The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-06-30
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
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 1t. The strong face bore the signs
Of perfect health-the brown hair and
closely cropped beard were glossy with
| life.
Hes asleepw 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 gentleman, but
we can in nowise define one. This sail
ors action was perfectly spontaneous and
natural as he faced the officer. 1t was
an unconscious assertion of social equal
ity.
| IAN English officerw 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
| of greeting was also extended to the two
seamen by the ragged sailor.
| Are you In command of this vessel 2"
inquired Lieut.. Grace, looking round crit
ically.
81 am-at present. I shipped as sec
ond mate, but have now the honor of be-
ing captain, and bottle washer"
The men moved away, looking about
them curiously. The younger made for
the deck house, seeking the compan-
ion way below.
"Halloo!" exclaimed the solitary mari
ner, where are you men going to? Hold
hard, there, you fellowsl Let me go
down first"
The stoutly built little officer held up
a warning hand to his men. Then he
turned and looked keenly into his com
panion's face. The glance was returned
l
had not yet found his normal match.
yellow fever" Intercepted Grace.
yellow fever" answered the other,
with a short nod. IL 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-day2" he inquired, abb
ruptly.
Thursday"
ut was Tuesday when dashed myself
to that chair. I must have been sleep
ing forty-eight hours"
And you have had no food since
then?"
II don't know. I really cannot tell
you. l 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 1t box of matches.
Il burn brown paper" said the sailor
quietly, as he struck a light and ignitet
the paper-''it is the only disinfectant
have left"
you need It 7" 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" sale
the ragged man, waving aside the acrit
smoke. II have buried seventeen my
self. and nursed nineteen. That L. tn,
, steward, this the hrst mate. They quar-