The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-10-02
A PERlLoUS COMPACT.

n APEHIIOOS COMPASI.
"You say, Captain Jackson, that you
have received written instructions from
your owners by the last maili"
"Yes, sir, very particular and specific
orders regarding the cargo wanted for
the good ship. Exporter"
''If / understand you Alright, the best
quality of silk and the finest grade OF
teas only, are wantedw
"Exactly, Mr.. Failing. But why do
you ask? Are you unable to load the
ship with the required quality and grade
of goods?"
"We'll see in good time, jackson, But
I say, have you any objection to my
glancing over your written instruc-
tionsW
"Certainly not; and il you are to fur
nish the cargo, think it advisable for
you to thoroughly understand what is
wanted and what am allowed to re-
ceive."
The keen, gray eyes of Mr.. Failing
were fastened intently upon the wealth
erbeaten couptenance of the seaman for
moment, and then in a soft, insinuat-
ing tone, he added:
eff you will give me boat, jackson,
will send my China boy ashore for a
case of cry Monopole. The weather is
warm. and iced champagne will not be
disagreeable, ehp"
"By no means; but it is luxury we
poor sailors seldom have the opportuni-
ty of testing" replied the captain, with
D sigh, as he thought of his far-Of wife
and TWO little babies.
The champagne was soon sparkling in
the slender glasses, and the merchant
pledged the sailor and his noble ship in
brimming bumper.
The Exporter was q fine clipper en-
gagged in the China trade, owned by an
epulent firm who counted their dollars
by millions. The ship was commanded
by Captain Jackson, an experienced
shipmaster, but who had been compelled
10 accept the grinding terms of the par
sim0nious owners OF the Exporter.
Captain Jackson had been unfortunate,
and at the time he applied to the tirm for
employment he WAS in debt, with wife
and family looking to him Tor support.
He was not In a condition to dictate
terms, but yentured to remonstrate
feebly at the inadequate salary offered
for the amount of property and RESPONSE
bility he was expected to control and
look after.
ave can get plenty of sbipmasters for
eighty dollars per month";" was the cold,
harsh reply. 1--WE do not ask you TO ae.
cept 1t. You come to us; if you demur,
another shall take your place."
And with heavy heart the poor fel-
low signed the articles, while the pale,
suffering face of his wife rose up before
him.
The Exporter was lying off Shanghai
waiting tor the valuable and special
cargo which had been ordered by mail.
The merchant, Mr.. Failing, was on
board. and as has already been narrated
We taking his comfort in the wide, spa
oOus cavin - the vessel.
Glass alter glass; champagne had
been quatfed, the fragra.. nerlume of
choice cigars filed the cabin, .us :, sss
jackson, as the generous vintage mou.
ed iu his braln, for a time forgot his
troubles.
The letter lay on the table before Fail
ing, who, with his heels perched on a
projecting corniee OF the cabin, smoked
in silence, while Jackson with volubility
entirely unnatural to him, poured into
the ears OF Failing the entire story OF his
wrongs.
aY0u are not half paid that is certain,
jackson, and there is but little chance
to make a dollar out Of the main hatch.
; To be sure you can do little something
with the stevedore, ship chandler, etc. |;
but after all what does it amount to? /
came out here to make my fortune, jack
son; honestly, il can, and thus far
have no reason to complain. But you
are situated differently. You have no
opportunities, your life is passing away,
the greater portion ofit is spent in buff
feting the elements at eighty dollars per.
reap hundreds Of thousands Of dollars
from your talents. Is that honest, is it
right or just? No. And how will end?
You are past the meridian Of life, and
YOU say you are EASTERN of the lighter
Now shall speak plain, Jackson, too
plain perhaps; ;but fill your glass, man,
it has been empty this half hour. AS
said before, every day will bring you
nearer your grave, and the best years of
your life spent away from your family
whom you love. Even supposing that
no accident occurs to excite the wrath
Of the firm that might cost you your po-
ssitiOn, in due course of time YOU will be
worn out, feeble and in capacitatedb by old
age from retaining command. What
will the merchant with his bags OF gold,
which you made for him, care for you
then? Will he take into consideration
The fact that you have braved dangers
and ransacked every cline for the arti-
soies Of merchandise he requiredf No,
he will never give 1t a thought, and the
old shipmaster, the faithful but worn ont
servant, will totter TO the door Of the
saller's snug harbor, and beg for charity
and roof over his gray head, unless in
deed your wife and two girl babies can
support yog."
The mercha.t blew long cloud Of
SMOKE from his h ps as he ceased speak