The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-07-17
HIGH EXPLOSIVES"
Overland MOnthlyl


cember, IS. ! went aboard at Q a m,
and about quarter of an hour afterward
we got under way, and soon passed Fort
Point and crossed the bar, bound for San
Diego. The water was quite rough on the
bar, and many OF the passengers sought
the seclusion of their staterooms, not
emerging again until after noon. SO for a
time had the deck almost TO myself, and
walked up and down, gazing at the Cliff
house on its rock by the sea, and afterward
at the rugged Californian coast. that
loomed somewhat hazily on our port
beam.
A man of STOPPING figure and singularly
pale. unhealthy complexion occupied one
OF the seats on deck. A small black
sachel hung from his shoulder by strap.
He was reading a book, which he held
with trembling hands. l looked at him
with some curiosity, and at last, happen
ing to find his lack-luster eyes fixed upon
me, addressed him.
With a swift, almost stealthy, movement
be shut the book and thrust II in an inside
pocket OF his coat, but not before / had
caught glimpse of the strange text which
7 thought was Greek. He rose in quick,
nervous way and replied to my remark in
English, but slowly and with difficulty.
He then asked me il [ spoke French, and
seemed gratifed at my answer.
with your permission he said, Il
will walk with YOU. This breeze is rather
cold.
We walked for some time, but he
seemed taciturn, and had net an occa-
sional sentence, pointed and intelligent,
fallen from his lips, ! should have cOnsid-
cred him dull companion. The passeng-
ers now began to reappear, with various
degrees OF discomfort expressed IN look
OF tone. for the sea was rather heavy. A
portly gentleman in black broadcloth and
2 silk hat passed us, looking at US with
cold, austere eyes. His lips were thin
and firmly set and his iron-gray whiskers
were trimmed in a severe, business-like
fashion. He went forward and engaged
In conversation with the captain.
A dark-comple xioned young man,
evidently a mechanic on journey, stood
at the rail smoking a cigarette and glanc-
ing occasionally at the austere gentleman
and the captain. Two or three middle
aged men were talking loudly about grape
vines, olives and oranges, despite the
bleak whisting OF the ocean win1. A few
Cinnamon appeared from the murky
region Of the steerage and reeled dizZlly
about on the forward deck, holding their
hats on and catching hold of things about
Them. Some unhappy ladies were sitting
IN the cabin, or, as it was ironically
termed, Social Hall'-an apartment
neither large or luxuriously furnished on
the Santa Inez and on the present Occa-
zion showing no symptoms OF sociability.
Nv companion seemed TO take no notice
of these people. He gazed at the deck and
walked with his hands clasped behind him.
Are you never seasick ?' asked.
No." he replied. you, too, seem to
escape"
Yes; my father was a sea captain, and
] suppose I inherit his immunity" | said.
But my companion did not perceive nv
clumsy little Joke. He remarked that
that was very singular thing and worthy
OF investigation.
"Ny father was" he paused, and |
listened-"not" he added slowly, and
vet ] never suffer from nal de mer."
We turned and walked forward again
and met the captain, whom | knew. The
sustere gentleman was now perusing a
newspaper on the lee side OF the deck.
DO you know that man ?" said the
captain 10 me.
i DO not, / replied.
He owns 5000 miles OF railroad, more
or less. and this line of steamers, besides
small kingdom in land and coin enough
20 load the Santa Inez to the guards.
About 10000 OF his employees are out on a
strike now.
rs that really Elijah @. Gurrell?'
That's the man" said the captain.
Then he looked sharply at nv singular
companion, who was gazing listlessly sea-
ward
'7What is your opinion of the strike,
captain ?" | asked. do you think the
demands OF the men are just?"
i don't pretend 10 Judge the case" he
said. 81 will saw just this Civil war is
Dad thing. The workmen will take all
they can get, and there is not a wealthy
employer IN the country but fully under
stands the vast difference between a dol
lar and go cents" The bronzed captain
hall closed his eyes and nodded, and then
hurried away, for the wind was piping up
shrilly, and the waves began to buffet the
Santa Inez rudely.
Il love this gracious wind and the mo-
ton OF the vessel is soothing to me. said
my companion, when 1 suggested that
the shelter of the cabin would be agree
able.
Not many on board will share your
feelings, ] fear, ] said. This breeze is a
southeaster, and at this season it some
times means trouble
As be did not answer. I left him still
gazing out 10 sea but when | reached the
cabin door I looked back and saw him
holding his book with trembling hands
and reading intently.
/ picked out a corner OF the cabin where
the most light entered, intending to read
a work on high explosives which was 10
reEiew for a weekly journal. The cushions
OF the settees were covered with crimson
and white striped linen, and were divided
into convenient seats by curved rods of
iron covered with MAROON plush-yery re-
assuring to grasp when huge wave dan
died the steamer; at least so seem ed to think
the dainty little lady who sat opposite me
across the cabin. / changed my mind
about reading; there was really no hurry.
Mr. Elijah q. Gurrell sat beside her, and
wonderful change had come over his
face \ look OF affection shone in his
eyes, and his severe lips were relaxed in a
smile. She was not more than sixteen.
Her eyes were very beautiful-clear, pure
and deep, like pelucid gems irradIated
with the light OF a soul. She seemed to
be asking her father if there was danger,
and, upon being treasured, snuggled down
At his side with her head against his coat,
and his arm about her.
| could not but look with rejecting
curiosity on this great money king in his
paternal aspect. / felt that the little
vOuthful maiden whom he clasped SO af-