The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-09-11

hours, so I guess we can spare some
provisions"
We had only keg of water and
bag Of ships biscuit. but the unscl:ish
fellow gave them twO-thirds of our sup
ply. leaving us rather lightly provision
ed.
Thus We set out upon our adventures
heavy mist hung Tow upon the sea.
and we pulled to the eastward, with
the other heat alongside. Night fell
with clear sky ard southerly breeze.
We could see the other boat rising and
falling, a black blur on the swell 20 the
westward
For hours nothing disturbed the quiet
Of the night. but the steady click of the
oarlocks and the heavy breathing of the
rowers. Then suddenly we were gal
vanized into life by a hoarse hail from
our port quarter.
At first we thought that rescue was
at hand. but we're disappointed 20 find
that the newcomer was a third boat
making for St. Kildas like ourselves.
All night long we rowed in company,
silent as a procession OF the dead.
The sun rose red and fiery over a
CLASSY sea and stin the boats crawIed
on
Ddu
THAT red sun and the direction OF the
wind means nasty weather." said Mr.
Basse. However, we've got a good
boat under Us. and unless It throws us
OF our course do not fear it."
With only a biscuit and a glass of
water for breakfast, We kept right on
all day long with the other boats not a
cable length away. As night came down
. f,a ell
the southwest there was a black bank
OF clouds occasion ally illuminated by
lightning.
At 10 o'clock it was as dark as a
pocket and no stars wS~e visible. We
could occasionally catch the rumble Of
distant thunder.
An hour later the storm burst upon
Us with a furry OF rain. a strong gale
and terrific lightning.
To make better weather OF il we turn
ed the boats head 70 the wind 10 ride
II out In the momentary lightning
flashes we could see the other boats
gradually drifting away.
We shouted to them. but our voices
were evidently los: in the uproar Of the
storm.
a Terrible Night.
God knows how hard we worked that
night The two-hOur shifts in which we
labored had already exhausted US. but
we stuck TO IL manfully and fought the
gale all night. without being able TO
catch a wink of sleep. Day broke with
high weltering sea and the wind still
blowing wildly from the southwark.
Men" said Mr.. Basse. when IL had
grown light enough to sse each others
faces, "our provisions are entirely eX-
hausted We've got to get along as
well as we can. Most of us have fami-
lies to care for. and 1t is our duty to
act as men. You see, the other boats
likely that they have sunk, but merely
/ drifted away. Now, let us pull hard and
strong TO the eastward
| There came a whine from the bottom
/ of the boat where the man with the
/ gold belt lay: "Oh. I'm so sick; give me
/ food. for Gods sake! Take my gold and
do what. you please with IT. but give
me something TO eat
"Oh. shut upl' said one OF the oars
men shut up or I'll jam this oar
down your pipes. Don't you know We
are all in the same boat"
/ To row steadily when well fed Is bad
enough. but to row hour after hour and
! day after day with hunger gnawing at
your vitals IS a terrible thing.
Effects of Famine.
! There came an awful look into the
mems faces. The eyes OF some OF them
began to stare like those OF wolves.
Some Of them dropped and grew sick.
Near midday Of the third day at the
oars enc man tainted. Another. peevish
from suffering, kicked rim h-utally.
| A third with a great curse threw
down his oar, saying that as he had to
starve. ne preferred to starve right
there.
/ Have you wife and family2" asked
| Mr. Basse. 81 have not said the man.
! Then have" replied. Mr.. Basse. "ano