The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-04-02

while. My only theory was that they
had wished 10 test my strength and
determination. The whole affair, even
on that superstition. was childish
enough, but referred the exaggerated
cunning to Handy Solomon and con
sidered 1t quite adequately explained.
1t is n minor point, but subsequently
l learned that this surmise was cor
| rect. I was to be saved because none
Of the conspirators understood naviga-
| ton.
The next morning approached Cap
| tain Selover.
Captain" said I, 81 think 1t my
duty to report that there Is trouble
Brewing among the crew"
There always is" he replied, I'M
| moved.
But this Is serious. DIR. Schermer-
horn came aboard with chest which
the men think hold treasure. The
other evening Robinson overheard him
tell his assistant that he could easily
I'LL the box with diamonds. or course
he was merely illustrating the value
of some scientific experiment, but Rob
inson thinks and has made the others
think that the chest contains some
thing TO make diamonds with. | am
sure they intend TO get hold of IT,
The affair is coming 10 head"
Captain Scloyer listened almost in
differently.
II came back from the islands last
year." he piped. with 100000 worth
of pearls. There was sixteen in the
crew, and every man of them was
blood hungry for them pearls. They
had three or four shindics and killed
one man over the proper way TO divide
the loot after they had got IT, They
didn't get It. Why" He drew his
powerful figure to Its height and
spread his thick arms out In the lux
ury of stretching. "Why?" he repeat
ed. exhaling abruptly. Because their
captain was Ezra Selover. Well. Mr..
Eagen." he went on crisply. Captain
Ezra Selover is thek captain. and they
know 1t. They'll talk and palaver
and git into dark corners aud sharpen
their knives and perhaps fight II ont
as TO which ones going 10 work the
monkey doodle business I'm the doe
tors chest and which ones going To
tie up the sacks OF them diamonds.
but they won't git any farther as long
as Captain Ezra is on deck"
Yes" | objected. but they mean
business. Last night In the squat
one OF them tried TO throw me over
board"
Captain Seiover rrinned.
What did you doi" he asked.
"Hazed him TO his quarters with
Delaying pin"
well. that's all settled then. isn't
itl What more 10 you wanti"
stood undecided.
II can take care OF myself" he went
on. You ought TO take care Of your.
self. Then there's nothing more to
do"
He mused moment.
You have gun, of coursef' he In
qulred. II forgot to ask
"No." said I.
He whistled
"Well, no wonder you feel sort of
lost and hopeless. Here. take this:
It'll make n man OF you"
He gave me Colts 4J. the barrel
of which had been filed down TO about
two inches OF length. II was most
extraordinary weapon. but effective ut
short range.
Here's few loose cartridges" said
he. "Now. go easy. This Is no war
ship. and we amt got mon TO expert
ment on. Lick 'em with your fists or
a pin II you can. and If you do shoot
just wing 'em II little. They're awful
good lads. but little restless !
took the gun and felt better. With
1t could easily handle the members
of my own watch. and did not doubt
that with the assistance OF Percy Oar
row even surprise would hardly
ovcrwhelm us. did not count on DR..
Schermerhorn. He was quite capable
of losing himself in n problem Of ira
jectory after the first shot.
IN. I'm continued In ueNs fssnct