Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-12-03

calo Tom, quickly. IL have known Obed
Rider long time. don't know any
good OF him. either"
capt. Collin was surprised, but he
asked no questions. preferring to wait
until he could see Tom alone. The
mate bit his lip in baffied rage as he
saw his prey not only removed from his
power, but placed in a position where
he must be treated with outward re-
spect at least. He turned on his heel
and went forward, vowing vengeance
under his breath, but not daring to
show his fleeing further before the cap
tain.
$50 you know my mate?" then asked
the captain.
Il knew him years ago" replied Tom,
/ and we had some trouble. II doesn't
matter what 1t was about, but his nose
got broken, and he hates me as hard as
l do him. He may be good sailor,
however, and no doubt he is He used
to sail with my father"
| A hail from the tug saved Tom any
, further explanation, and as the captain
! hustled off to reply Avery came cut of
the cabin and joined his roomma te. VIII
! told him briefly about the recent trou-
i bic, making no mention OF the original
cause of the enmity between himself
and Rider, for the charge against his
4 father was too sore subject to pass his
lips.
BY the time dinner was over the YES
, sci was well down the harbor. When
Boston light was reached the westerly
, wind began to freshen, and the sails
\ stood full. Lines were hastily cast off,
the tugs whistle gave a short blast as
parting salute, and, with graceful
, nod of her sharp bow in return. the
bark shot toward the open water. with
| every square inch of canvas pulling at
the sheets, and the captain rubbing his
horny palms with delight at the pros
pect of fine departure.
| John Avery was an old sailor and the
motion of the vessel caused him no in
convenience, but Tom was soon
! stretched in his bunk. where he re-
NAMED the better part of two days.
while the Seabird flew along before the
, favorable gale in a manner which did
not belle her name.
When he managed to get on deck
, Cape Cod was more than 300 miles
astern, and already the weather was
beginning to grow milder. A few days
more made him completely well, and
long before the equator was reached
he had acquired quite professional
roll and felt perfectly at home
OF the mate he saw very little. as the
! latter stood watch and watch with the
second officer, being on deck every
other four hours, night and day. Mr..
hn
active young man about Tom age. and
the two became very friendly as the
seabird sped steadily TO the southwark.
1t seemed as IL old Neptune had made
an extra effort to help the vessel along.
for she escaped the customary Gains
, near the line and caught the southeast
trades the same day she lost those from
The northeast which had served her so
well. No incident Of Importance oc-
, CURED TO break the monotcny OF the
voyage, and as they stood by the wheel
one noon when Capt. Colin was taking
his observation he announced that they
were as far south of the line as Boston
f, was north of it.
Then he went below to look at the
glass, cast careful glance around the
horizon, and went below once more.
T, only TO reappear on deck.
There amt cloud in the sky" he
, said, bluntly, "but the glass is going
! down as though the bottom had
, dropped out OF everything. We're go
ing 20 catch il, as sure as my name is
Seth Coffin. My glass never lied 10 me
yet"
Gradually the wind died out, until the
Seabird lay becalmed. rising and fall
| ing on the swell, but the sky remained
clear. The barometer continued TO fall
In an alarming manner. and after an
hour the heat became oppressive.
Then from all quarters of the horizon
mass of white clouds arose, until they
presented the appearance of huge
mountains of snow, darkeninC as they
assembled, and massing together until
| they formed n canopy overhead, en-
tirely concealing the blue sky above.
Soon they deepened until the whole
heavens were solidly black. as If COW
cred with folds of velvet. In n few
| places, however, the color seemed 10
vary to a dark, purplish gray. as one
edge of an overlapping cloud was ex-
posed.
Long before this time all hands were
on deck, and the Seabird was stripped
for the battle with the elements. What
ever his other faults, Obed Rider was
n good seaman, and, with but few
suggestions from the captain. he had
made everything snug, only close
reefed maintopsail and storm staysail
showing aft, while portion of the
foretopmast staysail stood out white
and clear against the gloomy back
ground. in readiness 10 pay her head Off
when needed.
There was painful stiffness, broken
only by the mournful monotone in the
rigging which always precedes hurri-
cane. as though the craft knew her dan
ger and tried to utter her feeble pro-
test against the forces Of nature.
Suddenly, far above the mastheads.
sounded an unearthly scream, as if the
storm demons had united in sounding
oh