Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-17
k" among the barrels of

or hide and SEEK among the barrels of
the quay.
Anna, Will and had the free entrance of
the 'barracoon" at all times. 1t was at
best dark. evil-smelling hole, as may well
be imagined and the boys, left to them
selves, would have speedily made it a hor-
ror and loathing. But Will and divided
them into watches. We appointed officers
to see that cleanliness was enforced with
the utmost strictness. We obtained per-
mission to bring the boys up for Air in
gangs of eight at time, for whom we
were responsible. In this manner the place
was kept fairly clean and healthy. Anna
and carried down the salt beef and bis
cult upon which they were fed. There
was. however, no scanting of the fare,
which was of good quality enough. For it
was the interest of the privateers that they
should bring their captives to market in
prime condition, any disease or underfeed-
ing making great difference in the prices.
1t is a strange thing that on this priva-
teer, or. to be plain, pirate ship, there was
none of that equality common in such
cruises. Only once did 1 ever hear man
before the mast speak back to one of the
officers. And the next. moment Saul Mark
knocked him senseless with marlinspike.
For moment or two things looked ugly,
for some of the men growled ominously.
But Capt. Stansfield came along the deck,
as it seemed, in a matter of three strides,
to where Saul still stood with the spike in
his hand.
Show me the man who dares do aught
but his duty on this ship!' he cried, in
voice like thunder. ITO your posts mem"
And in an instant the whole ships crew
stood at attention on the deck with a regu-
larity and discipline beautiful to see. All,
that Is. save the man who lay senseless on
the deck.
Speak up. Mr.. Supercargo," he said.
What is this mans fault?"
Then Saul Mark told briefly the words
the man had used in refusing to obey his
officer
did this man sign the rules and subject
himself to the conditions|' asked Capt
Stansfield of the crew.
AYE, aye. sir!'' came the answer, with
out apparently one dissentient voice.
And he has struck his officer. You all
know the punishment for that offense by
our articles of association Have any of
you aught to say?"
A tall fellow stepped forward. saluted
and said: This man is my brother sir,
and the second mate has been putting his
spite on him all this cruise because of
something that happened ashore
Mr.. kirgan," said my father, turning
to the second mate, a fierce little Irish
man. Il do not ask you anything of this:
but only tell me what order did you give
this man."
Kirgan, a wiry, bullet-headed fellow, with
ferocious squint, answered CURLY, 81
bade him to wash my socks!'
Mr.. kirgan, said Capt. Stansfield
speaking severely: there are boys whose
duty 1t is to wash your stockings In fu-
ture you will not order my able seamen to
perform such work Yet considering his
insolence, I say lot that your brother hath
gotten more than his due! Take him away
to the sick bay!"
The crew broke into three rousing cheers,
which the captain acknowledged by turning
his back and walking away from them.
Mr. kirgan sent a look after him of dead
knocked down was removed by his brother
and one of the sailors of his watch.