New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-05
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR JANUARY s. 1918

with lantern TO the deck and down the azarette hatch
where hrSt calling out a warning TO Mike, left her
with the lantern, knowing that | could not assist her
further, and returned to the owner in the cabin.
we discussed the voyage and its incidents OF interest,
the mSdOlng OF Mike, the killing OF the mate, Mikes
accusation OF Murdoch, the testimony in the log
everything IN fact, except Murdochs crime of thirty
years before, known only to Mike the Engshnan for
ward, and myself He thoroughly agreed with me that
the proper place for Mike was the pentcntiary or
quck-lmc grave nearby But as we talked was hardly
IN agreement with myself. Through the thin walls OF
the cabin trunk we could hear his wics voice soft and
low, and pleading Then it raised in prayer and as she
prayed came the sound of Mikes voice in cOnvulsive
uncomfortable Sobbng. 1t is a narrowing sound, and
was glad when ended to be followed by her reap
pearance in the cabin.
HEsrepentant she said as she threw of her cloak and
hood. lie has promised TO own up, and not send
an innocent man to prison He told me all. And you,
captain YOU must be cncnt with him. Remember, he
struck in fit OF emotional insanity, aroused by his
wrongs and resentment. Also he possibly saved the life
of the man being choked Had disaster to this
ship account Of the hclmsman being struck other
lives might have been lost and the insurance forfeited.
You might have done the same yourself, Captain.
well perhaps ! might SAID musingly, influenced
either by the prayer the sobbng the sweet earnest
in her eyes and faCc-perhapS by all.
But can't have these kling-in ships, broke
in the thickly and automatically. This new
Scamens Law has raised the deuce We must prosecute
him"
4
that a gentle woman in five minutes OF pleading and
prayer had done what could not in three months OF
coercion. EXcusng myself, went to my room, where
calculated and counted out two rolls OF money; then
with the KEYS Of Mikes manacles in my pocket sought
the deck Murdoch amidships, and the crew stream
ing down the fore rigging.
MIR Murdoch. ! said u want the use OF your room
for few minutes. Keep out OF it. and send Wilkins, the
EngliShman. aft TO me at once.
soon the honcst-faccd fellow appeared, cap in hand
wilkins, | said. as | motioncd him to a seat, "thc
owner aboard, and feels very bitter about the killing
Of Mr.. Boycc. Now, have no choice in the matter.
Mike has confessed in your hearing, and ! must not
only prosecute him for murder. but hold YOU as wit
ness. Also as stubborn. reluctant witness YOU may
be prosecuted, as told YOU accessory after the
fact But we won't dock for day or two, and II gong
to be dark and stormy night Do you still feel friendly
toward Mike"
We'll Sir he stammered as he fumbled his cap, "a
shipmate's a shpmatc-
Here" interrupted. as | handed him the two rolls
Of money as the pay Of two for this passage but
no discharges. And here the keys TO Mikes irons
The dinghy is under the stern with shor, painter II
see either one of You again shall have TO jail YOU
Get out Of here, Wilkins
THANK YOU, Sir, he answered, with CLEAN Of in
TTATTTTE