Charlevoix county herald., 1915-05-22
CHAPTER XIII.
The Cruise of the Murita.

The Cruise of the Murita.
Meanwhile the Murita was steam
ing rapidly out to sea, and immediate
ly upon leaving Harcourt in his cabin,
Cornish joined the yachts captain OF
the bridge.
"Any signs of pursuit." Cornish
asked.
"None," the captain said. I've
taken a northerly course to keep out
of the path of the big liners-just far
enough out to avoid being sighted
from shore"
Cornish nodded with satisfaction
as he regarded the bluff New England
captain, a man who knew the Atlantic
as well as he did the narrow path
leading down from his home on Cape
Cod to the village tavern nearby.
Capt. Whitford was man Of few
words-and of fewer words that were
suited to the ears of polite society
He was reputed to have the gift Of
swearing for longer period without
repetition than could any seaman
afioat, and to his crew he was master
both heartily loved and cordially
feared. Whitford was absolute ruler
of his yacht, and if its owner had
ordered him to attack battleship or
scuttle steam yacht he would have
done so without question if the thing
were possible.
When, two days before, Whitford
had received telegram from Cornish,
instructing him to be in readiness to
sail at a minutes notice. with fuel
and provisions for an extended cruise,
he had followed his instructions TO the
letter The notice had been brief, but
Whitford had overlooked nothing,
even to the laying in of complete
wardrobe for the mysterious guest
whose measurements the yachts
owner had sent him.
"See here" said Cornish, lighting a
cigar and leaning against the bridge
rail. Pm going to tell you few
things. Do you know who this Eng
lishman is"
mo and l don't carew snapped
Whitford. "He looks like a damned
fool and probably is. Whatever else
he may be is none of my business"
you're a man Of sense" Cornish
congratulated him. This much, how
ever, want you to know. There are
a great many people in England who
do know him, and who are wondering
where he is at this minute. I don't
intend that they shall find out. While
he is on this yacht they are not likely
to do so. How long do you think we
can cruise without touching port for
supplies? ?"
"Six weeks if necessary-or even
longer if we rough it bit"
Good! don't care where you go,
but keep out of sight and don't COM
municate with any ship we pass.
There may be a man-o'-war or cat-
ter or two on the lookout for US, but
don't pay any attention to their sig
nails. II anyone shows disposition
to come too near or to talk TO us, SIM
ply give them the slip. Have you a
wireless operator on board? p
"Yes."
"Well see that he doesn't use the
apparatus except TO listen to other
ships conversations. don't suppose
there would be any trouble even il
the crew did know who have aboard,
or why he is wanted ashore, but it's
just as well that they don't know any
thing about it."
They won't-and if they should
find out, III answer for them. I'm
captain of this ship and my orders
are obeyedv' said Whitford fatty.
you tell me what you want, and I'll
see that you get it. If that wireless
fellow tries to monkey with his keys
I'll throw him overboardw
Don't" Cornish advised. 1--WE may
need him later on. If we can keep
hidden we'd better remain out for a
month at least. Then III figure out
what is best TO be done. Eventually,
when it is safe to try, / want to make
New Orleans and go home from there
by rail"
Whitford nodded. ain case we are
overhauled," he asked abruptly.