The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-10-18

were after havin' in the Bay last night,
sorr, an the old mans turned in. The
second mate has gone aft, gatherin' his
courage in both hands fer to wake him.
Indade. sorr, it's a r-resolution that wud
put the fear iv the Lord into a better
man than him;
Rather Tartar. eh?'
"A strong man, sorr, an good sea-
man fer a greaser. though his temper Is
most prO-digious But see, here he comes,
like dock out iv a theater-"
He was indeed a fine figure of man,
fully six feet in height and proportion
ately broad. His skin was very dark.
and his eyes of the deep blackness that
/ have since observed in Indian races, but
very soft and glowing. His hair, which
he wore at a greater length than Is Gus
tomary amongst sailors, showed under
his cap in glossy curls; and his mus
tache was twisted back almost TO his
ears.
He bowed to us with a deliberate cour-
tesy, muttering a greeting in his own
tongue He spoke no English, and it was
through the medium of Tim Blake that
he offered US hospitality. 1t was no
time for explanations, so, guarding Mar
nae between us, we hurried down to
large cabin where warm garments and
SCANNING cups Of hot coffee and
sugar were brought by the worthy Irish
water were brought by the worthy IriSh-
man. to whose care we had been as
signed. rs far as could be judged.
had not contracted so much as cold
in the head. despite my long exposure.
When we had completed our change OF
clothes, my cousin beckoned me outside
the cabin, closing the door on our pris-
oner.
Il have asked Blake to take me TO the
captain, for it is right that he should
know the true position of affairs" he
whispered while ! am gone, you must
sit with Marnac. Remember, do not let
him out of your sight for moment
Every WE'LL" / said, and he strobe off
down the dark alley of the passageway.
When / re-entered the cabin / found
Marnac muffied to the chin. under the
blankets of a bunk. He gave me one of
his quick, evil glances, that was I'M
pleasantly reminiscent of an aged rat
Surprised in an iron gin. l had so great
a no TOR and detestation of the man that
his mere presence was a source of phys
ical discomfort TO me; and when, sitting
up amongst his wraps, he commenced to
poster me with questions. l could endure
it no longer. | retired outside the cabin,
seating myself with my back to the door.
l was as well there, l argued, as in the
interior. and in position infinitely more
satisfactory to myself.
The garments they had lent me wee
thick and warm; the dose of brandy had
been considerable l was weary from
the toll of a sleepless night. Those are
my excuses for the fact that in the
course of the next FIVE minutes l fell
soundly asleep.
1t was Graden who woke me, very
angry and exasperated Graden who
shook my senses into with with unnec-
essary violence. l started up, protest
ing against his treatmen,.
81 thought better of you than this"
he said. with his hand still fixed in my
collar.
My back was against the door. He
could not pass without waking me- What
does it matter?" l grumbled, with every
sign of irritation.
II told you to watch him, TO stay in
-
here. No more excuses, please. You
know the ability of the man. Let us
hope he has not taken advantage of any
chances you gave him."
He opened the door cautiously, peeped
in, and then flung it wide with great
oath. The cabin was empty.
Yet there was no doubt as to his man.
ner of escape. In the middle of the
flooring there gaped little hole, with
heavy square of wood lying beside it.
On examination we found that this en-
trance had also been barred by a graf
ing, which now swung downwards on Its
hinges, disclosing a wooden ladder, the
foot of which was indistinguishable in
the gloom below.
HE is in the holdw l cried. HE is
hiding somewhere amongst the cargo.
We shall never find him without the help
of the crew.
Amongst the excellent points in my
cousins character was that of perfect
self-control There was no anger in
his voice to remind me of my blunder
when he spoke again.
Its not the hold, Cousin Robert"
he said. This is the ships lazarette
ally two entrances, each similar to this
If he has escaped by the second, it's a
bad business. 1t will mean he has found
friend. for these gratings should be
secured. But it may be that he is Turk
ing amongst the pork and biscuits. If
so, we ought to find him easily enough.
don't want to bring the crew into this
affair if can help it. 1t will be enough
if the captain knows"
That's the blacklist part of the luck.
The ship caught it pretty badly last
night; they were right in the thick Of
it. / found the captain on deck super
intending three or four sailors who we're
clearing away the wreckage of one of the
boats. He was in an amazing temper,
and Blake advised me that If l had a
favor to ask him. had best let him cool
off a bit. So l dismissed the Irishman
and climbed up to the bridge. should
think I'd been there about twenty min
utes watching the work, when saw a
sharp-looking lad pop out from the COM
paniop and go over to where the captain
was standing. They had fine pow-wow
together, looking up at me from time to
time. 1t rather puzzled me, and pres
emily l dropped down the stairs and
walked over to where they were. The
captain seemed decidedly chilly, and
soon saw by his manner that he was not
wanting a talk just then. Whereupon
1 came below. SO kindly light the lamp
l see in the bracket yonder, Cousin Rob-
ert, and We'll go hunting again."
CHAPTER Xxx.