Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-01-08

SlpdteO lOoklnS, worn MI. Sampson
Masters. They constantly gazed aloft
to judge if all was right with the sails,
and their talk concerned tine shining
fabric towering III spires over their
heads. On the forecastfe were to lie seen
Mr.. Dixie Caldwell and Mr.. Isaac Cav
endish. They trudged to and fro, often
glancing in the direction Of the starlike
sail. Caldwell carried his hands deep
set in his pockets and made a surly fig
ure as he stepped with his head slightly
hung.
While they trudged Mr.. Weston came
out Of the fcrecastie through the small
hatch, and calling across to Caldwell,
81 think those fellows mean to give
trouble" walked aft, often looking VI
at the ship and continuing so to gaze,
as though the whole interest of the voy
age now lay IN the sails and rigging
till he gained the side Of Trcllope, with
whom he catered into conversation.
On sudden up through the fore scut,
tie there sprang on the forecast,e the
lively shape Of Harry the Dane. He was
followed by the slow man, William.
Caldwell and his companion stepped
when they sew these men. Harry look.
cd at them for u moment or two, then
aft, as though uncertain at which end
of the ship to let fly the contents Of his
mind. He then roared out with several
mutinous gestures:
What's mo and William been KEEP
aboard this ship for? I ask you tive
gents what's nae and William been KEEP
for?''
Because we want you," said Mr..
Caldwell, looking at him darkly.
AYE, that's all right, shouted Harry
the Dane. That's your way of think
ing. But I'm a respectable sailor, and
SOS William, and d'you think we're
to be conyarted into blooming pirates,
with the sartinty Of being hanged if
e'er a man-of-war should fall in with
Us, simply because you want us?''
whats the matter!" bawled Cap.
tain Trollope, coming to the rail at the
break Of the poop.
"Here's this little sailor wants to
give trouble" Mr.. Caldwell called back.
Look here, you two men, said
Captain Tro,lope, frowning savagely at
Harry, Il dOn't'know what you mean
by talking of pirates and yardarming. -
William sounded harsh laugh deep in
his throat. But understand this-if
you turn to quietly and help us to navi.
gate this ship you shall be rewarded by
gift of gold out and away handsomer
than your whole ships company would
have taken up in money on their ar.
2 no
trouble, we Will fire a bullet through
each Of your scurvy brains and fling
your scabby bodies overheard -
William said. husky and slow, eff we
turn to. will you give us paper signed
by the principals in this business, say
ing as how we was forced along with
you against our wishes?''
What are you afraid OFF, said Cap
tain Trollope.
"Of a man-of-war. Kissed AIRY.
There's no man-of-war down here, :"
said Captain Trollope. "We shall be
out of this ship in the inside of fort
night. the booty distributed, and every
man on his own hook. I hope
How much are We to get out Of the
job:" said William.
IF it's put so. I'm done," shouted
the Dane. Touching it'll be hanging.
Gil me that paper William asks for, and
I'll work fer you
You shall have it, said Captain
Troliope after a pause. ''Now 30 for
ward and keep quiet and 90 what you re
told. This is to be laughter loving
ship. No groans are to he heard aboard
the Qpeen.''
Trollope stopped ard vhistled. "Bv
Ceo-se!' said he, we've forgotten old
| Benson.
mo ceremony, I hope" said Dave
nire.
IAN cid sailor. gentle toss, and the
song OF the bubbles he mikes shall be
! his requiem, exclaimed Captain Trol-
lope.
IA very pretty fancy" said ,rr.
Weston. shall we bury him in his
hat?'
And make a Quaker of a church
MANI" said Masters, who, spealiuc
those words, paced Of to the wheel aud
stood beside Shannon, looking at the
| card.
ITS deuced unlucky that this wind
should be heading us" said Trollope.
waking out Of some moody fit of mus.
ing and addressing Davenire, who lean.
ed to leeward next him. III il draws
another point more easterly, we rms,
bout ship
| when are the watches to ba cat.
tled?' said Davenire.
Whenever the men like. Surpose
we say now, at once," exclaimed Troll.
lope. Its not the custom. believe.
but it'll be conveniens ii cur case. 70.
some must keep the decl, while the res,
eat, and a watch should be set
He beckoned to Caldwell and called
to the rest. Mr.. johnson stepped out O,
the galley to- listen and observe via,
passed. Eight of the ten assembled on
the poop, johnson being forward and
Shannon at the wheel
Lay aft. you two men, sang on,
ATrollope to the seamen, who loated
with an air Of discomfort and uncertain,
- in Tho forecastle door. "We're roinn
p divide o1zsslves INTO watcheSf q
ut ont roo with - - y.
e. e asWSyk TN fl an. = "a :