The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-04-09
Chapter VII.-The French Mate.

Chapter VII.-The French Mate.
I have said that the man, clearly I'M
derstanding the captains meaning, be-
gan; but it was not a beginning, nor
middle, nor an end, that could he set
down in black and white in that French
mans speech. 1t was most barbarous
English, yet ineligible when helped
along by7thescaptain's and Hardy's ques-
tons. 1t must be given in plain words to
be readable, and thus spoke that sinister
looking mann
MY name is Pierre Renaud. I am chief
mate Of the barque that was just now
nearly running into you We are from
Cape Town to Bordeaux. That dog threat
ems my throat"
The man flashed the poniards of his
eyes at the Newfoundland, who was like
an organ with one key going, trembling in
its shaggy and splendid bulk with low,
Bulky, dangerous growing.
Down. said the captain, and the an
imal stretched its fore-legs. what
brings you aboard us?"
Fear" replied the man with a slight
shrug and look of arching eyebrow at
mis- questioner, and a roll of the eye over
him. as though he saw something sin
gular in his face and manner. "a man
loves his life and will jump to save it. I
thought we should crush our bows in and
founder"
You did not stay to help your captain
and encourage the men to preserve your
ship" said Capt. Layard, dabbing the
dogs head to keep him quiet
The captain fell dead in fright re-
sponded the Frenchman with another
shrug, and I chose TO save myself
II saw a man fall exclaimed Hardy.
WAS that you that rushed along the
poop?"
How can answer you?" replied the
Frenchman I'VE were all rushing.
The captain fell dead"' said Capt. Lay
ard in musing way. ITS evident that
French sea captains die easily. When
did you strike this fog?'
Il cannot say precisely. Some hours
since" was the reply When we heard
the barking of a dog we knew that q ship
was near, and we judged by the barking
that she was approaching. We lighted
fires upon the decks, and wher the glare
gave us q sight of you the sailors lost
their senses, and ran about shouting and
screeching. They were too mad to obey
orders. The captain fell as ] ran past
him, his hands clasped upon his heart,
and as he had all along complained Of the
weakness of that organ, l am certain he
died of disease"
Your countrymen are not gool sail
prs,'' said Capt Layard.
The Frenchman grinned ghastly, AMI
Sailor rumbled afresh with a stiffening Of
his level forelegs as though he must ri:e
IF ] had been your captain continue |
Layard, II should have saved my flying
Iibboom and topgallant mast, and my
Eailors would not have rushed about and
torn their threats Open with the sh' icks
of fear-that womanly spirit:
His smile was lofty, his self-compla-
cency ineXpressible, you guessed If there
had been mirror at hand he would have
admired himself in it.
His talk but not his face, was past
the Frenchman's comprehension. He
rolled his eyes upon Hardy, then upon a
decanter half full of rum, standing upon
a swinging tray timing the pulse of the
sea.
"He asks for a drink. SIR said
Hardy.
"Give him tot" replied Capt. La
yard, -"then let the second mate tell the
bosun to find him a hole to lie down in.
1 don't like his looks'
He walked abruptly to his berth fol-
lowed by the dog, but before he entered
he turned to the animal and exclaimed.
ION deck, Sailor, and keep a lookout
till the smother thins." and the New
foundland sprang up the steps.
The Frenchman, with a smile at Hardy.
touched his brow. The mate. without
noticing the fellows gesture took the
decanter Of rum from the swing tray and