The Washington times., 1901-10-20

cleaners nassed within sight, but abso-
Iutelv refused to take notice of the sig
nails of the Gaelic-aIl that is to say
save one. which flew a message to the
effect that the liners plight should be re-
ported to the health authorities at the
first port
what dyou make of that?" Captain
Martin demanded of his friend w ny
should he report us to the health peo-
ple?"
The Cattle King" pondered before re
plyipg; then suddenly his eye caught
trau of black smoke circling round the
horizon ahead of the liner.
GOSH he exclaimed, but he has scor-
ed after all. He's roping us in, skipper
warning all that come along we are an
infected ship. He has his eyeteeth all cut
has Hazlett," the American added ad-
mirinsIy; but you hold on, Cap. lie
can't split himself into two or three anu
something Il slip past him without intor-
mation-you bet your bottom dollar on
that"
This prophecy proved correct Next
morning {. steamer flying Italian colorS
bore down upon the Gaelic, signaling an
offer of assistance; but close behind II
came the Diver again.
Now our stocks topside,' chuckied
Crackston. and watched anXiously whist
a boat from the liner dipped and rose
over the rollers toward the newcomer.
Suddenly the hoot of Hazletts siren
drew the Italians attention to the DIVER
from whose masthead there burst glo"
of yellow bunting so significant to sailors
of insidious danger. a minute later
packet of similar cloth climbed the lore
signal halyards of the disabled liner, jerk
ed spasmodically at the truck, and steam
ed out into a gigantic quarantine nag Al
most before it had reached its full extent
there was a swirl of white at the stern
of the foreigner and in five minutes more
that craft was speeding away from the
supposed infected Gaelic as fast as her
engines would drive her.
When Captain Martin saw the yellow
flag flying above his own ship he spoke
Iuridly. and had It hauled down at once;
but the damage was DONE and Crackston
recognized 1t.
81 calculate, skipper" he said to Mar
tin. lit amt any use your swearin'- Silas
Y. isn't often bested; but he knows when
he is, an takes his beating standing up.
Have you told Miss Susan what this
young mans terms are?"
Never told her even who was the skip
per sent them" Captain Martin answered
grufffy why should II"
Now 1 admirel'' exclaimed the Ameri-
can. She's got to agree to them. 1 guess,
or we'Il float here long enough"
why didn't you say so before?" an
swered the sailor, much aggrieved at his
passengers changed tone.
WAL" said the other deliberately
you see, skipper, every man plays his
own hand till the rubber is through. You
send for Miss Susan, and leave me settle
the stakes
When the girl appeared he went on in
fatherly fashion. my dear" he said,
ARE you agreeable to be salved?"
Il really don't understand" laughed
Susan. thinking her elderly admirer was
Joking 1T depends on who does the salv
ing perhaps"
'.Jist what 1 calculated you'd say" the
American answered There's a young
man of the name of Hazlett in that
steamer out there proposing to take on
the contract"
The girl flushed rosily, And the terms"
she queried. keeping up the pretence of
jocularity to hide her confusion.
Hes all alive" answered the million
aire cor Silas Z. might be talking anoth-
er way. He isn't taking any chances
wants your father here to hitch you TO
him before he takes the Gaelic's tow
rope"
Susan turned to the captain. What do
you say now, father?' she asked.
"Say?" exclaimed the badgered sailor.
Seems to me 1t doesn't count continen-
tai what I say-Mr. Crackston, here, has
taken command. PIelse yourself, and I'll
be pleased"
Then" said his daughter turning to
Crackston. and dropping demure curtsy,
will you let Captain Hazlett know I'm
ready to be salved?" and, with a rush.
she bolted from the chartroom where this
conference had been held.
Now. Capn.' summed up the Ameri-
can, "you go ahead, and hunt up the mar
riage service for those in peril on the
sea III cross to see this young man, and
let him know when Silas T. climbs down
he does it handsome: but. Good Grant!
to think Silas q. shouldn't come out top
man after all. Chambers Journal