Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-26

amt oeen Jammeu by The grip CT this
mere CAPT. And the listeners heard the
man fling his cap violently on to the
deck.
The other walked silently into the
bows of the ship
That fellows losing the right time
in his works, isn't hep" said Hankoy as
The two strolled leisurely eft, turning
Tor moment TO lcok at the figure of
the man who was standing motionless
IN the moonlight. like a shape Of ebony.
with his eyes seemingly fixed upon his
feet.
There's always a religious seaman
In long voyage forecastle." said Day.
enire.
Hes needed, said his companion.
remember q man" continued Dav
enire, who before the voyage was
ended got two-thirds of what had been
the profanest set of blasphemers that
ever slept in forecastle to regularly
assemble at prayer meeting in tho
first dog watch. He was q pale man,
with large. spiritual eyeballs. He got
| nrst one and then two to listen to him.
II was SLOW work, but he perseyered.
Inc passengers made him purse before
the ships arrival, and he distributed
the money among his congregation, re.
iuslng to take q penny piece. That
was
he was interrupted by loud groan
or cry OF Jesus receive mer' immedi-
ately followed b. the splash of a body.
Man overheard" yelled q voice from
the forecastle head
Hanged if it isn't that pious sea.
manu- cried Davenire, and he and his
friend rushed on to the poop.
Help, help." shouted O voice along.
side. Pick me up aiore I'm drownded.
Good LORD, what have gone and done?"
The fine white moonlight was so clear
ycu could distinctly see the mans nm.
turned face as he struck out The ship
slowly drove past. Sone of the ladies
were screaming. Mr.. Poole, who had
the watch. sprang to the quarter and
with both hands launched q large life
buoy quoitlike. 1t struck the swimmer,
who was shouting for help, and he went
under, but was up again in q minute
and foated, holding on to the life buoy,
bubbllng and bawling, while the ship
was gradually coming round to the wind.
They got him aboard after some
bothering with the boat. Old Benson.
IN his tall hat. stood stern and firm at
the head of the poop ladder. Tho
shadows Of his legs, painted by the
moon on the white plank, might have
framed some gigantic egg with its top
sliced Oh. All the passengers had gath
cred near him to view the drenched man
lifted over the rail. Some Of the ladies
trembled and famed themselves, and
Mr.. Dent looked scared and white in
the pale light. The half drowned man
stood upright, hatless, with plastered
hair and cleaning, wet shadow spread
at his feet.
lis he able to speak," cried the cap
tain.
Are you able to speak?" shouted llr.
Poole III the mans ear.
Why. yes" answered the fellow,
passing his soppiEg arm over his stream
ing face. Whats it all about? Gil US
o drop of liquor, some un."
Did he fall overboard?' demanded
the captain.
He threw himself overheard, SIR"
sang out voice from the boats falls.
"Gi' us a drop. My senses are all
abroad. said the man.
Captain Trollope went down the port
poop ladder. He pulled flask of brandy
from his pocket, and the soaked and
crazy seaman drained q couple Of gilis.
Then his teeth began to chatter, and he
trembled violently.
Did you fall overboard:'' shouted
old Benson.
II chucked myself overheard" an.
swered the fellow in q shudderin2,
whispering voice.
"Chucked yourself overheard" cried
the literal captain. "D'you mean to tell
me you meant to drown yourself aboard
my ship"
mot arter I was in the water" re-
piled the man. looking at Captain Troll.
lope as though fer another sup.
Take him forward Take him for.
wardi" shouted the skipper in accents
Of horror and rage.
II thought l was going mad" cried
the man, land that could only save
my soul by perlshlng first.
Take him forward" howled the
captain. And, Mr.. Poole. set watch
over him..
I'm calm now. feel it's all right.
The wetting's done ne sights Of good.
It's all along of watching that chap on
the hatch" exclaimed the man.
But here Mr.. Poole and others fell
20, CT, MI
the hustling group walked forward and
vanished like smoke in the dusk of the
forecastle.
CHAPTER vi.
THE ARAS CHEST.
When Captain Benson came On deck
early next morning, the sailors were
washing down, and the ship was stretch