The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-08-16

move.
The Nellie Willis was hard and fast
aground on the shore of New Provi-
dence.
PART I.-CHAPTER v.
TRUCE WITH THE MUTINEERS.
At first, not word passed between
the three men standing there by the
now useless wheel.
The place where the vessel had
grounded was so near to the low coast
of that part of the island that man
might easily have let himself down by
the bows and waded ashore. The water
astern was less than two fathoms, and
it shoaled rapidly to the shore. The
wind had continued so fresh that the
Roadway of the vessel drove her hard
onto the bottom when her course
was treacherously changed, and at
least half her keel was fast in the clay.
She lay motionless, slightly careened
over to the port side.
The sun was setting. In the brief
lull that followed this first stunning
blow of the mutineers, Captain Willis
anxiously swept the horizon with his
glass. The broad Bahama Channel
was before him, but the view was here
and there cut off by islands.
No sail was in sight.
We have said that at first no word
was spoken by the Captain, Crawford
OF the mate. The scene described in
the last chapter had passed almost in
flash; but it's terrible meaning was
perfectly understood. 1t needed no
explanation from the mate to tell the
others that Purvis had been murdered
for the purpose of Disgusting the viper
whom the Captain had warmed and
cherished to his own undoing.
Five minutes passed-dreadful min
utes, that seemed like hours. Nothing
was as yet stirring forward; not man
was to be seen. Crawford and the
Captain grasped each his revolver; the
mate had a heavy capstan-bar, which
he had kept handy since the anchor
was weighed. 1t was his pistol that
Crawford had.
The situation was one to require no
words, and hardly to allow of words.
They realized that desperate death
grapple was at hand. Each quietly
stood and nerved himself for it.
Probably the same anxious question
occurred to each of them. They were
to contend with four times their own
number. They were to fight where de-
feat meant death! Was there shelter or
protection of which they could avail
themselves?
The open deck was before them. AS
far as amidships there was no shelter
save the boats slung at the sides and
the slight coop over the cabin stairs.
They were useless.
Once the Captain looked inquiringly
at Crawford, and pointed down toward
the cabin. Crawford shook his head
Without word, each understood and
consented. To seek the shelter of the
cabin would be to put themselves al
the mercy of the mutineers, like rats
in trap.
A man suddenly appeared above the
deck from the forehold-or rather, his
head was at first elevated above it, anG
his hand waved white handkerchief.
GIVE got proposition to make tc
you, on the part of the crew. If you'll
promise to hold your pistols off III
come out and talk with you.''
The voice was that of Louis Hunter
Captain Willis heard it, and ground
his teeth with rage.
"Come," was all he could say.
"But you won't shoot?"
elf you are brief-no."
Hunter reached the deck, and came
hesitatingly aft.
Halt !" the Captain cried, when
he was about rod away; "what dye
wantP''
4" I'd like first to explain myself, -
said the renegade. "I'd like to have
you understand that what I've done
has been under compulsion, and only
because was threatened with death.
l want to mediate between YOU and
the crew. l believe can save your
lives; at least, I know what they are
willing to do. I'll befriend YOU il
you'll let me.''
You are an infamous liar, as well
as damnable traitor" the Captain
exclaimed. If ever a man would be
justified in breaking his word, I should
be now, with such fiendish scoun.
drel as you are. don't know what il
is keeps me from putting a bal
through you.''
Hunter turned very pale, and fell
back step.
But you are safe for the moment
what do you want?''
"The crew say they will have the
ship. 1 suppose they want to plunde,
WIZ 61;M