The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-24
cHAprrR &.

ledge as seaman and navigator, to all
OF which Archie fortunately was able
to give satisfactory answers. OF all the
crew, save Redlaw himself, 1t appeared
that only the mate that morning killed
had understood taking the sun and cal
culating the ships position. the capacity
OF Mr.. Saggett's being limited to running
the vessel and the crew. tho latter pre-
senting quite the most formidable task
That he had been able to replace his
mate so quickly we'll suited Redlaw; ana
that he had taken pronounced fancy
to Walton. all the better part OF whom
was carefully concealed. was apparent
in the pirates grimly genial manner.
Having learned what he wished, and
impaired somewhat OF his present inten-
tons, he soon after went below, damned
the steward for a timo out of very
generous vocabulary OF epithets and I'M
precautions, and little later might have
been heard snoring off the effects OF HIS
hearty meal and Its potations from the
solitude of his state-room.
This gave Archie an opportunity to con.
slider more calmly the various features OF
the situation. While doubtful OF It's be.
ing very much improved by the under.
standing at which hc had arrived with
Emily, the very nature of their inter-
view was such that, despite their des-
perate peril, he was inclined to thank
God for tho circumstances which had
brought them together.
But one course, he decided. lay open
to him for the present-that Of filling hi.
new position with at least an outward
show OF vicious resolution sufficient to
retain Redlaw's favor, and bring any
disgruntled members of the creS under
subsection. In SO far this part OF the
work went, he felt himself eminently
equal to any situation that might arise.
IT, ~
afternoon sea gave him the vessels po-
stion. In the east the cloudless dome of
azure sky lost itself in the blue Of the
horizon, while far away starboard was a
long, hazy line against the lower
heavens-the great island of Formosa.
with the Ladrones her destination. the
vessel was bearing too sharp to tho
South; and the wind having nbated with
the decline of the sun. as well as vAered
to more westerly quarter, Walton re-
solved to try the effect of an intiatory
move on his own hook
Turning to the helmsman, short,
swarthy Portuguese, in his bare feet, he
said sharply:
"Let her off a few points! Shape a
course sou'east by east and hold 1t! For
ward. there. Mr.. saggetts Give the fore
sheet.a few fathoms and mako fast!'
Though his orders were obeyed, there
was, in the movements of several of the
men lounging on the forehatch. an indo-
lence not wholly to his liking; and partly
to weigh tho significance thereof, and
partly in the hope OF getting word
aside with Ben Logan, who had myste-
riously disappeared, Walton started for
ward.
Ease the main sheet. some OF you'll"
he commanded sharply as etcame down
from the break Of the poop. And flay
aloft. you loafcrs. and shake out the top.
sails! Lively, there, If you're not asleep!
Don't wait for me to wake your
Two or three of the men had not moved.
even on seeing Walton approach. Now.
however, they arose from their recumbent
attitudes, and with one exception turned
to the weather shrouds.
The exception was a powerful Norwe-
gian, fellow whose low brow and square
jaw indicated the worst kind OF n dispo.
sition. Possibly presumIng upon Waltons
youth, as we'll as being a stranger. and
fearing nothing like personal violence. he
delayed with sudden leer and asked:
"Be them the cap'n's orders?',
There was In the ruff1an's voice and
eyes9an insolence fairly inviting oppose
ton. Waltons face changed like flash.
He came step nearer, saying quickly:
mo you son Of a galley slave, they're
my orders. Don't you like EN-? Try my
fs. instead"
And before the seaman fairly realized
his intention, Walton had caught him a
single blow on the jaw that sent him
crashing senselesszto the deck. where he
lay quvering like q bull struck down
in tho shambles,
us there another to question my au-
thority?' Numbered Archie. wheeling
about with eyes ablaze. III 30, let him
do it here and now. Aloft, you ours, or
by Cd. I'll shoot the last to gain the
rigging!'
Aside from the resolution and prowess
displayed, there was that in his voice
and aspect which none cared to defy.
and to man they sprang to the shrouds
and scrambled aloft, as IL bullet were
alreadyyafter them.
Throw a bucket Of water over this
miscreant!" cried Archie. spurnging the
PROSTATE ruftian with his boot. "Hold
there's no need! Got up, you mongrel!
Do you look daggess at me? Draw your
knife and come here."
That he still retained in hand the pistol
he had drawn. led saggetts who had
viewed the scene with delight that I'M
dicated troubles Of his own with this
same ,ruffian. to ihterpose ana cry:
"Avast, sir, I'd not shoot him. We've
lost men enough for one day."
For reply Walton. contcmptuously
turned with his, frowning eyes on the
senman's face and cried anslily:
Come here! Put the point OF your
knife at my breast! Now beg my par
dom you cowardly backguard!"
This he said unarmed. with his hands
lax by his sides. and with the blade OF
the runian's knife so held that sim
gle thrust would have cut his heart In
twain, II was piece OF audacity which
alone would have quelled the man. He
hesitated for an instant. with the flames
of Nengeful malice dying from his shrink
ing eyes, then muttered sullenly:
II didn't mean nuthin', sir, AFTER this
III obey orders
see that YOU do. and lively" said WAL
ton, sternly, "or. God hearing me, you
will not rise after your next fall Go
man the topsail halliards!'
One would have thought this episode
might have settled 1t. so far as Archie's
authority was to be questioned. but the
worst was yet to come.
When Redaw appeared on deck an hour
later and learned what had TRANSFERRED
no clapped Walton on the back and heart
lily expressed his approval. adversely re-
marking only that ut would have been