The Huttig news., 1917-11-24

collar. Its little more yerl hay ter say aboard this hooker.''
 What do you propose doing7 This is mutiny, men,"
 "Then it'll have to he mutiny. It's war an we're Epglishmen; this ships loaded with war stuffs, bound fer Ger many. That sort O talk means nuthin' so come on, and stow that gaff."
 They forced me around the bulk of the wfndlass to the head of the fore castle steps, slid back the door In it's grooves and thrust me staggering down into the murky depths below. A slush light, swinging to blackened beam in the deck above, cast ghastly yellow ish glare over the interior, revealing to me at least two-thirds of the crew, clustered about, evidently awaiting sofne such event. White held to my collar, but Liverpool closed the en- trance, shutting out even that faint breath of pure air, before speaking a word.
 Well, we've got the main guy, lads, an no shindy," he said cheerfully, "an' a gun came with him. Now a few O us will see if we can persuade the first mate into taking trip forward
 "Where's Billy Olson?' asked voice.
 ''Oh, he's asleep below; there's plen- ty O time to attend to him, an we'll let the engine-room gang alone till we get control the deck. Simms, you an Harris better come along with Jim an me on this job. Leayord is husky buck, an we might not get him foul like We caught Hollis here. We don't want to hurt nobody unless we have to. Where's the nigger Watson?"
 "Right hyar. sah."
 Come on, then; it's your trick at l the wheel in five minutes; the rest O you fellers know yer business" The five men slipped out cautiously, sliding the door shut behind them, and I stared about into the faces of those left with me, still dazed by the rough handling to which I had been subject ed, yet fully aroused to the fact that the attack upon me had come from no sudden impulse, but was the first step in carefully formed plan to gain pos session of the ship. My duty was to warn the men aft of the approaching danger. How should I act? In a vague way 1 knew most of the faces of those grouped about me, but I could recall only few names. They were a rough lot, typical foremast hands, many of pronounced foreign appear ance. yet there was nothing especially vicious about them. Ordinarily they would obey orders without complaint, but now they were evidently under full control of their leaders; yet the ex- pression of their faces bespoke curi- osity rather than hatred. Determined to test them I strengthened up and placed foot on the lower step.
 "None O that now" voice growled as hand gripped my arm. You don't7 want ter git hurt none, do yer?"
 l faced the speaker, big, two-fisted giant with red face and slow drawl in his voice.
 You mean to hold me here?'
 Sure; we've gone too far on this job now fer to back down. Thar'd be a row ov time if we turned you loose."
 You're an 1rishman?"
 "'Twould be hard for a Dugan to deny that, sor."
 Well, Dugan, look here-you and your mates. You are sailormen. and know the rules of the sea. This is mutiny, and mighty serious affair to be caught In, lads."
 Were not lookin' at it that way, Mir. Hollis. We shipped fer a peaceful voyage, not to run no cargo O contra band fer the Dutch. This yere Ip, dian Chief Is chock-full O munitions O war-ain't that the truth, sory'
 Yes" l admitted, but shipped be- fore war was declared. The sick man back there In the cabin has his whole fortune in this venture"
 Devil take him an his fortune. The point is we're not Dutchmen, an in wartimes ifs no mutiny fer q crew to capture an inimy's ship"
 ''Who told you thatg
 NcAei ihihu WHO tolu us. us the truth, ain't it?"
 Under some circumstances 1t might be-" l said, casting my eyes about the ring of faces. "But the present con- ditions do not justify any such action. Now look here, Dugan; you fellows are In mighty bad boat in this mat ter You're merchant seamen; you've signed on for a peaceful voyage, Gnd it is no business of yours what's below hatehes. That's for the warships to find out. The Indian Chief Is under American register. She's ne,.tro, boat, and your act is mutinv on the high seas. You know wtat that will mean to you and ysur mates. don't you. if you're ever caneht?"
 .Who Sava ihatatt