Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1907-04-05


tioning and the wreCkers put in ten
hours of the hardest kind of work.
The Freedom had moved perceptibly
in the sweep of the latest tides. and
the partners We're happy in Conse-
uuencc.
1t was dark. though few stars We're
showing dimIy through the mist over
head when the Diving Belle entered
Orllam harbor that evening. Alvin
BearSe was ut the helm. ana he brought
the schooner alongside the wharf \
lalf dozen men. the only members of
the wreCkinS gang who returned 10 Or
ham at the end of the days work,
climbed over the stringpiece and de.
parted for their homes in the village
BearSe remained Oh board when the
vessel ran ont to her mOoringS To h1lp
his employers make snug for the night
\ 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.
We'll Capn En-" he observed. "all
ready to 90 aShore:'
There was no answer. He looked up
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 slut
eyes had an ugly glimmer, Even in
the dim light of the lantern his condi-
| ton WAS unmistakabe
IIammond's behavior in his native
village had heretofore been of the
best SO far as this particular vice was
concerned Bradley was dumfounded
Hello. Sam he exclaimed. "Where'd
you come FROM"
l. "Off the wharf" was the gruff an
swer, "Where'd you think. you fooi:"
1t was evident that the fellow was
spelling for fight Bradley, however,
had no wish to quarrel with drunken
man, especially this one.
IAN right. all right" lie said mechan.
lcally. Il didn't see you come aboard:
that's all, Want to see Cap'n Ezt"
mo. | don't want to see Cap'n E2
nor any other longshore thief but you
| want to so below and get my things"
Your thngst'
Eyes, my things-my oilskins and the
rest Of my stuff. | wouldn't leave EN-
aboard this rotten tub another minute
'or million dollars"
"Oh. very We'll" Bradley swung
open the cabin door and started to
cad the way with the lantern Ham
nond showed him aside
I'll 20 Alone" he muttered.
"fou can't see without the lantern
You'll have to 60 with me or wait till
DmorrOw morning"
Give me that lantern" snarlel sam.
making grab for it.
Bradley held it out of reach.
You're not fit to carry it," he said
shortly.
"lou meay mouthed sneak" 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
md cursing They tripped over the
swinging door and fell to the deck.
Alvin and Captain Ticomb came run
hing from the fo'casle.
what in the nation: - cried the
taptan. Here. quit that, you! Let
him alone. Brad"'
Hammond yelled and fought as they
dragged him to his feet. Finally over
powered, he sobhel in maudlln fury.
There. that'll do for YOU" observed
he captain. clappng big hand over
his prisoners mouth. Crazy tight
amt he? Hold still, or, by the ever.
@stlh hookblocks, I'll henvc YOU over
board! Where'd he CONS. from?"
Must have come aboard when we
stopped at the wharf" replied Brad,
ley. He was dead set Oh taking the