Rocky Ford enterprise., 1910-04-08


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 check.
"'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" l announced
quietly. DO either Of you care to ex-
anime my papers?"
Tuttle 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 n 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 Just 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 It. De Nova?"
The creole nodded, still smiling
pleasantly. the blue smoke curling
lazily up from the end OF his cigarette.
Evidently the two were actively en-
gagged In taking my measure. and this
was to be case OF man against man.
rather than the exercise OF any dele
gated authority. might as well throw
my commission Into the fire for any
real value IL possessed here. All
right: had met and attended to their
kind before.
Il am delighted TO understand the
situation so clearly and quickly" I
said. sharply. throwing n note OF au-
thority Into my voice and manner. 1T
slmplifies my task. Now listen to
me. Mr.. Tuttle." giving him his formal
title. "and you likewise. De Nova.
probably care as little for those pa
| pers as either OF you. but. neverthe-
le-s ! am in command. DO you both
clearly comprehend that?-I am In
command, IL will be just as w"ll for
| you not to attempt any horse-play.
am no dago sea-oficcr. but a North
American sailor. and didn't come
crawling into my first ship through n
cabin window. I've tanned mutinous
crews before now. and when I'm up
AGAINST sea-scum I can hit rs hard as
the next fellow. II either of you de-
sire TO test my qualities as a bucko-
mate. I'm here to accommodate you"
Neither answered. but I read their
conclusion in their eyes.
That's all need TO say now" /
went on. Its 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
| Nova. where have I ever met you be-
fore?"
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.
Il thought maybe you forget altogeth-
or bout zat time. But I know you at
once wen you come in. II make me
laugh to see zis Yankee try bait you
like you was a dago steamboater. Bah.
| know you all right for sailor-man;
| know you do business"
But I am unable TO place you"
NO. not yet: maybe you will wen
say more" He spoke rapidly. ges-
ticuIating with excitement. 1T was n
little ship OF Hatteras; &c storm five
days. an all wreck. 1t was a steamer.
wife. wiss red stacks. zat took on ze
rev. an II was hell Of a job. Eat was
70 story. monsieur; I was mate OF re
Cymbelinc.'
knew him then instantly. my mem
ory picturing anew the cold. gray
dawn. the green. angry seas. the help
less. sodden hulk heaying sickenlngly
10 its death, and those water-drenched
forms we hauled over the sinking rail
into our tossing boat. hold forth
my hand. and his brown fingers. hard
as iron, closed over It in grip TO be
felt.
Sure. it's come back. mate" ] said.
81 rather guess ! can count on you"
His dark eyes met mine In frank
honesty.
Running arms for the Cuban rcvo-
lutionists then. weren't you?" | asked.
indiferently. What sinco?"
lie shrugged his shoulders. glancing
across at Tuttle. and lingering his
mustache.