The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-11-17

course and closer In toward the dam
gerous reefs than her captain liked.
Not that the liner herself was i'm any
grave danger. for the old Monaghan
and her experienced captain had faced
too many Atlantic storms for even
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
Monaghan. but there were many ships
less sturdy in those waters. and on
such 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.
Harling's nerves were on edge as he
chung to his berth. wide eyed. alert.
waiting. listening to the faintest click
that might be the forerunner to tell of
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 SO hurried that the young fell
low sprang from the berth and stum4
bled TO the table, sure now that at last
something was coming.
Again the instrument clicked wildly.
To the ears of the strained operator it
brought chill. for he knew it was
the sending of some one wild with
fear. Anxiously. impatiently. ne lis
tened. At first be could make out
nothing.
They're crazy" he exclaimed 10
himself. What's the matter with
them: They're crazy"
The wild rattle of the receiver stop-
ped. and Harling seized his own key.
What's wrong: Don't be fool.
Keep your nerves. Send sense"
The touch OF the key had brought
him thoroughly to himself. His nerve
tlghtened aud his head grew cool as ne
drove his message tercely out into the
storm.
He paused. listening eagerly. and
again the receiver began to click. al
most as wildly. as insanely. as before.
Only the skilled operator could make
out &c Q ~
"A distress signal" he gasped. Its
come
Again the Mongulian'S wireless oper-
eriI"r seized his Key and drove out
his answer into the night.
As he waited NJ seized the tale
phone connected direct with the cap
taip's Stateloom
tapt;slu. have just received dis.
tresS signal ne shouted HIVE ~ent
them cur position IN course. Int tue
fool Seenied To have lost his nerve
Have Dot heen able to get nilytning
from him yet
The answer of the captain came
back cool and sharp
Make him te} whore he is and who
he is al once I'll he with Won
The receiver bad begun to click
again wildly. and Haring gripping the
table 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
Us. was ali the receiver clicked.
At last IL stepped "A moment. and
he Monaghan operator managed to
ut in.
Send name anC position he pound
"a herceiy. Send position Keep
nerve. Send position
de. stopped. grasping the table and
Waiting anxiousiy.
Mon g-oi-Ia-D." the receiver click.
d wildly.
III he fool" gasped Hariing. The
lrty coward. Sending that way ar
ucb time
DE seized the Key and drove OFT