davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19

t.ttntt. and rftsentiy heard the SOFT
''pat, pat OF naked feet as the coolies
who We're Sculling The craft threw the
weight FIRST on one foot and then on the otner.
little black huddled knot, and presently OF
them crawled stealthily art
what Is it?" I asked in whisper.
The man pointed his skinny into the
darkness. Following the direction there sud
denly resolved itself from the gloom great
square opacity that stood out against the denser
darkness behind. 1t puzzled me at first and
then made 1t out TO be the big black sail OF
the dhow, which had been hoisted to catch the
htful puffs OF the night breeze.
Our anchor light burning dead yellow.
l went below, and lighting powerful lantern
we had got for the purpose, hoisted it hal
Hard that had reeved through little block
lashed to the spring stay the day before. The
light hared suddenly the big sail of the dhow,
fed orders in O cultural voice came from her
decks:
Hello" said /. stand by for line"
E-ee-yah-aa-" came voice In answer.
sent a heaving line uncoiling snakily
through the darkness. 1t fell athwart her decks
and In moment we had her moored bow and
stern McKim dropped our sea ladder and I'M
mediately the crew of the dhow came swarming
captain, I showed the rest of the mob back
and hauled up the ladder. light whip had
been rugged from the main topsal yardarm, and
/ ordered crew to man 1t, and in a moment
the bales and boxes came swinging over the side.
No attempt made to examine them, as we
were simply to receive what sent and re-
cept for the total number of pieces.
The Chinaman who had come aboard carried
a piece of paper in his hand, which he signifed
that he wanted signed McKim carried it be-
low. The Chinaman stood beside the hatch
waiting for him to come up. was busy tallying
in the bales, the last of which just coming
aboard, but something, don't know just what,
impelled me to watch that Chinaman out of the
tail of my eye. And as watched the bales with
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19

II |Y VI v
N .nA
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19


civilized families Of Mezico ana HcrN
The Tartars who inhabited the de8ert3
north OF the great wall OF China were
a nomadic, rowing race, and the geo
graphical conformity Of Bering strait
would make an eastern migration per
fectly possible. once having reached
the continent Of North America they
would naturally turn their faces south
ward, finding no resistance and rich
and fertile country before them. The
more thought of the matter the more
l became satisfied with my theory, and
finally, having reached a standstill,
fell asleep.
The murmur of voices awakened me,
and. turning over, saw that the room
was full of men who we're arguing ex-
citedly and occasionally casting scowl-
ing looks at McKim, who was sleeping
heavily. But our old friend OF the
evening before was the most excited
OF the lot and apparently the most
authoritative, for finally the tuInuit
ceased, and the rabble poured out. !
tried to get up. but he shook his neau
and motioned for me to remain where
/ was. One of the women brought me
some food, q stew Of chicken and rice
and q few slices of raw fish.
With the old mans permission,
moved my mat to the doorway or the
hut and amused myself watching the
fishermen along the river bank. Evi-
IDENTIFY our jailer was well disposed, lor
he spoke to one of the women, VINO
STEPPED me a bowl of tea and furnished
me with a pipe and tobacco. / tried
to talk with him. as / was someWh nat
familiar with the dialects of the coast.
but, although he made every effort TO
understand me. he was unsuccessful.
After 1t had grown dark he went
out, but in few moments returned
with heavily padded tunic. was not
at all chilly, but he motioned for me to
put it on. A few minutes later two
coolies came in, and lifting Mckinl,
mat and all, carried him outside the
door where there was little knot of
men waiting-coolie carriers 1 made
them out to be. McKim was laid in
hammock swung from a bamboo, and
our host or jailer motioned for me to
get into another like It, and in a few
moments we were all in motion.
Although it was very dark, | could
see that we were climbing into very
wild country. Occasionally the road
led along the edge of a chasm, and
could hear the water boiling far be-
meath. at dawn we reached little
hut, where we remained all day, and at
night the trip began again, this time
with new coolies. On the fourth morn
ing of our journey McKims condition
began to change for the better, and,
after sleeping all day quite naturally,
he suddenly awoke to consciousness.
did not want to excite him any more
than was necessary, so in answer to his
question simply said that we were pris-
oners, but were being well treated and
just now were moving into the interior,
probably to make escape more difficult.
That seemed to satisfy him, and after
eating light meal he went to sleep.
That night we travelled again, and as
the first light began to break in the
east / saw that we were entering big,
fertile valley. We changed bearers
once more, but the following day con-
tinued our travel instead of waiting for
the darkness.
AS sopu as we started noticed a diff
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19

fsA5st- feuaea. sup
Dosed. were bul'
FOR reBistapee against the IA, ts,l
pirates that used to swoop down along
the coast and ravage the seaboard
cities The hills on both sides OF the
river were growing higher and wilder
as we proceeded, though some OF the
valleys seemed to be somewhat culu-
waited.
About sundown we sighted n village
ahead, at the base of n big dome
shaped mountain, and, as we drew
near, 1 saw that we we're TO stop there
l was glad OF IL, for the suspense ana
pain Of my wound was beginning TO be
unbearable. McKim was regaining
consciousness, but seemed to be get
ting feverlsh. and occasionally NUT
tered incoherently. AS we drew UP to
a bamboo jetty that was built out into
tho stream, / noticed a very old man
who was In the little crowd that had
come down to meet us. He was APP
parently of very great age, although
strong and active, and In spite of his
round, STOPPING shoulders, and the
deep wrinkles that scanned his face
there was something about him that
again suggested that bizarre resem-
blance to McKim.
We were carried ashore and laid on
the ground near a hut. the crowd
watching US alphabetically, but the old
man l have mentioned drew near and
appeared to ask some questions of our
captain. The next moment he became
perfectly conyulsed. and when he
Strengthened out again I saw that his
face was simply demoniacal with rage.
He came hobbling over to US with such
an uncanny agility and look OF such
concentrated hatred and malice upon
his face that I decided that at last we
had swung to the end of our scope.
McKim was the nearest to him, and
was lying on his back, his face flushed
and muttering to himself with lips
parched from fever. AS the old man
approached him l saw an expression
of the most utter astonishment pass
over his face, and following his gaze
saw that his eyes were fixed on the
rosary or amulet that hung about the
neck of my shipmate. The next mo-
ment he had 1t in his hand was break
inG into exclamations of wonder and
awe. He kept glancing from the ros-
airy to McKims face. and suddenly he
darted to him, took his head between
his hands, and said a few quick, harsh
words. McKim stared at him stupidly
for moment, then answered:
.Annah."
did not know it at the time, but
have since discovered that the word
for mother" of the Tuscaroras and
GIN ISdlloiS lS AHIdA, winch - taAS
same as the Tartar word. But the
effect ON the old man was magical.
He fairly capered with excitement, and
in a moment came rushing over to me
and fired torrent of questions, but
I simply pointed to McKim, and then
toward the east, at which he nodded
several times. think l had unwit-
tingly answered his question.
Suddenly McI<im began to talk.
slowly at first, then rapidly and inco-
hcrently The old man dropped on his
launches beside him and listened with
the most peculiar expression ever
saw upon~a human face. Wonder, In
terest.v awe and fear chased one an
other successfully across his features
and all the time there was the look
of one listening to long-forgotten
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19


,--snf rY1c,sX E but carved straight across
wfthont ts slightest supcrciiiasy arr.
60. -. .e''rss - q s..ir 90 'i...ss "a. -
fierce and unblnking as an eagles.
His nose was aquiline and keenly chs
eled, and his mouth, thin-lipped and
compressed, was cut straight across his
face like cash.
The mans actions were as striking as
his appearance. He seemed incapable
of slowness or deliberation. Once I saw
him reach for a loose roll of marlin
stun that was lying on the deck at the
same time that one OF the sailors stoop-
ed to pick 1t up. The rope was off the
deck, thrown into the bosuns chest
near by and McKim on his way afe
before the sailor had Strengthened his
back again.
transport captain hated the sight Of the
mate. having, no doubt, the usual Brit
ish navy suspicion and dislike of any
thing that acted Independently and OF
its own voiition. The captain was for
ever growing and fauItfinding, and /
often wondered Just what effect Ii had
upon the mate, for his face was an inn
mobile mask, and he would simply sa-
iute and get to work to remedy the
matter. The clash which plainly saw
was imminent came at last, and in a
most remarkable manner
The captain was just finishing his
morning inspection of the ship, made
in company with the quartermaster
captain-doctor and aids. As they came
through the forward alleyways to reach
the deck he noticed small puddle of
water formed by the condensation of
the moisture on waterpipe overhead.
The mate was standing by the star
b0arS bits at the foot of the compan-
ionway leading to the deck above.
Mr.. McKim!" growied the captain.
The mate was at his side in three quick
steps.
Why don't you keep the water Off
the deck? What dye think this is--a
fishin' smack or a Sound coaster?''
You don't want the pipe parceled.
so 1t can't be helped, SIR" replied the
mate He said cant" with the broad
Maine accent THE pipes cold and the
airs hot, so the waters bound to con-
dense.'
"Ho!-very Interestingly" sneered the
captain. well, mister mate. I want
to tell We that it will be helped, by -
or the deck ii be gettin' as rotten as
the crew. Get out of the way!'
He stepped across the puddle, and the
mate leaned back against the bulkhead
TO give him roOm to pass. Whether it
was by accident or design I do not
know. although / suspect the latter,
but the burly brute Of a skipper, al
though the ship was steady and there
was plenty OF room, deliberately plant
ed his great heavy-sofed boot on the
mates instep, at the same time brush
ing him roughly with his elbow.
1 heard low, soft gurgle-the sound
OF q cat when stroked-and saw the
mates hands flash up to the captains
waist. just above the belt. 1t simply
looked as though he had grasped him
instinctiveiy to take the weight from
on his foot, but the next instant there
was n below OF pain and fright that
fairly shook the deck, and the captain
came lurching through the door and
reeied over against the rail- The high
color had left his face, and it was
drawn and tense.
my God!" he gasped: my God!''
turned to him instantly, and no.
ticed that his shirt on both sides of his
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19


when we reached Manila Mctsirn
--s.t5 suforsnrd "a thsv sssA services were no
longer required. as 1 had foreseen.
had rather more difficulty than ex-
pected in getting my contract annulled.
and was, In fact, subjected to consider
able criticism for leaving the service
right upon arriving on the scene of ac-
ton. But l had gotten past the age
when sentiment counted for much, and
! was sick and tired OF taking orders
from every one in sight, anyway; so I
simply demanded that my contract be
annulled, and in due time was sue
cessful.
McKim came in to see me almost
every day. Most OF his time was spent
along the Pasig and padding around
Inside the breakWater looking for q
suitable vessel at a reasonable price.
Until my contract was annuIled / was
occupied with my duties in the First
Reserve Hospital, where had been
temporarily assigned. One day I met
him on the Escolta talking to Span
ish mestizo who seemed greatly ex-
cited.
Good morning, DOCTOR" he remarked
In Spanish. "Senor Valdez" turning
to the mestizo, permit me to introduce
my partner, DIR. Boles. Senior Valdez" !"
he continued to me, owns a vessel that
! think might answer our purpose were
1t not for the sad fact that some of
her frames and part of her keel are
badly burned as the result OF a fire
that broke out in her cargo a few
months ago."
Before we got through with him he
was overjoyed to let us have her at our
own price, which was fair enough. and
we made him throw in an extra anchor
and 200 fathoms Of three-inch coir
hawSer.
The following day McKim shipped a
native crew. three Tagals and two
Vfsayans, Iioilo men, who afterward
turned out to be brave, devoted serv-
ants. Our idea was to run down
among the southern islands of the
archipelago and try to pick up a cargo
OF hemp and tobacco especially the for
mer, as the war had put the price way
up. Many of the ports were still
closed, but natives can be induced to
run cargoes off at night, and besides
there were the pearls and copra to
consider. / was strongly in favor of q
trip to Sydney or Melbourne after q
load OF trading junk. calico prints. con-
demned cutlery and stuff of that sort.
knowing how much the natives prefer
red these things to money. But McKim
seemed to think there was more in get
ting our hands on all of the loose hemp
around the islands.
A week later we had got our craft In
pretty good seagoing shape. I had the
cabin aft slightly remodeled and made
very comfortable. Some Chino carpen-
ters had been strengthening the burn
ed portions. replacing some of the teak
frames and fishing others in weak
spots. One afternoon / was superin-
tending the work as McKim was ashore
haggling with Valdez about stores.
when saw banca coming alongside.
Under the awning sat the biggest, fat
test Chinaman ever saw. AS he SEEM
ed to want to come aboard called to
one of the crew to drop the ladder for
him. With amazing activity for a man
OF his size he came up over the side
and stood smiling at me placidly. It
was easy to see that he was a person
OF some consequence, both from his
brisket, for only a wealthy Chinaman
frxk
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19

.'ilrr. MON = "a MoKim How
is 4 mat " n ttrust such a val
uanls oarso 20 N+a.hgers and foreign
east"
The Chinarnan smiled joyously and
emitted few happy little chuckles.
IT cannot go myself" he said; '1t Is
necessary to trust some one, and
have found that white men Of the bet
ter class are honest Besides, there VIII
be more cargoes to carry"
The following day we went over to
Manila and saw our patron. He ex-
plained In detail what was required Of
us, at the same time giving suggestions
the undertaking. 1t was easy to see
that the thing had been done before,
and not to his satisfaction. We were
to clear in ballast for the open ports OF
the southern islands, ostensibly after a
general cargo of rice, tobacco, coffee,
hemp, sugar, ETC., and, once clear OF the
land, were to make all haste across the
China Sea, run into the estuary Of the
Hal Chin River and drop anchor. Then
we were to charter a boatman to take
a letter about twenty miles UP the
river to place called Wal Flu, lying
in the foothills of the Yam Chin
Mountains. The following night small
junk would come alongside from which
we would transfer our cargo. On our
way back we were to call at Cebu,
where a general cargo would be quick
iy put aboard. Then we were to break
out the hemp and bale it UP around
the opium and silk II there were any
questions about the time Ii took us to
go from Manila to CeDu we were to
answer that we had got aground and
sprung leak, 80 that 1t was necessary
to beach her for repairs. This story
the appearance OF our craft would
amply justify.
Our patron promised Us that there
would be no risk to us. as he would
give us an order duly made out to car
ry his cargo, of which, of course, we
would not be expected to know any
more than its general appearance SEEM
ed to justify, from Cebu to Manila. Once
anchored in Manila Bay the whole
work of discharging would be taken
by him, and all it would be necessary
for us to do would be to show him
the manifest signed by his Chinese
partner and receive our pay. The
whole trip should not take over six
weeks.
Three days later we sailed. Much to
my surprise the Purissima proved to be
q fairly good traveller, and 1t was truly
q marvel the way the old coffin would
get to windward. McKim had made a
few alterations In her rig and had
given her a tremendous fore and aft
mainsail, which made her something
between a brigantine and a hermaph-
rodite brig. 1t had queer look, but it
helped her wonderfully In getting UP
into the wind. Our crew turned out
very we'll They all bunked forward.
of course, and seemed to get on peace
fully enough. McKim had the star
board watch with the two Tagals, and
I the port with the Visayans. The old
man cooked.
An incident had occurred on our way
across that I must not forget. On the
morning Of the second day out McKim
came on deck to relieve me at eight
bells. and before I went below to get
my breakfast he dipped up bucket
Of water from over the side and threw
of his clothes for bath. I was watch
ing him casually, for his quick, 1.-THE
motions always had a fascination for
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19

the deckhOuSe.
UP forward sailors were fighting for
their lives and for moment they stayed the
rush from that direction, giving time to
reach under our dinghy, which carried lashed
bottom side up on the deckhouse and to slip
out the heavy teak tiller which was showed un-
der the after thwart 1t was well did so, for
our revolvers were quickly emptied into the
faces of the mob and the next moment we were
hack to hack fighting q Hind and homeless fight
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19
ng odds.

7
McKim had got hold of long iron capstan
brake that he had torn from the hands of one
of the assaiants. and was lashng about him like
a wildcat 1 had thrown my empty revolver
into mans face, and gripping the ttller with
both hands, was getting in blow after blow as
opportunity offered. parrying occasional thrusts
as best could. For what seemed long time
we beat them back fast they leaped at US.
then suddenly something heavy struck me in the
chest and over went with a crash, and the next
moment was almost suffocated in writhng,
gripping forms and remember with disgust the
abominabe stencil of opium mingled with a
ctr arlaxr rsxaa QXernQQQeriQe. NV
The San Francisco call., 1905-03-19

-
The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1905-03-20

Mr.. Moore accompanied her to
Harrington, and was on the train
that fell dead about four miles from
Brownsville, and with three or
four others walked into town. He
says walking was very good and
not near all of it was taken up.
Mrs. Moore enjoyed her visit here
very much, bat says she prefers
Fort Worth to Brownsville.
Why ruin your eyes wearing old
glasses that do not suit you when
can have them fit correctly by Rut-
ledge. reasonable prices. No extra
charge for testing the eyes.
3-1O-25 Rutledge Jewelry Co.
B. E. Hinkley and NJ. Hanson
returned Saturday evening from
Waco where they had been attend
ing the biennial convention OF
Woodmen of jurisdiction c. The
gentlemen are very enthusiastic
over the meeting and say they
enjoyed the occasion very much.
Highest market price paid in
cash for old gold and silver and
diamonds. Rutledge Jewelry Co.
3-1O-25
II may be of interest to our read
ers TO know that in the neighbor-
hood of Sl1. 900 has been expend-
ed by the United States government
in new buildings and general re-
pairs at Fort Brown during the
past twelve months. Considerable
other improvement is contemplated
which was increase the sum mate
rally. The money disbursed at
Fort Brown monthly in payment of
troops, and other expenditures is
quite an item. and most of il is
spent right here at home.
You are somewhat of a chump if
you don't get a machine-now.
Considerably so if you get any but
a Singer-ever. You come and see
me about il, and / guarantee con-
viction or money refunded.
2-15-tf. SINGER MAN.
The Merry Eight" met Satur-
day evening with Louise Florence.
The members are: Amy Wise,
Sylvia and Jennie Armstrong,
Isabel Pierce, Pearl Lee Howse,
Rthel Neale, Mary Austin. After
the games were finished, a floral
contest was gotten up. Isabel
Pierce won first prize, Amy Wise,
second, and Ethel Neale was award
ed the consolation prize. Dainty
refreshments were served and the
members went away in high glee.
The club will meet every other
Saturday. Miss Amy Wise will
the members next meet
ing.
J. & p. Coats spool thread, the
best, so cents per dozen, Nos. 8 to
200, at McDonald's Department
Store. 5-16-tf.
THE HERALD is in receipt of a
letter from Lester York, of Batson,
Texas, in which he says he is
thinking very strongly of coming
10 this section TO locate. Mr.. York
has been reading literature sent
out by some of our land agents and
and others are very much
pleased with the reports. He also
sends for THE HERALD, feeling
that is the best means of securing
as to conditions here.
Mr.. York IS a native of Pennsylva-
MIA, and has been in Texas about
three years. He says he has no
desire to return to- the north, and
is very favorably attracted to this
part of Texas.
Promissory and Vendors lien
notes for sale at this Office.
Notice to Piano PLAYERS.
The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1905-03-20
NOTICE.

We will begin taking boarders
March /. For terms. apply to Mrs.
Collins and Mrs. Fromme, at Mrs.
Douglas residence.