The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1906-12-28

in the Maid of Staten Island" with {
double purpose. He needed change
of air, so the doctor said, and he re
CURED fresh material for his newspa
per and magazine articles. Both needs
could be met and his slender means
accommodated by voyage in a sail
ing vessel, and be promptly closed
with Capt. Findlay's terms.
When he first appeared the captain
was ashore, but the first mate, who
took charge of his baggage, marveled
greatly.
What's all this?" he asked, point
Ing to sundry sacks and boxes.
"Oh, that's little stock of groceries
I've laid in," answered Saunders, Ito
er-supplement the ships supplies.
Mostly fresh fruit and canned goods"
What we've got amt good enough
for you, suppose" growled the mate,
who was not favorably disposed to.
ward the newcomer.
Nov, that's more like the thing"
he exclaimed in Modified tones, as he
spied a case Of assorted bottles and
TASKS. II don't mind sampling some
of that myself"
very kind Of you, I'm sure" re.
piled Saunders. Those happen to be
Photographic supplies; I don't think
you'll find them to your taste" And
he slowly sauntered aft.
Thus, before the voyage began were
the seeds of discord sown; and ere
Sandy Hook had faded on the horizon,
Saunders realized the mistake he had
made, and deplored his lack of tact.
On the side of the mate were soon
ranged the cook and all of the crew
but Jim, the educated sailor-of whom
more hereafter-with the captain him
self silent sympathizer.
Saunders, in short, was voted fool,
and his constant scribbling and photo
graphing looked upon as huge joke.
And he, too wise now to court open
hostility, accepted jibes and horse
play with an equanimity that only in
tensifled the contempt of his persecu-
tors. For little did they know of the
scathing article that he was preparing
for one of the Sunday papers, in which
sea-faring men were pictured as the
very scum of society, class too igno-
rant to deserve vote in Hayti. The
crew smiled openly; Saunders laughed
in secret.
Only on Jim, the educated sailor,
could Saunders depend. Jim had been
to college, and could quote with equal
glibness from the Greek and Latin
classics. Moreover, he had seen no
inconsiderable portion of the earth,
and had an intelligent command of
eight modern languages. And yet, as
Saunders was forced to admit, what
ever Jim's learning, his common sense
in thus allying himself with the enemy
was woefully lacking For Saunders
prosecuted and ridiculed though he
was, ate three hearty meals day,
whereas Jim, Disseminated against in
the galley and robbed openly in the
forecastle, actually began to get thin.
He was not so utterly foolhardy, how.
ever, as to accept portion of Saun.
ders' fancy groceries, and Saunders
did not press the matter knowing
Jim's decision to be wise.
Yet fate had kinder intentions to-
ward Jim than he could have dreamed
of; and as for Saunders, from being
the laughing-stock of the entire ship,
he suddenly became it's virtual master,
acquiring a prestige that quite over
Swallowed the captains.
1t happened in this wise.
On the afternoon of the sixth day
the cook suddenly complained of i'll
ness and took to his bunk. Half an |
hour later the second mate sought the
captain in the cabin.
"The cooks not feeling well, sir"
he announced. He's lying in his
bunk"
HE needn't be in such a blamed
hurry about turnin' in" said the cap
tain. Tell him I'll be right out to see
him; and say-lend hand with the
medicine chest"
LAY, ay, sir!" responded the second
nate; and he bore off the ponderous
mahogany case that contained the
ships supply Of drugs.
II say, Mr.. Saunders" said the cap
ain presently, Il fear-er-I think
we left the dose book ashore; did |
lear you say you once studied medi.
,ine?"
Il put in two years at It," said
Saunders.
Then come along with me like a
rood fellow; If you can tell what he's
got, / guess can remember the
losing"
IT think that would be dangerous
way to go about It," replied Saunders.
I don't mind seeing him, captain, but
I You want me to take the case fear
shall have to ask for free hand"
Captain Findlay looked at his pas.
enger with amazement. Did his eyes
leceive him or had Saunders really
,rown taller?
Enthusiastically" he replied,
nd he checked a sudden impulse to