The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-03-18

Next morning the result of Padre
Eebastiano's discussion with the two
mates was apparent, for Diaz came to
the captain and preached the subject
of heading for Santa Rosa. Halstead
demurred little at frst-said the
change OF course would make him late,
as il was. etc.-but finally admitted
that IL would take only a few hours
more. and said that he had no objec-
lions This was Thursday. Ispent the
afternoon and most of Friday with
6enorita Gracia, liking her better the
more saw OF her. was pretty sure
that Halstead had little the advan-
tage OF me in her regard, but she never
showed IL while we were together. In
fact, as the time drew near when was
TO leave the steamer, she seemed dis
posed. by unmistakabe evidences OF
liking for me, TO produce an impress
sion that neither years nor absence
could efface; and she certainly sue
ceeded. When l said good night at the
door OF her stateroom, Friday evening,
] wondered little what the result
would be should / throw up the enter
prise and remain on board. But the
captain was porting over the chart
again when l reached our quarters,
and one glance at his face was sufli-
Client 10 Danish all indecfsion. On my
part, the affair had been. so far, mere
~ speculative; there had been no OPP
portunity for action. Halstead, on the
other hand, was now fully committed.
He end Mcpherson had taken a def
mite step which there was no retrac-
ing-which might cost them their posi-
not-and, while he had certainly gone
into the affair with the hope Of better
ing his condition, ! knew that but for
my persistence he wouldn't have at
tempted II. He looked up as came in,
and motioned me TO close the door.
Six bells had just struck, and all the
passengers were below, so we were not
likely 10 be disturbed. lie asked me
where had seen the padre last.
I'm the saloon. drinking rum and wa
ter Why?"
"You haven't noticed him around the
after deck this evening. have your"
"No, not once"
''I've had patent log towing astern
since eight bells, and I'm in hopes that
no one has seen IL. Here's where we
were at noon" pointing TO penciled
cross on the chart), 'and we've been
running twelve knots ever since. Now,
Findlay fixes the Santa Rosa at
about twelve-thirty moth, by hun
dred and forty-four. fifteen cas-. And
IL Is laid down here mile or two each
side OF that. The wind has been so
light that we won't have 20 figure much
on leeway, and we've held her right on
the point of cas-, quarter moth. all
day; so that she ought TO make the
shoal some time in the morning watch
say, six bells, or before. Diaz figured
this afternoon, that his watch would be
on deck before we struck the position
and told the padre IL would be around
breakfast time. IL no one sees that
log. he isn't likely to change his mind
Now. II by any lucky chance we do find
Bottom there, I'll want your assist.
nncc; and you'll have to keep your wits
about you. Watch my actions closely
When ! order the quartermaster 20
steer for Guajan, go below as quickly
as you can and make your way aft, on
the lower deck, 10 cable lockers at the
stern. Take the new log, In this box
here. and pay IL out through the bitt
port, say about 80 fathom, being
mighty careful you don't foul the
screw with IL. You'll find a cross.
brace OF angle iron, down there. thu,
Mac fixed athwart the port 10 fasten
the register on. It's taffrall log-not
like tn one I've got astern now; you've
got TO haul that one In TO read a.
'Tain't likely that anyone'l notice the
line. but you'll have 10 haul IL in when
we get abreast OF Cocos reef, SOS the
men won't notice Il when they go be.
low 10 clear away the cable at Aprn. >
Before turning in, he took the log
from its box and showed me exactly
how il worked, making me repeat the
instructions until he felt sure !
wouldn't botch the experiment. In fact
my mind was so full OF IL all that
slept badly. and dressed before sun.
rise. Halstead was as anxious as my.
self, bus he had his nerves under per.
feet control and reserved his energies
until they were needed. Diaz, though
confident we would not reach the reef
before breakfast, had turned out al
five bells and was searching the hori-
ron with his glass, on the bridge,
Moreno taking an occasional squirt
also. AZ about half-past six the cap.
tain sang out 60 him:
.Guess you'd better let one Of the
quartermasters get the lead ready
Moreno"
ISL, senior. DO you think we are near
the poslcion?"
"very close to II, now. Mr.. McPber.
-. 49,. 49,. hnep rnntfnor ~ Lrnt.