Mower County transcript., 1908-09-02

the much interested Jerry.
HE don't have to know the differ
ence tween spar n a mizzen-mast.
He's good sort like a passenger"
do you know of any one that needs
supercargo? I'll make you present
of dozen bottles of the best liquor
in that saloon if you can put me in
touch with such q fellow. Yes, sir, If
you can get me on boat that's bound
for some foreign shore and takes it's
time about it, I'll tack on a $40 gold
piece besides"
"That's worth tryin' for," said the
tar, knocking the ashes from his pipe.
II have cap'n in mind that might be
able to use a supercargo. Well JUS
try, anyway, and If nothin' comes Of
it, why, there won't be heap lost"
At the expiration Of an hour Jerry
and the old sailor approached the
pier of the Sister Mary, an old freight
er of the smaller type, over in the
Erie basin.
"Cap'n Hank Bulger's about ready
TO take the Mary out" said Jerry's
SOAAQoAAOAs cAAO ~ . ooA0A pOoSADA0
he might have room for you. I don't
think he had a supercargo yestiddy."
The sailor led Jerry to the cabin OF
the vessel, where the captain, gray
whiskered man Of about 56, was read
ing. At tho sight Of the two the cap
tain shouted out in q deep bass voice:
"Swallowin' swordfish, Steve!
what fetches you round? I thought
you cleared this norning'!"
''Waitin' over till tomorrow" said
Steve Jerry never learned his sur
name). flank. I've got young fel
low here that wants to 90 out with
you. He's likely enough, think. Did
the cuss you was 'spectin' show up?"
mo, damned little liar-went back
On his word" answered Capt. Bulger,
hotly. I'D about concluded to do
without this time, Steve" Addressing
Jerry, he added: want to ship?"
my friend here spoke about q su-
percargo-"
"Oh, perceive" said Bulger,
glancing significantly at Steve.
"You might do worse, Hank" said
Steve. who was beginning to feel the
effects Of the whisky Jerry had given
him. Il think he's constructed O. the
seasoned timber. You'll do me
favor if you can find a berth for hin" "
Capt Bulger and Steve went to the
other end Of the cabin and talked in
low tone for several minutes. Jerry
did deal of wondering, but with each
succeeding moment his hopes rose
higher.
Are you willin' to put up with q
heap?" questioned the captain, return.
ing to Jerry, whom his keen eyes al
most pierced.
II am willing to put up with almost
anything" enthusiastically answered
the seventh person.
"Well, I'll give you a trial." said the
captain, thinking hard. "You can act
as supercargo on the Mary. You
wouldn't be worth strand o. seaweed
at shippin', and I amt on the lookout
for ornaments JUS now. The Mary
pulls in her ropes at half after seven
In the mornin'"
The announcement that the Sister
Mary would start to sea the following
morning sent thrill over Jerry and
caused his heart to beat hard and
fast. He was too excited at the mo-
ment to consider the result OF an in
terview with the folks at home.
"There amt much pay, you know
on'y enough to buy your tobacco and
get drunk once in a while-if you get
chance" said Bulger.
Il don't care much about the money
end Of It," said the exuberant seventh
person. "All want is to get to an
other continent and be on the sea at
least a month"
"The Mary will be movin' for more
n month, most likely" said Bulger.
Il reckon you'd best think twice be-
fore takin' me up on this proposition,
for"
"Oh, I'll co." said Jerry. "Where is
the boat bound for?"
She'll stick her nose straight
across" half frowned the captain.
And her cargo?"
"Guns-arms for a military school.
Remember, the Mary amt much in
the habit O. waitin' for anything r
anybody" the captain added as he
started to walk away with Steve, "and
IT you amt here prompt you'll get
left.'
Jerry gave Steve $40 and then
started home. He had a hard time
bringing himself to a realization of the
situation. His enthusiasm was run.
ming very high and his eyes reflected
the excitement that ragged within him.
That night he told his parents of
what fate had offered, and they both
quailed at the thought Of the reality.
After long argument, in which the ia
ther endeavore8 ION behalf of moth.
or" to dissuade Jerry from such an
early departure, and In which Jerry in.
sisted he must go, Wallace Chambers
"colors" few into the air. It was not
however, until Mrs. Chambers had
gone to her room, almost heart-bro.
ken, that he gave vent to his fury.
! You have decided to co." he