairly astounded Alec was the fact that each tiny oyster larva has -a foot, which is later absorbed into the body when there is no longer -need for it. For, contrary to what the skipper had told him, the oyster -fry not only have the power to move about in the water, but they do not -die at once if they sink to the bottom and find no suitable place of -attachment. With its tiny foot, each microscopic oyster is able to move -about on the bottom, and does move about, a few inches at a time, -seeking a place of attachment. It has other methods of locomotion as -well. Hair-like growths that act like propellers, give it the power to -move slowly through the waters. Thus it creeps and swims, searching here -and there until it finds the resting-place it is after. Then it makes -fast to the place selected, and its shell rapidly enlarges. In ten -hours' time it has become as large as a grain of pepper. - -And the bulletin's suggestions as to shelling oyster-beds, Alec noted, -were directly at variance with established practices. For Alec knew that -ordinarily the shells were spread broadcast, in an effort to cover as -much of the bottom as possible, whereas the bulletin advised the -planting of shells in windrows, placed transversely to the current, and -piled to the depth of ten inches or even a foot, so as to afford more -exposed surfaces than could be offered by shells broadcasted and lying -flat in the mud. For now Alec learned, to his astonishment, that the -tiny oysters do not necessarily drop downward in their search for a -place of attachment, but also rise upward. And since sediment does not -collect to any great extent on the under surface of bodies held in the -water, the under sides will afford the cleaner places of attachment. In -proof of this, the bulletin showed several shells that had been -suspended in the water for five days during the spawning season. Though -they were clean when put into the water, enough sediment had collected -in that short time to prevent the attachment of a single spat to their -upper surfaces, while one shell alone had seventy-three spats attached -to its under surface at the end of five days. - -"Why, that's just common-sense," cried Alec. "Of course an under surface -stays cleaner in the water than an upper surface. Anybody knows that. -And shells heaped in windrows will present a thousand times as many -under surfaces as shells thrown flat in the mud. You bet I won't forget -that." - -There were many other things that astonished Alec. He learned that -spawning activities are controlled almost wholly by temperature, oysters -never spawning before the water reaches a temperature of at least 68 -degrees and generally 70 degrees, while spawning activity increases with -the increase in the temperature of the water. Alec saw at once that -there might thus be great seasonal variation in the amount of spawn -produced, and that a cold, cloudy summer might result in little or no -oyster fry being spawned, while a hot, cloudless spring and summer, -particularly if the wind did not stir up the water too much, would -almost certainly result in a tremendous output of oyster larvæ. - -"Looks to me," said Alec, with characteristic insight, "as though it -wasn't worth going to the expense of shelling a bed if it happens to be -a very cold year," and he was pleased when in reading further he found -that the bulletin confirmed his judgment. - -Furthermore Alec knew that deep water would remain cold while shallow -water grew warm. And as the oyster remains practically at the -temperature of the water surrounding it, he saw that here was another -problem to be considered in the greatest of all the problems that he -believed lay before him. That was the problem of finding a good oyster -ground. For Alec had no hope of ever being able to buy a ground already -established. Within a very few days such an established bed had changed -hands, and the price paid by the purchaser was $25,000. Of course this -was a big bed, but Alec knew that any productive bed at all would -command a high price. What he must do when he became a planter was to -stake out new grounds that he could get from the state merely for the -annual rental of seventy-five cents an acre. - -To procure such a bed was a simple enough matter, but to procure a bed -that would be productive, where the planting of shells would result in a -good set of spat, was quite another matter. As the skipper had told him, -it was commonly believed that all the good beds had already been "stuck -up." That fact had been the most discouraging thing Alec had had to -face, as he thought over his plans for the future. But now light was -coming to him. One of the factors he must consider in the selection of -his grounds was water temperature. Depth was an important factor, and -so, too, was the movement of the water, for turbulent water meant cold -water, while still water meant warm water. - -When Alec studied that portion of his book that dealt with tides and -currents, he fairly hugged himself for joy. Now he knew how to determine -the other factors in the problem of locating his beds. For the bulletin -told him that with the ebb and flow of the tide certain main currents -are produced over an oyster-bed which are quite definite in direction -and which vary but little from year to year, while the configuration of -the shore and the bottom produces smaller currents and eddies in -conjunction with these main currents. And these currents would have very -much to do with the matter of locating an oyster-bed. - -For an abrupt ridge, or raised area of the bottom, will produce one or -more eddies, thus resulting in a region of slack water. Along the margin -of every well defined channel, areas occur where the water lags behind -that in the channel itself. And these areas are often so sharply marked -off that one may follow them without difficulty for miles, owing to the -appearance of the water. "Any one who has noticed these 'slicks,'" said -the bulletin, "has noticed the foam and surface debris which collect -there." - -Many a time had Alec noted these slick stretches of water and wondered -at them, seeking a reason for their smoothness. Here it was explained. -But the full connection between a slick and an oyster-bed below it was -not apparent to Alec until he read, "The oyster larvæ, though -free-swimming, move so slowly that they are carried about by the -currents much as grains of sand would be. They, therefore, tend to -collect in these regions of slicks and eddies, along with a host of -other microscopic plants and animals. In such places there occurs a -heavier set of spat than elsewhere in that neighborhood. Find the oyster -larvæ in the water, then get your shells under them." - -There was the secret Alec had been searching for. Now he knew how to go -about the selection of his oyster grounds. "Find the oyster larvæ in the -water and get your shells under them." - -One difficulty alone seemed to present itself. As a deck-hand he would -be busy until the end of June, and by that time he feared spawning might -be nearly ended. How could he do his duty to his employer and at the -same time study the waters in the oyster-beds as he saw he would need to -do? But he was reassured as he read further and found that in the -Delaware Bay and other deep waters in New Jersey, spawning is a more or -less continuous process, running from the first of July to the latter -part of August. - -Not even on that first morning at Bivalve, when he suddenly found his -condition changed from that of a shivering, hungry, penniless lad, to a -situation where he had a warm place to sleep, plenty of good food to -eat, and a generous wage coming to him daily, did Alec feel more elated -than he felt now. He had had a very rough experience. He had gone -through an unforeseen crisis, when all the supports had been knocked -from under his young life and he had suddenly had to stand wholly on -his own feet. At first he had had to choose what he would do merely to -exist. Later he had had to decide what he meant to make of himself. Even -when chance had put him on shipboard, and circumstances had almost -seemed to drive him to choose oystering as his calling, the situation -had seemed hopelessly difficult, so much of both knowledge and capital -were necessary, and both seemed so hard to acquire. And now, here in his -very hand, he suddenly found the map that showed him his path clear and -distinct. - -No wonder he cried aloud for joy. Now he knew, not only where he was -going, but also how to get there. To be sure, it would take him years to -attain his goal. But that would have been true, no matter what he -attempted. There was nothing discouraging about that. There was nothing -discouraging about any aspect of his situation. He had a steady job and -was saving money, even though half his wages went to support his partner -in the shell business. The shell venture was certain to net him a -generous return. With his father's gravestone paid for, Alec had -practically no expenses, save for clothes and incidentals, and these -were small enough. He had no time for nightly diversion at some -neighboring town, even had he desired it, and he used neither tobacco -nor strong drink. The clothes he had worn upon his arrival were of good -cut and material. He had had them cleaned and pressed when he got -rougher garments for his daily labor, and these good clothes would last -for a long time. So he could save a goodly sum each week even on half of -his wages. If he continued to work hard and take advantage of every -opportunity that offered, he knew his income was certain to increase and -his savings multiply accordingly. No wonder Alec felt jubilant. No -wonder he felt as though he were already standing at the wheel of _Old -Honesty_, the ship of his dreams. No wonder, either, that he could not -discern the rocks that rose ahead with evil portent. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -THE PLANTING SEASON BEGINS - - -Weeks passed. The oyster business grew duller and duller. More and more -ships were laid up for the winter. For days at a time the _Bertha B_ lay -fast at her pier. To a lad of Alec's energetic, impatient nature, it was -a trying period. There was so little that he could do. From bowsprit to -taffrail he already knew every rope and stick and implement on an -oyster-boat, and the uses of them all. He knew the various parts of the -engine and comprehended their functions. He had already learned how to -splice a rope, reef a sail, bend on a line, cast a hawser, and do a -thousand other tasks aboard ship. Ashore, he had inquired into every -phase of the oyster business he could think of. Like Alexander, he -sighed for more worlds to conquer; for it seemed to Alec as though there -was nothing new left for him to do. He felt like a soldier marking time. -He was going through the motions, perhaps, but not advancing. And to -Alec's impatient nature, that meant that he was wasting his time, -throwing away the only capital he possessed. - -In reality his time was far from wasted. Though he did not realize it, -he was continually picking up knowledge that was to be of use to him. -Always he was on the alert. Ever he was asking questions. Continually he -was weighing this and that practice in his mind. And from night to -night, as he sat in the warm cabin of the _Bertha B_, talking with the -skipper and Joe, both of whom lived aboard with him, he absorbed a vast -fund of useful and practical information. - -Of this fact Alec was hardly conscious. To him it seemed as though he -were merely killing time by listening to the engaging yarns of the -skipper; for Captain Bagley, like all real sailors, could tell the most -fascinating stories of the sea. But through the medium of these stories -Alec unconsciously picked up a great deal of information about the -waters he would have to navigate as an oysterman, about the currents, -the tides, the winds, the storms, the calms--in short about the very -things he needed to know. Whenever he heard the least thing that was -likely to be of use to him, he unconsciously singled it out and put it -away in the storehouse of his memory. - -For to Alec, as to every real thinker, it was given to learn through the -experiences of others quite as much as through his own experiences. -Indeed, Alec early had seen the folly of learning through his own -experience if he could possibly learn through that of another. It might -be true, he knew, that experience is the best teacher. But he quickly -saw that he is a fool who learns only through his own experience. So, -although the time seemed to drag, and he chafed under the enforced -idleness, Alec was really acquiring something worth while all the time. -Any one does who is really desirous of learning. - -But on one account Alec was not sorry because things were so dull. He -saw a great deal of Elsa. Alec's bright, cheerful ways had endeared him -to the entire Rumford family. The shipper welcomed him to his home -because he felt that he would rather have Elsa associate with Alec than -with most of the lads he knew. The others might be all right or they -might not be. Alec was true as steel. In a hundred ways the shipper had -seen him tested. He _knew_ about Alec. - -Had Alec realized these things he would have been both gratified and -puzzled--gratified to know that the captain really did think so well of -him, yet puzzled to know why it was so. For in some ways Alec was -singularly childlike. At the captain's home or in the captain's presence -he had not acted in any way different from the way he always acted. What -Alec did not realize was how fine at heart he really was. But though -Alec did not comprehend these things about himself, the shipper -understood them readily enough. And he knew, as well as he knew -anything, that if he himself lived his allotted time, he would see the -day when Alec stood at the very top of the oyster business. It is just -as impossible to keep down a lad like Alec, as it is to dam back -forever the waters of a stream. Either may be held back for a time. In -the end both will break through. - -One thing these days of idleness did for Alec that he did not comprehend -at all. They gave him to the last measure the full coöperation and -sympathy of Elsa. In an intangible way that neither understood or -appreciated their relationship underwent a very real change. - -By this time Alec's plans for the future were beginning to take tangible -form. His ideas had crystallized. They were concrete enough to talk -about in exact terms. And Alec wanted to talk about them. He wanted to -discuss them with some one who could comprehend and sympathize with his -plans, and yet criticize them in a friendly, intelligent way. Jim -Hawley, though big of heart, hadn't the kind of mind to grasp what Alec -was aiming at; Captain Bagley would have been indifferent to the matter; -and Captain Rumford would have regarded Alec's plans as the veriest -rubbish. Besides these three, there were no men in the oyster fleet with -whom Alec would have been willing to discuss his plans. - -Elsa met every requirement. When Alec told her what was in his mind she -comprehended exactly what he meant, she sympathized fully with his -position, she passed judgment on his schemes with the friendliest sort -of criticism. It was exactly the sort of help Alec needed most. It gave -him increased confidence in his own plans and stiffened his courage. He -knew that Elsa understood him and sympathized with him fully and he -needed such sympathetic understanding and encouragement if he were to -win through. - -As the days lengthened and winter drew near to spring, there was more -activity in the oyster fleet. Planters began to inquire for shells. -Farmers began to bring loads of stakes with which to mark the -oyster-beds afresh. Boats were overhauled. Propellers were removed from -power craft or boxed in such a way as to render them useless, for the -law prohibited any power boats from going on the natural oyster-beds. -Nothing but sails could be used in dredging seed-oysters. - -Then at last came the planting season itself, the great event in the -oysterman's year. From far and wide a huge fleet assembled. Every boat -that could still carry a sail and drag a dredge joined the assembly. The -river was fairly jammed with oyster-boats. At every pier ship after ship -made fast until the rows of boats extended far out into the stream. The -piers themselves took on new life. Now they fairly hummed with activity. -Ships were freshly provisioned. New supplies of all sorts were brought -aboard. Chains and dredges were examined and stowed in the holds. Great -crews were recruited, double or triple the size of the crews ordinarily -carried. From miles around came every able-bodied man to join the fleet. -Ships were continually passing to and from oyster-beds, where new stakes -were being put down and everything possible done in advance to get -ready for the actual planting. - -Then came the great day, the first of May. On the afternoon before, ship -after ship cast loose and headed for the oyster grounds. Now Alec saw a -sight that stirred his blood and made his heart beat faster. Down the -river went the fleet, ship after ship, dozens, scores, hundreds of them, -heeling in the wind, their sails shining in the sun, like a wondrous -flock of huge, white birds. - -Like schoolboys on a lark were the men aboard these ships. Like Alec, -they had chafed at their enforced idleness. The feeling of spring was in -their blood. The spirit of fun was abroad among them. Laughter rose from -every deck. Across the water voice called to voice. Old friends greeted -one another across the dancing waves. Skipper hailed skipper. To right -and left challenges were flung, and boat after boat picked up her heels -to prove her master's assertion that she was faster than her neighbor. A -dozen races were staged at once. - -So the fleet proceeded, like a great covey of birds, out of the -sheltering river and into the open Bay. Across the oyster-beds raced the -rolling vessels, now spread out in wide array, pressing on and on until -they joined their fellows who had come before, and dropped their anchors -at the very side of the Southwest Line, where the state had said, "Thus -far and no farther, shalt thou go." - -Now Alec witnessed a sight that thrilled him as few things in all his -life had done. Nightfall found practically every ship in the fleet -anchored near the line. North, east, south, and west of the _Bertha B_ -oyster-boats lay at rest. Aloft a white light glimmered on every ship. -And as the boats moved ever so slightly in the gentle swell, these lamps -aloft swayed slowly back and forth, as though signalling one to another. -The weather was balmy, the night was lighted by a radiant moon. The -gentlest of breezes sighed through the rigging. The beauty of the night -drew Alec on deck as irresistibly as a powerful magnet draws a piece of -steel. For a time he stood by the ship's rail, looking at the gently -heaving water, studying the swirls in the tide, as they shone and -sparkled in the moonlight, listening to the gentle slap! slap! slap! of -the waves against the oaken sides of the _Bertha B_. - -From her cabin, and from the cabins of sister ships arose the sound of -laughter, the noise of raucous voices. In the calm and holy beauty of -the night they seemed out of place. To Alec's sensitive soul they were -as discordant as the rasping tones of a horse fiddle. He wanted to get -away from them, where he could drink in the beauty of the scene -undisturbed; where he could steep himself in the spirit of the night. So -he clambered up the rigging and perched himself on the crosstrees. - -Now he was like one in a tower. He could see far and wide. Beneath him -the white ships, huddled together, made him think of a flock of sheep, -herded for the night. And afar off on the dancing water Alec saw the -laggards of the flock hastening toward the fold. Like little white -specks they seemed in the far distance. Then, as they drew nearer and -nearer, their sails seemed to grow larger and larger, until suddenly -they appeared gigantic. With majestic flight, like the sweep of darting -gulls, they bore to right or left, seeking their places of rest. Then -came the faint splash of anchors, the rattling sound of tackle blocks as -the great white wings were lowered, and presently peace. - -One by one the cabin lamps were doused, until only sailing lights shone -throughout the fleet. One by one the raucous voices were stilled, and -peace enfolded the nestling ships as a hen hovers above her little ones. -Still Alec sat in the crosstrees, watching the swaying lights, studying -the swirling waters, peering along the moon's broad path of gold that -seemed to lead straight from the little fleet to the Shepherd keeping -watch above. - -When or how Alec got to bed he never knew. It seemed to him as though he -had only just turned in when he heard Dick punching up the fire. In a -moment he was afoot, for this was no time for laggards. It was well -enough to dream in the moonlight, when the day's work was done; but this -was the time for action, the time to turn his dreams into something -tangible. For before them lay the prize, free for the taking the moment -the sun's rising disc should touch the horizon. He who would grasp it -must be ready. - -Throughout the fleet arose the sounds of preparation. Lights glowed in -every cabin. Lanterns bobbed on every deck. From every direction came -the creak of tackle blocks as sails were hoisted. Here and there -capstans clanked, as enterprising skippers hoisted anchor, to jockey for -more advantageous positions. For the moment the sun arose, the entire -fleet would sweep over the line in the race for the coveted oyster-seed. -Some boats were heading east and some were going west in the hope of -bettering their positions. - -As the light increased, the breeze freshened. The water began to dance -beneath its touch. Over all rested a slight haze, intensified here and -there, by wisps of smoke from cabin fires. And curling upward from the -surface of the Bay, rose little cloudlets of mist or fog. Streaks of -color crept into the eastern sky, growing, little by little, until the -firmament was a gorgeous, glowing tapestry of gold, shot with purple, -pink, and orange. - -From every side now rose the rattling of anchor chains, the clank of -capstans, the creaking of the tackle. In increasing numbers the -oyster-boats spread their wings and slipped away. Soon not a ship lay at -anchor. Like a mammoth flock of giant gulls, the oyster-boats were -darting here and there, their fresh, white sails shining in the morning -glow, as they bellied in the wind. Rare, indeed, was the sight; rare and -wonderful. For hundreds of ships were now in motion, the waves foaming -white at their bows, the spray splashing upward on their decks, and in -their wakes yeasty patterns of swirling water. At every stern stood a -silent figure, twirling his wheel now this way, now that, watchful of -the east and the mounting color there. - -Now sweeping near the line, now darting away, now weaving in and out -among her sister ships, the _Bertha B_ skimmed over the waves with the -grace of a gull, about to swoop on its prey. Her crew were on deck, -ready to spring to dredge or tackle. Her captain stood at his wheel, -silent, watchful as a hawk. - -Suddenly the fiery rim of the sun peered over the edge of the world. A -thousand watchful eyes beheld it, and a great shout went up from the -fleet. Over went the rudders, around swung the ships, and the entire -fleet darted straight for the line that marked their goal. - -"Let go the dredges!" thundered the skipper, as the _Bertha B_ swept -over the mark, and a splash arose on either side of the boat as the -dredges struck the waves. - -From hundreds of other craft dredges were falling into the sea. With -every sail set, the speeding oyster-boats tugged at their loads as -restive dogs straining at the leash. Now there was no engine to do the -hoisting; but men stood in pairs at the winders, ready to reel up the -windlasses and lift the laden dredge. How they worked! How they turned -their reels! How the dredges came plunging over the rollers! How the -oysters poured out on the decks! How the nimble fingers flew to cull the -glistening piles! How the shovels flashed, and the shells glinted in the -sun, as strong arms heaved them back into the sea! How the piles of -tiny oysters grew! - -What a sight it was! From far and near, from east and west, from north -and south, from every oyster town about the Bay, came scores of boats to -add their shining sails to the great fleet. Look where he would, Alec -could see ships sweeping along before the breeze, their decks crowded -with toiling men, bulking high with oysters. Never, as long as he lived, -would he forget that scene. - -Hour after hour the work went on. Basket by basket the piles of oysters -grew. The bow was full of them. The after deck was buried under them. -The cabin was hidden by them. Still the work went on. The _Bertha B_ -sank lower and lower in the water, as ton after ton was piled on her -deck. - -Suddenly there was a sharp command from the skipper. The dredges went -overboard no more. The _Bertha B_ heeled far over in the wind, swung -wide to avoid her sister ships, and headed for her oyster grounds. -Heavily she rode the waves, plowing bodily through them. Through the -fleet she sailed, over the Southwest Line, and on to her planting -grounds. Near and far, other laden ships sailed with her. And now she -had reached her grounds. How the shovels flew, how the tiny oysters went -splashing into the sea, flung far and wide from either side. Back and -forth, back and forth, sailed the _Bertha B_, while skilled hands spread -the precious seed. - -Now her deck was empty. To the last oyster it had been cleaned. Sharp -about swung the little vessel, crowding on all sail, taking advantage of -every wind, hastening back to the seed grounds. - -Day after day, in rain and in shine, in fog and when the sun shone -clear, with the wind whistling sharp and in days of calm, the _Bertha B_ -sailed back and forth over the breeding grounds, and to and from her -planting beds. And every hand aboard of her toiled to his utmost. No -more did the little vessel nightly seek her harbor. No more did the -fleet sail in and out with each rising and setting of the sun. And when -the planting was finished, came the shelling of the grounds, the _Bertha -B_ daily bringing huge deck loads of shells to scatter on the bottom of -the beds. - -During the spring planting days Alec learned what it meant to sleep in -the cradle of the deep. Sometimes the moon fell soft on the sleeping -waters, when he sought his bunk. And again inky clouds blotted out the -stars, and the wind soughed ominously through the rigging, or storms -whistled past the ship's bare poles, as she wallowed at her anchor in -the rolling waves. But soon it was all one to Alec. He was doing a man's -work. He was toiling like a Trojan. And neither the lure of the -moonbeams nor the roar of a storm could long keep him from his bunk, -once night had come. - -By the end of June, when the planting season was over, and the _Bertha -B_ for the last time lifted her anchor and homeward winged her way, Alec -had become a sailor as well as an oysterman. He had learned a -tremendous lot, not only about oysters, but also about handling a ship. -Once he had thought he was a sailor, when he manoeuvred his little boat -at home. Now he smiled at the memory of those earlier efforts. They -seemed childish, indeed. For more than once he had been allowed to -handle the _Bertha B_ as she flew across the Bay. And he had picked up a -tremendous lot of information about currents, eddies, drifts, shoals, -tides, slicks, and storms. He was getting his tool-kit thoroughly -stocked indeed. It was well, for he would soon have need of all the -skill and knowledge he possessed. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -A SEARCH FOR TRUTH - - -Early July, which saw the end of both oyster planting, and the shelling -of the grounds, found the pile of shells of Cunningham and Hawley -entirely exhausted. Where so recently these shells had risen in a -mountainous heap, there was now only bare earth, whitened with shell -chips. There had been thousands of bushels in the pile. When the -partners reckoned up their income and adjusted their finances, each had -a nice little sum of money. - -The instant their affairs were settled, Alec set about other matters. -Long ago he had ordered and received the instruments that he knew would -be necessary in his summer's work. These included a compound microscope, -half a dozen concave watch crystals, two settling glasses, two graduated -cylinders, two glass pipettes, two large rubber pipettes, four small -medicine droppers, a ten-quart galvanized bucket, a simple lift pump, -some rubber hose, and a salinometer with thermometer enclosed. In -addition Alec had picked up some wide-mouthed bottles, for holding -samples; had fastened several needles in wooden handles he had whittled -out of sticks; and had bought a yard of bolting-cloth with very fine -meshes, from which, with Elsa's assistance, he had made a net, conical -in shape, fastened about a metal ring, with an opening at the bottom -that could be closed tight with a draw string. - -Even by practicing what economies he could, Alec had had to spend nearly -seventy-five dollars for the outfit. More than once he had asked himself -if it was really worth while; if, after all, these old practical oyster -captains didn't really know more about how and where to grow oysters -than any mere scientific theorist possibly could. Wasn't he really -foolish to spend all this money? Wasn't he really throwing it away? He -had such need for it, in the purchase of articles more commonly seen in -an oyster fleet. His doubts had hurt and discouraged him. He needed some -one with whom he could talk the matter over. When he looked about, he -saw the same old situation. It was useless to talk to any of his three -friends, Hawley, Bagley, or the shipper. He knew that not one of them -would consider the matter from a serious, impartial, reasonable -view-point. So he had been forced to take the matter to Elsa. - -"Never mind about the expense," she had counseled, when they had -discussed the situation fully. "You won't be spending as much for your -entire outfit as most young fellows spend for tobacco and the movies. -You'll have something valuable to show for your money, and what you buy -won't harm you, even if you shouldn't find it as useful as you hope." - -"But suppose there's nothing in it, after all?" Alec had said. "Suppose -I buy my outfit and it doesn't do me a bit of good. What then? I can't -afford to throw away seventy-five dollars for nothing. I need every cent -I earn if I'm ever going to get anywhere." - -"You _can't_ buy this outfit and have it do you no good," Elsa had -replied. - -"I just guess I could. Suppose I bought the things and then didn't find -what I am after?" - -"Even so, it would do you good." - -"How?" - -"Alec Cunningham! Sometimes I think you're the stupidest thing I ever -met. The idea of asking a question like that, when you've been working -and studying like mad for months to find out all you can about the -oyster business. Of course it will help you. If you find what you want, -you are benefited, aren't you? And if you don't find it, you're -benefited just the same." - -"How?" Alec had inquired. - -"Stupid. It isn't oyster fry you're after. It's truth. You'll get it, no -matter whether it pleases you or not. Won't you? You'll know whether -that bulletin is right or whether the old oystermen are right, won't -you? And that's worth a great deal more than seventy-five dollars, isn't -it? Why, Alec, if you don't go ahead and test the thing, you'll never be -happy. You'll fret and fret about it, thinking you ought to be planning -your work differently. And if you do go ahead, no matter what you -learn, you'll be satisfied. You'll know whether to follow old practices -or try new ones. Certainly it's worth a good deal to know you're right. -Then you'll know you must succeed if you keep on in the same way." - -"Elsa," Alec had said, "I guess we are all fools at times. I had this -thing all thought out in my mind and my decision made; but when it came -to paying seventy-five dollars just to find out something, I hadn't the -courage to do it. You don't know how big seventy-five dollars looks to -me." - -"Silly!" Elsa had replied. "Don't talk to me about lacking courage, when -you make a practice of jumping overboard to fish drowning men out of the -water. It isn't courage you lack. It's partnership. If you had somebody -to back you up, you'd never hesitate a second about this thing." - -"Where did you learn so much?" Alec had answered, with genuine -admiration in his glance. "Do you know that's exactly what I need, and I -never before knew what it was that was wrong." - -"Well, don't you let it worry you any longer, Alec," Elsa had replied. -"I understand you and what you are trying to do, and I think it's just -fine. And I'll stand back of you no matter what they say. I know Dad -will think you are foolish. He thinks anything new is foolish. But never -you mind. You just go ahead with your plans." - -"That settles it," Alec had replied. "I _am_ going ahead, no matter if -it costs twice seventy-five dollars. I'm going to find out the truth at -any cost. Why, if a fellow doesn't know the truth, he's like a man who -doesn't know how to get to the place he's trying to reach. He may be -walking in the wrong direction. It wouldn't do him much good if he was a -good walker, would it? And just think how near I came to being a dummy -like that myself--all for the sake of seventy-five dollars!" - -So the matter had been settled for good, and Alec had ordered the -articles, even laughing when it took almost his last cent to pay for -them. Now he had them at hand, and he was almost ready to begin his -search for the truth--the truth about the oyster fry. - -He lacked only a boat. At first he thought he would buy a boat, but when -he found that the kind of boat he wanted, fitted with a good motor, -roofed over forward so as to make a little cabin, would cost several -hundred dollars, and take every cent he had made in his shell business, -he decided that he would rent a boat instead. - -There was just such a boat as he wanted, for hire. It was about -twenty-five feet long, with a snug yet roomy cabin forward, a single -sail, which he could easily manage, and in the cockpit was a small -motor, neatly boxed in to protect it from the weather. The boxing could -be removed if one wished to run the engine. Alec secured the craft for a -reasonable sum, put his scientific outfit aboard, brought his clothes -and some bedding, and stocked the larder with sufficient provisions. Nor -did he forget his wireless outfit. The _Bertha B_, like all other -oyster craft, was to be overhauled during the summer, and be repaired -and repainted. Of necessity, Alec's wireless would have to be taken down -and he had already dismantled it and stowed it in a box before finding -the little sloop. Now he had only to carry his box aboard, and his -little craft was ready to sail. - -The process of making ready went along merrily enough, but when it came -to sailing away, a trip all by himself suddenly lost its attractiveness. -Alec turned the situation over in his mind for some time. - -Then he went to his partner in the shell business. "Jim," he said, "I'm -going out to the Bay in a little sloop I've hired, to study oyster -larvæ. Don't you want to go along?" - -Hawley looked at him in blank amazement. "Alec," he said, "I'd do most -anything for you, but I sure don't want to go out to no Bay and study -oysters. I know all I want to about oysters already. Why, I been -ketchin' oysters for twenty years." - -Alec appealed to Captain Bagley, with no better results. Finally he went -to the shipper. - -"What fool's errand is this?" he exclaimed testily, when Alec laid the -situation before him. "Why, I've been expecting to keep you busy all -summer. I've got a job for you, helping about the boats. You can pay -your board and still be saving something all summer, instead of spending -all you've earned, like most of these fellows around here do." - -Alec really felt grieved to refuse the offer. "Captain Rumford," he -said, "I appreciate everything you've done for me, and I thank you for -this offer. But I can't take it. This is the only opportunity I have to -learn about oysters themselves and I must take it." - -"What nonsense are you up to now?" demanded the shipper. - -"I'm going out to the Bay to study oysters," said Alec, quietly but -firmly. "I have my outfit all ready and I have hired a little sloop to -sail in. I'd be mighty glad if you would go out with me." - -"Study oysters!" exploded the shipper. "Didn't you learn enough about -oysters on the _Bertha B_? And what better outfit do you want than a -pair of good dredges, eh? What are you about, anyway? What does all this -nonsense mean?" - -It was useless to argue or explain. "I'm sorry we don't see things -alike, Captain," said Alec. "I believe there is more to learn about -oysters than most of us know, and I'm going to try to find it out. If -you won't go with me, will you allow me to take Elsa? I'll be back -early, sir; and I'll answer for her safety." - -"Oh! I ain't afraid to trust the girl with you, boy, but you'll have a -dull time trying to study oysters, as you call it, with her on board. -She ain't one mite interested in oysters. She wants fun." - -"I'll take a chance on that," said Alec, "if you are willing to let her -go." - -Alec's confidence in Elsa was more than justified. He called her on the -telephone and stated the situation. She did not waste a moment in -unnecessary talk, but hung up the receiver the moment she understood -that Alec wanted her to help him, picked up a sweater and a -broad-brimmed hat, and hurried to the oyster pier in her little car. -Within a few minutes of the time Alec had called her, the two were -afloat. - -The little craft that Alec had rented was an excellent boat. Built -rather for pleasure than for work, it was very comfortably fitted out. -Furthermore, it was the fastest little boat in the harbor. Its lines -were excellent, and it slipped through the water as quietly and -gracefully as a swan. Being equipped both with sail and engine, the -owner was independent of wind and weather, and could go where he liked, -when he liked. Unlike most of the boats in the harbor, this craft was -painted a dull, leaden gray, that almost matched the color of the water. -Alec was glad, for there would be none of the usual glare from the -summer sun shining on white woodwork. The glare on the _Bertha B_ often -made his eyes ache. He was glad that he would not be bothered in that -way on the little boat, for he would need to have his eyesight at its -very best. - -With such an efficient helper aboard, Alec determined not to lose a -moment. He started the motor, and soon the little boat was shooting down -the river at a fast clip. - -"It's queer this boat has no name," said Alec. - -"Oh! It has a name all right, but the name was painted over when the -owner put this gray paint on. This is the _Osprey_." - -"We couldn't have named her better," said Alec, "for we are fish-hawks -ourselves, to-day. That is, we are shell-fish hawks." - -Elsa had often been aboard the boat before, but again she examined the -craft carefully, for she had long wanted her father to get a similar -boat. - -"Oh, good!" she exclaimed, when she caught sight of Alec's wireless -instruments, packed away in the box. "If you ever happened to be out -over-night, we could talk to each other in the evening and I could know -how the work progresses." - -"I expect to be out all the time until I get my work done," replied -Alec. "There is so much to be done and so little time to do it in." - -"Won't I see you all this summer?" cried Elsa, and the look of real -disappointment on her face made Alec happy. - -"Yes. I shall come home at the end of each week. Perhaps it won't take -me as long to do this work as I had expected. Why, do you know, I've -found out a tremendous lot about the currents and eddies and tides, just -from talking to Captain Bagley. And I had expected to have all that to -learn by myself. And I've been studying the captain's map of the -oyster-beds, and that has made my work easier, too. So much of the -bottom is already leased, that there isn't any use fooling around to try -to find out much about the grounds already staked out. What I've got to -do is to find out the best spots in the areas not yet staked." - -"I don't agree with you at all," said Elsa. "What you want to know is -the whole truth, not part of the truth." - -"But I can never hope to own land that is already staked out. Why, a -good bed costs thousands and thousands of dollars." - -"Alec Cunningham," protested Elsa, trying to look severe, "you make me -so mad I could beat you. For a boy with so much energy and brains, you -say and do the most foolish things I ever heard. Now think over what -you've just been saying. Here you are working like a steam-engine, day -and night, to become an oyster-planter. You ought to know that if you -keep on this way, you'll get there sure. Everybody else knows it. And -yet you turn around and say you'll have to take the leavings, instead of -planning to take your pick. And you're going to find out half the truth -instead of the whole truth, and so cripple yourself. Isn't that enough -to make anybody mad at you?" - -"But," expostulated Alec, "even if I do become a planter, I've got to -take what I can get." - -"Of course you do. But there are more ways than one of getting a thing -done, aren't there? You've got this boat now, haven't you? You don't own -her, but, for the time being, she's yours. It might be the same with an -oyster-bed. My father often rents other men's beds, or works them on -shares, or buys the oysters in them. Some day you may want to do the -same thing. What you need to do is to know all the truth about these -oyster grounds. It isn't worth while to do half of a job. And that isn't -the kind of work you do, either. I know something about you, Alec -Cunningham. You've got no end of brains and energy, but your judgment -isn't always good. You need a guardian." - -Both Elsa and Alec laughed heartily at the idea; then Alec's face grew -sober. "I'm beginning to realize that that isn't any joke," he said. "I -think it's because I haven't had any one to talk things over with. It's -pretty hard for a fellow to decide things right all by himself every -time." Then he smiled again, as he added, "I think it will be all right -hereafter, for now I do seem to have a guardian." - -Elsa's face grew scarlet. "Oh! Alec," she cried, "I don't want you to -think I meant what I said--that is, not in the way it sounded. And if -you don't take back what you just said, I'll never talk to you again." - -"I'll take it all back," said Alec, "just as Galileo took back his -assertion about the earth's turning round." - -"How was that?" demanded Elsa. - -"That's for you to find out," laughed Alec, and he would not tell her. - -Soon they were in the open Bay. "Even if I do need to study all the -oyster grounds," said Alec, "I'm going to begin on the unstaked areas." - -"Of course. You may find grounds as good there as any in the Cove. Then -you could get them direct from the state, at a minimum cost." - -Alec spread out the map of the oyster-beds he had borrowed from Captain -Bagley. "We'll begin here," he said, "and work straight offshore. Are -you going to help me or just watch me?" - -"Help you, of course. If I couldn't be of any more use than a -phonograph, there wasn't much sense in my coming." - -"Then suppose you take soundings and test with this salinometer. The -instrument will give you the density of the water, and the thermometer -in the bulb will register the temperature. I've made several copies of -this map of the oyster-beds, and we'll mark our position with a cross -and write down beside it whatever we find. While you are doing that, -I'll be testing for larvæ." - -Elsa took the sounding-line and dropped the lead into the waves, the -line paying out over her finger. When the lead came to rest on the -bottom, she noted the depth on the line. Then she took Alec's fountain -pen and set down the depth beside the cross Alec had made on the map. - -"Just date it, too," said Alec, "and note down the stage of both wind -and tide. It's pretty well toward ebb now, and, if the book is right, we -oughtn't to expect to find many larvæ. They seem to drop down to the -bottom and anchor themselves during the ebb-tide to avoid being swept -out to sea. They come up when the tide turns, and we ought to find more -in the flood-tide than in the ebb." - -Alec, all this time, was getting ready for his part of the work. He took -a galvanized bucket that belonged on the _Osprey_ and lowered it -overboard for a few moments so it would take on the temperature of the -Bay. Then he lifted it aboard, brimming with water, and set it in the -shade. Elsa thrust the salinometer and testing tube into the bucket to -cool. Then Alec attached his hose to his lift pump, and carefully -lowering the hose to a point within a few inches of the bottom, pumped -his own bucket, which had also been cooling in the waves, full of water. -It was the sample from the bottom, in which the oysters actually lie, -that he wanted to test. - -Elsa drew her tube and salinometer out of the cooling bucket, and Alec -filled the tube with water from his own bucket. Elsa lowered the -salinometer into it and put the tube in the shade. Then she held the -bolting-cloth net over a tub, while Alec slowly emptied his bucket of -water from the bottom into it. The bucket contained ten quarts and Alec -had it brimming full. Gradually the water filtered through the net into -the tub, leaving on the inside of the net whatever sediment had been in -the water. In this sediment Alec expected to find the oyster larvæ. Ten -times they did this, until they had strained one hundred quarts of water -through the net. From time to time Alec threw the filtered water -overboard. Finally the net was lifted clear of the tub and the last of -the water allowed to filter through it. While Elsa held the net up, Alec -washed the sediment from the sides down into the tip of the net, with -water dipped from the tub. When the filtering process was fully -completed, and the sediment all concentrated in the tip of the net, Alec -carefully untied the draw string, opening the end of the net, and, using -his large rubber bulb pipette, washed the sediment into one of his -wide-mouthed settling bottles. - -Now Elsa turned her attention to her salinometer. It was intended to -register the density or degree of saltiness of the water. Alec could -hardly restrain his impatience, so eager was he to see what the -instrument would tell. - -"You know, Elsa," he said, "that sometimes the best seed grounds are in -waters of so low a density as to be entirely unsuitable for fattening or -even growing oysters. I've been thinking about that a whole lot, for -most of the oysters we dredged on the _Bertha B_ this year were very -poor. They hadn't fattened a bit. Captain Bagley said he never had -caught any good oysters in that bed. I've just been wondering if the -water wasn't of the proper density. Why, those oysters would have been -worth a whole lot more if they had been fat." - -Elsa lifted the salinometer from the tube. "The water ought not to be -very dense here," said Alec, "for we're so near the shore and it's near -the end of the ebb-tide. There's fresh water pouring in all the time -from the tributaries." - -They found, as Alec had surmised, a low degree of density. The reading -of the thermometer was also low. "That's what I expected, too," -commented Alec. "This has been the coldest spring I can remember. I -thought for a time that I was deceived because I was out in the wind so -much, but the skipper said it really had been unusually cold this -spring. I asked him the other day. It doesn't look as though we'd get -much of a set this year. Why, that water is barely warm enough for -oysters to spawn at all. And this water close to shore ought to be -warmer than that farther out." - -Elsa marked down on the chart the density and temperature. - -"We forgot to make a note about the weather," said Alec. "Please add -that, also." - -"It's going to take a long, long time to make a complete job," sighed -Alec, as Elsa noted down the weather. "I suppose I'll have to work at it -for several summers." - -"I suppose you'll have to work at it every summer," said Elsa, "if you -intend to become a scientific oysterman. Don't you suppose conditions -change from year to year in the oyster-beds? They must, for lots of -times I've heard my father say he can't understand why the oysters in -some given bed don't fatten some years. There must be changes from year -to year. Whatever the reason was, I know his oysters have been poor -enough this year. I heard him telling mother the other night that it had -cost him hundreds of dollars because the oysters in some of his beds -hadn't fattened as they usually do." - -From time to time Alec carefully lifted the settling bottle and examined -it. By the time a quarter of an hour had elapsed he said, "That looks -clear enough now to begin our count." - -A distinct layer of sediment had fallen to the bottom of the bottle, -while the water near the surface was quite clear. This upper layer of -water Alec now carefully drew out with a pipette. The sediment became -more and more concentrated. When Alec had removed all the water he -dared, he washed the sediment into his graduated cylinder. Then, with a -medicine dropper, he transferred a very small portion of the sediment to -a watch crystal. Very gently, at the same time, he rotated the crystal -in his hand, slightly agitating it. Gradually the sediment seemed to -divide into two parts. About the edge of the liquid the lighter -particles of mud and other impurities seemed to collect, while the -heavier particles were concentrated in the centre of the glass. It was -in this central deposit of sediment that Alec expected to find the -oyster larvæ. - -No wonder he was glad there was no glare of white paint to hurt his -eyes, for the work before him was enough to try even the best of vision. -The total amount of sediment in his watch crystal was so small that its -entire surface could be seen at one glance through the microscope. And -the oyster fry were presumably gathered in the tiniest of spaces in the -very centre of this tiny bit of sediment. - -The actual counting of the larvæ might have troubled one unaccustomed to -the use of the microscope; but Alec was at home with the instrument. He -placed his watch crystal under the lens, adjusted the instrument to his -own vision, and with one of his wooden-handled needles began to pick -over the central windrow of debris. One by one he found and counted the -oyster larvæ, or what he thought were larvæ. There was no question -whatever about the largest larvæ. They possessed a reddish-purple hue -that is found in the larvæ of no other bivalve. Also there was a -distinct beak or bulge in the shell next to the hinge that he had read -about in his bulletin. So he was sure of the identity of the larger -oyster fry. But when it came to those more recently spawned, Alec could -not be so sure. He knew that there was no certain way to distinguish -between very young oyster and clam larvæ except by measuring them. This -he was not equipped to do. Nor did it make any material difference -whether Alec ascertained the exact number of larvæ in the water or not. -What he was after was to find the relative quantities of larvæ in -different places and at different times. - -Under the microscope Alec found the oyster larvæ were a very beautiful -sight indeed. The reddish-purple color was very similar in hue to the -color of the muscle scar on the shell of an adult oyster. After the -death of the oyster, Alec knew, this vivid color rapidly disappeared. -Elsa was as much pleased as Alec had been, when she looked through the -microscope and saw the brilliant-hued oyster fry. - -Little by little, Alec transferred the contents of the bottle to his -watch crystal and counted the larvæ. He found only a few dozen in all. -That did not surprise him for he had not expected to find many. The fact -in itself meant very little until he learned whether other portions of -the oyster grounds contained relatively more or fewer larvæ under -similar conditions. That was what he most wanted to know--where the -oyster fry collected, so he could do as the book suggested, and get his -shells under them. - -Now that he had started the work, Alec meant to keep at it until he -found where the very greatest number of larvæ were concentrated, and -then try to secure the ground beneath. If he found good beds unstaked, -he could get them direct from the state. If some one else already had -claim to them, he could work with a view to acquiring them at some -future time. For the friendly scolding Elsa had given him had settled -the matter in his own mind instantly. He wasn't going to do any half-way -job. - -Before noon, Alec had made tests in a number of places, working straight -out from the shore as he had planned. That gave him a sort of -cross-section of the bed, as it were. He decided that he would go over -the same ground again at once to see if the flood-tide made any -difference in his count. For by this time the tide had almost finished -running out. - -At dinner time Alec and Elsa headed the _Osprey_ for a little point of -land near by. A tree growing back on the point offered shade. They -managed to get ashore, though it bothered them to find a place where -they could get near to firm ground with the tide so low. Then they -fastened the _Osprey_, and made their way through the rank marsh -growths, to the tree. They made a little fire, slung a coffee-pot over -the blaze, and toasted some Wieners while the coffee was cooking. - -After dinner they went back to the boat and resumed their work, making -tests in exactly the same places they had tested in the forenoon. And in -the flood-tide they found many more oyster fry than they had in the ebb. - -"Looks as though there wasn't much use working on an ebb-tide," said -Alec, "though, of course, I might find out after a while what the -relative number is in the two tides. But there is a lot I can do in -ebb-tide as well as in flood. I can take soundings just as well, and I -can examine the bottles even better. I'm going to try to make a sort of -topographical map of the bottom. It'll be a poor enough thing, at best, -but it will help me to understand about the currents. Then I can examine -the currents themselves at flood-tide for larvæ." - -Their supper they ate on the _Osprey_. Then Alec hoisted the sail, and -in the gentle breeze that still blew, and with the incoming tide to -carry them, they sailed silently and swiftly homeward through the sunset -and the gathering dusk. Very different was the river from the stream as -Alec had first seen it. Now hardly a boat was visible. They passed only -one, _The Shark_, anchored apparently for the night. - -"Elsa," said Alec, as they neared the harbor, "it has been a wonderful -day. It has meant everything to me. It will make my whole summer -happier. I see clearly enough that this job is going to become mighty -tedious. But the remembrance of this day will help me to stick to it, -even if I do have to work alone." - -"You won't be so much alone as you think," replied Elsa. "You have your -wireless, and we can call each other every noon and night. We can talk -in the early evening and after Arlington sends out the time and the -weather news. If you are going to be out on the water so much, you will -want to get the weather forecasts, sure. It makes me nervous to think of -you all alone out on the Bay. All sorts of things might happen to you." - -"Nonsense," replied Alec. "I'll be as safe and snug as a bug in a rug." - -"I hope so. But when I think of you all alone out on that great expanse -of water, it makes me shiver. You might be caught in a big storm, or -pirates might rob you." - -"I thought you had such good judgment," taunted Alec. "Now listen to -you." - -"That's the very reason I'm cautioning you. Besides, who has a better -right to do so than your guardian?" - -They both laughed at the joke, then Elsa said: "When we talk to each -other, let's telegraph. It takes longer, but not so many people can -understand what we say. Since you installed our wireless telephone, -everybody in the neighborhood has been getting one." - -"All right, we'll telegraph. I'll call you up as soon as Arlington is -done sending. Then you'll know that the bogey man hasn't got me yet. But -seriously, Elsa, there isn't a particle of danger. Now I must hustle -back to the _Osprey_ or I may not get my wireless rigged up in time." - -Could Alec have seen ahead through the darkness that was fast enfolding -the world, he would not have felt so sure about the absence of danger. -Once before he had thought himself safe when death stalked close to his -heels. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -A LONG CHASE - - -Not until Alec said good night to Elsa and started back to the _Osprey_, -did he realize how dark it was becoming. He had ridden all the way home -with Elsa in her car, despite her protest that it wasn't necessary. But -he left her at her door and started back at top speed. He had just -missed a trolley-car, and there would not be another for an hour. If he -hurried, he could walk back as soon as the next trolley-car could get -him there. So he tramped rapidly along. He could distinguish the light, -sandy road, but that was about all he could see. - -Alec had moored the _Osprey_ at a little float some distance from the -pier shed. It was much easier to get on this float from a tiny boat like -the _Osprey_ than it would have been to crawl up to the piers. The float -itself was merely a small staging made of one or two large timbers with -planks nailed across them to form a walk. This plank walk was only a few -inches above the tide. So it was perfectly easy for Elsa to step out on -the float. From the float itself, a narrow walk made of single planks -laid end to end, and supported on cross-beams fastened to pilings -driven in the mud, led upward from the river to the solid ground. A -single rope, fastened along one side of this foot-bridge, was the only -protection against falling off the planks. - -Naturally Alec made his way with caution as he neared the river. The -path to the little bridge led through the marsh reeds, which were head -high. Alec could see hardly a thing and had to feel his way along with -his feet. He blamed himself for his thoughtlessness in not bringing his -bright carbide lamp, or at least slipping his flash-light into his -pocket. Now he would have to be mighty careful or he would find himself -in the water again. He had had quite enough experiences of this sort, so -he went on with the greatest caution. Ahead of him he could occasionally -hear a loud voice, that was instantly hushed. He went on until he -reached the plank bridge, which he started to cross with the utmost -care. - -The instant he was fairly out of the reeds, he knew where the sounds of -voices came from. Floating on the tide, close beside the plank bridge, -was a tiny house-boat, or cabin, as the oystermen commonly called it. -Alec knew that the cabin was occupied by a rough-looking man, named -Frank Hawkins, who had a great scar across his cheek, and whom he had -seen about the oyster wharves at times. Beyond the fact that Hawkins was -a rather rough character, Alec knew little about the man. He had heard -Captain Bagley say that the fellow never did an honest day's work in his -life. But Alec would have given small heed to this, had be not now -distinctly caught the name "Cap'n Rumford." - -Alec stopped as though he were shot. The sound came from within the -little cabin, which Alec could now dimly distinguish, for faint rays of -light shone through the cracks of the shuttered windows and under the -door. The subdued hum of voices told Alec that several men must be -inside the cabin. He wondered why they should have shut up the tiny -house-boat so tight, as though this were a fierce winter night instead -of a warm, July evening. And he wondered why they should be eating at -this hour, for the smell of cooking came plainly to his nose. - -For some moments Alec stood motionless, straining his ears to catch what -was said within the cabin. Suddenly it occurred to him that he was -eavesdropping. He started to move on, when again the same rough voice -that had said "Cap'n Rumford," boomed out, "We can get ten thousand -bushels." The rest of the sentence was drowned in a babel of protests. -"Shut up! Don't talk so loud!" cried half a dozen voices angrily. Then -the voices sank down to a murmur again. - -Instantly Alec realized that something evil was afoot. What did all this -mean? Why should these men be whispering together in a tightly closed -cabin? They could get ten thousand bushels of what? That was easy to -guess. Ten thousand bushels of oysters, of course. That was all anybody -at Bivalve ever thought about--oysters. But why should they be getting -oysters now, in July? They couldn't sell them. What would they do with -them? - -Then it came to Alec like a flash. They must mean seed-oysters. There -would be a ready sale for them, even in July. Of course everybody would -know the seed had been taken illegally, as the state beds were closed at -the end of June. But there were some oystermen dishonest enough to buy -them for all that. Immediately there came into Alec's mind the thought -of his first morning on the _Bertha B_ and the remembrance of the -oyster-boat that had fouled her. Distinctly he recalled Captain Bagley's -statement about Captain Hardy: "That fellow ought to be doing time in -Trenton. He's always up to something crooked. The last time they caught -him he was dredging illegally in the natural beds. He got off with a -fine but I reckon the next time he gets caught in any crooked business, -he'll go to prison." - -Once more the voices in the cabin grew loud. "I tell you I know. I've -been pumping old Flint. He planted more'n a thousand bushels to the -acre." Again the great, booming voice was stilled by warning cries -within the cabin. "Shut up! Do you want to get us all in trouble!" - -Alec heard a door open. Quick as a flash he knelt on the narrow plank -and crouched as low as he could. A shaft of light shot athwart the -darkness, though fortunately it did not fall on him. A head was poked -out into the night. "Nobody round," said a voice, as the head -disappeared and the door was slammed shut again. - -Alec waited to hear no more. The instant the hum of voices again arose -within the cabin, he tiptoed down the plank bridge to the _Osprey_, cast -off his lines, and picking up an oar, sculled rapidly away from the -float. He had heard all he needed to hear, and seen more than was good -for his peace of mind. The head that had been thrust out into the night -was that of Jim Wallace, the very shell collector who had tried to buy -Alec's rattlers, and who had threatened him with harm. And though he had -not seen him, Alec was no less certain that the loud-voiced man in the -cabin was Captain Tom Hardy. The voice that came booming out of the -cabin was surely the voice Alec had heard that first morning on the -_Bertha B_. - -Nor could there be any greater uncertainty about the meaning of Captain -Hardy's statement concerning the oysters. Captain Flint was the skipper -of one of the Rumford boats. Alec knew that he had made a heavy planting -on a new bed. Captain Flint was a good sailor and a capable oysterman, -but he had one failing. He liked to boast. Evidently Captain Hardy had -craftily drawn him out and had discovered what a thick planting Captain -Flint had made. The temptation was too great for the crooked oysterman. -He knew for sure that he could get ten thousand bushels of good -seed-oysters in one little bed, and get them very easily. Now he was -evidently laying plans to do it. - -Alec's sole thought in driving the _Osprey_ out into the river was to -get away. He knew very well that if the lawless men in the cabin should -lay hands on him in the dark, and particularly if they suspected that he -had overheard any of their conversation, it would go hard with him. They -might even murder him. So he drove his little craft through the water as -fast as he could scull her. - -But when he had put some hundreds of feet between himself and the river -bank, and no longer feared immediate harm, he began to think the -situation over calmly. He had no doubt that Hardy and his pals were -planning to steal the seed-oysters from Captain Rumford's newest bed. -But whether or not they meant to dredge them at once, Alec did not know. -Now he wished that he had not come away so hastily. If only he had -remained a little longer, he might have learned all about the plans the -thieves were making. He was almost tempted to go back and listen again. -He stopped sculling. Then his better judgment told him that it would be -foolish to take a chance like that. This time the thieves _might_ -discover him; and if they did, he had no doubt whatever that he would -get badly hurt. He already knew all that it was necessary to know. All -he needed to do now was to inform Captain Rumford and to keep watch on -Hardy's boat, the _Shark_. Alec smiled grimly as he thought how aptly -she was named. Now he remembered that he had passed her on the way up -the river. She lay at anchor some distance down-stream. - -"Moored her there so he could get away without being observed," -muttered Alec to himself. - -Alec decided he would go ashore and telephone to the shipper, and then -try to discover what the men in the cabin meant to do. He headed the -_Osprey_ toward the oyster wharves, but before he had gone a dozen -yards, the door of the cabin was thrown open and Alec saw a number of -men pass through the doorway. Then the door closed as suddenly as it had -opened, and all was dark again. Presently splashing sounds in the water -and the rattle of an oar told him that the men were getting into a boat. -He had no doubt they would go straight to the _Shark_. He was directly -in their path. There was only one thing to do--get away as fast as he -could. - -Once more Alec swung the _Osprey_ round. She was so much larger and -heavier than the ordinary yawl boat that he could not scull her very -fast. He headed straight for the farther bank of the river, his heart -beating fast as he listened for sounds of possible pursuit. But no noise -broke the stillness and Alec knew that he was undiscovered. He went on. -Occasionally he heard a low voice in the darkness, and now he was -certain that the men in the boat were heading for the _Shark_. - -When Alec reached the farther bank of the river, he rested on his oar -and tried to think what he ought to do. He knew that he ought to talk -with Captain Rumford the very first thing. But now he did not want to go -to the pier lest he lose track of the men in the yawl. They might board -the _Shark_ and sail away while he was in the office telephoning. Then -he thought of his wireless. Maybe he could get into communication with -Elsa at once, and if he could not, he certainly could a little later. -Instantly his decision was taken. He would stay in the _Osprey_ and try -to watch the oyster thieves. - -At once Alec began to string up his instruments. Practically they were -already wired together; for he had removed the little shelf bodily from -the _Bertha B_ and put it in the box without detaching the instruments -from it. He would have to attach the battery again and rig up an aerial. -Immediately Alec fastened the _Osprey_ to a near-by piling. Then he -covered the windows of his little cabin so no light could shine out. -Finally he entered the cabin and closed the companionway tight. Then he -lighted a lamp. In a few minutes he had the shelf with his instruments -securely mounted where it could remain. He fastened the battery under a -bunk and connected it with the instruments on the shelf. He decided that -temporarily he would run his lead-in wire through the doorway. He would -fix it permanently when daylight came. So he attached the lead-in wire -to the single strand of uninsulated wire he meant to use for his aerial. -Then tucking his flash-light and his pliers in his pocket, he -extinguished his lamp, opened the cabin door, and went on deck. -Attaching one end of his aerial to a halyard, he hoisted it nearly to -the top of his mast. Then he fastened the lower end to the tiny -bowsprit, so that the wire hung almost parallel with the jib stay. It -wasn't much of an aerial, but Alec knew it would answer perfectly well -for the work he meant to do with it. - -He went inside the cabin and tested the outfit. It worked perfectly. He -flashed his light on the cabin clock. It was not yet nine o'clock. He -made ready to call the shipper on the wireless telephone, then decided -he wouldn't. There really was nothing definite that he could tell him. -He could merely communicate his suspicions. After all, Captain Hardy -might not be going to rob the oyster-bed. If he alarmed the shipper -needlessly, the shipper wouldn't think much of his judgment in future. -Alec decided he would try to learn something more before communicating -with the shipper. At least he could keep a watch on the _Shark_. - -Alec cast loose from the piling and made his way down the river. He -hugged the shore, for he knew that his little boat could never be seen -if he kept close to the tall reeds that grew in dense masses along the -bank. There was enough wind blowing to drive the _Osprey_ at a good -pace, but Alec dared not hoist his sail. So he sculled the boat slowly -along, ever on the alert. He knew that the _Shark_ was anchored in the -second reach. But he was well through this reach before he could make up -his mind whether the oyster-boat still lay there or not. So dark was the -night that he could see absolutely nothing of her. Suddenly he heard a -great voice bawling profanely at some one, and he knew the _Shark_ was -still there. Quickly came the creak of tackle-blocks. The sail was going -up. Then he heard the clanking of a capstan, though evidently the sound -had been muffled in some way. But it told him all he needed to know. The -_Shark_ was lifting her anchor. She was going to sail. Was she heading -for the oyster grounds? - -For a single moment Alec hesitated. Then, "I'll do it!" he muttered -between clenched teeth, and he stepped to the halyards and cautiously -hoisted his own sail. "If I can't see their big sail," he reasoned, -"they surely can't see my little one." Then he went back to the cockpit, -took the tiller in his hand and started in pursuit of the oyster -pirates. - -From time to time he could hear sounds on the boat ahead of him, but -gradually these grew so faint that he knew the _Shark_ was outdistancing -him. So he drew away from the bank and stood out boldly into the middle -of the river. As yet he had caught not a single glimpse of the _Shark_, -and he knew his own presence was utterly unsuspected. But the men on the -_Shark_ were sharp-eyed and it would not take them long to discover him -if the night grew lighter. And to Alec it seemed as though it were -becoming lighter. Perhaps that was because his eyes were growing so -accustomed to the dark. He did not like to think what might happen to -him if he fell into the hands of these men, so far away from any other -human beings. If they should harm him--he did not like even to think of -the word murder--he might never be able to warn the shipper about the -intended theft of his oysters. Now Alec saw that he had been unwise in -trying to trail these desperate men without first telling the shipper. - -"I'll call him at once," said Alec. And again he hesitated. "What shall -I tell him?" he asked himself. "Wouldn't the captain be angry if I got -him out here and this proved to be only a wild-goose chase? I'll just -wait until I have something definite to tell him." - -On he drove down the river. Afar off winked the range-lights. Off his -port bow East Point Light was gleaming. But no other lights of any sort -shone through the darkness ahead of him. No ship of any kind was riding -the waves before him except the pirate _Shark_--unless other ships, too, -might be running illegally without lights, endangering both themselves -and all other craft, even as Alec himself was doing. But there were -worse dangers than collisions to think of now, and Alec bent his entire -attention to the problem of locating the _Shark_. - -Unmistakably now he saw the cloud-rack above was becoming thinner. Once, -for a single moment, he caught the gleam of a star. Then it vanished -instantly. On went the _Osprey_. Only with the greatest difficulty could -Alec make out the bank of the stream. Yet he managed to keep in the -current and avoid running aground. - -Presently Alec knew by the action of the boat that he was coming into -the broad estuary of the river. The _Osprey_ began to heave just the -slightest bit. From the position of East Point Light Alec judged he must -be about over the bar. Ahead of him now lay only leagues and leagues of -tossing water. Gone was the protection of the reedy banks. He would have -to look sharp now if he was to escape detection. - -Hardly had the thought entered Alec's mind, when for a single instant he -was certain he saw the _Shark_. Something white loomed ahead of him, -then the darkness swallowed it up again. But Alec had no doubt it was -the _Shark_. Glad, indeed, was Alec now that the _Osprey_ was painted a -leaden gray. "If only my sail was gray, too," thought Alec. "Fortunately -it's so old and dirty that it's almost gray. I don't believe they'll -ever see me." - -He wondered what time it was. Stepping inside the cabin, he flashed his -light for a second on the clock. "Almost ten," he muttered. "I must get -ready to talk with Elsa." - -He stepped forward and dropped his little anchor. Then he let the -_Osprey_ swing round until she was headed into the wind and tugging -smartly at her anchor cable. The sail flapped gently in the breeze. Alec -looked sharply toward every quarter of the compass, and seeing nothing -alarming, went into the cabin and sat down at his instrument. - -Arlington was just sending out the time when he got his receivers -adjusted. He did not waste a second but began calling Elsa. - -"3ARM--3ARM--3ARM de 3ADH--3ADH--3ADH," he flashed. Almost immediately -came the answer. "3ADH--3ADH--3ADH de 3ARM--3ARM--3ARM--K." - -Alec heaved a sigh that was close to a sob. Until this instant he had -not realized what a strain he was under. He had been as tense as a -fiddle string. Now it seemed as though a hand had reached out through -the darkness and grasped his own. Fresh courage came to him. With steady -fingers he ticked off his message. - -"Aboard the _Osprey_--off East Point Light--tell your father I overheard -plan to steal seed from his new bed. Believe Captain Tom Hardy, Jim -Wallace, Frank Hawkins, and others unknown to me in the gang. They went -aboard the _Shark_ and are heading out toward the oyster-beds. I -followed in the _Osprey_. So dark I can't see _Shark_. Will follow and -let you know if they dredge. Will you stand by? May need you." - -"Father! father!" almost shrieked Elsa in her excitement, forgetting to -answer the message. "Come quick!" - -Captain Rumford came running. "Oh! Father," said Elsa, "Tom Hardy and -Jim Wallace and Frank Hawkins and some other men Alec doesn't know are -going out to your new bed in the _Shark_ to steal the seed you planted -there. Alec overheard them and followed in the _Osprey_. He's going to -watch and tell us if they dredge any oysters." - -"What?" bellowed the oyster shipper. "The fool followed them! They'll -murder him. Tell him to come back this instant!" And the oyster shipper -darted out of the room. - -With a gasp of fear Elsa turned to her instrument. "Alec, come back," -she rapped out frantically. - -"What does your father want me to do?" asked Alec, disregarding her -plea. - -"Come back," she answered. "He's gone." - -But Alec did not understand that it was the shipper who wanted him to -come back. "I can't come back now," he flashed. "But I will the minute I -get the evidence we need. Good-bye, and please stand by." - -"Alec," came the answer, "please come back. Your guardian commands you -to come back." - -"I've got to save your father's oysters," flashed Alec. "Please stand -by." - -"I'll stand by until I know you are safe. Please, please, come back." - -There was no answer, and Elsa knew that her comrade was sailing out into -the darkness, possibly to his death. With clenched hands and chalky face -she sat tense, listening, listening, listening, but no word came singing -in her ears. She could only sit and hope--and fear. - -Out on the black waters of the Bay, meantime, Alec was driving his -little vessel hot on the heels of the oyster pirates. With the utmost -caution he lifted and stowed his anchor, swung his boat, and let his -sheet pay out. Then, taking his bearings from the flashing lights, he -headed straight for the new bed. Again and again he searched the -horizon, but at first no slightest glimpse of the _Shark_ rewarded his -efforts. From time to time he cast an eye upward, studying the clouds. -Now he was certain they were becoming thinner. About the water itself -there seemed to be a faintly luminous quality. Alec had no fear it would -betray the position of his little craft, however, for in color it was -hardly distinguishable from the waves. It was his sail alone that he -feared. - -On he went. Mile after mile, the little _Osprey_ followed the _Shark_. -Now Alec was able to catch an occasional glimpse of the pirate ship. But -these glimpses were so fleeting, so vague and uncertain, that had he not -been straining his eyes to discover just what he saw, he would never -have guessed that he was looking at a ship. There was a whitish, -luminous patch that stood out for a second, then vanished again in the -dark. But it was enough to tell Alec all he needed to know. - -On they went. Minute followed minute. And to Alec a minute seemed like -ten. For every minute took him farther from land, farther from help, -nearer to danger. He was tense as a drumhead, his nerves were strung to -the tightest notch, his senses fairly aquiver. He began to wish he had -heeded Elsa's plea to return. But now his very pride would not let him -go back. He had committed himself. He would see the thing through. - -Now he felt certain the new bed must be near. He must lessen his speed -or he might run too close to the raiders and be seen. He was in a -quandary. He dared not lower his sail. He did not want to tack. He was -running straight before the wind, directly in the wake of the _Shark_. -He knew that by the yeasty track in the water. But he must do something -to lessen his speed. He hauled in his sail so that it began to flap. He -was afraid the noise might betray him or his canvas be rent by a sudden -gust. So he paid out his rope enough to keep his sail steady, and went -on. - -His speed fell off. It was time it did, too, for almost immediately he -heard a splashing in the water and the rattle of chains as they paid out -over iron rollers. The _Shark_ was dredging! And she was near at hand. -Nearer than Alec had imagined, too near for safety should the night grow -any lighter. For now Alec could faintly see the big ship. If only he -knew that she was dredging in the shipper's bed, he could tack and run -for port. But he did not know. He did not want to go back until he had -his evidence complete. How to get it, he did not for the moment know. -One thing was sure: he didn't dare go any closer to the _Shark_. He -would lie to and watch. He ran forward and dropped his anchor. Then very -cautiously he lowered his sail. Now he felt safe from observation as -long as it continued dark. He would wait for an opportunity to learn -what beds the _Shark_ was dredging. - -But there was one thing Alec had not reckoned on. That was the powerful -night-glass in the hands of Thomas Hardy. Again and again the wary -skipper swept the horizon with his glass. Once he had caught the faint -gleam of the _Osprey's_ sail; but the darkness instantly blotted it out -again, and he had thought nothing of it. Now it was unmistakably -lighter. As the hawk-eyed pirate manoeuvred his ship back and forth, he -kept a watchful gaze shoreward, again and again sweeping the waters with -his glass. And in one of these searches, he discovered the _Osprey_. -With a startled oath he centred his gaze on the little craft. Then he -ordered the dredges reeled in. The instant they were aboard, he swung -the ship, and bore down on the _Osprey_. - -All this happened so suddenly that Alec was caught unaware. Had he known -what was coming, so that he could get his sail up, he might have run -into the wind and outdistanced the _Shark_, for the _Osprey_ was a -wonderful sailor to windward. But the _Shark_ was half-way toward him -before Alec really knew what was happening. Then it was too late. There -was nothing to do but await capture and make the best of it. - -There was still time to say good-bye to Elsa, however. Alec darted into -the cabin, threw over his switch, and flashed out a call. - -"3ARM de 3ADH," he signalled, trying to quiet his pounding heart and -steady his trembling hand. - -"3ADH de 3ARM--K," came back the instant response. - -"They have discovered me," flashed Alec. "_Shark_ is bearing down on -the _Osprey_. I hear them hailing. Tell your father to hurry. -Good-bye--guardian." - -White-faced, aquiver with fear, Elsa flashed back a reply and waited. -But no answer came ringing in her ears. For out in the lawless darkness -of the Bay, the _Shark_ had swung to, a dark figure had leaped to the -deck of the _Osprey_, a light had flashed in his cabin, revealing Alec's -identity, and he had been dragged roughly to the deck of his little -ship. With furious curses he had been flung aboard the _Shark_. - -"Kill him! Throw him overboard! Hang the spy!" cried the angry crew, and -the lawless Hawkins had dealt him a furious blow with his fist, felling -Alec to the deck. - -He knew that he must act at once if he was to save his life. Trembling -with fear, he sprang to his feet. The shell gatherer, Wallace, leaped -toward him. - -"If you lay a hand on me," cried Alec, trying his best to appear -courageous, "you'll go to prison for it." - -At the word prison, the pirate captain stepped forward. "I reckon we'll -go to prison if we don't," he bawled, in his awful voice. "We've got to -put him out of the road, boys." - -"Captain Rumford knows I'm here," said Alec desperately. "He'll be here -himself pretty soon with some men you won't want to see. He's on the way -now. I've been talking to him by wireless." - -Alec did not know that the captain was coming to his rescue. But it was -his only chance to save his life. He must carry the bluff through. - -"You're a liar," shrieked Captain Hardy. - -"I tell the truth. Didn't you find me at my wireless?" - -"Did you?" roared the captain, turning to the sailor who had dragged -Alec from his cabin. - -"He was working at some sort of an outfit. It might have been a wireless -for all I know." - -"Hell!" roared the skipper. - -He leveled his glasses. Afar off a glow of light became visible. The -party on the deck of the _Shark_ watched it breathlessly. It came on and -on. Suddenly a great beam of light shot through the darkness, and moved -slowly across the water. A search-light was sweeping the night. - -"It's the _Dianthus_," roared the pirate skipper. "Our goose is cooked." -With sudden fury he turned upon Alec. "It'll be state's prison for -mine," he roared, "but before I go I'll fix you. You'll never spy on -another man." - -He leaped toward Alec. The lad shrank back in terror. He believed the -desperate oysterman meant to kill him instantly. Still he kept a grip -upon himself. - -"If you harm me," he cried sternly, "it will be more than state's prison -for you. It'll be the electric chair." - -At that instant the search-light of the _Dianthus_ was turned fairly on -the pirate ship. The little group on her deck stood out like actors in -a spot light. - -"Hell!" roared the infuriated Hardy again, as he stepped back from Alec, -his features working convulsively as he gazed in impotent rage at the -oncoming guard-boat. - -In a few minutes more the _Dianthus_ ran alongside, and armed men came -swarming over the side of the _Shark_. At their head were Captain -Rumford and big Jim Hawley. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -HOME AGAIN - - -With a bound, big Jim Hawley was at Alec's side. "Did they hurt you, -lad?" he cried. - -"Not much," replied Alec, "but I guess they would have killed me if you -hadn't come." - -Alec turned partly away to watch what was doing. The light fell on his -face so that the raw, red mark from the blow, now rapidly turning black, -stood out plainly. - -"Who did that?" demanded Hawley. - -"Hawkins." - -"Jim!" rang out Captain Rumford's voice, as Hawley leaped toward the -cowering bully. Hawley stopped in his tracks. "We've had enough violence -already. Let him alone." - -The shipper turned to the commander of the _Dianthus_. "You wanted -evidence before you would make an arrest," he said. "Here's your -evidence." He pointed toward the pile of seed-oysters on the deck of the -_Shark_. Then he faced Alec. "You saw them dredged, did you not?" - -"Yes, sir. They came out of the bed just to starboard, sir." - -Again the shipper faced the captain of the _Dianthus_. "That's my bed -and these are my oysters. I charge these men with theft and also with -assault and battery on this lad." - -"You are under arrest," said the guardsman to the crew of the _Shark_, -"and we will shoot at the slightest attempt at resistance." He turned to -his men. "Search them," he commanded. - -A revolver and an ugly dirk were found on Hardy. Wallace had some brass -knuckles in his pocket. The others were not armed. - -"We'll just add a charge of carrying concealed weapons when these two -are arraigned," said the captain of the _Dianthus_. - -"You'll have to watch them," said Captain Rumford. "They're a desperate -lot. They won't go to prison without a struggle." - -"We won't take any chances with them," said the captain of the -guard-boat. "Get your irons, men." - -The guardsmen produced handcuffs and in another moment Hardy and his -band of desperadoes were securely shackled. Then they were taken aboard -the guard-ship. - -"We'll bring the _Shark_ in," said the shipper. "You take care of your -passengers." - -"Hoist the sailing lights," said the shipper, as the _Dianthus_ moved -away into the darkness. - -Alec pulled out his flash-light and hunted about in the _Shark's_ cabin -until he found her lanterns. He lighted them. While Jim Hawley hoisted -the white light aloft, Alec was fastening the red and green lights in -the rigging. - -"Now make the _Osprey_ fast astern," ordered the shipper. - -Alec leaped aboard the little craft and pushed her along the side of the -_Shark_, while Hawley pulled on a rope from her bow. In a moment the -_Osprey_ floated astern and Alec was back on the _Shark_. - -"Haul those sheets a bit tighter," called the shipper. - -Alec and Hawley obeyed the command. The shipper twirled his wheel, the -_Shark_ slowly gathered headway, and in a moment was sailing briskly on -the starboard tack. - -"Now, you young rascal," said Captain Rumford, when the _Shark_ was -fairly under way, "tell me what all this means. Whatever led you to do -such a foolhardy trick? You had us nearly scared to death. Didn't you -know that those fellows are a desperate lot? It's God's mercy alone that -prevented them from murdering you." - -"I think your own arrival had a lot more to do with it," laughed Alec. -Then his face grew very sober. "I think they really meant to kill me," -he said. "I know they would at least have beaten me badly if the -_Dianthus_ hadn't appeared when she did." - -"Tell us all about it," urged the shipper. "How did you ever learn that -Hardy intended to raid my bed, and what in the world ever made you do -such a foolish thing as to follow him all alone?" - -Alec explained how he had overheard the conversation in the cabin. "You -should have told me at once," said the shipper. - -"I started to tell you," said Alec. "Then I was ashamed to bother you -until I had something more definite to tell you. I was afraid you would -think I was suffering from a bad imagination. So I decided to wait until -I had something really definite. I followed the _Shark_ out to the -oyster-beds, keeping far enough back of her to escape discovery. At the -mouth of the river I stopped and told Elsa where I was and what I was -doing." - -"It's a mighty good thing for you, lad, that you did. If you had waited -half an hour longer, we might never have seen you again. You've had a -narrower shave than you think, lad. The _Dianthus_ just happened to be -in the harbor. Her captain came up this afternoon to see me about some -business matters. There wasn't another boat in the river that could have -got to you anywhere near as quick. The minute Elsa told me what you were -up to, I jumped in my car and raced over to Bivalve. The captain was -just boarding a trolley-car to go away for the night. He didn't want to -come. Said he could arrest the oyster thieves any time I had the -evidence ready. I told him it wasn't a question of oysters but of your -life and that he _had_ to come. And you should have seen us come, lad. -The captain crowded on everything he had. But what I don't understand is -how you prevented those ruffians from murdering you, once they had you -in their power." - -"They were going to murder me," said Alec, his cheek paling at the -memory of his danger. "I don't believe there's any doubt of it. But I -bluffed them." And Alec related what had happened on the deck of the -_Shark_. "If the _Dianthus_ hadn't shown her light just when she did," -he said soberly, "I don't believe I would be talking to you now." - -"Watch that boom," cried the captain. "I'm going to come about." - -Alec dodged as the boom swept across the deck. Suddenly he thought of -Elsa, standing by at the wireless. "Oh, Captain!" he cried. "I must go -aboard the _Osprey_. Elsa said she would stand by in case I needed to -call her again." - -"I reckon you'll have to talk to her, Alec," replied the shipper. "She -was just scared to death when she got your message." - -The captain swung the ship straight into the wind. The sails began to -flap. The boat lost headway. Big Jim Hawley laid his hand on the -_Osprey's_ line and hauled the little craft close beside the _Shark_. -Alec stepped aboard of her. Flashlight in hand, he made his way into the -cabin and sat down at his instrument. - -"3ARM--3ARM--3ARM de 3ADH--3ADH--3ADH," he signalled. - -Instantly came the response. - -"Everything O. K.," flashed Alec. "_Dianthus_ arrived and took Hardy and -his crew ashore. No difficulty. Nobody hurt. Your father, Jim, and I are -bringing back the _Shark_. We're some distance off the bar now. -_Dianthus_ is already in the river. Don't know how to thank you for your -help. I think you saved my life. Will tell you about it when I see you." - -"I want to see you to-night," flashed back Elsa. - -"Impossible," telegraphed Alec. "Won't be in until very late." - -"I won't take no for an answer. You must come home with Dad. Say you -will." - -"Maybe he won't take me," signalled Alec. - -"Tell him if he comes home without you I'll never forgive him." - -Outside Alec heard the captain bawling, "Are you going to talk all -night?" - -"Good-bye," flashed Alec, and stepped out on deck. Then, "Aye, aye, -sir," he called. "Be there as soon as I hoist this light." He lighted -his lantern and ran it aloft. Then he climbed aboard the _Shark_. - -"Your daughter ordered me to tell you, sir," he said, "that she'll never -forgive you if you don't bring your wireless man home with you." - -"Oh! She did, eh? I suppose the wireless man has no wishes in the matter -himself!" - -Alec blushed. "Captain Rumford," he said, "you know I like to come to -your house whenever I properly can. It's more like home to me than any -other place in the world." - -"God bless you, lad!" said the shipper, his tone instantly changing. "We -should have missed you sadly if anything had happened to you to-night. -You certainly shall go home with me and you shall spend the night there. -I don't like the idea of your sleeping alone on that little boat, after -what has happened. Remember now. You must watch like a hawk or somebody -_will_ get you. Hardy and his gang have lots of friends, and if they get -a good chance they'll harm you. So be on your guard at all times and -places." - -"Thank you, sir," said Alec. "I don't think they'll catch me off my -guard. I've had enough experience since I came to Bivalve to make a -statue watchful." - -Quickly the _Shark_ gathered headway, and was soon bowling along toward -her pier. "She's a nice stepper," said the shipper. "She's built for -speed. I reckon old Hardy found speed useful in his business. But I -guess he'll soon learn that slow but sure is a good motto after all. I -think he'll make a pretty long visit to Trenton. And I don't believe -he'll ever show his face around here again. He's done as an oysterman, -at least at Bivalve." - -Captain Rumford fell into a brown study. He was so deep in thought that -he almost forgot what he was doing, which was something very unusual. - -Presently Hawley spoke out of the darkness forward, where he was on -watch. "Hadn't we better go about, Cap'n?" he said in a deep, quiet -voice. - -Captain Rumford woke up with a start, strained his eyes into the -darkness, then twirled his wheel like mad. "Look out for the boom!" he -said, then added, with a laugh, "Wouldn't they have given me the laugh -if I had laid the _Shark_ up on the bank. And she'd have been there in -about sixty seconds more." - -The _Shark_ wore away on the other tack, but Captain Rumford did not -forget himself again. "Jim," he called presently. - -"Aye, aye, sir," came the big sailor's response from the forepeak hatch -where he was sitting. - -"Come here a moment." - -As the big sailor made his way aft, the shipper said, "Hawley, it kind -of runs in my mind that you once had some sort of a claim to Hardy's -oyster-beds. Am I right?" - -"I owned them once," said Hawley. - -"You owned them! Why, I never knew that. How'd Hardy come to get them?" - -"You see, sir, I staked out them beds years ago when everybody else was -plantin' in shallow water. You know them beds is out deep. Everybody -laughed at me. Of course I never had no outfit to work 'em, but I -figured that some day I might get a boat somehow. And then, too, I -noticed that every year planters were putting seed farther out. I -figured they'd reach my beds after a bit, and if I couldn't do anything -more, I could at least get a few loads of shells down and maybe get a -set of spat from the other beds. And I would, too, if I had kept hold of -them beds. Why, Lord bless you! Look where they are now--right in the -middle of the oyster-beds." - -"Why didn't you hang on to them, Jim?" - -The big sailor hung his head. "I got to drinkin', Cap'n. You know how I -used to hit it up. Hardy got me into a poker game, and when all my money -was gone, I put up my oyster-beds and he got them, too. I reckon he had -a crooked deck, too." - -"I reckon you're right. Everything about that fellow seems to have been -crooked." - -For a time there was silence. The _Shark_ sailed swiftly on. She was now -well up the river. Soon the solitary light at Bivalve shone close at -hand. Then the shipper laid the _Shark_ skilfully alongside the pier. -They bade good night to Hawley, and in another moment Alec and the -shipper were bowling homeward in the captain's motor-car. At least it -seemed to Alec as though he were going home. - -It seemed even more like home when the shipper threw open the door and -ushered Alec into the big house. For his own mother and sister could -hardly have given Alec a more cordial welcome than Mrs. Rumford and Elsa -gave him. Despite that welcome Alec suddenly became self-conscious and -bashful. He was embarrassed by the warmth of the greeting given him. -Also he saw in Elsa's eyes a light he had never seen there before. Had -he but known it, a similar light was shining in his own eyes. His heart -beat with strange and unaccustomed irregularity. More than once he -flushed like a schoolgirl. He felt curiously awkward and at the same -time unaccountably happy. Now he realized that Elsa would never be the -same to him in future as she had been in the past. His lonely vigil in -the dark, his hour of supreme danger when only the hand of this girl -comrade thrust out through the night had saved him from death, had -revealed to him the inner meaning of the friendship that had sprung up -between them. - -A question arose in his mind, a question that seemed more important to -him than anything else in the world. Yet he could not ask that question, -and he knew it would be a long, long time before he dared. Still he did -not need to ask any question to learn his answer. He could read it in -Elsa's eyes. The hour of peril, when she had sat in mute apprehension, -listening, listening, listening, breathless in her fear, had told Elsa -also that she could never again think of Alec in the old way. - -So, although Alec at first was unaccountably ill at ease, he was happier -than he had ever been in his life. He was happy in what he saw in Elsa's -eyes. He was also happy in the thought that he had been true to the -shipper, that he had not betrayed the captain's confidence, that he had -really saved his friend and benefactor from great loss. And that was no -little thing for a lad still in his teens. - -Of course time went by unobserved. Nobody at that Rumford household -cared a farthing that night how fast the time went or how late it was. -Once more Alec had to relate every incident in connection with his -adventure, from the moment he left the Rumford house in the early -evening to the moment he returned to it after his rescue from the -oyster pirates. - -When all the story had been dragged from the reluctant lad, the shipper -once more expressed his opinion of Alec's folly in wasting his time over -the silly notion that a microscope and a thimbleful of sea water would -tell him anything about the value for oyster-culture of a piece of land -three fathoms under the waves. Instantly Elsa flew to Alec's defense. - -"Now, father," she said, "Alec is doing just what he ought to do, and -you ought to be the last person in the world to discourage him. He's -going to find out the truth even if he doesn't find the oysters he hopes -to, and that's worth a lot." - -"Well, all he finds out won't begin to make up for the money he'll lose -while he's finding it out," said the shipper dogmatically. "If there had -really been anything to find out, don't you suppose we would have found -it out in all these years? Why, I've been oystering thirty years and I -never heard of such nonsense before. But I suppose boys will be boys. We -all have to have our fling. Now that I know you're both so set on this -foolishness I wouldn't say another word if it wasn't for this business -to-night. Alec means to live aboard the _Osprey_ most of the summer and -I don't like the idea. Why, anybody can come aboard of her in the middle -of the night and do anything he likes. We can't always be waiting on the -wireless to get this youngster out of trouble. I tell you I don't like -it." - -At the mention of danger to Alec, Elsa's face went pale. Presently she -fell into a brown study, from which she awoke only when she heard her -father say, "For goodness sake! Look at the clock! We must be getting to -bed." - -He and Mrs. Rumford bustled off, after bidding Alec a hearty good night. -"Now, don't you youngsters stay up any longer," said the captain, when -Elsa lingered behind. - -"We won't," said Elsa. Then she turned to Alec. "It makes me sick to -think of you alone in the _Osprey_ at night, now that you have had this -trouble with Tom Hardy. Yet you mustn't quit your investigation, either, -Alec. Won't you come home at night and sleep ashore?" - -"I can't, Elsa. Think of all the time I should waste, sailing back and -forth. I can never get over all the oyster grounds as it is. But I can -do a great deal if I am right on the job all the time. And besides, I -don't really believe there's any danger at all. That gang has had a -lesson that will make them pretty careful. They have seen what wireless -will do, and they can never be sure what I might do with it." - -"You mustn't trust to the wireless, Alec. You must be on your guard all -the time. If you insist upon sleeping in the _Osprey_, you must pass the -nights where nobody can find you. I know a place where you can hide -easily, where you couldn't be found in a week. To-morrow I'm going out -to the Bay with you and show you the place. I shall feel better about -you when I know you are safe there at night. I wouldn't ever run in to -the place until after dark. Then if you douse your light nobody can see -where you go, and your hiding-place will never be known." - -"Bully for you!" cried Alec. "I needed help to-morrow the worst way -possible. I'm going to study old Hardy's oyster-beds, and I want to make -the best job possible." - -"Whenever you need help, Alec, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll help you -whenever I can." - -"Elsa," said Alec, his eyes shining, "nobody ever had a better friend -than you have been to me. I owe my life to you. I can't tell you----" He -broke off short, afraid to say any more. - -Just then a great voice boomed in the hallway. "Are you youngsters going -to talk all night?" - -"Good night," said Elsa. She held out her hand to Alec. And he was a -surprisingly long time letting go of it. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE OSPREY'S NEST - - -Despite the late hour of retirement, the shipper's household was astir -at the usual time next morning, and that was pretty early. The minute -breakfast was eaten the shipper hurried away to superintend the -overhauling of his boats, and Elsa and Alec drove to the oyster wharf, -laden with a generous luncheon that Mrs. Rumford had packed for them. - -"We'll need a setting-pole," said Elsa, as they were about to board the -_Osprey_. "It will be necessary to push the boat into the little harbor -I'm going to show you." - -Alec borrowed a setting-pole and the two were soon afloat. The day -promised to be hot. The sun had risen like a ball of fire. Hardly a -cloud flecked the wide expanse of blue sky. But there was a fair breeze -blowing, which promised to temper the heat. But neither Elsa nor Alec -cared whether it was hot or cold. They were together, and they were -engaged in a business of prime importance. Life had a zest that could -have been found in no mere idle holiday. - -With business of such importance to perform, they could not wait for -the winds to carry them, but Alec started his motor and the _Osprey_ -went chugging swiftly toward the oyster grounds. About them rose a very -sea of reeds and other marsh growths, now beautiful in their soft green, -summer hues, and stretching level as a floor. - -In a surprisingly short time the _Osprey_ had crossed the bar and was -fairly in the Bay. The gray-green water rolled so gently before the soft -breath of the wind that the _Osprey_ rose and fell hardly at all. -Occasionally a little wave came slap! against the boat, sending a shower -of spray aboard, but the occupants of the boat merely laughed when they -were sprinkled. - -Suddenly Alec bent forward and fastened his gaze on some distant object. -Then, after a moment's study, "What do you suppose those white things -are on those stakes?" he asked. - -Elsa looked. "Pieces of white cloth," she said after some study. - -Alec was puzzled. "You notice that all four corners of the bed are -marked with white," he said. - -The _Osprey_ drew near to the marked stakes. Alec turned and faced -landward. "I know what it means," he cried. "That's your father's new -bed. It's right in line with both sets of landmarks. Those thieves must -have marked the stakes sometime during the day, so that they could see -the corners easily in the dark. It can't be very much farther to Tom -Hardy's bed. Hawley told me how to locate it. I reckon it'll be on the -market before long. I want to have a good look at it." - -Alec paused to think over Hawley's directions. "There!" he cried -suddenly. "See that dead tree with the fish-hawk's nest in it? It's just -in line with those three big oaks that stand by themselves. We're all -right in that direction. Off here we ought to have a little clump of -trees directly in line with the first range-light." He turned and -studied the shore-line in the other direction. "There! Now we've got it -exactly," he cried a moment later. "This must be Hardy's bed." - -"There are some corner stakes," said Elsa. And after a moment's search, -she added, "There is another corner." - -Quickly they found a third corner, but the stakes that marked the fourth -corner were missing entirely. "It doesn't matter," said Alec. "Three -corners are just as good as four. This bed looks as though it were -oblong and at least twice as wide as it is long. When he staked it out, -I suppose Jim Hawley reckoned he could dredge faster if he could plow -long furrows, as the farmers back home would say. It isn't a bad idea. -I'll keep it in mind when I lay out my grounds. It's making so many -turns that wastes time, whether you're dredging or plowing." - -"What shall we do first?" said Elsa. "Let's get right to work." - -"We'll take soundings," said Alec. "We'll make a few turns right across -one end of the bed, then try it lengthwise. We want to make a very -thorough study of these grounds, for if Captain Hardy didn't steal his -oysters, then he's got a very good bed." - -From the cabin Alec brought a big sheet of paper, which he fastened to -the cabin-top. On it he marked the positions of the four corner stakes. -"This will give us plenty of room to make notes on," he said. "Later we -can copy what we like on the map of the beds. I'll just put down the -date and the state of the tide and the weather." He wrote on the paper -and handed his pencil to Elsa. "I'll sound if you'll make the entries," -he suggested. - -"I can steer, too," said Elsa. She took the paper and sat down by the -tiller. - -Alec closed the throttle of the engine. The _Osprey_ at once dropped to -very low speed. Alec got his line ready, and lowered it. "Fifteen feet," -he called. Elsa entered the figures on the temporary chart. A few -fathoms away he cast the lead again. "Fourteen feet, nine inches," he -called. A few rods farther along the line registered fifteen feet, one -inch. So it went straight across the bed, the bottom being practically -level. - -"I'll make one more cast," said Alec. "Then you swing her to port and -we'll cut right back across the bed again." - -The _Osprey_ was almost at the outer boundary of the grounds. Alec -dropped his lead. "Hello!" he cried in surprise, as he watched the line. -"Got eighteen feet here! That's funny. Just keep her straight for a few -rods. I want to see how wide this hole is." The depth continued constant -at eighteen feet. "That's queer," commented Alec. "Bring her about. -We'll see how it is a few fathoms farther down-stream." - -Elsa brought the _Osprey_ about as directed. "Still eighteen feet," said -Alec, sounding repeatedly. They came to the boundary of Hardy's bed. -"Eighteen feet," called Alec. Before Elsa could get it written down, he -called again, "Fifteen feet." And eighteen feet it continued all the way -across the bed. - -Once more they came about and crossed the bed still farther down-stream. -Again the lead showed fifteen feet, almost to the edge of the bed, when -the line suddenly paid out an additional three feet. - -"We'll just cover the entire bed this way," said Alec, "instead of -running lengthwise as we had planned. It looks to me as though there is -a regular trough in the bottom, running right along the edge of this -bed. I'd like to know how wide and how long it is. I wonder what ever -could have scooped out such a furrow in the mud." - -They kept on, crossing and recrossing the oyster-bed, until they had -sounded it from end to end. And at every trip across the bed they got -practically the same figures--fifteen feet in Captain Hardy's grounds -and eighteen along the edge. - -"Do you know," said Alec, when he had finished sounding and had reeled -up the line, "I once read that the Hudson River can be followed to sea -for three hundred miles. That is, there is a distinct furrow or channel -in the ocean bottom leading straight from the mouth of the Hudson, as -though something had come down that stream and gouged a great ditch in -the ocean floor. I reckon it must have been done centuries ago by -glacial ice or something of the sort. Anyway, it looks to me as though -there is something like that ditch right here in the bottom of the -Delaware Bay." - -"I wonder what could have made it?" queried Elsa. "Would it make any -difference in the oyster-beds along it?" - -"By George!" cried Alec, suddenly afire with an idea. "It would make a -thundering big slick, that's what it would do, and if my oyster bulletin -is correct, that ought to be a prime place for larvæ." He began to -examine the water carefully. "That's exactly what it does," he cried, -after studying the water far and wide. "We're right in the slick now. -It's so big we didn't notice it." - -"I guess we were too busy talking to pay attention," suggested Elsa, "or -we should have noticed it long ago." - -"Well, I can hardly wait to test the water and see what we find," said -Alec. "Conditions are just right this morning. The tide has about three -feet to rise yet. There ought to be as many oyster fry swimming about -now as there ever will be. We'll make as many tests as we can. And we -won't strain out so much water as we did the other time. It takes too -long. If we test twenty-five quarts of water, that will give us enough -to go on. Then we can make more tests." - -Quickly Alec had his instruments ready and they began to strain water -from the bottom through the bolting-cloth net. Then the sediment was -washed into a bottle. While that was settling, they moved on to another -spot and strained more water. So they continued until they had several -bottles settling. - -"Now you begin to count the larvæ," suggested Elsa. "The sediment has -all settled in those bottles that we filled first. I will strain out -more water while you are using the microscope." - -As rapidly as he could, Alec got the sediment on his watch crystals and -counted the larvæ. As long as he could hold himself to the trying task -Alec continued with his eye to the microscope, picking over the -crystalfuls of sediment with his little needles. - -"The water's full of them," he cried at last, leaving his microscope. -"It's been a mighty poor spawning season, with so much cold weather, -though it's warm enough to-day. Yet right here there is no end to the -spat. There are ten times as many larvæ here as we found in that ground -we tested the other day. Why, that twenty-five quarts yielded 3,400 -larvæ," and he picked up the bottle he had just emptied. "The bed's just -swarming with spat." - -He stepped to the engine and threw on more power. Then he took the -tiller. "I want to test a sample from that trough or ditch. And by the -way, I'll just sound as we go." - -He got out the sounding-line again, and Elsa steered the boat while Alec -took soundings. Almost uniformly the depth continued at eighteen feet. - -"We must have come five hundred yards," said Alec. "We'll try it here." -He stopped the engine, and they strained twenty-five quarts of water -from the bottom. When it had settled sufficiently, Alec worked the -sediment out on a watch crystal. Then he began to count. - -"Now what do you think of that!" he cried, when he had finished his -count. "Only twenty-five larvæ I could be sure of in all that water! -It's just as the book says. The fry are all collected in that slick. -That bed of Hardy's must be one of the very best in the Bay. If only Jim -still owned it!" - -By this time it was long past the dinner hour, but the two had been so -intent on their work that they had paid no attention to the time. Now, -however, Alec suddenly awoke to the fact that he was ravenous. "I could -eat a shark," he cried. "Let's go to the shore at once and have dinner." - -He started the engine and they headed for the point where they had -previously eaten. With the tide so well up, they had little difficulty -in getting ashore. Alec gathered dry sticks and fixed the fireplace, -while Elsa unpacked the basket Mrs. Rumford had given them. Among other -things, there was a fine cut of beefsteak. - -"Oh boy!" exclaimed Alec, when he saw it. "I'm so hungry I could eat it -raw." - -His fire was already ablaze. He let it burn down to coals, then added a -few twigs at a time. Over this tiny flame Elsa cooked the steak in a -little skillet. Alec, meantime, brought water from the _Osprey_ and got -the coffee ready to cook the instant the steak was done. He also placed -a heavy blanket on the ground under the sheltering tree, and here they -spread out all the good things Mrs. Rumford had given them. There were -pickles and hard-boiled eggs, and sandwiches, and cakes, not to mention -bread and butter and jelly, the steak and the coffee. - -"Gracious!" said Alec, when the basket was at last empty. "Your mother -must have thought she was packing lunch for a regiment." - -"She has seen _boys_ eat before," said Elsa mischievously. - -"From which I infer," retorted Alec, "that you do not wish anything to -eat yourself. It's just as well, for I think I can get away with all -that steak myself. Please pass it over." - -He took the frying-pan away from her, but it was only because the steak -was cooked and he wanted to sling the coffee-pot over the fire. - -Elsa looked distressed. "Aren't you going to give me any of that steak?" -she cried in pretended consternation. - -"I understand from your remarks that this was all intended for me," -teased Alec. - -"It will be first-degree murder if you don't give me some," said Elsa. -"I'll surely die of starvation in a few minutes if I don't get something -to eat." - -At the word murder, the fun died out of Alec's eyes. "Please don't," he -said, "not even in fun. That word murder has come to have a very ugly -sound to me in the last twenty-four hours." - -They were silent a moment. Then such a soft light crept into Elsa's eyes -that Alec had to jump up and tend the fire to keep control of himself. - -At last the meal was eaten. "I'm too full to do another stroke of work," -said Alec. - -"Then we'll go take a look at the little harbor I have picked out for -you." - -They poured water on the fire to make sure it was completely -extinguished, then gathered up the remnants of the feast, and once more -boarded the _Osprey_. For half a mile they chugged along the shore. Then -they came abreast of a little clump of trees that rose some few hundred -feet inland, apparently in the very heart of the marsh. - -"There's your harbor," said Elsa, pointing to the tree clump. - -"But how are we going to get to it?" demanded Alec, searching everywhere -for an inlet. - -"Wait until the largest two trees come in line," said Elsa. "Then go -straight in." - -Alec slowed down the _Osprey_ and continued along the shore until the -trees indicated were in line. Then he headed directly toward them. In -the reeds that lined the shore he noted a tiny opening, like the mouth -of the merest tunnel; but it proved to be both wider and deeper than he -would have believed. The reeds that choked the little channel bent to -right and left as the _Osprey_ slowly forged ahead, then swiftly righted -themselves, forming a screen behind the boat. Had there been no mast in -the _Osprey_, she would have been completely concealed before she had -gone a hundred feet. The clump of trees stood not more than five hundred -feet from the open water of the Bay. The little channel ran almost -straight toward it. Alec shut off his engine and pushed the _Osprey_ -along with the setting-pole. The little boat slipped through the reeds -as quietly as a floating duck. As they came near the trees, Alec saw -that there were really two clumps of them standing close together on two -tiny islands, with the tiniest little channel between them. Alec pushed -the _Osprey_ forward until it came to rest in this little channel, -directly between the two islands. So narrow was this passage that he -could almost have stepped ashore on either side of this boat. - -"Now we are completely hidden," said Elsa. "The reeds hide the hull of -the boat and the trees conceal the mast and rigging. A person out on the -Bay could search this clump for an hour with the most powerful telescope -and I doubt if he would ever discover there is a boat moored here. It's -the finest little hiding-place I know of. It has one drawback, though. -You can't get in and out when the tide is real low." - -Alec gazed about him with delight. The snug little harbor made him -think of a pirate's refuge. "It certainly is a bully hiding-place," he -said, "though I suppose most of the old-timers hereabout know of it." - -"I very much doubt it," said Elsa. - -"Then how did you come to know about it?" - -"Found it myself," explained Elsa. "Dad left me to hunt ducks along the -shore, while he put down some stakes in an oyster-bed near by. I wounded -a duck that got away from me. It swam into this little channel and I -followed it. That's how I came to discover this place. I don't believe -many folks know about it, for I told Dad about it and he had never heard -of it." - -"Well, anyway, it makes no difference," said Alec. "I have no idea -anybody is going to bother me, and if I slip in here after dark and -don't show any lights, I don't think anybody would ever find me. What do -you call the place?" - -"I never named it," said Elsa. - -"You didn't? It ought to have a name, sure. What shall we call it? We'll -give it a name, and that will be a secret all our own." - -"I know," cried Elsa. "We'll call this the _Osprey's_ Nest." - -"Fine! That's a dandy name. And it's such a good name for a secret -hiding-place. If anybody heard us talking about it they would think we -meant one of those old trees that have real fish-hawks' nests in them. -When you hear the name osprey's nest come buzzing in your receiver, -you'll know I'm as safe and snug as can be. Why, just to tell you I'm at -the osprey's nest would mean a whole lot, wouldn't it? And, by the way, -you can spare a few moments now and then to talk with me with your -wireless, can't you?" - -"Alec!" said Elsa reproachfully. "When I shall hardly see you all -summer! Of course, I'll talk to you. But I mustn't keep you from your -work. You mustn't let me do that, Alec, for I want you to go on with it -and make just the great success that I know you are going to." - -"Well, when shall I call you? You won't always be at home, you know." - -"I'll tell you what. I'll listen in at one o'clock and at seven, and -when Arlington sends out the time, whenever I'm at home; and that will -be most always." - -"Thank you," said Alec. "It will be pretty lonely out here all by -myself." He glanced at the clock in the cabin. "Whew!" he whistled. -"Look at the time. We must be getting to work at once." - -"All right. What shall we do first?" - -"I ought to finish this work with the microscope. These larvæ ought to -have a few drops of formaldehyde on them if they aren't counted pretty -soon; and I haven't any. So I guess I'll go on with my counting." - -"Then we might just as well stay here," said Elsa. "It's a good deal -cooler here in the shade of the trees than it would be out on the -water. It's too bad there's nothing I can do to help you. Are you sure -there's nothing I can do?" - -Alec looked at his comrade steadily for a moment. "Elsa," he said, "did -you ever read that beautiful poem of Milton's in which there is a line -that says something like this: 'They also serve who only stand and -wait'? You know the reserves are like that. They don't seem to be doing -much, for a fact, but the fellows in the front line fight a heap sight -better just because they know their comrades are back there, ready to -aid them when necessary. So I wouldn't say anything more about not being -of use. You know it's been pretty tough going for me these last few -months since Dad died and I had nobody to fall back on. I can't tell you -what it means to me to have your friendship and that of your father and -mother." - -"Thank you, Alec," said Elsa. "That's a very fine thing to say. I never -thought of the matter in just that way before. You know I really do want -to help you, and I don't care whether I help by really assisting in your -work or merely by being with you, now that you put it in that way. The -point is to get the work done. Oh! I think so much is going to come of -all this that I am as eager as can be to get the work finished. Now you -attend to your microscope and I'll amuse myself with your wireless." - -For a long time there was silence on the _Osprey_. Elsa sat with the -receivers strapped to her ears, now shifting the coupler, now moving a -condenser, now tuning to this wave-length, now to that. - -"That's strange," Alec heard her mutter to herself, after a long time. - -"What's strange?" he asked. - -"Why, somebody has been calling and calling Cape May. And he doesn't get -any answer. I can't understand it. I haven't any idea who is talking. I -never heard his call before. He's WNA." - -With a bound Alec was beside her. "That's Roy Mercer on the _Lycoming_," -he cried. "May I have the receivers a moment, please." - -Alec slipped on the headpiece and sat down at his key. "WNA--WNA--WNA de -3ADH--3ADH--3ADH," he flashed. - -Almost at once came the response. "3ADH--3ADH--3ADH de -WNA--WNA--WNA--K." - -"Hello, Roy!" ticked off Alec. "This is Alec Cunningham. Just happened -to hear you calling Cape May. Can't imagine why they didn't answer. How -are you?" - -"Fine. How are you? What are you doing?" - -"All O. K. Counting oyster larvæ with a microscope just now. Tell you -all about it some day. What are you sailing so early for?" - -"New schedule. Going to touch at some West Indian ports and Yucatan on -way to Galveston. Due back here a month from to-day. That's August -twenty-two. Be sure to watch for me. May have something interesting to -tell you. How are you getting on? Heard from any of the other fellows -of the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol?" - -For some time the two old comrades talked as fast as they could flash -their messages to each other. Then Alec laid down his receivers and -turned to Elsa. "It certainly is good to hear from Roy," he said. "He's -one of the fellows from the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol at home. He's a -prince, too. No end of pluck and brains. Why, he saved the _Lycoming_ -from a collision in a fog, just with his wireless. And he was washed -overboard when he was helping to take a line to the disabled steamer -_Empress_ during a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, and was swept into -Corpus Christi by the tidal wave. He got the news of the disaster there -to the outside world by wireless that he made himself and so got help -for the city. Oh! He's a wonderful chap. How I wish you knew him. He's -true as steel. They don't make any others quite so fine as Roy." - -"If he's a friend of yours, Alec, I know he's all right. You wouldn't -have any other kind of friends. But as for their not making any other -boys as fine as Roy, humph! I guess I know somebody that's true as steel -myself." - -"I must hustle along with my job," said Alec, and he went back to his -microscope. - -Finally, his bottles examined and cleaned and all his apparatus stowed -away, Alec picked up the setting-pole. "It's time we were heading for -Bivalve," he said. - -He backed the _Osprey_ out from between the islets, turned her, and -pushed his way back to the open water. Then, having a favoring wind, he -hoisted his sail, and the _Osprey_ went skimming over the waves on the -homeward track. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -THE GREAT SECRET - - -So eager was Alec to return to his investigations that he slipped back -to the oyster-beds that very night, so as to be on hand at the earliest -possible moment next day. His mind was afire, his whole being was keyed -up. He was like a hound on a hot scent. He felt that he had his quarry -almost within his reach. He wanted to press on at top speed until he -grasped the prize. Neither storm nor calm, neither tide nor sickness, -could long have delayed him; for Alec possessed that unusual quality of -mind which made him rise superior to obstacles, once his interest was -thoroughly aroused. Things that to some boys would have appeared as -effective obstacles became to Alec, when he was thus aroused, only -difficulties to be overcome. One by one he had surmounted all the -barriers that he had so far encountered. Each victory made him only the -keener to win another. Of all his struggles, the effort to learn the -truth about the oyster had interested him most deeply, because he knew -that exact knowledge along that line was the very corner-stone of his -success, or, more accurately, of the success he was striving to build. - -So daylight found Alec astir and already on his way to Captain Hardy's -oyster-bed. For the facts that Alec and Elsa had discovered concerning -Hardy's bed and the existence of the depression in the bottom of the -Bay, had given Alec an idea that he could hardly wait to test out. He -meant to find the entire truth about the little channel. He doubted if -any one else had discovered the little trough or furrow in the bottom of -the Bay, and if they had, he doubted whether its significance had -occurred to the discoverers. - -Now he proceeded to the upper end of Hardy's bed, and, dropping his -lead, found exactly where the edge of the furrow lay. He noted its -position with relation to the corner stakes of the grounds. Then he -proceeded slowly down-stream, sounding as he went, to try to locate the -inner edge of the ditch. For several hundred feet he felt his way along. -Then he took a heavy weight, tied to it a line of the proper length, and -to that he fastened a stick a few feet long, to the upper end of which -he tied a white cloth. He lowered the weight to the bottom, dropping it, -as nearly as he was able, on the very edge of the furrow or ditch in the -mud. Then he adjusted his line so that the stick floated -perpendicularly, holding the white cloth aloft, a foot or two above the -surface of the water. Then he dropped the _Osprey_ down-stream some -hundreds of feet, and once more locating the edge of the depression in -the bottom, made and anchored a second floating marker. Examination -showed him that the three points he had located--the one near Hardy's -stakes and the two he had marked with flags,--were practically in a -straight line. Once more he headed the _Osprey_ down-stream, proceeding -as far as he could go and still see his markers. Then he sounded, and -found that he was still over the very edge of the depression. Apparently -this depression ran in an almost perfectly straight line. Alec put down -another flag. He now had marked the depression for a good many hundred -yards. - -Now he went back to his starting-point and began to study the current -and the appearance of the water. The depression extended in exactly the -same direction that the tide followed, so that the water would sweep -straight through it, back and forth, back and forth ceaselessly, -scouring it clean. Alec recalled what Roy had written him about the -jetties at Galveston, and how the tide, sweeping in and out between -them, had deepened the channel. To be sure, there were no jetties here -to confine the flow of the tide to the depression, yet Alec felt sure -that the current would keep the depression clean and perhaps even deepen -it. For all time, at least for all calculable time, so far as he could -see, the depression would remain in the bottom and create a vast slick -along its side. In this slick he believed the oyster fry would be most -numerous. - -Slowly Alec proceeded along the edge of the slick, passing one after -another the markers he had set up, and lifting them as he came to them. -The edge of the slick, of course, followed the line of the depression -in the bottom. Alec knew it ought to do so, and the white flags proved -that it did. On and on went Alec, studying the current, watching every -wave and swirl in the tide. At the same time, he kept before him the map -of the oyster-beds, marking down on the map as accurately as possible -the edge of the slick. How far to the side this slick extended Alec did -not know. He could determine that later. What he did know--at least he -felt sure he knew it--was that every oyster-bed lying in this slick was -a prime oyster ground. He would know for sure when he had made larvæ -tests of water from the different beds. - -For two or three miles Alec proceeded. The slick was still plainly -discernible, and whenever Alec took soundings he found that the -depression continued. At last he came to the point for which he was -heading--the last lot of ground that had been staked. Beyond that was a -vast area that any man might claim. So eager to see what he should find, -so fearful and yet so hopeful was Alec, that he almost held his breath -as he bent forward and peered out over the unstaked water. Would the -slick continue through the unleased areas or would it not? - -"It does! It does!" cried Alec aloud, as he sailed past the very last -oyster stake. As far as he could see, the water before him was sharply -divided into two areas--one that rippled roughly as the tide swept -onward, the other as smooth as though it had been rubbed with grease. - -Into this smooth stretch of water Alec turned the _Osprey_. Then, his -hands atremble with eagerness, he brought forth his testing apparatus -and began to strain water from the bottom through his filter net. Here, -there, over yonder, Alec pumped up water, until he had samples from a -large acreage. His settling bottles were numbered, and on his chart he -marked the location from which each sample came. At the same time he -took soundings and tested the water for density and temperature. All -these things he likewise set down on his chart. So eager was he to begin -his count, that he could scarcely wait to stow away his instruments when -he had done straining water. But when he started to use his microscope, -he found that the wind had freshened so much he could not work well. It -was blowing directly against the current, throwing up sizable rollers, -and the _Osprey_ was too unsteady for the trying work in hand. There was -nothing to do but get to smooth water, and that meant to leave the Bay, -for now whitecaps were breaking everywhere. - -At first Alec hardly knew where to go. He thought of running into the -mouth of the river. But that idea did not please him because passing -boatmen might annoy him or at least interrupt him. And anyway, Alec -preferred to carry on his investigations without others knowing about -them. He had learned pretty well the fact that not everybody was to be -trusted. Alec also thought of going to the point of land where he and -Elsa had eaten their dinner. That did not seem altogether suitable, -either. Finally he decided to head for the _Osprey's_ Nest. If no one -was in sight when he got there, he would go in. If any one were by to -watch him, he would pull into some neighboring inlet. As fast as his -engine would take him, Alec drove through the waves. When he reached the -shore just off the _Osprey's_ Nest, not a boat of any sort was in sight. -He shut off his power, pushed his little craft up the secret channel, -and soon lay at anchor in his snug retreat. The shade was grateful and -the _Osprey_ was as steady as a rock. He could work in comfort and in -perfect security. - -Hour after hour Alec stuck to his job. At times his eyes ached so from -the strain that he had to leave his microscope and bathe them in the -salt sea water that he dipped up with a bucket. At noon he paused long -enough to cook himself a warm meal and flash a greeting to Elsa. Then he -went on with his work. As long as he could hold himself to his task he -continued to count. Bottle after bottle he emptied, picking out one by -one with his little needle thousands upon thousands of oyster larvæ. -Again and again, as the day wore on, he laid down his implements, -meaning to quit. And as often he picked them up after an interval, to do -just a little bit more. There were limits to his endurance. His eyes -would function only so long. But his soul was indomitable. So he kept on -and on and on, until dusk found him with his task completed. When he -talked to Elsa that night he was able to tell her that he had found the -great secret. At least he believed he had. He had discovered an -unstaked area that he believed to be as good a place for oysters as any -ground in the Bay. - -Long after he turned away from his wireless, Alec sat on the deck of the -_Osprey_. By every rule of the game he should have been asleep in his -bunk. Physically he was worn out by the strain of his intense -concentration. But mentally he was afire. The task that had tired his -body had stimulated his brain to unusual activity. His vision was almost -prophetic. He pictured the future as he wished it to be. And though his -mental image was not an exact representation of life as it proved to be, -it was a marvelous approximation. Nor was that strange. For Alec was -learning that the more sharply he defined his ambitions, and the more -exactly he pictured his path, the more likely he was to see his dreams -become realities. He needed a map for his life, just as truly as he -needed a chart for his oyster-beds. - -Now, as he sat, silent, in the _Osprey_, his mind aglow with rosy -pictures, the difficulties that once had seemed so insurmountable shrank -and shrank until they appeared but mole-hills. Though he did not put it -in so many words, Alec was coming to realize that a big accomplishment -is only a great dream backed by prodigious labor. Labor is the thing it -is made of, but without the inspiration of the dream the labor is -impossible. So he let himself dream on and on in the darkness, resting -on some soft cushions, listening to the gentle sigh of the wind as it -stirred the leaves above his head, dimly conscious of the stirrings of -birds, the faint splashings of muskrats in the marsh above him, the -quavering call of a distant owl. Overhead the stars twinkled. Light -patches of cloud floated in the sky. The waters of the Bay washed the -shores gently but audibly. The world was in repose. And at last Alec -slept with it. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -THE NEW CAPTAIN OF THE _BERTHA B_ - - -Day after day Alec toiled at his self-appointed task. Under the broiling -sun and when cold rains were falling, with the wind whistling through -the _Osprey's_ rigging and in periods of calm, he was daily to be seen -on the oyster grounds in his little boat. For whole days at a time he -did nothing but take soundings and record the results. Other days he -spent studying the currents, watching the tides, searching the face of -the water diligently. At other times he gathered water samples here, -there, yonder, everywhere, and followed that task by the more trying -labor at the microscope. With every sample of water he analyzed, and -every survey he made of the currents, he became more and more certain -that he had found the thing for which he was searching. He knew exactly -where he would put his oyster-beds. He would lease as much land along -the edge of the depression in the bottom and immediately adjoining the -land already staked as he could handle. By taking a long and narrow -strip, he would be certain to have his grounds in the very heart of the -slick. - -No sooner had Alec made up his mind than he laid the matter before -Captain Rumford. "I want to lease one hundred acres right here," he -said, pointing to a spot he had marked on his chart of the oyster-beds. - -The shipper frowned. "What do you want of oyster-beds now?" he demanded. -"You have no way to work them, and the tax on them will eat up your -savings. You'll have to pay $75 a year rental, besides the cost of -surveying and staking your bed. The sum you'll pay out, just to hold -that ground while you're earning your equipment, would go a long way -toward paying for your boat. Besides, I don't like grounds so far out. -The water's too deep. Oysters ought to be planted in shallow water." - -"But you have some beds in deep water yourself, Captain," urged Alec. - -"None of them is much good." - -"Perhaps they aren't out far enough." - -"Nonsense. Shallow water's the only good place for an oyster-bed. -There's lots of beds out in deep water, but that's because all the -grounds near shore had already been staked out and their owners had to -take deep-water grounds or none at all. But it's no place for oysters." - -"There's Hardy's bed," urged Alec. "That's as far out as any of them and -it's a good bed. With proper care it would be one of the best. I've been -examining the water there, and it's full of spat." - -"Nonsense, all nonsense," said the shipper impatiently. "Elsa has been -pumping me full of rubbish about what you are doing. As though you -could tell anything about an oyster ground by looking at a few drops of -water through a microscope. This foolishness is the only thing I ever -saw in you that I don't like. If only you'd drop it and go to work on my -boats as I want you to, you'd get on fast. As for your leasing one -hundred acres of oyster-land, and away out there at that, why, it's not -to be thought of. It's ridiculous." - -Alec looked very sober. From the quarter where he had expected help, -came sudden opposition. It almost made him hesitate. "Captain Rumford," -he said, "I'm mighty sorry we don't see things alike. I know it seems -foolish for a lad of my years to be telling an old oyster captain like -yourself anything about oystering. But I have to live up to my lights -just as much as you have to live up to yours. I believe I'm right. When -I'm done with this work I'll know whether I'm right or wrong. If I'm -right, then I've found one of the best locations in the entire oyster -region to start a new bed. I know it will cost me a lot to carry that -bed. But I'm so sure I'm right that I'm willing to risk the money. I'm -willing to bet on myself, if you want to put it that way. That matter is -settled. The question is, Will you help me get the land I want, or must -I ask somebody else to help me?" - -"Well, I admire your pluck, anyway, youngster. If your judgment was half -as good, you'd be a winner sure. Since you're so dead set on having -those grounds, I'll have to help you get them, of course. You're not of -age, are you?" - -"No, sir. I was nineteen soon after I came to Bivalve. It won't be so -long now until I am twenty." - -"You have no guardian?" - -"No. But I've been told I need one." Alec grinned. "Elsa says so." - -"Well, she's right for once. I'll have to lease these lands in my own -name and then transfer them to you later." - -"That will be all right." - -"Eh? You trust the old man, do you? Haven't you learned that you can't -trust everybody? You've had experiences enough here to teach you that -lesson pretty well. Suppose your bed _should_ turn out to be worth -something, and I decided not to hand it over to you? Had you thought of -that possibility, lad?" - -"Captain Rumford," said Alec, "there isn't anything I've learned better -than the lesson that there are some people I can't trust. And while I've -been learning that, I've found that there are some I can." - -"Thank you, lad," said the shipper, evidently deeply touched. "Thank -you. You can put your mind at rest about your oyster grounds. I'll get -them and I'll give you a paper showing that I only hold them in trust -for you. And I'll do more. If you don't have the money to pay the -expenses, I'll lend it to you and you can pay me whenever you can. But -that's because I have confidence in you and not in your oyster grounds." - -"Thank you, Captain," said Alec. "It won't be necessary. I have the -money." - -The captain turned away and went to his desk to make out his application -for the desired grounds. But all the way to his chair he kept muttering, -"The little fool. He's just throwing his money away." - -Having decided the question of his own grounds, Alec turned his -attention to the shipper's beds. He spent several days sounding them and -studying the water above them. Mostly the captain's beds were well in -shore. These he had inherited from his father, who had begun oystering -before the shipper was born. These beds were usually very productive. In -deep water the captain also owned considerable holdings that he had -acquired with profits derived from the beds he had inherited. But none -of these had ever proved to be very productive. There was never any very -great set of spat in them, and unless they were planted with -seed-oysters it hardly paid to dredge them. But, of course, the captain -always put seed in all his beds and so he had steadily made some money -from them. When Alec analyzed the larval content of the shipper's -various beds under the microscope, he found that the shallow water was -very rich in spat. The contour of the shore made a vast eddy where these -beds lay. The beds farther out were located in the strong current, with -not the slightest suspicion of a slick or an eddy near them. - -When Alec had concluded his examination of the shipper's beds, he went -directly to their owner, though he made a wry face as he thought of what -was probably before him. - -"Captain Rumford," he said, "I've been working out in your beds for -several days. Your shallow water beds are very fine grounds, but----" - -"Of course they are. Of course they are. Shallow water's the only proper -place for an oyster-bed." - -"Your other beds, I was going to say," went on Alec, "are not nearly so -good." - -"Of course not. Of course not. What are you telling me all this for? -Think I don't know it?" - -"I don't believe you'll ever get a big set of spat in those outside -beds," went on Alec. "I don't believe you'd get enough of a set to pay -for shelling the grounds." - -"Well, well," said the shipper rather testily, "is this supposed to be -news to me?" - -"I was going to say," went on Alec, choking down a feeling of -resentment, "that if you would sell those beds and buy Hardy's bed, -you'd make a profitable deal. I'd be willing to wager that you'd get as -many oysters from spat in Hardy's bed as you would from the seed you -planted. You'd get a tremendous catch every year." - -"Fiddlesticks! I never heard of such a thing in a deep-water bed." - -"But, Captain Rumford," protested Alec, "don't the other oystermen who -own beds near Hardy's get good hauls?" - -"I can't deny some of them do," admitted the shipper, "but I can't -understand it. That's no place for an oyster-bed, way out in that deep -water. They can't expect to have luck always, though." - -Alec gave up. It was no use to try to overcome the shipper's prejudices. - -Day after day he continued his labors. He was so constantly on the water -that those who saw him became curious to know what he could be doing. -Now this oysterman, and now that, as Alec ran across him, tried to learn -what Alec was doing out on the Bay so much. Occasionally boats sailed -near him simply to watch him. At such times Alec pretended to be -fishing. Rather he did fish. So he caught many a toothsome meal. He also -made a large net of mosquito-netting, which he used for catching crabs. -Of course, all this curiosity was aroused, not about Alec himself, for -nobody cared much about a homeless lad, but because Alec was supposed to -be doing something for Captain Rumford. If the leading oyster shipper at -Bivalve found it worth while to keep a man out among the oyster-beds -week in and week out, the curious figured it might be worth their own -while to do a little examining themselves. The difficulty was that -nobody knew exactly what Alec was doing. So it came about that Alec did -exactly what he did not want to do. He called attention to his own -efforts. But his work was well along toward completion before it was -generally known that he was doing anything out of the ordinary. What -annoyed Alec most of all about the matter was his fear lest some one -track him to the _Osprey's_ Nest and so discover the secret -hiding-place. Frequently, when other boats were near at hand toward -dusk, Alec came up to the oyster wharf and tied up in the slip at -Captain Rumford's pier. He knew that even the most reckless would -hesitate to touch him there, under the glare of the pier-shed light and -with the watchman within call. So, whether any of Hardy's friends ever -wished to harm him or not, Alec came through the summer unscathed, and -his hiding-place remained undiscovered. - -One day, when August was more than half gone, Elsa called him on the -wireless and announced that repairs on Captain Flint's boat, the -_Rebecca_, were completed and the paint dry, and that the Rumfords were -going to take their annual family cruise aboard of her. Alec was invited -to go along and no answer but a favorable one would be accepted. Of -course, there was nothing for Alec to do but put his work aside and say -he would go. In his heart he was more than glad to put his work aside. -Week after week he had stuck to it, holding himself with iron -determination to his task. But now the zest was gone out of it. The long -grind was wearing on his nerves. Joyously he looked forward to this -holiday. - -The next morning he did not put out in his boat, but went to the -shipper's office to thank him for the invitation and to see if he could -be of assistance in preparing for the cruise. But the instant Alec saw -the shipper, he knew that something had gone wrong. - -"Bagley's left us," blurted out the shipper, the moment he saw Alec. And -there were tears in his voice, if not in his eyes. - -"What do you mean, sir?" asked Alec. - -"He's going to the Chesapeake next fall. Got a chance to go into -partnership with a shipper there. Don't blame him a bit, but Gad! I hate -to lose him. He's been with me seventeen years. Never worked anywhere -but on the _Bertha B_. Started oystering on her as a deck-hand. Don't -know what I'll do for another captain." - -"You can get plenty of them," said Alec. - -"Certainly," said the shipper, "but not plenty of Bagleys. Why, I could -trust that man with my life." - -"Take Hawley," said Alec. - -"What!" cried the shipper. "Make a captain out of a fellow that was -fired from the _Bertha B_ less than a year ago for being drunk? You're -crazy." - -"You're foolish if you don't take him," urged Alec. "Why, Captain -Rumford, that man's the very soul of honesty. I know him like a book. -I'd trust him just as far as I would you, Captain, and that's saying all -I know how to say. It's old John Barleycorn you have in mind. But Jim -cut his acquaintance long ago. And you know as well as I do that there -isn't a better sailor in the fleet." - -The shipper was silent a long time. "Hanged if I don't try it," he said -at last. "I always liked Jim when he was sober. I'll take him along on -this party and see how he can handle a boat. Now don't you give him any -hint of what's coming." - -"I'm mighty glad you're going to take him," cried Alec. "I haven't a -better friend in the world than Jim. By the way, when are we going to -start on our little party?" - -"Just as soon as we can get ready. It will likely take most of the day -to get the boat provisioned and get the stuff aboard that they want to -bring from home. We ought to be off in the morning." - -"Then I'll call up Elsa and see what I can do to help." And Alec bustled -away, joyful in the thought of the little outing ahead of him. Could he -have known exactly what was to happen to the little pleasure party, his -face would have worn a very different aspect indeed. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -ADRIFT IN THE STORM - - -Alec could not see into the future, this time at least, and he went -about the work of preparing the _Rebecca_ with a merry heart. The ship -looked very fine, indeed, as she lay at the captain's wharf, all spick -and span, and proudly displaying her new coat of paint. She was -considerably larger than the _Bertha B_. Her masts were stepped at a -rakish angle. Her rigging was neat. Her lines were good. For a boat of -her size she carried an unusual amount of sail. Her hold had been -emptied of all movable tackle and her decks cleared before she had been -hauled out for repairs. Nothing had yet been replaced. And in order that -the party might have all the room possible, nothing was to be replaced -until after the cruise. Even the anchor and the chains had been removed. -Inside, the cabin was perfectly bare. But the woodwork had all been -freshly painted or varnished, and the _Rebecca_ needed only a few -furnishings to make her very attractive, indeed. - -While the shipper and Alec were making a hasty examination of the boat, -a truck load of furnishings arrived from the shipper's home, and the two -at once started to carry the things aboard. There were cushions, and -bedding, and chairs, and rugs, and blankets, and wraps, and a host of -other things to make the boat comfortable. And there were great ticks to -be filled with straw for the men to sleep on in the hold, while Elsa and -her mother occupied the cabin. - -When all the things were aboard and the truck had gone away, Captain -Rumford turned his attention to the ship's gear. He was too careful a -sailor not to make sure that everything was right before he set sail. He -found everything in good condition. Only the anchor and the anchor chain -were missing. The chains had been laid away when the _Rebecca_ was -hauled out. It was neither easy nor convenient to get them now. The -captain studied the matter for a moment. "About all we'll need an anchor -for," he muttered to himself, "is to keep us from drifting at night. -I'll just take along that little light anchor in the storeroom. We can -bend an old cable on it and it will answer our purpose. If a storm -should come up, we'll run into a harbor. Now I'll go see about that -little anchor." - -The captain grabbed an oyster truck and hurried to his storeroom to get -it. A moment later he returned, trundling the anchor and an old hawser -before him. Alec helped lift them aboard. Then, while the captain was -bending on the hawser, Alec busied himself in the cabin, putting the -things there in some sort of order. - -Presently came a load of provisions. Alec carried to the storeroom bag -after bag. It seemed to him he had brought enough stuff aboard to feed -a ship's crew for a year. The provisions he stowed away in the cupboards -in the cabin. When Alec was done, the captain joined him and inspected -the cupboards. - -"Looks to me as though we're ready to cast off the minute we get our -crew aboard," he said. "She seems fit to contend with almost -anything--especially hunger." - -"I can't think of another thing we could wish for," said Alec. - -"Unless it was some music," said the captain wistfully. "It never seemed -right to me to go on a party like this without some music. I'd have -given a lot if Elsa had learned to play the piano, but she just -wouldn't. Hasn't a particle of love for music. Funny, isn't it, when I -like it so much. She likes to dance, too. You'd think she'd have some -liking for music, wouldn't you?" - -Alec made no response. But when the shipper drove away in his car, Alec -ran to the _Osprey_ and quickly uncoupled his wireless outfit. "It won't -be much," he said, "but it's all I can do for the captain. He can have -music at night now, anyway. I'll try to surprise him." - -He fastened his instruments in the cabin of the _Rebecca_, very much as -he had had them in the _Bertha B_. With two sticks he made an aerial -which he placed flat on the roof of the cabin. The sticks were fastened -together like a Maltese cross, and around their ends Alec wrapped strand -after strand of wire, bringing the end into the cabin through the tiny -window just above his instruments. He made a ground by twisting his wire -to a little length of chain, which he fastened over the side so that its -end hung in the water. Then he tested his instruments and found they -were in order. As far as Alec could see, everything was now in readiness -for the cruise. - -Doubly delightful to Alec was the little trip that began next morning -because of the weeks of hard labor that had preceded it. Just as his -work had palled on him because he had been unable to combine any -amusement with it, so amusements pall when they are not interspersed -with toil. Now Alec's appetite for pleasure was more than whetted. He -was ravenous for enjoyment. And being so, he enjoyed everything. The sun -that shone so bright seemed merry rather than hot to Alec. The winds -that circled about the mastheads seemed to Alec as playful as squirrels -frisking in a tree top. The waves seemed to laugh in glee as the wind -drove them before it, showing their white teeth in gleaming smiles as -they flashed in the sun. White teeth they were, too, that could rend as -well as gleam in the sun. Well enough Alec knew that fact. Before many -days he was to know it better still. But now he had no thought of care. -He had put work aside. He was like a small boy on a lark. Usually rather -staid and sober, now he kept the party laughing at his antics. And they -were ready enough to laugh with him. For this was a real pleasure -party. For the time being, care had been thrown to the winds. - -But if the mere joy of being alive and free and with friends could make -Alec happy, the fact that he was seeing new things and learning new -things gave him added enjoyment. For never, for a single instant, did -Alec forget to pick up bits of knowledge that came his way. For well -nigh a year, now, he had lived on the waves. He had sailed the Delaware -in sunshine and in storm, when the weather was blazing hot and when ice -formed on the deck. And yet his knowledge of this great body of water -was limited wholly to what he had seen in the narrow compass of the -oyster-beds, or to what he had read. Now he was to see with his own eyes -the wonders of the deep. For as yet Alec had hardly been out of sight of -land, and he had never seen the ocean. - -Alec would not have been himself had he not remembered to bring along a -map. And it was the largest map of the Bay he could lay his hands on. He -saw at a glance that in contour the Bay was roughly pear-shaped. On -either shore little excrescences, like the warts and blemishes that come -on real pears, stuck out here and there, to mar the perfect pear-shaped -outline of the Bay. The largest of these was Egg Island Point, off which -lay the light he knew so well. Miles farther up the coast the _Rebecca_ -passed Ben Davis Point. And still farther along stretched a wide cove, -with the Cohansey River pouring into it, and a little, squat lighthouse -standing on a point, to guide the mariner into the stream. - -Other points of interest the party visited, too--little summer resorts, -like Fortescue, and lighthouses, where they were welcomed in a way that -left no doubt of their hosts' sincerity; for callers are few at a -lighthouse, and usually they are welcomed accordingly. - -In the evenings, the party ran slowly before the gentle night wind, or, -anchoring far offshore to avoid mosquitoes, gave themselves up to -friendly talk and laughter--all save the captain. For him there was but -one nocturnal diversion; that was listening to the music with Alec's -wireless. - -Sometimes the men went ashore and searched in the salt holes in the -marsh for crabs. Or all hands fished for them from the deck of the -_Rebecca_ lowering great chunks of white meat on strings, well weighted, -and gently raising their catch to the surface when they felt a nibbling -at the bait. Then came the fun of scooping the crabs with long-handled -dip-nets. Astonishingly often they failed to net them, too, for the wary -creatures, despite their seeming awkwardness, vanished the instant they -came to the surface. Great, gray-green things they were, with -savage-looking pincers that could crush a finger severely if they got -hold of one. And although he had previously caught crabs, Alec could -hardly accustom himself to their color, so long had he known only the -cooked crab of inland restaurants, which had turned red in boiling. - -Sometimes they fished for weakfish, using pieces of crab meat for bait. -Beautiful, big fish they caught, too. And sometimes they got sea-bass -and flounders. And as often as not, they pulled in the troublesome -toadfish, which Alec came to detest as much as the sailors on the -oyster-boats did. - -Day followed day in unbroken pleasure. Now they were here, now there. -When Alec told the shipper that he had never seen the ocean, the shipper -said he would head for the sea at once. Alec could have a good look at -it, and then the party must head for home. Playtime was about ended. - -But it was one thing to say they would go to the sea and another thing -to get there. The flood-tide held them back. The wind was hardly more -than stirring. So fierce was the sun, so intense the heat on deck, that -both Elsa and her mother retreated to the cabin. The captain sought what -coolness he could find in the uncertain shade of a sail. Big Jim Hawley -stood at the wheel, silent, imperturbable. Alec flung himself on the -deck near him. From time to time Hawley studied the sky. Great cumulus -clouds were forming near the horizon. - -"We'll have a storm to-night," he said to Alec. - -"The sooner the better," said Alec. "Anything to break this heat wave." - -They rolled slowly on. The water gently heaved and the _Rebecca_ swayed -with it. There was barely wind enough to keep the sails from flapping. - -"We'll never reach the Capes in daylight at this rate," said Hawley. -"The days are getting much shorter." - -"That's so," said Alec. "Yesterday was the twenty-first of August. It's -just two months since the longest day and the days are shortening fast." - -Slowly the _Rebecca_ forged ahead. Even the cool breath of the water -could scarcely make the sun's heat endurable. Under the fierce rays the -smell of paint became almost overpowering. The tar on ropes and rigging -almost melted and ran. The fleecy clouds along the horizon bulked larger -and larger. Slowly they rose toward the zenith. Late afternoon came. The -ship was still far from the Capes. Captain Rumford studied the clouds -carefully. - -"We'll pull in behind the breakwater when we get there, Jim," he said -quietly. "I think that storm will be a rip snorter. We might as well be -on the safe side." - -They went on. Gradually the sun's rays grew feebler. Gusts of vapor were -hurtling across the sky, curtaining the fiery beams. The sky turned a -peculiar greenish-copper color. The thunder-heads mounted ever higher. -Then the sun was shut from sight. It grew dusk. Darkness came, as sudden -as the dropping of a curtain. Afar off, flashes of lightning rent the -clouds. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance. The wind died away. -It grew calm as midnight. The _Rebecca_ rolled idly, her sheets -flapping. The men got into their oilskins. - -"Better shorten sail," said the shipper. - -They ran to the halyards. Down came the great canvases. Nimbly they -fastened the reef-points and made all as snug as possible. - -"Now let her blow," said the shipper. "The more wind, the faster we go. -We'll reach the breakwater and heave to. I kind of wish we had a heavier -anchor, though." - -None too soon had the _Rebecca_ shortened sail. Afar off an ominous -rushing sound was heard. The wind began to come in short puffs. Flash -after flash of lightning illumined the angry clouds. The roaring sound -grew louder. It came on with the speed of an express-train. Over the -waves swept a sheet of falling rain like a very wall of water. Alec -closed the companionway and jammed on the hatch covers. In another -moment the storm was upon them. - -Over the waves the falling rain came hissing like steam. It fell in a -torrent. In a second the deck of the _Rebecca_ was running with water. -The sails tightened and bellied as the wind came smack! against them. -The _Rebecca_ trembled all over, then bent to the blast and began to run -through the water like a wild thing. Big Hawley stood at his wheel, as -steady as a new mast. He handled the ship as though she were a toy. - -"Some thunder-storm," he smiled at Alec. "It'll blow itself out in a -little while. Nothing to worry about. It'll get us to the breakwater in -jig time." - -It did, too. Long before Alec had any idea where they were, Jim brought -the _Rebecca_ up into the wind, and with her sails close-hauled, drove -her shoreward. The rain still fell heavily, but Alec could dimly make -out the curving shore-line and across it, like the string to a bow, -stretched a black streak that Alec knew must be the breakwater. The -waves were dashing on it madly. But the wind now blew almost parallel -with the long stone pile. The breakwater gave them no protection. Rather -it was a menace. If the ship should drag her anchor and drift on it, her -hull would be battered to pieces in no time. Surely this was no place to -heave to in such a storm. - -"We'll just beat up along the coast, Jim," said the shipper. "It's a -windward shore. The storm will blow itself out pretty soon." - -The big sailor threw his weight against the wheel. The ship heeled over -in the wind. Something cracked like a rifle-shot. The wheel flew around, -almost dropping Hawley to the deck. The rudder had broken. - -"Overboard with the anchor!" called the shipper. - -Hawley and Alec ran forward to execute the order. There was a splash and -the anchor rope paid out fast. Hawley gave the ship sufficient line and -went aft again to examine the steering-gear. - -"Can't do anything with it," said the shipper. "The rudder itself is -broken. We'll have to ride the storm out here, then get help." - -He went forward and examined the anchor line. Then he looked long and -steadily at the breakwater, which was all too close to please him. - -"She's holding all right," he said. "We might as well eat while we wait -for the storm to end." - -They entered the cabin and stripped off their oilskins. "Any danger?" -asked Mrs. Rumford, with anxious eyes. - -"We're perfectly safe as long as our anchor doesn't drag. It's a little -light, that's all. But it's holding well. I don't think there is any -probability of harm." - -Elsa and her mother got supper. From time to time the captain peered out -of the cabin window. All seemed well. They sat down to eat. It was not a -merry meal, as some of their meals had been, but the storm had not -dulled their appetites and they ate with enjoyment. Elsa and Alec even -joked a little. Hawley was silent from habit. Mrs. Rumford was a little -apprehensive. The captain was too busy with his own thoughts to talk. - -Suddenly the big sailor jumped to his feet. "Feels as though we are -movin', Cap'n," he said. He pulled on his oilskins and stepped out in -the rain. In a moment he came tearing back. "We're adrift," he bellowed -down the companionway. "The anchor line has parted." - -Neither the shipper nor Alec waited to don oilskins, but rushed out on -deck at once. There could be no doubt about the situation. The _Rebecca_ -had swung around broadside to the wind and was wallowing in the waves. -The anchor line dangled loosely at her bow. The situation was critical. -The breakwater was not far away, though fortunately the wind did not now -blow toward it. Plainly they were drifting abreast of it, gathering -speed with every minute. And both wind and tide were driving them toward -the open sea. - -"If only we had put those dredges aboard," said the shipper, "we might -hold ourselves yet. There isn't a thing on board we can put down to hold -with. If only we don't go on that stone pile, we'll be all right. This -storm can't last long, and somebody will pick us up, sure." - -Driven by the wind, the tide was running like a mill-race, and the -_Rebecca_ was swept along at an unbelievable pace. - -The shipper and Alec stepped into the cabin and pulled on their -oilskins, then returned to the deck. - -"We don't have even a boat-hook or a setting-pole," sighed the shipper. -"I suppose they wouldn't be much use anyway, but a fellow could at least -try to fend the ship off those rocks." - -Fearful, he looked toward the breakwater. Little by little the _Rebecca_ -was drawing closer to it. At the same time she was rapidly driving past -the great stone pile. Would she clear it or not? There was nothing to do -but stand and wait. And the three sailors almost held their breath as -they steadied themselves by the rigging and watched. Nearer the boat -came to the rocks and nearer, and the end of the breakwater was still -rods away. - -"She's going to strike," said the shipper. "She'll crash in another -minute. We'll have to lower the life-boat." - -They ran aft toward the davits, then paused a single second to watch. A -great wave was lifting the _Rebecca_. Up she rose high on the crest, and -swept straight toward the breakwater. - -"Get the women on deck quick," roared the shipper. "She's going to -crash." - -Alec sprang for the companionway. The ship gave a lurch, but there was -no noise, no jar. An enormous wave, rushing against the breakwater, had -rebounded and swept the ship clear. The tide hurled her forward. A -moment later, by the narrowest of margins, the vessel skimmed across the -end of the breakwater, and shot into the open water beyond. For the -moment she was safe. - -Straight toward the open sea she went, fast as wind and tide could drive -her. The storm still continued. The rain had slackened, though it still -fell. The wind yet blew with violence. With every moment and with every -foot they drew offshore the waves ran higher. Now driving straight -ahead, now swinging in the wind, now wallowing in the waves, and at -times smashing stern first into the rolling sea, the _Rebecca_ drove on -before the storm. - -"Make a flare," said the shipper grimly. "We've got to get help." - -The big sailor set about executing his order, but Alec darted into the -cabin. Swiftly he threw over his switch. Then, steadying his hand, he -flashed the call, "SOS--SOS--SOS." Then he paused and listened. - -Almost immediately came a reply. "I have your signal of distress. Who -and where are you?" - -"Schooner _Rebecca_," flashed back Alec. "Drifting out to sea between -the Delaware Capes, just off Henlopen. Rudder broken, anchor lost. Who -and where are you?" - -"Steamer _Lycoming_. About thirty miles south of the Delaware Capes. -Should reach you in less than two hours. Keep a flare burning." - -Alec leaped from his instrument as though he were shot. "It's Roy," he -cried. "It's Roy. The _Lycoming_ is only thirty miles away. She'll reach -us in less than two hours." - -Again he turned to his instrument. Now he flashed out the _Lycoming's_ -call. "WNA--WNA--WNA de 3ADH--3ADH--3ADH," he flashed. - -At once came the response. "3ADH--3ADH--3ADH de WNA--WNA--WNA. Have been -trying to get you, Alec. Where are you?" - -"On the _Rebecca_," flashed back Alec. "Just sent the SOS you answered." - -"Thank God you've got a wireless!" came back the answer from Roy. "Don't -worry. We'll find you sure. We've already shifted our course. We're -heading straight for the Capes." - -"Stand by while I tell the Captain, Roy," signalled Alec. Then he threw -over his switch and darted out on deck. - -"We're saved, Captain," he shouted through the storm. "The _Lycoming_ -is only thirty miles away and is heading straight for us. She will reach -us in less than two hours." - -Anxiously the three watchers peered into the dark. Aloft swung their -lights. In a dish-pan on the deck a flare was burning. From time to time -Hawley fed oil-soaked pieces of wood to the flames. The rain had ceased -to fall. The wind still blew fitfully, but with lessened violence. The -night was as dark as a tunnel. Up and down, up and down, the oyster-boat -now rose and fell on the great swells of the Atlantic. At last Alec was -within sight of the ocean. But it was little he saw of it or cared to -see of it. - -What he was watching for was a light. Minute after minute the silent -watchers strained their eyes into the darkness. Time passed. A half hour -went by. An hour elapsed. Then far off in the dark something glowed -faintly. Minute by minute the light grew brighter. It came closer. - -Alec darted into the cabin. He flashed the _Lycoming's_ call and got an -answer. "We can see the lights of a big steamer," he signalled. "Can you -see us yet? We are burning a flare on deck and our lights are burning -aloft." - -"We see you plainly. Will reach you in a few minutes." - -Alec shut off his power. "Come on deck," he said to Elsa. - -She followed him up the companionway. Alec tore off his coat and -wrapped it around her. Then he took her hand and led her forward. - -"Look," he said. "You may never see another sight like this." - -"I never want to," said Elsa. - -"That is the _Lycoming_," said Alec. "Didn't I tell you that Roy was a -prince? We shall owe our lives to him. He's a wonderful wireless man." - -"Will you ever learn any sense?" said Elsa. "How would Roy or his -captain have known that we were here if we hadn't had a good wireless -man on board the _Rebecca?_" - -Now the _Lycoming_ was close at hand. Suddenly her search-light blazed -forth and rested fairly on the little schooner. Slowly the big steamer -drew near. Then she stopped. Presently a boat shot into the circle of -light. Lusty sailors were pulling at the oars. A line trailed behind. -The boat passed slowly to leeward of the helpless oyster-boat, then drew -close. A sailor rose to his feet and cast a little line. Swiftly it came -hissing through the air. Hawley grasped it before it touched the deck. -Hand over hand he pulled the line aboard. The light line was followed by -a huge hawser. Eagerly the line was hauled aboard. Big Hawley made it -fast. The ship's boat disappeared into the darkness. The sound of -tackle-blocks soon followed. Slowly the _Lycoming_ moved ahead. The -hawser tightened. The _Rebecca_ swung gently round, then slowly moved -ahead. In another moment she was moving steadily through the water. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -MISFORTUNES NEVER COME SINGLY - - -"Well, I never thought I'd come to this in an oyster-boat," said the -shipper. "We might have been in real trouble if that steamer hadn't -happened along." - -Alec thought they were in real trouble as it was. "I wonder where the -_Lycoming_ will take us," he said. - -"By George! We must attend to that at once. We don't want to be towed -clear off to New York. Call up the captain, Alec, and see if he won't -tow us into the Cape May harbor." - -Alec hurried to the cabin and called Roy. Then he explained the -situation. After a time he got an answer. The _Lycoming_ would tow the -_Rebecca_ to the Cape May harbor, but a tug would be needed to take the -schooner into the harbor itself. Roy said he would try to arrange for -the tug. Alec listened in while Roy was talking with Cape May. Finally -Roy called Alec again and said that a tug would meet them. In little -more than an hour's time the _Lycoming_ was nearing Cape May. The tug -came alongside and made fast to the _Rebecca_. Then the tow-line was -cast off, good-byes were called, Captain Rumford sent his thanks and -good wishes to Captain Lansford of the _Lycoming_, and finally Alec -wired a grateful message to Roy from the party on the _Rebecca_. The -big steamer moved off into the darkness, the tug began to puff busily, -and before another hour passed, the _Rebecca_ lay safe and still within -the harbor. Next day temporary repairs were made to the _Rebecca's_ -rudder, and before night the oyster-boat lay snug at her own pier at -Bivalve. - -The pleasure trip had been a great success--all but the very end of it; -and very little harm had come of that. Excepting for the rudder, which -was quickly replaced, not a thing was damaged on the little boat. The -greatest injury came to the captain's pocketbook. Tug hire and the cost -of repairs made the outing expensive. But so long as they had come home -in safety, the shipper did not complain. - -By the time the _Rebecca_ was in commission again the oyster season was -at hand. Orders began to appear for oysters. As was usual at the -beginning of the season, there were too few oyster orders to pay the -expenses of operating. Some shippers did not start their boats promptly; -but Captain Rumford had built up his big business as much by providing -service as by selling good oysters. It was his idea that as an oyster -merchant it was up to him to provide oysters whenever they were in -season. So the _Bertha B_ started promptly. - -Now it seemed as though misfortune had marked the shipper for her very -own; as though, balked of her prey on that stormy day in August, she -meant to pursue the shipper until she got him. An unbroken succession -of little accidents occurred on the _Bertha B_. Now a dredge was lost -and valuable time consumed in grappling for it. Now a propeller blade -was snapped off by something in the water--perhaps the submerged remains -of an oyster stake. Then a piston-rod in the engine broke. One mishap -followed another. And it required both time and money to repair each. -The shipper's repair bill alone made him look serious. - -But bad luck did not end there. From the very start it was evident that -it was to be a poor year for oysters. The shipper's boat worked long -hours and caught relatively few oysters. As more orders came in, other -boats were put in commission. The result was the same. Day after day the -boats came in with only half loads. Nor was this situation peculiar to -Captain Rumford. Few, indeed, were the shippers who had many oysters -that year. In his shallow water beds, or such of them as contained -oysters old enough to dredge, the captain got a fair catch. But all the -profit he made from these beds, and more too, was eaten up by the -expense of working his deep water beds. So far as he could, the shipper -took his oysters from his inner beds. But these had been dredged so -close in the humming oyster seasons just past, and did not begin to -contain as many oysters as the shipper needed. - -What was worse, when he had taken the present season's crop from these -inner beds, there would be no more to dredge for three years. For these -were the beds he had seeded in the spring--these and the new bed far -out that Captain Flint had seeded so heavily and that Hardy had tried to -raid. Week after week the oyster-boats continued their work, and with -every week the captain found himself a poorer man. But there was nothing -to do but go on--to borrow money, if necessary, and then borrow more and -more. If he expected to retain his customers for future years when -oysters were plentiful and profitable again, he must carry his load of -loss now. And of course the captain went on. - -He was not a superstitious man, was Captain Rumford, but like all -sailors he came near to being one. It seemed to him that the loss of -Captain Bagley was directly connected with his misfortunes; as though -that loss were the first link in a chain of misfortune. Close on -Bagley's loss had come the accident to the _Rebecca_. Then had followed -a big string of accidents to Bagley's old ship. Of course, big Jim -Hawley, the new commander, was in no way responsible for these, and yet -it almost seemed as though there was a direct connection between his -coming aboard and these accidents. What Captain Rumford forgot was the -fact that the _Bertha B_, like the one-hoss shay, had reached a point -where she was almost ready to go to pieces. She was the oldest boat in -the captain's fleet. She had seen continuous service for dozens of -years. Her engine was the very oldest in use among the oyster-boats. -Nothing can wear forever, and the _Bertha B_ was reaching the point -where she would have to be laid on the shelf. It was big Jim Hawley's -misfortune that he assumed command of her at that particular moment. - -Had Captain Rumford only thought of it, he could have balanced a whole -string of fortunate events against this string of unfortunate ones; and -these had begun with the coming of Alec. The largest bead in this string -was the fact of their rescue on the _Rebecca_. There were other beads -that at present Captain Rumford failed to note at all, or even to -understand that they were pieces of good fortune, as, for example, -Alec's survey of the oyster waters. In good time, however, he was to see -that matter in its true light. - -As for Alec, he had never toiled so hard in his life. A year of -unremitting labor had taught him how to work. Not only was he able to -hold himself rigidly to his tasks, but he could accomplish more in a -given time than he had ever done before. Nor was that strange. He was -merely acquiring the skill that comes of practice. For now Alec felt -like an old hand in the oyster business. He had passed a full year as an -oysterman. He had seen every phase of the oyster business. He had -learned as many actual facts about oystering as almost anybody at -Bivalve knew; and he had acquired many that most of his fellow oystermen -would never understand. What he still lacked was the wisdom that comes -from long experience. Only time could give him that. Yet he was a -generation ahead of his fellow oystermen. He was the first of the oyster -pioneers of the new school. - -Hard, indeed, must have been the luck that followed the _Bertha B_, -when with two men like Alec and Captain Hawley aboard her she was still -a failure. For Captain Hawley was a new Hawley, indeed. He still had all -his old strength and courage, all his innate good-nature, all his deep -knowledge of oystering as it had been practiced. And he had more. He had -been recreated. His ambition had been again aroused. He had been fired -afresh with the determination to climb up in the oyster business. His -unexpected elevation to the captaincy of a ship had stimulated and -aroused him to the utmost. His association with Alec had brought out the -best that was in him. And these two comrades, Alec and Captain Jim, -worked to make things go for the shipper, as few men ever worked for -another. They drove the ship, they drove the crew--by example rather -than compulsion--they made everything work as close to one hundred per -cent. efficiency as is humanly possible--and yet they failed. No matter -what the obstacles, they could have dredged the oysters, had there been -oysters to dredge; but they could not make oysters. - -Again and again Alec went over with Jim the life-history of the oyster, -for now Captain Hawley was as eager to learn the real truth about -oysters as once he had been indifferent to that truth. In his study of -the oyster-beds in future years, Alec knew he would no longer have to -work alone. Now they tried to account for the poor yield of oysters. For -everywhere the yield was poor. Nobody had a good crop. And more than -one shipper saw bankruptcy looming in the offing. Every aspect of -oystering Alec and Captain Jim considered as they sat by the cabin fire -in the _Bertha B_ at night. The tide, the bottom, the storms, the -quantities of seed used. And here Captain Jim's memory was of wonderful -help. Apparently he knew all about the weather for years past. -Eventually they hit upon the truth. The year in which the present -season's catch was planted had been the coldest in a decade. Storm had -followed storm. And finally, seed had been scarce. - -"I think we have solved it," said Alec at last. "It was too cold for -spawning, so there were few larvæ in the water. The storms must have -shifted the sand and mud in the bottom and smothered many oysters. On -top of all that there were few seed to plant. No wonder there are no -oysters this year." - -"Alec," said the big sailor, "if what you say is true, and I now believe -it is, there won't be many oysters next season, either, or the year -after. For we had three cold, stormy springs running." - -Alec considered the matter a while. "It will go tough with the shipper," -he said, "for this year will clean up his inshore beds pretty well. He -can't get anything out of them for three seasons. And I don't believe -there'll be many oysters in his other beds. We must think what we can do -to help Captain Rumford." - -In every way that he could, Alec was assisting the captain. Every day -when the _Bertha B_ came in from the oyster grounds, Alec dropped off at -the pier and hustled to the office to help the shipper with the office -work. And now he was permitted to do some of the bookkeeping. For, with -things going so badly on his boats, the shipper had often to be away -from his office. There were banks to be visited, merchants to be -consulted, ship-chandlers to be seen. His line of credit was worrying -the shipper quite as much as his line of boats. For he understood by -this time that he would have to operate at a loss for the entire season. - -Sometimes there came a dull day when Alec could attend to his shell -business. Now that he had lost Hawley as a partner, he had had to employ -some one else to gather his shells. He had found a young lad, who was -strong and willing to work, and who had given excellent service. Work, -rather than workers, was at a premium this season, for already many -boats had stopped running, and Alec had to pay no more for his new -assistant than he had formerly paid to Hawley. And as he continued to -live on the _Bertha B_, Alec was still able to save several dollars each -week. This year he would have all the shells from all the shippers, and -he was certain of a good profit. From this he meant to give his helper a -generous bonus. - -In due time Captain Hardy and his accomplices were tried. Alec had to -appear as a witness against them, but he found that he had the moral -support of every honest shipper at Bivalve. And this time, true to -prediction, Hardy did go to prison, and every one of his pals went with -him. Their assault on Alec, and their evident intent to kill him, had as -much to do with their getting a prison sentence as the actual theft of -oysters did. So it came about that Alec was relieved of the danger of -personal injury. - -Slowly the winter passed. Daily Alec's admiration for the shipper grew. -Now that he was helping with the books, Alec understood how very hard -hit the shipper was. He thought he understood the very sober face and -the worried look the captain carried. But never a word escaped the -captain's lips that would lead any one to think he was in difficulty, -and even Alec never guessed the actual truth. - -Spring came. This time it was a warm, balmy spring. Earth and water and -air warmed up early and stayed warm. If only the oystermen had known it, -this was the season of all seasons to put down shells. But the oystermen -were in poor condition to do much of anything. There was hardly a man -among them who had not lost money. More than one of these almost lost -his faith with his money. In consequence, grounds were shelled lighter -than they had been in years. - -But Alec had not lost his faith nor his determination. Everything that -he saw and read and heard tended to increase his belief that scientific -oystering would pay as the old rule-of-thumb style of oystering had -never paid. And the more he became convinced of that fact, the readier -he was to back his judgment with his cash, to bet more and more heavily -on himself. To him that hath, the Good Book tells us, shall be given. -Alec found it was even so. He had the knowledge. He had the oyster-bed. -He had the shells. And with many boats idle, he had ships aplenty at his -command. All that he had he risked on the shelling of his beds. He put -down bushels where other planters ordinarily planted baskets. And he -piled his shells in windrows transversely to the current. Shells by the -ton he planted in his bed, stopping only when his money was entirely -exhausted. When finally he had to end his efforts, he found that he had -shelled his grounds almost to the last rod. - -But it had required more courage to do so than Alec had foreseen. He had -full confidence in his own judgment, and he had the support of Hawley, -but Captain Rumford had stormed and stormed at what he termed Alec's -folly. For the shipper had Alec's welfare very much at heart, and to him -there seemed very little difference between dumping dollars and dumping -shells into that great depth of water. In his own mind he was perfectly -certain that Alec had parted with every one of his hard earned dollars -that had gone into the shelling of the new bed. - -But despite the shipper's opposition, Alec had persevered. Summer found -him with an empty pocket, but full of hope. And it found him well -toward his twenty-first birthday. But what a different lad he was from -the high school boy who had landed at Bivalve only a little less than -two years previously. Hard physical labor had broadened and built him -up. He was close to the six feet Captain Bagley had predicted for him. -He was as powerful as an ox. His courage had grown. His mind had -expanded with his body. His determination to climb up had become -stronger and stronger. The friendship between Elsa and himself was as -solid as a rock. It was founded on mutual respect and confidence. Trust -was its corner-stone. - -Nor was Elsa the only one who trusted Alec, nor yet the shipper and -Alec's immediate friends. Everybody at the oyster wharves had confidence -in him. They knew his ambitions. They also knew he would achieve them. -Many a man among them would have risked his money on Alec as confidently -as Alec had done himself and would have done so gladly. For all money -and wealth in the world is won through the efforts of human beings. And -far-seeing business men are ever looking for dependable lads to invest -in, just as much as they are on the watch for other good bargains to -buy. But of all this Alec as yet had little realization. All he -understood was that he was keeping faith with himself and other men and -that he was slowly but surely forging ahead. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -THE CRISIS - - -During the two years that followed, matters went from bad to worse for -the shipper. Even as Captain Hawley had predicted, the dearth of oysters -continued. Day after day the fleet came back from the oyster grounds -with the lightest of loads. But expenses were as heavy as ever. Gloomy, -indeed, were these days at Bivalve. Credit was strained to the utmost. -Ship-chandlers, merchants, supply houses, and banks were carrying -accounts long overdue, and lending still more money to men unable to pay -what they already owed. The lenders' only hope of getting out what they -had already put into the oyster business lay in putting in still more, -in carrying the shippers until the oyster business became prosperous -again. Yet there was a limit even here, and now one, and then another -shipper went to the wall. - -Though nobody guessed it, Captain Rumford was in worse shape than any -other planter in the business. His loans were so widely scattered, -however, that not even the bankers suspected his actual condition. -Bravely he fought to stave off a smash. Finally he came to the point -where he had to sacrifice something or lose all. He sold a large -oyster-bed. Three years previously it would have brought him double the -price he now got for it. But now the oyster business was in the worst -sort of a depression. Nobody wanted oyster-beds at any price. Shippers -could not work what they already had. So for a time the captain's offer -went begging. Then finally some one who had money picked up the bargain. - -Alec alone of the shipper's forces saw the oyster ground change hands -without sorrow. It was one of the beds that Alec had condemned. He -believed the shipper had benefited rather than harmed himself by the -sale. In his opinion Captain Rumford would have been wise to sell his -poor beds and work his good beds more intensively. He tried to tell the -shipper something of this, but it was cold comfort to the captain. - -Weeks passed. Things grew steadily worse in the oyster business. Yet -there were exceptions to the general rule. More than one shipper was -making money. Anybody who had oysters would have made money, for as -oysters became scarcer the price rose higher. And some shippers had -them. Day after day their boats came in well laden. Day after day their -slips were occupied by well filled oyster scows, their piers encumbered -with long rows of bulging oyster sacks waiting to be trundled aboard the -trains. With his eyes open to all that was doing, Alec noted who these -fortunate shippers were. He was much about the piers now, for sometimes -for days on end the shipper kept him in the office to look after -things, while the shipper himself was absent on business. Daily Alec -made it a point to note who was shipping oysters in quantity. Now he -dropped a casual question here, now a joking inquiry there, until he -amassed an amount of information that was amazing. For he was finding -out far more than the mere matter of what planters had oysters. He was -ascertaining where each man's oysters came from, and whether they were -principally planted oysters or oysters that had set themselves in the -various beds. Alec even tabulated the information he got, and when his -table was complete, he examined his charts of the oyster-beds in the -light of it. - -He now possessed the most complete data about the oyster grounds that -any one had probably ever collected. For his chart showed him, not only -the contour of the Bay and the location and ownership of the various -oyster-beds, but to a large extent the contour of the bottom of the Bay, -the depth of water at different points, the nature of the bottom, -whether muddy or sandy, while every principal slick and swirl and eddy -was plainly indicated. Now, as he studied these data, he wanted to shout -for very joy; for again and again he found proof of his own beliefs -about oysters, and confirmation of the facts he had gotten from his -little book. Here were planters with beds located much like the deep -water beds of Captain Rumford, who were getting next to nothing. Here -were others, with beds bordering a slick, like Captain Hardy's, who -were bringing in good catches of oysters, while still others whose -grounds lay in some great eddy, like Captain Rumford's inshore beds, -were coining money through their good hauls. Only where heavy plantings -had been made were there good crops in those areas that Alec considered -poor locations. Here was confirmation, indeed, here was proof, in very -truth, of the convictions that had formed in Alec's mind. He believed -that the truth about oyster grounds could be learned by any one who -would study diligently, as he had, and with an open mind. For Alec never -doubted that to him the truth was now an open secret. - -All that he learned only convinced him the more that Captain Rumford's -enforced sale of his deep water beds was not the calamity the shipper -considered it. So he felt little distress when Captain Rumford was -compelled to sacrifice still another of his deep water holdings. But he -was frankly puzzled. He could not understand why this sale was -necessary. Although he knew that the shipper was losing money steadily, -he had a very fair idea as to the extent of these losses. To Alec it -seemed as though the sale of the first bed should have enabled the -captain to come through the season safely; for, though the bed had gone -at a sacrifice, nevertheless, the sum actually received for it was -large. That, with the money the captain did have, Alec thought, should -have carried him through the season. Yet it was no time at all before -the shipper was again in desperate straits. When the shipper parted -with still another of his holdings, Alec was dumfounded. - -He went to Elsa with the matter. "Do you know," he asked, "why your -father found it necessary to sell his third oyster ground?" - -Elsa looked at him searchingly. Alec misunderstood the look. "I am not -trying to pry into your father's affairs, Elsa," he said, "but you -know----" - -"Of course you aren't, Alec," she replied. "Did you really think I -believed you were? You ought to know me better by this time, Alec. I -would never suspect you of doing anything dishonorable or discreditable. -But your question startled me. I didn't even know that father had sold -another oyster-bed. But I know he's deeply in trouble. Night after night -I hear him talking to mother about things, though I don't know what they -are saying, and mother looks so worried. And we have to be so careful -about expenses, Alec. Father has always given me almost everything I -asked for. Now he says he can't afford to spend a cent that he doesn't -just have to. I don't know what it all means, but I know he's in -trouble." - -"Well, Elsa, you know I help keep his books, and I can't help knowing -something about his business. He lost money last year and he's losing -money this year. But the loss isn't so terrible that it should cause all -this distress. At least I don't see how it can be. Yet your father is -terribly worried. I can see it in a thousand ways. And he has sold -three oyster grounds now, and yet seems as hard pressed for money as -ever. You do know that I don't want to pry into his business, Elsa, but -I'd like to know more about it in a perfectly honest, friendly way. -Likely there isn't a thing in the world I can do to help him. But if -there is, I want to do it. That's why I'm asking you the present -question." - -"Thank you, Alec," said Elsa. "That is very fine of you. I know you mean -every word of it. And I know it would give you pleasure to help father. -But I am as much puzzled as you are. And what you say worries me. Come -to me to-morrow night, and, meantime, I will see if I can learn what is -the matter." - -A very sober-faced Elsa it was who greeted Alec on the next night. -"Come," she said. "Let us take a walk. I have lots to tell you, but I -cannot tell it here." - -They left the house and walked in the moonlight along the cool country -road. On his arm Alec could feel Elsa's hand tremble. "Oh, Alec!" she -almost sobbed, when they had walked a little distance. "It's terrible, -just terrible. Father thinks he's going to lose everything he has--his -oyster grounds, his boats, all his stocks and bonds and money, and even -our very home. He says he doesn't know what is to become of us. He's too -old to make another fortune and we may have to go to the poorhouse." She -broke down and stopped in a flood of tears. - -"Elsa, Elsa--dear," said Alec, "don't cry. Surely it cannot be so bad -as that. I cannot see how his indebtedness can be so great. He isn't -losing so terribly much." - -She laid her head on his breast and Alec passed his arm protectingly -around her shoulders. "It isn't the oyster business at all, Alec. He has -some other debts we never even suspected. I asked him what was the -trouble and he told me everything. He said it would come easier if I -could prepare myself for the crash." - -"But tell me about it, Elsa. What are these debts? Has your father been -speculating?" - -"No, Alec. But he has made large investments on the partial payment -plan. If the oyster business had kept up the way it was going for two or -three years, he could have met his obligations nicely and canceled his -indebtedness. Now he not only has no revenue from his oysters to meet -the payments, but he is getting in debt deeper every day he runs his -boats." - -"Why doesn't he stop running them?" - -"Oh! He can't, Alec, he can't. He doesn't dare let anybody know the -situation, for nobody suspects it yet." - -"But surely the banks will help him out. Why, if he has an equity in a -valuable property, even if it isn't fully paid for, the banks will -gladly lend him money." - -"Oh, Alec! That's just where the trouble is. He's borrowed every cent -that anybody will lend him. He's tried and tried, and he can't borrow -another penny." - -"But surely he can't be so desperately off as you think, Elsa." - -"I'm afraid it's worse than I think. Mother has been crying all day. -Father said flatly that he didn't think there was a particle of hope. -He'll hang on as long as he can, in the hope that something may save -him. By selling more oyster-beds and his boats, he says he can keep his -head above water for a little while, but if he sells his grounds and his -boats, how is he ever to pay the debts he owes? Oh, Alec! It's -terrible!" - -"Little girl," said Alec, "if I were to tell you that what you have just -told me makes me almost happy, I suppose you'd never speak to me again." - -"Oh, Alec!" cried Elsa springing away from him. "Whatever do you mean? -You can't mean what you say." - -"No, Elsa. I don't. I am distressed beyond measure about your father. -But if your father is in such bad condition financially, you wouldn't -call him rich any longer, would you?" - -"Rich! Why, Alec, we'll soon be paupers. That's the very word father -used." - -"Then if you are a pauper, Elsa, you wouldn't think me a fortune-hunter -if I asked you a question that's been in my heart for months, would -you?" - -"I--I--I don't know," faltered Elsa. "How can I know when you haven't -even asked me?" But her tone showed very plainly that she knew. - -"Are you sure you want me to ask you?" said Alec, raising her face with -his hand and looking straight into her eyes. "I'll wait--if you wish -it." - -"Please--ask me," she said. - -Alec bent his head and whispered in her ear. - -"Are you asking because you really don't know, or just because you want -to hear me say yes?" asked Elsa, archly. - -"How could I know, when you haven't told me?" retorted Alec. "And -anyway, I _do_ want to hear you say yes." - -"Then I'll say it. Yes." - -"Thank you, Elsa," said Alec, pressing her hand. "Now that I know, I -shall not bother you any more. What I must do, what we all must do, is -to try to save your father." - -"Oh! If only he could get oysters, he'd pull through sound enough. I'm -sure of it. Prices were never higher. The shippers that have them are -coining money. If only father's beds would yield as they sometimes do, -he could meet all his interest charges and gradually pay off his debts." - -"Then there's just one thing for me to do--find those oysters for him." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -VICTORY - - -Far into the night Alec lay awake, turning the situation over and over -in his mind. Where could he find the oysters for Captain Rumford? Find -them he must. Never could he see his friend and benefactor, the man who -had given him a start and who was helping him up the ladder--never could -he see him go to the wall if by any possibility he could prevent it. And -now, if he could only find the oysters, he could prevent it. But where -could he find the oysters? Where could they be had at a reasonable -figure? - -He got up and lighted the lamp. Then he got his charts. Carefully he -examined his notes. He had marked down every bed in the Cove that was -producing well. One by one he examined the beds he had listed. Not one -of them offered the slightest solution to his problem. The men who owned -them were working them to capacity. He could hope for no help there. -Again and again he went over his list, only to become more and more -certain that no oysters were to be had. - -In despair he turned to his chart itself. Bed after bed he examined, -still without success. Then he came to Hardy's bed. Why hadn't he -thought of it before, he asked himself. There must be oysters there. If -what he had read about oysters was true, there _must_ be oysters in -Hardy's bed. There must be quantities of them. Hardy had had plenty of -shells down. Alec knew about the shells. He didn't know whether Hardy -had planted many oysters or not. But if the shells were there, even if -Hardy hadn't planted any seed, the bed must be loaded with oysters, Alec -felt sure. Alec had examined the water in the bed. He knew it was -swarming with spat. There _must_ be oysters there. For the bed had lain -untouched since Hardy went to prison. During the hard times that had -come upon the oyster business these few years, almost nobody had bought -oyster-beds or wanted to buy any. And when they did buy, they wanted to -secure grounds from shippers known as careful oystermen, men like -Captain Rumford, who took care of their grounds and worked them; not men -like Captain Hardy, who was known to be reckless and careless, and who -never took care of his beds. So there they had lain, untouched through -all these months. There Alec could find oysters. There he _must_ find -them. For if he could not get them there, he could not get them at all. -It was Hardy's bed or nothing. - -Now he got out his bank-book and counted to the last cent the money he -had on deposit, in his clothes, and owing him. Then he got his shell -records. His shell boy kept track of the number of bushels he gathered -from day to day, and each week Alec posted the record in his shell book. -So he knew almost to a basket what he had. The season was well along, -his pile of shells was large, though not so huge as it would have been -in a good year. But it was large enough. The shells in it were worth -hundreds of dollars. - -Next day, his shell book in his hand, Alec went to the bank where the -captain had his account. He was well known there. He often made deposits -for the shipper, or drew the pay-roll for him. He was listened to -attentively. He wanted the bank to lend him a sum equal to the present -value of the shells. The bank could have the shell pile as security. The -pile would grow larger day by day. - -"What do you want of the money?" the cashier asked him. - -"I know where there is an unworked oyster-bed that I believe has oysters -in it. I want to lease it and work it." - -"Suppose there are no oysters in it. What then?" - -"But there are." - -"How do you know? Have you been dredging in it?" - -"No, sir; but I know. I've been studying the waters of the oyster -grounds for three years. I know every bed in the Cove. I know every -slick and swirl and eddy. I know where the oyster larvæ are thick and -where they are few. I know where you will get rich yields of oysters by -shelling and where you will get hardly any. And I know there are oysters -in this bed." - -"See here, young man," said the banker, "I don't understand all this. -Nobody else ever talked to me this way about oysters and oyster-beds -before. And I've been dealing with oystermen all my life. Are you trying -to stuff me?" - -"Of course you never heard anything like it," said Alec, "for nobody -ever did these things at Bivalve before. I am the first oysterman here -of the new type. There will be scientific oystermen aplenty in a little -while." - -"I want to know more about this. Just come back into the directors' room -and tell me more about it." - -Half an hour later Alec walked out of the directors' room, his face -shining. He signed a note and shoved it through the window to the -cashier. - -"That's all right, Mr. Cunningham," said the cashier. "I'll put this sum -to your credit. And remember, if you need more we shall be glad to help -you out." - -Alec thanked the banker and walked hastily out. "Now who'd have thought -that the mere story of what I've been doing would make him lend me the -money?" he said to himself. What Alec did not understand was that it was -his own character and not his story of scientific oyster methods that -got him the money. Like Captain Rumford and other men, the banker, too, -had been watching Alec through the years. - -Straight to a lawyer Alec now hurried, with instructions to lease -Hardy's oyster grounds. "Lease them on a royalty basis, if you can, at -so much per bushel," said Alec. "If you can't get them that way, pay a -flat sum. I can give you so much now in cash, and the remainder from -month to month as we dredge the oysters." - -In a few days the lease was secured. Hardy wanted a lump sum. Alec -signed the agreement and drew his check for all he had in the bank. -"Now," he said to himself, "everything I've got in the world is at -stake. I've backed my judgment to the limit. If I lose, I'll have to go -in debt to pay what I still owe Hardy. If I win, the shipper is saved." - -From the lawyer's office Alec went to the shipper's home. He found Elsa, -as he had hoped he would, and told her what he had done. - -"Oh, Alec!" she said. "I can't begin to tell you how fine you have been. -If only you do get the oysters--won't it be wonderful!" - -He sought out the shipper. "Captain Rumford," he said, "I wish you would -lend me the _Bertha B_ for a day." - -The shipper looked at him in astonishment. "What do you want of the -_Bertha B_?" he asked curiously. - -"I've leased Hardy's oyster-beds," said Alec quietly. "I borrowed the -worth of my shell pile and added all my savings to that and paid it down -on a lease, and I still owe money on it. I want to see if there are any -oysters in the bed." - -Captain Rumford looked at his assistant as though the latter had -suddenly gone crazy. "You're joking," he said. - -"I'm telling the simple truth," replied Alec. "I very much want to know -whether there are any oysters in that bed. Wouldn't you, if you had -leased it?" - -"Alec! Alec!" cried the shipper sternly. "Have you lost every bit of -sense you ever had? You won't get a dollar's worth of oysters out of -that bed. I've told you time and again those deep water beds are no -place for oysters." - -"You have, indeed, Captain Rumford," said Alec. "I know exactly what you -think of them. What I want to know now is whether you'll lend me the -_Bertha B_ for a day." - -"You might as well know the truth first as last," said the shipper. -"There is nothing so terrible as suspense. Take the boat and welcome." -And the shipper turned away with his face so haggard that it made Alec's -heart ache. - -Twenty-four hours later the _Bertha B_ came plowing up to her pier. Alec -leaped ashore and ran to the shipper's office. "Captain Rumford!" he -called, his eyes shining, his voice vibrant with emotion, "Will you -please come out on the pier?" - -The captain came slowly down the stairs. In looks he had aged ten years. -His face was drawn and haggard. His brow was deeply furrowed. Dark -circles were about his eyes. His step was uncertain, almost shambling. -His shoulders were stooped. Alec was shocked when he looked at him. - -"What is it?" asked the shipper in a dull, lifeless tone. - -"Please come look at the _Bertha B_. I just wanted you to see her before -we go to the float." - -The shipper followed Alec down the pier. Half-way he stopped dead in his -tracks, paralyzed with astonishment. The _Bertha B_ sat so low in the -water her decks were almost awash. Her cabin, her hatches, her deck, her -forepeak, all were covered with oysters. The boat was fairly swamped -with them. - -"Oysters!" gasped the astonished shipper. "How many have you? Where did -you get them? What are you going to do with them?" - -"There's more than a thousand dollars' worth," said Alec. "We are going -to put them on your big float up the river." - -"But where did you get them?" - -"In the bed I just leased--Tom Hardy's bed. Come into the office and -I'll tell you all about it. I don't want to do it here." - -Alec waved his hand to Skipper Hawley, then took the shipper by the arm -and led him up to his office. - -"Captain Rumford," he said, "there are oysters and oysters and oysters -out there. I can bring you in a thousand dollars' worth a day. While we -were at it, we just looked at my grounds and they're simply covered with -oysters, too. There are tons and tons of them in my beds. They are a -little too small to dredge yet, but they'll be all right next fall. And -your own shallow beds will be ready to dredge then, too." - -The shipper fairly gasped. "You got those oysters out in that deep -water?" he said. Then he asked, "What are you going to do with them now -that you have them?" - -"That's just what I want to talk about, Captain," said Alec. "I've got -the oysters. You've got the boats. If we could just make some sort of -agreement--if we could somehow combine forces--why, Captain, if you'll -just go ahead and dredge oysters for yourself until you get on your feet -again, and then dredge a few for me----" Alec stopped, embarrassed. He -did not know how to say what he wanted to say, now that the time had -come to say it. - -The shipper looked at him with the old piercing glance that had seemed -to bore through Alec so long ago. "Boy," he said, "what are you trying -to do--give me those oysters after the way you've toiled and studied and -saved to get them?" - -"Oh! Captain, if you'll only take them," said Alec, "I'll be the -happiest fellow in the world. They are yours--every one you need, even -if you need them all." - -"God bless you, lad," cried the shipper, blowing his nose violently, and -beginning to pace the floor. "How I would like to take them. Why, they'd -save me, lad. They'd save me." - -"Then take them. That's why I got them, Captain Rumford,--to save you." - -The captain turned and faced his assistant. "I will take them," he -said. "I will take them. But I'll take them on one condition. I take -them as your partner." He hesitated a moment. His face paled a bit. -"Maybe you wouldn't want a broken-down old man as a partner," he said, -"an old man already behind the times." - -"Captain Rumford," said Alec, "you are jesting. Surely you don't mean -that you want me as your partner in business. Why, I have no money now, -and I have nothing, sir, but a little oyster-bed to put up against your -great oyster grounds and your boats. It's a wonderful opportunity, sir, -but it wouldn't be fair to you to take it." - -"Humph!" said the shipper. "Not fair, when I shall owe to you everything -I have in the world. I am the one who is penniless; for without these -oysters you offer I am a pauper. Now will you become my partner?" - -"Oh, Captain!" said Alec. "Of course I will, but I never dreamed of such -a thing." - -"Likely not," said the captain. "But I have known for a long time that -it was coming." - -"What!" gasped Alec. - -"Certainly," said the shipper. "I rather suspected it the first time I -set eyes on you. I knew it the night you went overboard after Hawley." - -"What do you mean?" asked Alec. "I don't understand it at all, sir." - -"It's plain enough, lad. A man of my age can't carry on a business -forever. I've needed somebody to help me for a long time back and I've -been looking for some one, too. Yet I never could find just the man I -wanted as a partner. But when I found how clean and true and fine you -were, young man, and when I came to know you well enough to understand -that I could trust you as I can my own wife, my mind was made up. What -do you think I've had you in the office for, anyway? What do you think -I've put my business more and more in your hands for? Didn't you ever -suspect that I was training you up to carry on the work when I couldn't -do it any longer?" - -"Captain!" gasped Alec. "I can hardly believe it. To think of my being -an oyster shipper--now--when I was only this morning a deck-hand. It -just doesn't seem possible." - -"Are you sure that you're satisfied with the bargain? Don't you want to -draw out before it's too late?" - -An idea came to Alec and he stepped quickly toward the shipper. "There -is one thing more I'd like," he said, "something I want more than -anything else in the world." - -The shipper looked at him uncertainly, questioningly, as though -displeased. "Name it," he said brusquely. - -"Your daughter, sir." - -"God bless me!" said the shipper. "You want a lot." - -"Hadn't you foreseen that, too?" asked Alec, smiling. - -"I wouldn't be truthful if I said no," said the shipper. - -"Your answer?" said Alec. - -"_My_ answer?" said the shipper. "What about the girl? Don't you think -it would be a good thing to ask her?" - -"I have," said Alec, blushing. "She's like that man I told you of once." - -"That man?" said the shipper, puzzled. "What man? What was his name?" - -"Barkis," said Alec. - -The shipper laughed and held out his hand. "Take her, son," he said. -"You deserve her. And take an old man's blessing. You have saved a gray -head from disgrace. Now God bless you." - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Wireless Operator--With the -Oyster Fleet, by Lewis E. Theiss - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--OYSTER FLEET *** - -***** This file should be named 56229-8.txt or 56229-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/2/2/56229/ - -Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/56229-8.zip b/old/56229-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bd275e0..0000000 --- a/old/56229-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/56229-h.zip b/old/56229-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 933622e..0000000 --- a/old/56229-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/56229-h/56229-h.htm b/old/56229-h/56229-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index ec36b63..0000000 --- a/old/56229-h/56229-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9163 +0,0 @@ -<!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"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Young Wireless Operator With the Oyster Fleet, by Lewis E. Theiss. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - - p.bold {text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} - p.bold2 {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 150%;} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - } - h1 span, h2 span { display: block; text-align: center; } - #id1 { font-size: smaller } - - - hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; - } - - hr.smler { - width: 15%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 42.5%; - margin-right: 42.5%; - clear: both; - } - - body{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; text-align: right;} - - .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - text-indent: 0px; - } /* page numbers */ - - .center {text-align: center;} - .smaller {font-size: smaller;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .box {max-width: 30em; margin: 1.5em auto; border: 1px black solid; padding: 10px;} - .space-above {margin-top: 3em;} - .left {text-align: left;} - .s3 {display: inline; margin-left: 3em;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Wireless Operator--With the -Oyster Fleet, by Lewis E. Theiss - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Young Wireless Operator--With the Oyster Fleet - How Alec Cunningham Won His Way to the Top in the Oyster Business - -Author: Lewis E. Theiss - -Illustrator: Frank T. Merrill - -Release Date: December 23, 2017 [EBook #56229] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--OYSTER FLEET *** - - - - -Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="center"><a name="cover.jpg" id="cover.jpg"></a><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p class="bold2">The Young Wireless Operator—<br />With the Oyster Fleet</p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="box"> -<h2><i>BOOKS BY</i><br />LEWIS E. THEISS</h2> - -<blockquote><p>IN CAMP AT FORT BRADY. A Camping Story. 304 pages.</p> - -<p>HIS BIG BROTHER. A Story of the Struggles and Triumphs of a Little -Son of Liberty. 320 pages.</p> - -<p>LUMBERJACK BOB. A Tale of the Alleghanies. 320 pages.</p> - -<p>THE WIRELESS PATROL AT CAMP BRADY. A Story of How the Boy Campers, -Through Their Knowledge of Wireless, "Did Their Bit." 320 pages.</p> - -<p>THE SECRET WIRELESS. A Story of the Camp Brady Patrol. 320 pages.</p> - -<p>THE HIDDEN AERIAL. The Spy Line on the Mountain. 332 pages.</p> - -<p>THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR—AFLOAT. How Roy Mercer Won His Spurs -in the Merchant Marine. 320 pages.</p> - -<p>THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR—AS A FIRE PATROL. The Story of a Young -Wireless Amateur Who Made Good as a Fire Patrol. 352 pages.</p> - -<p>THE YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR—WITH THE OYSTER FLEET. How Alec -Cunningham Won His Way to the Top in the Oyster Business. 328 pages.</p> - -<p class="center">Cloth Bound—Illustrated by Colored<br />Plates and Photographs</p></blockquote> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="frontispiece" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="title page" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<h1>The Young Wireless Operator—<br />With the Oyster Fleet</h1> - -<p class="bold"><i>HOW ALEC CUNNINGHAM WON HIS<br />WAY TO THE TOP IN THE<br />OYSTER BUSINESS</i></p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="bold space-above">By<br />LEWIS E. THEISS</p> - -<p class="bold space-above"><i>ILLUSTRATED BY</i><br />FRANK T. MERRILL</p> - -<div class="center space-above"><img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="logo" /></div> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="bold space-above">W. A. WILDE COMPANY<br /><br />CHICAGO <span class="s3"> </span> BOSTON</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center"><i>Copyright</i>, 1922,<br /><span class="smcap">By W. A. Wilde Company</span><br /> -<i>All rights reserved</i><br />——<br /> -<span class="smcap">The Young Wireless Operator—With the Oyster Fleet</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center"><i>This book is dedicated<br />to the late<br /><br /> -DR. JULIUS NELSON,<br /><br />sometime biologist for New Jersey,<br />and to<br /><br /> -DR. THURLOW C. NELSON,<br /><br />his son and successor, who have done and<br /> -are doing for the oyster industry, what<br />Liebig did for agricultural chemistry</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> - -<h2>Foreword</h2> - -<p>The story of America's wonderful beds of oysters is the same as the -story of her matchless forests, her remarkable deposits of oil, her -countless herds of bison, and her innumerable flocks of wild pigeons; -and that story is completely told in one word of five letters—waste. -When our magnificent Pennsylvania forests were cut, millions of feet of -lumber were wantonly wasted, left to rot on the ground after the bark -had been stripped off. When that unequaled pool of oil was discovered at -Spindletop, gushers were allowed to spout for days and hours merely to -gratify the vanity of purse-proud owners, and oil was wasted by the -hundred thousand barrels. We are paying for such wastes to-day in the -high price of lumber and oil. And our children and our children's -children will go on paying the price.</p> - -<p>I live on the banks of one of America's noblest rivers, the Susquehanna. -A hundred years ago one could throw a line overboard and draw out fish -without number. Now, one can fish half a day without getting a nibble. -Some day, perhaps, we shall have fish again in the Susquehanna. But it -will be in the same way that we are gradually reforesting our denuded -Pennsylvania mountains—at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> enormous cost, which means perpetually high -priced lumber. It will be the same with our oysters. The enormous beds, -which, properly conserved, would have supplied the nation with cheap -oysters for generations, are gone.</p> - -<p>Most of us know less about oyster production than we do about lumbering -or oil drilling. Yet oystering is one of the few truly picturesque -occupations that survive in American life. This book, like its immediate -predecessor, The Young Wireless Operator—As a Fire Patrol, is written -in the hope that young readers may come to understand the real results -of such wastes—the permanent imposition of unnecessary and burdensome -costs for necessities of life which should be cheap.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<h2>Contents</h2> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">A Friend in Need</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The Fleet Sets Sail</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Over the Bar</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Dredging Oysters</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>V.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Evening at the Oyster Pier</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VI.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Overboard in the Dark</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">A Letter for Alec</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VIII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Alec's First Lesson in Oyster-Culture</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IX.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Under a Cloud</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>X.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Alec's Decision</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XI.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">A Wireless Telephone</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Alec Gets a New Job</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">An Unlooked-for Friend</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIV.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The Corner-Stone that Alec Found</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XV.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">A New Light</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVI.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The Planting Season Begins</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_180">180</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">A Search for Truth</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVIII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">A Long Chase</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_214">214</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIX.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Home Again</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_234">234</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XX.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The Osprey's Nest</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXI.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The Great Secret</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The New Captain of the <i>Bertha B</i></span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>XXIII.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Adrift in the Storm</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_282">282</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIV.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Misfortunes Never Come Singly</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_298">298</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXV.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">The Crisis</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_309">309</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVI.</td> - <td class="left"> <span class="smcap">Victory</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_318">318</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">The Young Wireless Operator—<br />With the Oyster Fleet</p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER I</span> <span class="smaller">A FRIEND IN NEED</span></h2> - -<p>The oyster-boat <i>Bertha B</i> lay off her pier at Bivalve, the great New -Jersey oyster shipping centre. On either side of her were other craft of -the oyster fleet, all packed together like cigars in a box, and all held -fast to one another by stout hawsers, for the tide in the Maurice River -was running out at a gallop, driven by a high northeast wind. Yet an -observer could hardly have told whether one boat or a dozen lay off the -pier, so dark was the November morning. Heavy clouds obscured the sky, -hiding star and moon. Not the faintest sign of daybreak was yet visible -in the east. A dense mist, that even in daylight would have made things -appear uncertain and indistinct, drove before the high wind, chilling to -the bone every one it touched.</p> - -<p>For despite the early hour, the oystermen were astir. Lamps glowed in -the snug cabins of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> oyster-boats. Here and there a lantern bobbed -mysteriously in the dark. Red and green lights were being hoisted in the -ships' riggings, and white lights fastened astern of many vessels. Harsh -voices were heard calling through the night. The heavy tramp of boots on -wooden decks sounded here and there in the darkness. Now and again there -was a sharp splash as some sailor dropped a bucket into the tide for -water, or a heavy hawser was cast off. On every side was heard the sound -of preparation; for the fleet was about to sail for the oyster grounds.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the door of the <i>Bertha B's</i> cabin opened. A great shaft of -yellow light shot athwart the darkness. Two figures emerged from the -cabin.</p> - -<p>"Hello, Jim," called one of them. There was no answer. After a moment's -pause the speaker called again. This time he raised his voice to a great -bellow and repeated his cry: "Hello, Jim!" The second call, magnified by -the fog, went roaring through the fleet. Still there was no answer. "He -ain't here, Cap," said the man who had called, to the figure by his -side. "Maybe he went ashore to get some tobacco."</p> - -<p>"Tobacco nothing!" exclaimed the other angrily. "The skunk got his -breakfast and then snuk ashore. I ain't surprised. He looked like that -kind o' cattle. Though he did work pretty darned good the three weeks we -had him!"</p> - -<p>The speaker, Captain Christopher Bagley, paused an instant. Then, -"Scabby trick!" he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>exclaimed. "Leaves us deucedly short handed, and he -knowed it. Better go ashore, George, and see if you can find him. If you -can't, get anybody you can pick up. We got to have another hand."</p> - -<p>The sailor, George Bishop, turned without a word and made his way -ashore, ducking under ropes and rigging, stumbling over chains and -dredges, and stepping carefully from boat to boat, until at last he -reached the ship at the end of the pier. The tide was near ebb, and the -sailor had to climb into the ship's rigging in order to get on the pier.</p> - -<p>The huge shed skirting the shore was dimly lighted by electric lights; -and the illumination from these faintly lighted the pier, along which -the sailor was now making his way. A great pile of burlap sacks was -heaped up near the centre of the pier, and behind these, like a -windbreak, stood a long row of barrels, piled one above another, and at -least three tiers deep. But the sailor took no note of these things. His -glance roved hither and thither through the great shed and on the -various piers, looking for a familiar form. Half-way across the pier, he -met a fellow sailor.</p> - -<p>"Hello, Tom!" he called. "Seen anything of Jim Hawley?"</p> - -<p>"No. Did he give you the slip?"</p> - -<p>"That's what he did. He come aboard and et his breakfast and then snuk -off. And we was short handed at that."</p> - -<p>"I ain't surprised. He was drunk last night."</p> - -<p>"Well, he won't do it again. Captain Bagley<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> won't stand for that kind -of cattle. Don't know where we could get another hand, do you? We're -awful short of men."</p> - -<p>"No, I don't. Everybody around here that's willin' to work was snapped -up long ago. I got to get aboard. I'm late myself. Good-bye."</p> - -<p>The sailor hurried on down the pier and swung himself aboard the ship at -its end.</p> - -<p>Sailor Bishop turned on his heel and started along the pier again, to -pursue his search for the missing deck-hand. But hardly had he taken a -step before the pile of burlap bags stirred strangely. The topmost rose -in air and a human figure crawled out from under them.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" called this figure after the hurrying form of Sailor Bishop. -"Do you want another hand? I'm looking for a job."</p> - -<p>Sailor Bishop turned sharply and stared in astonishment at the person -before him.</p> - -<p>"Who are you? And where did you come from?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>"My name's Alec Cunningham, and I come from Central City, in -Pennsylvania."</p> - -<p>"Ever been oystering?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I never saw an oyster-boat before."</p> - -<p>"Don't know whether you'll do or not," said the sailor. "But come aboard -and talk to the captain. I'll be back in a minute. Wait for me here."</p> - -<p>The sailor hurried away, to continue his quest for the missing Hawley. -Alec Cunningham returned to the pile of burlap sacks and dug out an old, -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>battered valise. Then he carefully piled the burlap sacks in order -again, and when Sailor Bishop returned, he was standing near the end of -the pier, stamping his feet and thrashing his arms about his sides, in -an evident effort to get warm.</p> - -<p>"Come on," said the sailor, and the two climbed cautiously from the pier -to the ship's rigging and then dropped to her deck. Carefully they made -their way across boat after boat, until at last they reached the <i>Bertha -B</i>. Sailor Bishop led the way to the cabin and entered, followed by the -stranger.</p> - -<p>"I couldn't find Jim nowhere, Cap," explained the sailor, "but I picked -up this fellow here. He ain't never ketched oysters, but maybe you could -use him at that."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley stepped forward and looked critically at the stranger. He -saw before him a tall, rangy lad of eighteen years, keen of face, with -dark hair, strong nose, mouth, and chin, and with intelligence plainly -stamped on his open, honest countenance.</p> - -<p>"What's your name?" demanded the captain.</p> - -<p>"Alec C-C-C-Cunningham, sir," replied the lad.</p> - -<p>"Do you stutter always?"</p> - -<p>"N-N-N-No, sir. I don't stutter at all. I'm just a little -ch-ch-ch-chilly." And the lad shivered violently.</p> - -<p>"He was sleeping on the pier in a pile of oyster sacks," said Sailor -Bishop in explanation.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley stepped forward and laid his hand on young Cunningham's -wrist. It was like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> ice. The captain ran a quick, investigating finger -over the lad's shoulder. "Hell!" he exclaimed. "The kid ain't got -nothin' on."</p> - -<p>He turned to the cook who was just cleaning up the breakfast dishes. -"Dick," he said, "give this boy some grub and a bowl of coffee, and make -it hot, too."</p> - -<p>Again he turned to the lad before him. "Get over beside the stove," he -said. "Why in the deuce didn't you tell a fellow you were freezing to -death? Sleep out in a pile of oyster sacks! Why didn't you tell a fellow -you had no place to sleep? You could have had a bunk on the <i>Bertha B</i>."</p> - -<p>Alec Cunningham tried to express his gratitude, but the right words were -hard to find.</p> - -<p>"I—I—I'm much obliged to you," he said. "I didn't get here till late -last night and I didn't know anybody, and I didn't want to disturb -strangers. But it <i>was</i> cold."</p> - -<p>"Didn't get here till late last night," repeated the captain. "Where do -you come from, and what did you come here for, if you don't know -anything about oystering and don't know anybody here?"</p> - -<p>"I thought maybe I could find my uncle," replied Alec.</p> - -<p>"Then you do know somebody here," said the captain sharply, and again he -looked searchingly at the lad before him.</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I don't," replied Alec. "You see, sir, my father died -recently. My mother has been dead since I was a little baby. I have no -one to live<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> with. So I thought I would look up my uncle. My father used -to tell me about him, but I never saw him. He is an oysterman here at -Bivalve."</p> - -<p>"What's his name?"</p> - -<p>"Thomas Robinson, sir. He was my mother's brother."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley turned square around. "Now don't that beat the deuce," he -said to himself. After a moment he turned about and faced Alec again.</p> - -<p>"My lad," he said in a strangely altered voice, "you just put your -things in that bunk. The <i>Bertha B</i> is your home as long as you want to -stay on her and work—that is, it is if you don't play us any scabby -tricks like that scoundrel who left us in the lurch this morning."</p> - -<p>"But you know I don't know anything about the oyster business," said -Alec with hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Neither does anybody else when he's born," growled the captain. "We all -had to learn. And unless I can't read faces any longer, you can learn as -good as anybody."</p> - -<p>"Then you'll take me as a hand?"</p> - -<p>"You're engaged already."</p> - -<p>"Oh, sir! I don't know how to thank you. I—I—I was awfully in need of -work. I haven't a cent left. I don't know what I would have done if I -hadn't found work pretty soon. You won't be sorry you hired me."</p> - -<p>An idea struck the captain. "When did you eat last?" he demanded -suddenly.</p> - -<p>"Yesterday morning, sir," replied the lad.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p><p>"Dick, you darned good-for-nothing cook," stormed the captain, "what -are you standing around looking at the kid for? Get busy, or I'll fire -you."</p> - -<p>The cook merely smiled. The captain went blustering off to the -wheel-house. Alec looked puzzled, almost alarmed. In perplexity he -turned to the cook.</p> - -<p>"What about my uncle?" he inquired. "Won't the captain let me try to -find him? What did I do to make the captain angry?"</p> - -<p>"Lad," said the cook kindly, "there ain't no use trying to find your -uncle. He went overboard last spring, when they was h'isting an anchor -on the <i>Mary Ford</i> and the anchor purchase parted. We never seen him -again. He was a buddy of the captain's. If you just behave yourself, -you've got a job with Captain Bagley for life. Now, get busy and eat -your breakfast, for we're going to cast off in a few minutes."</p> - -<p>Alec picked up the steaming bowl of coffee that the cook had placed -before him and was about to take a swallow from it when a crashing sound -rent the air and the <i>Bertha B</i> swayed violently at her moorings. The -captain stepped from the wheel-house and ran out on deck. The sound of -angry voices arose. A moment later Captain Bagley came back.</p> - -<p>"That old fool, Tom Hardy, has fouled us," he said angrily. "He had too -much sail up. But he'll pay for his foolishness. His bowsprit carried<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> -away. I don't know how we're going to get out of here now. The tide's -jammed him fast! Anyway, you'll have plenty of time to eat, lad. So go -to it. Now mind you fill him up, Dick."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER II</span> <span class="smaller">THE FLEET SETS SAIL</span></h2> - -<p>"Come over here to the table and set down," said the cook, with a kindly -smile. So tiny was the cabin that one step took Alec to the proffered -stool. Ravenously hungry though he was, his surroundings were so new and -interesting that for a moment he almost forgot to eat, as he looked -around the cabin.</p> - -<p>Tiny it was, indeed. And yet everything in it was so compactly arranged -that half a dozen men could live in it. In one corner stood a small, -square stove, now delightfully hot, with its top guarded by a slender -iron railing, like a miniature fence. Alec knew at once that this was to -keep the pots and pans from sliding off the stove when the ship was -pitching about. Even the dishes were suggestive of rough weather; for -the cook had given Alec his coffee in a big bowl, and the huge plate -which he was filling up with pork-chops, fried eggs, and steaming fried -potatoes, was nothing but a great soup plate. Beside the stove stood a -little cupboard, and this, with the stove, practically filled the stern -end of the cabin. A coal-oil lamp was fastened to the wall between stove -and cupboard.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p><p>There was just room enough left in this part of the cabin for the men -to pack themselves around the table. The table, however, occupied less -space than any table Alec had ever heard of, for it was nothing but two -smooth, unpainted boards, perhaps four feet long, and hinged so as to -fold together lengthwise. One end of this table now rested in a frame on -the port side of the cabin, while the other end was slung from the cabin -roof by a rope.</p> - -<p>Alec thought he had never tasted anything so good as the pork-chops and -fried eggs. Before he knew it, the cook was filling up his plate again, -and pouring him a second bowl of coffee. Alec dumped some sugar in it -and poured out a generous supply of condensed milk from the tin can the -cook shoved toward him.</p> - -<p>Now he noticed that the little cabin had a window and a door on each -side. The stove and the cupboard occupied the stern end of the cabin. -The forward end of the cabin contained bunks, built one above another, -along the sides, where several men could sleep. The forward end of the -cabin had been converted into a little pilot-house, with glass windows -along its entire front and a door at each side, where the captain -operated the boat.</p> - -<p>For, like most of the oyster craft, the <i>Bertha B</i> had been changed from -sailing ship to power boat. The four-cylindered gasoline engine that -drove the ship and operated the oyster-dredges stood immediately below -the cabin bunk room. Alec could see the engine, for a little hatchway in -the floor of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> cabin led directly to the engine room. The hatch was -open and Alec could see a man oiling and adjusting the engine, -preparatory to getting under way.</p> - -<p>When Alec had eaten his fill, the cook began to wash the dishes. Alec -picked up a dish towel and dried them. The cook seemed surprised and -pleased. Alec stacked the dishes away in a tiny cupboard behind the -bunks, at the cook's direction, while the cook folded up the table and -stowed it in a rack overhead, leaving the tiny cabin clear and orderly.</p> - -<p>"Thanks," smiled Dick, when they had finished; and the way the cook -spoke made Alec feel that he had won a friend.</p> - -<p>"If a little thing like drying the dishes will win friends for a -fellow," said Alec to himself, "I'll wipe them every time I get a -chance. I never realized until the last few weeks how much friends mean -to a fellow."</p> - -<p>To the cook he said, "Will it be all right for me to go on deck?"</p> - -<p>"Sure," said the cook. "But put this on." And from a bunk he pulled a -heavy reefing-jacket.</p> - -<p>Gratefully Alec pulled on the coat and stepped out on deck. By this time -the eastern sky was aglow. The fog-bank had dissipated. The sun was not -yet up, but there was sufficient light for Alec to see.</p> - -<p>The first thing to catch his attention was the ship that had fouled the -<i>Bertha B</i> and the boats <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>alongside of her. These craft, as close -together as the fingers of one's hand, lay with their noses pointing -up-stream. Across the bows of the outermost was jammed the offending -vessel, the rushing ebb-tide holding her fast. The end of her bowsprit -dangled helplessly and a broken jib-stay was waving about in the wind. -Jammed tight in her rigging was the bowsprit of one of the ships she had -fouled, holding her tight, like an apple spitted on a stick. But no -damage had been done excepting to the offending vessel herself. Men were -pushing against the ship with boat-hooks, while Captain Hardy's own crew -were pumping at a capstan from which a hawser, stretched tight as a -fiddle string, ran to an up-stream pier.</p> - -<p>The master of the boat was an evil-looking fellow, as burly as he was -hard-featured. In a great, roaring voice he was cursing his crew, -blaming them for the mishap he was responsible for himself. With angry -impatience Captain Bagley watched the efforts that were making to free -the boat.</p> - -<p>"The old fool," he muttered, and to Alec he said, "That fellow ought to -be doing time at Trenton. He's always up to something crooked. The last -time they caught him, he was dredging illegally in the natural beds. He -got off with a fine, but I reckon the next time he gets caught in any -crooked business, he'll go to prison."</p> - -<p>For a few moments Alec watched the sailors pumping at the capstan. Then -his gaze shifted to other interesting sights about him.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p><p>Down-stream and up, rose a forest of masts; for the pier off which the -<i>Bertha B</i> now lay was only one of a score or more parallel piers. And -off each pier were moored six or eight vessels, with still other ships -at greater distances, tied along the shore beyond the great pier shed. -There were scores and scores of boats, mostly two-masted schooners. -Across the river, which was perhaps 1,000 feet wide, was a second great -pier shed that extended along the shore for hundreds of feet, also with -piers running out from it into the river every few rods. And here, and -along the shore above and below the piers, were anchored other scores of -boats. Altogether, the oyster fleet numbered some hundreds of vessels.</p> - -<p>On every ship were signs of activity. In every rigging red and green -lights already sparkled, or men were about to hoist them. On some ships -white lights glimmered aloft; while more and more boats were showing -white lights at their sterns.</p> - -<p>Fascinated, Alec watched the scene. For ship after ship, on either side -of the river, now cast off her lines, swung gracefully with the current -and headed down-stream. On every hand rose the steady put-put-put of -ships' motors. For although most of the oyster craft still carried -sails, practically all of them were driven by gasoline, their sails -being used merely as auxiliaries to their engines, or to steady them -when dredging in a wind.</p> - -<p>And now Alec saw something that made his eyes fairly pop open with -astonishment. Down-stream<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> came a shapely schooner, sails set and -bellying in the wind. But it was neither wind nor tide that drove her so -fast. For behind her, immediately below her white stern light, was a -chugging motor-boat, nose hard against the schooner, pushing her along -at a merry pace. Alec could hardly trust his eyes. For the little -motor-boat was fastened with its nose high in air and its stern deep in -the tide, and had not a soul aboard of her. But above her, at the wheel -on the stern of the schooner, stood a silent steersman. While Alec was -debating with himself as to whether he should believe what he saw or -not, a second oyster-boat came slipping by, also driven by a little -power boat astern. Before he reached the oyster-beds, Alec saw dozens of -boats so operated; and the cook told him that when the oyster-boats -changed from sail power to motors, some ships, like the <i>Bertha B</i>, had -had engines installed in their holds, while others were driven instead -by small power boats.</p> - -<p>Presently the ship across their bow was pulled loose, freeing the little -fleet. The outer vessel immediately cast loose, swung in the tide, and -headed down the river. Meantime, a bell rang, there was a sudden -chug-chug-chug alongside, the clank of machinery was heard below, and -the <i>Bertha B</i> began to vibrate. The captain was warming up his motor.</p> - -<p>Then, "Cast off!" came the order from the pilot-house. The hawsers were -hauled aboard. The <i>Bertha B</i> moved forward, described a great arc in -the river, and headed for the sea.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p><p>Wonderful was the sight that now greeted Alec's eyes. Like a flock of -closely herded sheep, the oyster-boats were making for the dredging -grounds. Before him, beside him, and behind him, their sails showing -faintly in the dim light, Alec saw scores of moving ships. Now he -understood the purpose of all the lights he had seen hoisted. Ahead of -him dozens of stern lights shone white, showing exactly where each ship -was riding. And astern, red and green lights flashed their guiding -signals.</p> - -<p>As the light grew stronger, the scenes around the <i>Bertha B</i> stood out -more and more distinctly. Accustomed as Alec was to mountains and -limited views, the pictures that now unfolded before his eyes were like -visions of a new world. The view was boundless. At least, it stretched -level to the distant horizon in every direction. East, west, north, -south, look where he would, the land was as level as a floor. The river -wound about like a snake, and after the <i>Bertha B</i> had traversed one or -two of these serpentine reaches, she seemed to be in the centre of a -vast marsh-land. Everywhere stretched limitless areas of salt meadow. -Cattails, tall rushes, reeds, salt hay, sedges, and other marshy -growths, standing dead and sere, painted the marshes a monotonous brown. -The slightest thing that rose above the general level seemed magnified -into a great bulk. Here and there distant stacks of salt hay stood up -against the sky-line; but they seemed huge, gigantic, unlike any -haystacks Alec had ever seen. And here and there, also, stood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> solitary -trees or groups of trees, seemingly thrusting their heads into the very -clouds.</p> - -<p>But ever the young oysterman's roving eye came back to the moving fleet. -Two, three, and sometimes even four abreast, trailing close on one -another's heels, the white oyster-boats moved out to sea in majesty. -Overhead sailed innumerable gulls, watching for the scraps thrown from -nautical breakfast tables. And when some cook stepped to his deck and -dumped his table scrapings overboard, gulls came darting from far and -near and settled down to fight and cry over the spoils.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Alec heard the captain's voice. "Come in here, youngster. I -want to talk with you."</p> - -<p>Alec made his way through the cabin into the pilot-house, which was just -deep enough to allow a person to stand comfortably or to sit on a stool. -The floor of the pilot-house was considerably higher than the deck -level, and Alec could see much better here. Also, it was warm. And -although he had been so fascinated by the scene that he had momentarily -forgotten about the weather, he now realized that he had been cold out -on the deck.</p> - -<p>A flash of light caught his eye. Then another light blinked at a much -greater distance. "What are those lights?" Alec asked the captain.</p> - -<p>"Those are the range-lights, to show the way into the harbor. And off -there you can see East Point Light."</p> - -<p>Alec followed the pointing finger of the captain and saw, off the port -bow, a third light gleaming.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p><p>"We seem to be catching those fellows ahead," commented Alec.</p> - -<p>"I reckon they're stuck in the mud," said the captain. "This northeast -wind's been blowing hard for eighteen hours. It will make pretty low -water."</p> - -<p>"How much water does the <i>Bertha B</i> draw?" inquired Alec.</p> - -<p>"Four or five feet," said the captain.</p> - -<p>"Then we ought not to have any trouble," said Alec. "It looks as though -this river was pretty deep."</p> - -<p>"Oh! There's plenty of water in the river; but there's a bar across the -mouth of it, and with this wind blowing there won't be much water over -it."</p> - -<p>Rapidly the <i>Bertha B</i> drew near the boats ahead of her. "They're all -fast," commented the captain, as they passed a schooner on which a -sailor was sounding with a pole. "Don't believe he's got three feet of -water," the captain added. "And look there! The bar's clear out of -water, with a flock of gulls on it. That's a sight you don't often -see—the bar out of water."</p> - -<p>Alec looked where the captain was pointing, and there, a long distance -off the port bow, where the river entered the Delaware Bay, was a -distinct black streak in the water, roughened at one end. The rough -spots were gulls. But Alec would never have known that the black streak -was a strip of mud and the knobby end was a mass of birds, had not the -captain told him.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p><p>"Are we going to get through?" asked Alec, for the <i>Bertha B</i> was still -slowly forging ahead.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said the captain. "We're in the mud now, but we've got a -good engine and if we can keep in the channel, maybe we can make it. But -she's hard to steer in the mud and most of those boats are right in the -channel."</p> - -<p>Slowly the <i>Bertha B</i> continued to move through the mud. A short -distance ahead of her a schooner lay directly in the path. The captain -turned his wheel and tried to swing the <i>Bertha B</i> to one side, but she -would not turn. Nearer she came and still nearer to the stranded -schooner. But the captain could not turn her. A collision seemed -inevitable.</p> - -<p>"Let go that starboard dredge," cried the captain to Sailor Bishop, who -was still on deck. At the same instant the captain signalled sharply to -the engineer. For a single moment the propeller ceased to turn. Then the -<i>Bertha B</i> trembled from end to end, as the engine started again, full -speed astern. The effect was instantaneous. The <i>Bertha B</i> almost -stopped in her tracks. Before ever the sailor could reach the dredge and -heave it overboard, the oyster-boat swung slightly to one side and lay -still.</p> - -<p>"Never mind that dredge," called the captain. To Alec he said, "We're -done. All we can do is to lay here and wait for the tide to float us."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER III</span> <span class="smaller">OVER THE BAR</span></h2> - -<p>The <i>Bertha B</i> now lay as motionless as "a painted ship upon a painted -ocean." The captain released his hold of the steering-wheel and turned -toward Alec, studying his face again.</p> - -<p>"How old are you?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I'll be nineteen on my next birthday."</p> - -<p>"You are pretty big for your age."</p> - -<p>"I'm five feet, ten inches," laughed Alec, "and I don't believe I'm done -growing yet."</p> - -<p>"No. You'll be a six footer before you're done. Was your father a large -man?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I am already two inches taller than he was."</p> - -<p>"Where do you get your size from? Was your mother large?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I've seen pictures of my mother, and she wasn't as tall as -Dad. I guess it must come from good food and exercise."</p> - -<p>"If that's the case, you ought to keep right on growing. You'll get -plenty of both aboard an oyster-boat."</p> - -<p>"If the breakfast I had was a fair sample, I'm sure there will be plenty -of food."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p><p>"I'll see that you get plenty of exercise, too," smiled the captain.</p> - -<p>Again he looked Alec over, seemingly in appraisal of his physical -powers. "You don't look like a working boy," he said. "What kind of -exercise have you been used to?"</p> - -<p>"I never had to work for my living," replied Alec, "because I was going -to school and Dad supported me. But I did all the chores at -home—chopped the wood, took care of the ashes, dug the garden, and so -on. And I was on the high school athletic teams."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" snorted the captain. "That's hard work, that is—playing a -little baseball."</p> - -<p>Alec flushed slightly, but made no reply. He knew well enough that the -captain had never played a hard game of football or he would not have -made that remark.</p> - -<p>"Know anything about water or boats?" the captain asked, after an -interval.</p> - -<p>"I've been used to little sailboats and canoes all my life, sir, and I -can swim."</p> - -<p>Alec might have added that he was the champion swimmer of the Central -City High School, but he wisely did not.</p> - -<p>"Well," rejoined the captain, "that may be useful to you. There are too -many sailors who cannot swim."</p> - -<p>"Sailors who cannot swim," repeated Alec in astonishment. "Why, I -supposed all sailors could swim."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>"Then you supposed wrong. Lots of 'em can't swim a stroke."</p> - -<p>The captain thrust his head out of a window and surveyed the water. -"Tide's about run out," he said.</p> - -<p>Alec noticed that the water below them was moving much slower than it -had been. Accustomed as he was to an inland stream, in which the current -always ran one way, the alternating flow of this tide-water stream -interested him deeply. As he looked at the banks of the river, he could -see that the water had fallen several feet.</p> - -<p>"How much does the tide fall here?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"About six feet, I reckon," said the captain, "but this is an unusually -low tide. In fact, we haven't had a tide as low as this in years. I -don't know when I've seen that bar out of water before. This stiff -northeast wind, coming straight down the river, has blown the water all -out into the Bay."</p> - -<p>"Has the river fallen as much back at the pier as it has here?" asked -Alec, examining the shore carefully.</p> - -<p>"Sure thing. There's enough water to float a boat off the ends of the -piers, but the slips between 'em, where you saw the scows, haven't an -inch of water in 'em. They're only mud-flats, now."</p> - -<p>In the darkness Alec hadn't seen much of the scows, but he did not tell -the captain so. Instead, he said, "It's wonderful. Will it all run back -now?"</p> - -<p>"You'll see it start to flow back in a few minutes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> Of course this -won't be a very high tide, for the wind that blew the water out of the -river will keep some of it from running back."</p> - -<p>"Suppose the wind were blowing in exactly the opposite direction," said -Alec. "Would it blow the river full of water?"</p> - -<p>"That's exactly what it would do. When that happens the water sometimes -gets up over the pier you slept on. That's a couple of feet higher than -common."</p> - -<p>"Whew!" whistled Alec. "That's like our spring-floods inland. Everything -gets covered with water."</p> - -<p>"Pretty much the same thing," said the captain. "But we'd a good deal -rather have a high tide than one of your floods. High tides don't do so -much damage as your floods. And then the tides help us a great deal. But -they was more useful before the days of power boats than they are now. -In them days, if there wasn't any wind to blow your boat, all you had to -do was to wait for the tide to change, and you could go up-stream or -down without a bit of wind. But now that we use gasoline, we don't pay -much attention to the tide."</p> - -<p>Alec glanced out of the window again. The chips and bubbles that had -been floating down-stream were now moving ever so slightly in the -opposite direction.</p> - -<p>"Look!" he cried. "The tide's running in."</p> - -<p>"Sure," said the captain. "I've been watching it. We'll be off pretty -soon."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p><p>Again the captain leaned out of his window and looked up-stream and -down. "Every last boat in the fleet is hung up," he said. "Never knowed -that to happen before. Some of 'em always gets through." He closed the -window and once more faced Alec. "What was you studying in school?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"I took the usual required work in high school," said Alec, "but I was -specializing in biology."</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"The study of life processes," replied Alec.</p> - -<p>The captain looked blank. "What do you do in that study?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Why, you try to find out all about the life of an animal, how it is -born and how it grows and eats and multiplies. You dissect animals, and -you examine them under a microscope. In short, you try to find out all -about an animal's life, just as you oystermen probably do with oysters."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" snorted the captain. Then he laughed aloud. "Now ain't that an -idea," he exclaimed, "watching oysters under a microscope! Young fellow, -we ketch oysters, that's what we do. We ketch 'em for people to eat."</p> - -<p>"But I'm sure it would help you to study them, too. A man can't know too -much about the things he handles."</p> - -<p>"If that's the kind of nonsense they teach you at high school, I'm glad -I never went to one. I can read and write, and that's enough learnin' -for any oysterman."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p><p>Alec made no reply, but the captain's remark had set him thinking. He -wondered if there were not an opportunity to apply his school training -in the oyster business. He knew that science had almost revolutionized -farming, and he wondered if the oyster business might not be somewhat -like farming was before the days of the agricultural colleges. But he -did not know, and he very wisely kept quiet. He determined that he would -look into the matter as he had opportunity.</p> - -<p>He was silent so long that the captain suddenly remarked, "Never mind -what I said, lad. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."</p> - -<p>"You didn't hurt my feelings," smiled Alec. "You just set me to -thinking."</p> - -<p>"Tell me more about your life at Central City," the captain went on.</p> - -<p>"Well, there isn't much to tell. My father worked for the electric light -company, and I belonged to the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol. But that -probably wouldn't interest you, any."</p> - -<p>"You mean that you know something about wireless telegraphy?"</p> - -<p>"Sure. I've got a little outfit with me in my valise. It isn't much of -an outfit, though, for I made it myself. But I can send and receive over -a pretty good radius, even if it is home-made."</p> - -<p>The captain looked at Alec with evident admiration. "Do you mean you -made the set yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Absolutely. I can install it here on the <i>Bertha B</i> and take messages -for you, if you'll let me."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p><p>"It's a nice thing, wireless is," replied the captain, "but it wouldn't -be any use on an oyster-boat. Besides, it would be in the way. You see -how cramped we are for room. These boats was all right as long as they -stuck to sails, but they filled up the hold with engines and winders and -a lot of machinery when they turned 'em into power boats, and they ain't -big enough any longer. We can ketch twice as many oysters with power -boats as we used to with sails, and we don't have room to carry 'em when -we get a big catch. Some day they'll build oyster-boats of a new sort. -They'll make 'em bigger and higher and have room in the hold where we -can put oysters. Then we can catch 'em all winter."</p> - -<p>"Don't you catch them in winter now?" asked Alec in astonishment, for he -distinctly recalled eating oysters all through the winter season.</p> - -<p>"We have to carry 'em on deck," explained Captain Bagley, "and in cold -weather they freeze. Then we have to stop dredging. Your winter oysters -come from the Chesapeake, I reckon; at least in real cold weather. But -tell me some more about this Wireless Patrol. What was it?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Just a bunch of us fellows who had wireless outfits. We used to -talk to each other at night and listen in to all the news that's flying -about; and we used to go camping, too. When the war came, we knew enough -about wireless to be of some use. We caught the German dynamiters at Elk -City, and four of our boys helped the Secret Service in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> New York run -down the secret wireless of the Germans. One of our boys, Henry Harper, -is a government wireless man now, and Roy Mercer is wireless man on the -steamer <i>Lycoming</i> running between New York and Galveston. Charley -Russell is a forest ranger back home in the state forest, and he got his -job largely because of his ability with the wireless. They're going to -install a wireless system in his section of the forest, it is so useful -in fighting forest fires."</p> - -<p>"You don't say!"</p> - -<p>"Sure. You see, Charley started as a fire patrol and he saved a tract of -the finest timber in Pennsylvania because he was able to call help -promptly with his wireless. He'd have had to hike twenty-four miles over -the mountains and back to get help if he hadn't had his wireless outfit -with him, and the fire would have got such a start it would have burned -up the whole tract before they could have stopped it. Oh! You can do -most anything with wireless. I'm sorry I can't use my outfit aboard the -<i>Bertha B</i>. I could string up my aerial between the masts, and I don't -believe my wires would be one bit in your way."</p> - -<p>The captain smiled indulgently. "Wireless is all right, I know," he -said. "But we ain't got any use for it on an oyster-boat. Our business -is to ketch oysters."</p> - -<p>"Don't you ever have accidents?" inquired Alec. "With so many ships -sailing in the same place, I should think you would have collisions -every day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> Why, I should think the oystermen would almost come to -blows, like those gulls there fighting for table scraps."</p> - -<p>"I don't quite get you," said the captain. "Why should we fight?"</p> - -<p>"To see who shall get the oysters, of course. Suppose that ship over -there wanted to dredge in exactly the same spot you have in mind. How -are you going to prevent her from doing it? And where will you get your -oysters then?"</p> - -<p>"Well, you are a landlubber, for sure," laughed the captain. "Why, no -other oysterman would dare come on my grounds. I'd send him to jail, if -he did."</p> - -<p>"What!" cried Alec. "You don't mean that you own part of the oyster-bed? -I supposed the government owned all navigable waters. Our Susquehanna -River is a public stream."</p> - -<p>"Right you be, lad. The government does own the Delaware Bay, but it -leases the oyster-beds, or at least land for oyster-beds, to private -individuals. Each oysterman has his own grounds, just as each of your -Pennsylvania farmers has his own farm."</p> - -<p>"Are you kidding me?" asked Alec, mindful of the reputation sailors have -for spinning yarns.</p> - -<p>"Not a bit," replied the captain. "I thought everybody knew that."</p> - -<p>"But how could a man have an oyster-bed separate from all the other beds -in a big body of water like the Delaware Bay? Why, it must be miles and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> -miles in width. How could anybody tell just where his oysters were, in -such a vast expanse of water?"</p> - -<p>"How could he tell?" snorted the captain. "How can a farmer tell where -his farm is, with so much land all around it?"</p> - -<p>"Why, he'd fence it in, of course, or mark the boundary lines in some -way."</p> - -<p>"Well, young fellow, oystermen have just as much brains as farmers. And -they are just as particular to fence in their own grounds, too."</p> - -<p>Alec's face was blank for a moment. Then he smiled broadly. "Now you -<i>are</i> kidding me," he said.</p> - -<p>"Not for a minute," said the captain. "Do you see that boat over -there—the <i>Mary and Hattie</i>?"</p> - -<p>"Sure!"</p> - -<p>"Do you see those long poles she carries over her starboard rail, near -the stern? They're long saplings with all the branches trimmed off but -the top ones."</p> - -<p>"I see them," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"Well, those are the kind of markers we use to stake off an oyster-bed. -You see there are natural beds in the Bay, where the state won't allow -any dredging except to ketch seed-oysters for spring planting. But an -oysterman can lease as much land elsewhere as he wants and plant it with -oysters. The state surveys it and then the oysterman marks it off with -those poles. And if anybody but the owner dredges oysters in that ground -he'll get just what a fellow would get if he went into a farmer's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> field -and stole his crops. The oysterman owns every oyster in his bed."</p> - -<p>"Honestly?" asked Alec, who was so much astonished that he forgot his -manners. "Why, I supposed that the oysters grew anywhere on the bottom -and that the oystermen just dredged wherever they felt like dredging."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" said the captain. "There'd be a lot of oysters left in a few -years if we did that. The beds would be dredged clean. That's the way -they used to ketch oysters, and the state had to put a stop to it in -order to save any oysters at all. Why, the whole Atlantic coast used to -be covered with oysters, and now there's only a few beds left. This bed -in the Maurice River Cove is one of the most valuable in the whole -United States. But it wouldn't last long if the state didn't regulate -oystering."</p> - -<p>"How does the state regulate it?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"Well, there's the natural bed I told you about. That lies above what we -call the Southwest Line. Nobody dare dredge above that line except in -May and June to ketch seed-oysters. That gives the oysters in the -natural bed a chance to multiply from year to year, so as to provide the -necessary seed."</p> - -<p>"But what's to prevent a boat from slipping in there and dredging -oysters on the sly? If the boats are scattered all over the Bay, and -each boat is busy dredging on its own ground, I don't see what's to -hinder a dishonest captain from stealing the state's oysters."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p><p>Captain Bagley lowered a window-sash and craned his neck, so he could -look up-stream. "See that long, low power boat up there?" he asked, -after running his eye over the fleet behind him. "That's one of the -guard-boats. The state has four of 'em. They're fast little craft and -they watch the fleet every minute. I think that's the <i>Dianthus</i>. She -knows just where every boat belongs, and if a fellow dredges on state -land or on some other fellow's ground, she'll nab him quick."</p> - -<p>"Why, that's just like a police force," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"That's exactly what it is. You see this oyster business has grown to be -a big thing. We shipped nine million dollars' worth of oysters out of -Bivalve last year, and the state ain't takin' no chances on having that -business wrecked. So the state keeps pretty close watch on us."</p> - -<p>"Don't it make you kind of nervous, to be watched all the time?" asked -Alec.</p> - -<p>"Lord bless you!" said the captain. "We ain't got no reason to be -nervous. We'd rather have that guard-boat there than not. It protects -our property when we're not around. Most of the oystermen in this fleet -is as honest as the day is long. They wouldn't touch another man's -grounds if you'd pay 'em. But we do have a few crooked ones, like any -other business, and they have to be watched. The guard-boats don't pay -much attention to the rest of us, but they keep pretty close tab on -skippers that are known to be dishonest. Hello! The <i>Dianthus</i> is -moving. We'll see what we can do."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p><p>The captain leaned forward and rang his bell. The motor began to turn -and the ship once more vibrated. Slowly the <i>Bertha B</i> moved ahead. The -captain swung her toward the channel. Around her the water was inky -black, where her propeller was churning up the mud. The water deepened -and the vessel gained headway. In a moment she was going smoothly. The -bar ahead had disappeared. The tide was rising rapidly. All about her, -other ships were starting or trying to start. Those with power forged -slowly ahead through the mud until they reached the centre of the -channel. A few that depended upon their sails alone were forced by the -wind to circle about before they could head toward the oyster grounds. -Everywhere the scene was one of animation. Ahead of the <i>Bertha B</i> and -behind her, ships by the score were once more in motion. The water -sparkled in the light of the rising sun. And as the river widened into -the Bay, the water began to roll and billow under the strong sweep of -the rising wind.</p> - -<p>On went the <i>Bertha B</i>. To her left stretched East Point, a long, low -finger of sand, reaching far out into the water, the square, white -lighthouse, surmounted by its round light tower, bulking huge against -the horizon. On the right stretched limitless reaches of brown -marsh-land. Behind her ran the serpentine river. And before her lay the -Bay, a waste of tossing water. As far as Alec could see, nothing else -was visible. It was his first sight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> of salt water, and he stood -entranced, fascinated by the picture of the tumbling waves, the darting -gulls, and the fair white ships, heading out to the oyster grounds, like -sheep on the way to pasture.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER IV</span> <span class="smaller">DREDGING OYSTERS</span></h2> - -<p>Suddenly Sailor Bishop appeared on deck. He drew off the cover of the -forward hatch and dropped into the hold. Then broad-bladed oyster -shovels, oyster baskets, culling hammers, and other implements were -shoved up through the hatchway.</p> - -<p>"I can help him with that," said Alec, and leaving the pilot-house, he -made his way forward. But the sailor was already out of the hold and -replacing the hatch cover. He grinned at Alec's offer of assistance and -said there was nothing to be done. Nor was there much to do. The -necessary shovels and baskets were placed amidship, where they could be -reached easily by the men at the dredges. Then the two stood side by -side on the deck, looking at the animated scene. The wind still blew -fresh and the air was cold. But with the warm coat outside of him and a -good breakfast inside, Alec was not the least bit chilled. The fresh air -was invigorating.</p> - -<p>The members of the Wireless Patrol had always been told to keep their -eyes and ears open and their mouths closed; and Alec now tried to -practice what he had been taught. The oyster-dredges interested<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> him -keenly. These were huge iron frames, shaped like wish-bones, with ends -that curved over like hooks, and that were connected by a straight iron -bar. This bar was armed with huge iron teeth, like those of a rake. This -toothed bar was intended to drag along the bottom and rake up the -oysters, as pebbles are raked together with a garden rake. The oysters -so caught were held in a bag or network, made of iron rings and links, -that was fastened to the frame of the dredge.</p> - -<p>On either side of the ship lay one of these dredges, ready to be put -overboard. Immediately before each dredge, and mounted in the ship's -rail, was a horizontal iron roller, and just back of this was a vertical -roller. It was perfectly evident that the horizontal roller was intended -for use in pulling the dredge in and out of the ship, while the vertical -roller would revolve under pressure of the dredge chain as this paid out -after the dredge was tossed overboard. The chain, in each case, was -fastened to the apex of the dredge, or what might be called the top of -the wish-bone; and these chains, one from each side, led directly to the -winders amidships, which were simply revolving drums or spools of iron -that wound up the dredge chains.</p> - -<p>Alec was more than eager to see the outfit work, but the ship went on -and on at full speed.</p> - -<p>"How far do we have to go before we begin to dredge?" he finally asked -his companion.</p> - -<p>"I reckon our grounds are about eight miles out," replied the sailor.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p><p>Alec opened his eyes wide, but said nothing. By this time they were far -offshore. They could still see the trees and haystacks on the meadows -but the shore-line was becoming more and more indistinct. The -oyster-boats had scattered in every direction, and now that the ships -had separated there did not seem to be nearly as many of them.</p> - -<p>"There's Egg Island Light," said the sailor, pointing ahead to -starboard.</p> - -<p>Alec looked, and finally made out what seemed to him a tiny, dark column -in the gray waves. With every minute the expanse of water widened and -the shore grew more indistinct. Suddenly Alec's attention was attracted -by something far ahead in the water. He saw at once that it was a little -cluster of saplings, such as he had seen lashed to the side of the <i>Mary -and Hattie</i>. Their bushy tops gave them the appearance of a tiny thicket -growing right in the water. Then he saw a second cluster of stakes, and -beyond them, at intervals, other stakes. All these little groups of -stakes were in a straight line, so that the effect was, indeed, not -unlike a long fence-row. As the <i>Bertha B</i> drew nearer to the -oyster-beds, Alec could see stakes in every direction. Most of them, he -noticed, were just bare poles, that stuck out of water two or three -feet, like the tips of so many fishing poles. But some groups of stakes -were still bushy at the top, like the first clusters he had seen. He -asked his companion why two sorts of stakes were used.</p> - -<p>"They was all alike when they was put down,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> said Sailor Bishop, "but -most of them have lost their tops. The waves and the ice and the -oyster-boats themselves break off the little branches at the tops, -leaving only the bare poles."</p> - -<p>"Then why aren't all the tops broken and not just some?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Those bushy ones have just been put down. You see the oystermen -like to mark their beds well in the fall. It makes it so much easier to -find their grounds when spring comes."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Why, if this happens to be a cold winter, every pole in sight may be -broke off by the ice. If a skipper has put down fresh poles just before -winter, he can find his bed pretty easy when spring comes."</p> - -<p>"How?" asked Alec in amazement. "How can he ever tell where his grounds -are if his stakes are gone?"</p> - -<p>"Well, they won't be gone altogether. Just the tops are broke off. At -low tide there'll be some stumps sticking up. A skipper just sails out -and gets the range of his beds and then hunts for his stakes till he -finds them. Then he puts down new stakes."</p> - -<p>"But how can he ever get his range, as you call it?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! He knows his landmarks. You see Egg Island Light over there, and -just behind it that tall clump of trees? Well, if we had an oyster-bed -right here, that light and those trees would always be in a line when we -are over our bed. Now if he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> had some landmarks in this other direction, -too, a skipper could always tell when he was right on this spot, for -he'd have to have both sets of landmarks in line."</p> - -<p>"Why, that's nothing but triangulation," said Alec. "We studied that in -school."</p> - -<p>"I don't know what they call it in school, but that's the way a skipper -finds an oyster-bed when his stakes is gone."</p> - -<p>"What I don't understand," questioned Alec, "is why the ice doesn't take -the stakes away altogether, instead of just breaking off the branches at -the tops of the stakes."</p> - -<p>"Lord bless you, son! You couldn't pull them stakes up with a derrick."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because they're down in the mud five or six feet and it holds them -tighter'n a porous plaster sticks to your back."</p> - -<p>"How do you ever get them down so deep?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! They go down easy as a rule. You just take a stake under your arm -and work it down into the mud. It goes down easy enough, but it won't -come out for nothing. Sometimes, though, when the mud's tough or the -bottom sandy, they won't go down nohow. Then we have to pump them down."</p> - -<p>"Pump them down!" cried Alec in astonishment. "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Why, we fasten a hose to the sharp end of the stake, and the engine -sucks the mud or sand up<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> through the hose as we work the stake down. I -tell you them stakes <i>never</i> comes up!"</p> - -<p>"Does it take long to stake out an oyster-bed?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"Well, that depends upon the weather and the mud and a lot of other -things. If an oyster captain is too busy to put down his own poles, he -can get a stake sticker to do it for him."</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! There's lots of men with little boats, who ain't got money enough -to start oystering themselves, that make a business of putting out -stakes for men who have beds. They charge a dollar a stake, and in a -good day they can put down twenty-five or thirty stakes."</p> - -<p>"Whew! There must be big money in that. I should think everybody would -become stake stickers instead of oystermen."</p> - -<p>"It ain't as good as it sounds. A man has to own a boat before he can be -even a stake sticker. And he's got to hire two or three men to help him, -and pay for the poles as well. And then it's work that lasts only a -little while each year. So I reckon there ain't so much in it after -all."</p> - -<p>"Likely not," said Alec. "It's like a lot of other things in life. The -less you know about it, the better it looks."</p> - -<p>Just then the captain's voice was heard. "Hey! Kid! Come here."</p> - -<p>Alec turned and saw the captain beckoning to him. He made his way back -to the pilot-house.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p><p>"We're almost to our grounds," said the captain, "and we don't want to -lose a minute. Pull on them oilskins. You can't ketch oysters in them -duds of yourn. You'd soon be soaked."</p> - -<p>The captain pointed to a suit of oilskins hanging above his bunk. Alec -pulled the waterproof clothes, which were bright yellow in color, over -his other clothes, and exchanged his cap for the captain's sou'wester. -Then he took off his shoes and got into the captain's boots.</p> - -<p>"Bishop will tell you what to do, young 'un," said the captain, "and be -darned careful about them winder chains. More'n one man's had his arm -took off in this fleet by winder chains."</p> - -<p>Alec went forward. "What do you want me to do?" he asked the sailor.</p> - -<p>"You help me handle this dredge. We pull it in this way," and he -indicated how he and Alec were to take hold of it. "And then we grab -them round rings and dump the oysters out on the deck. Then we shove the -dredge overboard again and go to culling. I'll show you how to do that -when we get some oysters. We're almost there now. See them four bunches -of stakes? They're the corners of our grounds."</p> - -<p>"How big is this bed?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"I reckon about ten acres, but Cap'n Rumford's got a good many other -beds farther out. I reckon he must have more'n a thousand acres of -oysters."</p> - -<p>"Cap'n Rumford?" asked Alec. "Who's he? I thought our captain's name was -Bagley."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p><p>The sailor looked at Alec and laughed. "So it is," he said. "But he's -merely the cap'n of this boat. Cap'n Rumford's the owner of the outfit. -We're just workin' for him."</p> - -<p>"Do you dredge all the oysters from those thousand acres?"</p> - -<p>"Lord bless you!" laughed the sailor. "It takes a whole fleet to do -that. Cap'n Rumford has three or four boats going all the time."</p> - -<p>"Isn't that an awful lot of oysters—a thousand acres?"</p> - -<p>"I reckon it's just about the biggest oyster-bed down here. You're dead -lucky to start oystering with the Rumford outfit, lad. As long as you do -the right thing by the cap'n, he'll sure treat you white."</p> - -<p>Just then the cook and the engineer came on deck. "Now me and you will -handle this dredge," said Sailor Bishop, "and Dick and Joe'll take care -of the other. Just git over on that side of the dredge. And watch them -chains. We're almost ready."</p> - -<p>The <i>Bertha B</i> passed one of the clumps of stakes that Sailor Bishop had -pointed out.</p> - -<p>And at once, "Let go your dredges!" came the order from the pilot-house.</p> - -<p>Alec and the sailor seized the starboard dredge by which they stood, and -Dick and Joe grasped the other; and both dredges shot overboard at the -same instant. The chains paid out against the vertical rollers with a -loud rattle. Alec stood silent,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> eagerly awaiting the first haul. He -wondered what would be in the dredge. The engine continued to churn up -the water, and the <i>Bertha B</i> forged ahead, dragging her heavy, clumsy -dredges behind her.</p> - -<p>"How deep is this bed?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"About eighteen or twenty feet, I reckon."</p> - -<p>"Are they all as deep as that?"</p> - -<p>"No. Some of them ain't more than ten feet deep. It all depends -upon——"</p> - -<p>Suddenly there was a loud, clanking sound in the hold. The chain of the -starboard dredge began to grow taut.</p> - -<p>"Look out for that chain," warned the sailor again, as it began to reel -up.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the dredge shot out of water and followed the chain over the -roller. Alec and the sailor grabbed it and shoved it to the deck. In -another second they had thrust the dredge back over the side.</p> - -<p>The sailor picked up a culling hammer, which was very much like an -enlarged tack-hammer, and fell to sorting oysters. The very largest he -put in a basket by themselves. These were "primes," and there were few -of them. The remaining oysters, the "culls," he dropped into another -basket as fast as he could sort them out. Many old oyster shells had -come up with the dredge. These and the "rattlers" (oysters with cracked -or broken shells), the sailor raked into a little pile by themselves -with his culling hammer. The rattlers were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> detected by tapping the -shells with the hammer. They gave forth a hollow, rattling sound.</p> - -<p>Alec dropped on one knee, in imitation of his companion, and also began -to cull the oysters. At first he was somewhat clumsy; but with a little -practice, he acquired considerable dexterity. In the heap with the -oysters were a few clams, a small crab, a conch shell, and an -evil-looking fish, that the sailor struck in the head with his culling -hammer and contemptuously called a "Cape May minister." When the sailor -had filled his basket with cull oysters, he dumped it in the middle of -the deck hard against the pilot-house. Then he dropped a single oyster -in a basket that stood in front of the winders. Alec filled his basket -and the sailor dumped it also and dropped another oyster in the basket. -It was the method of keeping tally.</p> - -<p>Meantime the other dredge had come aboard, and Dick and Joe were also -hard at it. The captain, operating the dredges from the pilot-house, -brought up the dredges at frequent intervals. When the starboard dredge -chain began to wind up again, Alec and the sailor seized their shovels -and shoveled the old shells and rattlers overboard again. But try as -they would, they could hardly cull their pile of oysters before another -dredgeful came aboard. Alec observed that Sailor Bishop was much the -quickest of the three men at the dredges. He determined to watch him -closely and try to become just as expert himself.</p> - -<p>Also he understood why the captain had had him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> don water-proof clothes. -The deck was adrip with water from the oysters, and every few minutes a -wave splashed against the side of the boat, drenching the schooner with -spray. Without the oilskins Alec would soon have been wet to the hide.</p> - -<p>He found, too, that he needed more than oilskins to protect him. His -fingers were rapidly becoming raw, and he saw that they would soon be -cut to the bone by the sharp shells. His companions all wore rubber -finger-stalls and Alec sighed with relief when he found that he could -borrow some for his own fingers.</p> - -<p>Presently Alec noticed that another oyster-boat was dredging in the -adjoining bed. As the two boats sailed back and forth, passing and -repassing each other, Alec couldn't help thinking how much like two -farmers they were, plowing in adjoining fields. The other boat was one -of the few ships in the fleet that still operated by wind power. Alec -thought her a beautiful sight as she heeled over before the sharp wind, -and sent the waves foaming from her bow and the spray dashing high. And -she was far more picturesque than the <i>Bertha B</i>, which spread no sails -at all. For this ship had all her sails set, and her steersman stood on -deck in the open, vigorously twirling his steering-wheel.</p> - -<p>The day wore on. Monotonously the <i>Bertha B's</i> propeller churned the -yeasty waves. The winders rattled and clanked. Regularly the dredges -came aboard and were dropped back again into the waves. The wind blew -fresh. The sun shone bright. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> waves sparkled. The pile of oysters -before the pilot-house grew larger and larger. From time to time the -cook slipped into the cabin, and Bishop stepped across the deck to help -Joe with the other dredge. Now that he had acquired some facility in -handling the oysters, and his fingers no longer smarted with the salt -water, Alec enjoyed every moment. He didn't feel the least bit seasick, -and the cool, fresh air was delightful to breathe. But he could see that -in cold, stormy weather it would be anything but fun to work on the open -deck of an oyster-boat. Time passed faster than he dreamed. For suddenly -the <i>Bertha B's</i> whistle blew. The oystermen stopped work as though they -had been shot.</p> - -<p>"What's wrong?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," said Bishop. "It's time for dinner."</p> - -<p>"But it <i>can't</i> be noon yet," insisted Alec.</p> - -<p>"It isn't. We eat dinner at ten o'clock on an oyster-boat."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm not sorry to hear it," said Alec. "It can't come too early -for me."</p> - -<p>After dinner, dredging was resumed. By mid afternoon more than four -hundred baskets of oysters were heaped up on deck of the <i>Bertha B</i>. -Then the dredges were stowed aboard, and the ship headed for the mouth -of the river. From every direction other boats were making for the same -point. But this time there was no bar visible. There was water aplenty. -Up the river raced the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> oyster-boats, sometimes three and even four -abreast, every ship piled high with oysters. On the way up the river -supper was served. Before five o'clock the <i>Bertha B</i> had reached the -oyster piers. She pulled on past them to a huge float, on which the -oysters were shoveled to allow them to lie in the brackish water to -fatten. Then the deck was washed and the implements stowed in the hold. -Captain Bagley headed the <i>Bertha B</i> down-stream once more, and in a few -minutes she was moored snugly to the very pier on which Alec had sought -shelter the night before.</p> - -<p>But it was a very different world to Alec. He had a warm place to sleep -on the <i>Bertha B</i>; he had all he could eat; he had a job; and he had -found friends. He didn't know yet how much his job would pay him, for it -hadn't occurred to him to ask. It was enough for the present to know -that he had work and would no longer have to go hungry. About his new -friends he knew almost nothing; but he felt sure they were going to be -friends, for they all had treated him in a kindly fashion. Concerning -his future he had as yet little idea. A few weeks previously it had -never occurred to him that he would ever be an oysterman. But now that -he had had a taste of oystering and had begun to get an insight into it, -he saw at once that it was entirely possible that he might become an -oysterman. He knew that men could rise in the oyster business as well as -in any other. Like the sensible boy he was, Alec told himself that he -would work as hard as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> he could, learn all he could, and earn and save -all he could. If he got ready for an opportunity, the opportunity might -come. Now that he did have to support himself, he meant to make the best -job of it he knew how.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER V</span> <span class="smaller">EVENING AT THE OYSTER PIER</span></h2> - -<p>On the way across the river every man in the crew had pulled off his -oilskins, and now all were ready to go ashore.</p> - -<p>"Come along with me, Alec," said Captain Bagley as he scrambled over the -rail.</p> - -<p>The <i>Bertha B's</i> pier, and all the other piers, were covered for the -greater part of their length by an enormous roof sloping up to the -building that extended along the landward side of the piers. This -building, hundreds of feet in length, was tenanted by the various oyster -shippers. Each occupied a small section of it containing wareroom and -storage compartments on the pier level, and office rooms on the floor -above. At every pier little openings, like tiny tunnels, led through -this long building to the wide shipping platform on the farther side, -where the trains were loaded.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley entered one of these tunnel-like passages, but half-way -through he stepped into a little wareroom, nearly filled with sacked -oysters, and mounted some narrow wooden stairs. Alec followed close at -his heels. The stairs led to the office of Captain Rumford, and that -individual was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> sitting behind his desk, addressing shipping tags. He -looked up as Captain Bagley entered, said "Hello!" and went on -addressing tags. Captain Bagley sat down in a chair, by the pot-bellied -stove in the centre of the room, and motioned for Alec to occupy a -second chair.</p> - -<p>On the walls were hung pictures of boats, gaudy advertising calendars of -oyster shippers and ship-chandlers, with models of oyster-boats, that -Alec found very interesting. Oilskins hung on pegs and long boots stood -in a corner, showing that Captain Rumford was as well prepared for bad -weather as any of his sailors. Alec rightly guessed that sometimes he -went along with his boats to the oyster grounds.</p> - -<p>When Captain Rumford had finished his tags, he laid down his pen, turned -away from his desk, and tilted back in his chair. "Well, Bagley, how did -it go to-day?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Not so bad, not so bad," replied Captain Bagley, "everything -considered. Looked bad for a time, though. That Hawley got drunk last -night and snuk off after he'd had his breakfast. But this kid turned up -and took his place. Then old Hardy fouled us and broke his bowsprit, and -that held us up so long we got stuck on the bar. Every boat in the fleet -got hung up. Bar was clean out o' water. Made us late gettin' out. But -we got more than four hundred baskets at that. Not so bad, eh? Not so -bad."</p> - -<p>"Good enough, Bagley. Who is the lad?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p><p>"Name's Alec Cunningham," said Captain Bagley. "Alec, this is Captain -Rumford."</p> - -<p>Alec sprang to his feet, stepped to the captain's side, and shook hands -with him.</p> - -<p>He knew at once that he was going to like Captain Rumford. The captain's -glance seemed to bore right through Alec. He felt as though the captain -could read everything that was in his mind. But there was a kindly -expression about his face that won Alec instantly.</p> - -<p>"Where do you come from?" asked Captain Rumford. "I never saw you around -here."</p> - -<p>"He come from up in Pennsylvania," said Captain Bagley, "and he's a -nephew of my old buddy, Thomas Robinson, that was drowned when the <i>Mary -Ford's</i> anchor purchase parted last spring. His parents is dead and he -come here to find his uncle. Hit here last night without a cent and -slept out on our pier in them oyster sacks. Darned wonder he didn't -freeze to death."</p> - -<p>"That's a shame," exclaimed Captain Rumford, "with so many bunks around -here he could have slept in. Why, there's half a dozen in this office."</p> - -<p>"It didn't hurt me any," laughed Alec, "but it was cold." And a little -shiver ran down his back at the recollection of his chilly bed.</p> - -<p>"Wonder where Hawley got his booze," said Captain Rumford presently. "He -was a pretty good man, wasn't he? What are you going to do with him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. He was a good worker, but I ain't got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> time to fool with that kind -o' cattle. I'll tell him to go aboard and get his things. I've got to -have men I can depend on."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford arose and began to pull on his overcoat. "Time to be -getting home," he said. "Just a word with you, Bagley, before I go." He -entered an inner room, followed by his ship captain. "Does this young -chap intend to become an oysterman?" asked the shipper.</p> - -<p>"I don't know that, Cap'n," replied the master of the <i>Bertha B</i>. "He -was flat on his back when he struck here and would probably have taken -any job he could get. Hadn't had anything to eat for twenty-four hours."</p> - -<p>"Well, he's got a good, clean face. I like the cut of his jib. Got lots -of grit, if I ain't mistaken. Looks as though he knew something, too."</p> - -<p>"He's a wireless man. Got an outfit with him that he made himself. He's -had a high school education, too."</p> - -<p>"He has, eh? Well, I've been sizing him up, and I thought he was a -clever lad. Got the making of a good man in him. How does he work?"</p> - -<p>"Good! Mighty good. Took right hold like an old-timer. Just had to see a -thing done once, and he picked it up as though he had done it all his -life."</p> - -<p>"Know anything about his habits?"</p> - -<p>"No. But he don't use tobacco, and I'm pretty sure he never touched -booze."</p> - -<p>"Well, take care of him, but don't spoil him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> Put him through the mill -and see what he's got in him. If he's the lad I take him to be, we don't -want him to get away from us. It's hard to find really good men -nowadays. Well, I must get home. Now mind you don't spoil him."</p> - -<p>When the two men came back into the main office Captain Rumford said -rather severely, "Young man, Captain Bagley wants to take you on as a -regular hand. He says he's going to fire the fellow who was drunk this -morning. I don't know about it. I don't know about it. It's a risky -thing to do, when we're so short handed. Jim Hawley is a good worker."</p> - -<p>"Oh, sir, if only you will let me stay," pleaded Alec, "you'll never be -sorry. It's true I don't know anything about oystering yet, but I can -learn, sir. And I can and will work as hard as anybody. I need the -work—need it terribly. Please, sir, give me a chance."</p> - -<p>"Well," said the shipper, "I make it a rule not to interfere with my -captains. Bagley says he wants you, and I suppose I shall have to humor -him. Your uncle was a great friend of his. But mind, you can't hold a -job on one of my boats just because your uncle was a friend of the -skipper. I'll give you a job. But it's up to you to keep it. -Understand?"</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir. Thank you," said Alec gratefully. "It's very good of -you to give me the chance. I'll try to make good, sir. I can learn as -well as anybody."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p><p>"Very well. We will see what you can do. Now I must be getting home, or -I'll have to account to Mrs. Rumford for this extra half hour."</p> - -<p>The captain's face was as stern as ever, but there was a twinkle in his -eyes that belied the sternness. And the tone in which the skipper said, -"Good night, Bagley," confirmed Alec's first impression that Captain -Rumford had a soft heart under his somewhat rough exterior.</p> - -<p>The three oystermen went down-stairs. Captain Rumford locked the door -and went to his automobile, parked on the farther side of the railroad. -Alec and Captain Bagley turned back toward the pier shed. To Alec, the -interview just ended seemed momentous. He had a job. He had a start in -life. But little did he dream what a part this half hour in the oyster -shipper's office was destined to play in his life.</p> - -<p>It was still daylight, though dusk was at hand. "If it's all right," -said Alec, "I'd like to look around a bit."</p> - -<p>"Look as much as you like," said Captain Bagley. "But you'd better turn -in early. You know we have to be out to the oyster-beds by sunup. Hello! -There's Hawley now."</p> - -<p>Alec waited to see what would happen. The big oysterman came swinging -along under the pier shed, just sufficiently unsteady on his feet to -betray the fact that he had been drinking again.</p> - -<p>"Go aboard and get your duds," called Captain Bagley sharply, as the man -came up to him. "You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> can get what's due you on Friday when the rest are -paid."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"You know well enough what I mean. Take your clothes out of my boat and -don't you set foot in her again."</p> - -<p>The drunken oysterman leered at Captain Bagley. "You can't fire me. -You've got only three men left and there ain't another hand to be had."</p> - -<p>"There ain't, eh? Well, here's one. He did your work to-day, and he's -going to do it every day. See? Now get your things out of the <i>Bertha B</i> -and be quick about it."</p> - -<p>Instantly a change came over the oysterman. "Take the bread from an -honest man's mouth, would you?" he snarled, turning upon Alec. "Take his -job away from him, would you? You young pup, I'll fix you!"</p> - -<p>His attitude was so threatening that Alec stepped back in alarm.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley grasped the sailor by the arm and spun him around. "You -get your clothes and get out here before you get in trouble," he said -sternly.</p> - -<p>The oysterman swore viciously, but obeyed, and went shambling down the -pier to the boat.</p> - -<p>"You'd better keep your weather-eye on him," said the captain. "I don't -believe he'd really try to hurt you, but he's a bad actor when he gets -drunk. So just watch him. I'll go aboard and see that he behaves himself -on the <i>Bertha B</i>."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p><p>Alec hastened to have a look at his surroundings before darkness came. -Although it was late in the day, there was still much activity on the -piers, for this was the rush season. In the slips between piers were -many square-ended scows, some loaded deep with oysters that were covered -with burlap sacks against a sudden cold snap, while others were entirely -emptied of their cargo, their sacks laid in neat piles amidships.</p> - -<p>Still other scows were being unloaded. Mostly four scow men were at work -in each scow, counting and culling the oysters. As fast as the baskets -were filled, they were hoisted to the piers, where other men emptied -them into sacks and tossed the empty baskets back into the scows. Six -baskets filled a sack. The sacks were sewed up as fast as they were -filled, and trundled off on trucks to the waiting cars. Such rattlers -and empty shells as had gotten in among the good oysters were thrown in -little heaps in the centres of the scows.</p> - -<p>Presently Alec saw a rough looking old fellow sculling a flat-bottomed -boat into a slip where some empty scows were floating.</p> - -<p>"Can I have your shells, Cap'n?" asked the boatman of the shipper who -stood on the pier, sewing up the last of his sacks.</p> - -<p>"Sure," said the shipper, and the old boatman began to shovel the shells -from the scows into his own boat.</p> - -<p>"Now I wonder what he wants with those shells," thought Alec. Then, -following his rule,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> he decided to watch and see what the old fellow did -with them.</p> - -<p>As there were six scows to clean, it was evident that it would take him -some time to get all the shells; so Alec walked on. He went past pier -after pier. On most of them, men were just finishing their day's work, -sewing up and trundling away the last of their oysters. On some piers -were great rows of barrels, such as had sheltered Alec from the wind on -Captain Rumford's pier. On practically every pier baskets were stacked -up like the barrels; and when Alec noticed how wet they were, he rightly -guessed that they were left out in the wind to dry. On some piers seines -were hung up on long poles that extended from rafter to rafter. Yawl -boats, most of them equipped with gasoline engines, floated in the -slips. And several had been stowed on piers. One by one the oyster craft -were tying up at the ends of the piers, so that the river began to -present as crowded an appearance as it had in the early morning.</p> - -<p>At the end of the pier shed was a big blacksmith shop, with quantities -of dredges, anchors, and other boat equipment to be mended.</p> - -<p>Alec went around the end of the pier house and started back along the -wide shipping platform. He was amazed to see that three lines of cars on -three parallel tracks stood ready to receive the day's yield of oysters. -Little, metal markers, labeled Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, New -York, and so on, were stuck in the doors of the various<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> cars, to help -the men trucking the oysters get them in the proper cars. The strings of -cars reached the full length of the oyster sheds, which must have been -at least two hundred yards; and Alec saw at once that when the three -strings were coupled in one train, there would be considerably more than -a third of a mile of oysters going to market. When he remembered that he -had seen another train at the oyster sheds across the river, he suddenly -realized what an enormous industry this oyster business was, and what a -lot of money there must be in it for successful oyster shippers. It made -him more determined than ever to look into the situation well and see if -his opportunity in life might not lie right here.</p> - -<p>As Alec walked along the shipping platform, his wonder grew. Here were -telegraph stations, butcher shops, ship-chandleries, where one could buy -almost anything needed aboard ship, and so on, as well as the offices of -the oystermen. Overhead swung the signs of the different shippers, and -Alec was interested in reading them. On these signs he saw many of the -names he had seen earlier in the day on the oyster-boats themselves; and -he guessed that many of these boats, like the <i>Bertha B</i> and the <i>Mary -and Willie</i>, must have been named after members of the shippers' -families.</p> - -<p>By the time Alec had completed the circuit of the oyster sheds, and -gotten back to the slip where the old man was collecting shells, it was -almost dark. The shell collector was just sculling his craft out<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> of the -slip into the river. Alec walked to the end of the pier and saw that the -man was pointing his boat up-stream. Deciding to follow him on land, -Alec hurried along under the pier shed in pursuit.</p> - -<p>Long before this the electric lights had been lighted, and Alec did not -realize how dark it really was until he had passed beyond the shed under -the open sky. At first he could hardly see anything. Once he glanced -back, and in the faint light from the pier shed made out the form of a -man behind him. As he went on, he heard footsteps coming close, but -thought nothing of it. He came to a little landing place built of a few -planks, that projected well out over the water. His eyes had now grown -accustomed to the dark, and he cautiously made his way out on this -landing, to look for the shell collector. He was surprised to hear a -tread behind him on the landing. Just as he turned to see who was -coming, there was a rush of feet on the planks, a hoarse voice cursed -him viciously, and in another instant powerful arms grasped him and -flung him headlong into the swirling tide.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VI</span> <span class="smaller">OVERBOARD IN THE DARK</span></h2> - -<p>Down, down, down into the chilling water went Alec. So confused was he -that he did not know which way was down and which was up. He opened his -eyes but the muddy water was inky black and he could see nothing. So -sudden and unexpected had been the attack that he had not had time even -to catch his breath before he sank beneath the water. Immediately he -began to suffer for air.</p> - -<p>Instinctively Alec struck out, but after a few strokes he stopped -swimming. He was recovering his wits rapidly, and he realized that it -was worse than useless to try to swim until he knew in which direction -he was going. He might swim under a scow or boat and be drowned. It was -fortunate indeed that Alec ceased swimming when he did, for the tide and -his own efforts were taking him directly under a big oyster-float. The -instant he stopped swimming, the lifting force of the water shot him -upward. It was high time he got his head above water, for his lungs -seemed about to burst. He knew he could not hold his breath much longer.</p> - -<p>With quick wit he raised his hands above his head the instant he felt -himself rising. And it was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> well he did so. Hardly had he lifted them -before he crashed into one of the great timbers of the oyster-float. The -impact almost broke his fingers; and although his hands lessened the -force of the blow, nevertheless he bumped his head so hard that for an -instant he was dazed. His extended hands alone had saved him from being -knocked senseless and drowned. For a second he lost control of himself -and swallowed some water. Sudden terror clutched his heart. He realized -that in another moment he might drown. Wildly, frantically, he clawed at -the timber above him. One hand met solid wood wherever it moved. But the -other shot upward into the free air. With his last remaining ounce of -strength Alec dragged himself from under the log that formed the edge of -the float and pulled himself up until his nose was above water.</p> - -<p>Shuddering, gasping, gulping in both air and water, Alec clung to the -log desperately. Panic took possession of him. He tried to cry out, but -succeeded only in swallowing more water. Wildly he clutched the float -and tried to draw himself up on it; but the great round log, slippery -with mud and slime, gave him not the slightest finger hold. Almost -exhausted and nearly paralyzed with cold, he slipped back into the -water. But his hands still rested on the log.</p> - -<p>Then he took a grip on himself and choked back the wave of fear that was -chilling his heart worse than the cold water was numbing his muscles. -He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> let his body sink in the flood until only his nose and eyes were -above water; and clinging to the log, he remained perfectly still for a -moment to recruit his waning strength. Meantime his mind and his eyes -were both busy.</p> - -<p>By this time his eyes were free from water and accustomed to the -darkness. He could see fairly well. A hasty glance showed him a long -line of floats, oyster-boats, scows, and similar craft moored parallel -with the shore. He was in the smooth water between float and shore and -only a few yards distant from solid ground. With that realization a wave -of courage swept over Alec that seemed almost to warm him. For now he -knew he should get out all right. He had only to swim the little -distance between float and shore and he was safe.</p> - -<p>Boldly he struck out, and a few strokes carried him close to the bank. -His foot touched bottom. He swam another stroke or two and put his feet -down to walk ashore. Then he gave a cry of terror as he felt himself -sinking down, down, down into the terrible, black, clinging mud. He -tried to raise his foot, but only sank the deeper. Already he was in mud -above his knees, and his nose was frightfully close to the surface of -the water. Through his head flashed the memory of the oyster stakes in -the muddy bottom of the Bay—six feet deep in the mud, so Sailor Bishop -had told him, and held so tight that they could not be pulled out. A -fresh wave of fear swept over him.</p> - -<p>But he fought desperately to keep his wits. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> realized that his broad -shoes would not go down into the mud like the sharpened ends of poles. -He stood perfectly still to see whether or not he was still sinking -deeper. When he realized that he was not, he could have shouted for joy. -The tide was running out, and the water would not come up over his head, -even if the mud did hold him prisoner for a time. But soon he realized -that cold could kill him quite as effectively as water. For now that the -fear of drowning had left him, he became conscious of the fact that he -was shaking all over and that his teeth were chattering terribly. He -must get out and get out at once. But how should he get out? He dared -not move, lest he sink deeper into the mud. And there did not appear to -be a soul anywhere around. There were no lights near. It was supper -time, and everybody had gone home for the night.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he heard the steady put-put-put of a motor-boat coming up the -river. The sound drew near.</p> - -<p>"Help! Help! Help!" cried Alec at the top of his voice.</p> - -<p>But the boat continued to chug steadily upstream, its rhythmic -put-put-put-put drowning out all sound of Alec's feeble cries. Again and -again Alec called for help, but the boat went steadily on. It passed the -craft moored below Alec. It came abreast of the oyster-float. Still -Alec's cries were unheard. As the boat came directly opposite him, Alec -gathered his remaining strength for a last<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> effort and fairly screamed, -"Help! Help! Help!"</p> - -<p>There was a sudden commotion on the motor-boat. The steersman rose to -his feet and peered into the darkness. A second man shut off the engine.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" hailed a voice from the boat. "Where are you?"</p> - -<p>"Back of the oyster-float near shore," cried Alec. "I'm stuck in the -mud."</p> - -<p>"Stand still and we'll get you in a minute," came the quick response.</p> - -<p>"Put-put-put," went the little motor-boat again, and in another moment -it was alongside the float. A sailor leaped from the boat, with a coil -of rope in his hand. He splashed his way across the float, calling, -"Where are you?"</p> - -<p>"Right here," called Alec, raising his arms above the water and waving -them in air.</p> - -<p>"Catch this rope," answered the sailor, and a line came whizzing -straight into Alec's upraised arms.</p> - -<p>"I've got it," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"Tie it under your arms and hold fast."</p> - -<p>Alec's hands shook so that he could hardly knot the rope, but finally he -had it fast about his chest. He grasped the rope at arms' length. "All -right," he cried.</p> - -<p>"Heave ho!" sang the voice on the float. "Here you come, my hearty." And -the rope tightened.</p> - -<p>Alec pulled on the rope as hard as he could, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> worked his feet loose. -The instant he was free from the mud, he went skimming through the water -to the side of the float, where strong arms lifted him up.</p> - -<p>"You didn't have much to go on," said the sailor. "It's a darned good -thing for you that the tide was running out instead of in. Who are you, -and how'd you come to get in the water? Been drinking?"</p> - -<p>"My name's Alec Cunningham, and I belong on the <i>Bertha B</i>. Somebody -threw me overboard." Alec's teeth were chattering so that he couldn't -say another word.</p> - -<p>"Drunk as a fool," said the sailor. "Bagley don't have any hand named -Cunningham. Wish I knowed where he belonged."</p> - -<p>"I'm not drunk," said Alec, shivering more violently than before, "and I -do belong on the <i>Bertha B</i>. Just went to work this morning."</p> - -<p>"Maybe he ain't drunk," said the steersman on the boat, as they stepped -aboard. "Maybe he does belong on her. We'll go see. We got to take him -somewhere darned quick or he'll freeze to death."</p> - -<p>The motor-boat was headed down-stream and in a few minutes came -alongside the <i>Bertha B</i>. "Hello, Bagley!" called the steersman.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" cried the skipper on the <i>Bertha B</i>, coming out on deck.</p> - -<p>"Do you know a young fellow named Cunningham? Says he belongs to your -crew."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p><p>"Sure I do. What's happened to him?"</p> - -<p>"We got him here. Just fished him out of the river."</p> - -<p>"The deuce you did! Get him in here quick before he freezes."</p> - -<p>Alec was helped aboard the <i>Bertha B</i>. He tried to thank the men who had -rescued him.</p> - -<p>"Shut up and git in there by the fire," shouted Captain Bagley.</p> - -<p>Alec hustled into the cabin. In all his life fire had never felt so -good.</p> - -<p>"Boys," said Captain Bagley, "you saved a darned nice kid. How'd he git -in the water?"</p> - -<p>"Says somebody throwed him in. Don't <i>look</i> as though he was drunk, -though."</p> - -<p>"No. He ain't drunk. And if he says somebody throwed him in, why, -somebody did. I'll find out about this. Good night." Captain Bagley -turned toward his cabin. "The old rip!" he muttered. "I knowed he was a -bad actor, but I never dreamed he'd attempt murder."</p> - -<p>Then the captain was inside the cabin. "Strip them clothes off, quick!" -he called to Alec. Then turning to the engineer, he said, "What you -standing there for, Joe? Git the coffee-pot on and stir up the fire."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley seemed equal to any emergency. Before you could bat an -eye he had pulled the wet garments from Alec's shivering form and was -rubbing him with a rough towel. He rubbed until Alec's skin was aglow. -Then he dived into his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> bunk and from his locker drew out a clean suit -of heavy woolen underwear.</p> - -<p>"Warm these," he said, handing the garments to Joe, while he himself -fell to rubbing and slapping Alec with his hands.</p> - -<p>"Now git into them duds quick," he ordered, as Joe passed Alec the -underclothes, which he had been holding before the fire.</p> - -<p>As Alec pulled on the warm clothes, the captain said, "Git this inside -you," and he poured out a cup of black coffee that was smoking hot.</p> - -<p>Alec downed the draught, though it almost burned his mouth. The captain -poured another cup.</p> - -<p>"Drink it," he said. Again he turned to the engineer. "See if Dick's got -any lemons in his cupboard."</p> - -<p>The engineer found some. "Give 'em to me," said the captain. In a second -he had cut them in half and was squeezing out the juice. "Put a quart of -water over the open fire, Joe," he said.</p> - -<p>Joe got the water. Captain Bagley poured the lemon juice into it, and -added some sugar. In no time the mixture was steaming.</p> - -<p>"Drink it," said the captain.</p> - -<p>"I'm full," said Alec. "I just had two cups of hot coffee."</p> - -<p>"Shut up and drink it," said the captain.</p> - -<p>As Alec took the proffered draught and began to sip it, the captain -roared, "Drink it!" And Alec downed the whole quart.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p><p>"Now stand just as close to the fire as you can. Joe, put on more -draft. Can't you get her any hotter?"</p> - -<p>The stove was already cherry red, but that did not satisfy the energetic -skipper. Joe poked up the fire and Alec got as close to the stove as he -could. Soon he began to perspire profusely.</p> - -<p>"Good!" said the oyster skipper, as he saw the beads of sweat gather and -run down Alec's face. "Now, you young rascal, tell us how all this -happened."</p> - -<p>Briefly Alec related the story of his adventure.</p> - -<p>"Who done it?" demanded Captain Bagley.</p> - -<p>"I—I—I wouldn't like to say," said Alec, "because I am not absolutely -certain. I'd hate to accuse any man of attempting to commit murder -unless I was sure. I never really saw the man because it was so dark."</p> - -<p>"Ain't you got any idea who it was?"</p> - -<p>"All I've got to go on is the voice. I could hear that in the dark as -well as in the light."</p> - -<p>"Had you heard it before?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. It sounded very much like the voice of the man you -discharged."</p> - -<p>"I reckon you are right, youngster. I reckon you are right. I only wish -you was a little more certain about it. He ought to go to prison. But -I'd like to have sufficient evidence to make a case before I have him -arrested. Maybe I can find somebody who seen him in that neighborhood. -I'll scout around a bit and see what I can pick up."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p><p>"I wouldn't want him imprisoned," said Alec. "He didn't do me any harm, -even if he did try to."</p> - -<p>"We don't know yet whether he did you any harm or not, and anyhow, -that's got nothing to do with it. We can't afford to have that sort of -cattle running at large."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley sat down and pondered over the matter for some time. "How -do you feel?" he asked suddenly.</p> - -<p>"Pretty good," said Alec, "though my head aches something fierce. I -reckon it's from the bump I got."</p> - -<p>"Well, that settles it. You don't ketch no oysters to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"I mean that you are not going out to the oyster grounds."</p> - -<p>"Indeed I am," said Alec. "I'd be a nice sort of a pill to lay off when -you're so short handed, just because I got a ducking."</p> - -<p>"Don't you give me any back talk," said the skipper, "or I'll throw you -overboard again. I know a lot more about falling into cold water than -you do. You may have a high fever by morning. And anyway, it's going to -be a darned nasty day. There's a storm brewin', and you'd more than -likely get sick. Then I would be up against it, wouldn't I, with only -three hands to work two dredges. I've got to have men I can depend -upon."</p> - -<p>"You can depend upon me," protested Alec. "I'll work even if I am sick. -Won't you let me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> go, please? I just can't afford to lose a day. I need -the money so bad, sir."</p> - -<p>"What for? You got a place to sleep and plenty to eat. Why do you need -money so bad?"</p> - -<p>Alec turned his face away from the captain. "It's some bills I owe at -home," he said. There were tears in his voice, though he kept them out -of his eyes, and the captain forbore to question him.</p> - -<p>"All right, lad," he said, in a tone of wonderful tenderness, "you shall -have your day's work. But you will have to do it ashore. I'll get one of -Zipp's men to help me and you can help Zipp."</p> - -<p>"Who's Zipp, and what does he do?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! That's Frank Jordan, the foreman of the scow gang. Zipp's his -nickname. He handles the oysters after we put them on the float. Now you -just stay by the fire and sweat, while I go to the office and talk to -the captain."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley let himself into the office with his key, turned up the -lights, and in a moment was talking to Captain Rumford over the telephone.</p> - -<p>"Sure," said the boss, when Captain Bagley had told him of Alec's mishap -and his plan for an exchange of men. "I'll call up Zipp right away, and -one of his men will be on hand in the morning. Leave the kid in the -office if you get away before Zipp gets there. We'll take good care of him."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VII</span> <span class="smaller">A LETTER FOR ALEC</span></h2> - -<p>So it came about that when the <i>Bertha B</i> sailed for the oyster grounds -next morning, Alec was not aboard of her. He passed a restless night in -his bunk, and was astir the moment Dick arrived to start breakfast. He -pulled on his clothes and set about helping the cook, who knew nothing -whatever about Alec's adventure. He raked the fire, put on fresh coal, -filled the coffee-pot with water from the cask on deck, and tried to -make himself unobtrusively helpful. His head still ached, and he did not -feel very well. In his secret heart he was glad enough that the captain -would not allow him to go out to the oyster grounds.</p> - -<p>When he had eaten his breakfast, Alec went ashore with the skipper, -while the boats moored outside the <i>Bertha B</i> were casting loose. -Captain Bagley opened the office and stirred the fire.</p> - -<p>"Keep it warm in here," he said to Alec. "You can set and sleep in this -easy chair, or you can lay down on a bunk in the other room. Now take -care of yourself." And the captain was off.</p> - -<p>For a time Alec sat by the fire, thinking over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> the events of the past -few days. Then he fell to meditating on what he ought to do with -himself. He had never had a consuming desire to do any one thing in life -in preference to all other tasks, as some boys have. Always he had cared -more for boats and the water than for any other form of sport; but it -had never occurred to him that boating might in some sense become his -life-work. Now the possibility seemed very real, and not at all -distasteful. But if he became an oysterman, he wanted to be more than -merely a deck-hand. He wanted to climb up, to be at the top of the -business instead of the bottom. When he remembered what he had been told -as to the difficulties of becoming an oyster-planter and of the large -amount of money required, he could see no way to achieve such an end. He -did not see how he could ever earn and save enough money to buy an -oyster-boat. Alec was a lad of good sense, however, and after -speculating about the matter for a time, he suddenly said to himself, -"This is all foolishness. You don't even know yet whether or not you -want to be an oysterman. If you do, the best way to succeed is to learn -all about the business you can. So you had better get out and make use -of your time, instead of loafing here."</p> - -<p>He left the office and went down to the pier shed. Practically all the -oyster-boats had cast off and were on their way to the Bay. Alec could -see their lights twinkling in the darkness over a long stretch of river. -It was still too early for those who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> worked about the piers to be on -hand, so Alec had the pier shed pretty much to himself. He walked up and -down, looking at everything that interested him.</p> - -<p>Presently the night-watchman came along, lantern in hand, and looked at -him pretty sharply. "Looking for somebody?" he asked; and Alec saw the -man was suspicious of him.</p> - -<p>"Just waiting for Captain Rumford or some of his scow men," said Alec. -"I'm working for the captain. Went out on the <i>Bertha B</i> yesterday, but -I'm going to work here to-day."</p> - -<p>The watchman seemed satisfied. "You're working for a fine man," he said. -"There ain't none better than Captain Rumford."</p> - -<p>Together they strolled along until they came to Captain Rumford's pier. -In the slip were four oyster scows, their bottoms littered with old -shells. All the other scows about had been cleaned and put in order.</p> - -<p>"The captain won't like that," said the watchman. "That's twice lately -that nobody got his shells. He's the very deuce for having things -orderly."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked Alec. "Was somebody supposed to take those -shells away?" And he thought of the old man he had been following when -he was thrown overboard.</p> - -<p>"Sure. There are several fellows that collect 'em, and the captain -always gives 'em to the first fellow that asks for 'em, though old Pete -usually<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> gets 'em. But the captain don't care who takes 'em, so his -scows are clean."</p> - -<p>"What does anybody want old oyster shells for?" demanded Alec. "Why, I -saw an old man with a whole boat load of them."</p> - -<p>"They want 'em to sell," explained the watchman. "Guess you don't know -much about the oyster business yet."</p> - -<p>"Don't know a thing," said Alec. "Never saw an oyster-boat before -yesterday. I can't imagine how anybody could sell all the shells that -old fellow had in his boat."</p> - -<p>"A fellow could sell a million bushels of 'em if he had 'em," said the -watchman. "You know the oyster-planters put these shells back in the -oyster-beds in spring. They buy 'em back from these fellows at five -cents a bushel."</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Alec. "The planters sow oyster shells in their beds! -Surely you can't grow little oysters from old shells!"</p> - -<p>The watchman laughed heartily at Alec. "Of course you can't grow little -oysters <i>from</i> old shells. But you can grow 'em <i>on</i> old shells."</p> - -<p>"I don't understand."</p> - -<p>"Why, the little oysters—spats we calls 'em—just floats about in the -water after they are born, and if they didn't have anything to fasten -to, they'd all die and be lost. There ain't nothin' they can fasten to -on the mud bottoms, so the oystermen puts down old shells and the spats -makes fast to 'em."</p> - -<p>"Well, I never!" exclaimed Alec. "There's a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> whole lot more to oystering -than I ever dreamed. I reckon what you say accounts for the way oysters -grow in clusters. We dredged up lots of clusters of oysters with four or -five oysters stuck together. And now that I think of it, I remember that -there were usually one or two old shells in each cluster."</p> - -<p>"I reckon Captain Rumford will be right mad when he sees them shells in -the scows," said the watchman. "I heard him giving Pete—that's the old -fellow you spoke of—the deuce only last week for not getting the scows -clean on time. You see, it's the rush season. Help is short, and it's -all the captain can do to keep up with his orders. Now these scows will -have to be cleaned before any more oysters can be fetched."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll clean them," said Alec, and getting some baskets, he dropped -into the nearest scow. The watchman moved on about his work.</p> - -<p>In no time Alec had the scow clean and her burlap sacks piled neatly in -the centre. He hoisted his baskets of shells to the pier and tackled the -next scow.</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford was on hand before any of his men came. "Who put those -shells there?" he demanded, noticing the baskets Alec had placed along -the edge of the pier.</p> - -<p>"I did, sir," said Alec, somewhat fearfully.</p> - -<p>"You did! Where did you get them, and what did you do it for?"</p> - -<p>"I got them out of the scows, sir. They hadn't been cleaned."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p><p>"The deuce they hadn't. That's twice Pete has left my scows full of -shells within two weeks. We've got to have some better method of getting -rid of old shells. Can't stand this. Busy as all fiddlesticks and our -scows full of shells when we come to work.</p> - -<p>"Say, boy," said Captain Rumford after a moment's pause, "who told you -to clean out those scows?"</p> - -<p>"Nobody, sir. I thought it would help along with the day's work and I -did it. I didn't know what else to do with them, so I put them in the -baskets I found here."</p> - -<p>"You've got some sense, lad. Keep on that way and you'll be an oyster -shipper before you can vote."</p> - -<p>Zipp and his two scow men soon arrived. The captain lent Alec his boots, -which were far too large for Alec, and one of the scow men gave him a -reefing-jacket. A motor-boat lay in the slip. Zipp started the engine, -while the other men made fast the scows, and soon the little party was -chugging off to an oyster-float. The four scow men sat in the motor-boat -and the scows were towed behind. With great oyster-forks, somewhat like -enlarged spading forks, the gang shoveled the oysters from the float -into the scows. It was hard work, for the forks were large and the -oysters heavy. When the oysters were all taken up, the scows were towed -back to the shipping pier and made fast in the slip again. Then the -counting began.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p><p>Zipp showed Alec how to count his oysters, two at a cast. The four -counters dropped to their knees and began work. But Alec paused for a -moment to watch his companions. He saw that Zipp could count oysters -faster than either of the two other scow men, just as Sailor Bishop -could cull them faster than either Joe or Dick. Alec watched Zipp -closely, to see how he worked. Then he set himself to the task of -learning how to count fast. He still had the finger-stalls he had worn -the day before and the sharp shells did not hurt his fingers in the -least. In a little while he was making the oysters fairly fly.</p> - -<p>Basket after basket, the oysters were shoved up on the pier, where other -workers emptied them into sacks. Captain Rumford himself sewed the sacks -up and kept a watchful eye on things. In no time, there was a long row -of sacks standing ready for shipment.</p> - -<p>"Just keep track of the number of baskets that lad hands up," whispered -the shipper to an assistant. "We'll time him for an hour." Thus Alec -underwent another test, though he was altogether in ignorance of the -fact that his work was being watched.</p> - -<p>At every pier men were counting oysters, while other men filled the -sacks and trundled them off to the waiting freight-cars. The place was -as busy as a beehive, yet there was no noise or confusion. No swearing, -no loud talk, disturbed the general quiet. Only the rumble of the -trucks, as men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> trundled the sacked oysters over the plank floor, rose -above the subdued hum.</p> - -<p>"Hour's up!" said Captain Rumford, glancing at his watch, after a time. -"How many baskets did the kid count?"</p> - -<p>"Seventy-seven."</p> - -<p>"The deuce he did! Why, that's ten thousand oysters. Of course Zipp's -crew average about 11,000 an hour, but they're the best crew here. The -average counter won't handle more than 8,000 to 9,000 an hour. The kid's -quick."</p> - -<p>Presently the skipper got his shipping tags and tied them on the sacks. -Then a man with a truck began to wheel the sacks away to the cars.</p> - -<p>Dinner time came. All hands went up to the office to eat their lunches, -about the warm stove.</p> - -<p>"Here," said Zipp, seeing that Alec had nothing to eat, "have a -sandwich."</p> - -<p>"No. Thanks," said Alec, rather diffidently. "I am not very hungry." But -his eyes belied his tongue.</p> - -<p>"That won't do at all," said the skipper. "Take this and run over to the -hotel and get a good square meal."</p> - -<p>Alec protested. The oyster shipper shoved a dollar into his hand.</p> - -<p>"Now run along, quick," he said, "for we've got to get right back to -work as soon as we can. And none of us can work without food."</p> - -<p>Alec was glad enough when Captain Rumford insisted, and taking the -money, he hurried away to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> get his dinner. The long table fairly groaned -under the array of good things, and every diner was free to eat as much -as he liked. For the first time in his life, Alec ate oyster potpie; and -wished he could hold more. His dinner cost him seventy-five cents, and -Alec began to understand how fortunate he was to be eating aboard the -<i>Bertha B</i>. Even if his pay should prove to be small, he could still -save something, and he needed money desperately.</p> - -<p>Alec intended to give back to Captain Rumford the twenty-five cents left -from his dollar. But the men were already in the scows when he got back -and Captain Rumford was up in his office. Alec went to work, and forgot -about the quarter.</p> - -<p>All the afternoon Alec worked as fast as he could make his fingers fly. -He was working alongside of Zipp, one of the most expert oyster counters -at Bivalve; and it provoked Alec that he could not hand up the baskets -as fast as his fellow. But try as he would, he could not fill the basket -as rapidly as Zipp did. The oysters were all counted and sacked before -the <i>Bertha B</i> came chugging up to her pier. Alec went aboard her as -soon as she made fast, and the cook considerately gave him his supper.</p> - -<p>Then Dick went off to buy supplies for the next day. Alec asked if he -might go along. They got a roast of meat, some sausage, canned beans, -butter, bread, condensed milk, and other articles.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley, meantime, had gone to the office<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> to make his daily -report to Captain Rumford. That done, he started for a store to buy a -cigar, when the postmaster hailed him. "Say, Cap'n," he said, "you don't -know anything about a party named Cunningham, do you? I've got a letter -addressed to an Alec Cunningham, care of Thomas Robinson. You and -Robinson used to be such pals I thought you might know something about -it."</p> - -<p>"You've come to just the right place. That's Robinson's nephew. He's a -member of my crew now. I'll just get that letter and give it to the -kid."</p> - -<p>When Captain Bagley returned to the <i>Bertha B</i> Alec was sitting alone in -the cabin.</p> - -<p>"Here's a letter for you, Alec," said the skipper.</p> - -<p>Alec tore the letter open and ran his eye over it. Tears came into his -eyes, and he bowed his head on his chest.</p> - -<p>"What's wrong, lad?" asked the skipper, kindly.</p> - -<p>Alec could not trust himself to reply. He merely thrust the letter into -the skipper's hand.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley read the communication and frowned. "He's pretty much of -a skunk," he said.</p> - -<p>The letter was an imperative demand for the balance due on the tombstone -Alec had ordered for his father. Unless this were first received, the -letter said, the stone would not be set up.</p> - -<p>"I judge you paid him something?" said the captain questioningly.</p> - -<p>"Paid him half the price. It took every cent I had. That's why I landed -here without a penny.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> And that's why I need money so bad. Oh! I must -get it somehow. I must! I must!"</p> - -<p>"Now, don't you worry about this," said the kindly oysterman. "We can -fix it up for you somehow."</p> - -<p>But Alec refused to be comforted.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VIII</span> <span class="smaller">ALEC'S FIRST LESSON IN OYSTER-CULTURE</span></h2> - -<p>Morning found Alec refreshed in body, but not entirely relieved in mind. -He had loved his father dearly, and the thought that his father's body -lay out in the cold, bleak cemetery without even a headstone to mark his -resting-place, troubled Alec sorely. The very least he could do in -memory of his father, it seemed to Alec, was to erect a marker above the -grave.</p> - -<p>To do this, he had gotten together all the money he could, and given it -to a Central City monument dealer with the understanding that the latter -was to set up the stone Alec selected and Alec was to pay the balance -due on the stone as soon as he found work and could earn the money. But -like many another man, this one had taken advantage of youth. He had -pocketed the money without carrying out his part of the bargain. That -was bad enough. But Alec now felt no certainty that the stone would be -erected after he had paid for it in full; and that was worse still. So -it was a very much troubled and worried lad that tumbled out of Alec's -bunk when Dick arrived to start breakfast.</p> - -<p>It was fortunate for Alec that he possessed such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> a helpful disposition. -He found a number of things to do for the cook. He stirred up the fire, -got water for the coffee, punched holes in the condensed milk can, cut -the bread, and made himself generally useful; and in work he found -relief from his troubles. He could not keep his mind on his work and his -troubles at the same time; and he had to keep it on his work.</p> - -<p>And when breakfast was over and he had dried the dishes, there were so -many things he wanted to ask the captain about. All that he had learned -about oyster-culture was so interesting it made him want to learn more. -And by this time he realized that there was much, much more to know.</p> - -<p>"Captain Bagley," said Alec, when the <i>Bertha B</i> was fairly under way, -"the pier watchman was telling me that the oystermen spread old shells -over their oyster-beds for the young oysters to attach themselves to. -How can oysters move about in the water? I should think their shells -would keep them on the bottom, even though they are very small. Why, a -grain of sand can't float, and see how much smaller that is than an -oyster."</p> - -<p>"Yes. It's smaller than a grown oyster, but many times as large as a -brand-new oyster. And besides, oysters just born don't have any shells."</p> - -<p>Alec looked sharply at the captain, but could not detect the faintest -twinkle in his eye. "Honest?" he asked. "You're not stringing me?"</p> - -<p>"Not a bit of it, son. Why, a new-born oyster is so small you can't even -see it."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p><p>"Now I <i>know</i> you're teasing me."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, I am not. You have to have a microscope to see an oyster that -has just been born. They <i>have</i> to be very small, for a single oyster -gives birth to millions of little ones. These don't have no shells at -all. And then the tide sweeps 'em in and out, so I reckon they get -scattered pretty much everywhere in the neighborhood of the -oyster-beds."</p> - -<p>"But how do they grow fast to old shells and other oysters if they have -no shells themselves?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! They get shells quick enough. And as soon as they do, they sink to -the bottom and fasten themselves to the first clean rock or shell they -come to. If they don't hit a rock or shell, they sink in the mud and -die. Of course, there ain't no rocks on our mud bottom, and that's why -we have to put shells on the beds. And we no sooner get the bed covered -with shells than we have to scrub 'em, to get the mud off of 'em."</p> - -<p>"Scrub them!" exclaimed Alec. "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Can't you understand English? I mean just what I say—scrub 'em, to get -the dirt off."</p> - -<p>Alec still looked incredulous. "How?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>"Oh! We drag the dredges over the beds without any bags on. It scours -'em off pretty well. They are pretty clean before we get through."</p> - -<p>"But is it really necessary? Did anybody ever see a tiny oyster make -fast to an old shell?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, son. But I know this: We have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> to make sure our shells is -clean. We wait till the oysters is about ready to tie up to something -and then we scrub the shells."</p> - -<p>"My gracious! If there are so many little oysters and you put down so -many shells to catch them, I should think there would be more oysters -than you would know what to do with."</p> - -<p>"Does seem that way, don't it? Fact is, though, that mighty few of them -little ones ever gits to be oysters."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"I reckon it's largely on account of what doctors would call 'infant -mortality.' All sorts of things eats 'em. Mussels, and clams, and -barnacles, and old oysters, and turtles, and worms, and sea-squirts, and -drills, all eat oysters at some time or other. Down east the starfish -plays hob with the oyster-beds. We don't have many of them things here, -and I'm glad of it. If we did, I don't know how we'd ever raise any -oysters. Why, even as it is, we don't get more than one oyster out of -every six we plant."</p> - -<p>"How do you know?"</p> - -<p>"Why, we know how many bushels we plant and how many we ketch when -they're old enough to be dredged. We plant about 500 bushels to an acre -and we'd like to plant a thousand if we could get 'em. They're about the -size of your thumb nail and there's about 700 to 900 seed-oysters in a -bushel. By the time we dredge 'em we won't get more'n a basket for every -bushel we planted. How<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> many's that? You ought to know. You counted -oysters all day yesterday."</p> - -<p>"A basket contains 68 casts," said Alec proudly, "and that's 136 -oysters."</p> - -<p>"Correct. And if you multiply that number by six, you'll have just about -the number of seed-oysters in a bushel."</p> - -<p>"If the loss is so great, I should think you would plant the full -thousand bushels per acre instead of five hundred."</p> - -<p>"We would if we could get 'em, son. But you know we get our seed-oysters -out of the natural beds, and we can't dredge there except in May and -June, between sunrise and sunset each day. We get all we can, of course. -And then we buy some from the bushelmen."</p> - -<p>"What are they?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Fellows that have small boats but no beds. They dredge what they -can get and sell the seed to planters."</p> - -<p>"They're something like the stake stickers."</p> - -<p>"Most of 'em are stake stickers. They ketch seed-oysters in spring and -stick stakes in fall."</p> - -<p>"I should think they'd get enough money to have their own oyster-beds -after a time."</p> - -<p>"Some of 'em do, but there ain't much money in oysters unless you have a -good equipment. Why, a first-class oyster-boat, with up-to-date engine -and machinery, is worth fourteen or fifteen thousand dollars. And then -there's your scows and floats and motor-boats, and a lot of other -things.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> Why, a pair of dredges alone is worth $150. And then after you -do get a bed and plant it, you've got to wait three years before your -oysters is big enough to ketch. Why, a fellow's got to have nearly -enough money to retire on before he can make a start in the oyster -business."</p> - -<p>Alec looked very sober. "I believe there isn't any use of a fellow like -me trying to become an oyster-planter," he thought. "I couldn't earn and -save fifteen thousand dollars—ever."</p> - -<p>"Think you'd like to be an oysterman?" asked Captain Bagley, looking -searchingly at Alec.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Alec. "I've got to do something, and I think I like -oystering as much as anything I ever saw. But I want to get to the top -if I become one."</p> - -<p>"Well, the best way to get to the top is to start at the bottom—and -work. The oyster shippers are always on the watch for bright young -fellows that know the business and ain't afraid of work. Many a fellow -has worked himself up to a partnership in an oyster firm that started -just where you are—at the bottom."</p> - -<p>By this time the <i>Bertha B</i> was nearing the oyster grounds. Alec got -into the captain's oilskins again and was in his place on deck when the -captain gave the word to let go the dredges.</p> - -<p>This time Alec needed no instructions. He took hold like an old-timer. -He was working with Sailor Bishop again, and once more he set himself to -try to learn his companion's trick of culling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> oysters fast. He grew -more and more expert as the hours passed, and was soon able to keep pace -with Joe and Dick, neither of whom was very quick; but to save him, Alec -could not fill his baskets as fast as Bishop filled his. One reason for -Bishop's speed, Alec found, lay in the sailor's huge hands. His fingers -were the longest Alec had ever seen. The sailor often picked up three or -four oysters at a time. And long practice had made him so expert that he -could often detect a rattler without having to tap it with his hammer.</p> - -<p>In a little while the novelty of the work wore off, but still Alec found -plenty to interest him. His work in biology had given him a keen -interest in all forms of life. The marine life about him was new, and -Alec found continual delight in the contents of the dredges. Now a crab -was brought up. Again some curious fish like a "toady," as ugly and -venomous in appearance as Shakespeare's land toad, came flopping on the -deck; but apparently it had no redeeming jewel in its head, for the -sailors treated it with supreme contempt. Sometimes a king-crab was -caught in the dredge—a curious, brown, horseshoe-shaped creature, with -a long, straight tail of shell. And often there came tumbling aboard -oyster drills, which looked like tiny conchs. There were quantities of -sponge-like plant growths and red moss, like scarlet seaweed. And once -there was real excitement as a huge turtle came flopping aboard. It must -have been two feet in diameter, with clusters of barnacles on its shell -as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> big as one's fist, and a terrible beak that could take a finger off -at a single snap.</p> - -<p>"Now we'll have some turtle soup," said Sailor Bishop, as he turned the -creature on its back and shoved it out of the way.</p> - -<p>Before Alec knew it, the day's work was done, and the <i>Bertha B</i> was on -her homeward way. In an old dead tree that stood by itself in the salt -meadow Alec saw what looked like a mass of driftwood; but the captain -said it was an osprey's nest. Alec studied the distant nest through a -telescope the captain lent him. It was a huge thing, three or four feet -in diameter, made of old sticks. Later still Alec saw an osprey soaring -not far astern of the <i>Bertha B</i>. Even as he watched it, the huge bird -suddenly tilted downward and fell like a plummet into the water. A -moment later it rose from the waves, with a glistening fish in its -talons. On every hand there seemed to be new and interesting things to -see.</p> - -<p>The next day Alec had his first touch of seasickness. The wind was -blowing half a gale when the <i>Bertha B</i> reached the oyster grounds, and -the little boat jumped about in a way that at first alarmed Alec -considerably. But when he saw that the sailors regarded the movement of -the ship as a matter of course, he forgot his fear. Soon he forgot -almost everything else; for his head began to ache, and a feeling of -nausea came over him. He had never felt worse in his life. He thought he -was going to die but did not seem to care.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p><p>"What's the matter?" asked Sailor Bishop. "Getting sick? You look -pretty pale."</p> - -<p>"I won't get sick if I can help it," said Alec to himself. "I'm going to -fight this thing off."</p> - -<p>His head seemed to be in a whirl, and he was afraid to try to stand up, -lest he be pitched overboard. So he knelt on the deck, braced himself -against the movement of the ship, and kept working. Whenever he could, -he straightened up and drew in a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air. -The air made him feel better. He tried to think about his work and not -about himself. And after a time he felt noticeably better. Before the -day was past the feeling of nausea had left him entirely, and never -thereafter did he suffer from seasickness.</p> - -<p>Being a Friday, it was pay-day, though Alec did not know it. When the -<i>Bertha B</i> again lay at her pier at the end of the day, the crew did not -hurry ashore as they had done every other day, though the captain left -the boat the instant she was fast. Presently he returned with a roll of -bills in his hand. He counted out each man's pay and handed the money -around. Then the sailors left fast enough. When they were gone, the -captain turned to Alec.</p> - -<p>"How much do you think I ought to pay you?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Alec. "I didn't make any bargain with you. I don't -know what I ought to get."</p> - -<p>"I'm going to give you ten dollars," said the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> captain. "You worked only -four days. Next week, if you put in a full week, I'll give you more. The -deck-hands on this boat get $17.50 a week, but I gave them $20 this week -because they did a mighty good week's work. You'll get just as much as -you make yourself worth. Captain Rumford pays his men well. If you keep -on as good as you've begun, you'll soon be getting as much as any of the -other hands."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," Alec replied. "I'll try. Oh! I'll do my best, for I need -the money so badly. It's going to take me a good many weeks to earn all -I need." And he went over to the stove and sat down on a chair, bowing -his head in his hands.</p> - -<p>"I wish that Hawley would come get this," muttered Captain Bagley to -himself, as he counted out the money that was due the discharged sailor -and laid it in his own bunk.</p> - -<p>His own money he made into a little roll, including with the greenbacks -a check that had come to him by mail. Then he put a little rubber band -around the roll. After a second's hesitation he wrapped Hawley's money -about his own, added another rubber band, and dropping the roll in his -bunk, started to change from his working garb to his street clothes.</p> - -<p>"The deuce!" he said suddenly. "I forgot to ask Captain Rumford about -them dredges. I hope he ain't started for home yet."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley darted out of the cabin like a streak of lightning, and -ran across the pier to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> office. Zipp was there and he told Captain -Bagley that Captain Rumford had just left. Captain Bagley could catch -him before he got to his automobile. The lithe skipper flew down the -stairs and raced up the shipping platform. He overtook the shipper, and -a long conversation followed. On his way back to his boat, Captain -Bagley was called into a ship-chandler's, and a full half hour elapsed -before he got back. To his surprise there was not a soul aboard. Alec -had disappeared. The money the captain had left in his bunk was also gone.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER IX</span> <span class="smaller">UNDER A CLOUD</span></h2> - -<p>For a moment the captain stared blankly into his bunk. Then, "The little -rip!" he cried. "I never would have believed it of him. Seemed such a -nice, clean kid, too."</p> - -<p>Energetic in all things, the captain began to fire up. His anger -mounted. If he could have laid his hands on Alec just then, he probably -would first have trounced him roundly and explained afterward. But not -having Alec to chastise, he began to swear at him. Presently the captain -cooled off, as he always did, and his better nature came to the top.</p> - -<p>"Poor kid," he muttered. "He was just worried sick about his dad's -tombstone. He wouldn't do such a thing under ordinary circumstances. -Don't be too hard on him, Bagley. And remember, he's your old pal's -nephew."</p> - -<p>Before long the captain decided he would say nothing about the matter -and pocket his loss. Then that same sense of loyalty to his friends made -him decide that he ought to tell Captain Rumford. It would never do for -the shipper to have a thief<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> around without knowing it. Of course Alec -wouldn't be around, Captain Bagley realized, for he would discharge him -the instant he set eyes on him.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell the captain right away," he said to himself. "He'll be home -by this time."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley hurried to the office and let himself in with his key. He -got the shipper on the telephone almost immediately. Despite his fiery -nature, Captain Bagley possessed great discretion. "Cap'n Rumford," he -said, "there's been some crooked work going on down here. I don't want -to talk about it over the 'phone, but I'd like to tell you about it."</p> - -<p>"I'll be right down," telephoned the shipper. "I'm almost through -supper, and you can look for me as soon as I can get there."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley sat down to wait for the shipper. The latter lived in a -village only a few miles distant, and his motor-car carried him back to -the office in no time.</p> - -<p>"What's wrong, Bagley?" he said anxiously, as he came into the office.</p> - -<p>"Nothing to worry about, Cap'n, but something that'll disappoint you. I -notice that you took a great fancy to the new hand."</p> - -<p>"Yes. He's a fine lad. He's going to make a good man."</p> - -<p>"Well, I am sorry to tell you he's skipped with my week's pay and the -money that was due Hawley."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p><p>Captain Rumford's face turned black as a thunder-cloud. "Have you any -notion where he skipped to? We must catch him, even if it costs more -than he took. I try to treat my men right, but I'll be hanged if I'll -let anybody rob me." The shipper was now as angry as his oyster captain -had been a little while previously.</p> - -<p>"I haven't any idea where he went."</p> - -<p>"How did it happen? How did he get hold of your roll?"</p> - -<p>"Why, him and me was the only two aboard the <i>Bertha B</i>, and I laid my -money in my bunk while I was changing my clothes. Then I happened to -think about them dredges, and I bolted out to ketch you, without a -thought about the money being there. When I got back both the kid and -the money was gone."</p> - -<p>"Looks like a plain enough case," said the shipper. "Do you know of any -reason why he should steal? He looked as honest as sunlight."</p> - -<p>"Yes. There was a very particular reason. He's been worrying about money -ever since he got here. Showed me a letter he got about his father's -tombstone. Seems he paid a marble man to put a stone on his father's -grave. Gave him every cent he had, but that was only half the price. The -man agreed to put the stone up and wait for the balance of his money -until the lad could earn it. But he played the kid dirt. Wrote him he -wouldn't put no stone up until he had every cent. The kid seems to have -thought everything of his dad, and it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>worried him sick. The last thing -I heard him say was that it would take him an awful long time to get -that money earned."</p> - -<p>"It's a plain case, I guess. That explains why he didn't give me my -quarter," and the shipper told Captain Bagley of his giving Alec a -dollar to get a meal and of Alec's failure to return the change.</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do about it, Cap'n?" inquired Skipper Bagley. "It -ain't fair not to——"</p> - -<p>At that instant a footstep was heard on the stairs. The door opened, and -in walked Alec.</p> - -<p>"So you thought better of it, did you?" said Captain Bagley.</p> - -<p>Alec looked puzzled. "Thought better of what?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Now don't try any bluffs on us," said the shipper tartly. "Be honest -and admit you stole the money and we may overlook it. We understand that -you were in trouble and needed the money badly."</p> - -<p>Alec was almost dumb with astonishment. "Admit that I stole the money!" -he cried. "I don't understand what you are talking about. I never stole -a cent from anybody."</p> - -<p>"Come, come!" said Captain Rumford sharply. "Don't make the matter worse -by lying about it."</p> - -<p>Alec's eyes blazed. "See here," he said angrily. "I don't care if you -are the biggest oyster shipper in Bivalve. You shall not call me a liar. -I didn't take your money or anybody else's. You've got to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> take that -back. I won't stand it. I'm not a thief and I'm not a liar."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford sat sharp up in his chair and fastened his keenest -glance on Alec's face. His look seemed to bore right through the lad. -But Alec never flinched. He looked straight into the captain's eyes -until the shipper shifted his gaze to Bagley.</p> - -<p>"Cap'n," said the oyster shipper, "if that lad's a liar, he's the -nerviest one I ever met with. He's the first man that ever lied to me -and looked me square in the eye afterward."</p> - -<p>"See here," said Alec, trembling with anger. "I demand an explanation. I -tell you I am neither a liar nor a thief; and you have no right to call -me one."</p> - -<p>"Well, that's a simple matter," said the shipper. "Captain Bagley left -you alone in the cabin of his boat with his pay-roll, or what was left -of it. When he came back, you had gone and the cash had disappeared. The -captain says you had very great need of money and were worrying about -how you could get it, when he left the boat. Have you any explanation to -make?"</p> - -<p>"I can explain everything," said Alec. "It's true I need money. Oh, sir, -you don't know how badly I need it! My father did everything in the -world for me, sir, and it will take me weeks and weeks to earn even a -little tombstone to mark his grave with."</p> - -<p>Alec paused to try to get command of his voice.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> Tears were streaming -down his cheeks. "I loved my father with all my heart," he continued. -"Do you think I would disgrace him by being dishonest? He always taught -me to be honest and honorable above all things, sir. Do you think I -would do the one thing that would hurt my father if he were alive?"</p> - -<p>Once more Alec wiped his eyes as he paused. Then, choking back a sob, he -continued: "I did not take the money, sir. I never knew until this -minute that it was in the captain's bunk. I was so troubled I couldn't -think of anything but how long it was going to take me to earn that -gravestone. When Captain Bagley ran out, he startled me. I remembered I -owed you a dollar, and I came straight here to pay you, sir. I meant to -give you your change the other day, but you were in the office here when -I got back from the hotel and I had to get right to work. Then I forgot -it until after you went home. Here is the dollar now, sir, and I'm much -obliged to you for the loan."</p> - -<p>"Was anybody here when you came to pay me the dollar?" asked the -shipper, again eyeing Alec sharply.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. Zipp was here."</p> - -<p>"Did you say anything to him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I asked for you, and he said you had just left and that -Captain Bagley had run after you. I didn't want to interrupt any talk -between you and Captain Bagley, so I did not try to overtake you, sir."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p><p>The oyster shipper turned in his seat and picked up his telephone. "345 -R," he said to the operator.</p> - -<p>A moment later he said, "That you, Zipp?" Then, after a pause, "Did the -new deck-hand, Alec Cunningham, come to the office after I left?" Again -there was a pause. "He did, eh? Did he say anything to you?"</p> - -<p>Alec held his breath while Zipp answered. "Asked for me, did he?" -repeated the captain. "And you told him I had gone and Captain Bagley -had run after me."</p> - -<p>The shipper hung up his receiver and turned to Alec. "Well, that story -is straight enough. Where have you been the rest of the time? And what -did you do?"</p> - -<p>"I walked up the shipping platform and looked into several cars that -were being loaded. Then I went to the post-office and asked if there was -a letter for me and got a stamped envelope and a money-order for $8.75 -to send to that tombstone man. Then I started back to the <i>Bertha B</i>. I -saw the office door was still open, when I passed, and I came up to see -if I could get an old envelope or a piece of paper to write on. Here's -the envelope and the money-order, sir."</p> - -<p>"Very good," said the shipper. "But still you have not offered any proof -that you didn't take the money. If you didn't take it, who did? You were -the only person in the boat after Captain Bagley came ashore. How can -you get around that?"</p> - -<p>"And you have no proof that I did," replied<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> Alec, his indignation -rising again. "You don't even try to be fair. The <i>Bertha B</i> was at her -pier for more than half an hour without a soul on watch. A dozen men -might have gone into her cabin in that time. You've got to prove that -nobody was aboard of her before you've any right to accuse me of -stealing the money."</p> - -<p>"Don't tell me what I've a right to do," said the shipper, a little -nettled. "Leave the room and don't say a word about this to anybody."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER X</span> <span class="smaller">ALEC'S DECISION</span></h2> - -<p>Bitter, indeed, were Alec's thoughts as he stumbled down the office -stairs. Blinding tears stood in his eyes. His heart seemed dead within -him. He felt sick all over—sick and indignant. Ever since he was a tiny -child his father had taught him that his honor and his good name were to -be treasured above all things. Never before had anybody even suspected -him of dishonesty. Now he was worse than suspected. He was both accused -and practically condemned. For it was perfectly evident to Alec that the -oyster shipper still doubted him.</p> - -<p>As Alec turned the situation over in his mind, his indignation grew -fiercer and fiercer. He told himself that Captain Bagley had no right to -leave the money in the ship's cabin, as he did; and Alec was right. He -told himself that Captain Bagley should have told him to guard the -money, when he rushed off after the shipper; and again Alec was right.</p> - -<p>"I was free to come and go," said Alec to himself, "and Captain Bagley -had no right to assume that I would stay on the <i>Bertha B</i> all the -time,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> when there is so much that is interesting to see and learn. Why, -anybody can walk into any of these boats at any time, and Captain Bagley -knows that as well as I do. And if somebody dishonest came aboard and -nobody was in the cabin and some money was lying loose, what could the -captain expect? It wasn't fair for him to do what he did. It wasn't -fair. He never said a word to me about his money and now he holds me -responsible for its loss. It isn't fair! It isn't fair!"</p> - -<p>In deep distress Alec walked up and down under the pier shed. He saw -nothing, heard nothing, felt nothing, but his own distress.</p> - -<p>"And I was trying so hard to be helpful and to show my appreciation of -Captain Bagley's kindness," said Alec to himself. "Kindness! Bah! Let -him keep his kindness for others. What I want is justice. I'll leave him -and his old boat and go where people will treat me fair. That's all the -kindness I want—just a square deal."</p> - -<p>In his bitterness Alec was himself unjust. With the inexperience of -youth, he reasoned that because he had been questioned as to his honesty -he had necessarily been condemned. He failed to see that his employers -owed it to him as well as to themselves and all the other oystermen to -find out who was the thief. Necessarily they had to question Alec first, -for circumstances certainly did point to him.</p> - -<p>The more he brooded over the matter, the more indignant he felt. "I -won't stay here another minute," he said. "I won't have anything to do<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> -with men who have so little fairness." And he headed for the <i>Bertha B</i> -to get his valise and the few poor possessions in it. But half-way down -the pier he stopped abruptly. A new idea popped into his head. "If you -go aboard the <i>Bertha B</i> and take your things, and anything else should -disappear, they'll say you stole the thing and ran away."</p> - -<p>He pondered over the situation. "Run away!" he muttered. "That's just -what you were about to do. An honest man doesn't run away when he's -under fire. He stays and fights. Why, if I had run away, they'd never -have doubted that I was the thief. Gee! I'm glad I thought in time." And -Alec fairly shivered at the thought of what would have happened had he -foolishly gone away.</p> - -<p>"I'll fight," he muttered. "That's what I'll do. I'll show them I'm as -honest and square and smart and able as any man that ever walked these -planks. That's what I'll do. I'll be an oysterman, too. That's settled. -I'll be a planter and shipper, too. I'll be just as big a man at Bivalve -as Captain Rumford or anybody else. I'll show them what Alec -Cunningham's got in him. I'll work and work and work and study and study -and save my money, and some day I'll have the finest oyster-boat that -sails out of this port. And I'll call her <i>Old Honesty</i>, too. And she -won't be any old-fashioned sailing boat done over. She'll be an -up-to-date oyster-boat, scientifically made. Captain Rumford will have -to scrap his whole fleet when my new boat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> gets to work. He'll find it -was a costly thing to call me a thief, that's what he will."</p> - -<p>Now all faintness of heart had gone from Alec. The feeling of sickness -had left him. He was all aglow with determination and purpose. He felt -that the die was cast. He had made up his mind. He felt as strong as -Atlas, as indomitable as Jupiter. In his vision he saw the delectable -goal, but he could not see the hard and painful path that led up to it.</p> - -<p>Nor was all this as foolish as it might seem to many an older head. -Dreams are the thing that accomplishments are made of—dreams and work. -Often the faith and enthusiasm of youth are more effective than the -coldly reasoned acts of maturity. And now, though eventual success was -no whit nearer than it had been a few moments previously, Alec felt -immensely better in mind. He had come to a decision. He had mapped his -course. He meant to keep his job, if that were at all possible, and -fight. And he meant to fight until he got to the top.</p> - -<p>Now his footstep was no longer stumbling. He walked with a firm tread. -As he strode up and down the pier, his heart was beating the call to -arms.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he stopped in his tracks. On the adjoining pier was Hawley. -Although it was now dark, Alec could see him plainly in the glow of the -pier shed's lights. There could be no mistake as to the man's identity. -Where he had come from,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> Alec had no idea; nor had he a much clearer -idea of where the man was going, for Hawley, plainly intoxicated, was -reeling about uncertainly. And he was dangerously near to the edge of -the pier. He was on the ferry pier, where the tugboat from across the -river landed its passengers; and no oyster-boat had tied up at the end -of this pier. Beyond its edge was only deep, dark, cold, swirling water.</p> - -<p>At sight of Hawley, a feeling of hatred leaped into Alec's heart. He -wanted to rush over to the pier and attack this man who had tried to -kill him.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Alec's heart stood still. The drunken sailor, reeling at the -very edge of the pier, stumbled over a coil of rope, and fell backward -over the string-piece, bellowing like a mad bull. Then there was a -splash and silence.</p> - -<p>For a single instant Alec stood as though rooted to the floor. For one -second he exulted at the disaster that had overtaken his enemy. Then a -shudder ran over him as he realized that in thought, at least, he was a -murderer, and that was a million times worse than being a thief.</p> - -<p>"Help! Help!" he cried at the top of his voice. "Man overboard at the -ferry landing!"</p> - -<p>At the same time he rushed to the end of the pier and looked right and -left for a trace of the missing sailor. In the darkness he could see -only inky water.</p> - -<p>Now he heard men running on the plank floor. "A light!" he cried. "Bring -a light!"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p><p>In a moment the watchman was beside Alec with his lantern. Behind him -came running the shipper and Captain Bagley. Alec seized the lantern and -threw himself prone on the wharf. He held the light over the -string-piece, while he looked right and left into the muddy water.</p> - -<p>"Know who it was?" asked Captain Bagley, as he peered over Alec's -shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Hawley—drunk," said Alec briefly.</p> - -<p>"The deuce!" exclaimed the skipper. "That's the end of him. He can't -swim."</p> - -<p>There was a swirl in the water a little way out from the pier. An arm -and a shoulder writhed into view, then sank. Like a flash Alec was on -his feet. He dropped the lantern on the pier, tore off his coat, and -plunged headlong toward the swirl in the water.</p> - -<p>In a moment his head popped up. "A rope!" he cried, then sank beneath -the tide. The water began to foam and bubble. For an instant the -struggling men came into view. An arm was around Alec's neck and another -about his body. The men on the pier saw that he was struggling -frantically in the clutch of the drowning sailor. The fight was -terrific. Hawley clung to the lad with the strength of a giant, choking -and strangling him. Alec worked frantically to get his arms free, -treading water desperately to keep his head up. He swallowed quantities -of muddy, salt water. Under the awful pressure about his neck, his eyes -seemed to be fairly bulging from his head. Swiftly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> the tide swept the -struggling men toward the next pier, where a row of oyster-boats lay -fast. If the water carried them under the boats it meant the end of Alec -and Hawley.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley raced around to the adjoining pier and out on a boat. -Then he darted over the knighthead and lowered himself on the chains -until he was level with the water.</p> - -<p>"Bring that light, quick!" he cried.</p> - -<p>The aged watchman hobbled to him as fast as he was able. Captain Rumford -picked up the coil of rope, carried it swiftly aboard the boat, and made -ready for a cast.</p> - -<p>The tide swept the struggling sailors nearer. With all his power Alec -was trying to free himself from the grip that was strangling him. His -strength was almost gone. He could no longer see anything. His head was -pounding. His brain seemed to swirl. But he tried desperately to keep -his wits. He knew that unless he got free it would all be over in -another moment. Now he wrenched his arms loose. Down under the tide sank -the struggling men again, churning the water to foam in their struggles.</p> - -<p>"Oh God!" cried Captain Bagley. "If only I could swim."</p> - -<p>Above him the watchman steadied the light, while the shipper stood -tense, the looped end of the hawser in his hand, ready to make his cast.</p> - -<p>Down, down, down went the fighting sailors. But now Alec had his arms -loose. With his last<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> ounce of strength he shoved his hand over the arm -that was strangling him and gripped the sailor by the nose. With his -other hand he dealt him as savage a blow as he could in the pit of his -stomach. The effect was magical. The sailor loosened his strangle hold -and doubled up like a jack-knife. Alec grasped the man by the hair, and -with all the strength left in him, struggled upward. His head popped out -of water not ten feet from Skipper Bagley. The sailor, now unconscious, -came to the surface. Alec could do no more. He turned on his back and -tried to float. It seemed to him that he could not even wriggle his -fingers. He was on the verge of unconsciousness himself. Yet he kept -tight hold of Hawley's hair.</p> - -<p>Then a voice that seemed to be almost overhead put new life in him. -"Catch this rope," it said, "and slip it under your arms."</p> - -<p>There was a splash in the water and the rope fell across his very -fingers. Mechanically he grasped it. But he could not get it around his -body. He slipped his free arm through the noose. Gently the rope -tightened and he moved ahead through the water, the unconscious sailor -trailing behind him. In a second Captain Bagley had him by the coat -collar. Then the noose was slipped under both of Alec's arms.</p> - -<p>"Easy now," cried the skipper, as he held himself on the chains with his -legs, keeping Hawley's head above water with one hand, while he steadied -Alec with the other. Strong arms pulled on the rope,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> and in a moment -Alec was safe. Then the rope was made fast about Hawley, and shortly his -prostrate form lay on the deck.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley tore off his own coat and wrapped it around Alec. "Run to -the <i>Bertha B</i>," he said, "and get them wet things off. Stir up the fire -and get something hot inside you."</p> - -<p>"In a m-m-m-minute," said Alec, his teeth chattering. "We've g-g-got to -save Hawley first."</p> - -<p>"You get out of this," thundered the oyster shipper. "We'll take care of -Hawley."</p> - -<p>He grabbed the unconscious sailor by the heels and lifted him straight -up. Captain Bagley drew down the man's tongue with his handkerchief. -Water gushed from the sailor's open mouth. The watchman squeezed the -man's ribs to try to press out more. Then they laid him on his back and -began to pump his arms up and down.</p> - -<p>"That's too fast," cried Alec, who was making haste slowly and watching -them from the pier. "Fifteen times a minute is right, and you ought to -press in his ribs when you pull down his arms."</p> - -<p>"You get aboard the <i>Bertha B</i>," shouted Captain Bagley, "or I'll heave -you overboard again."</p> - -<p>"We've got to get him out of this cold air," said the shipper, for in a -few minutes Hawley began to breathe. "Let's take him into the cabin of -this boat."</p> - -<p>The watchman led the way with his lantern, while the two captains -carried the bulky form of the sailor down the companionway.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p><p>"Get his clothes off," said Captain Rumford.</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley began to strip off the wet garments. Somehow Hawley's -pocket-knife had worked up above his belt, taking the trousers' pocket -with it. Captain Bagley could not loosen the belt buckle. He drew his -own knife and started to cut off the offending pocket. The sailor's -knife came tumbling out. After it slipped a tiny roll of round, green -paper with a rubber band about it. For an instant Captain Bagley seemed -paralyzed. Then he grabbed the roll and tore off the band. A number of -wet greenbacks unrolled under his trembling fingers. Inside of them was -another roll of bills, also fastened with a rubber band. Inside of all -was a check. The ink on it had run, but the captain was still able to -read the name on the check. The check was payable to Captain Christopher Bagley.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XI</span> <span class="smaller">A WIRELESS TELEPHONE</span></h2> - -<p>For a moment the oyster skipper was like one struck dumb. Then his usual -explosive nature asserted itself.</p> - -<p>"That's where my money went," he burst out, holding up the severed -pocket. He leaped to his feet. "You look after this scoundrel and don't -let him get away. I'll go take care of the lad. We gave him a rough -deal."</p> - -<p>Captain Bagley was out of the cabin and aboard the <i>Bertha B</i> in no -time. He found Alec shivering by the fire. Without a word the skipper -helped him peel off the last of his wet garments, and once more he set -to rubbing Alec with a rough towel. As he rubbed, he talked.</p> - -<p>"Lad," he said, "we done you wrong. The missing money was in Hawley's -pocket."</p> - -<p>Alec was too much astonished for words. The skipper mistook his silence. -"I want you to let bygones be bygones. Will you?" He held out his hand.</p> - -<p>Alec grasped it warmly. "It's all right," he said, "and we'll forget it. -But I was pretty much cut up for a time. I realize now how bad things -looked." Then, after a moment Alec asked, "How<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> is Hawley? Thank God! I -went after him. Now you <i>know</i> I'm honest."</p> - -<p>"We know more. We know you're a mighty brave lad. There ain't many -fellows around here who would take a chance like that to save a fellow -who had tried to murder them."</p> - -<p>"I don't seem to get warm," said Alec.</p> - -<p>The captain rubbed him more briskly than ever. Still Alec remained -chilly.</p> - -<p>"Guess you'd better put on warm clothes and get right into your bunk," -said the skipper, poking up the fire and shoving the coffee-pot over the -warmest griddle.</p> - -<p>Alec pulled on some clothes, then wrapped himself in a reefing-jacket -and lay down on his bunk, drawing some heavy quilts over him. Still he -shivered. The captain remained with him, dosing him from time to time -during the night with hot drinks that he brewed on the stove. But this -time nature was to take her toll. Morning found Alec with a high fever.</p> - -<p>The instant Captain Bagley was satisfied that Alec was going to be ill, -he telephoned Captain Rumford. Bivalve, which was nothing but a shipping -port with practically no residences, possessed no physician. Captain -Rumford said he would bring his family doctor down with him; and before -many hours passed the physician stood by Alec's bedside.</p> - -<p>"You'll have to take mighty good care of this lad if he is to escape -having pneumonia," said the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> physician, after testing Alec's pulse and -temperature. "It's a wonder the shock didn't kill him outright."</p> - -<p>"If his condition is so serious as that," said the shipper, "he ought to -be in a good home where he can have proper care."</p> - -<p>"He should. If you were willing to take a deck-hand into your house, -Captain, you would be doing an act of real charity."</p> - -<p>"Not charity," said the phlegmatic shipper slowly. "Justice. We owe a -lot to that lad."</p> - -<p>That was all Alec ever heard Captain Rumford say by way of explanation -or apology. He was a man who often found it difficult to express himself -in words; but he had other ways of expressing himself, as Alec was soon -to learn. Even the little he had said was much for him to utter. But -little as it was, Alec had heard the statement, and it made him feel a -great deal better than any of the doctor's medicines did.</p> - -<p>For though he was speedily whisked away to the shipper's home, where he -had the best of care, his illness was severe. Chills and high fever -seized him alternately. So severe had been the shock of the two -exposures that his system could not seem to rally and throw off the -heavy cold that had seized upon him. Ten days passed before Alec was -pronounced fit by the doctor to take his place on the deck of the -<i>Bertha B</i>.</p> - -<p>Irksome enough those ten days seemed to Alec; yet they were probably as -profitable a ten-day<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> period as he ever spent in his life. For not a day -passed that Captain Rumford did not spend considerable time in the -sick-room. In those ten days Captain Rumford came to know Alec better -than he would ordinarily have known him in a year.</p> - -<p>"Alec," he said one day, "did you know that the man who fell overboard -was Hawley—that is, did you know it before you went over after him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"You were morally certain he had tried to kill you, and yet you went -overboard after him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Why did you do it?"</p> - -<p>"Because he <i>had</i> tried to kill me."</p> - -<p>"I don't understand what you mean."</p> - -<p>"I mean—I mean," stammered Alec, with burning cheeks and downcast eyes, -"that for an instant I was glad he had fallen overboard. Then the -thought came to me that in my mind, at least, I was a murderer, and that -was a million times worse than being the thief you believed me to be. I -couldn't stand it, sir. The thought drove me wild and I had only one -idea—to save Hawley at any price."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford stared at Alec fixedly. Here was a degree of fineness he -had never before encountered in a human being. "He's true as steel," he -thought to himself. Aloud he said merely, "I see," and paused in -thought.</p> - -<p>"What became of Hawley?" asked Alec suddenly.</p> - -<p>"Oh! He's all right. Bagley was for having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> him put in prison at first. -Then he cooled down, gave the fellow a deuce of a blowing up, and ended -by finding him a job—just like the captain. Looks as though the fellow -is trying to brace up, too. He'd be a good oysterman if he'd stay sober. -By the way, have you made up your mind what you are going to do with -yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said Alec emphatically. "I'm going to be an oysterman." But -he did not tell Captain Rumford when he had come to that decision or -why.</p> - -<p>"Do you have any definite plan in mind?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I've got to learn more about the oyster business first. But -I'm going to know everything there is to know. And I'm going to have an -up-to-date outfit. No old done-over schooners for me. I'm going to have -an oyster-boat that is an oyster-boat."</p> - -<p>The captain smiled ever so faintly. "What is it going to be like?" he -inquired.</p> - -<p>"Well, it will be bigger and higher and faster and have more hold room -than any oyster-boat now in the fleet. And it will be equipped with -wireless, sir."</p> - -<p>The lurking smile vanished from the captain's face. "Where did you get -those ideas?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>"Partly from hearing others talk and partly from my own observation."</p> - -<p>"If you ever do," said the captain, "I reckon you'll make a lot of ship -owners scrap their boats. They can't compete with an outfit like that. -How<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> are you expecting to get the money for a boat like that? Don't you -know it will cost a lot more than the present type of boat, and goodness -knows that costs enough."</p> - -<p>"The minute I finish paying for my father's gravestone, sir, I'm going -to begin saving for that boat. If these ordinary workers around here -earn a thousand to twelve hundred dollars a year, working ten or twelve -hours a day, as I understand they do, I can earn a lot more working -sixteen hours, can't I? And I can save most of what I earn."</p> - -<p>"So that's your plan," observed the shipper, without comment. Then he -thrust his hand into his breast pocket and drew forth a letter. "Your -mention of your father's gravestone reminds me that I have a letter for -you." And he handed the envelope to Alec.</p> - -<p>"You have made a mistake," said Alec. "This letter is addressed to you."</p> - -<p>"I know. But it is really for you."</p> - -<p>In wonderment Alec opened and read the letter. Moisture came in his -eyes. "Oh, sir, how can I ever thank you?" he cried.</p> - -<p>The letter was from the Central City monument dealer in reply to a sharp -note from the shipper. It said the stone had been set up and that the -dealer would be glad to have the remainder due as soon as Alec could -forward it. Alec did not know it, but the captain had practically -guaranteed the payment of that money. It was his method of making -amends.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p><p>When Alec grew a little stronger and could get about a little, but was -still far from able to go aboard ship, he began to grow very restless. -Finally he asked if he might have his wireless outfit. The shipper got -it for him. The outfit interested everybody in the household, especially -the shipper's daughter Elsa, who was one year younger than Alec. -Following his instructions, she made a single-wire aerial between a -near-by tree and the window, brought the lead-in wire into the room -through an insulating tube, and ran the wire round the edge of the room -to a table beside Alec's bed. Then she ran a ground-wire to a water pipe -and helped Alec wire up his outfit.</p> - -<p>Necessarily this was of the simplest possible sort. There was an old -Ford spark-coil, half a dozen dry cells, a spark-gap, a transmitting -condenser, a helix, a transformer, a crystal detector, headpiece, and -key. All these were of the simplest and cheapest sort. Most of them Alec -had made himself; and though they did not look so nice as the bright, -shiny instruments to be bought of manufacturers, they answered the -purpose quite as well. As Alec and Elsa wired the spark-gap to the -transformer, the transformer to the condenser, the condenser to the -spark-coil, and added the key and the cells, Alec explained how messages -were sent in varying wave-lengths, and how it was possible to listen to -one message and tune out other messages of different wave-lengths.</p> - -<p>"If only I had a little more powerful battery,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> said Alec, "I could -talk to my old chums at home. I believe I can easily talk to the big -steamers out on the Atlantic, and I'm going to try it. You know one of -my chums is Roy Mercer, wireless man of the steamer <i>Lycoming</i>. His boat -will be coming up the coast from Galveston in a few days and I'm going -to try to get into communication with him. Won't he be surprised to find -that I am down in New Jersey and in a fair way to be a sailor myself."</p> - -<p>Elsa was fascinated by the wireless. When Alec picked up some of the -messages that were flying through the air in the evenings, and copied -them down for her, she was so excited she could hardly keep her mind on -her lessons.</p> - -<p>"If only I could understand what it means," she said, as she sat -listening from time to time with the receivers strapped to her ears.</p> - -<p>"That's easy," smiled Alec. "I can teach you and you'll be able to learn -in a few weeks."</p> - -<p>"But you won't be here in a few weeks," sighed Elsa, "and besides I want -to communicate by wireless right away."</p> - -<p>"The only way to do that," said Alec, "is to have a wireless telephone. -But I don't have the instruments. They cost more than a wireless -telegraph set, too."</p> - -<p>"What would you use?" asked Elsa.</p> - -<p>"If I just had a good storage battery instead of these dry cells, a V. -T. socket and bulb, some B batteries and a telephone block to add to the -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>instruments I already have, we could receive wireless telephone -messages O. K. And it wouldn't take very much additional equipment for -us to be able to send wireless telephone messages. Some day when I have -the time and the money, I'm going to make and buy a complete outfit. -With that, I can hold a conversation with any one else who has an outfit -within range."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't that be wonderful!" cried Elsa. "Just to think of it! If I had -an outfit here and you had one on the <i>Bertha B</i> we could talk to each -other no matter where you were, whether you were tied up at your pier or -out on the Bay! It would be wonderful."</p> - -<p>When Alec looked at the bright face before him, with the flashing, blue -eyes, pink cheeks, red lips, and curly brown hair, he, too, thought it -would be wonderful. He also thought it would be worth quite as much as -some of the dollars he might earn and save. Very quickly he decided that -he could wait a few hours longer than he had expected for his ideal -oyster-boat, and put those hours into the making of some wireless -telephone sets. Of course they wouldn't look as nice as store goods, but -they would be quite as effective; and when he and Elsa were talking to -each other through miles of space and over leagues of tumbling water, he -knew neither one would remember or care about the looks of their -instruments. What they would be concerned about would be instruments -that talked. That, he suddenly thought, was just what the shipper -wanted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> and the <i>Bertha B's</i> captain wanted, and everybody else -wanted—dependability, whether in men or instruments. It wasn't the -varnish on the outside that made a man or a wireless instrument worth -while. It was the quality of performance that came out of that man or -instrument.</p> - -<p>Alec had almost fallen into a day-dream when he was recalled by Elsa's -voice. "Dad's crazy about music, you know, and nobody in the family -knows one note from another. He promised me a fine piano on my next -birthday if I'd learn to play it, but I don't want the old piano. I'm -going to ask him to get me a wireless telephone set instead."</p> - -<p>"If you get it," said Alec, "I'll make and buy the pieces I need to -convert this outfit into a first-class telephone set. Then we'll be -fixed. If your father won't buy you the set, then I'll make all the -pieces I can for you, and we can manage to buy what is lacking. You know -a fellow can make almost everything except the receivers and the -battery."</p> - -<p>In one respect Elsa was like Captain Bagley. To think was to act. No -sooner had she decided to ask for a wireless telephone set than she made -her request. She came back with a long face. Her father would none of -it.</p> - -<p>Alec became thoughtful. "If I just had those few pieces I need to add to -this set," he said, "I believe I could make your father change his mind -in regard to the matter."</p> - -<p>"How?" cried Elsa.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p><p>"I believe if he once listened in with a wireless telephone, he'd want -one himself."</p> - -<p>"Impossible!" cried Elsa. "He's as set as Gibraltar in his ways. Why, it -was years before we could get him to install an ordinary telephone, and -he wouldn't get a motor-car until years after everybody else here had -one. And I know he thinks this wireless set of yours is all nonsense."</p> - -<p>"I'd bet a dollar to a doughnut he'd change his mind if I could just get -a telephone set while I'm here."</p> - -<p>"What is it you need? Tell me again."</p> - -<p>"A good storage battery, a V. T. socket and bulb, some B batteries and a -telephone block."</p> - -<p>"Would a battery from a Ford car answer?"</p> - -<p>"That's exactly what I want."</p> - -<p>"Well, I have a Ford runabout, you know, and I take care of it myself. -Dad kicks about it every time I come in smeared up with grease. But he -can't stop me. I'll get that battery charged and uncouple it and bring -it up here. And I've got enough money to buy those other things unless -they're too awful expensive."</p> - -<p>"They don't cost so much," said Alec. "It's the battery that's -expensive."</p> - -<p>"Tell me again what they were. Wait. Write it down."</p> - -<p>Elsa brought a piece of paper and a pencil. Alec wrote down his list. -Then he thought the matter over carefully. "Yes," he said, "those are -all the pieces I need, though I ought to have a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>second set of -receivers. They'd fix us up all right. If you get them, we can hear -well, especially if the battery is freshly charged. We'll use them while -I'm here, and after I go you can keep them as part of the set I'm going -to make for you."</p> - -<p>Elsa left the room. Presently Alec heard the purring of her motor-car. -Then he sat in silence for a long time. Finally he heard a motor-car -drive into the yard. Not long afterward Elsa came into the room, -struggling with her Ford battery.</p> - -<p>"Had it recharged," she panted, "and got all the things you wanted."</p> - -<p>"Then we'll wire them right up," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"I'm awful sorry, but I have to attend a rehearsal for our class play. I -can't stay now."</p> - -<p>Alec wired up the instruments himself. It was early evening, and -atmospheric conditions seemed ideal for wireless communication.</p> - -<p>"Now we'll see what the outfit will do," said Alec to himself, as he -clamped a pair of receivers on his head and threw over his switch.</p> - -<p>For a long time he listened and worked, tuning and adjusting his -instruments. At first there was a frightful whistling and wailing in his -ears. But gradually he tuned it out, eliminating all but the sounds he -wished to hear.</p> - -<p>"Now I guess I can handle her O. K.," muttered Alec.</p> - -<p>Just then a voice came ringing through the air. "This is WJZ -broadcasting. We will begin our concert this evening with the sextette -from Lucia,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> rendered by singers from the Metropolitan Opera Company." -Then, after a moment's pause, "Stand by for three minutes."</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford," called Alec loudly.</p> - -<p>"Hello! What is it?" came the response from below.</p> - -<p>"Won't you come here at once, please?"</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford ran up-stairs to Alec's room, thinking something was the -matter.</p> - -<p>"Please sit down and put this on your head," said Alec.</p> - -<p>The captain frowned. "What's this nonsense?" he said sharply. "I thought -you were in trouble."</p> - -<p>"Please do as I ask," said Alec. "I won't keep you five minutes."</p> - -<p>The captain sat down, the frown still on his forehead. The music -started. Clear as a bell on a frosty morning came the beautiful melody, -now rising, now falling, every word clear and distinct. Captain -Rumford's face was a study. Astonishment, incredulity, intense pleasure -were reflected on his countenance. He sat as one entranced. Skilfully -Alec shifted his tuning instruments, shutting out the occasional blurs -and keeping the tone sharp and distinct. The selection ended. Captain -Rumford turned toward Alec and started to remove his headpiece.</p> - -<p>"Wait," said Alec. "Please sit still."</p> - -<p>"The next number on our programme will be Humoresque, as played by -Mischa Elman," came the voice in the air.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p><p>In another moment the strains of a violin were sounding in the -captain's ears. For nearly an hour he sat in silence, listening to the -world's most beautiful music, rendered by famous musicians. He was too -amazed to speak. He sat there, drinking in the music, the very picture -of ecstasy.</p> - -<p>"Where's that from?" he demanded, when the announcer said the concert -was ended.</p> - -<p>"Newark," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"Impossible! Why, Newark is more than one hundred miles distant. It -can't be."</p> - -<p>Alec smiled. "It was Newark just the same," he said. "That was the -Newark station of the Westinghouse Manufacturing Company broadcasting."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Why, they send out stuff broadcast at every hour of the afternoon and -evening. It's free for everybody. All you need is a wireless telephone -set."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean they send out music?"</p> - -<p>"They send out everything you can think of—government weather -forecasts, marine news, happenings of the day, baseball scores, stories -for children, lectures by famous men and women, the finest kind of -music, and lots of other stuff. They give a concert every night in the -week. And they send their weekly programmes free to anybody that asks -for them. And there are many other stations that broadcast, too. There -are Pittsburgh and Chicago and Anacostia and ever so many others."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p><p>The captain was dumfounded. "Young man!" he said, "What did that outfit -cost?"</p> - -<p>"Very little," said Alec. "I made most of it myself. Elsa got these few -things this afternoon. For a hundred or a hundred and fifty dollars you -could get as fine a receiving set as you'd want. A sending set would -cost more."</p> - -<p>"You can! Alec, will you buy a good set for me and wire it up? I want -the best you can get. You can spend as much money as you like, within -reason."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir," said Alec, trying to keep from shouting for very joy. -"I'll be only too glad to. I'll write for catalogues at once and order -the stuff. And when it comes, I'll install it and teach you and Elsa how -to operate it."</p> - -<p>"Fine!" sighed the shipper. "At last we are going to have some music in -this house!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XII</span> <span class="smaller">ALEC GETS A NEW JOB</span></h2> - -<p>Like many another wish, that for the two sets of wireless telephones was -unexpectedly slow of achievement. The oyster shipper's instruments -arrived promptly enough, and Alec installed them and taught Captain -Rumford and his family how to manipulate them. But it was a long, long -time before Alec's own set was completed. Needing to save every cent -possible, Alec bought only such materials as he could not pick up free, -and set about constructing his instruments; but it was a slow job.</p> - -<p>For now he was once more back on the oyster-boat; and his plan to learn -all there was to learn about oystering, and to spend every minute of his -waking hours at work, was more than an idle boast. So he was up by four -in the morning or soon thereafter, helping the cook. All day he was busy -catching oysters. By the time the <i>Bertha B</i> was scrubbed off and made -fast to her pier, darkness was at hand. Alec's evenings were necessarily -very brief, as it was absolutely necessary for him to go to bed early if -he was to get up early. The only free time he had was that consumed by -the trips to and from the oyster grounds. And even that grew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> steadily -less, as he took more and more burdens upon his shoulders.</p> - -<p>Like most boys of his age, Alec knew considerable about gasoline motors. -In fact Alec was fairly skilled in their handling. Often he had helped a -neighbor at home clean and repair his motor-car. His high school physics -had taught him a great deal about the theory of gas engine operation. -And he had many times driven his neighbor's car. Altogether, he was a -handy lad to have about where there were gas engines of any sort.</p> - -<p>Down in the hold, where the <i>Bertha's</i> engine chugged so steadily, the -air was always tainted with the sickening fumes of exploded gasoline, -and the smell of oil. For hours every day, year in and year out, Joe had -sat beside his engine, unrelieved. Never before had the <i>Bertha B</i> -numbered among her crew any one else who was capable of tending the -engine. Now, as Alec, little by little, showed his capacity and won -Joe's confidence, he was allowed to handle the big motor. In time, he -was permitted, for limited periods, to operate it altogether, while Joe -went to deck for a breath of fresh air. Thus Alec learned a great deal -about the <i>Bertha B's</i> motor in particular and ship motors in general.</p> - -<p>As against his capability in some lines, was balanced Alec's utter -ignorance in others. He knew nothing whatever about navigation. But he -set himself to learn, and the captain, seeing his desire, aided him. He -explained the compass to Alec and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> showed him how to steer by it so that -he could keep a given course, when no landmarks were in sight. He told -him how fast the <i>Bertha B</i> ordinarily traveled, and what her maximum -speed was. He explained the best speeds for dredging, the proper length -of chain to use on the dredges at given stages of the tide, showed him -the distant landmarks by which he could locate the Rumford oyster -grounds when the stakes were missing, taught him how to find his way -into the river at night by the range-lights, and how to distinguish East -Point Light from Egg Island Light and all the other lights along the -Bay. And the captain taught him about the tides, and how to figure them -and take advantage of their flow and allow for drift in steering the -boat. He also taught Alec how to find his way through a fog, and how to -judge the direction and distance of sounds in a fog. These and many -other things Captain Bagley explained to his new hand, delighted, as men -of accomplishment always are, to find a lad who was really eager to -learn.</p> - -<p>Day by day Alec grew in knowledge. All that he needed to make his -knowledge wisdom was experience. And with every revolution of the sun he -was acquiring that. Occasionally the captain let Alec steer the boat -while he himself went back in the cabin for a time. Sometimes the -engineer asked Alec to run the motor for a few minutes. And often, when -they were all on deck culling oysters, and Alec and Bishop had cleaned -up their dredgeful, Dick would call across the deck to Alec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> and ask if -he would look at the roast in the oven, or put a little more water on -the beans or stir the potatoes. And Alec would skip inside and execute -the commission. So he came to know, not only how to prepare the foods -furnished on the <i>Bertha B</i>, but also to know which foods sailors like -and which they will not eat. In these and a hundred other ways, Alec was -daily making good his assertion that he wanted to know all there was to -know about the oyster business, and storing away a vast fund of -information that would some day be of the greatest value to him.</p> - -<p>Necessarily, therefore, the construction of his wireless outfit was -delayed. With the ship pitching and rolling, as it usually did in the -Bay, it was difficult to do the fine, exacting work required, such as -the winding of the variometer he was making, or the fitting of the parts -of a large, loose coupler. Yet every available moment went into the -work.</p> - -<p>Meantime, Alec had gained Captain Bagley's permission to put up his -telegraph set on the <i>Bertha B</i>. He ran a single-wire aerial from -masthead to cabin roof and brought his lead-in wire directly into his -bunk. He built a shelf at the foot of his bunk and fastened his -instruments on it. His cells he secured in a corner of the bunk itself.</p> - -<p>In these narrow quarters where he could hardly sit upright he carried on -whatever wireless communications he held. They were brief enough. Yet he -listened to many a message speeding through the air, and he particularly -liked to "take Cape<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> May." Never before had Alec been so near a great -wireless plant. The station there, only twenty miles from the <i>Bertha's</i> -pier, sent its powerful messages snapping into Alec's ear as distinctly -as though the sending instruments were in the <i>Bertha's</i> very cabin.</p> - -<p>Best of all were the brief conversations Alec had with Roy Mercer, when -the <i>Lycoming</i> passed. Every time that steamer went up or down the -coast, Roy and Alec got into touch by wireless and told each other what -they had been doing. And sometimes Roy was able to talk to Charley -Russell, another member of the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol, who had -become first a fire patrol and then a ranger in the forests of -Pennsylvania, and had saved the state's finest stand of timber by the -help of his wireless and the powerful battery his fellows of the -Wireless Patrol had purchased for him. Often Alec caught Charley's -answers himself, without needing to have Roy relay them to him. It was -mighty good to hear from his old comrade back among the Pennsylvania -mountains.</p> - -<p>At last, however, Alec completed his telephone set. He still lacked a -battery, but his keen sense of obligation would not let him buy one -until he had entirely wiped out his debt to Captain Rumford. For Alec -now regarded his indebtedness for the gravestone as an obligation to the -shipper rather than to the marble dealer. Every week Alec turned over to -Captain Rumford practically all of his pay. This mounted steadily from -the ten <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>dollars earned in his first week to full pay. So the debt was -extinguished much sooner than Alec had dreamed it would be.</p> - -<p>His next expenditure was for a battery. Once he had secured that, he -wired up his telephone set and found it worked well. That night he broke -his rule about retiring early. He was talking to Elsa. After that the -two conversed for a time in the early evening before the great -electrical companies began to broadcast their programmes, so as to be -done with the instruments before Captain Rumford appeared to listen to -the music. The dream of the captain's life was realized. He had music in -his home every night, and an amplifying horn made it audible to all.</p> - -<p>Alec, needless to say, became a first-class deck-hand. Not a day passed -that he did not learn something new about the oyster business. As he had -practically no expenses, his savings grew fast.</p> - -<p>Cold weather came. From time to time it was too cold to operate the -oyster-boats. Then the fleet lay in port and the shippers worried -because they could not fill their orders.</p> - -<p>"When I get my boat," said Alec to himself, "nothing but the heaviest -ice will prevent her from operating. She will be high enough so the men -can work in the hold, and there won't be any likelihood of the oysters -freezing."</p> - -<p>Truly it is an ill wind that blows nobody good. The cold days, though -they brought loss to shippers and sailors alike, were helpful to Alec. -When<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> there was no work for the lad aboard the <i>Bertha B</i>, Captain -Rumford brought him into the office. The shipper still clung to the -old-fashioned business methods he had learned as a boy. He had no -clerical help, but tried to keep his accounts and carry on his -correspondence in person. Though it was more of a task than he could -handle, for a long time he obstinately refused to alter his methods.</p> - -<p>One cold day in midwinter, when every boat in the fleet was tied up, -Alec noticed that the captain was fairly sweating under the mountain of -clerical work that had accumulated. He was writing some letters, which -he had later to copy so as to have duplicates; and there were bills to -be made out, bills to be paid, accounts to be entered in the books, -correspondence to be answered, and a dozen other tasks to be done.</p> - -<p>"Won't you let me help you?" said Alec. "I haven't done a thing since -you brought me into the office but run errands. Any ten-year-old can do -that as well as I can. In high school I studied bookkeeping, -typewriting, commercial correspondence, and a good many other things -about business and office work. I've had the training. Won't you let me -help you?"</p> - -<p>The captain hesitated. In all his life nobody but himself had ever -written a business letter for him, or posted an account in his books. He -looked at the pile of work heaped up on his desk. Then he looked at the -unopened mail Alec had just brought from the post-office.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p><p>"You can slit the envelopes," he said, still hesitating. "That would -save some time."</p> - -<p>Alec had to turn sharp about to hide the smile that he couldn't prevent. -Then he whipped out his knife, and in a minute every letter was cut and -ready to open. Alec even pulled each letter part way out of its -envelope, to facilitate handling.</p> - -<p>"Now let me copy that list, while you look over your mail," urged Alec.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said the shipper. "Let me see your handwriting."</p> - -<p>Alec wrote the shipper's name and address. His penmanship was a great -deal better than the shipper's cramped and hurried chirography.</p> - -<p>"Well, you be careful—very careful," said the shipper, reluctantly -surrendering his pen to Alec.</p> - -<p>Alec's task was purely mechanical. He copied the list faster and more -legibly than the captain had done. When he completed it, the captain was -addressing shipping tags. "Let me do that, while you do something more -important," urged Alec.</p> - -<p>"Be careful. Be very careful," warned the shipper.</p> - -<p>When the tags were finished, and Captain Rumford found that not a single -mistake had been made, he gave Alec another task. So the two worked -busily all the morning long. Before either was aware of it, noon had -arrived.</p> - -<p>"By George!" cried the shipper, with sparkling eyes. "There's a whole -day's work done and it's only dinner time. We'll be able to make a big<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> -hole in this pile this afternoon," and he pointed to the accumulated -work awaiting attention at one end of his desk.</p> - -<p>The cold spell continued for several days, and in that time Captain -Rumford and Alec cleaned up every one of the accumulated tasks; the -captain got his books posted, and even got a little ahead with some -routine work. The captain felt as though a mountain had been lifted from -his shoulders. Alec realized that another opportunity had come his way. -He had gained an insight into the clerical end of oystering. He didn't -know whether other offices were run like Captain Rumford's or not; but -he did understand that in this particular office, at least, there was -room for great improvement. If only the captain would change his -methods, he could still do his work single-handed. And with the cost of -clerk hire so high, that was a thing worth accomplishing. In his own -mind Alec pictured the office as he would conduct it if it were his. He -thought over all the time-saving devices he could employ. And he decided -that he could do as much work as the captain did in about half the time -it took the shipper. That was not because Alec considered himself a -superior clerk, but because he knew how to use modern clerical devices -and appreciated their value.</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford," he said, when he had turned the matter over well in -his mind, "I notice that you write out your shipping tags by hand day -after day, and that it takes quite a little time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> Don't you have -regular customers that you ship to year after year?"</p> - -<p>"Why, lad, I've got customers I've shipped to for twenty years," said -the captain proudly.</p> - -<p>"And in all those twenty years I suppose you've addressed all your tags -by hand?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, certainly."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't you save time, Captain, if you had a rubber stamp made for -each old customer? Here's a tag you've addressed to Day and Moore, -Scranton, Pennsylvania. Ever since I've been here I have noticed bags of -oysters going to them almost daily. So I judge they are old customers."</p> - -<p>"Exactly," replied the shipper. "One of my oldest customers."</p> - -<p>"If you had a rubber stamp with their name and address on it, you could -stamp a tag much faster than you can write it, and the address would be -much easier to read. With a stamp for each old customer, hung up with -the address of each customer over his particular stamp, you could -address a good many tags in a minute. Think how much time you would -save."</p> - -<p>"Um!" grunted the captain. "Um! I'll think it over. It might work. It -might work."</p> - -<p>Alec tried hard to keep down the smile that wanted to come. "And, -Captain Rumford," he went on, "if only you would get a typewriter, I -could write letters for you and make carbon copies or copy them in the -copying-press. It wouldn't take one-fourth the time it takes to write -your <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>letters by hand, let alone make copies of some of them. Then you'd -have copies of everything."</p> - -<p>"Um!" said the captain again. "But who'd do the typewriting when you are -not here? The <i>Bertha B</i> won't always be tied up by cold weather."</p> - -<p>"Well," laughed Alec, "I don't suppose I'll always be a deck-hand on the -<i>Bertha B</i>, for that matter. If you wanted to make a deck-hand into an -office hand, I don't know what would prevent you. And I'm sure 'Barkis -would be willin'.'"</p> - -<p>"Barkis," said the shipper, straightening up. "Who's he, and what's he -got to do with my business, anyway?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! He's just a character in a book," said Alec. This time he could not -conceal the smile, and he added, "He's just a funny sort of fellow that -makes you laugh when you think of him."</p> - -<p>"But what's this about his being 'willin''? What's the connection, -anyway?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! That was just a phrase of his, that came into my head. What I meant -was that I would be willing to change from deck-hand to office hand any -time you wanted me to."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford wheeled around toward Alec as though he were about to -bite him. "Are you getting tired of catching oysters so soon?" he -demanded. "I thought you had some sand."</p> - -<p>"Tired!" cried Alec. "I love it. But I don't want to be a deck-hand -forever, and I don't intend to be, either. There's so much to learn -about the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> business that I've got to keep moving, or I'll never learn -it."</p> - -<p>"So you think you already know all there is to learn on shipboard, do -you?" said the captain with cold contempt.</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I do not," replied Alec, his cheeks aflame at the captain's -words. "But I realize there are so many things to learn that I must be -moving on or I'll be an old man before I'm ready to start in the -business."</p> - -<p>"So you're still determined to be an oysterman?"</p> - -<p>"Absolutely."</p> - -<p>"That's very good. But if I were you I'd wait a while before I tried to -teach old oystermen how to run their business."</p> - -<p>"If you think that's the way I feel," cried Alec indignantly, "you are -very much mistaken. What I want to do now is to learn all there is to -know about oystering. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to learn some -of the things oystermen have never done. I don't know what they are, -yet, but there are some such things. You don't catch oysters to-day the -same way you did when you were young. Then you didn't have gasoline -engines, or telephones, or motor-boats, or automobiles. And to-morrow we -shall be using lots of things we don't use to-day. I'm going to find out -what they are and learn all about them, so I'll be right up-to-date when -I become an oyster shipper."</p> - -<p>The shipper looked long and hard at Alec. "Why are you so all-fired keen -about doing things<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> in what you call an 'up-to-date way'? Suppose a man -doesn't take up with these newfangled notions, he's still an oysterman, -isn't he, and he still has his beds and still sells oysters, doesn't -he?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, for a time," said Alec slowly.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I mean," said Alec, "that no man and no business can be very much -behind the times and remain successful. If a merchant lighted his store -with candles instead of electricity, he would not keep his trade very -long in these days. Some of the oystermen are still using sails, I -notice, while the rest of you are using gasoline. Well, they will -eventually be driven out of the oyster business. They have to pay the -same wages for hands that you do, and they don't catch more than half as -many oysters in the same time. See how that cuts their margin of profit. -When they strike a poor season, a lot of them will go broke."</p> - -<p>"I reckon you're about right."</p> - -<p>"Well, when I become a shipper, I don't intend to go broke, I'm going to -stay right up with the leaders. So I want to know all I can learn about -oystering—office work as well as navigation. And as for your office -work, if you had a typewriter I could answer your letters in the -afternoons, after the <i>Bertha B</i> gets in. The skipper could put me -ashore before he unloads his oysters. Why, I could have your letters -pretty well cleaned up before the boat made fast for the night. I could -help you quite a lot, sir."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p><p>"Um!" grunted the shipper. "I'll think it over."</p> - -<p>But before the captain came to a decision, Alec had found another task -that took every moment of his spare time. The weather turned warm, and -the fleet resumed work. The usual activity again prevailed at the pier -shed. In the midst of it, old Pete had a paralytic stroke. He could no -longer collect shells, and many a shipper found himself with his scows -still full of shells when morning came. Captain Rumford was one of them. -Alec was quick to see the opportunity. If he could take care of these -shells, he would help both his employer and himself, for he could sell -the shells when spring came, to the oyster-planters. At once he spoke to -Captain Rumford about it.</p> - -<p>"If I could get a boat," he said, "I would guarantee to keep your scows -clean."</p> - -<p>"If there was any way you could do it," said the shipper, "I'd be mighty -glad to let you. I'm tired of fooling with these old fellows. It's a -real shell game they work on us."</p> - -<p>"I can do it easily, sir," pleaded Alec. "I have lots of time after the -<i>Bertha B</i> reaches her pier."</p> - -<p>"Maybe you could," said the shipper, still hesitating.</p> - -<p>"Of course I could. I might have to work after dark sometimes, but I -wouldn't mind that."</p> - -<p>"We'll try it," said the shipper suddenly, "but what are you going to do -about a boat?"</p> - -<p>"I've got enough money saved to buy a boat,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> said Alec, "unless it -costs too much. Would you be willing to help me buy it?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>They found just the boat Alec wanted. It was long, wide, and flat -bottomed with square ends and very high sides. It would hold at least -fifty bushels of shells when full.</p> - -<p>"What do you want such a big boat for?" demanded the shipper.</p> - -<p>"Because I'll need it," said Alec. "While I am taking your shells away, -I might just as well get some more, too. I'm sure some of the other -shippers will give me their shells if I guarantee their removal every -day. There's one thing still puzzling me, though. Where am I to dump the -shells after I have collected them?"</p> - -<p>"I'll fix that," said the shipper. "Old Si Newcomb owns the land along -the river below the sheds. It's just the place you want. He'll let you -put your shells there if I ask him."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Alec. "Now I'll take my boat and get your shells."</p> - -<p>"I'll ride back with you," said the shipper.</p> - -<p>Alec took the sculling oar and shoved off. But when he tried to propel -the boat as he had seen men doing, his oar flew out of water and he -could not budge his craft.</p> - -<p>The shipper laughed. "I thought you might find yourself in trouble. It -seems there are still some things an old-timer can teach the young fry. -Give me that oar."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p><p>He fitted it into place and the boat fairly flew over the water under -his skilful strokes. Yet he seemed to be working very little. "Watch -that oar," said the shipper. And after a moment, "Watch my wrist."</p> - -<p>Alec soon caught the trick of twisting the oar with each stroke, and -with a little practice found himself able to propel the boat fairly -well. He sculled the craft to the captain's pier and collected his -shells. Then he asked the shippers at adjoining piers for their shells, -guaranteeing their removal each evening if he could have the shells. -Still awkward in the handling of his boat, Alec was slow in finishing -his task. When he started for his dumping-ground, the tide had turned -and was against him. It was all he could do to force the heavy boat -against the swift current.</p> - -<p>"I see two improvements I need to make right away," said Alec to -himself. "I need lights and I need power. I can buy the lights at once. -And when I get a little more money saved, I'll get one of these portable -motors to hang over the stern. Then I can work faster and easier."</p> - -<p>As soon as he had emptied his shells and made his boat fast, Alec walked -over to Port Norris, the nearest town, where he found an acetylene lamp -that would answer his purpose. He bought it and some carbide and walked -back to Bivalve. He went to his boat, and decided how he would mount the -light. Then he started for the <i>Bertha B</i>. But first he paused to look -at the little pile of shells he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> had thrown on the shore. There were -only a few bushels and the heap seemed very small indeed.</p> - -<p>"I suppose there aren't more than thirty cents' worth altogether," said -Alec to himself, "but never mind. Great oaks from little acorns grow. -Nobody knows how big this shell pile will become, or what will come of -the venture. But one thing's sure. I started at the bottom, and I -haven't gotten far yet, but I've climbed one rung of the ladder, anyhow. -I'm more than a mere deck-hand. I'm a shell merchant, now," and Alec -laughed heartily at the joke. "How long will it be before I'm an oyster merchant?"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIII</span> <span class="smaller">AN UNLOOKED-FOR FRIEND</span></h2> - -<p>Much sooner than he had ever dreamed would be the case, Alec had an -opportunity to become an oyster merchant. But it was a sort of oyster -business very different from any he had thought of. It was no trouble at -all for Alec to secure the shells of additional shippers, for by this -time Alec was favorably known to almost everybody at Bivalve. The story -of his rescue of Hawley had drawn attention to him. And his modest -demeanor, his cheerful way, and his general spirit of helpfulness, -attracted every one who met him.</p> - -<p>But more powerful than these influences was the fact that Captain -Rumford stood behind him. If the captain said a thing would be done, -every man at the oyster piers knew it would be done. And the captain was -glad to speak to any fellow shipper whose shells Alec wanted, and -guarantee their removal. Alec secured those from neighboring piers, so -as to lessen the amount of work he would have to do. Nor was there much -difficulty about this. The oyster shippers generally had been so -dissatisfied with the uncertain manner of collecting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> shells that they -were ready to adopt almost any plan which promised real improvement. So -Alec speedily found himself with more shells engaged than he really knew -how to handle.</p> - -<p>Naturally he did not get shells away from the old collectors without -gaining their enmity, too. They cursed him when they met him, and some -even threatened him. Alec paid little attention to them; but he was too -wise to disregard their threats altogether. He had had one experience -with an enemy that nearly cost him his life, and he did not propose to -be caught napping a second time. His work after dark made it especially -easy for any one to harm him who so chose. So Alec went about with both -eyes and both ears open.</p> - -<p>One night he had finished collecting his shells and had just pulled into -his dumping-ground, when a dark form stepped out of the marsh reeds and -leaped aboard his boat. Instinctively Alec picked up his oar and -prepared to defend himself. When he saw that the man was Hawley, he -gripped the oar tighter than ever and made ready for a struggle. His -heart began to beat like a pneumatic riveter, but he stood firm, and -tried to appear unconcerned.</p> - -<p>"Hello, youngster," said the giant sailor, advancing a step toward him. -"You're getting a lot of trade, I see."</p> - -<p>"Yes. More than I can handle."</p> - -<p>"Exactly what I reckoned," replied Hawley. "Exactly what I reckoned."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p><p>Alec wondered why, if the man intended harm to him, he did not attack -him at once. "He's just waiting to take me off my guard," he said to -himself. Aloud he said, "The oyster business is pretty slack just now, -and I can just manage to handle the shells. But I don't know what I -would do if the shippers should have a rush of business. I guess I'd -have to have help or else quit the <i>Bertha B</i>."</p> - -<p>"Exactly what I reckoned," said Hawley. "Exactly what I reckoned. And I -come to offer to help you."</p> - -<p>Alec nearly tumbled over backward in his astonishment. "I'd like to have -your help all right," he said, still eyeing Hawley distrustfully, "but I -don't know how I'd pay you."</p> - -<p>"Who said anything about pay?" asked Hawley.</p> - -<p>"I don't exactly understand what you mean," said Alec. "Of course you'd -want pay if you helped me, and, of course, I would expect to pay you. -Nobody can afford to work for nothing."</p> - -<p>"Exactly what I reckon," said Hawley. "But I've had my pay already. Now -I want to earn it."</p> - -<p>"I don't understand you."</p> - -<p>The big oysterman stepped forward. Alec retreated and raised his oar. -"Just stand back, will you?" he said.</p> - -<p>"I don't blame you a bit for feelin' that way, seein' as how you never -had no reason to trust me," replied Hawley, and he went back to the very -bow of the boat. "But I don't mean you no harm, lad.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> I come to help -you. Jim Hawley ain't no copperhead, even if you do have reason to think -so. That wasn't Jim Hawley that chucked you into the river. It was old -John Barleycorn. Jim Hawley ain't that sort of a feller. I'm done with -John Barleycorn, and I want you to know the real Jim Hawley. I want to -help you and it won't cost you a cent."</p> - -<p>Alec was too much astonished for words. "It's mighty kind of you," he -said, "but I couldn't accept any man's services without paying him for -them."</p> - -<p>"Come, come, lad, don't be foolish," urged the big sailor. "You need me -a whole lot more than you think."</p> - -<p>"I'd like to know how."</p> - -<p>"Well, I didn't want to tell you this, lad. But I'd feel safer about you -if I was around. You know them shell collectors you been gettin' shells -away from don't love you any too much, and I don't like to think of you -out here alone in the dark. It's been worryin' me."</p> - -<p>"Worrying you! Why should you worry about me?"</p> - -<p>Big Hawley hung his head. "I ain't had a decent night's sleep since I -sobered up," he said. "Cap'n Bagley told me what an old villain I'd been -and how fine you was about it, not wantin' me put in jail, and I says to -myself, says I, 'If ever you touch another drop of booze, you're a worse -scoundrel than even Bagley takes you for; and he thinks you're next to -the devil.' So I quit<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> drinkin'. Ain't touched a drop since, and ain't -never goin' to touch another. But that didn't make it right with you. -You done the finest thing I ever heard of when you went overboard after -me, and I just can't sleep for worryin' how I'm goin' to make it up to -you. So you see you've just got to let me help you with them shells."</p> - -<p>Hawley's voice had grown husky and his eyes were actually moist before -he stopped talking. There was no doubting his sincerity.</p> - -<p>Alec threw down his oar and sprang toward him. "Don't you bother about -that another minute," he said, holding out his hand, which the sailor -pressed warmly. "I'm glad you are no longer angry at me, and that you -want to be my friend. And if you really want to help with the shells, -I'll be more than glad. But you must let me pay you when I am able."</p> - -<p>"Now don't you ever say another word to me about pay," said Hawley, -clearing his throat and seizing an oyster shovel. "We'll just consider -the matter settled. And I'm much obliged to you. You've done me a mighty -good turn. I won't have to worry no more about you out here in the -darkness all alone." And he fell to shoveling oysters as fast as he -could.</p> - -<p>The winter continued open, and the fleet worked with unusual regularity. -There were not many days when the weather was too rough for dredging. So -the shells accumulated fast. In a little while Alec was able to buy his -portable motor. With the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> aid of that and with Hawley to assist him, he -could care for his shells in a very short time.</p> - -<p>"It's almost too bad we don't have more shells," he said to Hawley one -day.</p> - -<p>"Git 'em!" said the sailor. "You kin. There ain't anybody round here -won't give 'em to you if you ask, I reckon."</p> - -<p>"I was willing to take old Pete's shells and a few more," said Alec, -"but I wouldn't want to put the other collectors out of business."</p> - -<p>"What's that to you? They'd put you out of business in a minute if they -dared."</p> - -<p>"Just the same, it doesn't seem fair. I can't adopt their standards. -I've got to stick to my own."</p> - -<p>Before many days elapsed, Alec had another opportunity to decide what -standards he would follow. One of his competitors came to him and -offered to pay him twenty-five cents a basket for the rattlers in his -pile of shells.</p> - -<p>"You'd be getting eight times as much for the rattlers as you would for -the shells, and there'd likely be a basket or two a night in such a big -pile of shells. That'd be twenty-five to fifty cents clear velvet every -night."</p> - -<p>Alec was suspicious. "What do you want them for?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"To eat, of course. We can't make enough collecting shells to buy good -oysters. These is all right, if we eat 'em soon."</p> - -<p>"I'll think it over," said Alec.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p><p>When the man was gone, he saw at once the absurdity of the thing. There -were only two or three shell collectors to eat the oysters. Only one of -them had a family. With Alec's shells they would have access to all the -shells in the place. If they could get a basket or two of rattlers from -his shells, there must be a number of baskets among all the -shells—several bushels in fact. It wouldn't be possible for them to eat -all the oysters.</p> - -<p>"There's something crooked about this," said Alec. Then he thought of -what Hawley had told him of the enmity the other shell collectors had -toward him. He decided to ask Hawley about the matter.</p> - -<p>"Jim," he said, when he next saw his helper, "old Wallace offered to buy -all our rattlers. Said he wanted them to eat. What do you suppose he's -up to?"</p> - -<p>"Don't know," replied Hawley, frowning, "but you can bet it ain't for no -good purpose. Why, that old rip's so crooked he can't even walk -straight. You just leave it to me. I'll find out about it."</p> - -<p>Three nights later Hawley sought out Alec after the latter had tumbled -into his bed on the <i>Bertha B</i>. "I know what them rips is up to," he -said. "They're openin' their rattlers, treatin' 'em over-night in soda, -and sellin' 'em in cans."</p> - -<p>"They are!" cried Alec. "Selling them as Maurice River Cove oysters?"</p> - -<p>"Surest thing you know."</p> - -<p>"If they do much of that, they'll knock the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> oyster business into a -cocked hat. Anybody that eats one of those things and sees the label -'Maurice River Cove Oysters,' will never want to taste another."</p> - -<p>"Exactly what I reckon," said big Jim Hawley.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell the shipper about this at once," said Alec.</p> - -<p>He glanced at his watch. "Exactly nine-thirty," he said. "The captain -will be listening to Pittsburgh if he's at home."</p> - -<p>He turned to his wireless telephone, threw over his switch, and began to -speak. "3ADH calling 3ARM," he called. There was no reply. Again he -called.</p> - -<p>Then his receivers began to vibrate. "3ARM answering 3ADH," came the -message.</p> - -<p>"Hello, Captain," he telephoned. "This is Alec. We have found something -going on here that I want to tell you about at once. Can you come down?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Are you in a hurry?"</p> - -<p>"No. Any time to-night will do."</p> - -<p>"I'll come just as soon as this music's done. Good-bye."</p> - -<p>An hour later the shipper, the skipper, Alec, and big Hawley were in -conference in the cabin of the <i>Bertha B</i>. Next day Captain Rumford -called a meeting of all the shippers at Bivalve. The conference decided -to put an end at once to the existing system of shell collecting.</p> - -<p>"We've had enough of this haphazard method,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> said one shipper. "Let us -give all our shells to one man and hold him responsible for their proper -collection and disposition. Then we shall not have to worry about our -scows any longer, and there won't be any of this crooked work going on -to ruin the oyster business. It seems to me we couldn't do better than -to turn the whole shell business over to that young chap of Cap'n -Rumford's. He's a clean, energetic boy, and he'll take care of the -shells right. With all our shells to handle, there will be enough in it -for him to give his entire time to it."</p> - -<p>"And what do you think I'm going to do if you take away the best young -fellow I ever had in my employ?" asked Captain Rumford.</p> - -<p>"That's your lookout," said his fellow shipper. "The oystermen's -association is just as keen to get a good man as you are to keep one."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford himself laid the proposition before Alec. The latter was -dumfounded. "Give me twenty-four hours to think it over," he said.</p> - -<p>It was a crisis in Alec's life. It was an opportunity and yet it was not -the sort of opportunity he welcomed. It would take him away from the -direct line he had marked out for himself. Then, too, if he became a -shell collector only, he would have no money coming to him until the -spring planting season, and he did not see how he could get along -without some regular income. Finally, he was reluctant to leave the -employ of Captain Rumford.</p> - -<p>He had almost decided not to accept the offer, when he thought of -Hawley. "Why, he could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> collect most of those shells himself, if he -worked at it all day," thought Alec. "He can get around so fast with the -little motor that he might be able to do it all himself. Now, how can we -arrange it?"</p> - -<p>He thought over the matter a long time. Before he fell asleep he had -decided what to do. Next morning he sought Hawley on the latter's ship -the instant he was up.</p> - -<p>"Jim," he said, "the oystermen want me to take all their shells. I'd -like to do it. There would be a nice profit in it, but I can't very well -give up my job on the <i>Bertha B</i> and go to collecting shells on nothing -a week. Now if you would go into partnership with me——"</p> - -<p>"On nothing a week?" laughed the big sailor.</p> - -<p>Alec joined in the laugh. "Looks as though that's what I want, doesn't -it? But listen, Jim. Here's my plan. You stay here and handle the -shells. I will be on hand to help you every afternoon. With the motor in -our boat we can handle them all easily. I'll draw my pay on the <i>Bertha -B</i> and give you ten dollars each week. That isn't much, but it will keep -you until we sell the shells. Then you can repay me from your share of -the proceeds. I've been figuring out how many we'll have, and there'll -be enough to bring us both a good profit for all the time and money we -put into it. What do you think of it?"</p> - -<p>"If it will help you," said Hawley, "you just bet I'll do it."</p> - -<p>"It'll help us both."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p><p>"Then that settles it. Here's to the new firm, 'Cunningham and Hawley, -shell merchants.'"</p> - -<p>And turning to the table, Hawley poured out drinks for them both. But it -was only coffee.</p> - -<p>"Shall we have a sign painted?" he laughed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIV</span> <span class="smaller">THE CORNER-STONE THAT ALEC FOUND</span></h2> - -<p>Now that Alec and Jim got all the shells from all the shippers, their -pile grew with unbelievable rapidity. Although the number of shells had -increased so greatly, yet big Jim Hawley was almost always able to -handle the entire day's harvest himself. The powerful little motor shot -his boat from point to point with great speed; and the sailor himself -was so strong and powerful that he could shovel the shells out of his -boat while most other men would have been thinking about it. Thus it -happened that Alec seldom had to help his partner, when the <i>Bertha B</i> -made fast for the day.</p> - -<p>But Alec was not one to waste his time. Whenever Jim did not need him, -Alec hustled up to the shipper's office and helped with the clerical -work. To his delight, Captain Rumford finally procured a typewriter, the -rubber stamps, and some other office equipment suggested by Alec. With -the aid of these and the assistance Alec was able to give him, Captain -Rumford now easily performed the office work that had previously been -such a burden to him. When Sailor Hawley saw the situation, and realised -that Alec had a good chance for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>promotion if he could be regular with -the office work, he told Alec that the shell collections had fallen off -so much he would not need any help during the remainder of the season. -Perhaps he told the truth.</p> - -<p>Alec, at any rate, now felt free to give Captain Rumford his time every -afternoon. Usually the skipper was able to set Alec ashore by half-past -three o'clock. In the two hours that remained before Captain Rumford -drove home, the captain dictated answers to all his letters, Alec taking -the dictation direct on his typewriter. He had to do this, as he had -never studied stenography. Often, now, he wished he had. But he had -never foreseen the need of it. His deficiency taught him a good lesson, -however.</p> - -<p>"It just goes to show that you never can tell what will come useful," -said Alec. "I'll worry along all right without stenography, I suppose, -but you can just bet that in this oyster game I'm going to know -everything I possibly can pick up that has the slightest bearing on the -business. I'm not going to wake up after I'm a shipper and find that -there is something about my business that I don't know."</p> - -<p>As the winter wore on, work declined at the oyster piers and men were -laid off. Many beds had long ago been dredged clean of their oysters. -Boat after boat was made fast for the season. The fleet dwindled almost -daily in numbers. Then there came periods of very rough weather, when -all the boats remained at their piers. Those days Alec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> spent wholly in -the office. So his pay continued without interruption. Better still it -increased. As a deck-hand he had been getting $17.50 a week. The shipper -increased his stipend to $20 a week.</p> - -<p>But better even than the increase in pay was the opportunity that came -to visit the captain's home. For often at the week-end Alec was now -asked to accompany the shipper home. Usually he merely spent the evening -there, returning to Bivalve by trolley. But once in a while he was asked -to spend Sunday with the Rumfords. Elsa, of course, hailed his visits -with delight. And it was not long before Mrs. Rumford was almost as glad -to see Alec as her daughter was. About the only welcome Alec ever got -from the head of the house was the statement the latter made, when he -ushered the lad in at the door, "Well, mother, here's this Alec -Cunningham again. He pestered me so to bring him along that I hadn't the -heart to refuse."</p> - -<p>Of course, there wasn't a word of truth in it, but just the same it -always embarrassed Alec a little bit, much to the delight of Elsa. -Probably that was why the shipper teased the lad, for Elsa was the apple -of his eye. To please her, he would have done things far more foreign to -his nature than to crack a joke.</p> - -<p>Probably the reason Elsa was so fond of Alec was because he treated her -as an absolute equal. There was no hint of condescension on his part -when he talked with her, no suggestion of superiority. He never -intimated that because she was a girl she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> shouldn't do this or that -thing that he did. Like the majority of American girls of to-day, Elsa -was independent, sensible, thoughtful, and able. So her tastes and -desires were remarkably like those of any other normal person of her age -and training. She liked sailing, tennis, swimming, basket-ball, -motoring, camping, and similar sports, and was quite as intelligent -about them as most boys would have been. With similar likes himself, -Alec understood her feelings exactly and treated her much as he would -have treated a boy chum of his own age. Though he was doubtless a little -more chivalrous toward her than he would have been to one of his boy -friends, he did not carry his chivalry to the point where it interfered -with their friendship. So the two became very good chums, indeed. It was -a matter of delight to them both that Alec was able to help her with -many a knotty point in her studies. In every way the two seemed -fashioned to be the best of friends.</p> - -<p>To Alec the privilege of coming to the captain's house meant more than -he could have told. Alec and his father had lived with a very estimable -family. Here at Bivalve he missed greatly that home influence. His -companions on the <i>Bertha B</i> and at the piers he had come to esteem -greatly; yet they were mostly rough workingmen, uncouth in speech and -manner, though pure gold at heart. Alec was at an age and in a situation -when he especially needed the refining influence of a good home. He got -it in Captain Rumford's home.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p><p>Just why Captain Rumford chose to take Alec to his home, the -inscrutable oyster shipper never said. But he never did anything without -a reason. Outsiders who knew about the matter attached far more -significance to it than Alec possibly could. Also they understood much -better than Alec did how fortunate a lad he was. With the leading oyster -shipper at Bivalve back of him, Alec's future was already secure if he -chose to become an oyster-planter himself.</p> - -<p>Alec, fortunately, never once thought of the matter in that light. He -didn't even know that the shipper was behind him. In his own mind he was -simply an employee whom the shipper, for some reason or other, had come -to like. And he meant to do everything in his power to retain Captain -Rumford's good-will.</p> - -<p>It pleased Alec immensely that he had been able to help his benefactor -so much with his office work. The changes that had been made seemed to -lighten the work daily. Yet the changes already made were not all that -Alec hoped to make. He wanted a better system of filing and keeping -records. Every time he looked at the dusty pigeonholes in the old rack -above the captain's desk, each stuffed full of miscellaneous contents, -his fingers itched to tear the whole thing out and install some modern -filing cases. But he knew he must bide his time for that.</p> - -<p>Very late in the winter, or very early in the spring, when the oyster -business was getting toward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> its lowest ebb and the office work was -light, Alec asked permission to clean the office. The shipper looked at -him in amazement.</p> - -<p>"What for?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps we could arrange things in a way that would expedite our work," -replied Alec, watching his boss out of the corner of his eye.</p> - -<p>"Um!" grunted the shipper. "It's likely! Why, I've done business with -this office just as it is for more than thirty years and never found it -necessary yet to change things."</p> - -<p>But in the end, he consented. Alec moved their two desks somewhat, so as -to get better light on them and shifted a few other things. But the main -thing he wanted to do was to clear out those dusty old pigeonholes, and -get the contents arranged better. So he began to take the contents from -pigeonhole after pigeonhole, laying the things he took out in orderly -little piles and trying to rearrange and classify them. But when he -reached the second row in the rack, he suddenly lost all interest in his -work. Out of the pigeonhole came a familiar-looking pamphlet, like -dozens of government bulletins Alec had seen at the high school in -Central City. Alec was about to drop it on the desk when the title -caught his eye. It was "Aids to Successful Oyster-Culture." The bulletin -had recently been issued by the New Jersey Experiment station.</p> - -<p>"Where did you get this?" cried Alec, all afire with interest.</p> - -<p>"What?" said the shipper, glancing up from his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> work. Then, after seeing -what it was, "Oh! That! Why, that's something the state got out. -Somebody sent me a copy."</p> - -<p>"Is it interesting?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"To tell the truth, I never had time to read it. I stuck it in that -pigeonhole and there it's been ever since."</p> - -<p>Alec looked aghast. "Never read it!" he cried. "Would you be willing to -lend it to me? I'll take good care of it and be sure to return it."</p> - -<p>"Take it and keep it. I don't want it."</p> - -<p>Alec folded the bulletin and placed it in his pocket as though it were -rarest treasure. Into his mind flashed the Master's words: "The stone -which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner."</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" he said to himself, "but this may be the very corner-stone -for the structure I intend to build? It may be the very thing I have -been searching for. My entire future may depend upon what I read in this bulletin."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XV</span> <span class="smaller">A NEW LIGHT</span></h2> - -<p>Even a cursory examination of the bulletin told Alec he was right in -thinking that the little pamphlet held the secrets for which he had been -searching. Here, in this unconsidered little publication that had been -consigned to the oblivion of a dusty pigeonhole by a man who was -beginning to fall behind the times, was an open sesame to the -treasure-house of the deep. Alec wondered how many more of these -bulletins were likewise resting in dusty pigeonholes. He was sure there -must be many of them similarly tucked out of sight, for the bulletin, -which was the very first of a series planned by the state to set forth -the knowledge of the oyster that had been accumulated by the scientists -of the world, plainly said that the position of the oyster-planter of -to-day was very similar to that of the land farmer of fifty years ago, -before the application of scientific methods to agriculture. If that -were true, Alec knew that little heed would be given to the publication -by many of the oyster-planters. They were too old to change. The -situation gave him the opportunity to become a pioneer and, he firmly -believed, to reap the rewards of the pioneer.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p><p>The quality that distinguished Alec's mind from the mind of the average -lad of his years was that of understanding or comprehension. At school -he had never won unusual grades; yet he had been an unusual student. -Indeed, it would have been remarkable had a lad of his wide interests -gained high marks. His participation in athletics, his accomplishments -with the wireless, his devotion to nature and out-of-door pleasures, and -his efforts along many lines not directly connected with his studies, -practically precluded the possibility of his being an honor student. Yet -no winner of high grades ever understood what he studied better than -Alec comprehended the work he covered. Very early Alec had imbibed the -idea that the purpose of schooling is understanding, not grades, ability -to accomplish, and not diplomas. So he had been more or less indifferent -to the marks he received, but very particular to grasp what he studied. -To an unusual degree he had gained the essence of education, which is -the ability to think. He saw facts as they were, he drew correct -deductions from these facts, and he consequently came to truthful -conclusions.</p> - -<p>Nothing whatever could have meant as much to Alec, situated as he now -was, as did this double ability to understand facts and to draw right -conclusions from them. He was just starting his life-work. He was -building his career. He was erecting a structure to last a lifetime and -perhaps many generations longer. He must fight for all he got.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> There -would be few who cared whether he built well or poorly, and fewer still -to help him. His alone was the responsibility for the quality of the job -he was doing. What he had told Captain Rumford was true: he wanted to -know, not only about what oyster-planters had done and were doing, but -also what they would be doing in future. Alec had always been like that. -He had always wanted to know the whole truth.</p> - -<p>As he read the bulletin in his hands, he told himself that he was a -fortunate lad, indeed. If oyster-farming is to-day just where land -farming was half a century ago, he told himself, he had become an -oysterman at exactly the right moment. He had had a great deal more -schooling than most of the men now in the business. He could learn the -truth more easily. He had the advantage of knowing nothing whatever -about the oyster business, so that he had no prejudices to hamper him, -no preconceived ideas to hold him back. He was free to learn the truth, -and when he found it, to act accordingly. He could make all his plans -upon a scientific basis. He could be a pioneer in scientific -oyster-culture. And like the farmers who sprayed their fruit-trees while -their neighbors laughed at them, and the dairymen who began raising -blooded stock while their neighbors ridiculed them, he would reap his -reward, the same as those intelligent orchardists and cattlemen had -done.</p> - -<p>Perhaps Alec did not actually think the situation out in such detail, -but the underlying idea he felt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> very strongly. He had come into the -oyster business at a time when it was about to undergo a change. Not all -the oyster-shippers, he felt sure, would toss aside this valuable -compendium of information as thoughtlessly as Captain Rumford had done. -Few of them, perhaps, were as well qualified as he himself was to carry -out the suggestions made in the book; for he had studied biology. He -knew how to use the microscope. He was familiar with the work that would -be required of the scientific oysterman as suggested by the bulletin.</p> - -<p>For this marvelous little publication told him, not only about the -life-history and habits of oysters, but also how and where they could -best be raised. An open sesame, indeed, was this book. For Alec had long -understood that the present method of oyster-culture was largely a game -of blind man's buff.</p> - -<p>When he had asked the skipper how the oystermen knew good grounds from -poor ones, the captain had replied, "They don't. All they can do is to -shell 'em and see if they get a set."</p> - -<p>That was the doctrine and belief of an experienced and able captain of -an oyster-boat. Yet here in his very hands Alec had proof that an -intelligent person could discover where the good grounds were, easily -and cheaply. It wasn't necessary to own a ship and buy thousands of -bushels of shells and employ expensive help to spread them in order to -find out whether a given place would make good grounds or not. With very -little equipment Alec knew he could test the matter as well as anybody.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> -He almost cried aloud with sheer joy. For though the planted beds -covered 30,000 acres, and doubtless included many and perhaps most of -the good grounds, Alec did not doubt that there still remained unstaked -areas that would make as good oyster-beds as any already "stuck up." His -job was to find them while he was getting together the money to buy his -equipment.</p> - -<p>When Alec had gone hastily through the bulletin once, he again began to -read it, this time slowly and painstakingly. He found that Skipper -Bagley's assertion that one oyster produces millions of little oysters -was not only true, but was almost an understatement, so incredible was -the actual number, estimated by the scientists at sixteen to sixty -millions, depending upon the size, age, and vigor of the spawning -oyster. And it was equally true, as the skipper had said, that one could -not see newly-formed oysters with the naked eye; for, even at two weeks -of age, when they are about ready to attach to something, they were -still scarcely visible.</p> - -<p>What fairly astounded Alec was the fact that each tiny oyster larva has -a foot, which is later absorbed into the body when there is no longer -need for it. For, contrary to what the skipper had told him, the oyster -fry not only have the power to move about in the water, but they do not -die at once if they sink to the bottom and find no suitable place of -attachment. With its tiny foot, each microscopic oyster is able to move -about on the bottom, and does move about, a few inches at a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> time, -seeking a place of attachment. It has other methods of locomotion as -well. Hair-like growths that act like propellers, give it the power to -move slowly through the waters. Thus it creeps and swims, searching here -and there until it finds the resting-place it is after. Then it makes -fast to the place selected, and its shell rapidly enlarges. In ten -hours' time it has become as large as a grain of pepper.</p> - -<p>And the bulletin's suggestions as to shelling oyster-beds, Alec noted, -were directly at variance with established practices. For Alec knew that -ordinarily the shells were spread broadcast, in an effort to cover as -much of the bottom as possible, whereas the bulletin advised the -planting of shells in windrows, placed transversely to the current, and -piled to the depth of ten inches or even a foot, so as to afford more -exposed surfaces than could be offered by shells broadcasted and lying -flat in the mud. For now Alec learned, to his astonishment, that the -tiny oysters do not necessarily drop downward in their search for a -place of attachment, but also rise upward. And since sediment does not -collect to any great extent on the under surface of bodies held in the -water, the under sides will afford the cleaner places of attachment. In -proof of this, the bulletin showed several shells that had been -suspended in the water for five days during the spawning season. Though -they were clean when put into the water, enough sediment had collected -in that short time to prevent the attachment of a single<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> spat to their -upper surfaces, while one shell alone had seventy-three spats attached -to its under surface at the end of five days.</p> - -<p>"Why, that's just common-sense," cried Alec. "Of course an under surface -stays cleaner in the water than an upper surface. Anybody knows that. -And shells heaped in windrows will present a thousand times as many -under surfaces as shells thrown flat in the mud. You bet I won't forget -that."</p> - -<p>There were many other things that astonished Alec. He learned that -spawning activities are controlled almost wholly by temperature, oysters -never spawning before the water reaches a temperature of at least 68 -degrees and generally 70 degrees, while spawning activity increases with -the increase in the temperature of the water. Alec saw at once that -there might thus be great seasonal variation in the amount of spawn -produced, and that a cold, cloudy summer might result in little or no -oyster fry being spawned, while a hot, cloudless spring and summer, -particularly if the wind did not stir up the water too much, would -almost certainly result in a tremendous output of oyster larvæ.</p> - -<p>"Looks to me," said Alec, with characteristic insight, "as though it -wasn't worth going to the expense of shelling a bed if it happens to be -a very cold year," and he was pleased when in reading further he found -that the bulletin confirmed his judgment.</p> - -<p>Furthermore Alec knew that deep water would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> remain cold while shallow -water grew warm. And as the oyster remains practically at the -temperature of the water surrounding it, he saw that here was another -problem to be considered in the greatest of all the problems that he -believed lay before him. That was the problem of finding a good oyster -ground. For Alec had no hope of ever being able to buy a ground already -established. Within a very few days such an established bed had changed -hands, and the price paid by the purchaser was $25,000. Of course this -was a big bed, but Alec knew that any productive bed at all would -command a high price. What he must do when he became a planter was to -stake out new grounds that he could get from the state merely for the -annual rental of seventy-five cents an acre.</p> - -<p>To procure such a bed was a simple enough matter, but to procure a bed -that would be productive, where the planting of shells would result in a -good set of spat, was quite another matter. As the skipper had told him, -it was commonly believed that all the good beds had already been "stuck -up." That fact had been the most discouraging thing Alec had had to -face, as he thought over his plans for the future. But now light was -coming to him. One of the factors he must consider in the selection of -his grounds was water temperature. Depth was an important factor, and -so, too, was the movement of the water, for turbulent water meant cold -water, while still water meant warm water.</p> - -<p>When Alec studied that portion of his book that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> dealt with tides and -currents, he fairly hugged himself for joy. Now he knew how to determine -the other factors in the problem of locating his beds. For the bulletin -told him that with the ebb and flow of the tide certain main currents -are produced over an oyster-bed which are quite definite in direction -and which vary but little from year to year, while the configuration of -the shore and the bottom produces smaller currents and eddies in -conjunction with these main currents. And these currents would have very -much to do with the matter of locating an oyster-bed.</p> - -<p>For an abrupt ridge, or raised area of the bottom, will produce one or -more eddies, thus resulting in a region of slack water. Along the margin -of every well defined channel, areas occur where the water lags behind -that in the channel itself. And these areas are often so sharply marked -off that one may follow them without difficulty for miles, owing to the -appearance of the water. "Any one who has noticed these 'slicks,'" said -the bulletin, "has noticed the foam and surface debris which collect -there."</p> - -<p>Many a time had Alec noted these slick stretches of water and wondered -at them, seeking a reason for their smoothness. Here it was explained. -But the full connection between a slick and an oyster-bed below it was -not apparent to Alec until he read, "The oyster larvæ, though -free-swimming, move so slowly that they are carried about by the -currents much as grains of sand would be. They,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> therefore, tend to -collect in these regions of slicks and eddies, along with a host of -other microscopic plants and animals. In such places there occurs a -heavier set of spat than elsewhere in that neighborhood. Find the oyster -larvæ in the water, then get your shells under them."</p> - -<p>There was the secret Alec had been searching for. Now he knew how to go -about the selection of his oyster grounds. "Find the oyster larvæ in the -water and get your shells under them."</p> - -<p>One difficulty alone seemed to present itself. As a deck-hand he would -be busy until the end of June, and by that time he feared spawning might -be nearly ended. How could he do his duty to his employer and at the -same time study the waters in the oyster-beds as he saw he would need to -do? But he was reassured as he read further and found that in the -Delaware Bay and other deep waters in New Jersey, spawning is a more or -less continuous process, running from the first of July to the latter -part of August.</p> - -<p>Not even on that first morning at Bivalve, when he suddenly found his -condition changed from that of a shivering, hungry, penniless lad, to a -situation where he had a warm place to sleep, plenty of good food to -eat, and a generous wage coming to him daily, did Alec feel more elated -than he felt now. He had had a very rough experience. He had gone -through an unforeseen crisis, when all the supports had been knocked -from under his young life and he had suddenly had to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> stand wholly on -his own feet. At first he had had to choose what he would do merely to -exist. Later he had had to decide what he meant to make of himself. Even -when chance had put him on shipboard, and circumstances had almost -seemed to drive him to choose oystering as his calling, the situation -had seemed hopelessly difficult, so much of both knowledge and capital -were necessary, and both seemed so hard to acquire. And now, here in his -very hand, he suddenly found the map that showed him his path clear and -distinct.</p> - -<p>No wonder he cried aloud for joy. Now he knew, not only where he was -going, but also how to get there. To be sure, it would take him years to -attain his goal. But that would have been true, no matter what he -attempted. There was nothing discouraging about that. There was nothing -discouraging about any aspect of his situation. He had a steady job and -was saving money, even though half his wages went to support his partner -in the shell business. The shell venture was certain to net him a -generous return. With his father's gravestone paid for, Alec had -practically no expenses, save for clothes and incidentals, and these -were small enough. He had no time for nightly diversion at some -neighboring town, even had he desired it, and he used neither tobacco -nor strong drink. The clothes he had worn upon his arrival were of good -cut and material. He had had them cleaned and pressed when he got -rougher garments for his daily labor, and these good clothes would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> last -for a long time. So he could save a goodly sum each week even on half of -his wages. If he continued to work hard and take advantage of every -opportunity that offered, he knew his income was certain to increase and -his savings multiply accordingly. No wonder Alec felt jubilant. No -wonder he felt as though he were already standing at the wheel of <i>Old -Honesty</i>, the ship of his dreams. No wonder, either, that he could not -discern the rocks that rose ahead with evil portent.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVI</span> <span class="smaller">THE PLANTING SEASON BEGINS</span></h2> - -<p>Weeks passed. The oyster business grew duller and duller. More and more -ships were laid up for the winter. For days at a time the <i>Bertha B</i> lay -fast at her pier. To a lad of Alec's energetic, impatient nature, it was -a trying period. There was so little that he could do. From bowsprit to -taffrail he already knew every rope and stick and implement on an -oyster-boat, and the uses of them all. He knew the various parts of the -engine and comprehended their functions. He had already learned how to -splice a rope, reef a sail, bend on a line, cast a hawser, and do a -thousand other tasks aboard ship. Ashore, he had inquired into every -phase of the oyster business he could think of. Like Alexander, he -sighed for more worlds to conquer; for it seemed to Alec as though there -was nothing new left for him to do. He felt like a soldier marking time. -He was going through the motions, perhaps, but not advancing. And to -Alec's impatient nature, that meant that he was wasting his time, -throwing away the only capital he possessed.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p><p>In reality his time was far from wasted. Though he did not realize it, -he was continually picking up knowledge that was to be of use to him. -Always he was on the alert. Ever he was asking questions. Continually he -was weighing this and that practice in his mind. And from night to -night, as he sat in the warm cabin of the <i>Bertha B</i>, talking with the -skipper and Joe, both of whom lived aboard with him, he absorbed a vast -fund of useful and practical information.</p> - -<p>Of this fact Alec was hardly conscious. To him it seemed as though he -were merely killing time by listening to the engaging yarns of the -skipper; for Captain Bagley, like all real sailors, could tell the most -fascinating stories of the sea. But through the medium of these stories -Alec unconsciously picked up a great deal of information about the -waters he would have to navigate as an oysterman, about the currents, -the tides, the winds, the storms, the calms—in short about the very -things he needed to know. Whenever he heard the least thing that was -likely to be of use to him, he unconsciously singled it out and put it -away in the storehouse of his memory.</p> - -<p>For to Alec, as to every real thinker, it was given to learn through the -experiences of others quite as much as through his own experiences. -Indeed, Alec early had seen the folly of learning through his own -experience if he could possibly learn through that of another. It might -be true, he knew, that experience is the best teacher. But he quickly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> -saw that he is a fool who learns only through his own experience. So, -although the time seemed to drag, and he chafed under the enforced -idleness, Alec was really acquiring something worth while all the time. -Any one does who is really desirous of learning.</p> - -<p>But on one account Alec was not sorry because things were so dull. He -saw a great deal of Elsa. Alec's bright, cheerful ways had endeared him -to the entire Rumford family. The shipper welcomed him to his home -because he felt that he would rather have Elsa associate with Alec than -with most of the lads he knew. The others might be all right or they -might not be. Alec was true as steel. In a hundred ways the shipper had -seen him tested. He <i>knew</i> about Alec.</p> - -<p>Had Alec realized these things he would have been both gratified and -puzzled—gratified to know that the captain really did think so well of -him, yet puzzled to know why it was so. For in some ways Alec was -singularly childlike. At the captain's home or in the captain's presence -he had not acted in any way different from the way he always acted. What -Alec did not realize was how fine at heart he really was. But though -Alec did not comprehend these things about himself, the shipper -understood them readily enough. And he knew, as well as he knew -anything, that if he himself lived his allotted time, he would see the -day when Alec stood at the very top of the oyster business. It is just -as impossible to keep down a lad like Alec, as it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> to dam back -forever the waters of a stream. Either may be held back for a time. In -the end both will break through.</p> - -<p>One thing these days of idleness did for Alec that he did not comprehend -at all. They gave him to the last measure the full coöperation and -sympathy of Elsa. In an intangible way that neither understood or -appreciated their relationship underwent a very real change.</p> - -<p>By this time Alec's plans for the future were beginning to take tangible -form. His ideas had crystallized. They were concrete enough to talk -about in exact terms. And Alec wanted to talk about them. He wanted to -discuss them with some one who could comprehend and sympathize with his -plans, and yet criticize them in a friendly, intelligent way. Jim -Hawley, though big of heart, hadn't the kind of mind to grasp what Alec -was aiming at; Captain Bagley would have been indifferent to the matter; -and Captain Rumford would have regarded Alec's plans as the veriest -rubbish. Besides these three, there were no men in the oyster fleet with -whom Alec would have been willing to discuss his plans.</p> - -<p>Elsa met every requirement. When Alec told her what was in his mind she -comprehended exactly what he meant, she sympathized fully with his -position, she passed judgment on his schemes with the friendliest sort -of criticism. It was exactly the sort of help Alec needed most. It gave -him increased confidence in his own plans and stiffened his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> courage. He -knew that Elsa understood him and sympathized with him fully and he -needed such sympathetic understanding and encouragement if he were to -win through.</p> - -<p>As the days lengthened and winter drew near to spring, there was more -activity in the oyster fleet. Planters began to inquire for shells. -Farmers began to bring loads of stakes with which to mark the -oyster-beds afresh. Boats were overhauled. Propellers were removed from -power craft or boxed in such a way as to render them useless, for the -law prohibited any power boats from going on the natural oyster-beds. -Nothing but sails could be used in dredging seed-oysters.</p> - -<p>Then at last came the planting season itself, the great event in the -oysterman's year. From far and wide a huge fleet assembled. Every boat -that could still carry a sail and drag a dredge joined the assembly. The -river was fairly jammed with oyster-boats. At every pier ship after ship -made fast until the rows of boats extended far out into the stream. The -piers themselves took on new life. Now they fairly hummed with activity. -Ships were freshly provisioned. New supplies of all sorts were brought -aboard. Chains and dredges were examined and stowed in the holds. Great -crews were recruited, double or triple the size of the crews ordinarily -carried. From miles around came every able-bodied man to join the fleet. -Ships were continually passing to and from oyster-beds, where new stakes -were being put down and everything possible<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> done in advance to get -ready for the actual planting.</p> - -<p>Then came the great day, the first of May. On the afternoon before, ship -after ship cast loose and headed for the oyster grounds. Now Alec saw a -sight that stirred his blood and made his heart beat faster. Down the -river went the fleet, ship after ship, dozens, scores, hundreds of them, -heeling in the wind, their sails shining in the sun, like a wondrous -flock of huge, white birds.</p> - -<p>Like schoolboys on a lark were the men aboard these ships. Like Alec, -they had chafed at their enforced idleness. The feeling of spring was in -their blood. The spirit of fun was abroad among them. Laughter rose from -every deck. Across the water voice called to voice. Old friends greeted -one another across the dancing waves. Skipper hailed skipper. To right -and left challenges were flung, and boat after boat picked up her heels -to prove her master's assertion that she was faster than her neighbor. A -dozen races were staged at once.</p> - -<p>So the fleet proceeded, like a great covey of birds, out of the -sheltering river and into the open Bay. Across the oyster-beds raced the -rolling vessels, now spread out in wide array, pressing on and on until -they joined their fellows who had come before, and dropped their anchors -at the very side of the Southwest Line, where the state had said, "Thus -far and no farther, shalt thou go."</p> - -<p>Now Alec witnessed a sight that thrilled him as few things in all his -life had done. Nightfall found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> practically every ship in the fleet -anchored near the line. North, east, south, and west of the <i>Bertha B</i> -oyster-boats lay at rest. Aloft a white light glimmered on every ship. -And as the boats moved ever so slightly in the gentle swell, these lamps -aloft swayed slowly back and forth, as though signalling one to another. -The weather was balmy, the night was lighted by a radiant moon. The -gentlest of breezes sighed through the rigging. The beauty of the night -drew Alec on deck as irresistibly as a powerful magnet draws a piece of -steel. For a time he stood by the ship's rail, looking at the gently -heaving water, studying the swirls in the tide, as they shone and -sparkled in the moonlight, listening to the gentle slap! slap! slap! of -the waves against the oaken sides of the <i>Bertha B</i>.</p> - -<p>From her cabin, and from the cabins of sister ships arose the sound of -laughter, the noise of raucous voices. In the calm and holy beauty of -the night they seemed out of place. To Alec's sensitive soul they were -as discordant as the rasping tones of a horse fiddle. He wanted to get -away from them, where he could drink in the beauty of the scene -undisturbed; where he could steep himself in the spirit of the night. So -he clambered up the rigging and perched himself on the crosstrees.</p> - -<p>Now he was like one in a tower. He could see far and wide. Beneath him -the white ships, huddled together, made him think of a flock of sheep, -herded for the night. And afar off on the dancing water Alec saw the -laggards of the flock hastening toward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> the fold. Like little white -specks they seemed in the far distance. Then, as they drew nearer and -nearer, their sails seemed to grow larger and larger, until suddenly -they appeared gigantic. With majestic flight, like the sweep of darting -gulls, they bore to right or left, seeking their places of rest. Then -came the faint splash of anchors, the rattling sound of tackle blocks as -the great white wings were lowered, and presently peace.</p> - -<p>One by one the cabin lamps were doused, until only sailing lights shone -throughout the fleet. One by one the raucous voices were stilled, and -peace enfolded the nestling ships as a hen hovers above her little ones. -Still Alec sat in the crosstrees, watching the swaying lights, studying -the swirling waters, peering along the moon's broad path of gold that -seemed to lead straight from the little fleet to the Shepherd keeping -watch above.</p> - -<p>When or how Alec got to bed he never knew. It seemed to him as though he -had only just turned in when he heard Dick punching up the fire. In a -moment he was afoot, for this was no time for laggards. It was well -enough to dream in the moonlight, when the day's work was done; but this -was the time for action, the time to turn his dreams into something -tangible. For before them lay the prize, free for the taking the moment -the sun's rising disc should touch the horizon. He who would grasp it -must be ready.</p> - -<p>Throughout the fleet arose the sounds of preparation. Lights glowed in -every cabin. Lanterns<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> bobbed on every deck. From every direction came -the creak of tackle blocks as sails were hoisted. Here and there -capstans clanked, as enterprising skippers hoisted anchor, to jockey for -more advantageous positions. For the moment the sun arose, the entire -fleet would sweep over the line in the race for the coveted oyster-seed. -Some boats were heading east and some were going west in the hope of -bettering their positions.</p> - -<p>As the light increased, the breeze freshened. The water began to dance -beneath its touch. Over all rested a slight haze, intensified here and -there, by wisps of smoke from cabin fires. And curling upward from the -surface of the Bay, rose little cloudlets of mist or fog. Streaks of -color crept into the eastern sky, growing, little by little, until the -firmament was a gorgeous, glowing tapestry of gold, shot with purple, -pink, and orange.</p> - -<p>From every side now rose the rattling of anchor chains, the clank of -capstans, the creaking of the tackle. In increasing numbers the -oyster-boats spread their wings and slipped away. Soon not a ship lay at -anchor. Like a mammoth flock of giant gulls, the oyster-boats were -darting here and there, their fresh, white sails shining in the morning -glow, as they bellied in the wind. Rare, indeed, was the sight; rare and -wonderful. For hundreds of ships were now in motion, the waves foaming -white at their bows, the spray splashing upward on their decks, and in -their wakes yeasty patterns of swirling water. At every stern stood a -silent figure, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>twirling his wheel now this way, now that, watchful of -the east and the mounting color there.</p> - -<p>Now sweeping near the line, now darting away, now weaving in and out -among her sister ships, the <i>Bertha B</i> skimmed over the waves with the -grace of a gull, about to swoop on its prey. Her crew were on deck, -ready to spring to dredge or tackle. Her captain stood at his wheel, -silent, watchful as a hawk.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the fiery rim of the sun peered over the edge of the world. A -thousand watchful eyes beheld it, and a great shout went up from the -fleet. Over went the rudders, around swung the ships, and the entire -fleet darted straight for the line that marked their goal.</p> - -<p>"Let go the dredges!" thundered the skipper, as the <i>Bertha B</i> swept -over the mark, and a splash arose on either side of the boat as the -dredges struck the waves.</p> - -<p>From hundreds of other craft dredges were falling into the sea. With -every sail set, the speeding oyster-boats tugged at their loads as -restive dogs straining at the leash. Now there was no engine to do the -hoisting; but men stood in pairs at the winders, ready to reel up the -windlasses and lift the laden dredge. How they worked! How they turned -their reels! How the dredges came plunging over the rollers! How the -oysters poured out on the decks! How the nimble fingers flew to cull the -glistening piles! How the shovels flashed, and the shells glinted in the -sun, as strong arms heaved<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> them back into the sea! How the piles of -tiny oysters grew!</p> - -<p>What a sight it was! From far and near, from east and west, from north -and south, from every oyster town about the Bay, came scores of boats to -add their shining sails to the great fleet. Look where he would, Alec -could see ships sweeping along before the breeze, their decks crowded -with toiling men, bulking high with oysters. Never, as long as he lived, -would he forget that scene.</p> - -<p>Hour after hour the work went on. Basket by basket the piles of oysters -grew. The bow was full of them. The after deck was buried under them. -The cabin was hidden by them. Still the work went on. The <i>Bertha B</i> -sank lower and lower in the water, as ton after ton was piled on her -deck.</p> - -<p>Suddenly there was a sharp command from the skipper. The dredges went -overboard no more. The <i>Bertha B</i> heeled far over in the wind, swung -wide to avoid her sister ships, and headed for her oyster grounds. -Heavily she rode the waves, plowing bodily through them. Through the -fleet she sailed, over the Southwest Line, and on to her planting -grounds. Near and far, other laden ships sailed with her. And now she -had reached her grounds. How the shovels flew, how the tiny oysters went -splashing into the sea, flung far and wide from either side. Back and -forth, back and forth, sailed the <i>Bertha B</i>, while skilled hands spread -the precious seed.</p> - -<p>Now her deck was empty. To the last oyster it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> had been cleaned. Sharp -about swung the little vessel, crowding on all sail, taking advantage of -every wind, hastening back to the seed grounds.</p> - -<p>Day after day, in rain and in shine, in fog and when the sun shone -clear, with the wind whistling sharp and in days of calm, the <i>Bertha B</i> -sailed back and forth over the breeding grounds, and to and from her -planting beds. And every hand aboard of her toiled to his utmost. No -more did the little vessel nightly seek her harbor. No more did the -fleet sail in and out with each rising and setting of the sun. And when -the planting was finished, came the shelling of the grounds, the <i>Bertha -B</i> daily bringing huge deck loads of shells to scatter on the bottom of -the beds.</p> - -<p>During the spring planting days Alec learned what it meant to sleep in -the cradle of the deep. Sometimes the moon fell soft on the sleeping -waters, when he sought his bunk. And again inky clouds blotted out the -stars, and the wind soughed ominously through the rigging, or storms -whistled past the ship's bare poles, as she wallowed at her anchor in -the rolling waves. But soon it was all one to Alec. He was doing a man's -work. He was toiling like a Trojan. And neither the lure of the -moonbeams nor the roar of a storm could long keep him from his bunk, -once night had come.</p> - -<p>By the end of June, when the planting season was over, and the <i>Bertha -B</i> for the last time lifted her anchor and homeward winged her way, Alec -had become a sailor as well as an oysterman. He had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> learned a -tremendous lot, not only about oysters, but also about handling a ship. -Once he had thought he was a sailor, when he manœuvred his little -boat at home. Now he smiled at the memory of those earlier efforts. They -seemed childish, indeed. For more than once he had been allowed to -handle the <i>Bertha B</i> as she flew across the Bay. And he had picked up a -tremendous lot of information about currents, eddies, drifts, shoals, -tides, slicks, and storms. He was getting his tool-kit thoroughly -stocked indeed. It was well, for he would soon have need of all the -skill and knowledge he possessed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVII</span> <span class="smaller">A SEARCH FOR TRUTH</span></h2> - -<p>Early July, which saw the end of both oyster planting, and the shelling -of the grounds, found the pile of shells of Cunningham and Hawley -entirely exhausted. Where so recently these shells had risen in a -mountainous heap, there was now only bare earth, whitened with shell -chips. There had been thousands of bushels in the pile. When the -partners reckoned up their income and adjusted their finances, each had -a nice little sum of money.</p> - -<p>The instant their affairs were settled, Alec set about other matters. -Long ago he had ordered and received the instruments that he knew would -be necessary in his summer's work. These included a compound microscope, -half a dozen concave watch crystals, two settling glasses, two graduated -cylinders, two glass pipettes, two large rubber pipettes, four small -medicine droppers, a ten-quart galvanized bucket, a simple lift pump, -some rubber hose, and a salinometer with thermometer enclosed. In -addition Alec had picked up some wide-mouthed bottles, for holding -samples; had fastened several needles in wooden handles he had whittled -out of sticks; and had bought a yard of bolting-cloth with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> very fine -meshes, from which, with Elsa's assistance, he had made a net, conical -in shape, fastened about a metal ring, with an opening at the bottom -that could be closed tight with a draw string.</p> - -<p>Even by practicing what economies he could, Alec had had to spend nearly -seventy-five dollars for the outfit. More than once he had asked himself -if it was really worth while; if, after all, these old practical oyster -captains didn't really know more about how and where to grow oysters -than any mere scientific theorist possibly could. Wasn't he really -foolish to spend all this money? Wasn't he really throwing it away? He -had such need for it, in the purchase of articles more commonly seen in -an oyster fleet. His doubts had hurt and discouraged him. He needed some -one with whom he could talk the matter over. When he looked about, he -saw the same old situation. It was useless to talk to any of his three -friends, Hawley, Bagley, or the shipper. He knew that not one of them -would consider the matter from a serious, impartial, reasonable -view-point. So he had been forced to take the matter to Elsa.</p> - -<p>"Never mind about the expense," she had counseled, when they had -discussed the situation fully. "You won't be spending as much for your -entire outfit as most young fellows spend for tobacco and the movies. -You'll have something valuable to show for your money, and what you buy -won't harm you, even if you shouldn't find it as useful as you hope."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p><p>"But suppose there's nothing in it, after all?" Alec had said. "Suppose -I buy my outfit and it doesn't do me a bit of good. What then? I can't -afford to throw away seventy-five dollars for nothing. I need every cent -I earn if I'm ever going to get anywhere."</p> - -<p>"You <i>can't</i> buy this outfit and have it do you no good," Elsa had -replied.</p> - -<p>"I just guess I could. Suppose I bought the things and then didn't find -what I am after?"</p> - -<p>"Even so, it would do you good."</p> - -<p>"How?"</p> - -<p>"Alec Cunningham! Sometimes I think you're the stupidest thing I ever -met. The idea of asking a question like that, when you've been working -and studying like mad for months to find out all you can about the -oyster business. Of course it will help you. If you find what you want, -you are benefited, aren't you? And if you don't find it, you're -benefited just the same."</p> - -<p>"How?" Alec had inquired.</p> - -<p>"Stupid. It isn't oyster fry you're after. It's truth. You'll get it, no -matter whether it pleases you or not. Won't you? You'll know whether -that bulletin is right or whether the old oystermen are right, won't -you? And that's worth a great deal more than seventy-five dollars, isn't -it? Why, Alec, if you don't go ahead and test the thing, you'll never be -happy. You'll fret and fret about it, thinking you ought to be planning -your work differently. And if you do go ahead, no matter what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> you -learn, you'll be satisfied. You'll know whether to follow old practices -or try new ones. Certainly it's worth a good deal to know you're right. -Then you'll know you must succeed if you keep on in the same way."</p> - -<p>"Elsa," Alec had said, "I guess we are all fools at times. I had this -thing all thought out in my mind and my decision made; but when it came -to paying seventy-five dollars just to find out something, I hadn't the -courage to do it. You don't know how big seventy-five dollars looks to -me."</p> - -<p>"Silly!" Elsa had replied. "Don't talk to me about lacking courage, when -you make a practice of jumping overboard to fish drowning men out of the -water. It isn't courage you lack. It's partnership. If you had somebody -to back you up, you'd never hesitate a second about this thing."</p> - -<p>"Where did you learn so much?" Alec had answered, with genuine -admiration in his glance. "Do you know that's exactly what I need, and I -never before knew what it was that was wrong."</p> - -<p>"Well, don't you let it worry you any longer, Alec," Elsa had replied. -"I understand you and what you are trying to do, and I think it's just -fine. And I'll stand back of you no matter what they say. I know Dad -will think you are foolish. He thinks anything new is foolish. But never -you mind. You just go ahead with your plans."</p> - -<p>"That settles it," Alec had replied. "I <i>am</i> going ahead, no matter if -it costs twice seventy-five dollars. I'm going to find out the truth at -any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> cost. Why, if a fellow doesn't know the truth, he's like a man who -doesn't know how to get to the place he's trying to reach. He may be -walking in the wrong direction. It wouldn't do him much good if he was a -good walker, would it? And just think how near I came to being a dummy -like that myself—all for the sake of seventy-five dollars!"</p> - -<p>So the matter had been settled for good, and Alec had ordered the -articles, even laughing when it took almost his last cent to pay for -them. Now he had them at hand, and he was almost ready to begin his -search for the truth—the truth about the oyster fry.</p> - -<p>He lacked only a boat. At first he thought he would buy a boat, but when -he found that the kind of boat he wanted, fitted with a good motor, -roofed over forward so as to make a little cabin, would cost several -hundred dollars, and take every cent he had made in his shell business, -he decided that he would rent a boat instead.</p> - -<p>There was just such a boat as he wanted, for hire. It was about -twenty-five feet long, with a snug yet roomy cabin forward, a single -sail, which he could easily manage, and in the cockpit was a small -motor, neatly boxed in to protect it from the weather. The boxing could -be removed if one wished to run the engine. Alec secured the craft for a -reasonable sum, put his scientific outfit aboard, brought his clothes -and some bedding, and stocked the larder with sufficient provisions. Nor -did he forget his wireless outfit. The <i>Bertha B</i>, like all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> other -oyster craft, was to be overhauled during the summer, and be repaired -and repainted. Of necessity, Alec's wireless would have to be taken down -and he had already dismantled it and stowed it in a box before finding -the little sloop. Now he had only to carry his box aboard, and his -little craft was ready to sail.</p> - -<p>The process of making ready went along merrily enough, but when it came -to sailing away, a trip all by himself suddenly lost its attractiveness. -Alec turned the situation over in his mind for some time.</p> - -<p>Then he went to his partner in the shell business. "Jim," he said, "I'm -going out to the Bay in a little sloop I've hired, to study oyster -larvæ. Don't you want to go along?"</p> - -<p>Hawley looked at him in blank amazement. "Alec," he said, "I'd do most -anything for you, but I sure don't want to go out to no Bay and study -oysters. I know all I want to about oysters already. Why, I been -ketchin' oysters for twenty years."</p> - -<p>Alec appealed to Captain Bagley, with no better results. Finally he went -to the shipper.</p> - -<p>"What fool's errand is this?" he exclaimed testily, when Alec laid the -situation before him. "Why, I've been expecting to keep you busy all -summer. I've got a job for you, helping about the boats. You can pay -your board and still be saving something all summer, instead of spending -all you've earned, like most of these fellows around here do."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p><p>Alec really felt grieved to refuse the offer. "Captain Rumford," he -said, "I appreciate everything you've done for me, and I thank you for -this offer. But I can't take it. This is the only opportunity I have to -learn about oysters themselves and I must take it."</p> - -<p>"What nonsense are you up to now?" demanded the shipper.</p> - -<p>"I'm going out to the Bay to study oysters," said Alec, quietly but -firmly. "I have my outfit all ready and I have hired a little sloop to -sail in. I'd be mighty glad if you would go out with me."</p> - -<p>"Study oysters!" exploded the shipper. "Didn't you learn enough about -oysters on the <i>Bertha B</i>? And what better outfit do you want than a -pair of good dredges, eh? What are you about, anyway? What does all this -nonsense mean?"</p> - -<p>It was useless to argue or explain. "I'm sorry we don't see things -alike, Captain," said Alec. "I believe there is more to learn about -oysters than most of us know, and I'm going to try to find it out. If -you won't go with me, will you allow me to take Elsa? I'll be back -early, sir; and I'll answer for her safety."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I ain't afraid to trust the girl with you, boy, but you'll have a -dull time trying to study oysters, as you call it, with her on board. -She ain't one mite interested in oysters. She wants fun."</p> - -<p>"I'll take a chance on that," said Alec, "if you are willing to let her -go."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p><p>Alec's confidence in Elsa was more than justified. He called her on the -telephone and stated the situation. She did not waste a moment in -unnecessary talk, but hung up the receiver the moment she understood -that Alec wanted her to help him, picked up a sweater and a -broad-brimmed hat, and hurried to the oyster pier in her little car. -Within a few minutes of the time Alec had called her, the two were -afloat.</p> - -<p>The little craft that Alec had rented was an excellent boat. Built -rather for pleasure than for work, it was very comfortably fitted out. -Furthermore, it was the fastest little boat in the harbor. Its lines -were excellent, and it slipped through the water as quietly and -gracefully as a swan. Being equipped both with sail and engine, the -owner was independent of wind and weather, and could go where he liked, -when he liked. Unlike most of the boats in the harbor, this craft was -painted a dull, leaden gray, that almost matched the color of the water. -Alec was glad, for there would be none of the usual glare from the -summer sun shining on white woodwork. The glare on the <i>Bertha B</i> often -made his eyes ache. He was glad that he would not be bothered in that -way on the little boat, for he would need to have his eyesight at its -very best.</p> - -<p>With such an efficient helper aboard, Alec determined not to lose a -moment. He started the motor, and soon the little boat was shooting down -the river at a fast clip.</p> - -<p>"It's queer this boat has no name," said Alec.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p><p>"Oh! It has a name all right, but the name was painted over when the -owner put this gray paint on. This is the <i>Osprey</i>."</p> - -<p>"We couldn't have named her better," said Alec, "for we are fish-hawks -ourselves, to-day. That is, we are shell-fish hawks."</p> - -<p>Elsa had often been aboard the boat before, but again she examined the -craft carefully, for she had long wanted her father to get a similar -boat.</p> - -<p>"Oh, good!" she exclaimed, when she caught sight of Alec's wireless -instruments, packed away in the box. "If you ever happened to be out -over-night, we could talk to each other in the evening and I could know -how the work progresses."</p> - -<p>"I expect to be out all the time until I get my work done," replied -Alec. "There is so much to be done and so little time to do it in."</p> - -<p>"Won't I see you all this summer?" cried Elsa, and the look of real -disappointment on her face made Alec happy.</p> - -<p>"Yes. I shall come home at the end of each week. Perhaps it won't take -me as long to do this work as I had expected. Why, do you know, I've -found out a tremendous lot about the currents and eddies and tides, just -from talking to Captain Bagley. And I had expected to have all that to -learn by myself. And I've been studying the captain's map of the -oyster-beds, and that has made my work easier, too. So much of the -bottom is already leased, that there isn't any use fooling around to try -to find out much about the grounds already<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> staked out. What I've got to -do is to find out the best spots in the areas not yet staked."</p> - -<p>"I don't agree with you at all," said Elsa. "What you want to know is -the whole truth, not part of the truth."</p> - -<p>"But I can never hope to own land that is already staked out. Why, a -good bed costs thousands and thousands of dollars."</p> - -<p>"Alec Cunningham," protested Elsa, trying to look severe, "you make me -so mad I could beat you. For a boy with so much energy and brains, you -say and do the most foolish things I ever heard. Now think over what -you've just been saying. Here you are working like a steam-engine, day -and night, to become an oyster-planter. You ought to know that if you -keep on this way, you'll get there sure. Everybody else knows it. And -yet you turn around and say you'll have to take the leavings, instead of -planning to take your pick. And you're going to find out half the truth -instead of the whole truth, and so cripple yourself. Isn't that enough -to make anybody mad at you?"</p> - -<p>"But," expostulated Alec, "even if I do become a planter, I've got to -take what I can get."</p> - -<p>"Of course you do. But there are more ways than one of getting a thing -done, aren't there? You've got this boat now, haven't you? You don't own -her, but, for the time being, she's yours. It might be the same with an -oyster-bed. My father often rents other men's beds, or works them on -shares, or buys the oysters in them. Some day you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> may want to do the -same thing. What you need to do is to know all the truth about these -oyster grounds. It isn't worth while to do half of a job. And that isn't -the kind of work you do, either. I know something about you, Alec -Cunningham. You've got no end of brains and energy, but your judgment -isn't always good. You need a guardian."</p> - -<p>Both Elsa and Alec laughed heartily at the idea; then Alec's face grew -sober. "I'm beginning to realize that that isn't any joke," he said. "I -think it's because I haven't had any one to talk things over with. It's -pretty hard for a fellow to decide things right all by himself every -time." Then he smiled again, as he added, "I think it will be all right -hereafter, for now I do seem to have a guardian."</p> - -<p>Elsa's face grew scarlet. "Oh! Alec," she cried, "I don't want you to -think I meant what I said—that is, not in the way it sounded. And if -you don't take back what you just said, I'll never talk to you again."</p> - -<p>"I'll take it all back," said Alec, "just as Galileo took back his -assertion about the earth's turning round."</p> - -<p>"How was that?" demanded Elsa.</p> - -<p>"That's for you to find out," laughed Alec, and he would not tell her.</p> - -<p>Soon they were in the open Bay. "Even if I do need to study all the -oyster grounds," said Alec, "I'm going to begin on the unstaked areas."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p><p>"Of course. You may find grounds as good there as any in the Cove. Then -you could get them direct from the state, at a minimum cost."</p> - -<p>Alec spread out the map of the oyster-beds he had borrowed from Captain -Bagley. "We'll begin here," he said, "and work straight offshore. Are -you going to help me or just watch me?"</p> - -<p>"Help you, of course. If I couldn't be of any more use than a -phonograph, there wasn't much sense in my coming."</p> - -<p>"Then suppose you take soundings and test with this salinometer. The -instrument will give you the density of the water, and the thermometer -in the bulb will register the temperature. I've made several copies of -this map of the oyster-beds, and we'll mark our position with a cross -and write down beside it whatever we find. While you are doing that, -I'll be testing for larvæ."</p> - -<p>Elsa took the sounding-line and dropped the lead into the waves, the -line paying out over her finger. When the lead came to rest on the -bottom, she noted the depth on the line. Then she took Alec's fountain -pen and set down the depth beside the cross Alec had made on the map.</p> - -<p>"Just date it, too," said Alec, "and note down the stage of both wind -and tide. It's pretty well toward ebb now, and, if the book is right, we -oughtn't to expect to find many larvæ. They seem to drop down to the -bottom and anchor themselves during the ebb-tide to avoid being swept -out to sea. They come up when the tide turns, and we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> ought to find more -in the flood-tide than in the ebb."</p> - -<p>Alec, all this time, was getting ready for his part of the work. He took -a galvanized bucket that belonged on the <i>Osprey</i> and lowered it -overboard for a few moments so it would take on the temperature of the -Bay. Then he lifted it aboard, brimming with water, and set it in the -shade. Elsa thrust the salinometer and testing tube into the bucket to -cool. Then Alec attached his hose to his lift pump, and carefully -lowering the hose to a point within a few inches of the bottom, pumped -his own bucket, which had also been cooling in the waves, full of water. -It was the sample from the bottom, in which the oysters actually lie, -that he wanted to test.</p> - -<p>Elsa drew her tube and salinometer out of the cooling bucket, and Alec -filled the tube with water from his own bucket. Elsa lowered the -salinometer into it and put the tube in the shade. Then she held the -bolting-cloth net over a tub, while Alec slowly emptied his bucket of -water from the bottom into it. The bucket contained ten quarts and Alec -had it brimming full. Gradually the water filtered through the net into -the tub, leaving on the inside of the net whatever sediment had been in -the water. In this sediment Alec expected to find the oyster larvæ. Ten -times they did this, until they had strained one hundred quarts of water -through the net. From time to time Alec threw the filtered water -overboard. Finally the net was lifted clear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> of the tub and the last of -the water allowed to filter through it. While Elsa held the net up, Alec -washed the sediment from the sides down into the tip of the net, with -water dipped from the tub. When the filtering process was fully -completed, and the sediment all concentrated in the tip of the net, Alec -carefully untied the draw string, opening the end of the net, and, using -his large rubber bulb pipette, washed the sediment into one of his -wide-mouthed settling bottles.</p> - -<p>Now Elsa turned her attention to her salinometer. It was intended to -register the density or degree of saltiness of the water. Alec could -hardly restrain his impatience, so eager was he to see what the -instrument would tell.</p> - -<p>"You know, Elsa," he said, "that sometimes the best seed grounds are in -waters of so low a density as to be entirely unsuitable for fattening or -even growing oysters. I've been thinking about that a whole lot, for -most of the oysters we dredged on the <i>Bertha B</i> this year were very -poor. They hadn't fattened a bit. Captain Bagley said he never had -caught any good oysters in that bed. I've just been wondering if the -water wasn't of the proper density. Why, those oysters would have been -worth a whole lot more if they had been fat."</p> - -<p>Elsa lifted the salinometer from the tube. "The water ought not to be -very dense here," said Alec, "for we're so near the shore and it's near -the end of the ebb-tide. There's fresh water pouring in all the time -from the tributaries."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p><p>They found, as Alec had surmised, a low degree of density. The reading -of the thermometer was also low. "That's what I expected, too," -commented Alec. "This has been the coldest spring I can remember. I -thought for a time that I was deceived because I was out in the wind so -much, but the skipper said it really had been unusually cold this -spring. I asked him the other day. It doesn't look as though we'd get -much of a set this year. Why, that water is barely warm enough for -oysters to spawn at all. And this water close to shore ought to be -warmer than that farther out."</p> - -<p>Elsa marked down on the chart the density and temperature.</p> - -<p>"We forgot to make a note about the weather," said Alec. "Please add -that, also."</p> - -<p>"It's going to take a long, long time to make a complete job," sighed -Alec, as Elsa noted down the weather. "I suppose I'll have to work at it -for several summers."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you'll have to work at it every summer," said Elsa, "if you -intend to become a scientific oysterman. Don't you suppose conditions -change from year to year in the oyster-beds? They must, for lots of -times I've heard my father say he can't understand why the oysters in -some given bed don't fatten some years. There must be changes from year -to year. Whatever the reason was, I know his oysters have been poor -enough this year. I heard him telling mother the other night that it had -cost him hundreds of dollars because the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> oysters in some of his beds -hadn't fattened as they usually do."</p> - -<p>From time to time Alec carefully lifted the settling bottle and examined -it. By the time a quarter of an hour had elapsed he said, "That looks -clear enough now to begin our count."</p> - -<p>A distinct layer of sediment had fallen to the bottom of the bottle, -while the water near the surface was quite clear. This upper layer of -water Alec now carefully drew out with a pipette. The sediment became -more and more concentrated. When Alec had removed all the water he -dared, he washed the sediment into his graduated cylinder. Then, with a -medicine dropper, he transferred a very small portion of the sediment to -a watch crystal. Very gently, at the same time, he rotated the crystal -in his hand, slightly agitating it. Gradually the sediment seemed to -divide into two parts. About the edge of the liquid the lighter -particles of mud and other impurities seemed to collect, while the -heavier particles were concentrated in the centre of the glass. It was -in this central deposit of sediment that Alec expected to find the -oyster larvæ.</p> - -<p>No wonder he was glad there was no glare of white paint to hurt his -eyes, for the work before him was enough to try even the best of vision. -The total amount of sediment in his watch crystal was so small that its -entire surface could be seen at one glance through the microscope. And -the oyster fry were presumably gathered in the tiniest of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> spaces in the -very centre of this tiny bit of sediment.</p> - -<p>The actual counting of the larvæ might have troubled one unaccustomed to -the use of the microscope; but Alec was at home with the instrument. He -placed his watch crystal under the lens, adjusted the instrument to his -own vision, and with one of his wooden-handled needles began to pick -over the central windrow of debris. One by one he found and counted the -oyster larvæ, or what he thought were larvæ. There was no question -whatever about the largest larvæ. They possessed a reddish-purple hue -that is found in the larvæ of no other bivalve. Also there was a -distinct beak or bulge in the shell next to the hinge that he had read -about in his bulletin. So he was sure of the identity of the larger -oyster fry. But when it came to those more recently spawned, Alec could -not be so sure. He knew that there was no certain way to distinguish -between very young oyster and clam larvæ except by measuring them. This -he was not equipped to do. Nor did it make any material difference -whether Alec ascertained the exact number of larvæ in the water or not. -What he was after was to find the relative quantities of larvæ in -different places and at different times.</p> - -<p>Under the microscope Alec found the oyster larvæ were a very beautiful -sight indeed. The reddish-purple color was very similar in hue to the -color of the muscle scar on the shell of an adult oyster. After the -death of the oyster, Alec knew,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> this vivid color rapidly disappeared. -Elsa was as much pleased as Alec had been, when she looked through the -microscope and saw the brilliant-hued oyster fry.</p> - -<p>Little by little, Alec transferred the contents of the bottle to his -watch crystal and counted the larvæ. He found only a few dozen in all. -That did not surprise him for he had not expected to find many. The fact -in itself meant very little until he learned whether other portions of -the oyster grounds contained relatively more or fewer larvæ under -similar conditions. That was what he most wanted to know—where the -oyster fry collected, so he could do as the book suggested, and get his -shells under them.</p> - -<p>Now that he had started the work, Alec meant to keep at it until he -found where the very greatest number of larvæ were concentrated, and -then try to secure the ground beneath. If he found good beds unstaked, -he could get them direct from the state. If some one else already had -claim to them, he could work with a view to acquiring them at some -future time. For the friendly scolding Elsa had given him had settled -the matter in his own mind instantly. He wasn't going to do any half-way -job.</p> - -<p>Before noon, Alec had made tests in a number of places, working straight -out from the shore as he had planned. That gave him a sort of -cross-section of the bed, as it were. He decided that he would go over -the same ground again at once to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> see if the flood-tide made any -difference in his count. For by this time the tide had almost finished -running out.</p> - -<p>At dinner time Alec and Elsa headed the <i>Osprey</i> for a little point of -land near by. A tree growing back on the point offered shade. They -managed to get ashore, though it bothered them to find a place where -they could get near to firm ground with the tide so low. Then they -fastened the <i>Osprey</i>, and made their way through the rank marsh -growths, to the tree. They made a little fire, slung a coffee-pot over -the blaze, and toasted some Wieners while the coffee was cooking.</p> - -<p>After dinner they went back to the boat and resumed their work, making -tests in exactly the same places they had tested in the forenoon. And in -the flood-tide they found many more oyster fry than they had in the ebb.</p> - -<p>"Looks as though there wasn't much use working on an ebb-tide," said -Alec, "though, of course, I might find out after a while what the -relative number is in the two tides. But there is a lot I can do in -ebb-tide as well as in flood. I can take soundings just as well, and I -can examine the bottles even better. I'm going to try to make a sort of -topographical map of the bottom. It'll be a poor enough thing, at best, -but it will help me to understand about the currents. Then I can examine -the currents themselves at flood-tide for larvæ."</p> - -<p>Their supper they ate on the <i>Osprey</i>. Then Alec hoisted the sail, and -in the gentle breeze that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> still blew, and with the incoming tide to -carry them, they sailed silently and swiftly homeward through the sunset -and the gathering dusk. Very different was the river from the stream as -Alec had first seen it. Now hardly a boat was visible. They passed only -one, <i>The Shark</i>, anchored apparently for the night.</p> - -<p>"Elsa," said Alec, as they neared the harbor, "it has been a wonderful -day. It has meant everything to me. It will make my whole summer -happier. I see clearly enough that this job is going to become mighty -tedious. But the remembrance of this day will help me to stick to it, -even if I do have to work alone."</p> - -<p>"You won't be so much alone as you think," replied Elsa. "You have your -wireless, and we can call each other every noon and night. We can talk -in the early evening and after Arlington sends out the time and the -weather news. If you are going to be out on the water so much, you will -want to get the weather forecasts, sure. It makes me nervous to think of -you all alone out on the Bay. All sorts of things might happen to you."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," replied Alec. "I'll be as safe and snug as a bug in a rug."</p> - -<p>"I hope so. But when I think of you all alone out on that great expanse -of water, it makes me shiver. You might be caught in a big storm, or -pirates might rob you."</p> - -<p>"I thought you had such good judgment," taunted Alec. "Now listen to -you."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p><p>"That's the very reason I'm cautioning you. Besides, who has a better -right to do so than your guardian?"</p> - -<p>They both laughed at the joke, then Elsa said: "When we talk to each -other, let's telegraph. It takes longer, but not so many people can -understand what we say. Since you installed our wireless telephone, -everybody in the neighborhood has been getting one."</p> - -<p>"All right, we'll telegraph. I'll call you up as soon as Arlington is -done sending. Then you'll know that the bogey man hasn't got me yet. But -seriously, Elsa, there isn't a particle of danger. Now I must hustle -back to the <i>Osprey</i> or I may not get my wireless rigged up in time."</p> - -<p>Could Alec have seen ahead through the darkness that was fast enfolding -the world, he would not have felt so sure about the absence of danger. -Once before he had thought himself safe when death stalked close to his heels.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVIII</span> <span class="smaller">A LONG CHASE</span></h2> - -<p>Not until Alec said good night to Elsa and started back to the <i>Osprey</i>, -did he realize how dark it was becoming. He had ridden all the way home -with Elsa in her car, despite her protest that it wasn't necessary. But -he left her at her door and started back at top speed. He had just -missed a trolley-car, and there would not be another for an hour. If he -hurried, he could walk back as soon as the next trolley-car could get -him there. So he tramped rapidly along. He could distinguish the light, -sandy road, but that was about all he could see.</p> - -<p>Alec had moored the <i>Osprey</i> at a little float some distance from the -pier shed. It was much easier to get on this float from a tiny boat like -the <i>Osprey</i> than it would have been to crawl up to the piers. The float -itself was merely a small staging made of one or two large timbers with -planks nailed across them to form a walk. This plank walk was only a few -inches above the tide. So it was perfectly easy for Elsa to step out on -the float. From the float itself, a narrow walk made of single planks -laid end to end, and supported on cross-beams<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> fastened to pilings -driven in the mud, led upward from the river to the solid ground. A -single rope, fastened along one side of this foot-bridge, was the only -protection against falling off the planks.</p> - -<p>Naturally Alec made his way with caution as he neared the river. The -path to the little bridge led through the marsh reeds, which were head -high. Alec could see hardly a thing and had to feel his way along with -his feet. He blamed himself for his thoughtlessness in not bringing his -bright carbide lamp, or at least slipping his flash-light into his -pocket. Now he would have to be mighty careful or he would find himself -in the water again. He had had quite enough experiences of this sort, so -he went on with the greatest caution. Ahead of him he could occasionally -hear a loud voice, that was instantly hushed. He went on until he -reached the plank bridge, which he started to cross with the utmost -care.</p> - -<p>The instant he was fairly out of the reeds, he knew where the sounds of -voices came from. Floating on the tide, close beside the plank bridge, -was a tiny house-boat, or cabin, as the oystermen commonly called it. -Alec knew that the cabin was occupied by a rough-looking man, named -Frank Hawkins, who had a great scar across his cheek, and whom he had -seen about the oyster wharves at times. Beyond the fact that Hawkins was -a rather rough character, Alec knew little about the man. He had heard -Captain Bagley say that the fellow never did an honest day's work in his -life. But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> Alec would have given small heed to this, had be not now -distinctly caught the name "Cap'n Rumford."</p> - -<p>Alec stopped as though he were shot. The sound came from within the -little cabin, which Alec could now dimly distinguish, for faint rays of -light shone through the cracks of the shuttered windows and under the -door. The subdued hum of voices told Alec that several men must be -inside the cabin. He wondered why they should have shut up the tiny -house-boat so tight, as though this were a fierce winter night instead -of a warm, July evening. And he wondered why they should be eating at -this hour, for the smell of cooking came plainly to his nose.</p> - -<p>For some moments Alec stood motionless, straining his ears to catch what -was said within the cabin. Suddenly it occurred to him that he was -eavesdropping. He started to move on, when again the same rough voice -that had said "Cap'n Rumford," boomed out, "We can get ten thousand -bushels." The rest of the sentence was drowned in a babel of protests. -"Shut up! Don't talk so loud!" cried half a dozen voices angrily. Then -the voices sank down to a murmur again.</p> - -<p>Instantly Alec realized that something evil was afoot. What did all this -mean? Why should these men be whispering together in a tightly closed -cabin? They could get ten thousand bushels of what? That was easy to -guess. Ten thousand bushels of oysters, of course. That was all anybody -at Bivalve ever thought about—oysters. But why<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> should they be getting -oysters now, in July? They couldn't sell them. What would they do with -them?</p> - -<p>Then it came to Alec like a flash. They must mean seed-oysters. There -would be a ready sale for them, even in July. Of course everybody would -know the seed had been taken illegally, as the state beds were closed at -the end of June. But there were some oystermen dishonest enough to buy -them for all that. Immediately there came into Alec's mind the thought -of his first morning on the <i>Bertha B</i> and the remembrance of the -oyster-boat that had fouled her. Distinctly he recalled Captain Bagley's -statement about Captain Hardy: "That fellow ought to be doing time in -Trenton. He's always up to something crooked. The last time they caught -him he was dredging illegally in the natural beds. He got off with a -fine but I reckon the next time he gets caught in any crooked business, -he'll go to prison."</p> - -<p>Once more the voices in the cabin grew loud. "I tell you I know. I've -been pumping old Flint. He planted more'n a thousand bushels to the -acre." Again the great, booming voice was stilled by warning cries -within the cabin. "Shut up! Do you want to get us all in trouble!"</p> - -<p>Alec heard a door open. Quick as a flash he knelt on the narrow plank -and crouched as low as he could. A shaft of light shot athwart the -darkness, though fortunately it did not fall on him. A head was poked -out into the night. "Nobody<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> round," said a voice, as the head -disappeared and the door was slammed shut again.</p> - -<p>Alec waited to hear no more. The instant the hum of voices again arose -within the cabin, he tiptoed down the plank bridge to the <i>Osprey</i>, cast -off his lines, and picking up an oar, sculled rapidly away from the -float. He had heard all he needed to hear, and seen more than was good -for his peace of mind. The head that had been thrust out into the night -was that of Jim Wallace, the very shell collector who had tried to buy -Alec's rattlers, and who had threatened him with harm. And though he had -not seen him, Alec was no less certain that the loud-voiced man in the -cabin was Captain Tom Hardy. The voice that came booming out of the -cabin was surely the voice Alec had heard that first morning on the -<i>Bertha B</i>.</p> - -<p>Nor could there be any greater uncertainty about the meaning of Captain -Hardy's statement concerning the oysters. Captain Flint was the skipper -of one of the Rumford boats. Alec knew that he had made a heavy planting -on a new bed. Captain Flint was a good sailor and a capable oysterman, -but he had one failing. He liked to boast. Evidently Captain Hardy had -craftily drawn him out and had discovered what a thick planting Captain -Flint had made. The temptation was too great for the crooked oysterman. -He knew for sure that he could get ten thousand bushels of good -seed-oysters in one little bed, and get them very easily. Now he was -evidently laying plans to do it.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p><p>Alec's sole thought in driving the <i>Osprey</i> out into the river was to -get away. He knew very well that if the lawless men in the cabin should -lay hands on him in the dark, and particularly if they suspected that he -had overheard any of their conversation, it would go hard with him. They -might even murder him. So he drove his little craft through the water as -fast as he could scull her.</p> - -<p>But when he had put some hundreds of feet between himself and the river -bank, and no longer feared immediate harm, he began to think the -situation over calmly. He had no doubt that Hardy and his pals were -planning to steal the seed-oysters from Captain Rumford's newest bed. -But whether or not they meant to dredge them at once, Alec did not know. -Now he wished that he had not come away so hastily. If only he had -remained a little longer, he might have learned all about the plans the -thieves were making. He was almost tempted to go back and listen again. -He stopped sculling. Then his better judgment told him that it would be -foolish to take a chance like that. This time the thieves <i>might</i> -discover him; and if they did, he had no doubt whatever that he would -get badly hurt. He already knew all that it was necessary to know. All -he needed to do now was to inform Captain Rumford and to keep watch on -Hardy's boat, the <i>Shark</i>. Alec smiled grimly as he thought how aptly -she was named. Now he remembered that he had passed her on the way up -the river. She lay at anchor some distance down-stream.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p><p>"Moored her there so he could get away without being observed," -muttered Alec to himself.</p> - -<p>Alec decided he would go ashore and telephone to the shipper, and then -try to discover what the men in the cabin meant to do. He headed the -<i>Osprey</i> toward the oyster wharves, but before he had gone a dozen -yards, the door of the cabin was thrown open and Alec saw a number of -men pass through the doorway. Then the door closed as suddenly as it had -opened, and all was dark again. Presently splashing sounds in the water -and the rattle of an oar told him that the men were getting into a boat. -He had no doubt they would go straight to the <i>Shark</i>. He was directly -in their path. There was only one thing to do—get away as fast as he -could.</p> - -<p>Once more Alec swung the <i>Osprey</i> round. She was so much larger and -heavier than the ordinary yawl boat that he could not scull her very -fast. He headed straight for the farther bank of the river, his heart -beating fast as he listened for sounds of possible pursuit. But no noise -broke the stillness and Alec knew that he was undiscovered. He went on. -Occasionally he heard a low voice in the darkness, and now he was -certain that the men in the boat were heading for the <i>Shark</i>.</p> - -<p>When Alec reached the farther bank of the river, he rested on his oar -and tried to think what he ought to do. He knew that he ought to talk -with Captain Rumford the very first thing. But now he did not want to go -to the pier lest he lose track of the men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> in the yawl. They might board -the <i>Shark</i> and sail away while he was in the office telephoning. Then -he thought of his wireless. Maybe he could get into communication with -Elsa at once, and if he could not, he certainly could a little later. -Instantly his decision was taken. He would stay in the <i>Osprey</i> and try -to watch the oyster thieves.</p> - -<p>At once Alec began to string up his instruments. Practically they were -already wired together; for he had removed the little shelf bodily from -the <i>Bertha B</i> and put it in the box without detaching the instruments -from it. He would have to attach the battery again and rig up an aerial. -Immediately Alec fastened the <i>Osprey</i> to a near-by piling. Then he -covered the windows of his little cabin so no light could shine out. -Finally he entered the cabin and closed the companionway tight. Then he -lighted a lamp. In a few minutes he had the shelf with his instruments -securely mounted where it could remain. He fastened the battery under a -bunk and connected it with the instruments on the shelf. He decided that -temporarily he would run his lead-in wire through the doorway. He would -fix it permanently when daylight came. So he attached the lead-in wire -to the single strand of uninsulated wire he meant to use for his aerial. -Then tucking his flash-light and his pliers in his pocket, he -extinguished his lamp, opened the cabin door, and went on deck. -Attaching one end of his aerial to a halyard, he hoisted it nearly to -the top of his mast. Then he fastened the lower end to the tiny<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> -bowsprit, so that the wire hung almost parallel with the jib stay. It -wasn't much of an aerial, but Alec knew it would answer perfectly well -for the work he meant to do with it.</p> - -<p>He went inside the cabin and tested the outfit. It worked perfectly. He -flashed his light on the cabin clock. It was not yet nine o'clock. He -made ready to call the shipper on the wireless telephone, then decided -he wouldn't. There really was nothing definite that he could tell him. -He could merely communicate his suspicions. After all, Captain Hardy -might not be going to rob the oyster-bed. If he alarmed the shipper -needlessly, the shipper wouldn't think much of his judgment in future. -Alec decided he would try to learn something more before communicating -with the shipper. At least he could keep a watch on the <i>Shark</i>.</p> - -<p>Alec cast loose from the piling and made his way down the river. He -hugged the shore, for he knew that his little boat could never be seen -if he kept close to the tall reeds that grew in dense masses along the -bank. There was enough wind blowing to drive the <i>Osprey</i> at a good -pace, but Alec dared not hoist his sail. So he sculled the boat slowly -along, ever on the alert. He knew that the <i>Shark</i> was anchored in the -second reach. But he was well through this reach before he could make up -his mind whether the oyster-boat still lay there or not. So dark was the -night that he could see absolutely nothing of her. Suddenly he heard a -great voice bawling profanely at some one, and he knew the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> <i>Shark</i> was -still there. Quickly came the creak of tackle-blocks. The sail was going -up. Then he heard the clanking of a capstan, though evidently the sound -had been muffled in some way. But it told him all he needed to know. The -<i>Shark</i> was lifting her anchor. She was going to sail. Was she heading -for the oyster grounds?</p> - -<p>For a single moment Alec hesitated. Then, "I'll do it!" he muttered -between clenched teeth, and he stepped to the halyards and cautiously -hoisted his own sail. "If I can't see their big sail," he reasoned, -"they surely can't see my little one." Then he went back to the cockpit, -took the tiller in his hand and started in pursuit of the oyster -pirates.</p> - -<p>From time to time he could hear sounds on the boat ahead of him, but -gradually these grew so faint that he knew the <i>Shark</i> was outdistancing -him. So he drew away from the bank and stood out boldly into the middle -of the river. As yet he had caught not a single glimpse of the <i>Shark</i>, -and he knew his own presence was utterly unsuspected. But the men on the -<i>Shark</i> were sharp-eyed and it would not take them long to discover him -if the night grew lighter. And to Alec it seemed as though it were -becoming lighter. Perhaps that was because his eyes were growing so -accustomed to the dark. He did not like to think what might happen to -him if he fell into the hands of these men, so far away from any other -human beings. If they should harm him—he did not like even to think of -the word murder—he might never be able to warn the shipper<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> about the -intended theft of his oysters. Now Alec saw that he had been unwise in -trying to trail these desperate men without first telling the shipper.</p> - -<p>"I'll call him at once," said Alec. And again he hesitated. "What shall -I tell him?" he asked himself. "Wouldn't the captain be angry if I got -him out here and this proved to be only a wild-goose chase? I'll just -wait until I have something definite to tell him."</p> - -<p>On he drove down the river. Afar off winked the range-lights. Off his -port bow East Point Light was gleaming. But no other lights of any sort -shone through the darkness ahead of him. No ship of any kind was riding -the waves before him except the pirate <i>Shark</i>—unless other ships, too, -might be running illegally without lights, endangering both themselves -and all other craft, even as Alec himself was doing. But there were -worse dangers than collisions to think of now, and Alec bent his entire -attention to the problem of locating the <i>Shark</i>.</p> - -<p>Unmistakably now he saw the cloud-rack above was becoming thinner. Once, -for a single moment, he caught the gleam of a star. Then it vanished -instantly. On went the <i>Osprey</i>. Only with the greatest difficulty could -Alec make out the bank of the stream. Yet he managed to keep in the -current and avoid running aground.</p> - -<p>Presently Alec knew by the action of the boat that he was coming into -the broad estuary of the river. The <i>Osprey</i> began to heave just the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> -slightest bit. From the position of East Point Light Alec judged he must -be about over the bar. Ahead of him now lay only leagues and leagues of -tossing water. Gone was the protection of the reedy banks. He would have -to look sharp now if he was to escape detection.</p> - -<p>Hardly had the thought entered Alec's mind, when for a single instant he -was certain he saw the <i>Shark</i>. Something white loomed ahead of him, -then the darkness swallowed it up again. But Alec had no doubt it was -the <i>Shark</i>. Glad, indeed, was Alec now that the <i>Osprey</i> was painted a -leaden gray. "If only my sail was gray, too," thought Alec. "Fortunately -it's so old and dirty that it's almost gray. I don't believe they'll -ever see me."</p> - -<p>He wondered what time it was. Stepping inside the cabin, he flashed his -light for a second on the clock. "Almost ten," he muttered. "I must get -ready to talk with Elsa."</p> - -<p>He stepped forward and dropped his little anchor. Then he let the -<i>Osprey</i> swing round until she was headed into the wind and tugging -smartly at her anchor cable. The sail flapped gently in the breeze. Alec -looked sharply toward every quarter of the compass, and seeing nothing -alarming, went into the cabin and sat down at his instrument.</p> - -<p>Arlington was just sending out the time when he got his receivers -adjusted. He did not waste a second but began calling Elsa.</p> - -<p>"3ARM—3ARM—3ARM de 3ADH—3ADH—3ADH," he flashed. Almost immediately -came<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> the answer. "3ADH—3ADH—3ADH de 3ARM—3ARM—3ARM—K."</p> - -<p>Alec heaved a sigh that was close to a sob. Until this instant he had -not realized what a strain he was under. He had been as tense as a -fiddle string. Now it seemed as though a hand had reached out through -the darkness and grasped his own. Fresh courage came to him. With steady -fingers he ticked off his message.</p> - -<p>"Aboard the <i>Osprey</i>—off East Point Light—tell your father I overheard -plan to steal seed from his new bed. Believe Captain Tom Hardy, Jim -Wallace, Frank Hawkins, and others unknown to me in the gang. They went -aboard the <i>Shark</i> and are heading out toward the oyster-beds. I -followed in the <i>Osprey</i>. So dark I can't see <i>Shark</i>. Will follow and -let you know if they dredge. Will you stand by? May need you."</p> - -<p>"Father! father!" almost shrieked Elsa in her excitement, forgetting to -answer the message. "Come quick!"</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford came running. "Oh! Father," said Elsa, "Tom Hardy and -Jim Wallace and Frank Hawkins and some other men Alec doesn't know are -going out to your new bed in the <i>Shark</i> to steal the seed you planted -there. Alec overheard them and followed in the <i>Osprey</i>. He's going to -watch and tell us if they dredge any oysters."</p> - -<p>"What?" bellowed the oyster shipper. "The fool followed them! They'll -murder him. Tell<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> him to come back this instant!" And the oyster shipper -darted out of the room.</p> - -<p>With a gasp of fear Elsa turned to her instrument. "Alec, come back," -she rapped out frantically.</p> - -<p>"What does your father want me to do?" asked Alec, disregarding her -plea.</p> - -<p>"Come back," she answered. "He's gone."</p> - -<p>But Alec did not understand that it was the shipper who wanted him to -come back. "I can't come back now," he flashed. "But I will the minute I -get the evidence we need. Good-bye, and please stand by."</p> - -<p>"Alec," came the answer, "please come back. Your guardian commands you -to come back."</p> - -<p>"I've got to save your father's oysters," flashed Alec. "Please stand -by."</p> - -<p>"I'll stand by until I know you are safe. Please, please, come back."</p> - -<p>There was no answer, and Elsa knew that her comrade was sailing out into -the darkness, possibly to his death. With clenched hands and chalky face -she sat tense, listening, listening, listening, but no word came singing -in her ears. She could only sit and hope—and fear.</p> - -<p>Out on the black waters of the Bay, meantime, Alec was driving his -little vessel hot on the heels of the oyster pirates. With the utmost -caution he lifted and stowed his anchor, swung his boat, and let his -sheet pay out. Then, taking his bearings from the flashing lights, he -headed straight for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> new bed. Again and again he searched the -horizon, but at first no slightest glimpse of the <i>Shark</i> rewarded his -efforts. From time to time he cast an eye upward, studying the clouds. -Now he was certain they were becoming thinner. About the water itself -there seemed to be a faintly luminous quality. Alec had no fear it would -betray the position of his little craft, however, for in color it was -hardly distinguishable from the waves. It was his sail alone that he -feared.</p> - -<p>On he went. Mile after mile, the little <i>Osprey</i> followed the <i>Shark</i>. -Now Alec was able to catch an occasional glimpse of the pirate ship. But -these glimpses were so fleeting, so vague and uncertain, that had he not -been straining his eyes to discover just what he saw, he would never -have guessed that he was looking at a ship. There was a whitish, -luminous patch that stood out for a second, then vanished again in the -dark. But it was enough to tell Alec all he needed to know.</p> - -<p>On they went. Minute followed minute. And to Alec a minute seemed like -ten. For every minute took him farther from land, farther from help, -nearer to danger. He was tense as a drumhead, his nerves were strung to -the tightest notch, his senses fairly aquiver. He began to wish he had -heeded Elsa's plea to return. But now his very pride would not let him -go back. He had committed himself. He would see the thing through.</p> - -<p>Now he felt certain the new bed must be near. He must lessen his speed -or he might run too close<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> to the raiders and be seen. He was in a -quandary. He dared not lower his sail. He did not want to tack. He was -running straight before the wind, directly in the wake of the <i>Shark</i>. -He knew that by the yeasty track in the water. But he must do something -to lessen his speed. He hauled in his sail so that it began to flap. He -was afraid the noise might betray him or his canvas be rent by a sudden -gust. So he paid out his rope enough to keep his sail steady, and went -on.</p> - -<p>His speed fell off. It was time it did, too, for almost immediately he -heard a splashing in the water and the rattle of chains as they paid out -over iron rollers. The <i>Shark</i> was dredging! And she was near at hand. -Nearer than Alec had imagined, too near for safety should the night grow -any lighter. For now Alec could faintly see the big ship. If only he -knew that she was dredging in the shipper's bed, he could tack and run -for port. But he did not know. He did not want to go back until he had -his evidence complete. How to get it, he did not for the moment know. -One thing was sure: he didn't dare go any closer to the <i>Shark</i>. He -would lie to and watch. He ran forward and dropped his anchor. Then very -cautiously he lowered his sail. Now he felt safe from observation as -long as it continued dark. He would wait for an opportunity to learn -what beds the <i>Shark</i> was dredging.</p> - -<p>But there was one thing Alec had not reckoned on. That was the powerful -night-glass in the hands<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> of Thomas Hardy. Again and again the wary -skipper swept the horizon with his glass. Once he had caught the faint -gleam of the <i>Osprey's</i> sail; but the darkness instantly blotted it out -again, and he had thought nothing of it. Now it was unmistakably -lighter. As the hawk-eyed pirate manœuvred his ship back and forth, -he kept a watchful gaze shoreward, again and again sweeping the waters -with his glass. And in one of these searches, he discovered the -<i>Osprey</i>. With a startled oath he centred his gaze on the little craft. -Then he ordered the dredges reeled in. The instant they were aboard, he -swung the ship, and bore down on the <i>Osprey</i>.</p> - -<p>All this happened so suddenly that Alec was caught unaware. Had he known -what was coming, so that he could get his sail up, he might have run -into the wind and outdistanced the <i>Shark</i>, for the <i>Osprey</i> was a -wonderful sailor to windward. But the <i>Shark</i> was half-way toward him -before Alec really knew what was happening. Then it was too late. There -was nothing to do but await capture and make the best of it.</p> - -<p>There was still time to say good-bye to Elsa, however. Alec darted into -the cabin, threw over his switch, and flashed out a call.</p> - -<p>"3ARM de 3ADH," he signalled, trying to quiet his pounding heart and -steady his trembling hand.</p> - -<p>"3ADH de 3ARM—K," came back the instant response.</p> - -<p>"They have discovered me," flashed Alec.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> "<i>Shark</i> is bearing down on -the <i>Osprey</i>. I hear them hailing. Tell your father to hurry. -Good-bye—guardian."</p> - -<p>White-faced, aquiver with fear, Elsa flashed back a reply and waited. -But no answer came ringing in her ears. For out in the lawless darkness -of the Bay, the <i>Shark</i> had swung to, a dark figure had leaped to the -deck of the <i>Osprey</i>, a light had flashed in his cabin, revealing Alec's -identity, and he had been dragged roughly to the deck of his little -ship. With furious curses he had been flung aboard the <i>Shark</i>.</p> - -<p>"Kill him! Throw him overboard! Hang the spy!" cried the angry crew, and -the lawless Hawkins had dealt him a furious blow with his fist, felling -Alec to the deck.</p> - -<p>He knew that he must act at once if he was to save his life. Trembling -with fear, he sprang to his feet. The shell gatherer, Wallace, leaped -toward him.</p> - -<p>"If you lay a hand on me," cried Alec, trying his best to appear -courageous, "you'll go to prison for it."</p> - -<p>At the word prison, the pirate captain stepped forward. "I reckon we'll -go to prison if we don't," he bawled, in his awful voice. "We've got to -put him out of the road, boys."</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford knows I'm here," said Alec desperately. "He'll be here -himself pretty soon with some men you won't want to see. He's on the way -now. I've been talking to him by wireless."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p><p>Alec did not know that the captain was coming to his rescue. But it was -his only chance to save his life. He must carry the bluff through.</p> - -<p>"You're a liar," shrieked Captain Hardy.</p> - -<p>"I tell the truth. Didn't you find me at my wireless?"</p> - -<p>"Did you?" roared the captain, turning to the sailor who had dragged -Alec from his cabin.</p> - -<p>"He was working at some sort of an outfit. It might have been a wireless -for all I know."</p> - -<p>"Hell!" roared the skipper.</p> - -<p>He leveled his glasses. Afar off a glow of light became visible. The -party on the deck of the <i>Shark</i> watched it breathlessly. It came on and -on. Suddenly a great beam of light shot through the darkness, and moved -slowly across the water. A search-light was sweeping the night.</p> - -<p>"It's the <i>Dianthus</i>," roared the pirate skipper. "Our goose is cooked." -With sudden fury he turned upon Alec. "It'll be state's prison for -mine," he roared, "but before I go I'll fix you. You'll never spy on -another man."</p> - -<p>He leaped toward Alec. The lad shrank back in terror. He believed the -desperate oysterman meant to kill him instantly. Still he kept a grip -upon himself.</p> - -<p>"If you harm me," he cried sternly, "it will be more than state's prison -for you. It'll be the electric chair."</p> - -<p>At that instant the search-light of the <i>Dianthus</i> was turned fairly on -the pirate ship. The little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> group on her deck stood out like actors in -a spot light.</p> - -<p>"Hell!" roared the infuriated Hardy again, as he stepped back from Alec, -his features working convulsively as he gazed in impotent rage at the -oncoming guard-boat.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes more the <i>Dianthus</i> ran alongside, and armed men came -swarming over the side of the <i>Shark</i>. At their head were Captain -Rumford and big Jim Hawley.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIX</span> <span class="smaller">HOME AGAIN</span></h2> - -<p>With a bound, big Jim Hawley was at Alec's side. "Did they hurt you, -lad?" he cried.</p> - -<p>"Not much," replied Alec, "but I guess they would have killed me if you -hadn't come."</p> - -<p>Alec turned partly away to watch what was doing. The light fell on his -face so that the raw, red mark from the blow, now rapidly turning black, -stood out plainly.</p> - -<p>"Who did that?" demanded Hawley.</p> - -<p>"Hawkins."</p> - -<p>"Jim!" rang out Captain Rumford's voice, as Hawley leaped toward the -cowering bully. Hawley stopped in his tracks. "We've had enough violence -already. Let him alone."</p> - -<p>The shipper turned to the commander of the <i>Dianthus</i>. "You wanted -evidence before you would make an arrest," he said. "Here's your -evidence." He pointed toward the pile of seed-oysters on the deck of the -<i>Shark</i>. Then he faced Alec. "You saw them dredged, did you not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. They came out of the bed just to starboard, sir."</p> - -<p>Again the shipper faced the captain of the <i>Dianthus</i>. "That's my bed -and these are my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> oysters. I charge these men with theft and also with -assault and battery on this lad."</p> - -<p>"You are under arrest," said the guardsman to the crew of the <i>Shark</i>, -"and we will shoot at the slightest attempt at resistance." He turned to -his men. "Search them," he commanded.</p> - -<p>A revolver and an ugly dirk were found on Hardy. Wallace had some brass -knuckles in his pocket. The others were not armed.</p> - -<p>"We'll just add a charge of carrying concealed weapons when these two -are arraigned," said the captain of the <i>Dianthus</i>.</p> - -<p>"You'll have to watch them," said Captain Rumford. "They're a desperate -lot. They won't go to prison without a struggle."</p> - -<p>"We won't take any chances with them," said the captain of the -guard-boat. "Get your irons, men."</p> - -<p>The guardsmen produced handcuffs and in another moment Hardy and his -band of desperadoes were securely shackled. Then they were taken aboard -the guard-ship.</p> - -<p>"We'll bring the <i>Shark</i> in," said the shipper. "You take care of your -passengers."</p> - -<p>"Hoist the sailing lights," said the shipper, as the <i>Dianthus</i> moved -away into the darkness.</p> - -<p>Alec pulled out his flash-light and hunted about in the <i>Shark's</i> cabin -until he found her lanterns. He lighted them. While Jim Hawley hoisted -the white light aloft, Alec was fastening the red and green lights in -the rigging.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p><p>"Now make the <i>Osprey</i> fast astern," ordered the shipper.</p> - -<p>Alec leaped aboard the little craft and pushed her along the side of the -<i>Shark</i>, while Hawley pulled on a rope from her bow. In a moment the -<i>Osprey</i> floated astern and Alec was back on the <i>Shark</i>.</p> - -<p>"Haul those sheets a bit tighter," called the shipper.</p> - -<p>Alec and Hawley obeyed the command. The shipper twirled his wheel, the -<i>Shark</i> slowly gathered headway, and in a moment was sailing briskly on -the starboard tack.</p> - -<p>"Now, you young rascal," said Captain Rumford, when the <i>Shark</i> was -fairly under way, "tell me what all this means. Whatever led you to do -such a foolhardy trick? You had us nearly scared to death. Didn't you -know that those fellows are a desperate lot? It's God's mercy alone that -prevented them from murdering you."</p> - -<p>"I think your own arrival had a lot more to do with it," laughed Alec. -Then his face grew very sober. "I think they really meant to kill me," -he said. "I know they would at least have beaten me badly if the -<i>Dianthus</i> hadn't appeared when she did."</p> - -<p>"Tell us all about it," urged the shipper. "How did you ever learn that -Hardy intended to raid my bed, and what in the world ever made you do -such a foolish thing as to follow him all alone?"</p> - -<p>Alec explained how he had overheard the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>conversation in the cabin. "You -should have told me at once," said the shipper.</p> - -<p>"I started to tell you," said Alec. "Then I was ashamed to bother you -until I had something more definite to tell you. I was afraid you would -think I was suffering from a bad imagination. So I decided to wait until -I had something really definite. I followed the <i>Shark</i> out to the -oyster-beds, keeping far enough back of her to escape discovery. At the -mouth of the river I stopped and told Elsa where I was and what I was -doing."</p> - -<p>"It's a mighty good thing for you, lad, that you did. If you had waited -half an hour longer, we might never have seen you again. You've had a -narrower shave than you think, lad. The <i>Dianthus</i> just happened to be -in the harbor. Her captain came up this afternoon to see me about some -business matters. There wasn't another boat in the river that could have -got to you anywhere near as quick. The minute Elsa told me what you were -up to, I jumped in my car and raced over to Bivalve. The captain was -just boarding a trolley-car to go away for the night. He didn't want to -come. Said he could arrest the oyster thieves any time I had the -evidence ready. I told him it wasn't a question of oysters but of your -life and that he <i>had</i> to come. And you should have seen us come, lad. -The captain crowded on everything he had. But what I don't understand is -how you prevented those ruffians from murdering you, once they had you -in their power."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p><p>"They were going to murder me," said Alec, his cheek paling at the -memory of his danger. "I don't believe there's any doubt of it. But I -bluffed them." And Alec related what had happened on the deck of the -<i>Shark</i>. "If the <i>Dianthus</i> hadn't shown her light just when she did," -he said soberly, "I don't believe I would be talking to you now."</p> - -<p>"Watch that boom," cried the captain. "I'm going to come about."</p> - -<p>Alec dodged as the boom swept across the deck. Suddenly he thought of -Elsa, standing by at the wireless. "Oh, Captain!" he cried. "I must go -aboard the <i>Osprey</i>. Elsa said she would stand by in case I needed to -call her again."</p> - -<p>"I reckon you'll have to talk to her, Alec," replied the shipper. "She -was just scared to death when she got your message."</p> - -<p>The captain swung the ship straight into the wind. The sails began to -flap. The boat lost headway. Big Jim Hawley laid his hand on the -<i>Osprey's</i> line and hauled the little craft close beside the <i>Shark</i>. -Alec stepped aboard of her. Flashlight in hand, he made his way into the -cabin and sat down at his instrument.</p> - -<p>"3ARM—3ARM—3ARM de 3ADH—3ADH—3ADH," he signalled.</p> - -<p>Instantly came the response.</p> - -<p>"Everything O. K.," flashed Alec. "<i>Dianthus</i> arrived and took Hardy and -his crew ashore. No difficulty. Nobody hurt. Your father, Jim, and I are -bringing back the <i>Shark</i>. We're some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>distance off the bar now. -<i>Dianthus</i> is already in the river. Don't know how to thank you for your -help. I think you saved my life. Will tell you about it when I see you."</p> - -<p>"I want to see you to-night," flashed back Elsa.</p> - -<p>"Impossible," telegraphed Alec. "Won't be in until very late."</p> - -<p>"I won't take no for an answer. You must come home with Dad. Say you -will."</p> - -<p>"Maybe he won't take me," signalled Alec.</p> - -<p>"Tell him if he comes home without you I'll never forgive him."</p> - -<p>Outside Alec heard the captain bawling, "Are you going to talk all -night?"</p> - -<p>"Good-bye," flashed Alec, and stepped out on deck. Then, "Aye, aye, -sir," he called. "Be there as soon as I hoist this light." He lighted -his lantern and ran it aloft. Then he climbed aboard the <i>Shark</i>.</p> - -<p>"Your daughter ordered me to tell you, sir," he said, "that she'll never -forgive you if you don't bring your wireless man home with you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! She did, eh? I suppose the wireless man has no wishes in the matter -himself!"</p> - -<p>Alec blushed. "Captain Rumford," he said, "you know I like to come to -your house whenever I properly can. It's more like home to me than any -other place in the world."</p> - -<p>"God bless you, lad!" said the shipper, his tone instantly changing. "We -should have missed you sadly if anything had happened to you to-night.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> -You certainly shall go home with me and you shall spend the night there. -I don't like the idea of your sleeping alone on that little boat, after -what has happened. Remember now. You must watch like a hawk or somebody -<i>will</i> get you. Hardy and his gang have lots of friends, and if they get -a good chance they'll harm you. So be on your guard at all times and -places."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," said Alec. "I don't think they'll catch me off my -guard. I've had enough experience since I came to Bivalve to make a -statue watchful."</p> - -<p>Quickly the <i>Shark</i> gathered headway, and was soon bowling along toward -her pier. "She's a nice stepper," said the shipper. "She's built for -speed. I reckon old Hardy found speed useful in his business. But I -guess he'll soon learn that slow but sure is a good motto after all. I -think he'll make a pretty long visit to Trenton. And I don't believe -he'll ever show his face around here again. He's done as an oysterman, -at least at Bivalve."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford fell into a brown study. He was so deep in thought that -he almost forgot what he was doing, which was something very unusual.</p> - -<p>Presently Hawley spoke out of the darkness forward, where he was on -watch. "Hadn't we better go about, Cap'n?" he said in a deep, quiet -voice.</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford woke up with a start, strained his eyes into the -darkness, then twirled his wheel like mad. "Look out for the boom!" he -said, then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> added, with a laugh, "Wouldn't they have given me the laugh -if I had laid the <i>Shark</i> up on the bank. And she'd have been there in -about sixty seconds more."</p> - -<p>The <i>Shark</i> wore away on the other tack, but Captain Rumford did not -forget himself again. "Jim," he called presently.</p> - -<p>"Aye, aye, sir," came the big sailor's response from the forepeak hatch -where he was sitting.</p> - -<p>"Come here a moment."</p> - -<p>As the big sailor made his way aft, the shipper said, "Hawley, it kind -of runs in my mind that you once had some sort of a claim to Hardy's -oyster-beds. Am I right?"</p> - -<p>"I owned them once," said Hawley.</p> - -<p>"You owned them! Why, I never knew that. How'd Hardy come to get them?"</p> - -<p>"You see, sir, I staked out them beds years ago when everybody else was -plantin' in shallow water. You know them beds is out deep. Everybody -laughed at me. Of course I never had no outfit to work 'em, but I -figured that some day I might get a boat somehow. And then, too, I -noticed that every year planters were putting seed farther out. I -figured they'd reach my beds after a bit, and if I couldn't do anything -more, I could at least get a few loads of shells down and maybe get a -set of spat from the other beds. And I would, too, if I had kept hold of -them beds. Why, Lord bless you! Look where they are now—right in the -middle of the oyster-beds."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p><p>"Why didn't you hang on to them, Jim?"</p> - -<p>The big sailor hung his head. "I got to drinkin', Cap'n. You know how I -used to hit it up. Hardy got me into a poker game, and when all my money -was gone, I put up my oyster-beds and he got them, too. I reckon he had -a crooked deck, too."</p> - -<p>"I reckon you're right. Everything about that fellow seems to have been -crooked."</p> - -<p>For a time there was silence. The <i>Shark</i> sailed swiftly on. She was now -well up the river. Soon the solitary light at Bivalve shone close at -hand. Then the shipper laid the <i>Shark</i> skilfully alongside the pier. -They bade good night to Hawley, and in another moment Alec and the -shipper were bowling homeward in the captain's motor-car. At least it -seemed to Alec as though he were going home.</p> - -<p>It seemed even more like home when the shipper threw open the door and -ushered Alec into the big house. For his own mother and sister could -hardly have given Alec a more cordial welcome than Mrs. Rumford and Elsa -gave him. Despite that welcome Alec suddenly became self-conscious and -bashful. He was embarrassed by the warmth of the greeting given him. -Also he saw in Elsa's eyes a light he had never seen there before. Had -he but known it, a similar light was shining in his own eyes. His heart -beat with strange and unaccustomed irregularity. More than once he -flushed like a schoolgirl. He felt curiously awkward and at the same -time unaccountably happy. Now he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>realized that Elsa would never be the -same to him in future as she had been in the past. His lonely vigil in -the dark, his hour of supreme danger when only the hand of this girl -comrade thrust out through the night had saved him from death, had -revealed to him the inner meaning of the friendship that had sprung up -between them.</p> - -<p>A question arose in his mind, a question that seemed more important to -him than anything else in the world. Yet he could not ask that question, -and he knew it would be a long, long time before he dared. Still he did -not need to ask any question to learn his answer. He could read it in -Elsa's eyes. The hour of peril, when she had sat in mute apprehension, -listening, listening, listening, breathless in her fear, had told Elsa -also that she could never again think of Alec in the old way.</p> - -<p>So, although Alec at first was unaccountably ill at ease, he was happier -than he had ever been in his life. He was happy in what he saw in Elsa's -eyes. He was also happy in the thought that he had been true to the -shipper, that he had not betrayed the captain's confidence, that he had -really saved his friend and benefactor from great loss. And that was no -little thing for a lad still in his teens.</p> - -<p>Of course time went by unobserved. Nobody at that Rumford household -cared a farthing that night how fast the time went or how late it was. -Once more Alec had to relate every incident in connection with his -adventure, from the moment he left the Rumford house in the early -evening to the moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> he returned to it after his rescue from the -oyster pirates.</p> - -<p>When all the story had been dragged from the reluctant lad, the shipper -once more expressed his opinion of Alec's folly in wasting his time over -the silly notion that a microscope and a thimbleful of sea water would -tell him anything about the value for oyster-culture of a piece of land -three fathoms under the waves. Instantly Elsa flew to Alec's defense.</p> - -<p>"Now, father," she said, "Alec is doing just what he ought to do, and -you ought to be the last person in the world to discourage him. He's -going to find out the truth even if he doesn't find the oysters he hopes -to, and that's worth a lot."</p> - -<p>"Well, all he finds out won't begin to make up for the money he'll lose -while he's finding it out," said the shipper dogmatically. "If there had -really been anything to find out, don't you suppose we would have found -it out in all these years? Why, I've been oystering thirty years and I -never heard of such nonsense before. But I suppose boys will be boys. We -all have to have our fling. Now that I know you're both so set on this -foolishness I wouldn't say another word if it wasn't for this business -to-night. Alec means to live aboard the <i>Osprey</i> most of the summer and -I don't like the idea. Why, anybody can come aboard of her in the middle -of the night and do anything he likes. We can't always be waiting on the -wireless to get this youngster out of trouble. I tell you I don't like -it."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>At the mention of danger to Alec, Elsa's face went pale. Presently she -fell into a brown study, from which she awoke only when she heard her -father say, "For goodness sake! Look at the clock! We must be getting to -bed."</p> - -<p>He and Mrs. Rumford bustled off, after bidding Alec a hearty good night. -"Now, don't you youngsters stay up any longer," said the captain, when -Elsa lingered behind.</p> - -<p>"We won't," said Elsa. Then she turned to Alec. "It makes me sick to -think of you alone in the <i>Osprey</i> at night, now that you have had this -trouble with Tom Hardy. Yet you mustn't quit your investigation, either, -Alec. Won't you come home at night and sleep ashore?"</p> - -<p>"I can't, Elsa. Think of all the time I should waste, sailing back and -forth. I can never get over all the oyster grounds as it is. But I can -do a great deal if I am right on the job all the time. And besides, I -don't really believe there's any danger at all. That gang has had a -lesson that will make them pretty careful. They have seen what wireless -will do, and they can never be sure what I might do with it."</p> - -<p>"You mustn't trust to the wireless, Alec. You must be on your guard all -the time. If you insist upon sleeping in the <i>Osprey</i>, you must pass the -nights where nobody can find you. I know a place where you can hide -easily, where you couldn't be found in a week. To-morrow I'm going out -to the Bay with you and show you the place. I shall feel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> better about -you when I know you are safe there at night. I wouldn't ever run in to -the place until after dark. Then if you douse your light nobody can see -where you go, and your hiding-place will never be known."</p> - -<p>"Bully for you!" cried Alec. "I needed help to-morrow the worst way -possible. I'm going to study old Hardy's oyster-beds, and I want to make -the best job possible."</p> - -<p>"Whenever you need help, Alec, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll help you -whenever I can."</p> - -<p>"Elsa," said Alec, his eyes shining, "nobody ever had a better friend -than you have been to me. I owe my life to you. I can't tell you——" He -broke off short, afraid to say any more.</p> - -<p>Just then a great voice boomed in the hallway. "Are you youngsters going -to talk all night?"</p> - -<p>"Good night," said Elsa. She held out her hand to Alec. And he was a -surprisingly long time letting go of it.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XX</span> <span class="smaller">THE OSPREY'S NEST</span></h2> - -<p>Despite the late hour of retirement, the shipper's household was astir -at the usual time next morning, and that was pretty early. The minute -breakfast was eaten the shipper hurried away to superintend the -overhauling of his boats, and Elsa and Alec drove to the oyster wharf, -laden with a generous luncheon that Mrs. Rumford had packed for them.</p> - -<p>"We'll need a setting-pole," said Elsa, as they were about to board the -<i>Osprey</i>. "It will be necessary to push the boat into the little harbor -I'm going to show you."</p> - -<p>Alec borrowed a setting-pole and the two were soon afloat. The day -promised to be hot. The sun had risen like a ball of fire. Hardly a -cloud flecked the wide expanse of blue sky. But there was a fair breeze -blowing, which promised to temper the heat. But neither Elsa nor Alec -cared whether it was hot or cold. They were together, and they were -engaged in a business of prime importance. Life had a zest that could -have been found in no mere idle holiday.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p><p>With business of such importance to perform, they could not wait for -the winds to carry them, but Alec started his motor and the <i>Osprey</i> -went chugging swiftly toward the oyster grounds. About them rose a very -sea of reeds and other marsh growths, now beautiful in their soft green, -summer hues, and stretching level as a floor.</p> - -<p>In a surprisingly short time the <i>Osprey</i> had crossed the bar and was -fairly in the Bay. The gray-green water rolled so gently before the soft -breath of the wind that the <i>Osprey</i> rose and fell hardly at all. -Occasionally a little wave came slap! against the boat, sending a shower -of spray aboard, but the occupants of the boat merely laughed when they -were sprinkled.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Alec bent forward and fastened his gaze on some distant object. -Then, after a moment's study, "What do you suppose those white things -are on those stakes?" he asked.</p> - -<p>Elsa looked. "Pieces of white cloth," she said after some study.</p> - -<p>Alec was puzzled. "You notice that all four corners of the bed are -marked with white," he said.</p> - -<p>The <i>Osprey</i> drew near to the marked stakes. Alec turned and faced -landward. "I know what it means," he cried. "That's your father's new -bed. It's right in line with both sets of landmarks. Those thieves must -have marked the stakes sometime during the day, so that they could see -the corners easily in the dark. It can't be very much farther to Tom -Hardy's bed. Hawley told me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> how to locate it. I reckon it'll be on the -market before long. I want to have a good look at it."</p> - -<p>Alec paused to think over Hawley's directions. "There!" he cried -suddenly. "See that dead tree with the fish-hawk's nest in it? It's just -in line with those three big oaks that stand by themselves. We're all -right in that direction. Off here we ought to have a little clump of -trees directly in line with the first range-light." He turned and -studied the shore-line in the other direction. "There! Now we've got it -exactly," he cried a moment later. "This must be Hardy's bed."</p> - -<p>"There are some corner stakes," said Elsa. And after a moment's search, -she added, "There is another corner."</p> - -<p>Quickly they found a third corner, but the stakes that marked the fourth -corner were missing entirely. "It doesn't matter," said Alec. "Three -corners are just as good as four. This bed looks as though it were -oblong and at least twice as wide as it is long. When he staked it out, -I suppose Jim Hawley reckoned he could dredge faster if he could plow -long furrows, as the farmers back home would say. It isn't a bad idea. -I'll keep it in mind when I lay out my grounds. It's making so many -turns that wastes time, whether you're dredging or plowing."</p> - -<p>"What shall we do first?" said Elsa. "Let's get right to work."</p> - -<p>"We'll take soundings," said Alec. "We'll make a few turns right across -one end of the bed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> then try it lengthwise. We want to make a very -thorough study of these grounds, for if Captain Hardy didn't steal his -oysters, then he's got a very good bed."</p> - -<p>From the cabin Alec brought a big sheet of paper, which he fastened to -the cabin-top. On it he marked the positions of the four corner stakes. -"This will give us plenty of room to make notes on," he said. "Later we -can copy what we like on the map of the beds. I'll just put down the -date and the state of the tide and the weather." He wrote on the paper -and handed his pencil to Elsa. "I'll sound if you'll make the entries," -he suggested.</p> - -<p>"I can steer, too," said Elsa. She took the paper and sat down by the -tiller.</p> - -<p>Alec closed the throttle of the engine. The <i>Osprey</i> at once dropped to -very low speed. Alec got his line ready, and lowered it. "Fifteen feet," -he called. Elsa entered the figures on the temporary chart. A few -fathoms away he cast the lead again. "Fourteen feet, nine inches," he -called. A few rods farther along the line registered fifteen feet, one -inch. So it went straight across the bed, the bottom being practically -level.</p> - -<p>"I'll make one more cast," said Alec. "Then you swing her to port and -we'll cut right back across the bed again."</p> - -<p>The <i>Osprey</i> was almost at the outer boundary of the grounds. Alec -dropped his lead. "Hello!" he cried in surprise, as he watched the line. -"Got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> eighteen feet here! That's funny. Just keep her straight for a few -rods. I want to see how wide this hole is." The depth continued constant -at eighteen feet. "That's queer," commented Alec. "Bring her about. -We'll see how it is a few fathoms farther down-stream."</p> - -<p>Elsa brought the <i>Osprey</i> about as directed. "Still eighteen feet," said -Alec, sounding repeatedly. They came to the boundary of Hardy's bed. -"Eighteen feet," called Alec. Before Elsa could get it written down, he -called again, "Fifteen feet." And eighteen feet it continued all the way -across the bed.</p> - -<p>Once more they came about and crossed the bed still farther down-stream. -Again the lead showed fifteen feet, almost to the edge of the bed, when -the line suddenly paid out an additional three feet.</p> - -<p>"We'll just cover the entire bed this way," said Alec, "instead of -running lengthwise as we had planned. It looks to me as though there is -a regular trough in the bottom, running right along the edge of this -bed. I'd like to know how wide and how long it is. I wonder what ever -could have scooped out such a furrow in the mud."</p> - -<p>They kept on, crossing and recrossing the oyster-bed, until they had -sounded it from end to end. And at every trip across the bed they got -practically the same figures—fifteen feet in Captain Hardy's grounds -and eighteen along the edge.</p> - -<p>"Do you know," said Alec, when he had finished sounding and had reeled -up the line, "I once read<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> that the Hudson River can be followed to sea -for three hundred miles. That is, there is a distinct furrow or channel -in the ocean bottom leading straight from the mouth of the Hudson, as -though something had come down that stream and gouged a great ditch in -the ocean floor. I reckon it must have been done centuries ago by -glacial ice or something of the sort. Anyway, it looks to me as though -there is something like that ditch right here in the bottom of the -Delaware Bay."</p> - -<p>"I wonder what could have made it?" queried Elsa. "Would it make any -difference in the oyster-beds along it?"</p> - -<p>"By George!" cried Alec, suddenly afire with an idea. "It would make a -thundering big slick, that's what it would do, and if my oyster bulletin -is correct, that ought to be a prime place for larvæ." He began to -examine the water carefully. "That's exactly what it does," he cried, -after studying the water far and wide. "We're right in the slick now. -It's so big we didn't notice it."</p> - -<p>"I guess we were too busy talking to pay attention," suggested Elsa, "or -we should have noticed it long ago."</p> - -<p>"Well, I can hardly wait to test the water and see what we find," said -Alec. "Conditions are just right this morning. The tide has about three -feet to rise yet. There ought to be as many oyster fry swimming about -now as there ever will be. We'll make as many tests as we can. And we -won't strain out so much water as we did the other time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> It takes too -long. If we test twenty-five quarts of water, that will give us enough -to go on. Then we can make more tests."</p> - -<p>Quickly Alec had his instruments ready and they began to strain water -from the bottom through the bolting-cloth net. Then the sediment was -washed into a bottle. While that was settling, they moved on to another -spot and strained more water. So they continued until they had several -bottles settling.</p> - -<p>"Now you begin to count the larvæ," suggested Elsa. "The sediment has -all settled in those bottles that we filled first. I will strain out -more water while you are using the microscope."</p> - -<p>As rapidly as he could, Alec got the sediment on his watch crystals and -counted the larvæ. As long as he could hold himself to the trying task -Alec continued with his eye to the microscope, picking over the -crystalfuls of sediment with his little needles.</p> - -<p>"The water's full of them," he cried at last, leaving his microscope. -"It's been a mighty poor spawning season, with so much cold weather, -though it's warm enough to-day. Yet right here there is no end to the -spat. There are ten times as many larvæ here as we found in that ground -we tested the other day. Why, that twenty-five quarts yielded 3,400 -larvæ," and he picked up the bottle he had just emptied. "The bed's just -swarming with spat."</p> - -<p>He stepped to the engine and threw on more power. Then he took the -tiller. "I want to test<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> a sample from that trough or ditch. And by the -way, I'll just sound as we go."</p> - -<p>He got out the sounding-line again, and Elsa steered the boat while Alec -took soundings. Almost uniformly the depth continued at eighteen feet.</p> - -<p>"We must have come five hundred yards," said Alec. "We'll try it here." -He stopped the engine, and they strained twenty-five quarts of water -from the bottom. When it had settled sufficiently, Alec worked the -sediment out on a watch crystal. Then he began to count.</p> - -<p>"Now what do you think of that!" he cried, when he had finished his -count. "Only twenty-five larvæ I could be sure of in all that water! -It's just as the book says. The fry are all collected in that slick. -That bed of Hardy's must be one of the very best in the Bay. If only Jim -still owned it!"</p> - -<p>By this time it was long past the dinner hour, but the two had been so -intent on their work that they had paid no attention to the time. Now, -however, Alec suddenly awoke to the fact that he was ravenous. "I could -eat a shark," he cried. "Let's go to the shore at once and have dinner."</p> - -<p>He started the engine and they headed for the point where they had -previously eaten. With the tide so well up, they had little difficulty -in getting ashore. Alec gathered dry sticks and fixed the fireplace, -while Elsa unpacked the basket Mrs. Rumford had given them. Among other -things, there was a fine cut of beefsteak.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p><p>"Oh boy!" exclaimed Alec, when he saw it. "I'm so hungry I could eat it -raw."</p> - -<p>His fire was already ablaze. He let it burn down to coals, then added a -few twigs at a time. Over this tiny flame Elsa cooked the steak in a -little skillet. Alec, meantime, brought water from the <i>Osprey</i> and got -the coffee ready to cook the instant the steak was done. He also placed -a heavy blanket on the ground under the sheltering tree, and here they -spread out all the good things Mrs. Rumford had given them. There were -pickles and hard-boiled eggs, and sandwiches, and cakes, not to mention -bread and butter and jelly, the steak and the coffee.</p> - -<p>"Gracious!" said Alec, when the basket was at last empty. "Your mother -must have thought she was packing lunch for a regiment."</p> - -<p>"She has seen <i>boys</i> eat before," said Elsa mischievously.</p> - -<p>"From which I infer," retorted Alec, "that you do not wish anything to -eat yourself. It's just as well, for I think I can get away with all -that steak myself. Please pass it over."</p> - -<p>He took the frying-pan away from her, but it was only because the steak -was cooked and he wanted to sling the coffee-pot over the fire.</p> - -<p>Elsa looked distressed. "Aren't you going to give me any of that steak?" -she cried in pretended consternation.</p> - -<p>"I understand from your remarks that this was all intended for me," -teased Alec.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p><p>"It will be first-degree murder if you don't give me some," said Elsa. -"I'll surely die of starvation in a few minutes if I don't get something -to eat."</p> - -<p>At the word murder, the fun died out of Alec's eyes. "Please don't," he -said, "not even in fun. That word murder has come to have a very ugly -sound to me in the last twenty-four hours."</p> - -<p>They were silent a moment. Then such a soft light crept into Elsa's eyes -that Alec had to jump up and tend the fire to keep control of himself.</p> - -<p>At last the meal was eaten. "I'm too full to do another stroke of work," -said Alec.</p> - -<p>"Then we'll go take a look at the little harbor I have picked out for -you."</p> - -<p>They poured water on the fire to make sure it was completely -extinguished, then gathered up the remnants of the feast, and once more -boarded the <i>Osprey</i>. For half a mile they chugged along the shore. Then -they came abreast of a little clump of trees that rose some few hundred -feet inland, apparently in the very heart of the marsh.</p> - -<p>"There's your harbor," said Elsa, pointing to the tree clump.</p> - -<p>"But how are we going to get to it?" demanded Alec, searching everywhere -for an inlet.</p> - -<p>"Wait until the largest two trees come in line," said Elsa. "Then go -straight in."</p> - -<p>Alec slowed down the <i>Osprey</i> and continued along the shore until the -trees indicated were in line. Then he headed directly toward them. In -the reeds<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> that lined the shore he noted a tiny opening, like the mouth -of the merest tunnel; but it proved to be both wider and deeper than he -would have believed. The reeds that choked the little channel bent to -right and left as the <i>Osprey</i> slowly forged ahead, then swiftly righted -themselves, forming a screen behind the boat. Had there been no mast in -the <i>Osprey</i>, she would have been completely concealed before she had -gone a hundred feet. The clump of trees stood not more than five hundred -feet from the open water of the Bay. The little channel ran almost -straight toward it. Alec shut off his engine and pushed the <i>Osprey</i> -along with the setting-pole. The little boat slipped through the reeds -as quietly as a floating duck. As they came near the trees, Alec saw -that there were really two clumps of them standing close together on two -tiny islands, with the tiniest little channel between them. Alec pushed -the <i>Osprey</i> forward until it came to rest in this little channel, -directly between the two islands. So narrow was this passage that he -could almost have stepped ashore on either side of this boat.</p> - -<p>"Now we are completely hidden," said Elsa. "The reeds hide the hull of -the boat and the trees conceal the mast and rigging. A person out on the -Bay could search this clump for an hour with the most powerful telescope -and I doubt if he would ever discover there is a boat moored here. It's -the finest little hiding-place I know of. It has one drawback, though. -You can't get in and out when the tide is real low."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p><p>Alec gazed about him with delight. The snug little harbor made him -think of a pirate's refuge. "It certainly is a bully hiding-place," he -said, "though I suppose most of the old-timers hereabout know of it."</p> - -<p>"I very much doubt it," said Elsa.</p> - -<p>"Then how did you come to know about it?"</p> - -<p>"Found it myself," explained Elsa. "Dad left me to hunt ducks along the -shore, while he put down some stakes in an oyster-bed near by. I wounded -a duck that got away from me. It swam into this little channel and I -followed it. That's how I came to discover this place. I don't believe -many folks know about it, for I told Dad about it and he had never heard -of it."</p> - -<p>"Well, anyway, it makes no difference," said Alec. "I have no idea -anybody is going to bother me, and if I slip in here after dark and -don't show any lights, I don't think anybody would ever find me. What do -you call the place?"</p> - -<p>"I never named it," said Elsa.</p> - -<p>"You didn't? It ought to have a name, sure. What shall we call it? We'll -give it a name, and that will be a secret all our own."</p> - -<p>"I know," cried Elsa. "We'll call this the <i>Osprey's</i> Nest."</p> - -<p>"Fine! That's a dandy name. And it's such a good name for a secret -hiding-place. If anybody heard us talking about it they would think we -meant one of those old trees that have real fish-hawks' nests in them. -When you hear the name<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> osprey's nest come buzzing in your receiver, -you'll know I'm as safe and snug as can be. Why, just to tell you I'm at -the osprey's nest would mean a whole lot, wouldn't it? And, by the way, -you can spare a few moments now and then to talk with me with your -wireless, can't you?"</p> - -<p>"Alec!" said Elsa reproachfully. "When I shall hardly see you all -summer! Of course, I'll talk to you. But I mustn't keep you from your -work. You mustn't let me do that, Alec, for I want you to go on with it -and make just the great success that I know you are going to."</p> - -<p>"Well, when shall I call you? You won't always be at home, you know."</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what. I'll listen in at one o'clock and at seven, and -when Arlington sends out the time, whenever I'm at home; and that will -be most always."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Alec. "It will be pretty lonely out here all by -myself." He glanced at the clock in the cabin. "Whew!" he whistled. -"Look at the time. We must be getting to work at once."</p> - -<p>"All right. What shall we do first?"</p> - -<p>"I ought to finish this work with the microscope. These larvæ ought to -have a few drops of formaldehyde on them if they aren't counted pretty -soon; and I haven't any. So I guess I'll go on with my counting."</p> - -<p>"Then we might just as well stay here," said Elsa. "It's a good deal -cooler here in the shade of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> the trees than it would be out on the -water. It's too bad there's nothing I can do to help you. Are you sure -there's nothing I can do?"</p> - -<p>Alec looked at his comrade steadily for a moment. "Elsa," he said, "did -you ever read that beautiful poem of Milton's in which there is a line -that says something like this: 'They also serve who only stand and -wait'? You know the reserves are like that. They don't seem to be doing -much, for a fact, but the fellows in the front line fight a heap sight -better just because they know their comrades are back there, ready to -aid them when necessary. So I wouldn't say anything more about not being -of use. You know it's been pretty tough going for me these last few -months since Dad died and I had nobody to fall back on. I can't tell you -what it means to me to have your friendship and that of your father and -mother."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Alec," said Elsa. "That's a very fine thing to say. I never -thought of the matter in just that way before. You know I really do want -to help you, and I don't care whether I help by really assisting in your -work or merely by being with you, now that you put it in that way. The -point is to get the work done. Oh! I think so much is going to come of -all this that I am as eager as can be to get the work finished. Now you -attend to your microscope and I'll amuse myself with your wireless."</p> - -<p>For a long time there was silence on the <i>Osprey</i>. Elsa sat with the -receivers strapped to her ears, now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> shifting the coupler, now moving a -condenser, now tuning to this wave-length, now to that.</p> - -<p>"That's strange," Alec heard her mutter to herself, after a long time.</p> - -<p>"What's strange?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Why, somebody has been calling and calling Cape May. And he doesn't get -any answer. I can't understand it. I haven't any idea who is talking. I -never heard his call before. He's WNA."</p> - -<p>With a bound Alec was beside her. "That's Roy Mercer on the <i>Lycoming</i>," -he cried. "May I have the receivers a moment, please."</p> - -<p>Alec slipped on the headpiece and sat down at his key. "WNA—WNA—WNA de -3ADH—3ADH—3ADH," he flashed.</p> - -<p>Almost at once came the response. "3ADH—3ADH—3ADH de -WNA—WNA—WNA—K."</p> - -<p>"Hello, Roy!" ticked off Alec. "This is Alec Cunningham. Just happened -to hear you calling Cape May. Can't imagine why they didn't answer. How -are you?"</p> - -<p>"Fine. How are you? What are you doing?"</p> - -<p>"All O. K. Counting oyster larvæ with a microscope just now. Tell you -all about it some day. What are you sailing so early for?"</p> - -<p>"New schedule. Going to touch at some West Indian ports and Yucatan on -way to Galveston. Due back here a month from to-day. That's August -twenty-two. Be sure to watch for me. May have something interesting to -tell you. How are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> you getting on? Heard from any of the other fellows -of the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol?"</p> - -<p>For some time the two old comrades talked as fast as they could flash -their messages to each other. Then Alec laid down his receivers and -turned to Elsa. "It certainly is good to hear from Roy," he said. "He's -one of the fellows from the Camp Brady Wireless Patrol at home. He's a -prince, too. No end of pluck and brains. Why, he saved the <i>Lycoming</i> -from a collision in a fog, just with his wireless. And he was washed -overboard when he was helping to take a line to the disabled steamer -<i>Empress</i> during a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, and was swept into -Corpus Christi by the tidal wave. He got the news of the disaster there -to the outside world by wireless that he made himself and so got help -for the city. Oh! He's a wonderful chap. How I wish you knew him. He's -true as steel. They don't make any others quite so fine as Roy."</p> - -<p>"If he's a friend of yours, Alec, I know he's all right. You wouldn't -have any other kind of friends. But as for their not making any other -boys as fine as Roy, humph! I guess I know somebody that's true as steel -myself."</p> - -<p>"I must hustle along with my job," said Alec, and he went back to his -microscope.</p> - -<p>Finally, his bottles examined and cleaned and all his apparatus stowed -away, Alec picked up the setting-pole. "It's time we were heading for -Bivalve," he said.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p><p>He backed the <i>Osprey</i> out from between the islets, turned her, and -pushed his way back to the open water. Then, having a favoring wind, he -hoisted his sail, and the <i>Osprey</i> went skimming over the waves on the -homeward track.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXI</span> <span class="smaller">THE GREAT SECRET</span></h2> - -<p>So eager was Alec to return to his investigations that he slipped back -to the oyster-beds that very night, so as to be on hand at the earliest -possible moment next day. His mind was afire, his whole being was keyed -up. He was like a hound on a hot scent. He felt that he had his quarry -almost within his reach. He wanted to press on at top speed until he -grasped the prize. Neither storm nor calm, neither tide nor sickness, -could long have delayed him; for Alec possessed that unusual quality of -mind which made him rise superior to obstacles, once his interest was -thoroughly aroused. Things that to some boys would have appeared as -effective obstacles became to Alec, when he was thus aroused, only -difficulties to be overcome. One by one he had surmounted all the -barriers that he had so far encountered. Each victory made him only the -keener to win another. Of all his struggles, the effort to learn the -truth about the oyster had interested him most deeply, because he knew -that exact knowledge along that line was the very corner-stone of his -success, or, more accurately, of the success he was striving to build.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p><p>So daylight found Alec astir and already on his way to Captain Hardy's -oyster-bed. For the facts that Alec and Elsa had discovered concerning -Hardy's bed and the existence of the depression in the bottom of the -Bay, had given Alec an idea that he could hardly wait to test out. He -meant to find the entire truth about the little channel. He doubted if -any one else had discovered the little trough or furrow in the bottom of -the Bay, and if they had, he doubted whether its significance had -occurred to the discoverers.</p> - -<p>Now he proceeded to the upper end of Hardy's bed, and, dropping his -lead, found exactly where the edge of the furrow lay. He noted its -position with relation to the corner stakes of the grounds. Then he -proceeded slowly down-stream, sounding as he went, to try to locate the -inner edge of the ditch. For several hundred feet he felt his way along. -Then he took a heavy weight, tied to it a line of the proper length, and -to that he fastened a stick a few feet long, to the upper end of which -he tied a white cloth. He lowered the weight to the bottom, dropping it, -as nearly as he was able, on the very edge of the furrow or ditch in the -mud. Then he adjusted his line so that the stick floated -perpendicularly, holding the white cloth aloft, a foot or two above the -surface of the water. Then he dropped the <i>Osprey</i> down-stream some -hundreds of feet, and once more locating the edge of the depression in -the bottom, made and anchored a second floating marker. Examination -showed him that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> the three points he had located—the one near Hardy's -stakes and the two he had marked with flags,—were practically in a -straight line. Once more he headed the <i>Osprey</i> down-stream, proceeding -as far as he could go and still see his markers. Then he sounded, and -found that he was still over the very edge of the depression. Apparently -this depression ran in an almost perfectly straight line. Alec put down -another flag. He now had marked the depression for a good many hundred -yards.</p> - -<p>Now he went back to his starting-point and began to study the current -and the appearance of the water. The depression extended in exactly the -same direction that the tide followed, so that the water would sweep -straight through it, back and forth, back and forth ceaselessly, -scouring it clean. Alec recalled what Roy had written him about the -jetties at Galveston, and how the tide, sweeping in and out between -them, had deepened the channel. To be sure, there were no jetties here -to confine the flow of the tide to the depression, yet Alec felt sure -that the current would keep the depression clean and perhaps even deepen -it. For all time, at least for all calculable time, so far as he could -see, the depression would remain in the bottom and create a vast slick -along its side. In this slick he believed the oyster fry would be most -numerous.</p> - -<p>Slowly Alec proceeded along the edge of the slick, passing one after -another the markers he had set up, and lifting them as he came to them. -The edge of the slick, of course, followed the line of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> depression -in the bottom. Alec knew it ought to do so, and the white flags proved -that it did. On and on went Alec, studying the current, watching every -wave and swirl in the tide. At the same time, he kept before him the map -of the oyster-beds, marking down on the map as accurately as possible -the edge of the slick. How far to the side this slick extended Alec did -not know. He could determine that later. What he did know—at least he -felt sure he knew it—was that every oyster-bed lying in this slick was -a prime oyster ground. He would know for sure when he had made larvæ -tests of water from the different beds.</p> - -<p>For two or three miles Alec proceeded. The slick was still plainly -discernible, and whenever Alec took soundings he found that the -depression continued. At last he came to the point for which he was -heading—the last lot of ground that had been staked. Beyond that was a -vast area that any man might claim. So eager to see what he should find, -so fearful and yet so hopeful was Alec, that he almost held his breath -as he bent forward and peered out over the unstaked water. Would the -slick continue through the unleased areas or would it not?</p> - -<p>"It does! It does!" cried Alec aloud, as he sailed past the very last -oyster stake. As far as he could see, the water before him was sharply -divided into two areas—one that rippled roughly as the tide swept -onward, the other as smooth as though it had been rubbed with grease.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p><p>Into this smooth stretch of water Alec turned the <i>Osprey</i>. Then, his -hands atremble with eagerness, he brought forth his testing apparatus -and began to strain water from the bottom through his filter net. Here, -there, over yonder, Alec pumped up water, until he had samples from a -large acreage. His settling bottles were numbered, and on his chart he -marked the location from which each sample came. At the same time he -took soundings and tested the water for density and temperature. All -these things he likewise set down on his chart. So eager was he to begin -his count, that he could scarcely wait to stow away his instruments when -he had done straining water. But when he started to use his microscope, -he found that the wind had freshened so much he could not work well. It -was blowing directly against the current, throwing up sizable rollers, -and the <i>Osprey</i> was too unsteady for the trying work in hand. There was -nothing to do but get to smooth water, and that meant to leave the Bay, -for now whitecaps were breaking everywhere.</p> - -<p>At first Alec hardly knew where to go. He thought of running into the -mouth of the river. But that idea did not please him because passing -boatmen might annoy him or at least interrupt him. And anyway, Alec -preferred to carry on his investigations without others knowing about -them. He had learned pretty well the fact that not everybody was to be -trusted. Alec also thought of going to the point of land where he and -Elsa had eaten their dinner. That did not seem altogether suitable,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> -either. Finally he decided to head for the <i>Osprey's</i> Nest. If no one -was in sight when he got there, he would go in. If any one were by to -watch him, he would pull into some neighboring inlet. As fast as his -engine would take him, Alec drove through the waves. When he reached the -shore just off the <i>Osprey's</i> Nest, not a boat of any sort was in sight. -He shut off his power, pushed his little craft up the secret channel, -and soon lay at anchor in his snug retreat. The shade was grateful and -the <i>Osprey</i> was as steady as a rock. He could work in comfort and in -perfect security.</p> - -<p>Hour after hour Alec stuck to his job. At times his eyes ached so from -the strain that he had to leave his microscope and bathe them in the -salt sea water that he dipped up with a bucket. At noon he paused long -enough to cook himself a warm meal and flash a greeting to Elsa. Then he -went on with his work. As long as he could hold himself to his task he -continued to count. Bottle after bottle he emptied, picking out one by -one with his little needle thousands upon thousands of oyster larvæ. -Again and again, as the day wore on, he laid down his implements, -meaning to quit. And as often he picked them up after an interval, to do -just a little bit more. There were limits to his endurance. His eyes -would function only so long. But his soul was indomitable. So he kept on -and on and on, until dusk found him with his task completed. When he -talked to Elsa that night he was able to tell her that he had found the -great secret. At least he believed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> he had. He had discovered an -unstaked area that he believed to be as good a place for oysters as any -ground in the Bay.</p> - -<p>Long after he turned away from his wireless, Alec sat on the deck of the -<i>Osprey</i>. By every rule of the game he should have been asleep in his -bunk. Physically he was worn out by the strain of his intense -concentration. But mentally he was afire. The task that had tired his -body had stimulated his brain to unusual activity. His vision was almost -prophetic. He pictured the future as he wished it to be. And though his -mental image was not an exact representation of life as it proved to be, -it was a marvelous approximation. Nor was that strange. For Alec was -learning that the more sharply he defined his ambitions, and the more -exactly he pictured his path, the more likely he was to see his dreams -become realities. He needed a map for his life, just as truly as he -needed a chart for his oyster-beds.</p> - -<p>Now, as he sat, silent, in the <i>Osprey</i>, his mind aglow with rosy -pictures, the difficulties that once had seemed so insurmountable shrank -and shrank until they appeared but mole-hills. Though he did not put it -in so many words, Alec was coming to realize that a big accomplishment -is only a great dream backed by prodigious labor. Labor is the thing it -is made of, but without the inspiration of the dream the labor is -impossible. So he let himself dream on and on in the darkness, resting -on some soft cushions, listening to the gentle sigh of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> the wind as it -stirred the leaves above his head, dimly conscious of the stirrings of -birds, the faint splashings of muskrats in the marsh above him, the -quavering call of a distant owl. Overhead the stars twinkled. Light -patches of cloud floated in the sky. The waters of the Bay washed the -shores gently but audibly. The world was in repose. And at last Alec -slept with it.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXII</span> <span class="smaller">THE NEW CAPTAIN OF THE <i>BERTHA B</i></span></h2> - -<p>Day after day Alec toiled at his self-appointed task. Under the broiling -sun and when cold rains were falling, with the wind whistling through -the <i>Osprey's</i> rigging and in periods of calm, he was daily to be seen -on the oyster grounds in his little boat. For whole days at a time he -did nothing but take soundings and record the results. Other days he -spent studying the currents, watching the tides, searching the face of -the water diligently. At other times he gathered water samples here, -there, yonder, everywhere, and followed that task by the more trying -labor at the microscope. With every sample of water he analyzed, and -every survey he made of the currents, he became more and more certain -that he had found the thing for which he was searching. He knew exactly -where he would put his oyster-beds. He would lease as much land along -the edge of the depression in the bottom and immediately adjoining the -land already staked as he could handle. By taking a long and narrow -strip, he would be certain to have his grounds in the very heart of the -slick.</p> - -<p>No sooner had Alec made up his mind than he laid the matter before -Captain Rumford. "I want<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> to lease one hundred acres right here," he -said, pointing to a spot he had marked on his chart of the oyster-beds.</p> - -<p>The shipper frowned. "What do you want of oyster-beds now?" he demanded. -"You have no way to work them, and the tax on them will eat up your -savings. You'll have to pay $75 a year rental, besides the cost of -surveying and staking your bed. The sum you'll pay out, just to hold -that ground while you're earning your equipment, would go a long way -toward paying for your boat. Besides, I don't like grounds so far out. -The water's too deep. Oysters ought to be planted in shallow water."</p> - -<p>"But you have some beds in deep water yourself, Captain," urged Alec.</p> - -<p>"None of them is much good."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps they aren't out far enough."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense. Shallow water's the only good place for an oyster-bed. -There's lots of beds out in deep water, but that's because all the -grounds near shore had already been staked out and their owners had to -take deep-water grounds or none at all. But it's no place for oysters."</p> - -<p>"There's Hardy's bed," urged Alec. "That's as far out as any of them and -it's a good bed. With proper care it would be one of the best. I've been -examining the water there, and it's full of spat."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, all nonsense," said the shipper impatiently. "Elsa has been -pumping me full of rubbish about what you are doing. As though you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> -could tell anything about an oyster ground by looking at a few drops of -water through a microscope. This foolishness is the only thing I ever -saw in you that I don't like. If only you'd drop it and go to work on my -boats as I want you to, you'd get on fast. As for your leasing one -hundred acres of oyster-land, and away out there at that, why, it's not -to be thought of. It's ridiculous."</p> - -<p>Alec looked very sober. From the quarter where he had expected help, -came sudden opposition. It almost made him hesitate. "Captain Rumford," -he said, "I'm mighty sorry we don't see things alike. I know it seems -foolish for a lad of my years to be telling an old oyster captain like -yourself anything about oystering. But I have to live up to my lights -just as much as you have to live up to yours. I believe I'm right. When -I'm done with this work I'll know whether I'm right or wrong. If I'm -right, then I've found one of the best locations in the entire oyster -region to start a new bed. I know it will cost me a lot to carry that -bed. But I'm so sure I'm right that I'm willing to risk the money. I'm -willing to bet on myself, if you want to put it that way. That matter is -settled. The question is, Will you help me get the land I want, or must -I ask somebody else to help me?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I admire your pluck, anyway, youngster. If your judgment was half -as good, you'd be a winner sure. Since you're so dead set on having -those grounds, I'll have to help you get them, of course. You're not of -age, are you?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p><p>"No, sir. I was nineteen soon after I came to Bivalve. It won't be so -long now until I am twenty."</p> - -<p>"You have no guardian?"</p> - -<p>"No. But I've been told I need one." Alec grinned. "Elsa says so."</p> - -<p>"Well, she's right for once. I'll have to lease these lands in my own -name and then transfer them to you later."</p> - -<p>"That will be all right."</p> - -<p>"Eh? You trust the old man, do you? Haven't you learned that you can't -trust everybody? You've had experiences enough here to teach you that -lesson pretty well. Suppose your bed <i>should</i> turn out to be worth -something, and I decided not to hand it over to you? Had you thought of -that possibility, lad?"</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford," said Alec, "there isn't anything I've learned better -than the lesson that there are some people I can't trust. And while I've -been learning that, I've found that there are some I can."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, lad," said the shipper, evidently deeply touched. "Thank -you. You can put your mind at rest about your oyster grounds. I'll get -them and I'll give you a paper showing that I only hold them in trust -for you. And I'll do more. If you don't have the money to pay the -expenses, I'll lend it to you and you can pay me whenever you can. But -that's because I have confidence in you and not in your oyster grounds."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p><p>"Thank you, Captain," said Alec. "It won't be necessary. I have the -money."</p> - -<p>The captain turned away and went to his desk to make out his application -for the desired grounds. But all the way to his chair he kept muttering, -"The little fool. He's just throwing his money away."</p> - -<p>Having decided the question of his own grounds, Alec turned his -attention to the shipper's beds. He spent several days sounding them and -studying the water above them. Mostly the captain's beds were well in -shore. These he had inherited from his father, who had begun oystering -before the shipper was born. These beds were usually very productive. In -deep water the captain also owned considerable holdings that he had -acquired with profits derived from the beds he had inherited. But none -of these had ever proved to be very productive. There was never any very -great set of spat in them, and unless they were planted with -seed-oysters it hardly paid to dredge them. But, of course, the captain -always put seed in all his beds and so he had steadily made some money -from them. When Alec analyzed the larval content of the shipper's -various beds under the microscope, he found that the shallow water was -very rich in spat. The contour of the shore made a vast eddy where these -beds lay. The beds farther out were located in the strong current, with -not the slightest suspicion of a slick or an eddy near them.</p> - -<p>When Alec had concluded his examination of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> shipper's beds, he went -directly to their owner, though he made a wry face as he thought of what -was probably before him.</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford," he said, "I've been working out in your beds for -several days. Your shallow water beds are very fine grounds, but——"</p> - -<p>"Of course they are. Of course they are. Shallow water's the only proper -place for an oyster-bed."</p> - -<p>"Your other beds, I was going to say," went on Alec, "are not nearly so -good."</p> - -<p>"Of course not. Of course not. What are you telling me all this for? -Think I don't know it?"</p> - -<p>"I don't believe you'll ever get a big set of spat in those outside -beds," went on Alec. "I don't believe you'd get enough of a set to pay -for shelling the grounds."</p> - -<p>"Well, well," said the shipper rather testily, "is this supposed to be -news to me?"</p> - -<p>"I was going to say," went on Alec, choking down a feeling of -resentment, "that if you would sell those beds and buy Hardy's bed, -you'd make a profitable deal. I'd be willing to wager that you'd get as -many oysters from spat in Hardy's bed as you would from the seed you -planted. You'd get a tremendous catch every year."</p> - -<p>"Fiddlesticks! I never heard of such a thing in a deep-water bed."</p> - -<p>"But, Captain Rumford," protested Alec, "don't the other oystermen who -own beds near Hardy's get good hauls?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p><p>"I can't deny some of them do," admitted the shipper, "but I can't -understand it. That's no place for an oyster-bed, way out in that deep -water. They can't expect to have luck always, though."</p> - -<p>Alec gave up. It was no use to try to overcome the shipper's prejudices.</p> - -<p>Day after day he continued his labors. He was so constantly on the water -that those who saw him became curious to know what he could be doing. -Now this oysterman, and now that, as Alec ran across him, tried to learn -what Alec was doing out on the Bay so much. Occasionally boats sailed -near him simply to watch him. At such times Alec pretended to be -fishing. Rather he did fish. So he caught many a toothsome meal. He also -made a large net of mosquito-netting, which he used for catching crabs. -Of course, all this curiosity was aroused, not about Alec himself, for -nobody cared much about a homeless lad, but because Alec was supposed to -be doing something for Captain Rumford. If the leading oyster shipper at -Bivalve found it worth while to keep a man out among the oyster-beds -week in and week out, the curious figured it might be worth their own -while to do a little examining themselves. The difficulty was that -nobody knew exactly what Alec was doing. So it came about that Alec did -exactly what he did not want to do. He called attention to his own -efforts. But his work was well along toward completion before it was -generally known that he was doing anything out of the ordinary. What -annoyed Alec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> most of all about the matter was his fear lest some one -track him to the <i>Osprey's</i> Nest and so discover the secret -hiding-place. Frequently, when other boats were near at hand toward -dusk, Alec came up to the oyster wharf and tied up in the slip at -Captain Rumford's pier. He knew that even the most reckless would -hesitate to touch him there, under the glare of the pier-shed light and -with the watchman within call. So, whether any of Hardy's friends ever -wished to harm him or not, Alec came through the summer unscathed, and -his hiding-place remained undiscovered.</p> - -<p>One day, when August was more than half gone, Elsa called him on the -wireless and announced that repairs on Captain Flint's boat, the -<i>Rebecca</i>, were completed and the paint dry, and that the Rumfords were -going to take their annual family cruise aboard of her. Alec was invited -to go along and no answer but a favorable one would be accepted. Of -course, there was nothing for Alec to do but put his work aside and say -he would go. In his heart he was more than glad to put his work aside. -Week after week he had stuck to it, holding himself with iron -determination to his task. But now the zest was gone out of it. The long -grind was wearing on his nerves. Joyously he looked forward to this -holiday.</p> - -<p>The next morning he did not put out in his boat, but went to the -shipper's office to thank him for the invitation and to see if he could -be of assistance in preparing for the cruise. But the instant Alec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> saw -the shipper, he knew that something had gone wrong.</p> - -<p>"Bagley's left us," blurted out the shipper, the moment he saw Alec. And -there were tears in his voice, if not in his eyes.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, sir?" asked Alec.</p> - -<p>"He's going to the Chesapeake next fall. Got a chance to go into -partnership with a shipper there. Don't blame him a bit, but Gad! I hate -to lose him. He's been with me seventeen years. Never worked anywhere -but on the <i>Bertha B</i>. Started oystering on her as a deck-hand. Don't -know what I'll do for another captain."</p> - -<p>"You can get plenty of them," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"Certainly," said the shipper, "but not plenty of Bagleys. Why, I could -trust that man with my life."</p> - -<p>"Take Hawley," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"What!" cried the shipper. "Make a captain out of a fellow that was -fired from the <i>Bertha B</i> less than a year ago for being drunk? You're -crazy."</p> - -<p>"You're foolish if you don't take him," urged Alec. "Why, Captain -Rumford, that man's the very soul of honesty. I know him like a book. -I'd trust him just as far as I would you, Captain, and that's saying all -I know how to say. It's old John Barleycorn you have in mind. But Jim -cut his acquaintance long ago. And you know as well as I do that there -isn't a better sailor in the fleet."</p> - -<p>The shipper was silent a long time. "Hanged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> if I don't try it," he said -at last. "I always liked Jim when he was sober. I'll take him along on -this party and see how he can handle a boat. Now don't you give him any -hint of what's coming."</p> - -<p>"I'm mighty glad you're going to take him," cried Alec. "I haven't a -better friend in the world than Jim. By the way, when are we going to -start on our little party?"</p> - -<p>"Just as soon as we can get ready. It will likely take most of the day -to get the boat provisioned and get the stuff aboard that they want to -bring from home. We ought to be off in the morning."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll call up Elsa and see what I can do to help." And Alec bustled -away, joyful in the thought of the little outing ahead of him. Could he -have known exactly what was to happen to the little pleasure party, his -face would have worn a very different aspect indeed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIII</span> <span class="smaller">ADRIFT IN THE STORM</span></h2> - -<p>Alec could not see into the future, this time at least, and he went -about the work of preparing the <i>Rebecca</i> with a merry heart. The ship -looked very fine, indeed, as she lay at the captain's wharf, all spick -and span, and proudly displaying her new coat of paint. She was -considerably larger than the <i>Bertha B</i>. Her masts were stepped at a -rakish angle. Her rigging was neat. Her lines were good. For a boat of -her size she carried an unusual amount of sail. Her hold had been -emptied of all movable tackle and her decks cleared before she had been -hauled out for repairs. Nothing had yet been replaced. And in order that -the party might have all the room possible, nothing was to be replaced -until after the cruise. Even the anchor and the chains had been removed. -Inside, the cabin was perfectly bare. But the woodwork had all been -freshly painted or varnished, and the <i>Rebecca</i> needed only a few -furnishings to make her very attractive, indeed.</p> - -<p>While the shipper and Alec were making a hasty examination of the boat, -a truck load of furnishings arrived from the shipper's home, and the two -at once started to carry the things aboard. There<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> were cushions, and -bedding, and chairs, and rugs, and blankets, and wraps, and a host of -other things to make the boat comfortable. And there were great ticks to -be filled with straw for the men to sleep on in the hold, while Elsa and -her mother occupied the cabin.</p> - -<p>When all the things were aboard and the truck had gone away, Captain -Rumford turned his attention to the ship's gear. He was too careful a -sailor not to make sure that everything was right before he set sail. He -found everything in good condition. Only the anchor and the anchor chain -were missing. The chains had been laid away when the <i>Rebecca</i> was -hauled out. It was neither easy nor convenient to get them now. The -captain studied the matter for a moment. "About all we'll need an anchor -for," he muttered to himself, "is to keep us from drifting at night. -I'll just take along that little light anchor in the storeroom. We can -bend an old cable on it and it will answer our purpose. If a storm -should come up, we'll run into a harbor. Now I'll go see about that -little anchor."</p> - -<p>The captain grabbed an oyster truck and hurried to his storeroom to get -it. A moment later he returned, trundling the anchor and an old hawser -before him. Alec helped lift them aboard. Then, while the captain was -bending on the hawser, Alec busied himself in the cabin, putting the -things there in some sort of order.</p> - -<p>Presently came a load of provisions. Alec carried to the storeroom bag -after bag. It seemed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> to him he had brought enough stuff aboard to feed -a ship's crew for a year. The provisions he stowed away in the cupboards -in the cabin. When Alec was done, the captain joined him and inspected -the cupboards.</p> - -<p>"Looks to me as though we're ready to cast off the minute we get our -crew aboard," he said. "She seems fit to contend with almost -anything—especially hunger."</p> - -<p>"I can't think of another thing we could wish for," said Alec.</p> - -<p>"Unless it was some music," said the captain wistfully. "It never seemed -right to me to go on a party like this without some music. I'd have -given a lot if Elsa had learned to play the piano, but she just -wouldn't. Hasn't a particle of love for music. Funny, isn't it, when I -like it so much. She likes to dance, too. You'd think she'd have some -liking for music, wouldn't you?"</p> - -<p>Alec made no response. But when the shipper drove away in his car, Alec -ran to the <i>Osprey</i> and quickly uncoupled his wireless outfit. "It won't -be much," he said, "but it's all I can do for the captain. He can have -music at night now, anyway. I'll try to surprise him."</p> - -<p>He fastened his instruments in the cabin of the <i>Rebecca</i>, very much as -he had had them in the <i>Bertha B</i>. With two sticks he made an aerial -which he placed flat on the roof of the cabin. The sticks were fastened -together like a Maltese cross, and around their ends Alec wrapped strand -after strand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> of wire, bringing the end into the cabin through the tiny -window just above his instruments. He made a ground by twisting his wire -to a little length of chain, which he fastened over the side so that its -end hung in the water. Then he tested his instruments and found they -were in order. As far as Alec could see, everything was now in readiness -for the cruise.</p> - -<p>Doubly delightful to Alec was the little trip that began next morning -because of the weeks of hard labor that had preceded it. Just as his -work had palled on him because he had been unable to combine any -amusement with it, so amusements pall when they are not interspersed -with toil. Now Alec's appetite for pleasure was more than whetted. He -was ravenous for enjoyment. And being so, he enjoyed everything. The sun -that shone so bright seemed merry rather than hot to Alec. The winds -that circled about the mastheads seemed to Alec as playful as squirrels -frisking in a tree top. The waves seemed to laugh in glee as the wind -drove them before it, showing their white teeth in gleaming smiles as -they flashed in the sun. White teeth they were, too, that could rend as -well as gleam in the sun. Well enough Alec knew that fact. Before many -days he was to know it better still. But now he had no thought of care. -He had put work aside. He was like a small boy on a lark. Usually rather -staid and sober, now he kept the party laughing at his antics. And they -were ready enough to laugh with him. For this was a real pleasure -party.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> For the time being, care had been thrown to the winds.</p> - -<p>But if the mere joy of being alive and free and with friends could make -Alec happy, the fact that he was seeing new things and learning new -things gave him added enjoyment. For never, for a single instant, did -Alec forget to pick up bits of knowledge that came his way. For well -nigh a year, now, he had lived on the waves. He had sailed the Delaware -in sunshine and in storm, when the weather was blazing hot and when ice -formed on the deck. And yet his knowledge of this great body of water -was limited wholly to what he had seen in the narrow compass of the -oyster-beds, or to what he had read. Now he was to see with his own eyes -the wonders of the deep. For as yet Alec had hardly been out of sight of -land, and he had never seen the ocean.</p> - -<p>Alec would not have been himself had he not remembered to bring along a -map. And it was the largest map of the Bay he could lay his hands on. He -saw at a glance that in contour the Bay was roughly pear-shaped. On -either shore little excrescences, like the warts and blemishes that come -on real pears, stuck out here and there, to mar the perfect pear-shaped -outline of the Bay. The largest of these was Egg Island Point, off which -lay the light he knew so well. Miles farther up the coast the <i>Rebecca</i> -passed Ben Davis Point. And still farther along stretched a wide cove, -with the Cohansey River pouring into it, and a little, squat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> lighthouse -standing on a point, to guide the mariner into the stream.</p> - -<p>Other points of interest the party visited, too—little summer resorts, -like Fortescue, and lighthouses, where they were welcomed in a way that -left no doubt of their hosts' sincerity; for callers are few at a -lighthouse, and usually they are welcomed accordingly.</p> - -<p>In the evenings, the party ran slowly before the gentle night wind, or, -anchoring far offshore to avoid mosquitoes, gave themselves up to -friendly talk and laughter—all save the captain. For him there was but -one nocturnal diversion; that was listening to the music with Alec's -wireless.</p> - -<p>Sometimes the men went ashore and searched in the salt holes in the -marsh for crabs. Or all hands fished for them from the deck of the -<i>Rebecca</i> lowering great chunks of white meat on strings, well weighted, -and gently raising their catch to the surface when they felt a nibbling -at the bait. Then came the fun of scooping the crabs with long-handled -dip-nets. Astonishingly often they failed to net them, too, for the wary -creatures, despite their seeming awkwardness, vanished the instant they -came to the surface. Great, gray-green things they were, with -savage-looking pincers that could crush a finger severely if they got -hold of one. And although he had previously caught crabs, Alec could -hardly accustom himself to their color, so long had he known only the -cooked crab of inland restaurants, which had turned red in boiling.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p><p>Sometimes they fished for weakfish, using pieces of crab meat for bait. -Beautiful, big fish they caught, too. And sometimes they got sea-bass -and flounders. And as often as not, they pulled in the troublesome -toadfish, which Alec came to detest as much as the sailors on the -oyster-boats did.</p> - -<p>Day followed day in unbroken pleasure. Now they were here, now there. -When Alec told the shipper that he had never seen the ocean, the shipper -said he would head for the sea at once. Alec could have a good look at -it, and then the party must head for home. Playtime was about ended.</p> - -<p>But it was one thing to say they would go to the sea and another thing -to get there. The flood-tide held them back. The wind was hardly more -than stirring. So fierce was the sun, so intense the heat on deck, that -both Elsa and her mother retreated to the cabin. The captain sought what -coolness he could find in the uncertain shade of a sail. Big Jim Hawley -stood at the wheel, silent, imperturbable. Alec flung himself on the -deck near him. From time to time Hawley studied the sky. Great cumulus -clouds were forming near the horizon.</p> - -<p>"We'll have a storm to-night," he said to Alec.</p> - -<p>"The sooner the better," said Alec. "Anything to break this heat wave."</p> - -<p>They rolled slowly on. The water gently heaved and the <i>Rebecca</i> swayed -with it. There was barely wind enough to keep the sails from flapping.</p> - -<p>"We'll never reach the Capes in daylight at this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> rate," said Hawley. -"The days are getting much shorter."</p> - -<p>"That's so," said Alec. "Yesterday was the twenty-first of August. It's -just two months since the longest day and the days are shortening fast."</p> - -<p>Slowly the <i>Rebecca</i> forged ahead. Even the cool breath of the water -could scarcely make the sun's heat endurable. Under the fierce rays the -smell of paint became almost overpowering. The tar on ropes and rigging -almost melted and ran. The fleecy clouds along the horizon bulked larger -and larger. Slowly they rose toward the zenith. Late afternoon came. The -ship was still far from the Capes. Captain Rumford studied the clouds -carefully.</p> - -<p>"We'll pull in behind the breakwater when we get there, Jim," he said -quietly. "I think that storm will be a rip snorter. We might as well be -on the safe side."</p> - -<p>They went on. Gradually the sun's rays grew feebler. Gusts of vapor were -hurtling across the sky, curtaining the fiery beams. The sky turned a -peculiar greenish-copper color. The thunder-heads mounted ever higher. -Then the sun was shut from sight. It grew dusk. Darkness came, as sudden -as the dropping of a curtain. Afar off, flashes of lightning rent the -clouds. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance. The wind died away. -It grew calm as midnight. The <i>Rebecca</i> rolled idly, her sheets -flapping. The men got into their oilskins.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p><p>"Better shorten sail," said the shipper.</p> - -<p>They ran to the halyards. Down came the great canvases. Nimbly they -fastened the reef-points and made all as snug as possible.</p> - -<p>"Now let her blow," said the shipper. "The more wind, the faster we go. -We'll reach the breakwater and heave to. I kind of wish we had a heavier -anchor, though."</p> - -<p>None too soon had the <i>Rebecca</i> shortened sail. Afar off an ominous -rushing sound was heard. The wind began to come in short puffs. Flash -after flash of lightning illumined the angry clouds. The roaring sound -grew louder. It came on with the speed of an express-train. Over the -waves swept a sheet of falling rain like a very wall of water. Alec -closed the companionway and jammed on the hatch covers. In another -moment the storm was upon them.</p> - -<p>Over the waves the falling rain came hissing like steam. It fell in a -torrent. In a second the deck of the <i>Rebecca</i> was running with water. -The sails tightened and bellied as the wind came smack! against them. -The <i>Rebecca</i> trembled all over, then bent to the blast and began to run -through the water like a wild thing. Big Hawley stood at his wheel, as -steady as a new mast. He handled the ship as though she were a toy.</p> - -<p>"Some thunder-storm," he smiled at Alec. "It'll blow itself out in a -little while. Nothing to worry about. It'll get us to the breakwater in -jig time."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p><p>It did, too. Long before Alec had any idea where they were, Jim brought -the <i>Rebecca</i> up into the wind, and with her sails close-hauled, drove -her shoreward. The rain still fell heavily, but Alec could dimly make -out the curving shore-line and across it, like the string to a bow, -stretched a black streak that Alec knew must be the breakwater. The -waves were dashing on it madly. But the wind now blew almost parallel -with the long stone pile. The breakwater gave them no protection. Rather -it was a menace. If the ship should drag her anchor and drift on it, her -hull would be battered to pieces in no time. Surely this was no place to -heave to in such a storm.</p> - -<p>"We'll just beat up along the coast, Jim," said the shipper. "It's a -windward shore. The storm will blow itself out pretty soon."</p> - -<p>The big sailor threw his weight against the wheel. The ship heeled over -in the wind. Something cracked like a rifle-shot. The wheel flew around, -almost dropping Hawley to the deck. The rudder had broken.</p> - -<p>"Overboard with the anchor!" called the shipper.</p> - -<p>Hawley and Alec ran forward to execute the order. There was a splash and -the anchor rope paid out fast. Hawley gave the ship sufficient line and -went aft again to examine the steering-gear.</p> - -<p>"Can't do anything with it," said the shipper. "The rudder itself is -broken. We'll have to ride the storm out here, then get help."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p><p>He went forward and examined the anchor line. Then he looked long and -steadily at the breakwater, which was all too close to please him.</p> - -<p>"She's holding all right," he said. "We might as well eat while we wait -for the storm to end."</p> - -<p>They entered the cabin and stripped off their oilskins. "Any danger?" -asked Mrs. Rumford, with anxious eyes.</p> - -<p>"We're perfectly safe as long as our anchor doesn't drag. It's a little -light, that's all. But it's holding well. I don't think there is any -probability of harm."</p> - -<p>Elsa and her mother got supper. From time to time the captain peered out -of the cabin window. All seemed well. They sat down to eat. It was not a -merry meal, as some of their meals had been, but the storm had not -dulled their appetites and they ate with enjoyment. Elsa and Alec even -joked a little. Hawley was silent from habit. Mrs. Rumford was a little -apprehensive. The captain was too busy with his own thoughts to talk.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the big sailor jumped to his feet. "Feels as though we are -movin', Cap'n," he said. He pulled on his oilskins and stepped out in -the rain. In a moment he came tearing back. "We're adrift," he bellowed -down the companionway. "The anchor line has parted."</p> - -<p>Neither the shipper nor Alec waited to don oilskins, but rushed out on -deck at once. There could be no doubt about the situation. The <i>Rebecca</i> -had swung around broadside to the wind and was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>wallowing in the waves. -The anchor line dangled loosely at her bow. The situation was critical. -The breakwater was not far away, though fortunately the wind did not now -blow toward it. Plainly they were drifting abreast of it, gathering -speed with every minute. And both wind and tide were driving them toward -the open sea.</p> - -<p>"If only we had put those dredges aboard," said the shipper, "we might -hold ourselves yet. There isn't a thing on board we can put down to hold -with. If only we don't go on that stone pile, we'll be all right. This -storm can't last long, and somebody will pick us up, sure."</p> - -<p>Driven by the wind, the tide was running like a mill-race, and the -<i>Rebecca</i> was swept along at an unbelievable pace.</p> - -<p>The shipper and Alec stepped into the cabin and pulled on their -oilskins, then returned to the deck.</p> - -<p>"We don't have even a boat-hook or a setting-pole," sighed the shipper. -"I suppose they wouldn't be much use anyway, but a fellow could at least -try to fend the ship off those rocks."</p> - -<p>Fearful, he looked toward the breakwater. Little by little the <i>Rebecca</i> -was drawing closer to it. At the same time she was rapidly driving past -the great stone pile. Would she clear it or not? There was nothing to do -but stand and wait. And the three sailors almost held their breath as -they steadied themselves by the rigging and watched. Nearer the boat -came to the rocks and nearer, and the end of the breakwater was still -rods away.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p><p>"She's going to strike," said the shipper. "She'll crash in another -minute. We'll have to lower the life-boat."</p> - -<p>They ran aft toward the davits, then paused a single second to watch. A -great wave was lifting the <i>Rebecca</i>. Up she rose high on the crest, and -swept straight toward the breakwater.</p> - -<p>"Get the women on deck quick," roared the shipper. "She's going to -crash."</p> - -<p>Alec sprang for the companionway. The ship gave a lurch, but there was -no noise, no jar. An enormous wave, rushing against the breakwater, had -rebounded and swept the ship clear. The tide hurled her forward. A -moment later, by the narrowest of margins, the vessel skimmed across the -end of the breakwater, and shot into the open water beyond. For the -moment she was safe.</p> - -<p>Straight toward the open sea she went, fast as wind and tide could drive -her. The storm still continued. The rain had slackened, though it still -fell. The wind yet blew with violence. With every moment and with every -foot they drew offshore the waves ran higher. Now driving straight -ahead, now swinging in the wind, now wallowing in the waves, and at -times smashing stern first into the rolling sea, the <i>Rebecca</i> drove on -before the storm.</p> - -<p>"Make a flare," said the shipper grimly. "We've got to get help."</p> - -<p>The big sailor set about executing his order, but Alec darted into the -cabin. Swiftly he threw over his switch. Then, steadying his hand, he -flashed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> the call, "SOS—SOS—SOS." Then he paused and listened.</p> - -<p>Almost immediately came a reply. "I have your signal of distress. Who -and where are you?"</p> - -<p>"Schooner <i>Rebecca</i>," flashed back Alec. "Drifting out to sea between -the Delaware Capes, just off Henlopen. Rudder broken, anchor lost. Who -and where are you?"</p> - -<p>"Steamer <i>Lycoming</i>. About thirty miles south of the Delaware Capes. -Should reach you in less than two hours. Keep a flare burning."</p> - -<p>Alec leaped from his instrument as though he were shot. "It's Roy," he -cried. "It's Roy. The <i>Lycoming</i> is only thirty miles away. She'll reach -us in less than two hours."</p> - -<p>Again he turned to his instrument. Now he flashed out the <i>Lycoming's</i> -call. "WNA—WNA—WNA de 3ADH—3ADH—3ADH," he flashed.</p> - -<p>At once came the response. "3ADH—3ADH—3ADH de WNA—WNA—WNA. Have been -trying to get you, Alec. Where are you?"</p> - -<p>"On the <i>Rebecca</i>," flashed back Alec. "Just sent the SOS you answered."</p> - -<p>"Thank God you've got a wireless!" came back the answer from Roy. "Don't -worry. We'll find you sure. We've already shifted our course. We're -heading straight for the Capes."</p> - -<p>"Stand by while I tell the Captain, Roy," signalled Alec. Then he threw -over his switch and darted out on deck.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p><p>"We're saved, Captain," he shouted through the storm. "The <i>Lycoming</i> -is only thirty miles away and is heading straight for us. She will reach -us in less than two hours."</p> - -<p>Anxiously the three watchers peered into the dark. Aloft swung their -lights. In a dish-pan on the deck a flare was burning. From time to time -Hawley fed oil-soaked pieces of wood to the flames. The rain had ceased -to fall. The wind still blew fitfully, but with lessened violence. The -night was as dark as a tunnel. Up and down, up and down, the oyster-boat -now rose and fell on the great swells of the Atlantic. At last Alec was -within sight of the ocean. But it was little he saw of it or cared to -see of it.</p> - -<p>What he was watching for was a light. Minute after minute the silent -watchers strained their eyes into the darkness. Time passed. A half hour -went by. An hour elapsed. Then far off in the dark something glowed -faintly. Minute by minute the light grew brighter. It came closer.</p> - -<p>Alec darted into the cabin. He flashed the <i>Lycoming's</i> call and got an -answer. "We can see the lights of a big steamer," he signalled. "Can you -see us yet? We are burning a flare on deck and our lights are burning -aloft."</p> - -<p>"We see you plainly. Will reach you in a few minutes."</p> - -<p>Alec shut off his power. "Come on deck," he said to Elsa.</p> - -<p>She followed him up the companionway. Alec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> tore off his coat and -wrapped it around her. Then he took her hand and led her forward.</p> - -<p>"Look," he said. "You may never see another sight like this."</p> - -<p>"I never want to," said Elsa.</p> - -<p>"That is the <i>Lycoming</i>," said Alec. "Didn't I tell you that Roy was a -prince? We shall owe our lives to him. He's a wonderful wireless man."</p> - -<p>"Will you ever learn any sense?" said Elsa. "How would Roy or his -captain have known that we were here if we hadn't had a good wireless -man on board the <i>Rebecca?</i>"</p> - -<p>Now the <i>Lycoming</i> was close at hand. Suddenly her search-light blazed -forth and rested fairly on the little schooner. Slowly the big steamer -drew near. Then she stopped. Presently a boat shot into the circle of -light. Lusty sailors were pulling at the oars. A line trailed behind. -The boat passed slowly to leeward of the helpless oyster-boat, then drew -close. A sailor rose to his feet and cast a little line. Swiftly it came -hissing through the air. Hawley grasped it before it touched the deck. -Hand over hand he pulled the line aboard. The light line was followed by -a huge hawser. Eagerly the line was hauled aboard. Big Hawley made it -fast. The ship's boat disappeared into the darkness. The sound of -tackle-blocks soon followed. Slowly the <i>Lycoming</i> moved ahead. The -hawser tightened. The <i>Rebecca</i> swung gently round, then slowly moved -ahead. In another moment she was moving steadily through the water.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIV</span> <span class="smaller">MISFORTUNES NEVER COME SINGLY</span></h2> - -<p>"Well, I never thought I'd come to this in an oyster-boat," said the -shipper. "We might have been in real trouble if that steamer hadn't -happened along."</p> - -<p>Alec thought they were in real trouble as it was. "I wonder where the -<i>Lycoming</i> will take us," he said.</p> - -<p>"By George! We must attend to that at once. We don't want to be towed -clear off to New York. Call up the captain, Alec, and see if he won't -tow us into the Cape May harbor."</p> - -<p>Alec hurried to the cabin and called Roy. Then he explained the -situation. After a time he got an answer. The <i>Lycoming</i> would tow the -<i>Rebecca</i> to the Cape May harbor, but a tug would be needed to take the -schooner into the harbor itself. Roy said he would try to arrange for -the tug. Alec listened in while Roy was talking with Cape May. Finally -Roy called Alec again and said that a tug would meet them. In little -more than an hour's time the <i>Lycoming</i> was nearing Cape May. The tug -came alongside and made fast to the <i>Rebecca</i>. Then the tow-line was -cast off, good-byes were called, Captain Rumford sent his thanks and -good wishes to Captain Lansford of the <i>Lycoming</i>, and finally Alec -wired a grateful message to Roy from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> the party on the <i>Rebecca</i>. The -big steamer moved off into the darkness, the tug began to puff busily, -and before another hour passed, the <i>Rebecca</i> lay safe and still within -the harbor. Next day temporary repairs were made to the <i>Rebecca's</i> -rudder, and before night the oyster-boat lay snug at her own pier at -Bivalve.</p> - -<p>The pleasure trip had been a great success—all but the very end of it; -and very little harm had come of that. Excepting for the rudder, which -was quickly replaced, not a thing was damaged on the little boat. The -greatest injury came to the captain's pocketbook. Tug hire and the cost -of repairs made the outing expensive. But so long as they had come home -in safety, the shipper did not complain.</p> - -<p>By the time the <i>Rebecca</i> was in commission again the oyster season was -at hand. Orders began to appear for oysters. As was usual at the -beginning of the season, there were too few oyster orders to pay the -expenses of operating. Some shippers did not start their boats promptly; -but Captain Rumford had built up his big business as much by providing -service as by selling good oysters. It was his idea that as an oyster -merchant it was up to him to provide oysters whenever they were in -season. So the <i>Bertha B</i> started promptly.</p> - -<p>Now it seemed as though misfortune had marked the shipper for her very -own; as though, balked of her prey on that stormy day in August, she -meant to pursue the shipper until she got him. An <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>unbroken succession -of little accidents occurred on the <i>Bertha B</i>. Now a dredge was lost -and valuable time consumed in grappling for it. Now a propeller blade -was snapped off by something in the water—perhaps the submerged remains -of an oyster stake. Then a piston-rod in the engine broke. One mishap -followed another. And it required both time and money to repair each. -The shipper's repair bill alone made him look serious.</p> - -<p>But bad luck did not end there. From the very start it was evident that -it was to be a poor year for oysters. The shipper's boat worked long -hours and caught relatively few oysters. As more orders came in, other -boats were put in commission. The result was the same. Day after day the -boats came in with only half loads. Nor was this situation peculiar to -Captain Rumford. Few, indeed, were the shippers who had many oysters -that year. In his shallow water beds, or such of them as contained -oysters old enough to dredge, the captain got a fair catch. But all the -profit he made from these beds, and more too, was eaten up by the -expense of working his deep water beds. So far as he could, the shipper -took his oysters from his inner beds. But these had been dredged so -close in the humming oyster seasons just past, and did not begin to -contain as many oysters as the shipper needed.</p> - -<p>What was worse, when he had taken the present season's crop from these -inner beds, there would be no more to dredge for three years. For these -were the beds he had seeded in the spring—these and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> new bed far -out that Captain Flint had seeded so heavily and that Hardy had tried to -raid. Week after week the oyster-boats continued their work, and with -every week the captain found himself a poorer man. But there was nothing -to do but go on—to borrow money, if necessary, and then borrow more and -more. If he expected to retain his customers for future years when -oysters were plentiful and profitable again, he must carry his load of -loss now. And of course the captain went on.</p> - -<p>He was not a superstitious man, was Captain Rumford, but like all -sailors he came near to being one. It seemed to him that the loss of -Captain Bagley was directly connected with his misfortunes; as though -that loss were the first link in a chain of misfortune. Close on -Bagley's loss had come the accident to the <i>Rebecca</i>. Then had followed -a big string of accidents to Bagley's old ship. Of course, big Jim -Hawley, the new commander, was in no way responsible for these, and yet -it almost seemed as though there was a direct connection between his -coming aboard and these accidents. What Captain Rumford forgot was the -fact that the <i>Bertha B</i>, like the one-hoss shay, had reached a point -where she was almost ready to go to pieces. She was the oldest boat in -the captain's fleet. She had seen continuous service for dozens of -years. Her engine was the very oldest in use among the oyster-boats. -Nothing can wear forever, and the <i>Bertha B</i> was reaching the point -where she would have to be laid on the shelf. It was big Jim <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>Hawley's -misfortune that he assumed command of her at that particular moment.</p> - -<p>Had Captain Rumford only thought of it, he could have balanced a whole -string of fortunate events against this string of unfortunate ones; and -these had begun with the coming of Alec. The largest bead in this string -was the fact of their rescue on the <i>Rebecca</i>. There were other beads -that at present Captain Rumford failed to note at all, or even to -understand that they were pieces of good fortune, as, for example, -Alec's survey of the oyster waters. In good time, however, he was to see -that matter in its true light.</p> - -<p>As for Alec, he had never toiled so hard in his life. A year of -unremitting labor had taught him how to work. Not only was he able to -hold himself rigidly to his tasks, but he could accomplish more in a -given time than he had ever done before. Nor was that strange. He was -merely acquiring the skill that comes of practice. For now Alec felt -like an old hand in the oyster business. He had passed a full year as an -oysterman. He had seen every phase of the oyster business. He had -learned as many actual facts about oystering as almost anybody at -Bivalve knew; and he had acquired many that most of his fellow oystermen -would never understand. What he still lacked was the wisdom that comes -from long experience. Only time could give him that. Yet he was a -generation ahead of his fellow oystermen. He was the first of the oyster -pioneers of the new school.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p><p>Hard, indeed, must have been the luck that followed the <i>Bertha B</i>, -when with two men like Alec and Captain Hawley aboard her she was still -a failure. For Captain Hawley was a new Hawley, indeed. He still had all -his old strength and courage, all his innate good-nature, all his deep -knowledge of oystering as it had been practiced. And he had more. He had -been recreated. His ambition had been again aroused. He had been fired -afresh with the determination to climb up in the oyster business. His -unexpected elevation to the captaincy of a ship had stimulated and -aroused him to the utmost. His association with Alec had brought out the -best that was in him. And these two comrades, Alec and Captain Jim, -worked to make things go for the shipper, as few men ever worked for -another. They drove the ship, they drove the crew—by example rather -than compulsion—they made everything work as close to one hundred per -cent. efficiency as is humanly possible—and yet they failed. No matter -what the obstacles, they could have dredged the oysters, had there been -oysters to dredge; but they could not make oysters.</p> - -<p>Again and again Alec went over with Jim the life-history of the oyster, -for now Captain Hawley was as eager to learn the real truth about -oysters as once he had been indifferent to that truth. In his study of -the oyster-beds in future years, Alec knew he would no longer have to -work alone. Now they tried to account for the poor yield of oysters. For -everywhere the yield was poor. Nobody had a good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> crop. And more than -one shipper saw bankruptcy looming in the offing. Every aspect of -oystering Alec and Captain Jim considered as they sat by the cabin fire -in the <i>Bertha B</i> at night. The tide, the bottom, the storms, the -quantities of seed used. And here Captain Jim's memory was of wonderful -help. Apparently he knew all about the weather for years past. -Eventually they hit upon the truth. The year in which the present -season's catch was planted had been the coldest in a decade. Storm had -followed storm. And finally, seed had been scarce.</p> - -<p>"I think we have solved it," said Alec at last. "It was too cold for -spawning, so there were few larvæ in the water. The storms must have -shifted the sand and mud in the bottom and smothered many oysters. On -top of all that there were few seed to plant. No wonder there are no -oysters this year."</p> - -<p>"Alec," said the big sailor, "if what you say is true, and I now believe -it is, there won't be many oysters next season, either, or the year -after. For we had three cold, stormy springs running."</p> - -<p>Alec considered the matter a while. "It will go tough with the shipper," -he said, "for this year will clean up his inshore beds pretty well. He -can't get anything out of them for three seasons. And I don't believe -there'll be many oysters in his other beds. We must think what we can do -to help Captain Rumford."</p> - -<p>In every way that he could, Alec was assisting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> the captain. Every day -when the <i>Bertha B</i> came in from the oyster grounds, Alec dropped off at -the pier and hustled to the office to help the shipper with the office -work. And now he was permitted to do some of the bookkeeping. For, with -things going so badly on his boats, the shipper had often to be away -from his office. There were banks to be visited, merchants to be -consulted, ship-chandlers to be seen. His line of credit was worrying -the shipper quite as much as his line of boats. For he understood by -this time that he would have to operate at a loss for the entire season.</p> - -<p>Sometimes there came a dull day when Alec could attend to his shell -business. Now that he had lost Hawley as a partner, he had had to employ -some one else to gather his shells. He had found a young lad, who was -strong and willing to work, and who had given excellent service. Work, -rather than workers, was at a premium this season, for already many -boats had stopped running, and Alec had to pay no more for his new -assistant than he had formerly paid to Hawley. And as he continued to -live on the <i>Bertha B</i>, Alec was still able to save several dollars each -week. This year he would have all the shells from all the shippers, and -he was certain of a good profit. From this he meant to give his helper a -generous bonus.</p> - -<p>In due time Captain Hardy and his accomplices were tried. Alec had to -appear as a witness against them, but he found that he had the moral -support of every honest shipper at Bivalve. And this time,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> true to -prediction, Hardy did go to prison, and every one of his pals went with -him. Their assault on Alec, and their evident intent to kill him, had as -much to do with their getting a prison sentence as the actual theft of -oysters did. So it came about that Alec was relieved of the danger of -personal injury.</p> - -<p>Slowly the winter passed. Daily Alec's admiration for the shipper grew. -Now that he was helping with the books, Alec understood how very hard -hit the shipper was. He thought he understood the very sober face and -the worried look the captain carried. But never a word escaped the -captain's lips that would lead any one to think he was in difficulty, -and even Alec never guessed the actual truth.</p> - -<p>Spring came. This time it was a warm, balmy spring. Earth and water and -air warmed up early and stayed warm. If only the oystermen had known it, -this was the season of all seasons to put down shells. But the oystermen -were in poor condition to do much of anything. There was hardly a man -among them who had not lost money. More than one of these almost lost -his faith with his money. In consequence, grounds were shelled lighter -than they had been in years.</p> - -<p>But Alec had not lost his faith nor his determination. Everything that -he saw and read and heard tended to increase his belief that scientific -oystering would pay as the old rule-of-thumb style of oystering had -never paid. And the more he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> became convinced of that fact, the readier -he was to back his judgment with his cash, to bet more and more heavily -on himself. To him that hath, the Good Book tells us, shall be given. -Alec found it was even so. He had the knowledge. He had the oyster-bed. -He had the shells. And with many boats idle, he had ships aplenty at his -command. All that he had he risked on the shelling of his beds. He put -down bushels where other planters ordinarily planted baskets. And he -piled his shells in windrows transversely to the current. Shells by the -ton he planted in his bed, stopping only when his money was entirely -exhausted. When finally he had to end his efforts, he found that he had -shelled his grounds almost to the last rod.</p> - -<p>But it had required more courage to do so than Alec had foreseen. He had -full confidence in his own judgment, and he had the support of Hawley, -but Captain Rumford had stormed and stormed at what he termed Alec's -folly. For the shipper had Alec's welfare very much at heart, and to him -there seemed very little difference between dumping dollars and dumping -shells into that great depth of water. In his own mind he was perfectly -certain that Alec had parted with every one of his hard earned dollars -that had gone into the shelling of the new bed.</p> - -<p>But despite the shipper's opposition, Alec had persevered. Summer found -him with an empty pocket, but full of hope. And it found him well -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>toward his twenty-first birthday. But what a different lad he was from -the high school boy who had landed at Bivalve only a little less than -two years previously. Hard physical labor had broadened and built him -up. He was close to the six feet Captain Bagley had predicted for him. -He was as powerful as an ox. His courage had grown. His mind had -expanded with his body. His determination to climb up had become -stronger and stronger. The friendship between Elsa and himself was as -solid as a rock. It was founded on mutual respect and confidence. Trust -was its corner-stone.</p> - -<p>Nor was Elsa the only one who trusted Alec, nor yet the shipper and -Alec's immediate friends. Everybody at the oyster wharves had confidence -in him. They knew his ambitions. They also knew he would achieve them. -Many a man among them would have risked his money on Alec as confidently -as Alec had done himself and would have done so gladly. For all money -and wealth in the world is won through the efforts of human beings. And -far-seeing business men are ever looking for dependable lads to invest -in, just as much as they are on the watch for other good bargains to -buy. But of all this Alec as yet had little realization. All he -understood was that he was keeping faith with himself and other men and -that he was slowly but surely forging ahead.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXV</span> <span class="smaller">THE CRISIS</span></h2> - -<p>During the two years that followed, matters went from bad to worse for -the shipper. Even as Captain Hawley had predicted, the dearth of oysters -continued. Day after day the fleet came back from the oyster grounds -with the lightest of loads. But expenses were as heavy as ever. Gloomy, -indeed, were these days at Bivalve. Credit was strained to the utmost. -Ship-chandlers, merchants, supply houses, and banks were carrying -accounts long overdue, and lending still more money to men unable to pay -what they already owed. The lenders' only hope of getting out what they -had already put into the oyster business lay in putting in still more, -in carrying the shippers until the oyster business became prosperous -again. Yet there was a limit even here, and now one, and then another -shipper went to the wall.</p> - -<p>Though nobody guessed it, Captain Rumford was in worse shape than any -other planter in the business. His loans were so widely scattered, -however, that not even the bankers suspected his actual condition. -Bravely he fought to stave off a smash. Finally he came to the point -where he had to sacrifice something or lose all. He sold a large -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span>oyster-bed. Three years previously it would have brought him double the -price he now got for it. But now the oyster business was in the worst -sort of a depression. Nobody wanted oyster-beds at any price. Shippers -could not work what they already had. So for a time the captain's offer -went begging. Then finally some one who had money picked up the bargain.</p> - -<p>Alec alone of the shipper's forces saw the oyster ground change hands -without sorrow. It was one of the beds that Alec had condemned. He -believed the shipper had benefited rather than harmed himself by the -sale. In his opinion Captain Rumford would have been wise to sell his -poor beds and work his good beds more intensively. He tried to tell the -shipper something of this, but it was cold comfort to the captain.</p> - -<p>Weeks passed. Things grew steadily worse in the oyster business. Yet -there were exceptions to the general rule. More than one shipper was -making money. Anybody who had oysters would have made money, for as -oysters became scarcer the price rose higher. And some shippers had -them. Day after day their boats came in well laden. Day after day their -slips were occupied by well filled oyster scows, their piers encumbered -with long rows of bulging oyster sacks waiting to be trundled aboard the -trains. With his eyes open to all that was doing, Alec noted who these -fortunate shippers were. He was much about the piers now, for sometimes -for days on end the shipper kept him in the office<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> to look after -things, while the shipper himself was absent on business. Daily Alec -made it a point to note who was shipping oysters in quantity. Now he -dropped a casual question here, now a joking inquiry there, until he -amassed an amount of information that was amazing. For he was finding -out far more than the mere matter of what planters had oysters. He was -ascertaining where each man's oysters came from, and whether they were -principally planted oysters or oysters that had set themselves in the -various beds. Alec even tabulated the information he got, and when his -table was complete, he examined his charts of the oyster-beds in the -light of it.</p> - -<p>He now possessed the most complete data about the oyster grounds that -any one had probably ever collected. For his chart showed him, not only -the contour of the Bay and the location and ownership of the various -oyster-beds, but to a large extent the contour of the bottom of the Bay, -the depth of water at different points, the nature of the bottom, -whether muddy or sandy, while every principal slick and swirl and eddy -was plainly indicated. Now, as he studied these data, he wanted to shout -for very joy; for again and again he found proof of his own beliefs -about oysters, and confirmation of the facts he had gotten from his -little book. Here were planters with beds located much like the deep -water beds of Captain Rumford, who were getting next to nothing. Here -were others, with beds bordering a slick, like Captain Hardy's, who -were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> bringing in good catches of oysters, while still others whose -grounds lay in some great eddy, like Captain Rumford's inshore beds, -were coining money through their good hauls. Only where heavy plantings -had been made were there good crops in those areas that Alec considered -poor locations. Here was confirmation, indeed, here was proof, in very -truth, of the convictions that had formed in Alec's mind. He believed -that the truth about oyster grounds could be learned by any one who -would study diligently, as he had, and with an open mind. For Alec never -doubted that to him the truth was now an open secret.</p> - -<p>All that he learned only convinced him the more that Captain Rumford's -enforced sale of his deep water beds was not the calamity the shipper -considered it. So he felt little distress when Captain Rumford was -compelled to sacrifice still another of his deep water holdings. But he -was frankly puzzled. He could not understand why this sale was -necessary. Although he knew that the shipper was losing money steadily, -he had a very fair idea as to the extent of these losses. To Alec it -seemed as though the sale of the first bed should have enabled the -captain to come through the season safely; for, though the bed had gone -at a sacrifice, nevertheless, the sum actually received for it was -large. That, with the money the captain did have, Alec thought, should -have carried him through the season. Yet it was no time at all before -the shipper was again in desperate straits. When the shipper<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> parted -with still another of his holdings, Alec was dumfounded.</p> - -<p>He went to Elsa with the matter. "Do you know," he asked, "why your -father found it necessary to sell his third oyster ground?"</p> - -<p>Elsa looked at him searchingly. Alec misunderstood the look. "I am not -trying to pry into your father's affairs, Elsa," he said, "but you -know——"</p> - -<p>"Of course you aren't, Alec," she replied. "Did you really think I -believed you were? You ought to know me better by this time, Alec. I -would never suspect you of doing anything dishonorable or discreditable. -But your question startled me. I didn't even know that father had sold -another oyster-bed. But I know he's deeply in trouble. Night after night -I hear him talking to mother about things, though I don't know what they -are saying, and mother looks so worried. And we have to be so careful -about expenses, Alec. Father has always given me almost everything I -asked for. Now he says he can't afford to spend a cent that he doesn't -just have to. I don't know what it all means, but I know he's in -trouble."</p> - -<p>"Well, Elsa, you know I help keep his books, and I can't help knowing -something about his business. He lost money last year and he's losing -money this year. But the loss isn't so terrible that it should cause all -this distress. At least I don't see how it can be. Yet your father is -terribly worried. I can see it in a thousand ways. And he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> has sold -three oyster grounds now, and yet seems as hard pressed for money as -ever. You do know that I don't want to pry into his business, Elsa, but -I'd like to know more about it in a perfectly honest, friendly way. -Likely there isn't a thing in the world I can do to help him. But if -there is, I want to do it. That's why I'm asking you the present -question."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Alec," said Elsa. "That is very fine of you. I know you mean -every word of it. And I know it would give you pleasure to help father. -But I am as much puzzled as you are. And what you say worries me. Come -to me to-morrow night, and, meantime, I will see if I can learn what is -the matter."</p> - -<p>A very sober-faced Elsa it was who greeted Alec on the next night. -"Come," she said. "Let us take a walk. I have lots to tell you, but I -cannot tell it here."</p> - -<p>They left the house and walked in the moonlight along the cool country -road. On his arm Alec could feel Elsa's hand tremble. "Oh, Alec!" she -almost sobbed, when they had walked a little distance. "It's terrible, -just terrible. Father thinks he's going to lose everything he has—his -oyster grounds, his boats, all his stocks and bonds and money, and even -our very home. He says he doesn't know what is to become of us. He's too -old to make another fortune and we may have to go to the poorhouse." She -broke down and stopped in a flood of tears.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p><p>"Elsa, Elsa—dear," said Alec, "don't cry. Surely it cannot be so bad -as that. I cannot see how his indebtedness can be so great. He isn't -losing so terribly much."</p> - -<p>She laid her head on his breast and Alec passed his arm protectingly -around her shoulders. "It isn't the oyster business at all, Alec. He has -some other debts we never even suspected. I asked him what was the -trouble and he told me everything. He said it would come easier if I -could prepare myself for the crash."</p> - -<p>"But tell me about it, Elsa. What are these debts? Has your father been -speculating?"</p> - -<p>"No, Alec. But he has made large investments on the partial payment -plan. If the oyster business had kept up the way it was going for two or -three years, he could have met his obligations nicely and canceled his -indebtedness. Now he not only has no revenue from his oysters to meet -the payments, but he is getting in debt deeper every day he runs his -boats."</p> - -<p>"Why doesn't he stop running them?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! He can't, Alec, he can't. He doesn't dare let anybody know the -situation, for nobody suspects it yet."</p> - -<p>"But surely the banks will help him out. Why, if he has an equity in a -valuable property, even if it isn't fully paid for, the banks will -gladly lend him money."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Alec! That's just where the trouble is. He's borrowed every cent -that anybody will lend<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> him. He's tried and tried, and he can't borrow -another penny."</p> - -<p>"But surely he can't be so desperately off as you think, Elsa."</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid it's worse than I think. Mother has been crying all day. -Father said flatly that he didn't think there was a particle of hope. -He'll hang on as long as he can, in the hope that something may save -him. By selling more oyster-beds and his boats, he says he can keep his -head above water for a little while, but if he sells his grounds and his -boats, how is he ever to pay the debts he owes? Oh, Alec! It's -terrible!"</p> - -<p>"Little girl," said Alec, "if I were to tell you that what you have just -told me makes me almost happy, I suppose you'd never speak to me again."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Alec!" cried Elsa springing away from him. "Whatever do you mean? -You can't mean what you say."</p> - -<p>"No, Elsa. I don't. I am distressed beyond measure about your father. -But if your father is in such bad condition financially, you wouldn't -call him rich any longer, would you?"</p> - -<p>"Rich! Why, Alec, we'll soon be paupers. That's the very word father -used."</p> - -<p>"Then if you are a pauper, Elsa, you wouldn't think me a fortune-hunter -if I asked you a question that's been in my heart for months, would -you?"</p> - -<p>"I—I—I don't know," faltered Elsa. "How can I know when you haven't -even asked me?" But her tone showed very plainly that she knew.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span></p><p>"Are you sure you want me to ask you?" said Alec, raising her face with -his hand and looking straight into her eyes. "I'll wait—if you wish -it."</p> - -<p>"Please—ask me," she said.</p> - -<p>Alec bent his head and whispered in her ear.</p> - -<p>"Are you asking because you really don't know, or just because you want -to hear me say yes?" asked Elsa, archly.</p> - -<p>"How could I know, when you haven't told me?" retorted Alec. "And -anyway, I <i>do</i> want to hear you say yes."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll say it. Yes."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Elsa," said Alec, pressing her hand. "Now that I know, I -shall not bother you any more. What I must do, what we all must do, is -to try to save your father."</p> - -<p>"Oh! If only he could get oysters, he'd pull through sound enough. I'm -sure of it. Prices were never higher. The shippers that have them are -coining money. If only father's beds would yield as they sometimes do, -he could meet all his interest charges and gradually pay off his debts."</p> - -<p>"Then there's just one thing for me to do—find those oysters for him."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVI</span> <span class="smaller">VICTORY</span></h2> - -<p>Far into the night Alec lay awake, turning the situation over and over -in his mind. Where could he find the oysters for Captain Rumford? Find -them he must. Never could he see his friend and benefactor, the man who -had given him a start and who was helping him up the ladder—never could -he see him go to the wall if by any possibility he could prevent it. And -now, if he could only find the oysters, he could prevent it. But where -could he find the oysters? Where could they be had at a reasonable -figure?</p> - -<p>He got up and lighted the lamp. Then he got his charts. Carefully he -examined his notes. He had marked down every bed in the Cove that was -producing well. One by one he examined the beds he had listed. Not one -of them offered the slightest solution to his problem. The men who owned -them were working them to capacity. He could hope for no help there. -Again and again he went over his list, only to become more and more -certain that no oysters were to be had.</p> - -<p>In despair he turned to his chart itself. Bed after bed he examined, -still without success. Then he came to Hardy's bed. Why hadn't he -thought of it before, he asked himself. There must be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> oysters there. If -what he had read about oysters was true, there <i>must</i> be oysters in -Hardy's bed. There must be quantities of them. Hardy had had plenty of -shells down. Alec knew about the shells. He didn't know whether Hardy -had planted many oysters or not. But if the shells were there, even if -Hardy hadn't planted any seed, the bed must be loaded with oysters, Alec -felt sure. Alec had examined the water in the bed. He knew it was -swarming with spat. There <i>must</i> be oysters there. For the bed had lain -untouched since Hardy went to prison. During the hard times that had -come upon the oyster business these few years, almost nobody had bought -oyster-beds or wanted to buy any. And when they did buy, they wanted to -secure grounds from shippers known as careful oystermen, men like -Captain Rumford, who took care of their grounds and worked them; not men -like Captain Hardy, who was known to be reckless and careless, and who -never took care of his beds. So there they had lain, untouched through -all these months. There Alec could find oysters. There he <i>must</i> find -them. For if he could not get them there, he could not get them at all. -It was Hardy's bed or nothing.</p> - -<p>Now he got out his bank-book and counted to the last cent the money he -had on deposit, in his clothes, and owing him. Then he got his shell -records. His shell boy kept track of the number of bushels he gathered -from day to day, and each week Alec posted the record in his shell book. -So he knew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> almost to a basket what he had. The season was well along, -his pile of shells was large, though not so huge as it would have been -in a good year. But it was large enough. The shells in it were worth -hundreds of dollars.</p> - -<p>Next day, his shell book in his hand, Alec went to the bank where the -captain had his account. He was well known there. He often made deposits -for the shipper, or drew the pay-roll for him. He was listened to -attentively. He wanted the bank to lend him a sum equal to the present -value of the shells. The bank could have the shell pile as security. The -pile would grow larger day by day.</p> - -<p>"What do you want of the money?" the cashier asked him.</p> - -<p>"I know where there is an unworked oyster-bed that I believe has oysters -in it. I want to lease it and work it."</p> - -<p>"Suppose there are no oysters in it. What then?"</p> - -<p>"But there are."</p> - -<p>"How do you know? Have you been dredging in it?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; but I know. I've been studying the waters of the oyster -grounds for three years. I know every bed in the Cove. I know every -slick and swirl and eddy. I know where the oyster larvæ are thick and -where they are few. I know where you will get rich yields of oysters by -shelling and where you will get hardly any. And I know there are oysters -in this bed."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p><p>"See here, young man," said the banker, "I don't understand all this. -Nobody else ever talked to me this way about oysters and oyster-beds -before. And I've been dealing with oystermen all my life. Are you trying -to stuff me?"</p> - -<p>"Of course you never heard anything like it," said Alec, "for nobody -ever did these things at Bivalve before. I am the first oysterman here -of the new type. There will be scientific oystermen aplenty in a little -while."</p> - -<p>"I want to know more about this. Just come back into the directors' room -and tell me more about it."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later Alec walked out of the directors' room, his face -shining. He signed a note and shoved it through the window to the -cashier.</p> - -<p>"That's all right, Mr. Cunningham," said the cashier. "I'll put this sum -to your credit. And remember, if you need more we shall be glad to help -you out."</p> - -<p>Alec thanked the banker and walked hastily out. "Now who'd have thought -that the mere story of what I've been doing would make him lend me the -money?" he said to himself. What Alec did not understand was that it was -his own character and not his story of scientific oyster methods that -got him the money. Like Captain Rumford and other men, the banker, too, -had been watching Alec through the years.</p> - -<p>Straight to a lawyer Alec now hurried, with instructions to lease -Hardy's oyster grounds. "Lease<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> them on a royalty basis, if you can, at -so much per bushel," said Alec. "If you can't get them that way, pay a -flat sum. I can give you so much now in cash, and the remainder from -month to month as we dredge the oysters."</p> - -<p>In a few days the lease was secured. Hardy wanted a lump sum. Alec -signed the agreement and drew his check for all he had in the bank. -"Now," he said to himself, "everything I've got in the world is at -stake. I've backed my judgment to the limit. If I lose, I'll have to go -in debt to pay what I still owe Hardy. If I win, the shipper is saved."</p> - -<p>From the lawyer's office Alec went to the shipper's home. He found Elsa, -as he had hoped he would, and told her what he had done.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Alec!" she said. "I can't begin to tell you how fine you have been. -If only you do get the oysters—won't it be wonderful!"</p> - -<p>He sought out the shipper. "Captain Rumford," he said, "I wish you would -lend me the <i>Bertha B</i> for a day."</p> - -<p>The shipper looked at him in astonishment. "What do you want of the -<i>Bertha B</i>?" he asked curiously.</p> - -<p>"I've leased Hardy's oyster-beds," said Alec quietly. "I borrowed the -worth of my shell pile and added all my savings to that and paid it down -on a lease, and I still owe money on it. I want to see if there are any -oysters in the bed."</p> - -<p>Captain Rumford looked at his assistant as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> though the latter had -suddenly gone crazy. "You're joking," he said.</p> - -<p>"I'm telling the simple truth," replied Alec. "I very much want to know -whether there are any oysters in that bed. Wouldn't you, if you had -leased it?"</p> - -<p>"Alec! Alec!" cried the shipper sternly. "Have you lost every bit of -sense you ever had? You won't get a dollar's worth of oysters out of -that bed. I've told you time and again those deep water beds are no -place for oysters."</p> - -<p>"You have, indeed, Captain Rumford," said Alec. "I know exactly what you -think of them. What I want to know now is whether you'll lend me the -<i>Bertha B</i> for a day."</p> - -<p>"You might as well know the truth first as last," said the shipper. -"There is nothing so terrible as suspense. Take the boat and welcome." -And the shipper turned away with his face so haggard that it made Alec's -heart ache.</p> - -<p>Twenty-four hours later the <i>Bertha B</i> came plowing up to her pier. Alec -leaped ashore and ran to the shipper's office. "Captain Rumford!" he -called, his eyes shining, his voice vibrant with emotion, "Will you -please come out on the pier?"</p> - -<p>The captain came slowly down the stairs. In looks he had aged ten years. -His face was drawn and haggard. His brow was deeply furrowed. Dark -circles were about his eyes. His step was uncertain, almost shambling. -His shoulders were stooped. Alec was shocked when he looked at him.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p><p>"What is it?" asked the shipper in a dull, lifeless tone.</p> - -<p>"Please come look at the <i>Bertha B</i>. I just wanted you to see her before -we go to the float."</p> - -<p>The shipper followed Alec down the pier. Half-way he stopped dead in his -tracks, paralyzed with astonishment. The <i>Bertha B</i> sat so low in the -water her decks were almost awash. Her cabin, her hatches, her deck, her -forepeak, all were covered with oysters. The boat was fairly swamped -with them.</p> - -<p>"Oysters!" gasped the astonished shipper. "How many have you? Where did -you get them? What are you going to do with them?"</p> - -<p>"There's more than a thousand dollars' worth," said Alec. "We are going -to put them on your big float up the river."</p> - -<p>"But where did you get them?"</p> - -<p>"In the bed I just leased—Tom Hardy's bed. Come into the office and -I'll tell you all about it. I don't want to do it here."</p> - -<p>Alec waved his hand to Skipper Hawley, then took the shipper by the arm -and led him up to his office.</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford," he said, "there are oysters and oysters and oysters -out there. I can bring you in a thousand dollars' worth a day. While we -were at it, we just looked at my grounds and they're simply covered with -oysters, too. There are tons and tons of them in my beds. They are a -little too small to dredge yet, but they'll be all right next fall.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> And -your own shallow beds will be ready to dredge then, too."</p> - -<p>The shipper fairly gasped. "You got those oysters out in that deep -water?" he said. Then he asked, "What are you going to do with them now -that you have them?"</p> - -<p>"That's just what I want to talk about, Captain," said Alec. "I've got -the oysters. You've got the boats. If we could just make some sort of -agreement—if we could somehow combine forces—why, Captain, if you'll -just go ahead and dredge oysters for yourself until you get on your feet -again, and then dredge a few for me——" Alec stopped, embarrassed. He -did not know how to say what he wanted to say, now that the time had -come to say it.</p> - -<p>The shipper looked at him with the old piercing glance that had seemed -to bore through Alec so long ago. "Boy," he said, "what are you trying -to do—give me those oysters after the way you've toiled and studied and -saved to get them?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Captain, if you'll only take them," said Alec, "I'll be the -happiest fellow in the world. They are yours—every one you need, even -if you need them all."</p> - -<p>"God bless you, lad," cried the shipper, blowing his nose violently, and -beginning to pace the floor. "How I would like to take them. Why, they'd -save me, lad. They'd save me."</p> - -<p>"Then take them. That's why I got them, Captain Rumford,—to save you."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span></p><p>The captain turned and faced his assistant. "I will take them," he -said. "I will take them. But I'll take them on one condition. I take -them as your partner." He hesitated a moment. His face paled a bit. -"Maybe you wouldn't want a broken-down old man as a partner," he said, -"an old man already behind the times."</p> - -<p>"Captain Rumford," said Alec, "you are jesting. Surely you don't mean -that you want me as your partner in business. Why, I have no money now, -and I have nothing, sir, but a little oyster-bed to put up against your -great oyster grounds and your boats. It's a wonderful opportunity, sir, -but it wouldn't be fair to you to take it."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" said the shipper. "Not fair, when I shall owe to you everything -I have in the world. I am the one who is penniless; for without these -oysters you offer I am a pauper. Now will you become my partner?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, Captain!" said Alec. "Of course I will, but I never dreamed of such -a thing."</p> - -<p>"Likely not," said the captain. "But I have known for a long time that -it was coming."</p> - -<p>"What!" gasped Alec.</p> - -<p>"Certainly," said the shipper. "I rather suspected it the first time I -set eyes on you. I knew it the night you went overboard after Hawley."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked Alec. "I don't understand it at all, sir."</p> - -<p>"It's plain enough, lad. A man of my age can't carry on a business -forever. I've needed somebody<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> to help me for a long time back and I've -been looking for some one, too. Yet I never could find just the man I -wanted as a partner. But when I found how clean and true and fine you -were, young man, and when I came to know you well enough to understand -that I could trust you as I can my own wife, my mind was made up. What -do you think I've had you in the office for, anyway? What do you think -I've put my business more and more in your hands for? Didn't you ever -suspect that I was training you up to carry on the work when I couldn't -do it any longer?"</p> - -<p>"Captain!" gasped Alec. "I can hardly believe it. To think of my being -an oyster shipper—now—when I was only this morning a deck-hand. It -just doesn't seem possible."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure that you're satisfied with the bargain? Don't you want to -draw out before it's too late?"</p> - -<p>An idea came to Alec and he stepped quickly toward the shipper. "There -is one thing more I'd like," he said, "something I want more than -anything else in the world."</p> - -<p>The shipper looked at him uncertainly, questioningly, as though -displeased. "Name it," he said brusquely.</p> - -<p>"Your daughter, sir."</p> - -<p>"God bless me!" said the shipper. "You want a lot."</p> - -<p>"Hadn't you foreseen that, too?" asked Alec, smiling.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p><p>"I wouldn't be truthful if I said no," said the shipper.</p> - -<p>"Your answer?" said Alec.</p> - -<p>"<i>My</i> answer?" said the shipper. "What about the girl? Don't you think -it would be a good thing to ask her?"</p> - -<p>"I have," said Alec, blushing. "She's like that man I told you of once."</p> - -<p>"That man?" said the shipper, puzzled. "What man? What was his name?"</p> - -<p>"Barkis," said Alec.</p> - -<p>The shipper laughed and held out his hand. "Take her, son," he said. -"You deserve her. And take an old man's blessing. You have saved a gray -head from disgrace. Now God bless you."</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Wireless Operator--With the -Oyster Fleet, by Lewis E. Theiss - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG WIRELESS OPERATOR--OYSTER FLEET *** - -***** This file should be named 56229-h.htm or 56229-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/2/2/56229/ - -Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/56229-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/56229-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ad98974..0000000 --- a/old/56229-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/56229-h/images/frontis.jpg b/old/56229-h/images/frontis.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cae3b28..0000000 --- a/old/56229-h/images/frontis.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/56229-h/images/logo.jpg b/old/56229-h/images/logo.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c3f386c..0000000 --- a/old/56229-h/images/logo.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/56229-h/images/titlepage.jpg b/old/56229-h/images/titlepage.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6044a6d..0000000 --- a/old/56229-h/images/titlepage.jpg +++ /dev/null |
