Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-08-29
THE PRIVATE WAR;"
By Louis Joseph Vance 1.-THE BRASS FsiGs oi BOWL"

He called to Garvin and ordered the
Russian colors hoisted to the masthead.
Meanwhile, Callahan had disappeared
evidence OF his presence in the engine room
was presently manifested in the increasing
speed of the Clymene. Even in the brief
period Of our talk the pace had waxed fast
and furious. Now we were fairly shoot
ing through the waters. the sharp stern Of
our boat cutting the waves like the blade
of a knife. From out the tunnels twin
columns Of heavy smoke poured to be cut
OF as though pressed down by an invisible
shield just above their black mouths and
spread out fanwise. trailing behind us, an
ebony pail lengthenlng into the south
For the moment the mists had closed be-
tween us and the Asp As my thoughts
went back to her. she gave token of her
continued pursuit and unremitting vigilance
by single sulen and portentous boom
that rolled over the seas | Ike the deep
throated bellng of boodhound--with an
erect upon MS. its hearers, scarcely less
awe-inspiring
shuddercd, and turning to the rail
looked for the Myosotis. At first glance
fancied we had lost her; but n second
thorough inspection of the waters-maybe
because the log was thinning between us
ail the t.me-showed me her dim and ghost
like form fitting northward, still In com.
pany with us, yet, fancied, constantly
diNerginB toward the west
So they were deserting us That convic-
ton forced Itself upon me- 1 smiled bitter
w. thinking such course no more than
characteristic of the ships officers, who, l
made no manner of doubt were all sub
orned In the service of the Herr Captain
kurd Won Holzborn-whose memory
cursed
But as for my Hearts Desire, very well
knew that she had no hand in this cow
ardly abandonment. That she realized 1
at all doubted; but II she did, was con-
vinced that it was against not only her
VIII but her expressed command that the
Myosotis was seeking its own safety.
The shadowy vision of the yacht van
ished and was lost Eight bells sounded,
and with it came the change of watch.
We were driving northward at top speed
then. the vibrations of her heavy engines
making the fraIl hull of the Clymene to
thrill from stem to stern, as slight and
slender body shaken with the mighty pulsa-
tons of n heart dlsproportonately huge.
Both the Asp and our consort had dlsap-
peared entirely. There was naught on deck
TO claim my attention an insstent restless.
ness possessed me wholly. I found myself
unable to keep still obsessed with the notion
that something ought to be done-that was
delinquent in my duty, who stood there on
the br .dge idly, hands in pockets, puppet
amongst men.
At last / wandered away In search of
Sevrance. whom | found in the wardroom
in close confabulation with Garvin-or
rather l should say. in earnest argument.
Garvin. as l came down the companion
way. seemed to he urging upon him some
course to which Sevrance as strenuously
was objectng.
So absorbed were they that l was ac-
corded but passing glance, as one of in
considerable authority. Slightly piqued,
turned to leave them to their own devices
when my attention was caught and held
by Garvln's words.
but, Mr. Scvrance, sir" he was urging,
"it Is the most sensible thing to do, sir,
Let me tell you that the Asp will not dare
join issue with us II we show her that we
n. not content to throw up our hands at
tn, woid of command. You forget, sir. that
we fly the Russian flag. Dye think thar
the commander of the Asp will not ponder
|. long time ere he declares war on
friendly nation? So long as we acknowl-
edge ourselves British subjects by standing
by and meelSly permitting them to board
uG--well. In that case the authorities will
have gained their end; they'll have fright
eLed us into submission. But IL we only
pretend to resist-make show of resist
ing"
Were doing that now" Sevrance coun-
tered doggedly.
by running away? Granted. But, al
downing that a stern chase Is long chase,
do you believe that we will distance the
Asp. the fastest vessel in these waters?"
Most certainly. More-I know It, When
we get into our stride. Callahan says"
"Ah, he says But does he know sir?
There's the question. You're trusting to
yourself and Mr.. Trail here. but for the
pack of us. Don't you think you should
show us some consideration. sir-give US a
well, say, a fighting chance?'
Sevrance, his face overcast, grumbled n
dissent.
Were all tried men-I mean the most
of us are, Mr.. Sevrance sir" Garvin
pursued We've served in most every
navy the world over. I could muster half
n dozen gur crews without any trouble
full. sir, and the torpedoes themselves lack
nothing but their war heads"
mo" declared Sevrance solidly.
There was determination in his tone,
yet sided with Garvin.
You're unfair, Tony" broke In And
Garvin's right Give our fellows a
chance"
THANK you. Mr.. Trail, SIR" said Garvin
earnestly
Look here, man. It can do no harm
to have the guns loaded against emergen- |
cies, can It? We'll agree that II worst |
comes to worst Wen surrender to the Asp |
without firing shot. But" |
well but what? What maggot's in your |
brain now. Gordon?"
"Consider 1t calmly, dispasslonately. Here |
we have caught aboard a man whom It's no |
stretch of the imagination to consider an
agent of the revolutionary party, Do you |
believe for a minute. Tony, that he chanced |
upon us? Don't you suppose that the Secret |
Chapter knew all about us, and sent him |
along only TO do what he could to disable |
the ship? Is It likely that they would |
neglect to inform the authorities? Indeed,
we've proof that they've done just that
the Asp back theTe-and perhaps they've
nut the Japs wise. Those little chaps
pressed my point home as saw Seyrance
geakening-"are capable of stealing a boat
on their own account. II they fancied that,
by so doing. they could prevent the Clymene
reaching Libau."
"Oh, very well 7" He surrendered with
a fiirt of his hand. Have II your own way,
but" Garvin had started for the COM
panion way; seyrance recalled him with
word "Garyin!"
"SirT
you understand. you are to tell the men
that the first who fires a shot against the
Asp. or any other British vessel that mixes
in this squabble. will be shot by me in
stantly. Tell 'em not to forget it," he added
gr.mly, producing and examining a brace
of heavy revolyers,
Garyin saluted. l fancied a twinkle OF
amusement llghtened his eyes But he said
yes, sir" very gravely, and left the cabin
without another word.
CHAPTER XXI.
The Duel