The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1907-02-17

Bearse was at the helm, and he brough
= the schooner alongside the wharf. !
, half dozen men, the only members o
) the wrecking gang who returned to Or
: ham at the end of the days work
climbed over the stringpiece and de
! parted for their homes in the village
Bearse remained on board when thu
vessel ran out to her moorings to hell
} his employers make snug for the night
| A few minutes later Bradley stood
by the cabin door with a lantern in hi:
hand. Alvin and the captain were for
ward. Suddenly the junior partner
was aware that some one was stand
Ing beside him.
"Well, Cap'n En-" he observed, "al
ready to go ashore?"
There was no aver. He looked ur
into the face of Sam Hammond. The
diver wore no overcoat. His stiff hat
battered and muddy. was pushed back
on his head. His face under the tum-
bled, damp hair on the forehead was
flushed and scowling, and his half shut
!! eyes had an ugly glimmer. Even in
the dim light of the lantern his condi-
I ton was unmistakable
Hammond's behavior in his native
village had heretofore been of the
best so far as this particular vice was
concerned. Bradley was dumfounded
Hello, Samr' he exclaimed. where d
| you come from?"
"Off the wharf" was the gruff an
swer. "Where'd you think, you fool?'
1t was evident that the fellow was
spelling for a fight. Bradley, however,
had no wish to quarrel with a drunken
man, especially this one.
"All right, all right" he said mechan-
ically. II didn't see you come aboard
that's all. Want to see Cap'n Ez?''
mo. / don't want to see Cap'n Ez
nor any other longshore thief but you
want to go below and get my things"
'Your things?"
"Yes, my things-my oilskins and the
rest of my stuff. I wouldn't leave 'em
aboard this rotten tub another minute
for a million dollars"
"Oh, very WELL" Bradley swung
open the cabin door and started to
lead the way with the lantern. Ham.
mond showed him aside.
"I'll go alone,' he muttered.
"You can't see without the lantern
You'll have to go with me or wait till
tomorrow morning"
"Give me that lantern" snarled Sam,
making a grab for 1T.
Bradley held it out of reach.
You're not fit to carry it," he said
shortly.
"You meaiy mouthed sneak.' shout |
ed Hammond. I'm fit to fix ycu.''
Bradley saw the blow coming. He
dropped the lantern and ducked. Next
Instant Sam was upon him, screaming
and cursing. They tripped over the
swinging door and fell to the deck.
Alvin and Captain Titcomb came run
ming from the fo'castle.
what in the nation ?''- cried the
captain. Here. quit that, you. Lei
him alone Bradr'
Hammond yelled and fought as they
dragged him to his feet. Finally, over.
powered, he sobbed in maudlin fury
'There, that'll do for you," observed
the captain, clapping big hand over
his prisoners mouth. "Crazy tight
Amt he? Hold still, or, by the ever
Iastin' hookblocks, I'll heave you over
boardi Where'd he come from?''
Must have come aboard when we
stopped at the wharf" replied Brad
ey. HE was dead set on taking the
antern and going below after his oil
skins and stuff
Sooner trust a blind cripple with a
antern. Chuck his dunnage ashore to-
morrer mornin'. Now, then" turning
% Hammond, Twill you walk to the
dory or shall we carry you? Shut up!
You've cussed enough
He led the way to the side, holding
Sam by the coat collar. Bradley fol-
owed.
OH exclaimed the skipper, stop
ping short Didn't shut that cabin
door, did you, Brad? I've left that
blasted key somewheres. and if that
spring locks snapped shut We'll be in
/ mess. No? Well, all right them
They got into the dory and Bradley
took up the oars. Bearse sat on the
bow thwart, while the captain reclined
n the stern with Hammond, sprawling
Ind muttering, between his knees
They had nearly reached the beach
when Sam gave a sudden spring and,
With an oath. threw himself upon his I
enemy. Bradley fell backward. The
Tory heeled until the water Tipped the
all.
'You would. would your grunted |
captain Titcomb. .'Therei"
Selling the struggling diver neck and .
rop, he whirled him bodily over the
ide.
Now, them painted the captain, IF
-ou can't ride like man, walk
Sam went into the cold water with a ,
splash. 1t was not deep ,
md he fioundered to his feet. but the /,
hook sobered him little. He waded !,
o the shore. Turning. he stretched !,
ut an arm with shaking forefinger !
t the end of it. His rage almost chok- ,
d him. He tried twice before he man.
ged to speak clearly.
Il pay my debts" he gasped. Il
ay my debts!''
I've heard different" remarked the
aptain dryly. But never mind, Sam;
IS good habit 4
Hammond did not heed him. Il pay
ny debts" he repeated. do you q
ear that, Brad Nickerson? You dough- !
al ! I