American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-10-26

that's more like It,"
1 stared down into the upturned
faces, noting, 1t seemed to me, charac-
terlstics of every race on earth, and
realizing hat here before me was
grouped the scum Of the eve seas.
Men" I began, gripping the rail and
speaking swiftly, my name is Hollis,
and | held command In the old Atlas
line. The owner Of this vessel and
cargo-Mr. Philip Bascom-has just
done me the honor Of appointing me as
captain for the remainder Of the voy-
age"
The fellows remained silent, except
for the restless shutting of their feet
on the deck.
and what is the vige to be, misterf'
suddenly asked a hoarse voice back In
the group.
THE same one you signed on for, Of
course
"Ter Hamburgf"
That's where we lay her head"
"But ter perdition wild it; we've a
wrecked ship, an they tell us there's
a war on"
who tells you thatf"
1.-THE guy that come aboard along
with yer; he told the cook"
well, war or no war, this ship
cleared before there was n declare
ton, and you fellows shipped with her
for the voyage"
That's a d lie," sang out an
other voice shrilly. ''The most of us
wus signed on by crimps."
l Strengthened up, determined to end
the matter then and there.
1--WE have had enough of this, lads"
l said sternly, staring straight down
into their faces. II don't know who
among you are doing all of this talk
ing, but I'll answer you this l am cap
tain of the Indian Chief, and If any of
you want to try out whether l can
handle my crew or not, go to 1t. Bosun,
come here"
The man named separated himself
from the others, and slowly climbed
the ladder. He was a big, muscular
fellow, with red hair, clipped close to
!, his head, and intelligent blue eyes.
"Your name is LeayordT'
AYE, aye, sir"
"This is your first voyage on the
Indian Chief7"
mo, sir my third"
"Very good, Mr.. Leayord from now
o on you will mess aft, and rank as first
mate, serving watch and watch with
me. Is there a man forward capable
o of filling the second mates berthT"
He ran his eyes over the group be-
low rather doubtfully.
"Olson might, sir" he answered
finally. HE is sober, and a good sea-
man."
step forward, Olson"
The mass of men parted slightly, and
o a man was pushed to the front. He
possessed a strongly marked Swedish
= face, smooth shaven and almost boyish.
o How old are you, OlsonT"
"Twenty-eight, sir"
u you know the sea7"
n Twelve years in the fo'castle, sir"
h "Al right I'm going to give you a
o chance to make good as second officer,
: Mr.. Olson. Now, lads, that's all for
the present. l take II you are sailor
II men, and know what that sky means.
(. The chances are ten to one we'll have
e a storm before midnight, and Wen
meet It better with clear decks. Get
forward. all hands, and clear away
that rifie-lively now"
l They were a bit slow about 1t, grum-
bling among themselves. Olson spoke
once or twice, although 1 could moi
hear exactly what was said, and the
power of sea discipline finally con
v quered. Within ten minutes they were
,e working cheerfully enough, and Lea,
yord had cease his gruff ordering, anG
,r stood silent beside the lee rail. i
pleased me to observe that Olson tool
Nv hold along with the others, and did his
full share of the work. / leaned far
Their over to gain view of the cabin en-
trance, but Bascom had disappeared
The girl, however, held her place, anC
glanced up, her eyes meeting mine.
- "Could I come up there, Mr.. Hol
LIST" she questioned.
70 Certainly as a passenger this decl
~ is free for your use. Take the star
N board ladder"
l gave her my hand, and helped be
~ to grasp the rail. She glanced abou
into the mist.
30 "How gray and somber 1t Is" shl
q said soberly. The fog is almost lik,
no a hand clutching at you"
10