The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-12-30
The Story Of a Wreck.
Thrilling and Romantic Account Of
a Mutiny at Sea.
BY w. CLARK RUSSELL.
CHAPTER YIIL-CoxrINuEn.

10? uOn want 10 ne lan8cQ Wnen
get ashore"
Now, them" said I, "we viii come
to that Mr. Stevens, you told me
all your plans were prepared. Am l
to have your confidence"
'Sartainly." replied the fellow.
"'You are scollared, and we look to you
to get us out of this scrape. We have
treated you well and made you skip
per-"
go ahead" said 1, seating myself
coolly on a grating.
This mutiny," said he, as all on
account OF bad treatment. Had the
captain acted fair we would have acted
fair. He as good rs promised he would
put in for fresh stores, but never al
tered the ships course, and we was
bound we wouldn't starve. So we
did the business. But we never meant
to kill either of them. We was afraid
they had pistols on them and they
fought hard. So they died of their own
dom 5.
"As to where we want to 60" he
continued, some was in favor of one
place and some of another; but most
of us wants to 90 to Amerlky; for it
a big place and good one to hide in.
And so our plan is this, as easy rs say
in your prayers: Well draw lots and
choose upon the coast for you to run
us to; and when we're a DAYS sail of
them parts, leavin' you to tell us and
10 keep us out o the way of ships, dye
mind, Mr.. ROvle?" stern signifi-
canoe, | nodded-"s some of us gets in
10 the long boat and some into the
Quarter-boats, and we pulls for the
shore. And wOt we do and says when we
gets ashore needn't matter, eli mates?
We're shipwrecked mariners, deStitoot
and fOrlorn, and every mans for his
self. And so, that's our plan"
''Gcs, that's our plan" said one,
''but it amt all. You're not putting
every thing to Mr. Royle, mate
Look here, Bill" answered the
carpenter, savagely, "either I'm to
manage this here business or I'm not
If YOU re for carryn' of it on, good and
well-say the word. and then we'll
know the time o'day. But either it
must be You or it must be There
amt room for two voices in one
mouth"
I've got nothcn' to saw" reioined
the man addressed rs "Bill." extend
ing bis arms and turning his back;
''only | thought you might ha' for
got"
What the carpenter was holding
back l could not guess; but l exhibited
no curiosity. Neither did | tell them
Int Il, 4
Shores" as they called it, would bring
us right in the road of vessels from all
parts of the world. My business was
TO listen and to act rs circumstances
should dictate. with good Judgment, if
possible. for thc preservation Of my
own and the lives OF the Old man and
his daughter.
The carpenter now paused to hear
what | had To say. Finding this, l OK
claimed:
Il know what you want me to do;
ana the sooner You fix upon 4 point to
start for the better"
Cant YOU advise us?' said enc of
the men. Give us some place easily
fetched"
Il was never on the North Ameri-
can coast" l answered.
well, Amcriky amt the only place
in the world, - said Fish.
You'd best not say that when you re
there" exclaimed johnson.
Most OF the hands wants to 90
ashore in Amcriky, and so that's set
tied, mates" said the carpenter,
sharply.
Let's keep south, anyhow, say I.
If we can make New Orleans, there's
plenty OF vessels sailing every day from
that Port, paying good wages" said
johnson.
And every man can choose for
hisself where he'll sail for" observed
Fish.
Make up your minds" | exclaimed,
sand I'll alter the ships course"
So saying, | got off the grating and
walked to the other end of the poop.
L was easier in my mind now that
observed the disposition of the men.
They were plainly frightened by what |
they had done and this alone would !
prevent further acts OF violence for the |
present. | doubted, however. whether !
they would allow me to leave the ship, /
knowing that | would inform on them |
at the first opportunity. But l could /!
not allow my mind to dwell upon the |
future At this time.
Presently the carpenter called to me, |
and | went over 10 the men.
Were all resolved, Mr.. Rovle,"
said lie. in a pretty civil voice, land /
our votes is for New Orleans. Plenty
of vessels is wrecked in the Gulf of /
Mexico, as I've heeard tell; and when .
we're about fifty miles off you'll say
so, and give us the bearings of the
Mississippi, and We'll not trouble you
any more
How her head?" l asked the man
ut the wheel.
"Sou'west" he replied.
keep her Way l exclaimed, for
the weather leecheS were fiat
whats our true course for New
OrlcanS?" asked the carpenter, Sus-
piciously.
Stop bit and I'll show you," an
swered, and went below to the cap
tain'S cabin to get the chart.
''Steward!'' l called.
Eyes, SIR" replied the miserable
whining voice. 1t was still too dark
for me to see the man. -r.
snake your mind easy-they'n not
hurt you." l said.
He started up and rushed toward me
like mailman.
May God in Heaven bless your" he
cried. delirious with Joy.
Hold off, l exclaimed, keeping
him away with my outstretched hand.
''Get your wits about VOL, and remain
here for the present. Don't let them
hear you, and don't show yourself UNI
til l call you"