The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-09-09
- By
ROBERT CARLTON BROWN

The captain seemed electrified by the
engineers communication.
What? The coal all gone? he cried,
forgetting the presence of two pas
sengers.
The engineer called his attention 10
Bonner and Mash. standing with gaping
mouths at the unexpected news.
They know now" said Captain Rog-
ers. All 1 can do is to ASK you gem
tlemen not to let the passengers know
what you have overheard. The coal IS
all gone. We carry enough for one
voyage only"
The officer stood in thought for sew
eral minutes, then he looked up ana
continued
I'VE will tell the passengers that We
have been forced to shut down the en-
Bines 10 economic what little coal we
nave. They mustn't know we maven l
any; 1t would throw them INTO d
Yes, this Is far different from telling
them we've lost our way in the Jog,
put in the engineer. Ihat ISM nearly
so hopeless as being without coal
How much longer Will the engines
run on the coal we already have IN
the furnaces" asked the captain.
Not above fifteen minutes. The coal
is almost all consumed, and in fifteen
minutes the furnaces will be cold from
the powerful draught that we have just
now
I'm make an announcement that
were stopping to economic on coal
until the foE lifts and we can find our
way out. 1 must say something 10 them
or there's no knowing what viii happen.
I've found it's best 10 take the passen-
gers into half your secret when any
thing happens aboard"
In the excitement IL seemed that the
captain had utterly forgotten the tnrd
degree that he was about to give Nash.
TURNING 10 bonner. he said
Mr.. Bonner, l want you 10 help me
out in this After / announce the reason
for stopping, you circulate the story
that there is plenty Of coal in the bins.
The people Will feel safe then and We
will avoid a panic"
You can rely on me, Capt. Rogers"
replied the other. his whole manner
changing as he confronted greater
danger.
Nash. III see YOU later" said the cap
tain. Meantime. he turned to the mas
ter at arms, who had come up and been
standing waiting for orders. Il don
want you to let Nash out Of your sight.
"All right. sir" answered the pclice-
man.
The whole party went up the long
fight OF oily stairs directly and were
soon in the fresh ar.
II was great relief 70 Eben, his
head whirling with the excitement and
the heat Of the stoke hole.
In q very few minutes the boat began
to slacken percepubly in speed and the
passengers commenced buzzinR about in
frantic anxiety as TO the cause.
Then the captain entered the drawing
room. where they were gathered on ac-
count Of the fog that made the decks
dangerous. and told them the story he
had planned.
After he had finished there were many
expressions OF fear, but Bonner and
Marjory went around, and assured them
that there was plenty OF coal in the
bins. and II was only icing held Tor
the sake OF safety.
There was little sign Of a lift in the
fog. and this was the day that they
were supposed TO arrive In the Thames
river dock.
The passengers sat about in detected
groups grumbling over their quarter
rations and prophesying all possible
evils.
Meanwhile. Nash had gone 10 his
stateroom. the master Of arms at his
heels. and began TO look over mis- cleo
trical supplies.
Although Picketzo had removed much
OF them in carrying out his business,
whatever IL was, there were enough
left 10 make Eben hopeful.
After going through them carefully
his eyes began 20 light up, and he turned
TO the master of arms after closing the
trunk.
Can see the captain7" he asked alb
ruptly.