Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-12-06

and the only thing need to explain
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 whom? 1t was Liverpool who
SPOKE.
sEnglish or French warships."
'It's D. Dutch cargo then we've
got in the hold. That's the way I fig
ured it. Well, 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 I'M
til get through"
"Ah, let him talk, Red" someone in
terjected.
I outlined my plan in as few words
as possible, and they seemed to listen
respectfully enough, only occasionally
interfering a question. Liverpool did
not speak at all, nor Jim White, who
had pushed his way forward, until l
concluded. Then the latter asked sud-
denly:
"Would you mind if a couple of US
had a glance at that chart? Maybe
we'd see it clearer then"
Certainly, you can all look at it.
Mr.. 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 a dozen among them possessed the
faintest conception of what the vari-
Gus markings signified. Liverpool and
White, however, got down on their
knees, and followed Olson's stubby
forefinger closely, as he traced the pro-
posed course. White appeared rather
the more Intelligent, asking a question
or two before regaining his feet.
81 was on the Labrador coast once,
SIR he said, turning his face toward
where I stood waiting, ''but that don't
help me much to get this thing
straight. It's to be a 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?"
81 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 land?"
zone hundred and fifty miles to the
| east and south of Cape Race"
"Cape Racer broke in Liverpool.
| -, of
| a harbor called ST. Johns. Here it is,
| marked on the chart, jim"
He pointed it out with a dingy fore
| finger, and the two stared at the spot
| for a minute before they got to their
feet again. / waited, but neither
| spoke.
rs that all, men?" 1 asked with a
| glance at their faces. "All right then,
you can go forward. If any of you
wish to ask any questions later I 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. Oh
| 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. burned" he said al
most under his breath.
''What is it, Mr.. Olson?''
that's just what 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 morning?"
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" acknowledged, after a
| pause, although it's more my judg-
ment that the arrest of Mccain has
| left them leaderless. I am not really
looking for any more serious trouble.
However, Wen be ready for it. if it
| comes"
| CHAPTER XVI.