The Pulaskian., 1917-11-09

and the only thing I need to explain Is the necessity for a change in our sailing course. As most of you know, war has broken out in Europe since this ship cleared from Baltimore. The | chances are about a hundred to one that we would be captured, or sunk, if we tried to reach our port through the Channel"
 By whomY It was Liverpool who spoke.
 English or French warships." 'Its a d. Dutch cargo then we've | got in the hold. That's the way I fig ured it. We'll, now look here, sir. Smitz is the only Dutchman aboard, an the rest ov us don't take kindly to that sort O job.'
 "You're sailormen, and shipped on this voyage before ever war was de- clared. Now will you listen to me un- til get through?'
 "Ah, let him talk, Red," someone in- terjected
 l outlined my plan in as few words as possible, and they seemed to listen respectfully enough, only occasionally interjecting a question. Liverpool did not speak at all, nor Jim White, who had pushed his way forward, until I concluded. Then the latter asked sud- l denly:
 "Would you mind if couple of us l had q glance at that chart? Maybe we'd see it clearer then"
 Certainly, you can all look at it. MT. Olson, take the chart down there, and point out the lines so the men can see where we are.'
 They crowded about, endeavoring to gain a glimpse, although probably not half dozen among them possessed the l faintest conception of what the vari- ous markings signifed. Liverpool and White, however, got down on their knees, and followed Olson's stubby forefnger closely, as he traced the pro- posed course. White appeared rather the more intelligent, asking a question or two before regaining his feet.
 T was on the Labrador coast once, 1 where I stood waiting, 'but that don't help me much to get this thing straight. It's to be north course to- night then, so as to take us through the steamer lane before daylight?' "Yes."
 And where would we be about day | light tomorrow morning?"
 T can only guess at that, not know ing the exact shape our engines are in, or the probable speed of the ship. But we ought to be close to fifty degrees west and about forty degrees, twenty minutes north, I should say" How far away from landT l "One hundred and fifty miles to the east and south of Cape Race"
 Cape Race!" broke in Liverpool. ''I've heard O that point-it's south of | a harbor called St. Johns. Here it Is, marked on the chart, Jim.'
 He pointed it out with dingy fore finger, and the two stared at the spot for a minute before they got to their | feet again. I waited, but neither | spoke.
 'Is that all, men?" I asked with a | glance at their faces. "All right then, | you can go forward. If any of you wish to ask any questions later shall be glad to answer them" They disappeared without demon stration, talking among themselves, yet to all appearances the conference had not deeply impressed the crew. They seemed stolid, dull-witted bunch, even Liverpool and White slouching back to the forecastle, with scarcely the exchange of a word Ol- son rolled up the chart, and clambered up the ladder to where I stood beside the first mate. For moment he chung to the rail watching the last of the men disappear.
 'Well, I'll be durned," he said al- most under his breath.
 'What is 1t, MT. Olson?"
 That's just what I don't know, sir" he answered slowly. "One guess is as good as another, sir, but I'm. mighty near certain of one thing-they haven't no intention of goin' to Hamburg. Even Liverpool and White showed no inter- est, except in one point
 You mean where the ship will be to- morrow morningY"
 "Just that; and it's going to be to- morrow morning when they show their hand. Till then, sir we'll have a model crew. That's the way I see it."
 (Which theory looks reasonable enough" I acknowledged, after pause, although it's more my judg- ment that the arrest of McCann has left them leaderless. I am not really looking for any more serious trouble. However, we'll be ready for it, If it comes."