The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1917-10-26


81 repose that faith In you, and ask
you to face this situation from my
standpoint. am the sole owner of
the Indian Chief. and also Of her cargo.
Every dollar possess on this earth Is
| tied up on board this vessel. That Is
| why I sailed as supercargo; i dare
not trust the venture to anyone else.
Under the matches / have q cargo val
ued at nearly half a million dollars.
1t was purchased and shipped on the
strength Of contract signed by
high official of one of the European
| governments, yet the responsibility of
payment rests upon myself and few
intimate friends. If the Indian Chief
safely discharges this cargo, within
| designated time, at a certain port, or
contingent thereto, shall make for
tune, and retain my honor as mer-
chant. If not, the-l am ruined man,
Mr.. Hollis, arr my reputation is gone
also.'
"What port?"
Hamburg"
I leaned forward deeply interested
by now in his unusual story.
"Then presume your cargo Is large
ly munitions of WARP"
"Of that nature-yes."
"From what port did you sail?"
Baltimore, July Goth; we were held
back within the capes for two days
by a severe storm"
"Then you have not heard of the
declarations of war in Europe?"
His eyes widened, his pale face
grew whittier than ever.
"War in Europe; already declared!"
he exclaimed. as that actually true?
We carry no wireless, and have spoken
with no vessel since we left the Chesa-
peake. What nations are at WARP"
"The last message we received on
the Esmeralda was that Germany and
Austria were already pitted against
France, Russia and England. The Ger
man troops had invaded Belgium in an
effort to reach Paris. The night before
our accident great British battleship,
racing toward New York, passed us.
She was under orders to bottle up the
German liners. May see your mani
fest?"
He took the list from an inner
drawer, and handed 1t over to me with
out q word, evidently stunned by this
unexpected news, and unable to speak.
I turned the typewriter pages slowly,
glancing quietly over the various items.
They were astounding.
"Why, really, I can hardly credit my
own eyes," exclaimed. "You tell me
these goods were actually contracted
for by the German government agent
In the open market?"
"Not exactly In the open market, Mr.
Hollis. 1t was all accomplished In my
name alone am known In the trans
action. Certain intimate personal
relations won me the contract. my
mother being q relative Of high off,
cial. The negotiations were conducted
secretly"
II should suppose SO; yet such pur-
chases would look az though war had
been anticipated"
/ arose to my feet, walked across to
the port, and stared out into the thick
ening mist overhanging the water. The
man did not move or speak. and I
turned again to find him with head
buried In his arms ON the desk. His
attitude of complete despair was full
Of pathetic appeal.
II am no international lawyer" /
said gravely, "but there Is scarcely an
I item on that manifest which IL not
contraband OF war. The getting Of this
cargo into Hamburg. or any other port
Of Germany now, will be almost I'm
possible mere gamblers chance.
English and French vessels are no
doubt gathering along the coast like
birds Of prey"
'The German navy Is strong"
eyes; but not strong enough to cope
For q while, however. they may sue
coed in keeping open passage through
the North sea. That would be your
only hope, for the English channel will
be closed already. The Indian Chief
sails under the United States flag?"
EYES,"
"That might prevent search, pro-
viding you had a good explanation
ready, especially Us you left port be-
fore war was declared. However, spies
are everywhere, and the nature Of the
cargo aboard may be known. IL SO,
every cruiser on watch has already
been notified by wireless"
He arose to his feet facing me, his
slender hands opening and closing
nervously, his face white and drawn.
II realize all this, Captain Hollis"
he said, his voice trembling, "and also
that there still remains q chance Of
success. / like your face, your man.
ner of fronting things. think you are
the very man whom God has sent to
me in this emergency. Listen: I tell
you / am absolutely ruined unless
complete this voyage. I am young