Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-05-24
CHAPTER II.

Gently and with excusable hesitation
the naval officer raised the brim of the
large hat and displayed the face of a
| living man. There could be no doubt
| about it. The strong face bore the signs
of perfect health-the brown hair and
| closely cropped beard were glossy with
life.
He's asleep" whispered one of the
sailors-a young man who had not
known discipline long.
"Halloo, my man! Wake up" called
out the young officer, clapping the
sleeper on the back.
The effect was instantaneous. The
sleeper opened his eyes and rose to his
feet simultaneously, releasing himself
from the rope which was hitched over
the back of his chair. Despite ragged
shirt and trousers despite the old Pana-
ma hat with its limp brim, despite bare
feet and tarry hands, there was some
thing about this sailor which placed him
on a par with the officer. These social
distinctions are too subtle for most of us.
We can feel them, but to explain Is be-
yond us. We recognize a gentleman, but
we can in nowise define one. This sail
or'S 81 action was perfectly spontaneous and
natural as he faced the officer. 1t was
an unconscious assertion of social equal
ity.
AN English officer!' he exclaimed,
holding out his hand. II am glad to
see the uniform again."
The small man nodded his head with
out speaking, but he grasped the brown
hand somewhat tremendously. The form
- dad tn thn ttrrp
seamen by the ragged sailor.
Are you in command of this vessel"
inquired Lieut.. Grace, looking round crit
ically.
Il am-at present. l shipped as sec
ond mate, but have now the honor Of be-
ing captain, and bottle washer
The men moved away, looking about
them curiousy. The younger made for
the deck house, seeking the compan-
ion way below.
"Haloo." exclaimed the solitary mari
ner, where are you men going to? Hold
hard, there, you fellows! Let me go
down first"
The stoutly built little officer held up
warning hand to his men. Then he
turned and looked keenly into his CON-
panion's face. The glance was returned
with the calm speculation of a man who
had not yet found his normal match.
yellow fever?" interrogated Grace.
yellow fever" answered the other,
with a short nod. II will go first"
Suiting the action to the word, he led
the way, and the young officer followed
closely. At the head of the companion
ladder the sailor stopped.
What is to-dayT" he inquired, alb
ruptly.
Thursday"
1T was Tuesday when lashed myself
to that chair. | must have been sleep
ing forty-eight hours"
And you have had no food since
them"
Il don't know. / really cannot tell
you. | remember taking the wheel at
midday on Tuesday; since then | don't
exactly know what l have DONE"
He had descended the brass-bound steps,
and as he spoke the last words he led the
way into the saloon. a sail had been
cast over the open skylight, so that the
full glare of day failed to penetrate into
the roomy cabin. Upon the oilcloth-cov-
cred table lay a rolled sheet of brown
paper in the rough form of a torch, and
beside it a box of matches.
Il burn brown paper" said the sailor.
quietly, as he struck light and ignited
the paper-''it is the only disinfectant /
have left"
You need It =" exclaimed the officer
In the meantime the other had advanc-
ed further into the cabin. Upon the floor,
beyond the table, with their heads resting
upon the hatch of the lazarette, lay two
men whose forms were distinguishable be-
meath the dusky sheets cast over them.
Those are the last OF nineteen" said
the ragged man, waving aside the acrid
smoke. II have buried seventeen my
self, and nursed nineteen. That L. the
steward, this the nrst mate. They quar-