The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-06-09
Prisoners and Captives
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CHAPTER III.-(Continued.)
BY H. 8. MERRIMAN

two servants of her majesty were promp
and business-like in their questions. Iyar
had taken the precaution OF bringing tn
log-book of the Martial, In which tn
deaths OF the whole crew excepting MIN
self were faithfully recorded. The pro
ceedings were ship-shaps and business
like. but as the story progressed the Oh
commander became more and more inter
ssted, to the detriment of his official pune
tilio. When at last Tyars finished HI
narrative with the words
"And this afternoon Lieut. Grace found
mo asleep on the Wheel the old sailor
leaned forward across the little cabin ia
bic and extended an unsteady, curvet
hand.
''Your hand, sir: I should like to take
By the hand a man with such record
as yours. You have done wonderful
thing In navigating the ship almost sin
gle-handed as far as this. In nursing the
poor fellows you have acted with the ten
derness of a woman; In the management,
Of your ship you have proved yourself
good sailor, and in your marvellous pluck
you have shown yourself a gentleman
for such think you must be, though you
shipped as second mate of merchant
man."
Tyars took the proffered hand. smiling
his slow, unconsciousiy mournful smile.
But" he said, calmly ignoring the in
tsrrogation Of the old mans glance, .you
must not give me the whole credit. There
are ether records as good as mine. but
they are finished. and SO the interest suf-
fers Some Of the men behaved splen-
didly. One poor fellow actually dropped
dead at the wheel, refusing to 60 below
until 1t was too late. He knew it WAS
hopeless, but he took peculiar sort of
pride in dying with his fingers around the
spokes."
Then the young surgeon of the Foam
appeared and took charge of his second
patient-for the terrier Muggins had, by
Tyars' request, been attended to first.
In the quiet days that followed the
rescued man and his dog recovered from
The effects Of their hardship with wonder
full rapidity. Muggins had decided dis
advantage Of his master. He was older
as dog than Tyars as a man; moreover,
his hardships had been greater, for thirst
IL terrible enemy and leaves his mark
deep ssnken. Tyars had passed through
4 most trying period. but Providence had
chosen to place within his broad chest a
heart semi-indifferent, semi-stubborn-the
hard heart of fearless man. In his
place nine out Of ten would have lost
their reason; Grace found him as nearly
hysterical as strong will could we'll be.
Ciaud Tyars soon regained his energy,
and with the return Of it came that rest
Iessness which characterized his daily way
OF life. He wished to be up and doing,
holding idleness as an abomination. A
few men had been put on board the mer-
chairman with instructions to keep near
their own ship under all circumstances,
and in consort the vessels were creeping
slowly through the placid waters toward
the north.
Ii happened that Lieut.. Grace was soon
to leave the SLAYER ON long leave Of
absence, and he was therefore selected
to 60 on board the Martial. with Tyars
as joint commander, and a few men
with view to sailing for Madeira, where
the crew would be strengthened.
At last the doctor announced that the
rescued man was perfectly strong again,
and that the fever-stricken ship was puri-
fed and disinfected.
But" he added grayely. looking at
Tyars, 1.-THE dog Is in a critical condition.
l do not consider myself justified in al
lowing him to 60 out Of my hands. He
requires constant medical attendance"
"Bosh !" replied Tyars, with much SOL
emnity.
I will give you five pounds for him."
said the doctor, innocently.
Il have not come on board this vessel
to sell my dog"
The offer was increased, but to no Dur
pose Tyars was as faithful to his dog
as Muggins to his master. And SO the
two returned to their vessel early one
morning, when fair breeze was blow
ing. For the third time since her de-
parture from South America the Mar
tails sails were all shaken out, and be-
meath a cloud Of snowy canvas she moved
away on her stately progress northward,
while the little slave-catcher returned to
the cursed coast which required so close
a watch.
Tyars held masters certificate. and
by right of seniority succeeded to the com.
mand Of the Martial, vice captain and
first mate. dead and buried. In Lieut..
Grace he found coadjutor of sympathet-
&c mettle. Energetic. alert and bold. ha
ruled the deck with CHEEKY despotism.
and went below for rest with the comfort.
Ing conviction that Grace would never
shorten sail from nervousness.
The question before this little hand of
men was the safe conduct of q yaluahle
ship and precious cargo home to Enr-
land, and this they one and all came IN
look upon in time with that breadth Of
view which the circumstances required.
Nan-ot-war rrimness was out Of the onex.
tion-carpenter there was none. m ma int.
could not be mixed. nor decks eaulkad
nor woodwork repaired. Fhere was No
Sailmaker, SO things must perforce he Al.
lowed to 60 little ragged.
After a long consultation with Grace
Tyars had called together his Iittla crev
round the wheel. and there Delivered "a
them q short harangue in his hast
Union" style. The result Of this and :
ksw words from the lieutenant vas th.t
the island Of Madeira was enthusiastical.
~ shelved. There were to be no half
measures on board the Martial. They
would take the ship home il there was no
"atcn below Tor any Of them,
Ibis program was ultima taiv r.,ra.d