The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-02-12
MET HALF WAY.

ship as seaman aboard the Warrior, as
she lay in the harbor. A fine two mast
ed schooner was the vessel, and Captain
Scudder was properly proud Of her as
she lay alongside the wharf receiving
cargo and passengers. She was to sail
with twenty souls upon her-seventeen
men, two women and lady's maid. AT
the last moment the captain decided to
augment his crew by one man more.
Ere he made move to engage one, he
heard mans voice saying:
ssPlease tell me where the captain
is?'
He turned and faced the speaker, who
was tall, gaunt fellow Of thirty years
or thereabout. with such diffidence of
manner as required some courage in
him to look the captain squarely in the
face, when the latter grufiy said:
s.I'm the captain
The man stood still in an awkward
attitude under the captains stern gaze
as IL unable to find speech before so
fierce glance. He dropped his dull gray
eyes to the deck and dotted his now
shapeless hat, and spoke, after q gulp.
in low voice that slightly trembled:
IF You please, may ! work my passage
outy
The captain was moved by this speech
to faint facial demonstration Of amuse-
ment. A pretty sailor this big, shame
faced man would makel The captain
studied the applicants appearance in der
tail A homely fellow he was, with an
unhealthy brown hue to his skin, fore
head into which some lines Of sorrow
had been wrought, rowing eyes that met
ones glance with slightly startled look,
haggard face without whiskers, re-
ceding chin, bent shoulders and grace
less way Of wearing his faded and fray
ed attire. Red hands and long wrists
prptruded from the two short sleeves Of
his wornout blouse.
asked thescaptain in tone Of ridicule.
mot much, sir. I've worked with
fishermen, and | know . little about
handling smack"
Il reckon we don't need you. Ever
been on schooner before at all"
Gotten as passenger, sir. know
I'm not seaman, but I'll do anything.
! want to get back to my people"
You look strong enough; but why do
you hang your head like that? One
would think you were q coward
81 am, said the man, in low voice.
"What! and you admit it?r
Eyes. Why not? I've fought hard
against it, but can't help it. ! make
up my mind to be brave enough, but
when the time comes for it I'm afraid.
The captain had never met such q
character as this before, and he was in.
terested. A few other loungers ON the
wharf stopped to overhear the converse
ton, their attention first being attracted
by the great height Of the man.
Afraid of WHAT" asked the captain.
Il don't know. Of death, suppose.
This is how it is: came from home
with a comrade; go back alone. One
day when we were out in little sloop a
storm came up, and in sudden lurch Of
the boat my partner was knocked over
board by the boom. In half minute
the boat was several fathoms away from
him. He couldn't swim
why didn't you throw him liner
asked bystander.
Because | was afraid for my own
towards life! \ didn't dare to let go
the tiller for moment. stood there
stupid with fear, afraid to leave the tiller
for an instant, afraid of death. felt
like man paralyzed. As the boat rose
and fell on the waves watched my
friend struggle in the sea. saw him
throw up his arms; saw his face white
with terror; heard him cry out Save
mer and then he must have read what
was in my scared face, for he shouted
Coward and sent me look of hate as
the waters covered him up. | don't
know how made land, but got in safe
after six hours of tossing, when the gale
fell. I'd give my life, if only could, to
know that wasn't coward, but when
the time comes to show it haven't the
power. You don't know the shame Of
it, sir, but you would if you could see
that look on my comrades face, and i
his last cry rang in your ears day and
night. Cowardice Is upon me like 1
curse. It's the blight of my life, sir.
Such evident shame and grief were
upon the mans face that all who heard
/ including the captain, were moved L
some pity of his state, and so much curl
4 osity had he excited in the captain
mind that he was employed for the yoy
Eage.
When Me Warrior hoisted sail an hon
later she had twenty one souls aboard
The captain classified them thus: Seven
teen men, two ladies, a maid and COW
ard.
The Warrior had good winds at th
start of her voyage. But one night
wind rose and at daylight there was
heavy gale, Whitecaps danced Wild
|, upon the waters Of the sound. The pei
turbation of the sea was becoming fright
ful. The vessel was driving straight o
/ to . rocky coast, The passengers, pal
: with dread Of the coming catastroph'
dashed themselves to the deck or clun
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