The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-02-07

ing mouse or run away from his board
Dill; ne also found a note, addressed
to Bill Rogers, which read, and again
calculated, "I'll be blanked!" ADDING
TO 1t. however, the comment *
square boarding master" Then he
punched and felt of the bags contents,
and smiled. "'''
| looming the guernsey and jacket,
ne went on deck, just in time to meet
Dig, bearded man who was hurry
ing to the forecastle door.
so you've sobered up, have you -
ne said. Got the whiskey out O.
Wasn't whiskey, sir" answered
Rogers. recognizing an officer. Il
was doped and shanghaied, even
willing to ship. I'm an able seaman,
sir"
you don't look it,"
for the last ten ashore. I'm a Bit
tender; but l know my work."
"How about the other two? Are
they sailors?"
II don't think they are, sir" ans
wered Rogers, with slight grin.
They were with me when | was dop-
ed; but l don't know much about
them"
Go aft and take the wheel. There's
farmer there that can't steer. Let's
see what you can do. III tend to
your friends"
Rogers went to the wheel, received
the spokes and the course from the
rather distressed incumbent, and, even
though the ship was riding along be-
fore stiff quarter-breeze and follow
ing sea, steered course good enough
to win silence from the skipper-also
a big, bearded man-when he next
looked into the pinnacle. Silence, on
such occasions, is a compliment.
The cold. fresh breeze soon cleared
Rogers head of its aches and throbs,
and he took stock of the ship and her
people. She seemed to be of about
twelve hundred tons register, with no
skysails, stunsails, or other kites to
make work for her crew. an easy ship.
as far as wind and weather were con-
cerned. Rogers counted her crew.
sixteen men scattered about the decks
and rigging, lashing casks, slowing
lines and tenders, and securing chaf;ne
gear aloft. The big man that had
spoken to him was undoubtedly the
first mate, as was evidenced by his
louder voice. The second mate. a
short, broad, square-jawed man with
a smooth face, spoke little to the men,
but struck them often. Rogers saw
three fioored before six bells. As for
the crew, they were of all nations and
types. and by these Signs he knew
that she was an American ship; but
nothing yet of her name or destina-
ton. Astern was a blue spot on the
horizon which he recognized as the
Highlands of Navesink, and scattered
about at various distances were out
and inbound craft, sail and steam.
But none was within hailing range.
just before noon he saw two men
thrown out of the forecastle by the
huge first mate, and in spite of their
canvas rage, he recognized his two
enemies. involuntary Rogers smiled;
but the smile left his face when he
saw that they were showing fight, and
that in the fight they were being sadly
bested by the mate, aided by his con-
fere, the second mate Yet they
fought as they could, and as the whirl
of battle drifted aft Rogers could hear
their voices.
II want to see the Captain! each
declared explosively, whenever a
moments respite enable them to
speak, and in time the reiterated de-
mand bore results. The Captain him
self appeared, watched the conflict for
a moment, then roared out:
Mr.. Billings, that'll do! Send those
men up here, and let's see what they
want"
The two mates stood back, and the
dishgured Sheriff of Maricopa and the
almost unacceptable mouted police
man climbed the poop steps and faced
the Captain in the weather alley. They
were game,-still full of fight, and in
no way abashed by the autocrat of the
ship.
"You the Captain of this boat?" de-
handed Quincy, his eyes flaming
green from the rage in his soul. "If
you are, put me aohore, or I'll make
you sweat"
= STEADY as you co. answered the
Captain quietly. "I'm too big man
to sweat. It's dangerous to make me
sweat. What's on your mindY
PUT us ashore!" yelled Benson in
sanely. Those fellows that ham,
mered US just now said we'd shipped
in this boat. We did not. We were
drugged and abducted"
"Whew" whistled the big skipper,
turning his back on them for the
moment, Then he turned back and
said. "What d'you want?"
ITO 60 ashore and take our prisoner
with us. Wen settle between our
selves as to which one gets him."
"Your prisoner? Where is hep"
shat fellow standing there--steer-
ing, I suppose" answered Quincy.
The Skipper turned toward Rogers.
"You a prisoner" he asked. with
good humor coming of size and con-
fidence.
"I,m wanted. Sir" said Rogers
grimly. " in Arizona and in Manitoba.
These men are what they say, officers
of the law"
"What crime have you committed"
"None. Sir" answered Rogers; al
though I'm indicted in one place for
stage robbery and in another place for
murder"
"Well. welll" commented the big
man. "You seem to be dangerous
rhn ~ rtAr What orA vos, dosur ahoo 81