The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-11-30
CHAPTER XIX.
Violet Forces the Pace.

Nervousness m Mr.. Trethewy, the
mate OF the Kangaroo. found outward
expression in his upper lip and nose
Always when spoken to he answered
with twitch OF these organs, and
even when stared at, his nose. which
was of fine Roman mold, woufd re-
spond, in spite 81 all it's wearers most
strenuous efforts to appear unconcern-
ed. He was fully aware of his failing
and utterly impotent 10 cure it. and
| IL ever man carried a daily cross
In the sight OF all men. Trethewy wore
his in the middle OF his face.
1t was this officer, then, who met
his fellow officers OF the reconnoiter-
| ing party at the Wangaroo's gangway.
and foF while he, was SO violently
contorted by his complaint that speech
was altogether beyond him.
There were moments when Captain
Kettle, who had small enough patience
with this sort of thing, deliberately
parked at the man until he straighten'
ed his lip and spoke. But on this par
ticular occasion he saw there was
news and dreaded what it might be,
He let his mate down as lightly az
he knew how. He took the cigar
from his lips, said quietly. Yes. Mr.
Trethewy." and waited. With a SUI
preme effort. he did not even stare
at the man. but swung his eyes TO the
lagoon, which was now fecked with
phosphorescence, where the tiny
breakers we're whipped UP by the
land breeze, and waited.
They're gone" said the mate, when
az length he had thawed out sufficient
Ily TO speak.
Who have gomez"
The junior cfficer was stricken with
another spasm worse than the first.
and Captain Kettle noted that prac
tically the whole OF both watches
were slowed away in the shadows on
deck, keenly listening. Now Their,
Mr.. Trethewy, get on. man, get on.
Who have gomez"
"The caboodle OF them" the mate
blurted. "OO-Owner. sister, and
decorative maid II only you wouldn't
hustle man so, sir. could tell you
all right That dark chap with the
white-man frills has gone with them.
Saint, | think you call him; but as
nobody's introduced me to him. cant
ping ping-pingping say. m not the
sort OF officer who sucks Information
about passenger guests out OF the
steward | tried TO stop EN-, and
couldn't; and II you think my con
ducts unsatisfactory, sir, you may
sign me OF at the next port we touch |
at, and I'll not com-ping-pingplain.
But. Great Jafnes, man, where have
they gomez"
con n cir-circular tour round Africa
for anything know. | did ask miss I
LII said hoped II wouldn't rain, and
they'd find the roads good, and where
were they going? But she ping-ping
wouldn't hear me. Then asked Sir
George. and he told me straight
enough TO mind my own-ping-bally |
business. AS for that stuck-up !
maid"
III you don't take care OF your
language" said Kettle furiously. "IIl
fling you overheard you blooming |
ump OF incompetence. | leave you In
charge OF steamboat at anchor for
a matter OF three hours, and as soon
as my back Is turned you capslZe
every arrangement have made"
This was obviously unfair. and the
mate who was in reality a young man
OF spirit, had every intention OF en-
tering vigorous protest; but his In
trinity descended on him with re-
newed wgor, and left him doubly
and detenseless under his
superior offfcer's tornado Of words.
Go TO your room. sir" Kettle Nm.
ished up furiously. Where's Mr..
Forster"
Second mates turned in. sir
voice from the darkness volunteered,
end without further words. Captain
Kettle walked of briskly below TO the
officers quarters under the break OF
the poop.