Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-10-29

boy. Every rope was crawling with
EN-"
The odor OF formaldehyde In the
forecastle having abated. permission
for the crew to sleep on deck had been
snd sweater from which had re-
moved my college letter. McWhirter
who had supervised my preparation.
and who accompanied me to the wharf
had suggested that l omit my morn
ing shave. The result was. as I looh
back. lean and cadaverous six foo
youth. with the hospital pallor still or
him. his chin covered with a day.
beard. his hair cropped short and can
nibaliStic CLEAN in his eyes. remember
that my wrists. thin and bony. annoy
ed me and that the girl had seen
through the opera glasses came or
board and stood of. detached and in
different. but with her eyes on me
while the captain read my letter.
When he finished he held it out ia
me.
i've got my crew." he said CURLY.
There isn't-l suppose there's nc
chance OF your needing another hand?''
mo You can leave your name and ad.
dress with the mate over there. II
anything turns up he'll let you know
My address! The hospital?
folded the useless letter and thrust
it into my pocket. The captain had
gone forward. and the girl with the
cool eyes was leaning against the rail
watching me.
You are the man Mr.. McWhirter has
been looking after. aren't you?"
YES" pulled off my cap, and. rec
eilecting myseif-"yes. miss"
''You have been i'll. haven't you?"
Eyes. MISS"
could you polish brass and things
like that:"
81 could try My arms are strong
enough. 1t is only when walk
But she did not let me finish. She
left the rail abruptly and disappeared
down the companionway into the after
house. waited uncertainty.
When the girl returned she came to
me and stood for moment looking me
over with cool. appraising eyes. had
been right about her appearance. she
was charming-or no. hardly charming.
She was too aloof for that But she
was beautiful. an Irish type. with blue
gray eyes and almost black hair. The
tilt of her head was naughty. Later
came to know that her hauteur was in
difference. But at first l was frankly
afraid of her-afraid Of her cool. mock
ing eyes and the upward thrust of her
chin.
MY brother-in-law is not here" she
said after a moment. but my sister is
below in the cabin. She will speak to
the captain about you. Where are your
things?"
l glanced toward the hospital. where
my few worldly possessions. including
my dress clothes, my amputating set
and such of my books as l had not
been able to sell. were awaiting disp0-
sition. Every near. MISS" said.
Better bring them Mt once. We are
sailing in the morning"
She gave curt little nod of dismiss
al. and went down the gangplank
and along the wharf. I had secured
what went for. and my summer was
provided for. I was exultant. but with
my exultation was mixed curious an
ger at McWhirter, that he had advised
me not to shave that morning.
My preparation took little time. Such
Of my wardrobe as was worth saving
McWhirter took charge Of sold the
remainder of my books. and in sail
or's outfitting shop l purchased boots
and slickers-the sailors oilSkins. With
my last money bought good re-
volver, second hand. and cartridges.
was glad later that had bought the
revolver, and that l had taken with
me the surgical Instruments. antiquat.
ed as they were. which. in their ma.
hogany case. had accompanied my
grandfather through the civil war. and
had done. as he was wont to chuckle.
as much damage as three FOUNDER.
McWhirter came to the wharf with me
and looked the Ella over with eyes Of
proprietorship.
"Pretty snappy looking boat" he
said. IF the niger gets sick give him
some of my seasick remedy. And take
care of yourself, boy" He shook
hands. his open face flushed with emo
ton. "Darned shame to see you going
like this. Don't eat too much. and
don't fall in love with any Of the wom-
en-. Goodby."
He started away. and turned to.
ward the ship. but moment later I
heard him calling me. He came back.
rather breathless.
up in my neighborhood." he pant.
ed. they say Turner is a devil. What.
ever happens. it's not your mix-in. Bet.
ter-better tucE your gun under your
mattress and forget you've got it.
You've got some disposition yourself"
The Ella sailed the following day mt
10 o'clock. She carried nineteen peO-
pie. Of whom five were the Turner's and
their guests. The cabin was full of
flowers and steamer baskets.
Thirty-one days later she came into
port again. a Hfeboat covered with can.
vas trailing at her stern.
From the FIRST the captain disclaim.
ed responsibility for me. was housed
In the forecastle and ate with the men.
YA9 AZ ~e D.