The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1907-03-13

tain Titcomb. 1t was plain enough /
that the latter knew his crews c0ndi- /
ton and deliberately ignored it. Men
stumbled past him. and he looked the
other way. Simple orders were bun
gled, and he did not reprove. Only
once that evening did his wrath blaze
out In the old manner A sailor was
| ordered by him to do something and.
instead Of the dutiful AYE, aye, sir"
he replied with a muttered curse.
The next instant Captain Ezras fist
was between his eyes, and he fell. to
be jerked to his feet again and back
to the rail with the shippers hand
twisted in his shirt collar.
Hang your said the captain be-
tween his teeth. I'LL swear III
| Mr.. Burke came running and whis-
pered eagerly in his commanders ear.
Captain Titcomb's arm Strengthened,
and the sailor was thrown across the
deck
Go for'ard," roared the skipper,
"and if you want to live you keep out
of my sight! l can't help it, Burke.
I've got some self respect left yit.''
That was all. and Bradley wondered.
Under such circumstances accidents
were bound to occur, But the one that
did occur was serious. Bradley was
below when it happened. He usually
took the first watch. but tonight Cap
tain Titcomb said he would take it.
and Mr.. Burke would stay up with him
for awhile. So the second mate turn
ed in. He was awakened 10y a racket
on deck and the sound of voices and
footsteps on the companion ladder.
Opening his stateroom door, he saw
four men descending the ladder, car
rying fifth in their arms
What's the maater!" asked Bradley.
Who's hurt
Its the skipper replied one of the
men in a frightened voice. He fell
and hurt his head He
Bradley sprang into the cabin and
saw Captain TitcomD unconscious and
with the blood running from an ugly
cut on his forehead.
For Gods sake he began, but
was interrupted by Burke. who, with
a very white face, was descending the
ladder
Hush up commanded the first
mate. Don't make a row. 'Tain't
nothin' serious, / guess. Jest cusSed
foolishneSs. Put him on the locker
there, .you.''
This is what had happened: The
schooner was passing out of the
sound. and as the night was black
and haZy. they were using the lead
frequently. The Thomas Doane had a
high after deck, and to reach the
waist one must descend five foot
ladder A sailor not too sober, had
thrown the lead and in passing aft
with the line had fouled it at the lad
der. Captain Titcomb, losing his tenn
per at the mans clumsiness. had run
toward him, trpped in the line and
pitched head first over the fellows
shoulder to the main deck The sail
or's body had broken the fall some
what. and the skull was not fractured.
but it was bad enough.
The cook, who had helped bring the
captain into the cabin. fingered after
the first mate had gone. Bradley CUES
lAOuSu hilll dDOul TIE dcclCeiiI.
'Thoma. he done it." said the cook
''The line. she git mess up by the
HE was drunk" broke in Bradley
"He's been drunk all the afternoon
Isn't that 500"
The cook looked hastily at the lad.
der, then at the captain Then. nod
ding emphatically. he whispered
"Ya-aS cir rThov most Jx.,,>1- '
never seen so much drink on schooner
not on Cap'n Titcomb's schooner
anyway. and 1 sail with him for five
year"
But Bradley would not go to bed
He was worried about the captain ant
even more worried about the schooner
He did not like Mr.. Burke. and he was
by no means sure-judging by what he
had 'seen-that the mate knew how t.
handle crew. About 2 o'clock he de
!, cided to go on deck
Bradley leaned ON the rail and look
ed over the water toward where the
shore should be. AS he stood there
!. the haze blew aside for a moment ant
: he saw not more than two miles ava,
and ahead of the schooner the twink.
Of light. Then it disappeared again
: He walked aft. One Of the new hand.
was at the wheel, and there was dis
tinct smell Of rum in the vicinity.
, "Who gave you that courser'
'Mr. Burke, sir
Burke was standing by the fore
! shrouds. looking over the side. H,
started when Bradley touched his arm
Excuse me, Mr.. Burke" said thu
second mate. Where are weY'
Turned the Rip an hour or so ago
Burke's tone was distinctly unpleas
ant. What are you DOM here?"
II couldn't sleep so came on decl
: minute. Isn't she pretty close in?
thought | saw the Skakit light JUS
now"
! Saw nothin'! Skakit lights ava,
. OF yonder. Water enough here to fioa-
n a C,no ~