Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-05-31
CHAPTER III.-(Continued.) }


had taken the precaution of bringing the
log-book of the Martial, in which the
deaths of the whole crew excepting him
self were faithfully recorded. The pro
ceedings were ship-shape and business
like, but as the story progressed the oIo
commander became more and more inter
ested, to the detriment of his official pune
tilio. When at last Tyars finished his
narrative with the words:
And this afternoon Lieut.. Grace found
me asleep on the Wheel" the old sailor
leaned forward across the little cabin Ia
BILE and extended an unsteady, curved
hand
Your hand, sir l should like to take
by the hand a man with such record
as yours. You have done a wonderful
thing in navigating the ship almost SIN
gle-handed as far as this. In nursing the
poor fellows you have acted with the ten
derness of woman; in the management
of your ship you have proved yourself a
good sailor, and in your marvellous pluck
you have shown yourself gentleman
for such l think you must be, though you
shipped as second mate of a merchant
man."
his slow, unconsciously mournful smile.
But" he said, calmly ignoring the in
terrogation of the old mans glance, you
must not give me the whole credit. There
are other records as good as mine, but
they are finished, and so the interest suf-
fers. Some of the men behaved splen-
didly. One poor fellow actually dropped
dead at the wheel, refusing to 60 below
until it was too late. He knew it was
hopeless, but he took a peculiar sort of
pride in dying with his fingers around the
spokes."
Then the young surgeon of the Foam
appeared and took charge of his second
patient-for the terrier Muggins had, by
Tyars request been attended to first.
In the quiet days that followed the
rescued man and his dog recovered from
the effects Of their hardship with wonder
full rapidity. Muggins had a decided dis
advantage of his master. He was older
as dog than Tyars as a man. moreover,
his hardships had been greater for thirst
Is terrible enemy and leaves his mark
deep sunken. Tyars had passed through
most trying period, but Providence had
chosen to place within his broad chest
heart semi-indifferent, sem-stubborn-th
hard heart of fearless man. In his
place nine out of ten would have lost
their reason Grace found him as nearly
hysterical as a strong will could we'll be.
Claud Tyars soon regained his energy,
and with the return of it came that rest
lessness which characterized his daily way
of life. He wished to be up and doing.
holding idleness as an abomination.
few men had been put on board the mer-
chantman with instructions to keep near
their own ship under all circumstances
and in consort the vessels were creeping
slowly through the placid waters toward
the north.
1t happened that Lieut. Grace was soon
to leave the SLAYER ON long leave of
absence, and he was therefore selected
to go on board the Martial, with Tyars
as joint commander, and a few men
with a view to sailing for Madeira, where
the crew would be strengthened
At last the doctor announced that the
rescued man was perfectly strong again,
and that the fever-stricken ship was puri-
fec and disnfected.
But" he added gravely, looking at
Tyars, ''the dog is in critical condition.
lowing him to go out of my hands. He
requires constant medical attendance"
"Bosh :" replied Tyars with much SOL
emnity.
Il will give you five pounds for him."
said the doctor, nnocently.
Il have not come on board this vessel
to sell my dog"
The offer was increased, but to no pur-
pose. Tyars was as faithful to his dog
as Muggins to his master. And so the
two returned to their vessel early one
morning, when a fair breeze was blow
ing For the third time since her de-
parture from South America the Mar
tails sails were all shaken out, and be-
neeth a cloud of snowy canvas she moved
away on her stately progress northward,
while the little slave-catcher returned to
the cursed coast which required so close
q watch.
Tyars held a masters certificate, and
BIZ right of seniority succeeded to the COM
mand of the Martial, vice captain and
first mate, dead and buried. In Lieut..
Grace he found coadjutor of sympathet-
&c mettle. Energetic, alert and bold, he
ruled the deck with CHEEKY despotism,
ing conviction that Grace would never
shorten sail from nervousness.
The question before this little band Of
men was the safe conduct of valuable
ship and precious cargo home to Eng
land, and this they one and all came to
look upon in time with that breadth of
view which the circumstances required.
Man-of-war trimness was out of the ques-
tion-carpenter there was none, SO paints
could not be mixed, nor decks caulked,
nor woodwork repaired. There was no
sailmaker, SO things must perforce be al
lowed to go a little ragged.
After a long consultation with Grace,
Tyars had called together his little crew
round the wheel, and there delivered to
them a short harangue In his best
Union" style. The result Of this and a
few words from the Lieutenant was that |
the island of Madeira was enthusiastical- |
ly shelved. There were to be no half |
measures on board the Martial. They |
would take the ship home IL there was no |
watch below for any of them.
This program was ultimately carried |
out to the letter. With the aid of good |
fortune, a safe and rapid passage was per-
formed, though, indeed, there was not too \
much sleep for any on board. No mean |
energy was displayed by Muggins among !
others. He gravely superintended every |
alteration of sail, every bit of work re-
Quiring all hands, and was never missing |