Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-05-16

so extreme that such questions as In
science and difference In rank were
not TO be thought Of He must meet
and subdue this Tartar on common
ground-as man to man.
Are you aware, Rowland" he asked
quietly. that you will stand alone,
that you will be dlscredited, lose your
berth and make enemies"
~ am aware Of more than that" an
swered Rowland excitedly. ~ know
Of the power vested in you ms captain.
I know that you can order me into
irons from this room for any offense
you wish to imagine. And I know
that an unwitnessed, uncorroborated
entry in your official log concerning
me would be evidence enough to bring
me life Imprisonment. But I also
know something Of admiralty law
! that from my prison cell l can send
you and your first officer to the gal
lows"
You are mistaken in your concep-
tons Of evidence. I could not cause
your conviction by log book entry,
nor could you from a prison injure
me. What are you. may nsk-an ex-
lawyerv
"a graduate of Annapolis - your
equal In professional Technique"
And you have interests at Washing
ton?'
None whatever"
And what Is your object in taking
this stand, which can do you no posi-
BILE good, though certainly not the
harm you speak OFF,
THAT I may do one good. strong net
in my useless life. that l NAV helm RI
arouse such sentiment of anger in
the two countries as will forever ond
this wanton destruction of life and
property for the sake Of speed. tina,
will save the hundreds Of fishing era II
and others run down yearly to Their
owners, and the crews to their fan
lies"
Both men had risen. and the captain
wns pacing the floor as Rowland. Will
flashing eyes and clinched fists, deliv
cred this declaration
"A result to be hoped for. Rowland,
said the former, pausing before him
but beyond your power or mine to &C
complish. Is the amount I named
large enough? Could you fill a posi-
ton on my bridge?"
II can fill a higher, and your compa
ny is not rich enough to buy me-
you seem to be man without am
bitiOn, but you must have wants
Food. clothing, shelter-and wills
KY" said Rowland with bitter. seli
rontemptuous laugh. The captain
reached down decanter and two
glasses from a swinging tray and sale
Ms he placed them before him:
Here is one Of your wants. Fill
up" Rowland's eyes glistened as be
poured out a glassful, and the captain
followed.
II will drink with you. Rowland
he said. Here is to our better under
standing" He tossed Off the liquor
then Rowland, who had waited. said
II prefer drinking alone, captain" an(
drank the whisky at gulp. The cap
tains face flushed at the affront, bu
he controlled himself.
go on deck, now. Rowland" hi
said. II will talk with you again be
fore we reach soundings. Meanwhile
l request-not require. but request
that you hold no useless conversation
with your sh!pmates in regard TO this
matter"
To the first officer, when relieved Il
I eight bells, the captain said "Ile il
broken down wreck with a tempo
: rarily active conscience. but is not thu
= man to buy or intimidatc. He knows
I too much. However. we've found hi
] weak point If he gets snakes befor
we dock his testimony Is worthless
Q Fill him up and I'll see the surgeon
n and study up on drugs"
When Rowland turned out to brea k
q fast at seven bells that morning h
= found pint flask in the pocket of hi