The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-07-28
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
Next morning the result of Padre
Eebastiano's discussion with the two
mates was apparent, for Iiaz came to
the captain and preached the subject
of heading for Santa Rosa. Halstead
-demurred a little at frst-said the
change of course would make him late,
,as it was, etc.-but finally admitted
that it would take only few hours
more. and said that he had no objec-
lions. This was Thursday. Ispent the
afternoon and most of Friday with
'Senorita Gracia, liking her better the
more I saw of her. l was pretty sure
that Halstead had little the advan-
tage of me in her regard. but she never
showed it while we were together. In
fact, as the time drew near when l was
to leave the steamer, she seemed dis
posed, by unmistakable evidences of
liking for me, to produce an impress
sion that neither years nor absence
could efface; and she certainly sue
ceeded. When I said good night at the
door of her stateroom, Friday evening,
I wondered little what the result
prise and remain on board. But the
captain was porting over the chart
again when I reached our quarters,
and one glance at his face was sufi-
cient to Danish all indecision. On my
part, the affair had been, so far, mere
ly speculative; there had been no op-
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-
tions whether we were successful or
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 it. 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 to be disturbed. He asked me
where 1 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 you?"
mo, not once"
"1've had patent log towing astern
since eight bells, and I'm in hopes that
no one has seen it. Here's where we
were at noon" (poirting 20 a penciled
cross on the chart). land we've been
running twelve knots ever since. Now,
Findlay fixes the Santa Rosa at
about twelye-thirty moth, by hun
dred and forty-four. fifteen cas-. And
it is laid down here mile or two each
side of that. The wind has teen so
light that we won't have to figure much
on leeway. and we've held her right on
the point of cas-. quarter moth, oil
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 it would be around
breakfast time. If no one sees that
log. he isn't likely to change his mind.
Now. if by any lucky chance we do find
bottom there. I'll want your assist
ance; and you'll have 10 keep your wits
about you. Watch my actions closely.
When l order the quartermaster to
steer for Guajan. go below as quickly
ss you can and make your way aft. on
the lower deck, to cable lockers at tie
stern. Take the new log. in this box
here, and pay it out through the bitt
port. say about 30 fathom, being
mighty careful you don't foul the
screw with it. You'll find a cross
brace of angle iron, down there, that
Mac Exed athwart the port to fasten
the register on. It's a taffrail log-not
like tn one I've got astern now; you've
got to haul that one in to read II.
'Tain't likely that anyone'll notice tie
line. but you'll have to haul it in when
we get abreast of Cocos reef, SOS the
men won't notice it when they go be-
low to clear away the cable at Apra /"
Before turning in. he. took the log
from its box and allowed me exactly