The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-11-08

short turn up and down rs If suryey,ui
the darkcning outlines OF the coast H.
smoke few words to the man Oh the look
out, then he walked slowly aft to Ross, who
confident OF his course in such a calm sea
and feeling some sorrow for the man whoo'
disappointment he expected 10 be so great
and who had become 50 friendly with hin
lately, had no Obj elton 10 exchange wort
with him.
cold work this Ross, and confoundedly
dull isn't .t?' he said good-nauredly.
Neither cold nor dull, Mr. CargIl," was
the CHEEKY answer
"Ah, you Hike the work, | suppose, and
tina makes all the difference
! Clr.lll seated himself on a coil of rope as
he spoke.
"Gf course Ills. itor Iwouldn't beat it,
81 suppose you find ituoub o,omn cnou-h
/ at times?'
"That is to bccxpcctod all work stroud
/ lpsomo a times
You seem to be- taking things easy,
though, with all the perls Of the deep be-
| fore you"
"WuiIps,p answered Ross laughing.
"Nal could do that and a cloud Of
smoke went up from the cigar
"Nou have never known what it Was to
wors tor your living, and that's pity for
any man
"Ah. Do You smokn''
every seldom, and never at work."
"rhars pity for you, because | have
some SPLENDID cigars here-cOst q shilling
each
"Taen should not like to smoke One.'
"You would If you knew what they were.
Well, you won't refuse to have adruk with
me? If you do, shall think you are keep
ug up old scores against me"
He poured out a dram from his flask as he
spoke and held 1t up to Ross. The latter
hesitated, but remembering the trouble he
was to cause this man, he aid
at 5 against all rules to drink when on
duty, but seeing what there has been be-
tween rs is likely to be-, | won't refuse to
drink your health
He drank and Cargill slowly put the metal
cup on the bottom Of his flask again.
Capital stuff that, can tell you. Got it
myself from friend in Campbeton."
LAY, it's strong" said Ross, gasping ~
wish there had been some water with it,"
"Woud you like some now? Pll send it
to you"
"Thauk you, I'll be obliged to you
"Ail right," and Cargill moved off Is If TO
fulfil his promise. He threw hi,c gar over
board and Disappeared down the cabin stair.
But the water did not come.
Ros, felt his throat parched and some
thing fiery fly up TO his head, making his
eyes start as If they were to come out What
could this be? Surely one glass of whisky
could never have such an effect upon him.
1t must have been very strong whisky in
deed. What foo re had been 20 touch i'll
They were approaching the Dun Buy Rock
and the Buffers, where he should have all
his senses about him. But no! his senses
were becoming confused his eyes dim, and
everything danced before them-a devils
dance Of flashes of fire and black huge rocks.
What was the matter? Could he not pull
himself togetherP lie had only to hol d the
wheel as.it was and all was right. Steady
now. lie SET his tcoth; he would master
this demon that had 60, possession Of him.
He tried to call out, but his tongue was
)aralyzol. His senses were becoming moro
md more confused, his eyes mora and uOre I.
'aZZled, Then n sort Of frenzy seemed TO |
'omo upon him. lie would defy these de-
mons. He would hold on and carry the /
'essel safely by tn rocks. /
BE fell, still holding to the wheel, thus .
Altering the course Of the Mermaid so that /
Ter nose turned suddenly straight to the
Dun Buy Rock
There was moment Of bewildermout on
he part of the lookout. Then he shouted ,
II terror
Save usl what's wrang?-well be on the .
ocks in five minutes"
The captain heard the cry and hurried on
lcck, followed by his daughter and Carcill. /
In an instant the captains eyes took in .
he terrible position. He rushed to the .
Wheel and saw Ross lying PROSTATE.
Drunk! and curse himw he almost .
creamcd as he gra,ped the wheel, and with |
vigorous effort wreDched il round so that /
e turned the Mermaid into safe water
gain.
Al! hands were on deck now, Annie stand .
NJ apart, pale and bcwi!dered.
Take that drunken villain out o. my
ight," he roarcd, as he stood painting and .
uidlng the vessel.