Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-06
BY MORGAN ROBERTSON

even when drunkest, had got along well together.
| never imagined that he liked me, and ascribed his
choosing for first officer part of his diplomacy
for my reputation for efficiency was as good his fcr
sobrety.
THE third mate off with his luggage next morn
ing, just before the windlass Manned and when
he had slowed his trunk in the spare in the
cabin appeared deck ready for work In spite Of my
prejudice against third mates | could not help liking
him. He cean-looking, clean-shaved well set-up
young fellow who with ignorance of some phases of the
work. displayed surprising familiarity with Others, and
when he had occasion to speak to the spoke with
the sharp, nclslve OF authority, though
toned to command men, Mr.. Breach, the second mate
did not approve of him, however and made secret
Of it. but was merely puzzled, and open to enghten
ment.
1t in the middle watch that night that
lghtened Mr.. Brand standing amdships, had set the
main royal staysal for quickly and skiully as
could have done it myself, then joined where |
stood my watch the extension of the poop forward
OF the cabin Here he surprised me by saying IN
rather embarrassed way:
@You must correct me, Mr. Starrett, if do things
wroRg shall be glad Of advice v and M
in things
Il have only theoretical knowledge of merchant
ships What know learned at the Naval Academy"
1Why you not there now It's desirable
for any young man"
"Disnissed' he said bitterly. DISMISSED month
before graduation, and the top Of my class
When mans commissioned he misunderstanding
but they won't have it in the academy So, with three
or four other fools-upper classmen tool got mne
my friends know, and it nearly broke Mothers heart
Just three drinks tony first and last! But wasn't
used to it,
"But what brings you over here on this side of the
continent, to ship in this craft?'
ITS family matter he replied. aOh the papers
were full of ALL" he continued half deanty "Father
and Mother were divorced when very young and
lived with Mother, while the old drank himself
into cirrhosis of the liver. He dying when
interest in Mother and myself; for he had wiled
all his property to Then, hearing of my trouble
and knowing too well, suppose, the effects of drink
he added codc that switched it all from to his
sister if took another drink before twenty-one.
"And when will you be twentyone?s asked.
an about three weeks-on the ninth of December
THAT is not long to wait. But you haven't told
why you crossed the country and shipped here.
8Well, it's this way. Mother took charge of and
of her sight and if had been shouldn't
have taken drink. But it got my nerves at last
bolted at Los Angeles, and found Captain Prtchard
Frisco. Father always by him teetotaler
told him the trouble, and he advised this course to
make sure. So l wrote to Mother to ease her mind
Not caring to comment on Captain Pritchard's value
then eight bells sounded and we relieved by
the second mate, to turn in till breakfast time.
WAS on deck all the following day, and noticed that
Captain Prtchard showed not the slightest of
liquor. surprised at this; but glad, withal,
cnbing it to his aroused sense Of responsibility Mr.
Breach however, who had come out from New
York boatswan and had become second mate through
sheer merit displayed signs of ntoXcation early
two clock All hands were up that afternoon, stow
ing anchors, cables lines, and Tenders and putting in
place chatting gear used at sea. Mr.. Breach made fire.
quent trips to his room each time emerging with
louder and thicker voice, mainly directed at Mr. Brand
He derided criticized, and abused the young fellow
openly and mercessly before the men, unrebuked by
the Captain, who, calm and dgnifed lounged about
the poop deck At last felt called upon to interfere,
and at moment when Captain Prtchard had gone
below summoned the second mate to me in the
board alley.
aMr Breach, | said, "wty not ease up little on
Mr.. Brandt He's doing his best
@His best isn't worth hang!' he snarled. @He don't
know his work