The true northerner., 1876-02-25
A PERILOUS COMPACT.

1ou say, Capt jackson, that you
have received written instructions from
your owners by the last mail -
"Yes, sir, very particular and specific
orders regarding the cargo wanted for
the good ship Exporter"
eff understand you Alright, the best
quality of silk and the finest grade of
teas only are wanted2"
Exactly, Mr.. Failing. But why do
you ask9 Are you unable to load the
ship with the required quality and grade
of goodsl"
"We'll see in good time, Jackson.
But 1 say, have you any objection to
my glancing over your written instruc-
tions2"
Certainly not; and, if you are to fur
nish the cargo, think it advisable for
you to thoroughly understand what is
wanted and what l am allowed to re-
ceive."
The keen, gray eyes of Mr.. Failing
were fastened intently upon the weather
beaten countenance of the seaman for q
moment, and then, in soft, insinuating
tone, he added:
"If you will give me boat, Jackson,
/ will send my China boy ashore for q
case of dry Monopole. The weather is
warm, and iced champagne will not be
disagreeable, eh7"
"By no means; but it is a luxury we
poor sailors seldom have the opportunity
of tasting" replied the Captain, with a
sigh, as he thought of his far-off wife and
two little babes.
The champagne was soon sparkling in
the slender glasses, and the merchant
pledged the sailor and his noble ship a
brimming bumper.
The Exporter was fine clipper en-
gagged in the China trade, owned by an
opulent firm who counted their dollars
by millions. The ship was commanded
by Capt. Jackson, an experienced ship
master, but who had been compelled to
accept the grinding terms of the parsi-
monious owners of the Exporter.
Capt. Jackson had been unfortunate,
and at the time he applied to the firm
for employment he was in debt, with a
wife and family looking to him for sup
port He was not in condition to die
tate terms, but ventured to remonstrate
feebly at the inadequate salary offered
for the amount of property and response
bility he was expected to control and
look after.
"We can get plenty of shipmasters
for $50 per month, was the cold, harsh
reply. "We do not ask You to accept
it. You come to us; if you demur, an
other shall take your place."
And, with heavy heart, the poor fell
low signed the articles, while the pale
suffering face of his wife rose up before
him.
The Exporter was lying off Shanghai
waiting for the valuable and special car
go which had been ordered by mail.
The merchant, Mr.. Failing, was on
board, and as has already been narrated,
was taking his comfort in the wide, spa
cious cabin of the vessel.
Glass after glass of champagne had
been quaffed, the fragrant perfume of
choice cigars filed the cabin, and poor
Jackson, as the generous vintage mount
ed in his brain, for n time forgot his
troubles.
The letter lay on the table before Fail
ing, who, with his heels perched on a
projecting cornice 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.
"You are not half paid; that is GER
tain, jackson, and there is but little
chance to make 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 tol / came out here to make
my fortune, Jackson; honestly, if l can,
and thus far have no reason to complain.
But you are situated differently. You
have no opportunities; your life is pass
ing away; the greater portion of it is
spent in buffeting the elements at $50
per month-for what that your owners
may reap hundreds of thousands of dol
lars from your talents. lis that honest
is it right or iustg No. And how will
it endl You are past the meridian of
life, and you ray you are 'astern of the
lighter. Now L 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