Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-07-27

said, sharply, throwing a note Of au
thority into my voice and manner 1T
simplifles my task Now listen to
me, Mr.. futile" giving him his formal
title, and you likewise, DE Nova.
probably care as little for those pa,
pers as either. OF you, but, neverthe.
less, am in command Do you beth
clearly comprehend that?-I am in
command! 1t will be just as well for
you not to attempt any horse.play. !
am no dago sea-officer, but a North
American sailor and l didn't come
crawling into my first ship through a
cabin window. I've tanned mutinous
crews before now, and when I'm up
against sea-scum can hit as hard as
the next fellow. II either of. you de.
sire to test my qualities as buckle.
mate. I'm here to accommodate you.
Neither answered, but l read their
conclusion In their eyes.
That's all l need to saw now" I
went on. Its up to you to fish or cut
bait. You fellows have nothing to
gain by opposing me, and l hope you
possess sense enough to know 1t. De
Nova, where have l ever met you be-
fore?"
The creole's face Instantly bright
ened again, his white teeth cleaning
under the black mustache
so monsieur remember" he lisped
gently, leaning forward on the table.
Il thought maybe you forget altogeth.
er bout Eat time. But l know you at
once wen you come in. 1t make me
laugh to see zis Yankee try bait you
like you was dago steamboater Bah,
1 know you all right for sailor-man;
know you do business"
But / am unable to place YOU"
mo, not yet; maybe you will Wen
say more" He spoke rapidly. ges-
ticulating with excitement at was a
little ship off Hatteras; re storm five
days, an all wreck. 1t was a steamer.
wife, wiss red stacks, Eat took off re
crew, an 1t was hell of job Eat was
re story, monsieur; was mate of ze
Cymbeline."
1 knew him then instantly, my mem.
ory picturing anew the cold, gray
dawn, the green, angry seas, the help
less, sodden hulk heaving sickeningly
to Its death, and those water-drenched
forms we hauled over the sinking rail
into our tossing boat. held forth
my hand, and his brown fingers, hard
as iron, closed over it in a grip to be
felt.
Sure, it's come back, mate" said.
I rather guess can count on you"
His dark eyes met mine in frank
honesty.
Running arms for the Cuban revo-
lutionists then, weren't your" l asked,
indifferently. What since?"
He shrugged his shoulders, gIancing
across at futile, and lingering his
mustache.
"Sacre! 1t has been as re devil
Drove" easily. "Ze last was sandal.
wood in re South seas. l care little.
30 re pay be good"
Then we'll get down to facts" and
! Sat back II the chair fronting the
two Of them "Mr futile, how many
men have you enlisted for this atrair?"
Twenty"
Those fellows out yonder?" and I
nodded toward the closed door. He
exhibited his yellow teeth. his eyes
narrowing.
They'll be about all yerl want to
tackle. I guess" he volunteered. with
some assumption of eheerfulness, "un.
less maybe you decide to turn this
expedition into piracy. an give 'em
half the spoifs. They're that sort, all
right"
Strengthened back In my chair my
Jaws set hard. my gaze endeavorins
vainly. to catch and hold his shifty
eye.
"Mr. Tuttle." 1 said, stesnly, "as I
understand matters am captain this
cruise. and you're mate. Whenever
desire your advice Ill probably ask for
It. Just at present please connne
yourself to my, questions. What crew
have you?"