The Irish standard., 1890-01-04
HONOR ON THE SEA.
Why Contemplate Trick Failed
to Work.

Why a Contemplate Trick Failed
to Work.
Mr.. John Percival is the head of the
great firm of Percival Brothers, the
owners of what, for the purposes of this
story, shall be called the Grapnel Trans
oortation Line. In shipping circles it
g we'll known that Mr.. John Percival,
although in the main kind man, is on
,one occasions cruel one; yet his very
cruelty is a proof of his kindness.
His idea of honor upon the sea is that,
10 matter how long it may take or how
much it may cost, sound ship should
stand by and help to the utmost neigh
| Dor in distress. This should be, but I'M
| fortunately it is not, the rule Of every
ship-owner. When Mr.. John Percival
finds that a captain. Of one of his steam
srs has failed to help a wrecked or dis
abled craft he becomes furious. 1t is
said shat he even dances about and
breaks up the furniture, and that cap
tain is sum,narily dismissed from the
service of tho Grarnel Line, together
with such officers as have aided Or abet-
ted him.
The consequence of this policy on the
part of Mr.. John Percival is that every
poor ship upon the sea which breaks ITS
walking-beam or loses its srnokestacks
and masts III storm hopes that it may
fall into the hands of the Grapnel
steamers.
One night Captain Alexander Der
went, of tho Percival Brothers ship Es-
pe,'o7aso, was pacing the deck in com pany
with the ships surgeon, DR.. Aiiis, when
they heard boom in the distance.
s'That's a gun said the captain, stop
ping short W ~ ..-: -.
It had been very stormy all OF the last
three days, and had begun to clear only
at noon that day.
cit certainly is and there's another"
returned the surgeon. Il believe some
boat has been struck hard by the storm
and is firing for relief" -.
AS he spoke rocket could be dlnnly
deserted, going up far to the right OF
them. .... M-
ssI'n behindhand with this gale and
ALL" sighed the captain, ''but I suppose
must stand so and help those fellows,
even If 1t takes week., -
Tho ship was ordered aEout at once,
colored lights were burned, guns were
fired, and shortly after sunrise the next
morning the Espwaaasa found herself
towing along the English steamer Otzna-
bv.es, of tho Pendleton Freight LINE.
Her engine was broken, her captain said,
and she had been lying for forty -eight
hours unable to move.
For two days after her rescue by the
Esperans0 her officers appeared to be
overcome with gratitude. Captain Der
went lent the disabled steamer many
tools. The carpenter and engineer OF
the Espyasga offered also their assist
ance In helping to repair the engine,
but this was steadily declined. The
officers of the Gambyses did not think 1t
was eswoSth while;'' they would tinker
a little themselves as they went along,
without troubling the Espaaaasa any
moro than was necessary"
For four days the Esparaaaea steamed
slowly through the waste Of waters, tow
ing har huge charge. The Caandgses was
heavily laden and retarded the progress
Of her friend woefully.
On the evening of the fourth day Cap
tain Derwent and the surgeon were
again walking the deck. 1t was not
stormy, bat the fog was quite dense.
The few passengers had retired to their
nHl,o orovx1 1xyor.0 at their
posts. Every thing was very still, ex'
cept for the throbbing engine and the
rolling Of the waves. 4
ssQueer lot we've got over there" said
Captain Derwent, jerking his hand to-
ward the Gandgses.
I .sHave they spoken you at all today
asked the surgeon.
ssNary word since early morning.
don't like their looks. Anybody would
think from their manners yesterday and
to-day that we were receiving great
favor from them in their allowing US te
tow them. They wanted to know this
morning if we couldn's go little faster
IL suppose they think we are trying te
mount up big bill for toWage. = they
give me any more Of their sass LII GU
loose from them and John Perciyal may
Say what he pleases.
Fl 81 whats that??'' asked DR.. Allis, stop
ping short in his walk. who's med
ding with the hawsers?
ssJust so,' said the captain, IN
troubled and excited voice. That's the
rasping OF ropes and no mistake. r
believe 2 he cried, furiouslyy, that tina
Gam6yses has cut the cablesl' ,.3
They rushed All. The cables were
dragging il the brine and ID through l,1 tn
pitchy darkness and fog the lights SO g
the Gambyses could be dim,ly seen ara
Il her screw heard as she steamed of u =
the distance. II III
Tae ours e the captain y. q
ended their engine 81 th Is o y