Mexico Missouri message., 1914-04-16

| TOT the hOUinuf, lot tOtne Occult Chube.
was not to be so simply arranged ~
such matters generally are; the pre-
| liminaries we're unusual and-to him
unnecessary; he was becoming more
and more puzzled, for he believed that
| Brownlow was needlessly investing
the proceedings with an air OF mys-
terry, and this made him FESTIVE.
I'm fearful that it's not to be-"
sighed he, heavily. when you hear
the conditions you will back out like
all the rest of EN-. Seems like these
days navigators are too busy clipping
coupons and drawing dividends to be
attracted by a little thing like double
wages"
Tom pricked up his ears. Two pas
times had been mentioned which he,
at least, never had enjoyed. He inter
rupted with an exclamation.
Double wages! Say"-eagerly-"if
the games straight don't care to hear
conditions. Where's your yacht? I'll
get my dunnage aboard without vast
ing any more time"
The little man bounded from his
chair and began pacing the floor with
short. nervous strides. Every now
and then he would halt with jerk and
address few remarks to Tom. rub his
hands together briskly and dart off
upon his promenade.
Il declare, Mr.. Phlnney," he spoke
vehemently. in a way this is a rare
stroke of luck for me; but before we
go any further must--my conscience
impels me TO tell yos-ahem!-some
things. Certain details must be laid
before you before ! allow you, out of
the generosity of your nature, to bind
yourself to any obligation. The condi.
lions, | believe | may truthfully at.
firm. are extraordinary; indeed, with
out eXaggerating the state of affairs,
may even go so far as to say that they
are astoundingly extraordinary; and /
must put you into possession OF such
facts as am at liberty to impart.
'But"-he broke off abruptly-T
need more than captain; am
pledged to secure the services OF q
first and second officer and chief en-
gineer. The scamps who have been
serving me in those capacities-con-
found 'em-are poor, miserable, spine
less creatures whose proper walk in
life is between a pair of plow-handles
instead of upon the deck of a sea-go-
ing craft. They are pack of cow
ards. Mr.. Phinney, when an oppor-
tunity is presented to them that
smacks of adventure. AS | have al
d.y N,,Nt 30 a
own time trying to find men for the
billets. and you'll have to scare 'em up
somehow, somewhere. before six
o'clock. That's the fix I'm in
But what is 1t you want to tell me?"
Tom impatiently tried to pin him
down. IF the thing depends upon so
much we haven't any time TO spare
I've a motor below, and I'm pretty sure
can get the men,"
Brownlow threw himself into his
chair and hitched 1t closer to Tom.
Leaning forward, In a confidential atti-
tude and occasionally emphasizing his
remarks with a vigorous tap upon the
young mans knee, he impressively be-
gan:
LOOhy MI. uiuut1-utIo 3
the way of 1t. A certain party wants
to charter the Kohinur for an indefi-
mite period. Ordinarily l wouldn't lis.
ten to such a proposal. but he offered
me sum of money that quite took my
breath away. and-ahem!- to be frank
with you, just now / need the money
more than / do the boat. Do you get
me? Well! He put 1t up to me to
| find the men / have mentioned-rest
Of the crews all right-but the enter
prise is wholly secret. Understand?
Secret! They baked. And there you
are"
"A.hal" interjected the bewildered
listener, who was now beginning TO see
light. THAT listens well--if the
things not crooked"
Crooked" shouted Brownlow
aghast at the very idea. Young man.
do you think l would lend myself to
anything crooked" Tom did not com
NIT himself, and the other went on
with much warmth. AS say, the en-.
terprise is secret; l myself am igno
rant of its nature; but-believe me
Mr.. Phinney-it ia Endorsed by name
that would astonish you were / at lib
erty to mention 1t. In point of fact. II
was that name that finally Influenced
me to accept the offer. Crooked? Goo
bless my soul, mol"
Tom was already upon his feet. III
that's all I'll go hunt for men. We
haven't any time to lose. What them