Rocky Ford enterprise., 1914-09-18
81 understand. sir. III have the

~ understand, sir. I'll have the
launch manned at once"
Its uncertain when shall return
late this afternoon or evening, prob
ably"
THE watch will keep lookout for
you, sir" explained Tom; when they
see you the launch will come to take
you off,"
Whereupon Max Willard took his
lifeless face away for good, and Tom,
after telling Phil Mercer to get the
launch ready. returned to the chart
house, where he sat smoking and ru-
minating.
Reflection prompted action, and ac-
ton made him forget his own dejec-
ton. He walked forward. and In a
moment his regard fell upon the un-
gainly form of John Calls sprawled
against the rail. motionless. his eyes
staring sullenly cityward.
There was something in the fellows
attitude that made Tom eye him mar
rowly. He too seemed detected; in his
bearing there was nothing bellicose
now; he suggested to Tom the idea
OF prisoner gazing upon the freedom
that is not for him. Three other men.
identified as members of Willard's
party. were mingling with the crew
in friendly fashion and enjoying
themselves; but John Calls seemed
apart, isolated. utterly oblivious-per-
haps scornful-of his surroundings.
Wondering not little at this cir
substance, Tom would have passed
! him by without a word; but Just as
he got behind the man. Calls stood
upright with sudden movement and
struck the rail a reeounding blow with
his clenched fist, at the same time
spluttering an oath. He favored Tom
with baleful glare.
How far" he remanded rudely, "is
1t to that landing?"
Tom coolly looked him over. He
had no reason to be favorably dis
posed toward the fellow. and he
frowned at his present manner; but
he had a measure of dignity to main
tain and could not afford to quarrel
with him now. So he replied curtly:
Not over a hundred fathoms."
Then all at once he understood. "If
you're thinking of swimming it. don't
try" he added. Orders are that no
body's to leave the boat without Mr..
Willard's consent.
II know 1t cursed WELL" he snarled.
But I'd show you what his or any
body else's orders amount to II
could swim"
Whereupon he slouched back to his
former attitude. completely ignoring
Toms presence. who merely re-
marked: Good thing you can't then"
and continued on his way
The three other men-all husky
young chaps-were civil enough and
respectful of his authority. He spoke
to them only briefly and in a general
way.
He sought out his first officer. who.
save for his one failing, was not only
first-class navigator. but decidedly
companionable fellow. OF an excel
lent and wealthy family. his idea of
making amends for the wretched cpl
sode that had occasioned his disgrace,
was to foster and encourage Its cause
in secret Phil MERGERS life was a
tragedy. for he had a heart-broken
mother and two sisters who sorrowed
for him nightly.
There was very little to be done
| now save observe the regular routine
OF changing watches and keeping ev-
erything on board in shipshape order.
SO time hung heavily upon the skip
per's hands when the Girl was not
visible While he talked with Mercer
he gave the latter only divided at
tention. for he was alert and watchful
to note the first sign that she was once
more stirring on deck.
But presently he said: by the way.
Phil. looks like the order that no ones
to go ashore or come aboard is more
| than -er--"
.'Perfunctory?" the first mate sup
piled.
Yes. But l didn't mean Just that
either. 1t looks as though we'd have
to be strict in enforcing it. Well
have to keep our eyes open-bear 1t
in mind"
Mercer favored him with a question
ing stare. Tom explained:
There's at least one chap aboard
who wants to get on dry land power
fully bad
big, husky. sandy-haired fellow,
isn't he? Thought so. Sulky brute"
You've noticed him then. His
names Calls. He can't swim, SO you
only have to keep tab on the boats
as far as he's concerned. Picked on
a likely man yet for second officer!"
| "Winnard will do"
| 20. X. Break him in"
| They talked in desultory way un.
| til the steward announced luncheon.
(TO BE CONTINJED1