Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-10

eSain ne heafd the angry, strident
voice:--
Get out on deck to yer work. ye
bloody. Out WI ye, or I'll make ye
wish ys're in HI"
What Ia it-what's up?" he
asked brokenly. As he looked UP at
. figure standing over him in the
hickering light Of fare lamp.
Around him we're hunks, and on the
stanchions between them hung oil
skins, coats. and clothes bags. From
the open door at the end Of the
apartment the cold wind Of a bleak
morning came in. chilly and damp.
Get out o. this and clap on tothem
hyin' lib hal'ards." beloved the man
above him. Quick. or I'll Mt ye."
Dick was not quick, either in his
movements or In his mental pro-
cesses: his head was aching and his
brain reeling from the effects Of the
drug, and even the fall TO the floor
had not thoroughly awakened him;
so he was "lifted"--a few inches, at
least-and rolled foot nearer the
door by the impact OF a heavy boot;
but II was rubber boot, and no
bones we're broken. Arising unstead-
ny, he yielded TO the pushes and
punches Of the other and staggered
through the door to the deck with
out. where. to the music Of Tapping
canvas. whistling wind, and their
own discordant calls, men we're set
ting the flying jib.
Get a holt o. them halyards."
came the voice of authority in his
ear, followed by blow that launched
him nearly headlong into the group
Of men hosting the sail. He was ac-
customed to obey. but not to being
struck; and when thoroughly awake
and able TO remember the events OF
the night before, and to realize that
he was now at sea. on board large,
square-rigged ship. he asked the man
nearest him for an explanation.
What We growlin bout. matey?"
answered the man. we've Just foul
o. the buckle second mate-the boy
bucko We've been dom the same
all night. He's big enough, but too
young for the noise he makes"
Then I've been shanghaied."
groaned Dick. Us Mr.. Breen
aboard?'
"Who-your side partner: He'saft
wi the other watch. oh. We struck a
sweet ship, matey. Been to sea be-
fore?"
I'm the navy"
"W'hew-both O. ye? The Lord
help re then, til ye learn yer
work"
Dry up that CUFF at the hal'ards,"
bawled the officer from amidships
Aye. aye. sir" answered the man
cheerfully. up with her. lads. Up
wi that headsail. Take a hold here,
matey." he added in lower tone to
Dick. Take hold, or ven have
him at We again"
And Dick pretended to pull on the
halyerds- which was all that he
rould do in his demoralized condi-
ton. The sail was soon up, and they
trimmed down the sheet at the noisy
behest Of the officer. Then they we're
all driven aft 10 assist others Of the
sail-yard The strong. fresh breeze
was rapidly clearing Dicks benumb-
ed faculties. and as he hauled with
the others, he searched his memory
In the effort TO locate the second
mates voice. He had heard 1t some
where. he was sure, but could not
remember where. and though day
light was breaking on the lee beam,
st was still too dark to distinguish
features. Indeed, 1t was only when
the second mate called to them to
bend their backs" and he muttered
something in reply. that he became
aware that the unkempt figure Just
In front Of him on the rope was Mr..
Breen.
None OF that. Halpin. said tho
latter in an undertone. Keep your
mouth closed tight until | can talk
with YOU. They've put us in separate
watches. Reused me out at mid
night
Very good. SIR" answered Dick.
And don't sir nue. here. Do as
they tell you, and say nothing. We're
In bad Ak
Though the air was now clear OF
snow, and the storm of the night be-
fore had sufficiently moderated to
permit the carrying of all three top
sails. maintOpgallant-sail. and flying
fth fhorn stiD
fitful puffs of the westerly wind and
, snap to the offshore sea which ham
mered the ship and made more sail
inadvisable. So when the mizzentop-
sail was up and the yard braced. a
believing roar sounded from the
poop deck; Relieve the wheel and
lookout. Thatll do the watch
Your watch on deck, yOungster,"
said Dicks friend as they coiled up
the gear, NO choice between ye
whom we lifted We up the side: but
the mate picked yer chum and the
second mate picked you. Wonder
where the bloody mate ia. Haven't
nearc his zap this watch. but he was
ousy enough up to midnight"
what ship Is this" asked Dick,
and where's she bound"
Mary Earl. O. Bath, Capn Bilker.
, Cape Cod. Ever hear o. h,mf
First mates another Cape Cod muir.
derer, and second mates a bran new
buckle Just out o. the boy s-room. I
take it--not used to bossin' men. an
not more'n half seaman, but a Tim
hickey with his fists. Guess you an
me an YER chum ara the onlv Au.i