The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1900-07-19

She was built more
-sz1sssssssas for storage than
ssssSss sssEs.SSS=@ speed, with her bluff
bows. and could lay away more oil in
her hold than most ships of her class.
She was noted on all sides as YES
sel which could find and strike whales
W hen others We're unlucky.
I'he sailors used to say that they
world sooner be before the mast in the
old Arctic than mate of another whal-
er, because they could make more
money.
A man was standing near the fore
castle. shading his eyes with his hand
and peering out ahead. He was tall
and strongly built, his face marked
by the tattooing instruments in use in
the north seas. Yet he was an Ameri-
can and had the air Of a model sailor,
as indeed he was-Nat Myers, har-
poOner in the captains boat and king
of the forecastle. No man of all the
crew had more influence. but it was
not the influence of fear, for the men
loved him. With the strength of an
ten seen in men of giant build. as if,
knowing his strength. he would not
use it against his weaker brethren.
Standing upon the forccastle by his
side was a boy about twelve years of
agc-a beautiful lad, with brown, curl
ing hair, sunny blue eyes. ana delicate
face. How do you feel since you
have been in the Pacific:" said Nat.
Il get stronger every day"
you've been cOddled too much, and
swallered so much candy, and sech
truck. Once let me git you so you can
eat salt horse like man, and you are
all right"
:, George Betts was the captains
nephew, and the doctors had said that
the only thing which would save his
life was sea voyage, and they gave
him in charge of Captain Jacobs.
That worthy passed him over to Nat
Myers.
Take care of him, Nat" he said.
AT first George fairly hated the old
salt, who forced him to eat salt pork
and bolt tough corned beef, dignified
by the names of salt horse" and ma
hogany," when it was almost impossi-
BILE for him to eat. He complained to
his uncle, who grimly said that he had
nothing to do with the matter.
But he'll kill me, uncle"
NO, he won't, my boy. He'll make
q man of you"
AS the days went on and George
grew more accustomed to life ON board
ship. he really began to like his tor
mentor He had gained so much
strength tat he could run up the rig
ging like cat, and Inc smarteSt men
on the ship could not catch him when
he was once upon the ratlins. And by
the time they had passed the Sand
witch Islands, although delicate-look-
ing boy, he was stronger than he had
ever been in his life.
"Lookee here-we are going to have
the biggest storm you ever see"
'Pshaw! There never was a fairer
! day"
''Lookee my son" said Nat, in a
' threatening manner. "'M'ember what
1 told We about conterdicting me?'
Three hours later. when tho ST |
mate had the deck, Nat was standing |
on the topgallant fOrecastle, with
George by his side, the squall burst
upon them with sudden fury. The first
wave which came aboard crushed i'll
the rail and swept the decks, and
George Belts was carried out into the
boiling ocean.
1t was broad daylight, and Nat, with
q cry like that oil a wild beast robbed
of her young, hurled himself over the
rail, holding in his hand Il light plank,
the only thing which he could seize.
They saw him rising upon the top Of
great wave. and then George Belts
came into view beyond him, struggling
for his life.
Bear up, my lad" they heard him
cry through the roar Of the tempest
''Old Nat is coming"
The boy, who, slight as he was, was
a strong swimmer, tossed his hand in
the air as a signal that he heard
The crew of the Arctic could 10
nothing, for it required all their
strength and skill to save the ship. A
dozen voices together volunteered to
man boat
mo, lads" said the captain, sadly.
''No man can love his nephew better
than do mine. l will not risk haH n
dozen lives for two. Besides, the Ship
would run a boat out of sight in If
an hour. even If we could lower me
Bear hand at the braces-meet her,