Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-17
CHAPTER XXX1I.

At eight bells Dick mustered aft to
be counted with the rest-as IL Gus
tomary at the change of night
watches--and when his watchmates
had turned In. he again sought his
hiding place; for he could not sleep
even though the others had ceased to
discuss a project propounded among
them while he was at the wheel. He
had felt no interest when informed
OF It, for he could think of nothing
but his changed position.
Pigs statement gave new color
ing to each action of Mabel Arthur
and to each of his own. She knew,
and had known from nearly the be-
ginning. that he was innocent. Her
attitude had held nothing of pity or
contempt, and her strange friendli-
ness and interest in him. which he
had believed arose from these two
emotions, would now admit Of a
worthier animus. Dimly to his mind
came the ensign's mention on board
the Vermont of her intercession in
his behalf, Of all she had done for
him. and he started out on deck. to
call him from the group at the port
forecastle door, and ask u repetition
and ve,sfcation; but there came to
him me memory OF Bessie's letter
and Che mention of a diamond ring
He must not cross-Question a man
about his fiancee; so he decided to
say and do nothing at all Breen may
have heard Of his early disgrace but
" was certainly Of small Importance
10 him, and an explanation might in
tolve branding the ensigns future
brother-in-law as thief He real
lied that this point OF view was at
variance with his usual habit of mind
and felt better for It, He was up
lifted, and his love for Mabel and his
reserve store OF self-respect, held
down through the years by the belief
IN his bad reputation, now arose and
dominated his hatred Of her brother
and jealousy Of Breen.
Perhaps" he unused, this Is the
way fellow must feel about such
things to be gentleman worthy OF
her, for instance. Perhaps II prac-
used feeling this way. | might stop
seeing red when things go wrong"
In the latter speculation he was
confirmed by Breen, whom he sought
TO tell about Pigs increased suspi-
cion and promise OF hot atmosphere
Breen, sleepy, cross, and sore in his
Joints, ursympathetically ordered
him to play his part--to submit
meekly to abuse, moral and physical.
IN order that he could be at hand
when wanted. instead OF down below
IN irons.
"It'll do you good" ne concluded,
ITO be thumped around a little when
You can't thrmp back. It'll develop
your self-control--and. by the wav. l
suppose you know that both watches
are going aft at breakfast time to
protest against the menu Keep in
the background. and let the others
talk. They're all brave enough for
talking"
DICK turned In, and, being young,
lost only an hour In getting to sleep.
He awakened at seven bells with the
rest, and as agreed upon among
them, ate no breakfast, the object
being 10 preserve It intact for the
Offlcial exhibition at eight bells. when
the other watch could Join them
There was much talking about past
experiences OF the kind in which
victory had come to the narrators.
but when eight bells had struck, they
emptied their pipes and arose to
their feet with more or less anxiety
showing in each face. Smith, true
to his word, bore the pan Of Cracker
hash with clean spoon resting on
top, and Wagner carried the coffee
pot and a tin pannikin. They trooped
out. waited at the main hatch until
the other watch had obtained their
breakfast from the starboard galley
door. then marched aft in a body,
and Smith. the spokesman. told Saw
yer at the break of the poop that
they would like 10 see the captain
Sawyer nodded warningly, and en-
tered the forward companion. When
he came out he carried a double bar
relied shotgun, and following him
were Captain Bilker and Mr.. Jones,
each with the same burden, and a
tall. mild-eyed. handsome man with
side-whiskers, who carried his riCht
ARM IN a sling, and whom Dick had
e. trouble l. identifying as mir.
Thorpe, the first mate. This man
held n marliAsDike in his left Aand