Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-10-31


possible. However, I fooled him by a
point or two, Sufficient for my purpose,
and wrote down the result on the back
of an old envelope, while slowing away
the correct figures in my own brain.
Although the air was balmy enough,
the wind from the southwest almost
directly in our teeth, yet there was
look of the north about both sea and
sky, which would have convinced me
that we were approaching higher lati-
tudes without the aid Of my observa-
ton. Without being able to explain
the phenomenon the seaman instinc-
, lively recognizes northern waters.
Now, as my eyes swept the wide circle
Of the horizon, vainly seeking the
CLEAN Of some distant sail, the heav-
ing expanse Of water, the overarching
sky were almost alike in color-a
: cold, repellent blue, misting into gray
afar off, as though particles Of fog
oiled the atmosphere. Indeed it was
this which interested me the most, this
vague evidence Of floating vapor, for
knew enough of these seas to sus-
pect that this might prove the fore
runner Of storm, already preparing to
sweep down upon US out Of the more
northern mystery. Others must have
noted the evidence also, for Liverpool
crossed the deck to where stood, leav-
ing Mccain with the chart in his
hands.
what do yer think O. that sorter
mist out yonder?" he asked, indicating
the distance by sweep Of the hands,
and striving to make his gruf voice
sound friendly.
1T may mean nothing" I answered
civilly enough. II have never sailed
these waters, but my guess would be
that there is storm brewing to the
north of us. What does the barome-
ter sayr
nothin' much yet, but 1t don't look
good to me-"
Mccain Joined rs, the chart still
half open. Z.
There seems to be plenty Of har-
bors along this Newfoundland coast
line,"S he said. do you know what
they are like?''
"Only what the map says. The
whole coast is rugged and rocky, dan
gerous for any vessel larger than a
fishing schooner. There are govern
ment mail boats calling at those
smaller towns during the summer
months"
"How far, are we to the north Of
st. Johns?"
1.-TWO hundred and fifty miles, ap-
proximately."
(Which makes us about due east
of this White bay indicated here?"
Eyes; but there is not even the name
Of town given; all that country is
wilderness. I take it. Why do you ask?
I thought you had decided on st.
Johns?"
$50 we have" in no pleasant tone,
and crumpling up the chart in both
hands, 'but I thought If there was a
more quiet port to the north it might
be safer. There are apt to be war
ships at st. Johns. However, we will
keep to that course" He turned to
Liverpool.
where's White?"
forward somewhere"
'Have him come aft, and take the
deck; it's time for dinner"
1 shall never forget that meal-not
the first, but the last time we were all
together about the table in the after.
cabin. Not that anything occurred Of
special interest to this story, but I
doubt IL ever.a stranger company, I'M,
der stranger circumstances. was ever
gathered together, even at sea. Nc
Cam raped at Miss Carrington's
door, and she received his invitation
to join us with a graciousness Of NAH,
ner which must have surprised the
man. ~,
Liverpool, who sat at the lower end,
his uncombed red thatch more conspic-
uous than ever, appeared decidedly
i'll at ease, but his presence failed to
embarrass the rest of us, or interfere
with the game. Dade, at McCann's
orders, helped Philip Bascom from his
cabin, and found him place at Miss
Carrington's left, directly opposite the
New Yorker, the two men greeting
each other with stir bow. had not
seen Bascom for some days, and could
mot help being impressed with his, APP,
pearance Of illness, his face having a
positively CHASTITY look. Yet he seemed
equal to the occasion, entering into
conversation with the lady, and even
occasionally addressing remark to-
McCann. who replied in assumed good
humor. Wine was served, although
previously had no knowledge Of any
being on board, and the party devel-
|oped into rather pleasant occasion.
The girl played her part well, and
could read Bascom's .bewilderment
is he endeavored. to Join with them In
he same. spirit. To relieve his en-
k<aoyn SryN n,