The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-06-15

vessel, where the captain, agrlzzied OLD |
salt, was pacing the deck and urging
the stevedores to greater efforts.
The Seabird was trim built craft OF
about 600 tons. The cook was flying i
about the deck in his white apron, the
second mate was hard at work below,
and as the two men stepped on board 1
the captain said, cheerily:
Good morning, Mr.. Avery. We're
about ready you see. The wind Is falr,
and if nothing happens we'll be under
way by dinner time. The mate has
gone back on me and I've sent after
another man. .
In a few words the miner informed
the old seadog Of his adventure the pre-
ceding evening, adding:
This is Mr. Thomas Scott, who saved
my life. If it Hadn't been for him you'd
have sailed without me, and now you've
got to take him too. He'll pay the same
as do, and Share my stateroom. Is II
q bargain?"
Hes welcome, . was the curt reply,
"as long as he's to bunk in with you.
I've no other spare berth. .
Good" exclaimed Avery. "Come on,
Scott, We'll have to hurry up and get
your stuff
Toms companion was an old traveller,
and knew exactly what was required
for the voyage, as well as where to OBJ
tain it, and when the tug came along
side at noon our hero had well-flled
chest OF clothing below, and stood on
deck watching the operation of getting
under way.
snake that hawser fast ively!"
shouted harsh voice near him, and
Tom turned to see "a short, thickset
man, busting about and cursing the
sailors roundly. His face was turned
away, but there was something famil-
lar in his bearing, and Tom was won
dering at this when Capt. Coffin
shouted: -
"Let the men get their dinner while
we are towing down, Mr.. Rider
AYE, aye, SIR" r.. ..sss~ =
Tom started as if he had been shot.
He saw the mate turn towards the poop
deck as he replied and there was no
installing his features. The red face,
bushy beard and brutal mouth could
belong to none other than Toms old
enemy, Obed Rider, who had brought
the story of Capt. SCOTS flight to Mer-
rivale. If any further proof was need
ed, his broken nose, which added to the
responsiveness of his appearance, was
noticeable at the first glance. f..
AS he caught sight of Tom he stopped
as if rooted to the deck and uttered an
exclamation of amazement, for the rec
ognition was mutual. Then an evil
light blazed in his eyes and he bounded
towards Tom, kissing through his set
teeth:
"How came you aboard this craft?"
His fists were clenched, but he paused
before reaching striking distance, for
four years had developed Tom Scott
from lanky boy into tall, muscular
man, and the same undaunted spirit
now looked boldly into the others eyes,
The captain and the old miner were
both below at the moment, the former
having gone to his dinner, after giving
his last order, and the chief officer stood
glazing at Tom like an enraged animal
He had been shipped at the last mo-
ment and had no knowledge of any pas
sengers on board, supposing Tom must
have been engaged as common sailor.
what are you doin' of on that quar-
ter deck?" he demanded, as Tom made
no reply to his first question. whats
the matter with you! Open your
mouth or I'll open it for you! What
are you doing here p r.. -.
"None of your business replied
Tom, finding his tongue at last.
"I'll make it my business blamed
quick!" cried the Infatuated officer, his
eyes swapping as he thought of the long
voyage ahead and his power to take his
revenge tenfold on one under his au-
thority. -. 49,. ~
"Get forward where you belong" he
shouted.
Tom understood now what was pass,
ing In the others mind, but determined
not to undeceive the mate in order that
the truth might be all the more crush
ing when made known.
1 II WON'T stir a peg for you, Obed
Rider" he replied, land if you are not
careful will make y our facelookworse
than did when, I was boy. What
bad luck brought you here dom tknow,
but Iwarn you to keep clear from mel"
The expression on the mates face was
fairly fiendish as he snatched an iron
Delaying pin from the fife rail and
rushed at Tom, crying:
'You won't stir, Ell! Curse you, I'll
show you the difference between afoat
i and ashore!"
But his blow was arrested in mid air
by an iron grip about his wrist and the
weapon was torn from his hand instant
/ ". He found himself pressed agains:
the mizzenmast with force that near
" took his breath away, while Tom said,
sternly:
Don't try that with me again or TIL
q pitch you overboard!"
! As he spoke he released the mate, who
sprang for the cabin steps, his face
crimson with passion, shouting:
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