The Washington times., 1901-10-20
Il The Yellow Flag

millionaire-in pounds. not dollars-but
the captain had never previously had
such a suggestion made to him; and the
suitor's manner was unconventional, at
least from Britisher's point of view.
Say. Skipper the American said one
evening. as the two paced the bridge-de ok
together after dinner: say. skipper.
that's a daisy gurl of yours you have
aboard this trip
She's been well brought up" assented
Martin; though I've had anxious times
about her since l lost her poor mother;
but you are a widower yourself, MIR.
Crackston, and know what that means to
a man"
You bet" the other answered with
more feeling than the words seemed to
imply, but when ] get down to bedrock
of the thing l reckon I'm not sorry some
times my Priscilla didn't leave me chick
nor child. She was plain woman. was
Priscilla. and ! calculate my cash and her
babies would have been a tough team TO
drive together nowadays"
The sailor laughed. We'll" he retort-
ed. q know nothing about that, never
having had money enough to make trou-
BILE that fashion. If l had, Susan would
know well enough how to handle any she
l
say it myself"
y guessed that" Crackston answered
in his deliberate drawl, which is just
why l think, captain, me and you might
have a bit Of a deal about her.
The other flicked the ash of his cigar
over the rail, and stared at his compan-
ion. but did not answer. The master of a
ship carrying millionaire passengers soon
learns that silence is golden
4 guess" the speaker continued in a
perfectly level voice, you'd be glad. now,
to see Miss Susan well married, and set
tied down?''
That's so.'' replied the skipper; its
in the natural order of things. Not but
that I'd be sorry to lose her
''Yup," concurred the millionaire.
chats the right thing to say; but you
see I'm on the other side of the fence
I've made my pie, aad a fairish one, too,
as you know, captain-and l rather reck-
on what 1 want now is a wife with tone
to help spend my income. And l think
Miss Susan's just the gurl to do it, and
get value for it every time"
You want to marry her?"
That's my notion, captain. I'd settle
what you'd please on her; and if you'd
a fancy to drop the sea and start ship
owning ashore, l guess there amt no i'm
pediment 10 the money she'd have bein'
put into shipping. Is it a deal?"
Martin was much perturbed. A better
match financially he could hardly hope
for: and. spite of the prosaic way in
which Mr. Silas Z. Crackston's business
instincts had led him to put the matter.
he knew the American for a man who
would make an indulgent husband for his
daughter. But there were difficulties and
the captain hesitated.
Il never took stock in family myself"
the ether continued. noting his doubt
''hut if that's in your mind l calculate it,
obtainable. There was a man of my
name in the Mayfiower; and If you say
the word. III send an order to the right
place for the all-firedest kind of an ances-
try they hold. ard get a pre-emption on
the family estates if so be Susan has a
notion to be lady squiress. You can count
on Silas Z. every time, captain
50 Tisnt that" Martin said at length;
land if she chose to take you wouldn't
stand in the way. but"
Il jump" interpoIated the American,
quickly; there's another MANI"
= wouldn't say just outright; but I
have my suspicious"
''So?" Crackston was all alertness.
Then he's got to be worked. I'm not the
kind to let little thing like that stand in
my way. Who is hep
For answer Captain Martin glanced up
to the dying bridge above them, where his
chief mate was keeping watch and ward.
He was noting something on the log slate
by the light of an electric lamp which
brought his strong face and square shoul-
ness beyond them.
Chief officer Hazlett, is it?" comment
ed he Yankee widower WAL. captain,
with your permission, I'll get his views
VII -. he comes off duty and talk TO you
am afterward. When Silas z. is sot on
d thing he goes right through with it."
Captain Martin could not well object,
and he had an idea it would be no use If
he did. Accordingly, when Hazlett came
below. he found his room occupied by
C-ackston. and by the odor of the re-
iaarkably fine cigar that gentleman was
half smoking. half-chewing A steward
was setting upon the folding table u bot
tie of Pommery SO, and the mate expos
tulated.
''Thatll be in order" explained the pas
seuger Il reckon the skipper knows I
want a word with you. and that It would
be best wet Draw the cork, boy, and va
moose
The steward opened the wine and dis
appeared. The visitor passed glassful.
together with his cigar case. to the officer.
Then he commenced.
Il guess" he said, you know whc I
ann"
Hazlett. used as he was to the eccen-
tricities Of wealthy passengers whom 1t
was part Of his business. if possible, TO
please for the sake of the ships reputa-
tion. answered suavely.
I should" he replied. You've crossed
often enough in ships I've been in. Mr..
Craclcston; though l can't recollect you
ever came after me before" he added.
dryIy.
Now" responded the visitor that's
business; and I'm here on business. l
never came after you. Mr.. Hazlett, be
cause it was never worth my while. Now
it is. Silas Z. always talks straight"
And so does Thomas Hazlett." retorted
the mate, taking mental measure of hE
guest; so as I'm for duty again at eight
bells. and want to turn in, I'll be glad If
you'H tell me what you want"
There are no flies on ycu-no, Stree. -
replied the American, admiringly "and
I'll not keep you. You hold some stock"
he went on. looking the other in the face,
''in Miss Susan MARTINI"
Hazletts manner stiffened There was
limit beyond which even a millionaire
passenger might not go. This is good
wine" he held up his glass as he spoke.
''and / think, Mr.. Crackston. it has possi-
bly, touched your head"
Not touch" returned Crackston,
cheerfully. but ! guess you don't like
Miss Susan coming into this. No more do
!; but she is the business I'm here about q"