The Redwood gazette., 1909-11-17


course and closer in toward the dan
gerous reefs than her captain liked.
Not that the liner herself was in any
grave danger, for the old Mongolian
and her experienced captain had faced
too many Atlantic storms for even a
big one to alarm them. The matches
had all been battened down. the pas
sengers were below. and the stanch
steamer stripped as much as possible.
slowly rising to each attack of the
waves. drove on with all the power of
her engines under the storm.
Up in the little wireless room. the
highest point on the ship. Harling. the
young operator. chung TO his berth and
wondered what was going to happen.
1t was his second trip to sea and his
first big storm. so no wonder the young
operator felt the thrill Of the strug-
gle and just the faintest fear for the
outcome.
Every officer and man connected
with the liner was on post waiting
anxiously for whatever might happen.
They had little fears for the stanch
Mongolian. but there were many ships
less sturdy in those waters. and on
such a night. with the vessel out Of
her course. there was no telling what
might occur The captains last in
struction had been to look out for
wrecks.
Most Of the vessels of any size in
these waters carried wireless outfits,
and in case of trouble they would be
sure at once to send out broadcast
their appeals for help. Little could be
done in any case. but at least the Mon
golian could stand by to help as much
as she could or, if absolutely neces-
sary, take advantage of the warnings
to keep clear of wrecks.
For hours the pitching of the ship.
timed irregularly to the roaring drive
of the storm. had held the wireless
man fast at his post. 1t was now past
midnight and with little chance Of
any abatement before dawn. u
Harlings nerves were on edge as he
clung to his berth. wide eyed alert,
waiting, listening to the faintest click
that might be the forerunner to tell of
disaster and death. Half dozen times
his strained nerves had brought him
struggling from his berth TO receive
such message. only to find his imag-
ination had been playing tricks with
his fear
Suddenly there came from the in
strument clicks SO sharp. so distinct
and yet 50 hurried that the young fel-
low spranS from the berth and Stun
bled TO the table, sure now that ut last
something was coming.
Again the instrument clicked wildly,
To the ears OF the strained operator it
brought a chill. for he knew ii was
the sending of some one wild with
fear. Anxiously. impatiently. he lis
tened. At first he could make out
nothing.
They're crazy" he exclaimed TO
himself. What's the matter with
them: They're crazy"
The wild rattle of the receiver ston-
ped. and Harling seized his own key.
What's wrong: Don't be fool
Keep your nerves. Send sense"
Ihe touch OF the key had brought
him thoroughly to himself. His nerve
tightened aud his head grew cool as he
drove his message tercely out into the
storm.
He paused. listening eagerly. and
again the receiver began to click AL
most as wildly, as insanply. as before.
Only the skilled operator could make
out "C Q u
"A distress signal" be gasped. ITS
come.
Again the Mongolian's wireless oper-
eFatur seized his Key and drove out
his answer into the night.
AS hr Wai}ed hp seized the tale
phone connected direct with The can
taip'S statelnon
'tailtain. have just received dis
tresS signal ne shouted Have sem
fhen our position N course. hut tue
fool Seenhed Ia have lost his nerve
Have not heen able to get anythnc
from him yet
The answer Of the captain came
back cool and sharp
Make him tei} where he is and who
-
ne receiver had hegnn to click
again wildly. and Harling gripping the
able to keep himself steady. listened
With disgust. for the sending now was
hat Of man absolutely insane from
ear.
Help. Help. For Gods sake help
is was ali the receiver clicked.
AT iaSt il stopped moment and
ne MongoIian operator managed TO
ut in.
send name anC position" be pound
q herce!y. Send position. keep
erve. Send position
de stopped. sraSping the table and
waiting anxionsiy
Ton g-oi-l.a ~ the receiver click.
wildly
De TOOL. gasped Harling. THE
lrty coward. Sending that way at
lch time."'
III