Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1906-06-16
CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XIV.
There Is no need to dwell upon the
mental agonies Of that miserable night
Frere had a finder box In his pocket,
and made a fire with some dry leaves
and sticks. Grimes fell asleep, and the
two men sitting at their fire, discussed
the chances Of escape.
A discussion had arisen among the
mutinsers as to the propriety Of at once
making sail: but Barker, who had been
one Of the pilot boat crew. and knew the
dangers OF the bar, vowed that he would
not undertake to steer the brig through
the Gates until morning; and 80 the
boats being secured astern. 4 strict
watch, was set, lest the helpless Bates
should attempt to rescue the vessel.
During the evening a feeling Of pity for
the unfortunate party on tho mainland
took possession of them. 1t was quite
possible that the Osprey might be re-
captured, in which case five useless MUIR
ders would have been committed. John
Rex, seeing how matters were going,
made haste to take to himself the credit
Of mercy. He ruled, and had always
ruled, his rufians.
II PROPOSE" said he, that we divide
the provisions. There are five of them
and ten of us. Then nobody can blame
u.s."
This reasoning was admitted and act
ed upon. There were In the harness cask
about fifty pounds of salt meat, and
third of this quantity together with
half small sack Of -four, some tea and
sugar mixed together in bag, and an
iron kettle and pannikin, were placed
in the whaleboat. Cheshire, stumbling
over a goat that had been taken on
board from Philip Island, caught the
creature by the leg and threw it into the
sea, bidding Rex take that with him
also. Rex dragged the poor beast into
the boat, and with this miscellaneous
cargo pushed off to the shore. The poor
goat, shivering, began to bleat piteously,
and the men laughed. To stranger il
would have appeared that the boat con
tanned happy party of fishermen, OF
coast settlers, returning with the pro
ceeds Of a days marketing.
Laying off as the water Swallowed
Rex called to Bates to come for the
cargo, and three men with muskets
standing up as before, ready to resist
any attempt at capture, the provis-
ions, goat and all, were carried ashore.
There" says Rex, you can't say we've
used you badly, for we've divided the
provisions" The sight of this almost
unexpected succor revived the courage
of the five, and they felt grateful AZ
ter the horrible anxiety they had endur-
ed all that night, they were prepared to
look with kindly eyes upon the men who
had come to their assistance.
Men," said Bates, with something
like sob In his voice, Il didn't expect
this. You are good fellows, for there
amt much tucker aboard, know"
Yes" affirmed Frere, you're good
fellows"
Rex burst into a savage laugh. "Shut
your mouth, you tyrant," said he, forget
| ting his dandyism in tho recollection OF
his former suffering. ut amt for your
benefit. You may thank the lady and
child for it."
Julia Vickers FASTENED to propitiate
the arbiter of her daughters fate. eve
| are obliged to you," she said, with @
touch of quiet dignity resembling her
husbands; land if l ever get back safe
| ly / will take care that your kindness
shall be known"
80, with cneers ana waving OF hdnd
kerchiefs, the boat departed.
A council of war was held, with Mr.
Frere at the head of it, and the posses
sions of the little party were thrown
into common stock.
1t was found, upon a review Of theil
possessions that they had among then
three pocket-knives, a ball Of string
three pipes and fig of tobacco, por
ton of fishing line, with hooks, and 8
big jackknife. But they saw with dis
may that there was nothing which coult
be used axwise among the party. Mrs
Vickers had her shawl, and Bates
pea jacket, but Frere and Grimes wer,
without extra clothing.
Having made these arrangements, tn,
kettle, filed with water from the spring
was slung from three green sticks owe
the fire, and pannikin of weak tea
together with a biscuit, served out t.
each of the party, save Grimes, VIII
declared himself unable to eat Break
fast over. Bates made a damper, whicl
was cooked in the ashes, and then an
other council was held as to future habI
tation.
1t was clearly evident that they coul
not sleep in the open air. 1t was tn
middle of summer, and though no annoy