The herald., 1897-09-12

to listen to him. An opportunity presents
itself one night when Jimmy and the COOK
get into an alteration in the former s
cabin. Podmore is anxious to save Jim
my's soul, but the latter refuses to pray.
The noise of the discussion attracts the
men on deck.
PARTY v.
The little cabin was as hot as an
even. Outside the men called by Char
ley, who informed them, in tones of de-
light that there was row going on in
Jimmy's place. pushed before the closed
door, too startled to open it. All hands
were there. The watch below had Jump
ed out on deck in their shirts, as after q
collision.
Men running up, asked, What is t."
Others said. "Listen!"
The muff1ed screaming went on:
ION your knees. On your knees"
"Shut up
II see you dying this minnyt-before
my eyes-as good as dead now"
"Help!" shouted Jimmy, piercingly.
mot in this valley-look upward"
howled the other.
. go away! Murder! Help!" clamor-
ed Jimmy.
whats the matter now?" said a
seldom-heard voice. Fall back, men!"
Fall back, there!" repeated Mr..
Creighton sternly, pushing through.
Here's the old man." whispered
some. "The cooks in there, SIR" ex-
claimed several, backing away.
The door clattered open; a broad
stream of light leaped out on wondering
faces. A warm whiff of vitiated air
passed. The two mates lowered head
and shoulders above the spare, gray
headed man who stood revealed be-
tween them, In shabby clothes, stiff and
angular, like small carved figure, and
with thin, composed face. The cook
got up from his knees. Jimmy sat high
in the bunk, clasping his drawn-up legs.
The tassel of the blue nightcap almost
imperceptibly trembled over his knees
They gazed astonished at his long,
curved back, while the white corner of
one eye cleaned blindly at them.
What are you doing here?" asked
Mr.. Baker, sharply.
"My duty" said the cook, with ardor.
"Your-what?" began the mate.
Captain Allistoun touched his arm
lightly. II know his caper," he said. in
low voice. "Come out Of that Pod
MORE" he ordered, aloud.
The cook wrung his hands, shook his
ped as If too heavy. II make you re-
sponsible!" he cried desperately, turning
half around. THAT man is dying. 1
make you"
"You there yet?" called the master in
threatening tone.
mo, sir" he exclaimed in startled
voice. The boatswain led him away
by the arm; some one laughed. Jimmy
lifted his head for stealthy glance
and in one unexpected leap sprang out
Of his bunk. Belfast ran to his support
He did not appear to be aware of any
one near him; he stood silent for mo-
ment battling single-handed with le-
gion Of nameless terrors. Heavy breath
ings stirred the darkness. The sea
gurgled through the scuppers as the
ship heeled over to short puff of wind
keep him away from me-" said
James Wait, at last, in his fine baritone
voice, and leaning with all his weight
on Belfast's neck. i've been better
this last week. am well-I was going
back to uty-tomorrow-now If you
like-Captain." Belfast hitched his
shoulders to keep him upright.
NO" said the master, looking at
him fixedly.
"Why not?" cried voice from the
II am all right said Wait with
eagerness. Been sick-better-turn-t
now. Keep away from me-" giving Bel
fast a petulant push, and reeling.
fetched against the door-post. His
cheek-bones glistened as though they
had been vanished. He snatched off
his night-cap, wiped his perspiring face
with it, flung it on the deck. II am
coming out" he said, without stirring.
mo. You don't" said the master
curtly. Bare feet shuff1ed, disapproving
voices murmured all round; he went on
as if he had not heard: you have been
shamming sick. Why anybody can see
that. There's nothing the matter with
you, but you choose to lie-up to please
yourself-and now you shall lie-up to
please me. Mr.. Baker, my orders are
that this man is not to be allowed on
deck to the end of the passage"
There We're exclamations of surprise,
triumph, indignation. The dark group
OF men swung across the light.
We've got to say something habout
that" screeched Donkin from the rear.
"Never mind, Jim. We will see you
righted," cried several together. An
elderly seaman stepped to the front.
"D'ye mean to say, SIR" he asked omi-
to get we'll in this ere hooker?"
Behind him Donkin whispered excit-
edly amongst staring crowd where no
one spared him a.glance. but Captain
Allistoun shook forefinger at the an
gry bronzed face of the speaker. "You
you hold your tongue" he said warn
ingly.
Hare we bloomin' masheens?" in
quired Donkin in a piercing tone. and
and dived under the elbows of the front
rank. "Soon show i'm we amt boys.
The mans man if he Is black We
amt goin' to work this bloomin' ship
shorthanded if Snowball's all right. He
says he is. We'll then, strike, boys,
strike! That's the bloomin' ticket
Captain Allistoun said sharply to the
second mate, Keep quiet, Mr.. Creigh-
ton," and stood composed in the tumult,