The Newtown bee., 1896-12-18

winch are necessary to it's working. First are the two lifts. These are made fast each at the end of the yard, and are hooked in the masthead above the yard. The lifts are the ropes that give the picturesque, triangular appearance, the base of the triangle being the yard itself the lifts forming the other two sides. These lifts must be securely fastened at the head of their own mast-0therwiee the weight of 8 man furling or making sail at the end of the yard would cause it to turn cad for end, or, as the triggers called it, to "cockbill'' like a gigantic seesaw. Then each yard has foot-ropes upon which the men walk to furl sail t; and, lastly, each yard has two braces These are fastened at the ends of the yard, and lead to the deck. Like the sheets of mainsail they are used alter nately to trim the yard to the wind.
 At the order of his boss Sam looked for the customary eyes at the heel of the top-gallant mast into which the tOpsail lifts were to be hooked.
 "There ain't no place to hook lem in !''
 Sam shouted this information down with the tone of man scoring one at the expense of his boss.
 Don't yer suppose l know that? ?' Tom called back, with asperity. "Didn't A NC4A J|A GC AdS1 GGlPSS ILLUS UHST bGlE head of the tOpmOst? Do what I tell yer to, and don't give me so much of yer lipI'
 The three men below chucklnd a little at their unpopular mates discontinue
 "Got it done? We can't wait all day !'' shouted Tom, hitting the mast with the butt of his marlin-spike. As no answer came he called again. ''Be sure and put something there that will hold yer p
 "Oh, shet up! You don't need to tell me how '" Even st that great night Tom could distinguish peering down into his, lifted above him like a thing of evil omen, dark and threatening, a face distorted with hate and revenge. Tom | felt of his belt. 4 piece of old line was there. He had picked it up as if by chance in the loft that morning. It had 1 lain there on the floor, discarded months ago, and now beckoned him with an i'm performances that Tom could not with stand. Why did he stoop and pick it up ! Then his dream told him why. It might be used for the quarter-stop for the top gallant yard about to be sent up that morning. He felt that he was impelled by Niagara of fate; and, spent by the exhaustion of the night, and harassed by the thought of the scene that must soon be enacted between his old mate and himself, to be carried passiyely on the current of his approaching opportunity.
 And now, as Sam looked, he saw up. turned toward him 8 face as menacing as his own. Then he knew that Mary had ''told," that the hour of his struggle was at hand, and that no longer would even show of friendliness be tolerated between them.
 Made those lashings fast?H Tom called gruffly.
 ''Ay, ay."
 ''Are they strong?"
 "Ay, ay what the ?''-
 "Send up that starboard brace! Get out there quick now! Hurry up! There ain't no time for fooling," nagged Tom.
 Then Sam Purse stated for the end of the yard. It was the end that hung over the water, full hundred feet above the oily harbOr. With provoking slowness Sam took hIs ease. He walked with the pTacticed steps of an old sailor upon the foot-ropes, leaning with hls waist upon the yard. A third of the way to the end he stopped, and fumbled in his pocket for mutilated rectangle of navy plug To Tom, watching hIm below, it seemed a cycle before Sam resumed his slow advance. But Tom did not reprove. He was rigger enough to know that, if at word of his. man in such 8 dangerous place lost his hold, the foreman might be beld liable.
 Now there came into Toms mind new influence; power took hold of him stronger for the moment than the au- thori6y of God or maB, and this held him up short. What was this? Daily, practical, irresistible habit, the fore mans instinct to protect his men.
 Thus there was tremendous struggle in Toms being that morning. It was a duel between mechanics conseie nee and rigger's revenge-a revenge plan- ned so naturally and subtly that neither medical examiner nor the pertinacity of the law could find any precext against him. The terrible temptation consi ted in the unique security of his own position. As he watched Sam's progress with an unusual apprehension due to an unu ual state of mind, his honest workma1'a heart revolEed at the treason that 1t had entertained. The man and the dream fought 1t out in these brief moments.
 Away with the decayed quarterstop! les. No. Yes. A thousand times yes Then Tom threw the frayed rope out on the water and drew the breath of q conqueror.
 Take care, there F he shouted, be- cause his heart had changed.
 But Sam Purse moved as if he enjoyed the view and were paid by the hour. He hummed his fav0rite tune, his feet keeping step t0 the slow swing of Sweet Maria. 10 Tom this was an insult. and