Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-10-15
noted group Of men forward watch'
lng a. I disappeared.


Ing a. I disappeared.
With nothing to guide me, or check
my figures with on the chart, went
over them twice to be assured OF &C
curacy, finally marking our position
as carefully MS possible, and determin-
ing our future course. Leayord had
just been called for his watch, and
both officers were upon the after deck,
waiting for my appearance. They re-
manned silent as approached, and, as
l turned and faced forward, my eyes
observed largely increased grouping
Of men about the forecastle, and all
staring aft.
"Are both watches on deck, Mr.. Lea
yord? ?" l asked. "Has there been any
call for all handsy
mo, sir" he answered, his own gaze
shifting. "It's the change of watch,
and the second mates men haven't
gone below yet. Maybe the cook is
slow, or else they are bit curious to
find out where the ship is. sir. Would
you mind giving them the figures7"
mot Mt all; the wheelsman would
spread the news fast enough as soon
as relieved. We are at fifty-two de-
gress, thirty-five minutes west lougi-
tude, and forty degrees, ten minutes
north latitude, approximately"
"And where does that put us from
New York; u.s.
About five hundred miles, little
north Of east; Halifax Is the nearest
port, two hundred and seventy-flve
miles nor nor by west. We are be-
tween the North Atlantic steamer
lanes and the direct course to the Med
iterranean, more in line with the
Azores, I should say. That accounts
for the deserted sea-we're out Of the
beaten track"
"How's the coal, sirf'
"All but one bunker full yet: wen
not steam heavy except tonight"
Personally don't see any objection
to making a try Of It," Leayord added.
'r'but l don't know how the crew may
feel. This isn't exactly the sort Of
voyage they shipped for"
1--WE may as well test them first as
last" said determined to have 1t over
with. Both watches are mostly on
deck. Have the hosun call them aft"
The fellows responded quickly
enough, few slouching along in pre-
tended indifference, but the majority
exhibiting a real interest. Liverpool
Red stood directly below me, step in
advance of his mates. His cap hid his
eyes, but there was an ugly, defiant
grin on his face, which angered me.
"Well, men" said, wasting no time
In soft phrasing. "rve called you aft
for straight talk. You shipped on
the Indian Chief for voyage to Ham
burg"
"Who said we did," voice inter-
rupted. 1.-THE most of us was shang.
hailed and brought aboard drunk,
.'That has nothing to do with me-"
replied sharply. II was not the skip
per then; but am now. Your names
are on the papers regularly enough,
and the only thing 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 hundred to one
that we would be captured, or sunk, ii
we tried to reach our port through the
Channel
by whom?" It was Liverpool who
spoke.
English or French warships."
tits q D. Dutch cargo then we've
got In the hold. That's the way fg-
ured II. 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 win you listen to me un-
til get through"
"Ah, let him talk. Red" someone In
terjectsd.
outlined my plan in as few words
as possible, and they seemed to listen
respectfully enough, only occasionally
interfering q question. Liverpool did
not speak at all, nor Jim White, who
had pushed his way forward, until /
concluded. Then the latter asked sud-
denly:
"Would yon mind II couple of US
had a glance at that chart? Maybe
we'd see II 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 glimpse. although probably not
half dozen among them possessed the
faintest conception Of what the vari-
Gus markings signifled. 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 rath"'