Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-29

caring readily and skilfuly to my adm;ra
ton.
Yet in no way did he lessen Mr.. Boyces animosity.
evidenced by the mates loud bawllng at him and
his unnecessary repetition of orders The matter
vital enough for to interfere; but ready to
if things became serious. curously interested in
Martin and watched him closely when he had the wheel,
trying to fahom the mystery in his somber yet spark
ling eyes, his drawn and seamy face, which had
smile and in his careful choice of words.
He educated man. knew, and it
at last that | had seen him before: where and when,
however, could not remember. | never spoke to him,
he to me, until he aft dog watch and
minded me of his suggestion in the shipping office, that
when he had proved himself he might draw clothing
from the slop chest. He had his suit from the
start and had grown half inch of beard willingly
supplied him with complete outfit sheath knife and
ALL but when he asked for razor saying there not
one forward, was -peled to deny him. had none
in stock and only for my &c. his beard,
grizzed brown and gray, grew longer hiding and
more of the lower part of his face the conviction that
had once known him became fixed. Then one morning
the puzzle solved, at the moment, by two diff
ferent methods. Though the forecastle may ot have
contained razors it contained scissors, and he aft
to the wheel from breakfast with his beard clipped to
point, style just coming INTO vogue twenty-five years
before. And before he had reached the main hatch |
heard for the first time his voice raised in angry
mand The incident is worth recording; for remem-
bcred him.
Mr.. BOYCE had amused himself by striking, full in
A'A the face, Irshnan who had in dis
pleased him. and the nfuriaed man rose from the deck
with drawn sheath knife. But before he could take
step toward the mate Martin had him by the wrist.
"Drop that knife you fool he Numbered, he twisted
the mans arm "Drop it, Don't you know that the
maritime laws of America have placed moose round
your neck? Don't you know that foremast hand is
denied the right of self defense?
Mike did not drop the knife, however, until | had
rushed forward and covered him with pistol; then he
surrendered to be confined later in the lazarete The
somewhat shaken Mr.. BOyce attended to this while
Martin relieved the Wheel and entered Mikes ofcnse
-murderous assault upon ofccr-n the official log
For, whether not maritime law was faulty discipline
must be preserved at sea.
As the signature of two witnesses. officer,
necessary to such an entry and the second at
breakfast had the assault sent for Mr. Boyce
He came, with a wrnkled newspaper in his hand but
made no reference to it until he had signed his to
the entry Then he opened the paper and said:
"I'm sure | was right, Captain. This paper
printed three DAYS before sailed and contains the
account of the escape from San Quentin prison of James
Murdoch a life prisoner
"Never mind that" interrupted in angry disgust.
al know all about that escape. But why do you hold
your grdge against that man: He saved you from the
prick of knife this morning Doesn't that count
thing with YOU
well Sir some" he answered sheepshly; "but it
was his business anyones businessto stop knife
work And, as said, I've for JallblrdS TO-
castle lawyers
a'rhat will do" I said. @Take your paper away, and
have Martin relieved to sign his name here He is as
disinterested a witness you are.
Mr. Boyce departed, and soon Martin, cap IN hand,
descended the after companion stairs.
"Sgn your name here, Martin" said, "as witness
to Michael Flvnns drawing knife upon Mr.. Poyce.'
"Pardon me, Captain he said, with quiet dignity.
"but will not some other witness do just well? Aside
from Mikes provocation have strong feelings against
sending any to prison.
~ know YOU have" answered leaning back in my
chair and regarding him closely. ayes, another witness
will do,-thcrc several men looking on-and did
you, Mr. Murdoch. knew you when you raised your
voice over Mike, if hadn't recognized that style of
beard You second mate of my first ship. in which
| was cabin boy and you sentenced to be hanged
Eran for rlifIn he