Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-24
CHAPTER XXXVI.

1t was the last dog-watch, the only
time In the twenty-four hours when
both watches were at leisure. and
Dick Halpin and Ensign Breen dared
to converse openly.
They were walking up and down
near the fore hatch. In the alley be-
tween the forward house and the
weather rail the watch on deck was
gathered In groups. while the watch
below passed in and out Of their own
forecastle, their voices rising in dis
connected murmurs over the rush of
the wind through the rigging and the
swash of the sea. The cold night OF
the southern winter had fallen, and
in the northwest a half moon shone
brightly. illumining between the OBJ
scuration of racing clouds every de-
tail OF the deck and top-hamper. but.
when hidden, throwing the whole
fabric into shadow blacker from the
contrast. Out OF the darkness at
such a moment came the tall figure
of the carpenter, who peered into
their faces.
Hist, lad" he said cautiously to
Dick. Come ava. Come WI me
bit"
He led them over the rail, and
lowering his mouth to his ear whis-
pered: "To-nigh'ts the night"
Tonight" repeated Dick. THE
night for WHAT"
"To-night's the night" said Chips.
impressively. ITS been a-tellin me
all day. Tonight, at eight bells 4
the last dog-watch. he'll have his
knife sharp enough to suit him."
"What-whos been telling you!
What do you mean, Chips?"
THE voice-the wee bit voice In
my ear, lad. Dye no hear It yerseli
Hear 1t moo? Eight bells + the
last dog-vatch.' He's at it moo.
Hear him-a-grindin' and a-sorapin'
wi his butchers steel. And he's get
tin nought but wire eedge-
nought but a wire eedge. And he
don't know, the loon; he don't
know"
The carpenter chuckled; and Dick
listened, but heard no sound OF knife
sharpening,
He don't know" continued Chips.
But you do. lad. Saw ye ever the
like of such an eedge as ha' put on
the broadaxel And he's nought but
a wire eedge on his bit O. pot metal"
And again the carpenter chuekled
joyously. Then he bolted aft in the
darkness. and Diok returned
thoughtfuily to Breen at the hatch.
He hears voices" he said; land
he hears the cook sharpening his
knife; but couldn't. Hes hall
crazy. / haven't heard that knife
sharpening since he scaided me-"
Nor I. No doubt you discouraged
him. He would oheerfully xnife yor
II he dared, but as said. he Is a pol
troon from his wool down, And
Chips ia safe enough II no only knew
IT,"
Chips must have boon a little
touched before 1t began. Otherwise
why don't hear voices7 We're II
the same boat"
Difference In temperament ant
brand of lunssy. You were q littl'
touched, too, and I'm catching 1t
What cures one man kills another
There goes eight bella"
The tinkle OF the bell sounded q
the wheel, and Bresn slapped towar'
the large ball at the foremost to ra
peat the strokes, Before he coul'
DO 30, q hoarss. blood-freeAinE shriel
rang out from the lee galley door
and, amid startled ordinations o
jostied men. the carpenters vote
followed with, "Helpi Help' MuE
der," Then he sprang around tn
corner Of the house and mounted tn
|, fore hatch,
"8hut up that noise forrard
, there" shouted Mr., Jones from tn
poop, Strike eight bells. What's tn
msttarf"