New-York tribune., 1909-06-13

The skipper pulled himself together a bit ana
got closer to his companion.
Believe me or not, Bob he said az length. N
trembling accents, "just as you please. but the
ghost Of that damn cat-I mean the ghost Of that
poor afectionate animal which I drowned ana
which I wish hadn't, came and rubbed itself up
against my leg"
(which IeE?' inquired Bob. who was careful
about details.
What the blazes does It matter which legT' de-
rnanded the skipper, whose nerves were in ter
rtbie state. "Ah, Iook-Iook there!"
The seaman followed his outstretched finger. and
his heart failed him as he saw the cat with It's
back arched. singerly picking its way along the
side OF the vessel
Il can't nothing he said doggedly
II don't suppose you can. Bob" said the skipper
in a melancholy voice, as the cat vanished in the
bows; dts evidently only meant for me 20 see
What IT means don't know. IN going down 70
turn in I amt fit for duty. You don't mind being
left alone It'll the mate comes UP. do you7'
7 amt afraid said Bob.
His superior officer disappeared below. ard. shak-
ing the sleepy mate. who protested strongly
against the proceedings. narrated in trembling
tones hts horrible experiences
II were YOU said the mate.
''Yss7' said the skipper, waiting bit Then he
shook him again. roughly.
What were you going 10 say" he inquired
"sayT' said the mate. rubbing his eyes. Moth
ing
About the catT' suggested the skipper
"Cat7' said the mate. nesting lovingly down In
the blankets again VIVA ca'-zoo nj -
Then the skipper drew the blankets from the
mates sleepy clutches, and. rolling him backward
and forward IN the bunk, patiently explained 70
him that he was very unwell. that he was going 10
have q drop OF whskey neat. and turn in and that
he the mate 10 take the watch From this
moment the joke lost much OF its SAVIOR for the
mate
You can have nip. too. Dick satd the skip
per. pronering him the whiskey, as the other sui
lenly dressed himself
"Irs all rot" said the mate tossing the spirits
down his throat. 'and it's use. either you can't
run away from a ghost; it's just likely to be in
your bed as anywhere else. Good night"
He left the skipper pondering over his last
words and dubIously eyeing the piece OF furniture
in question Nor did he retire until he had sub
1ected II TO an analysis Of the most searching de-
scription and then. leaving the lamp burning. he
spranE hastily in and forgot his troubles in sleep
II was day when he swoke. and went deck 10
find heavy running. and Just sufficient sail set
TO keep the schooners head before the wind as she
bobbed about on the waters. An exclamation from
the skipper as a wave broke against the side and
flung cloud of spray over him. brought the
mates head around
Why. you amt going TO get up ne said, n
tones OF insincere surprise
why nOt?' inquired the other, sruf1y.
you &c and lay down sgin." said the mate. and
have q cup O. nice hot tea an some toast
Clear out" said the skipper. making dash for
the wheel. ana reaCllTB II as wei uet ol4uciLly
changed It's angle. L know you didn't like being
woke UP. Dick: but I got the horrors last night
Go below and in
"An right" said the Modified mate
You didn't see anything inquired the Skipper.
as he took the wheel from him.
Nothing at ALL said the other.
The skipper shook his head thoughtfully. then
shook II vigorously. another shower bath put
It's head over the side and saluted him.
'T wish I hadn't drowned that cat Dick" he
said.
you won't see it again" said Dick. with the
confidence OF a man who had taken every possible
precaution to render the prophecy safe one
He went below. leaving the skipper at the wheel
idIy watching the cook as he performed marvellous
feats of jugglery. between the galley and tbs
fo'c'sle with the mems breakfast
little while later. leaving the wheel TO Sam, he
went below himself and had his own, talking free
Iy to the discomfort OF the conscience-strtcken
cook about his weird experiences Of the night
before.
You won't see it more, sir. don't expect"
h. said family; 1T bleeve 1t and rubbed itself
up again your leg to show it forgave you
well 1 hope IT knows it's understood" said
the other. Il don't want IT 10 take any more
trouble
He finished the breakfast IN silence, and then
went on deck again. 1t was still blowing hard
and he went over to superintend tho men who were
attempting to lash together some empues which
were rolling about in all directions amidships. \
violent roll set them free again. and the
time separated two chests in the fo'csle which
we're standing top OF the other This en-
abled Satan who was crouching in the lower
half crazed with terror. TO come flying madly UP
on deck and give his feelings full vent Three
times in full view OF the Mortified skipper he
crcled the deck at racing speed, and had just
started on the fourth when heavy packing case,
which had been temporarily set on end and aban-
doned by the at his sudden appearance. fell
over and caught him by the tail Sam rushed to
the
"Stopi" yelled the skipper
wont l put It up. sir?' inquired Sam
do YOU see what's beneath t?' said the skip
per- in a husky voice
"Beneath it, sir?" said Sam whose ideas were In
a whirl.
.rbe cat can't you see the cat?" said the skip
mar whose eyes had been riveted on the animal
.inra It's first appearance on deck.
sam hesitated a moment. and then shook his
head.
"Tbe case has fallen on the cat" said the skip
mar IT can see 1t distinctly.
He might have said heard II. too. for Satan was
making frenzied appeals 10 his sympathetic friends
for assistance.
.I et me put the case back, sir, said one OF the
r,.- .tben p'raps the vision Il disappear
NO stop where you are said the skipper Il
~ stand Il better by daylight. It's the most Won
1.-,,,I and extraordinary thing I've ever seen. Do
o,, roaan TO say you can't see anything, Sam%
ar .ar .e. , case sir" said Sam, speaking slow