Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-08-25
traits of character impressed me at

must confess that L did net view
favorably my friends proposition, for /
had no intention of receiving ladies on
board, but as he put it urgently on the
basis Of personal favor, finally con-
sented, not without a shade of annoy
ance in my manner.
All were delighted with the yacht, and
everything was pronounced perfect ON
board, from the azure silken hangings
and upholstery in the cabins to the ma
hogany carriages and brass howitzers
ornamsnting the snow white deck of the
handsome craft.
The yacht had been out, think, about
four days, and all Of us were beginning
to get our sea legs on, when Captain
Crowell knocked at my stateroom door,
just after breakfast, and requested
private interview. His usually bright
and open countenance wore a troubled
expression. / conjectured at once that
my sailing master had intelligence of an
unpleasant character to communicate.
And so it proved.
"Mr. Lacy, | dislike exceedingly TO
disturb your pleasure or excite unneces-
sary suspicious as to the state of affairs
on board your yacht, but l should not
be performing my duty, sir, if l neg
lected longer to give you my views ON
the matter. To be brief, sir, found it
extremely difficult TO secure a crew for
the yacht, and it was simply impossible
TO follow your instructions relative TO
accepting none but picked men. Seamen
were not to be had, for somehow they
fought shy of making so short trip on
a yacht. l knew you would expect the
yacht ready upon your arrival at Cowes
with your party, and had some pride
In the matter as to reporting everything
ready, having just entered your employ,
so l had recourse to the services of the
American consul. With his assistance
l shipped what you see here, twelve men
in all-fve Frenchmen, four Italians, one
Maltese, one Norwegian and a negro.
cannot vouch for one of them, and if
you had not been in such hurry would
have rejected every mothers son Of
them. As it is, we can get rid of them
as opportunities offer. They have had
their heads together lately carrying ON
a whispered conversation, and you see,
sir, we are at disadvantage in not hav-
ing a good second mate and boatswain.
The gentlemen aft here, including your
self, wear more or less expensive jewel
~, and the young lady, who is
GOOD heavens, Crowell, what of her?
Come TO the point at once"
"Simply, that the Maltese sailor has
been eying her much as a cat would
mouse, and fear there is trouble ahead.
l have my revolver loaded and ready.
l would suggest that you and the gentle
men do likewise, and be ready for a call.
In other words, sleep with one eye
open;" and bowling respectfully, my
broad shouldered captain returned TO
his duties ON deck.
Here was news with vengeance, and
you may depend, gentlemen, had but
little appetite for dinner, while my in
terest in yachting took asudden tumble.
The unfortunate Irishman's yacht had
been obtained through bloodshed, and l
was superstitious enough to believe that
the fatality might cling TO her. heart !
lily wished myself and the entire party !
on shore. would not alarm them by !
what the master had stated TO me, but !
casual inquiry revealed the fact that
there was not weapon Of any descrip-
ton aft save my own revolver, which /
at once loaded and placed in an inner !
pocket.
We were off Cape st. Vincent, bowl !
ing along with fine breeze, and the |
glowing beauties of gorgeous sunset
had tempted Miss Raymond from the
bedside of her father for a few mo-
ments. Poor childl she looked pale and
wan, and the fresh air was sadly need
ed, she having been closely confined be-
low in consequence Of the rapid strides
the malady had made upon her father.
The sea voyage had not proved benef-
cial, and there was but little doubt that
the hand of death was upon him.
Miss Isabel was standing by the break
of the quarter deck on the weather side
while / had stepped to leeward Of the
main boom for a moment to take look !
at the coast, which was in plain view.
A slight exclamation of alarm caught |
my ear, and turning quickly detected
the villainous countenance Of the NAL |
tese leering with an unmistakable ex-
preston at the young lady. His hand
was extended, as if on the point of grasp
ing her clothing, which was sufficient
for me TO act without wasting one word
upon the SCARED, swarthy faced scoun- /
drel. Snatching a brass Delaying pin |
from the fiferail, l brought it down with |
crushing force upon the fellows head, /
telling him to the deck as if struck by
The crew, attracted by the confusion !
of it, paused, looked at one another and |
then began to hitch up their Wristbands
and bare their arms, as if bent upon
mischief without further delay. But |
Crowell, stepping forward, ordered them
to resume their work, while | stepped |
below, snatched a pair of handouts from /
a spare locker and we soon had the |
Maltese secured and slowed away in the