Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-01-28

with him. His name, as don t remem-
Der to have told you before, was Cort-
rite He was middle aged man, well
up in his duties, and have said moth
ing of him simply because had not
taken him into my confidence. don't
mean that | lnistrusted him, but that
thought it wise to confine my suspicious
to as few persons as possible as long rs
they were only suspicious. The meeting
In the cabin had Of course brought him
a knowledge Of the situation, and there
was no doubt that he could be thor
oughly depended on. The bo'sun might
or might not be with us. When I asked
Cortrite his opinion Of things, he re-
piled:
"Mr. Tompkins, If hadn't known
that you were watching the run Of
things l should have posted you bit.
It's my opinion that the two women
have been won over and that they have
also made a tool of the doctor. If there's
nothing in sight when tho sun comes
up, then God help us!''
"You think there'll DO All outbreak
a mutiny?"
I'm as sure of it Us that stand
here. l understand that we have arms
aboard. If might be bold enough, I'd
advise you to make ready for what is
to come.
When I went into the cabin, found
Captain CLARK up and dressed and wait
ing for me. ! told him what MI. Cort-
rite had said, and he replied:
1--WE can't begin too soon. You
quietly fasten on the iron shutters while
I overhaul the firearms.
1t was q quiet night, with only
enough wind to give the craft Storage
way, and fortunately for US the dolt of
o man Hawley was at the wheel from
midnight to 2 o'clock. The provisions
for convicts and sailors were slowed for
ward Of the cages, as was also num-
Der Of the water casks Those for cabin
use were slowed in the lazarette, and
there were other water casks ballasted
between the bulkhoads Of the passen-
gers cabins and the one hiding the aft
er iron cage from view. You will re-
member that this bulkhead or partition
was pierced for musketry.
We could come ut water and pro-
visions without leaving the cabin or ex-
posing ourselves, and when VIC had the
shutters up and the firearms ready for
service Captain Clark looked about and
said:
Ralph. we cannot only make good
fight for it if attacked, but think the
al. no
greatest care now will be to guard
against any sudden rush aft. "
Neither of US turned i'll that night,
and both of US were on deck at day
light. At sunrise q man was sent aloft
with glass, but he swept the sea in
vain for sight of sail. The fellow could
not hide the exultant look in his eyes
as he came down and reported, and we
felt that the hour Of peril was close at
hand The demeanor Of the men as they
washed down the decks was defiant,
and had the convict gangs come up as
usual the outbreak would have occurred
with the advent of the first The cap
tain ordered that they remain below
until after the doctors morning inspec-
ton. In view Of the supposed pestilence
this order did not seem to excite any
great surprise.
When the passengers gathered for
breakfast, all were surprised to observe
that the cabin had been put in a state
of defense. may add that DR.. Haxton
and those who sided with him were also
cynical and inclined to joke about it.
As the iron shutters were fitted inside,
no one forward could know about them.
We didn't want them to know, and
kept watch of the two single women as
they went on deck after breakfast. !