The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1907-05-15

nedu "Aen the Diving Belle entered
Orham harbor that evening. Alvin
Bearse was at the helm, and he brought
the schooner alongside the wharf. A
hall. dozen men, the only members of
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 the
vessel ran out to her moorings to help
his employers make snug for the night.
A few minutes later Bradley stood
by the cabin door with lantern in his
hand. Alvin and the captain We're for
ward. Suddenly the Junior partner
was aware that some one was stand
ing beside him.
well. Cap'n En- he observed. .all
ready to go ashore?'
There was no answer He looked I'D
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-
/ ton was unmistakable.
Hammond's behavior in his native
village had heretofore been OF the
best SO Tar as this particular vice was
concerned. Bradley was dumfounded.
Hello Sam!' he exclaimed Where d
you come from? ?"
"Of the wharf," was the gruff an
swer. "Where'd you think, you fool r.
It was evident that the fellow was
spelling for fight. Bradley, however,
had no wish to quarrel with drunken
man, especially this one.
''All right, all right he said mechan-
ically. Il 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?'
Eyes. my things-my oilskins and the
rest of my stuff. l wouldn't leave EN-
aboard this rotten tub another minute
for 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.
'Ill 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 it.
Bradley held it out of reach.
You're not fit to carry it." he said
shortly
"You meaiy mouthed sneakv' shout
ed Hammond. I'm fit to fix you"
| 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? Pr cried the
! captain. Here, quit that, you! Let
| him alone, Bradr'
Hammond yelled and fought as they
/
powered, he sobbed in maudlin fury
There. that'll do for you," observed
the captain, clapping a big hand over
his prisoners mouth. Cray tight
amt het Hold still, or, by the ever
lastin' hookblocks. Iii heave you over
board! Where'd he come from?''
Must have come aboard when we
stopped at the wharf" replied Brad
ley. HE was dead set on taking the
lantern and going below after his oil
skins and stuff
Sooner trust a blind cripple with a
morrer mornin'. Now, then" turning
to Hammond, will you walk to tie
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-
lowed
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
a 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
in the stern with Hammond, sprawling
and muttering, between his knees.
They had nearly reached the beach
when Sam gave sudden spring and,
with an oath. threw himself upon his
enemy Bradley fell backward. The
dory heeled until the water Tipped the
rail.
''You would, would you?" grunted
Captain Titcomb. "There!"
Selling the struggling diver neck and
crop. he whirled him bodily over the
SIDE
"Now, then" painted the captain, "if
you can't ride like man, walk
Sam went into the cold water with
tremendous splash. 1t was not deep
and he ioundered to his feet, but the
chool- cohprpd him a LITTLE Hp wadnd