Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-27

Beachend. Indeed. such was the depth of his
hatred that he experienced savage thrill of
pleasure when. in passing through the hotel
lobby that night, he heard somebody saying
that William Runter had lost his fight with
the fishing company.
THEY were selling the Biddulph, William
Runter's last vessel, on the beach near the
windmill. The auctioneer pointed her out at
anchor in the fairway dwelt on her virtues, and
then profanely harangued the crowd because
bidding was slow. Outside the harbor north
west gale was churning the estuary waters into
white fury.
Eight hundred repeated the auctioneer
1t was the third bid.
with it for a show ship, the ship John
Runter once sailed" jerseyed ancient joked.
"Sixpence time and the tale of his knockin
knees chucked in.
Near him Adams quivered convulsively.
Sailed her!" another graybeard jeered bit
terly. His brother had been on that doomed
vessel. He never could sail her, the shivering
mossmanl He'd be double reefed when other
chaps carried tops'ls''
Eight hundred, you gossipping misers!"
The hammer was poised for descent.
One thousand
The hammer fell with promptitude that
would have rendered uneasy less determined
buyer. and the crowd turned and gazed on the
simple stranger with mild pity.
Il suppose you know her ages" drawled one
feS-and my own business.
There was no further comment on Adams
wisdom.
Mr.. ADAMS, Mr.. Runter," said the auction
~ eer an hour later, with Adams check in
his pocket. He had insisted on notes till he
saw the purchasers credentials Adams the
big American life buoy people, he added to his
client. Thus was Adams introduced to his
uncle, who failed to recognize his one time pas
senger
the elder man, as they went across the beach.
One saved my life three years since. The
flare of it lit up half the Irish Sea.
DO all trading vessels carry them about
here1" asked Adams curiously. They were con-
sidered luxuries for liners.
No. | bought them more from curiosity.
My father had similar idea when was quite
youth. and | wished to see if there was much
difference in construction"
And was therel"
None at all The inventor of yours must
have had similar turn of mind to my father:
for it was quite an inventive coincidence.
Adams walked along, very silent and very
pale. His respect for his parent was under
going severe test.
Where do YOU want herr" asked his uncle
when they were ferried aboard. David Runter
and two hands were below packing their be-
longings. Peter was missing.
FAT the harbor mouth" Adams was still
pale: but it GRIM implacable paleness
David Runter and the two hands got wisp
of head sail on. Winds fair; she reach
down the harbor under that" explained the old
man.
But Adams said. Mainsail, foresail, and two
jbs, please-whole.
AS YOU seem to know the canvas. you ought
to know she II not carry halt that IN this breeze,
retorted the skipper curtly.. !,
She was advertised sound in hull and gear
said Adams significantly.
The shot went home. With the flush OF ques-
toned integrity on his cheeks the skipper babe
his men set the canvas. When he turned to
take the wheel Adams was already there.
I'll take it, if you II see to the anchor COM
ing up"
William Runter eyed him curiously--white
hands and brown tweedS!
Il have shippers certificate at nome,
said Adams. meeting his gaze.
Without further question the old man went
forward. turning halfway to look back. There
was something hazily familiar in Adams grip
of the wheel, something that woke faint, elusive
memories.
1t needed only twenty seconds after the an
Choir left the bottom, during which a clumsy
barge had been skilfully lodged, to confirm
Adams certificate. Whereupon the old man
came aft again.
Where did you serve your timer" he asked,
again troubled by that reminiscent attitude.
"Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Your men
seem to have some trouble with the chains, Mr.:
Runter. Perhaps you'll go forward and help
You're OVERRIDING it" warned the skipper,
glancing aloft at the straining gear. The Bid
dulph was careering along with halt her beliy
visible to the promenade.