The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1910-04-15

studying the pair.
| Il come directly from Don Castillo"
said. quietly. facing the Yankee, and
determined to get down to business.
land desire to speak with you alone"
| His glinting eyes narrowed per-
ceptibly, and his jaws crunched down
upon the tobacco In his cheek.
"'Tis safe enough with him." he ac-
knowledged rather ungraciously, his
voice becoming nasal as he pointed his
chin-beard toward the other DE
Nova Is second officer"
| / drew back the chair and sat down,
realizing that l now possessed the at
tention of both.
Il have been appointed to assume
Capt. Castelar's duties" I announced
quietly. do either of you care to ex.
anime my papers?"
futile spat silently into the saw
dust, while De Nova exhibited his
white teeth In a grin. The eyes of the
two men met.
Il rather guess your papers won't
cut much ice in this yere AFFAIR" re-
turned the former with deliberate in
science. being as how we don't either
of us give tinker's dam fer Peru. II
II you'll pardon my sayin' SO plainly"
His mask had disappeared as by
magic. and l realized instantly the
real nature of the man.
You mean no enlistment has been
made. either by you. or the men under
your"
That's lust about the size OF It,
mister" his tone full of unconcealed
contempt, his leg flung once again
over the arm of the chair I'VE agreed
to do this one particular job fer GER
tain consideration, but we're none OF
us Peruvian sailor-men. and conse-
quently don't give a hang for your
papers. Amt that about 1t. De Nova?"
The creole nodded. still smiling
pleasantly, the blue smoke curling
}zily up from the end OF his cigarette.
Evidently the two were actively en-.
gagged In taking my measure. and this
was to be n case Of man against man.
rather than the exercise of any dele
gated authority. l might as well throw
my commission into the fire for any
real value 1t possessed here. All
right: had met and attended to their
kind before.
Il am delighted to understand the
situation SO clearly and quickly"
said. sharply. throwing n note OF au-
thority into my voice and manner. 1T
simplifies 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. l am in command. DO you both
clearly comprehend that?-I am in
command! 1t will be Just as well for
you not to attempt any horse-play.
am no dngo sea-ofiicer. but North
American sailor. and | 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 MS
the next fellow. II either OF you de-
sire TO test my qualities as n buckle.
mate. I'm here to accommodate you"
Neither answered. but read their
conclusion In their eyes.
That's NIL need TO say now" !
went on. IT'S up to you to fish or cut
bait. You fellows have nothing to
gain by opposing me. and hope you
possess sense enough to know II. De
Novn. where have ever met you DO
fore7"
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.
u thought maybe you forget aitogeth.
or bout xat time. hut know you at
once wen you come In. II make mo
laugh TO ace xis Yankee try bal, you
like you was daEo stoamboatcr. Bah.
] know you all right for sailor,man.
! know you do business"
But | am unable 10 place you"
NO. not yet. maybe you will wen
| say more" lie spoke rapidly. yes.
ticulating with excitement. 1T was n
little ship OF Ha,toraa: 10 storm ave
days, an NIL wreck. II was steamer.
w'ito. wlSH red stacks IN, took on no
crew. an II was hell Of Job. zat was
20 story, monsieur. was mate OF no
| Cymbcllne.'
know him then Instantly. my mem
DRY plcturlng anew the cold. gray
dawn. the green. angry seas. the help
less, soddon hulk hcaying Hickoningly
TO ith death, and those wat.rdfonched
forms We hauled over IN. sinking rail
Into our tossing boat. held forth
my hand. and his brown fingers. hard
an Iron. closed over II In grip TO DO
felt.
Sure. Ms come back. mate" I said.
\ rather guess ! can count on you"
His dark eyes met mine In frank
honesty,
Running arms for the Cuban reyo.
lutlonlais then. Weren't your" asked.
indincfently. what slnco7'
lie shrugged his shoulders. EianeinE
ncrona nj futile, and lingering his