The Springdale news., 1909-02-24

Y. Dropped him limp and beaten 10 the
 pier
 All this time l had been thinking buSily. l remembered distinctly one other instance when Dr. Schermerhorn had disappeared. He came back m scrutably, but witl.in q week his re- suits on aerial photography were pub lie property. l told myself that in the present instance his lavish use of mon ey. the elaborate ndture of his prep arations. the evident secrecy of the ex- petition as evidenced bx the fact that he mad negotiated for the vessel only the day before setting sail, the impor- lance of personal supervision as proved by the fact that notoriousiy i'm practical in practical matters and no- toriously disliking anything to do with business had conducted the affair himself instead of deegatins it-why, gentlemen don't you see that all this was more than enough to wake me up, body and soul? Suddenly 1 came to a definite resolution. Captain Seloyer had descended to the pier. approach cd him.
 You need mate.' said I.
 He looked me over.
 Perhaps" he admitted. "Where' s your man.,,
 Right here,' said l.
 His eyes widened q 1ittle Otherwise he showed no sign of surprise. cursed ny clothes. Fortunately I had ny masters eer- tificate with me-Id passed fresh WA ter on the great lakes-I always carry that sort of document on the chance that it may come handy. It chaneed to have couple of naval indorse- ments. results of the late war.
 Look here" said before l gave 1t to him. You don't believe in me, l My clothes are too good. That's all right They're all I have that arc good I'm broke came down here wondering whether Td better throw myself i'll the drink,
 You look like q dude he squeaked Where did you ever ships'
 handed him my certificate. The Inducements from Admiral Keays and Captain Arnold impressed him He stared at He again. and gleam oi cunning erept into his eyes.
 "Nothias crooked about thisf' he breathed softly.
 I had the key to this side of his character You remember I had over. heard the night before his statement of his moral seruples. 1 said nothing but looked knowing.
 What was it." he murmured "Plain assertion or something worseE'
 remained inscrutable.
 We'll" he conceded. 'I do need a mate. and naval man=even if he is wantih' b get out of sight
 He won't spit on your decks any way" broke in boldly.
 Captain Seloyer's hairy face bristled about the mouth. This l subsequently, discovered was symptom of grin.
 You saw that, eh:n lie trebled.
 Aren't you afraid he'll bring down the police and delay your sailingf asked.
 He grinned again, with a cunning twinkle in his eye.
 You needn't worry There ain't go. in to be any police. He had his ad- vance money, and he won't risk IL by tryin' to come back
 We came to an agreement l pro- fesSed surprise at the Wages. The cap toir hn l., petition was secret.
 Whats our port?' I asked to test him
 Our papers are made out for Homo lulu" he replied.
 We adjourned to sign articles
 By the way" said l. .I wish you wouldn't make them out In my own name 'Eagen' will de-
 "Afl right" he laughed, "I sabe Eagen 1t is.''
 "Ill be aboard at G." said I. i've got to make some arrangements"
 Wish you could help with the lad l ing" said he. "Still I can get along Want any advance moneyy'
 No" replied. Then I remember cd that l Gas supposed to be broke, "Yes," I amended
 He gave me $10.
 ''I guess you'll show up," he said "Wouldn't do this to everybody. But a naval man-even if he Is dodgin Uncle Sam
 ''Fll be here,' I assured him.
 At that time l wore pointed beard This I shaved; also l was accustomed to use eyeglasses. The trouble was merely slight astigmatism which bothered me only in reading or close inspection. I could get along perfect l ly well without glasses, so I discarded them. I had my hair cut rather close. 1 When l had put on sea boots. blue trousers and shirt, pea jacket and a 1 cap I felt quite safe from the recogni- ton of man like Dr. Schermerhorn. In fact, as you shall see, l hardly spoke to him during all the voyage out
 Promptly at 6, then. I returned with | a sea chest, bound knew not whither, to be gone I knew not for how long and pledged to act as second officer i on a little yEO top schooner