Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-03-08
CHAPTER LII.

CHAPTER III.
Gently and with excusable hesitation
the naval officer raised the brim of the
large hat and displayed the face of
living man. There could be no doubt
about it. The strong face bore the signs
OF perfect health-the brown hair and
closely cropped beard were glossy with
life.
Hes asleep" whispered one of the
sailors-a young man who had not
known discipline long.
"Halloo, my man Wake up" called
out the young officer, clapping che
sleeper on the back.
The effect was instantaneous. The
sleeper opened his eyes and rose to his
feet simultaneously, releasing himself
from the rope which was hitched over
the back of his chair. Despite ragged
shirt and trousers, despite the old Pana-
ma hat with it's limp brim, despite bare
feet and tarry hands, there was some
thing about this sailor which placed him
on a par with the officer. These social
distinctions are too subtle for most of us.
We can feel them, but to explain is be-
yond us. We recognize a gentleman, but
we can in nowise define one. This sail
Or's action was perfectly spontaneous and
natural as he faced the officer. 1t was
an unconscious assertion of social equal
ity.
An English officer! ~ he exclaimed,
holding out his hand Il am glad to
see the uniform again.
The small man nodded his head with
out speaking, but he grasped the brown
hand somewhat tremendously. The form
of greeting was also extended to the two
seamen by the ragged sailor.
Are you in command of this vessel?"
inquired Lieut.. Grace, looking round crit
ically.
Il am-at present. l shipped as sec
ond mate, but have now the honor of be-
ing captain, and bottle washer"
The men moved away, looking about
them curiously. The younger made for
the deck house, seeking the compan-
ion way below.
"Halloo!" exclaimed the solitary mari
ner, where are you men going to? Hold
hard, there. you fellows! Let me go
down first"
The stoutly built little officer held up
warning hand to his men, Then he
turned and looked keenly into his com
panion's face. The glance was returned
with the calm speculation of a man who
had not yet found his normal match
yellow fever?" Intercepted Grace.
yellow fever" answered the other,
with a short nod. Il will go first"
Suiting the action to the word he led
the way, and the young officer followed
closely. At the head of the companion
ladder the sailor stopped.
What is to-day" he inquired, alb
ruptly.
Thursday"
1T was Tuesday when dashed myself
to that chair. l must have been sleep
ing forty-eight hours"
And you have had no food since
them"
Il don't know. I really cannot tell
YOU | remember taking the wheel at
midday on Tuesday; since then don't
exactly know what | have done"
He had descended the brass-bound steps,
and as he spoke the last words he led the
way into the saloon. A sail had been
east over the open skylight, so that the
full glare of day failed to penetrate into
the roomy cabin. Upon the oilcloth-coy-
cred table lay rolled sheet of brown
paper in the rough form of a torch, and
beside it a box of matches.
Il burn brown paper" said the sailor.
quietly, as he struck light and ignited
the paper-"it is the only disinfectant |
have left"
You need it!' exclaimed the officer.
In the meantime the other had advanc-
ed further into the cabin. Upon the floor.
beyond the table, with their heads resting
upon the hatch of the lazarette, lay two
men whose forms were distinguishabe be-
meath the dusky sheets cast over them.
Those are the last of nineteen" said
the ragged man, waving aside the acrid
smoke. Il have buried seventeen my
SELF and nursed nineteen That is the
steward, this the first mate. They quar-
relied when they were-alive 1t seems
to be made up now-eh? l did my best,
but the more | got to know of yellow fe-
yer the greater was my respect for it. |
nursed them to the best of my knowledge,
and then played parSon."
He pointed to an open Bible lying on
the floor. The little officer was watching
him with peculiar and continuous scru-
| tiny. He barely glanced at the Bible or
at the still forms beneath the unwashed
sheet. All his attention was concentrat-
ed upon the survivor.
And now" he said, deliberately, ''if
you will kindly go on board the Foam l
shall take charge of this ship"
"Eh?"
They stood looking at each other. 1t
is rather a difficult task for a small man
to look up into a face that is considera-
bly, above him, with a continued dignity.
I'll take command of the ship" be
said soothingly; you are only fit for the
| sick list"
Across the long and sunken face there
cleaned again an unpleasant smile-a
mere contraction of the features. for the
! eyes remained terribly solemn. Then he
| looked round the cabin in a dreamy way,
and moved toward the base of the mizzen-
mast.
Il have navigated her almost single
handed for fortnight" he said; Il am
glad you came"
Then the officer led him away from the
cabin.
CHAPTER III.
| From the moment that the ragged
| steersman opened his mournful gray eyes
| and looked upon the Sunburned face of
Lieut. Grace he had felt himself insensi-