American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-09-18

LOA a NuAAEA vi wv ANAAAE4 IL
white jackets who had covered a long
suspended by stanchions from the
deck beams above, and were spreading
1t with snowy linen in preparation for
the six o'clock meal. Never had l
seen a more cozy, homelike interior.
Forward, IN open passage, guarded
only by silently swinging doors, led
to the stewards pantry, and various
storerooms beyond, while beside this
opening q broad, brass-railed stairway
led easily to the upper deck. Sunlight
touched the edge Of the companionway,
and hickered down through a half
opened skylight above, yielding cheer
fitness to the scene, yet inviting to the
open air. 1 would meet those with
whom l was destined TO companion on
this voyage across summer seas.
No passengers were visible on the
deck. yet this mystery was o ex-
planned as l stepped to one side and
glanced aft. The cabin projection was
not high, yet sufficiently so to break
the force of the headwind, and besides
was far enough advanced to give ample
deck space at the stern. Here an
awning had been erected, and beneath
its shelter were gathered the vessels
guests. 1 recognized but three in the
group - Darlington. red-faced and
white-haired, a cigar gripped in his
teeth. giving some instructions TO the
steward; Fosdick, tall, slim, thin
Tipped. a lawyer well known TO cor
porations who desired to keep just
within legal restrictions, sat at a table,
his hand lingering a half-flled glass
while he talked to the men opposite
and Mccain, fat, good-natured, born
TO his fathers millions, who amused
himself by the pretense Of being a
broker, interrupting the game Of cards
In which he was engaged with three
others, to tell the latest story of the
street. Personally I cared little for
either of these men, yet had known
both. in a way. for some time. The
others, judging from the outward ap
~pearances, had been recruited from
about the same class-business &C
Q~uaintances of Darlington nc doubt.
went forward, greeting those whom
knew, and being duly presented to th'
others.
Whatever they might have been II
a business way, and for that l care'
: absolutely nothing, they proved them
selves a most companionable bunch o
> fellows to meet.
The memory of that first meal in tn
snug after cabin of the Esmeralda re
, mains a o pleasant recollection
! The cabin had been darkened. and tn
. soft light of a swinging lamp gleame
! back from snowy damask and glitter
{ ing silver. The center was banked wit
{ flowers, the service was perfection
: and the che. was evidently a geniu
q We fingered over the wine and cigar
; the conversation drifting where
would.
Il l believe I was among the first
: leave the table and return outside, an
J. as my inclination was TO remain alor
and enjoy the calm of the night. I We
tured forward along the deserted dec
.e until 1 found fancied security from o
4 s%eryation in the shadow of a sma
ID boat. The others, rs they emery,
If later from the companion. outlined
$ moment against the light. turned on.
" again aft, and resumed their old place
2 Nothing occurred to break the m
ne notony. and finally. wearying of II all.
r went below, being in no mind to 10
he at games with the others. l IA 500
ne asleep.
Of Some dormant sense OF seamanshl
Of aroused to new life, perhaps, by 4
n brief watch on deck. must have ava
ened me. For l sat up in bed, CO
Sc scious that the vessels motion h
ceased. All was silent no jar sho
ed the keel, no footsteps sounded on {
ly, deck above. l switched on the elect
ng light. and glanced at my watch it W
p slightly after midnight. Through
he open port nothing was visible but {
,o- dark waters. and the far-Otf CLEAN
IN a light, alternating in flashes Of viii
.er | did not know enough of this Coz
M line to identify the signal, yet II "
plainly evident we were some diStar
Ito from land.
* Why the Esmeralda had stopped I