The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-08-24
THE FATAL
[A|[U|[i:] III |.
BY CHARLES GARVlCe.
Copyright, 1909, by George H. Doran
Company
CHAPTER XIV.
"a Life on the Ocean Wave"


went aboard the Hawk q little he
fore six on the mirniug following the
day on which Ronald had so proyi'
dentiany met his old acquaintance
Harry Nane.
Short as the time had been smith
ers had contrived to get a 5eamdn's
kit together; and he looked SO
proudly conscious IL his nautical
attire, so much like a stage sailor
that Ronald had hard work to sup
press smile.
The schooner was beautiful yes
sci. and evidently most perfectly
and handsomely found Her decks
were almost as white as her spo.-
less sails: every bit Of metal shone
brightly in the light of the early
SIM. the crew. a small but sufficient
one. was evidently composed OF first
class men. The captain, short ana
wiry-looking man, with Keen Dlue
ewes and firm mouth, came FOR
ward and saluted Ronald,
Glad to see you, sir he said MT.
Vane told me to expect you; your
state-room is quite ready, MIR Nane
is in the saloon. This Is your man
suppose, sir?" he added casting
a rather surprised glance at Smith
ers, who stood beside his extremely
nautical.looking box, with an air
of being quite ready for doing any
thing or going anywhere at a mo-
ments notice; and who stood with
his legs bowed and his sailors cap
Sc. at an angle which he considered
the professional one-that is to say
hanging periiously on the back OF
his head,
"Yes." said Ronald, introducing
Smithers with a profound gravity
which was the only alternative TO
laughter this is Smithers Mr.. Vane
has been kind enough to engage
him as cook
Capsain Shanks directed Smi;hers
to the cooks galley, and Ronald
went down 10 the saloon, his heart
as light as a feather, his apprecia-
tion at this pleasant turn in his for
tunes showing in his bright eyes
The owner of the beautiful vessel
was seated at the table bending
over some papers; he greeted Ronald
heartily. but with a certain gravity
Delighted to welcome YOU on
hoard. Des-Carew he said "Splen-
did morning. isn't it; kind of augury'
eh? Well have breakfast as soon
as we've set sail. Come on deck
and look around \ nice little ship
isn't she?" he remarked, as they
walked round the deck and he
showed the vessel, with quiet pride
Il should say she is about as per
feet AS she could be-" said Ronald
you've got tremendous lot OF
canvas, Vance"
Yes" assented Vane rather drlly
! Il like going fast; and ! very
much question whether there is
anything of her tonnage to beat
her. She is new. as you see. ! had
her built last year
"She must have cost a pile OF
money" Ronald remarked
"She did" said Vane; but il
won't be thrown away. How do YOU
| like the captain?" he inquired quick
ly.
''Sseems a very nice chap, ant
particularly all there" replied Ron
aid
He is" said Vane emphatically
I've known Shanks for some time
and ] chosce him specially for this
trip" He hesitated before the
word. He is a first-rate navigator
and most reliable man: hard a,
nails and firm as the Eddystone
The sort of man You can depend
upon when any trouble is around
He's had a roughish time and haC
q hard struggle for 1t, and as HI
says. this present job is on velvet
Oh. yes, can you depend on Shank
every time and all the time. We've