The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-04-01

ASIDE from SiiSHI mention or an lnQe-
pendence of character which had pre-
vented their recommending him for a
command, captains with whom he had
sailed spoke we'll of him. They agreed
that he knew his business. He could
lick crew into shape" before the
green hands had learned the ropes. He
could get more work out of them than
could ordinarily be got out of double their
number. He could take lofty, skysail
yarder--dingy and rusty from a long stay
at the dock-and with the poorest or
crews could have her spck and span as
a yacht before reaching the Horn or the
Cape. In a sudden squall he could short
en- down to topgalant sails before the
watch below could reach the deck to
help. In short, he was, as one skipper
expressed it, "the two ends and the blight
of sailor" and in the opinion of all of
them, the best chief mate out of New
York The opinion of sailors who had
signed under him was equally unanimous,
but, being unfit for publication, is not
given here. 1t does not matter. Gossip
of the fcrecastle and sailors boarding
house would not have influenced Captain
Haskins at this stage of his development.
even had he heard it, A secret and I'M
satisfied yearning for higher things, hid
den in his soul since his first voyage with
his father would have risen up to offset
such gossip.
All ship chambers stores, agents and
consuls' Offices and at shipmasters' tables
he had listened to tales told by his con-
freres of mutnous crews, double irons
and bread and water, Delaying pin and
handspike medicine. powder and buckshot
arguments and other details incident to
the government of big ships, and he. the
little, withered, kindly faced old man.
who had never struck blow or received
one, who did not need mate to keep his
men at work, whose ancient little vessel
was known as the Sailors Home.
would have lived such experiences and
told such tales. His humdrum life palled
upon him. Hence his secret yearnings-
hence his delight when looking for a
mate at Callao, he was introduced by the
consul to Mr.. George Arbuckle, the crack
chief officer of big ships the dashing
handsome six-footer whose reputation was
so good, who for 20 years had signed in
nothing smaller than 1000 tons register.
and who would sign, with Captain Has
kins now, only because shipwreck had left
him penniless. and the consul, having pro-
cured him a berth. declined further as
sistance.
''I'll take the berth, captain he said,
"and be aboard in the morning; but
there's one thing stick out for There's
no second mate, you say, SO I'll have
more than my share of the work What
I want is. no interference between me
and the men. I'm not used to it, in the
first place; and then, I'll have no time
for it. / don't believe in coddling men,
and If break one O. their heads-that's
my business. If kill one O. them that's
my business, too. but I'll expect my
money at quarantine, as usual. and
chance to skip before we dock
Certainly, certainly" stammered the
little captain. 81 understand, Mr.. Ar
buckle. A mate has rights which a
master is bound to respect. leave things
entirely to you-as far as the work goes.
You know your business. / heard of you
10 years ago. / have six in the forecas-
tie. A little stirring up won't hurt 'em.
Suit yourself Stir 'em up, if you like
So, Mr.. George Arbuckle became mate
of the little brigantine Warrior loaded
and cleared for New York. On his way
to the dock in the morning, he stopped
at the consulate to post letter home,
and listened to this from the white hair
ed old consul.
II heard you speak carelessly, of break
ing heads and killing men. You have
done this before--I have heard of you
and will possibly do it again. but, be as
sured, sir, on the word of an old man who
has studied men and events, the wrong
we do comes home to us this side of the
grave and the men we kill come back TO
watch us die. Here is letter, just in
from the Frisco steamer, for one of your
crew.
Mr.. Arbucllle laughed at the admoni-
ton, shook hands with the consul, pock-
eted the letter anc went on board. When
he had changed his clothes and reached
the deck he found that Capt. Haskins
had mustered the crew at the mainmast.
These are my men, Mr.. Arbuckle."
said the captain. Men. this is Mr. Ar
buckle, who goes home mate with us.
gray bearded man, elderly but active.
stepped forward from the group and duck
ing his head with concilatory grin, said,
partly to the captain, partly to the Off
cer
81 knew Mr.. Arbuckle when he was
boy, sir, though / don't 'spose he mem
bers me. l lived in Tompkinsville
while. He used to chum wi my nephew
my namesake. My names Martin
Mathews, sir"
Mr.. Arbuckle made no immediate re-
Spouse. He was looking into each face
with a dispassionate stare, and only gave
the old sailor his share of the scrutiny.
When he had finished the inspection he
said quietly to the crew as a whole:
1--WE taken your measure. Now, let
me tell you at the start expect when
I speak to a man that that man will jump
-,-not walk, or run, but jump Under
stand? Then we can get along. But, If
he don't-if I have to speak twice to a
man-that man'll wish himself dead. I'm
derstand? My names Arbuckle. Ever hear
o. me? My first name is Mister. Remem-
Der that
The men-all but the negro cook shift
ed their feet uneasiy and dropped their
eyes when his searching glance met them.
But the cook returned his stare.
81 think, sir" said Martin, you'll find
us all right. I've sailed three wages
wi Capt Haskins.'
1.-TWO and half too many. And right
here, old man, let me say to you: I've
no use for townies aboard ship. The less
YOU have to say about Tompkinsville the