Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-09-26


when the old mans brow became fur
rowed in thought. Presently the sailor
said, feelingly:
Know what supercargo is %
NO"
We'll, a supercargo's one that goes
| with shipment o. goods-loOks after
it, and the like. you know"
He doesn't have TO possess much
knowledge Of shipping. then2" asked
the much interested Jerry.
He don't have to know the differ
ence tween a spar n mizzen-m mast
He's a good sort like a passenger"
| DO you know of any one that needs
a supercargo? III make you a present
OF dozen bottles of the best liquor
in that saloon il you can put me IN
touch with such fellow Yes, sir. IL
you can get me on boat that's bound
| for some foreign shore and takes fits
time about it. III tack on a $50 gold
I piece besides"
That's worth tryin' for" said the
tar. knocking the ashes from his pipe.
| Il have cap'n In mind that might be
able TO use a supercargo. Wen Jus
try, anyway. and If nothin' comes Of
1t, why, there won't be a 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 Buyers about ready
TO take the Mary out" said Jerry's
companion, and it's barely possible
he might have room for you. I don't
think he had a supercargo yesuddy."
The sailor led Jerry to the cabin Of
the vessel. where the captain. a gray
whiskered man OF about SIS, was read
ing. At the sight OF the two the cap
tain shouted out in a deep bass voice:
"Swallowin' swordish Stevei
what fetches you round? I thought
you cleared this morning."
"Waitin' over till tomorrow" said
Steve derry never learned his sur
name). Hank, I've got a young feI-
low here that wants 20 20 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.
holly. I'D about concluded 10 do
without this time. Steve" Addressing
Jerry. he added; Want 70 ship"
My friend here spoke about a SUI
percargo-"
"Oh. I 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. think he's constructed O. the
seasoned timber. You'll do me a
favor If you can find a berth for him."
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 10 put up with
heap?" questioned the captain. return
ing 70 Jerry. whom his keen eyes al
most pierced.
I 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 / amt on the lookout
Tor ornaments jus now. The Mary
pulls in her ropes at half after seven
IN the mornin."
The announcement that the Sister
Mary would start 10 sea the following
morning sent a thrill over Jerry and
caused MS heart 10 beat hard and
fast. He was too excited at the mo-
ment 20 consider the result OF an in
terview with the folks al home
There amt much pay. you know
on'y enough 10 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 oxuberant seventh
person. "All I want is TO get 70 an
other continent aud be on the sea at
least month"
The Mary viii be movin' for more
n a month. most likely" said BuIger.
4 reckon you'd best think twice be-
fore takin' me up on this proposition,
for"
"Oh, I'll 60" said Jerry. Where is
the boat bound for2"
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
II you amt here prompt you'll get
left"
Jerry gave Steve $50 and then
started home. He had hard time
bringing himself to 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 endeavored ION behalf Of moth
err 10 dissuade Jerry from such an
early departure, and In which Jerry in
sisted he must go. Wallace Chambers
'colors" few into the air. 1t was not.
however, until Mrs. Chambers had
gone TO her room, almost heart bro