American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-10-19
HAPTER TX.
contraband Of War.

contraband OF War.
The knowledge that the owner was
actually on board changed the entire
situation. / would have to argue II
out with him undoubtedly, for quite
naturally he would object to any re-
turn TO an American port. Well, /
might be in for a dlsagreeable inter
view, bur l had made up my mind. and
II was not to be changed by any blus-
ter or offer of high wages.
Come on. Masters" l said brusque-
ly. Lets get this over with
The after cabin extended from rail
to rail. the door opening directly from
the main deck. There were two cabins
a%stern, occupying apparently the full
width OF the vessel, and the engineer
raped with his knuckles on the panel
of the nearest door. There was no re-
Spouse. but a second attempt resulted
In a voice bidding us enter.
II was a pleasant enough interior,
lighted by two ports, but showing no
attempt at decoration. A maj arose
from one of the chairs and faced us,
the light from the stern port shining
full upon him. lie was tall, delicate
looking, his features bearing marks Of
pain, yet certainly not over thirty
years OF age. He was not at all like
what | had expected to see, and l
faced him In surprise. He had taken
a step toward us, limping slightly, but
at sight Of a stranger paused.
Whom have you here, Masters?' he
asked. his Eyes on my face. rs there
another vessel near us7'
No, sir" and the engineer stood,
hat In hnnd, awkwardly shifting his
weight. 1--WE have picked up some
castaways. This man here is Captain
Hollis, late OF the Atlas line"
Indeed :" he held out his hand to
me, his eyes looking directly into mine.
II regret your misfortune, sir. but your
coming is IA gOdseDd TO us. Your ship
was wrecked?'
Sunk In collision l answered. but
Il IA not my ship | nave O been to
sea for several years I'm any position
of command. On this occasion | was
a guest on board a steam yacht belong
ing to Gerald Darlington of New York.
The name of the vessel was the Esme-
ralda. / need not relate the details
just at present, but three of us have
been picked up by this ship
"Three-all ~passengers3'
"Yes-one was a woman"
yet. II l understand Masters Alright.
you have been in the merchant serv-
iceT'
in every capacity when l retired.
l was captain OF the freighter Vulcan"
He stood silent a moment, thought
fully considering me. and l could not
determine whether or not he was alto
gether pleased. Finally. having appar-
emily reached some decision. his gaze
shifted to the face OF the burly engi-
neer.
II will talk with Captain Hollis" he
said quietly. "and perhaps you had bet
ter return on deck. Masters. n keep
an eye out the fog thickens. and we
are In the track Of ships"
Very well. sir"
AS the door closed behind the engi-
neer's bulky figure. the owner mo-
toned me TO a chair, while he took an
other himself.
Il hardly know how best 70 approach
my subject" he said soberly. IF you
were merely IA shipwrecked merchant
captain. l could make you IA rather at
tractive offer but. as you have retired
from the sea, that would probably
prove no special i~nducement."
THE pay. you mean2 Wen. hardly
I have no desire for "A berth"
$50 l supposed. or else you would
scarcely have been one OF CARING
tons guests for a yachting cruise.
presume Masters told you the hx we
are IMP
Yes. as strange an accident as l
ever heard OF at sea. You have got
to have a navigator. and l am perfectly
willing 20 serve you so far as l can.
l owe you this for picking US up from
an open boat. With your permission.
sir. and without mentioning pay. l will
agree 10 take command Of the Indian
Chief. and sail her TO the nearest
American port. where you can procure
officers. and. II necessary. a new crew.
He sat silent. one white hand crum
pling a paper on the desk. his forehead
creased. the lines OF his face showing
clearly. He appeared to hesitate, un.
certain how best 10 answer me.
II certainly appreciate your OF
fer, Captain Hollis. II Is a most lib
eral one. because. II | know anything
OF maritime law, you would be justly
entitled TO high compensation for thu,
saving both ship and cargo. / had in
tended offering you-at least that wa,
! my first thought-the sum OF tire,
hundred "a month 10 take command, tn,