Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-02-26
CHAPTER XVI.


ing more than $4,000 to his credit.
CHAPTER XVI.
Monty was on deck when the inspir-
alton seized him, and he lost no time
in telling his guests, who were at
breakfast. Although he had misgiv-
ings about their opinion Of the scheme,
he was not prepared for the ominous
silence that followed his announce
ment.
Are you in earnest, Mr.. Brewster?
asked Captain Perry, who was the first
of the company to recover from the
surprise.
"Of course l am. l chartered this
boat for four months, with the privi-
lege of another month. I can see no
reason to prevent us from prolonging
the trip" Monty's manner was full of
self assurance as he continued, You
people are so in the habit of protesting
against every suggestion 1 make that
you can't help doing it now."
But, Monty" said Mrs. Dan, what
If your guests would rather go home"
Nonsense; you were asked for five
months cruise. Besides, think of get
ting home in the middle of August,
with every one away"
Brave as he was in the presence of
his friends, in the privacy of his state
room Monty gave way to the depres-
sion that was bearing down upon him.
It was the hardest task Of his life to go
on with this scheme in the face OF OPP
position. He knew that every man
and woman on board was against the
proposition, for his sake at least, and
it was difficult to be arbitrary under
the circumstances. Purposely he avoid
ed Peggy all the afternoon. His single
glance at her face in the salon was
enough to disturb him immeasurably.
The spirits of the crowd were sub
dued. The North cape had charms, but
the proclamation concerning 1t had
been too sudden-had reversed too
quickly the general expectation and de-
sire. Many Of the guests had plans at
home for August, and even those who
had none were satiated with excite
ment. During the morning they gath
cred in little knots to discuss the situa-
ton. They were all generous, and each
one was sure that he could cruise in
definitely if on Monty's account the
new voyage were not out Of the ques-
ton. They felt it their duty to take a
desperate stand.
The half hearted little gatherings re-
solved themselves into ominous groups
general meeting in the main cabin.
Captain Perry, the first mate and
the chief engineer were included in
the call, but Montgomery Brewster
was not to be admitted. Joe Brag-
don Loyalty agreed to keep him en-
gagged elsewhere while the meeting
was in progress. The doors were
locked, and a cursory glance assured
the chairman of the meeting, Dan De-
Mile, that no member of the party
was missing save the devoted Brag-
don. Captain Perry was plainly nerv-
Gus and disturbed. The others were
the victims of a suppressed energy
that presaged subsequent eruptions.
Captain Perry, we are assembled
for purpose" said DeMille, clearing
his throat three times. First Of all,
as we understand it, you are the sail
ing master of this ship. In other
law, the commander of this expedition.
You alone can give orders to the sail
ors, and you alone can clear port.
Mr.. Brewster has no authority except
that vested in a common employer.
Am l correct?"
Mr. DeMIlle, if Mr.. Brewster in
structs me to sail for the North cape
l shall do So" said the captain firmly.
This boat is his for the full term of
the lease, and l am engaged to sail
her with my crew until the 10th of
next September"
I'VE understand your position cap
tain, and I am sure you appreciate
ours. 1t isn't that we want to end a
very delightful cruise, but that we
regard 1t as sheer folly for Mr. Brew
ster to extend the tour at such tre-
mendous expense. He iS-or was-a
rich man. but it is impossible to ig-
more the fact that he is plunging much
too heavily. In plain words, we want
to keep him from spending more of his
money on this cruise. Do you under
stand our position, Captain Perry?'
Fully. l wish with all my soul that
l could help you and him. My hands
are tied by contract, however, much as
I regret it at this moment"
How does the crew feel about this
additional trip, captain?" asked De-
Mile.
They shipped for five months and
will receive five months pay. The
men have been handsomely treated,
and they will stick to Mr. Brewster to
the end" said the captain.
There is no chance for a mutiny
them" asked Smith regretfully. The
captain gave him hard look, but said
nothing Everybody seemed uncom-
Portable.
apparently the only way is the one
suggested by Mr.. Smith this morning"
said Mrs. Dan, speaking for the wo-
men. mo one will object, am sure.
if Captain Perry and his chief officers
are allowed to hear the plan"
1T is very necessary, in fact said