Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-24
CHAPTER XXXV1II.


Beyond that comprehensive wink
to Dick at the wheel, Sawyer offered
no explanation of his vicarious con-
fession, and the two friends rea-
soned that. secure in his advantage,
he had done Il out of the goodness of
his heart, not only to relieve Dick.
and possibly Breen, from suspicion,
but to throw the captain back upon
his promise and secure better food
for the men. The latter result was
attained. for Captain Bilker, loudly
proclaiming himself man of his
word, ordered the steward to give
them full and plenty"--which
meant the addition TO the govern
ment allowance Of a few of the sub
stitutes and an additional quart of
water per diem.
What difference, II any, Sawver's
confession made in his relations with
Mr.. Thorpe never became known in
the forecastle. Work went on with
out apparent friction between the
two, and much more smoothly as re-
garded the men. 1t was as If the
tragic deaths of the cook and car
penter had exercised a huma nizing
effect on Mr.. Thorpe; for, though his
tongue was as bitter as ever, he
rarely raised his belaying-pin from
his boot. AS for Pig, the full measure
of his disgrace hardly seemed to
come home to him. AS cook he
could secure for himself as good
food as was served in the cabin: his
berth was as comfortable, and his
duties were easier. After few
days Of moroseness, he settled
into an apathetic, porcine indiffer-
ence, from which he aroused HIM
self only to growl curses on Dicks
head when he passed the galley door.
Dick heard them. and asked Breens
permission to silence them.
mo-" snapped Breen; you're to
keep out Of trouble. Great heavens!"
he exclaimed passionately, what
have done to be compelled to suffer
like this?" He had been all day at a
washtub. and his knuckles were SORE
But" answered Dick, gently,
why need you? 1t is much easier
for me 70 bear IT than for you. There
are only two aft now--for Sawyer
doesn't count, provided we succeed
and one is crippled. Why not
you and sneak aft in my watch
some night, floor the mate. gag him,
go down and fix the skipper, and get
his pistols and gun. Then we'll have
charge"
"Yes, we might. I've talked
bravely enough about It, and yet
call It cowardice II you like; but
don't say that l wouldn't on i'm
pulse-you see, some one would DO
killed, surely. Some of the men,
perhaps, who wouldn't understand.
] know that I should be exonerated,
and yet I hesitate at bloodshed. If
It were In time of war | should drive
ahead. War excuses killing, even to
mans own conscience. had really
hoped, that in case of a vacancy in
the galley-which I confess now |
didn't wish for-I should be made
cabin turnkey, or something of that
sort, while the steward cooked for
All hands. Now ] am stalled again"
I've good mind" said Dick,
Ilowly and thoughtfully, TO take
this upon myself. There is a differ
ence Of training, perhaps tempera-
ment, between us. and | have none
or your scruplea. can overcome
them both in three minutes--one
after the other. Then I can arm my
self In two minutes. at least. Five
minutes work will do it,"
And hang you"
But Why" asked Dick. vehem-
entity. Il am the governments hired
man. My government has trained me
10 fight. ! am taken forciblv from
my job, and fight as have been
taught, to get back to my work.
Why should my government hang
ne?"
Because certain legal gentlemen
would conceive 1t their duty to ar
range it," answered Breen, YEARLY.
I'VE need not argue this question. II
YOU fall back upon your relation to
your government, ! fall back upon
mine. AS your officer. | forbid you
W ANYONE lnlS snip
until ! take the initiative and so di-
rect you. also order you to report
to me twentyfour hours hence any
plan you may be able to think OF
which will give me possession OF
arms without previous friction. I
will think also. My duties now are
light and conducive TO thought.
am the shippers laundryman. Ihave
washed his shirts to-day; tomorrow
expect to have his socks"
Dick rendered through the middle
watch on the ensign's new attitude,
but not until he had rolled into his
bunk at four in the morning had he
brought the problem to a satisfac-
tory solution.
"Breen's gentleman. to begin
with" he unused. "As a gentleman,
ne regards fighting, knockdowns, and
such things as ungentlemanly unless
in behalf of others. or for a principle
removed from his own private In