Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-11-05
CHAPTER XIV.
We Capture the ship.

yet the work was noiselessly done, and
with sailorlike thoroughness. Dugan
undertook to curse, but was SO instant
~ gagged that only the first muffled
word reached me In the passage. Mas
tiers held the lantern, while the two
mates refastened the door, driving
home the nails with the iron bar. The
moment this was secure was ready
for the next act
SGive the lantern to Olson, Masters.
You've got to look after the engine
room, and leave us to attend the deck
job. Thereu be those sea-cocks to see
to drst, and then keep enough fire un-
der the boilers for steerageway. Down
with you, and don't pay any attention
to whatever we do"
Heavy as he was he went down the
iron rungs Of the ladder like fireman
answering call, and the three Of us
who were left behind in the passage,
stared into each others faces, barely
visible insthe dim radius Of light.
what next, sir7'' asked Leayord
anxiously. there's only three Of Us
now, an forty-three o. them"
Zone less-you're counting Dade, and
he's safe enough. The boy Moon is Of
no account and I imagine there are
twenty men out In those boats who
have no heart In this business. They'd
be with us now II they had any chance
Isn't that 90, Olsonf"
"Yas, sir-but they won't likely git
no chance"
.True enough; yet It is something to
knew that McCann and his gang can
not count on them either, If 1t comes to
a fight. As things stand it is all a mat
ter Of luck and nerve. There are only
SIX In the boat hanging to the foot Of
the ladder, with Mccain left alone on
deck. We ought to be able to handle
that bunch"
Leayord dug the iron bar he held
into the deck planks savagely.
what did yer tell Masters to only
keep up enough steam for steerage-
way for. sir7'' he asked bluntly.
II was afraid they might notice, If
he nred up"
a'Tain't likely, 30 the tunnels don't
git ter blazin'. The only fellers with
eny brains are in inel Duu. vivse al
alongside, sir. an they can't see nuthin'
frum thar. Them common fo'castle rats
in them other boats never would notice
bit more smoke"
''What Is It, Leayord? You have a
plan1 Speak quick, man; we can't
stand talking here"
= faint not much O. plan, SIR" he
explained briefly, "only don't see why
we couldn't just naturally heave this
.cuss McCann overheard, er else kill
him just as you please. Eny two % us
could keep that quarterboat crew from
comm up the ladder, an then, II Mas
tiers had his boilers het up, no darn
rowboat could ever catch us. Thet
would leave US one hand at the wheel"
Il was true. the very simplicity Of 1t
making mo curse my own stupidity. !
stared into his face without uttering a
word Of comment, yet with my mind
graspinS instantly the necessary de-
tails. With a single step / was bend
I Ing over the ladder peering down into
the depths below. A faint far-away
light appeared at the bottom.
AMastersr' I called, my voice thrown
downward through followed hands.
1 saw his shadow emerge into the
circle Of light.
Aye, aye, SIR
Have You any pressure now"
Fairly good. sir. The waters draw
Ing OF and the wet coal will steam up
Il jify."
s'well, stand BY for all the steam
possible, and give It to her the instant
you ret the signal only be careful not
: : e Aaxne your tunnels. You hear me?"
livery word, SIR"
Al right; stand by, and don't fail
~
Now lads" I said, standing. erect.
a1ffst it, the after cabin, and then
The deck. Douse the glim, Olson; we're
better OF IN the dark. Follow me, and
mind your footing"
Thp gloom was no handicap In that
! marrow lRacs where We could feel