The herald., 1897-09-12
author Of HLr1ATERS FoLLT" Etc.,

listening with profound attention to the
mixed growls and screeches, to every
exclamation and every curse of the
sudden outbreak. The big shape of Mr..
Creighton lowered silently about the
slight figure of the master.
1--WE have been hymposed upon all
this voyage" said a gruff voice, "but
this ere fancy takes the cake. That
man is a shipmate. Are we bloomin'
kids? Giv'us our Jimmy
This seemed to cause a variation in
the disturbance. There was a fresh
burst of squabbling uproar. A lot of
quarrels were set going at once.
''They have started a row amongst
themselves now," said Mr.. Creighton
with disdain; better get aft. sir. We
will soothe them.'
Keep your temper, Creighton" said
the master. And the three men began
to move slowly toward the cabin door.
The elder seamen, bewildered and an
cry. growled their determination to go
through with something or other; but
the younger school of advanced thought
exposed their and Jimmy's wrongs with
confused shouts, arguing amongst
themselves. Inside the cabin, Belfast,
helping Jimmy into his bunk twitched
all over in his desire not to miss all the
row, and with difficulty restrained the
tears of his facile emotion. James Wait,
fiat on his back under the blanket,
gasped complaints.
1--WE will back you up, never fear"
assured Belfast, busy about his feet.
"I'll come out tomorrow morning
take my chance" mumbled Wait,
Skipper or no skipper" He lifted one
arm with great difficulty, passed the
hand over his face. Don't you let that
cook" he breathed out.
mo, no." said Belfast, turning his
back on the bunk, II will put head
on him If he comes near you."
II will smash his mug!" exclaimed
family Wait, enraged and weak; II
don't want to kill man, but" He
painted fast like dog after a run in
sunshine.
Some one just outside the door shout
ed, Hes as fit as any ov us!" Belfast
put his hand on the door-handle.
"Here" called James Wait hurriedly
and In such a clear voice that the other
spun round with start. James Wait,
stretched out black and deathlike in the
dazzling light, turned his head on the
pillow. His eyes stared at Belfast, ap-
pealing and impudent.
II am rather weak from lying-up so
long," he said distinctly. Belfast nod
ded.
Getting quite well now," insisted
Wait.
Eyes. I noticed you getting better
this-last month";" said Belfast looking
down. "Hallo! What's this" he shout
ed and ran out.
He was flattened directly against the
side of the house by two men who
lurched agaist him. A lot of disputes
seemed to be going on all around. Dom
kin hissed, go for them-it's dark"
The crowd took a short run aft in q
body-then there was q check. Donkin,
agile and thin, fitted past with his
right arm going like a windmill-and
then stood still suddenly with his arm
pointing rigidly above his head. The
hurtling fight of some small, heavy
object was heard; it passed between
the heads Of the two mates. bounded
heavily along the deck, struck the after
hatch with a ponderous and deadened
blow.
The bulky shape Of Mr.. Baker grew
distinct. "Come to your senses. men!"
he cried, advancing at the arrested
crowd.
Come back. Mr.. Baker!" called the
masters quiet voice. He obeyed un-
willingly.
There was a minute of silence, then a
deafening hubbub arose. Above it
Archie was heard energetically, "If ye
do oot ageen wull tell" There were
shouts. "Don't!" Drop i'll" I'VE
amt that kind" The black cluster of
human forms reeled against the bull
wark, back again toward the house.
Shadowy figures could be seen totter-
ing. falling, leaping up. Ringbolts rang
under stumbling feet. drop it!' Let
mel" mol" Course you-hah!" Then