Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-08-10
CHAPTER xxvI.

~NAA
u II ONTY was on deck when the
NH inspiration seized him, and he
lost no time in telling his
d guests, who We're at break
fast. Although he had misgivings about
heir opinion of the scheme, he was not
prepared for the ominous silence thai
followed his announcement.
care you in earnest, Mr.. Brewster?"
asked Captain Perry, who was the first
surprise.
"Of course am chartered this
boat for four months, with the privi-
lege Of another month. I can see no
reason to prevent us from prolonging
the trip" Montys manner was full Of
self assurance as he continued, "You
people are SO in the habit of protesting
against every suggestion make that
you can't help doing it now"
But, Monty" said Mrs. Dan, what
if your guests would rather go homer"
Nonsense; you were asked for five
months cruise. Besides, think of get
ting home in the middle Of August,
with every one away"
Brave as he was in the presence of
his friends, in the privacy Of his state
room Monty gave way to the depres-
sion that was bearing down upon him.
1t was the hardest task of his life to go
on with his scheme in the face Of oppo-
sition. He knew that every man and
woman on board was against the prop
osition, for his sake at least, and it was
difficult to be arbitrary under the cir
cumstances. Purposely he avoided Peg
gy all forenoon. His single glance at
her face in the salon was enough to dis
turb him immeasurably.
The spirits Of the crowd were sub
dued. The North cape had charms, but
the proclamation concerning it had
been too sudden-had reversed too
quickly the general expectation and de-
sire. MaLy of the guests had plans at
home for August, and even those who
had none were satiated with excite
ment. During the morning they gath
cred in little knots to discuss the situa-
ton. They were all generous, and each
one was sure that he could cruise in
definitely If on Monty's account the
new voyage were not out Of the ques-
ton. They felt it their duty to take
desperate stand.
The half hearted little gatherings re-
solved themselves into ominous groups,
and IN the end there was a call for a
general meeting in the main cabin.
Captain Perry, the first mate and
the chief engineer were included in
the call, but Montgomery Brewster
was not to be admitted. Joe Brag-
don loyalty agreed to keep him en-
gagged elsewhere while the meeting
was In progress. The doors were
locked, and cursory glance assured
the chairman Of the meeting, Dan De-
Mile, that no member Of the party
was missing save the devoted Brag-
don. Captain Perry was plainly nerv-
Gus and disturbed. The others were
the victims Of suppressed energy
that presaged subsequent eruptions.
Captain Perry, we are assembled
for purpose" said DeMille, clearing
his throat three times. First of all.
as we understand it, you are the sail
Ing master of this ship. In other
words, you are, according to maritime
law, the commander of this expedition.
You alone can give orders to the sail
ors, and you alone can clear port.
Mr.. Brewster has no authority except
that vested in a common employer.
AM correct?'
"Mr. DeMille, If Mr.. Brewster in
Structs me TO sail for the North cane
l shall do so,' said the captain firmly.
This boat is his for the full term of
the lease, and l am engaged to sail
her with my crew until the 10th of
next September"
I'VE understand your position, cap.
tain, and l am sure you appreciate
ours. 1t isn't that we want to end q
very delightful cruise, but that we
regard it as sheer folly for Mr.. Brew
ster to extend the tour at such tire
mendous expense. He is-or was-a
rich man, but it is impossible to ig
more the fact that he is plunging much
too heavily. In plain words, we wan-
to keep him from spending more of his
money on this cruise. Do you under
stand our position, Captain Perry?''
Fully. I wish with all my soul tina
! could help you and him. Ny hand:
are tied by contract however, much q:
regret it at this moment"
How does the crew feel about thi