The Pulaskian., 1917-11-02

oDSJeu QCueES pEpuplt4 euOuSu IO give those of us aft new feeling of confidence.
 The sky cleared, although the wind remained fresh and the sea heavy enough to keep two men at the wheel. The Indian Chief made good weather of it, however, and possessed faith in Leayord's seamanship. For an hour, perhaps, loitered about on deck, but all remained so quiet that finally, with a word to the mate to have me called at the slightest sign of need, went be- low, and turned in.
 did not remove my clothes, and the new day was barely reddening the east when was aroused by trampiing of feet on the deck overhead. There was no call, and I was sailor enough to comprehend what was going on above - the watch was about to be changed, and Leayord was using all hands in cleaning ship. The activity, the quietly spoken orders. the low chant of song as the men toiled at rope, were evidence that my presence was not required, and 1 felt 1t would | please both officers to be left alone in l charge. I opened the port and looked out at the glorious morning. 1t was lonely ocean scene, yet wildly beau 1 tiful. Everywhere was the wild deso- lation of the sea, nothing on which the eye could rest except the restless waves, the constant shifting of colors. l Satisfied that no other vessel was with in range of vision, lay down again.
 I do not recall a pleasanter meal at sea than our breakfast that morning. All were in excellent humor, and no premonition of trouble entered our minds. The night had passed quietly, both officers reporting the crew docile l and cheerful.
 Olson was on watch, but Masters 1 joined us at table, and reported all well in the engine room, and together we drank toast to pleasant voyage, al- l most convinced that before us were only the ordinary vicissitudes of the sea. 1t was not until the men left the l table that I was reminded of our pris- oner in the nearby stateroom.
 "Mr. Baseom seldom takes any breakfast?" I said to Dade, who was l polishing the stair rail.
 No, sir; have orders to take him cup of coffee at nine o'clock" And how about McCann?"
 "The gentleman in number six, sir? !? He's locked in, and haven't the key"
 "That's true; I'd forgotten. I'll look in on the man; and you get his break fast ready to serve."
 | I unlocked and opened the door. McCann was seated on the edge of his bunk facing me, and, 1t was plainly l evident at first view that he was in no Epleasant humor.
 ''McCann," I said, as he failed to speak, Tets have an understanding. It is no desire of mine to hold you a prisoner here for the next month. I'll accept your pledge not to interfere with the working of this vessel"
 "On what other termsY
 "That you stop holding communica- tions with the crew, and consider your self passenger until the end of the voyage. Give me your word to that, and you may have the freedom of this cabin, and the after deck"
 What is the voyage?"
 .'To Hamburg"
 He laughed, and there was an ugly sound to it.
 "Pshaw, do you think you ever will get there?" he asked, glaring at me, but making no effort to rise. Are you fool enough, Hollis, to imagine that the English fleet will ever permit this ship to pass through the Channel? Why, your whole darn cargo, they tell me, l is contraband."
 | "Who tells youY
 "Never mind who. It's the truth, isn't it?"
 "Yes, you might as well know mostly munitions of war, but contract ed for months before war was de- clared. However, that's nothing to do with your status on board. It is noth- ing to you, is 1t, who gets the cargo, or where it is finally landed?"
 Tt is something to me whether I'm safe in New York, or rotting in an Eng fish, or French prison," he said sullen- ly. Besides, that's not all. I've got deal on there that means more than million dollars I can't afford to drift about here on this rotten tramp"
 "The saving of this boat and cargo means more to Bascom than your mil lion dollar trade does to you"
 "What's Bascom's affairs to mel" he sneered. "He took his chances, didn't l he? You seem to think owe the man something. l suppose he told you, or else the girl did, that I crippled him for life. Well, he deserved all he got. pay my debts, let me tell you, and I've got some against you to be settled yet. Don't preach Philip Bascom to me. It's not for his sake you are hang ing on here, and trying to get this ship to Hamburg. I'm not so blind as all that"
 "What do you mean?"