Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-11-07
Oopyrisht 1. q No Clury = O.
CHAPTER XVI.
We sluht a Boat.

What Immediately followed how we
made ourselves shipshape the best we
could, and held on for the next few
hours, has comparatively but little to
do with the interest Of this story. Lea
yord brought the two men on deck, and
as Dade was no sailor, but more likely
to prove faithful, he was sent down the
ladder to assist Masters in the fire.
room. Dugan took the change in ad-
minisration aboard with sea-going
philosophy, seemingly feeling no ami
mostly because Of the rough handling
received, and went to work under my
orders with hearty good will. We were
all four Of US capable seamen, and an
!. hour Of hard work placed the Indian
Chief in very fair condition, SO far as
deck and running rigging was con-
cerned. At the end, however, standing
on the forecastle, and staring aft, I
had faith that we could handle the
hooker, even with that small crew. and
bring her safely into the harbor Of st.
Johns. Our earlier weather predic--
lions were not yet verified, at least to
any serious extent. Indeed there was
nothing particular to worry about, ex-
.cepting that temporary steering APP
paratus, and It had worked long enough
now 50 as to give me confidence.
"What do you make Of 1t, Mr.. Lea
yord?" l questioned, indicating both
sea and sky by wave Of the hand.
"Was It a circular storm, leaving us
outside Of its radius7"
mo, sir; It's not that" and he drew
tho back Of his hand across his lips.
..Dugan an talked about it on the
mainyard yonder, an tits our judy
ment, sir, that It's Just slow brooder.
There won't be no quick change, but
the weather II Just gradually get
heavier until we're scuddin' under bare
poles. It'll be maybe Tomorrow night
before we gets its full weight"
"but ron have no doubt we'll weather
itr'
'Barrin' an accident. When do you
expect to make that port, sir?'
ASt. John'sf Well, we're bit off
our course now. I'm afraid we may be
another night afioat"
He stood motionless, one hand shad-
owing his eyes, as he gazed out over
the port rail.
X II was a thinkin' o. them poor cusses
ont there In the boats, SIR" he said
finally. .Tm bettin' that most O. them
wish they wus back on this deck by
now"
..No doubt; but there's no way we
can help them, and we've got our own
work to do. You and Olson go below"
I watched the two disappear through
the companion, spoke word to Dugan.
posting him where he could hear me
call II necessary, and then went aft to
the wheel. had not realized the full
weight OF the gale until reached the
top Of the ladder, and stood erect with
out any protection from the cabin. For
m instant I had TO grasp the side rail,
shading my eyes with an arm; then !
struggled forward. until my hands
sripped the wheel.
why didn't you call for help7'
asked. 4This was too much for any
woman. ] NEVER realized forward how
q was blowing
She swayed against me, clinging to
my sleeve.
sIt-it does kick some," she painted,
sand ! was almost afraid I might let
90. I-I am glad you came. I couldn't
hold to the course, but-but that
doesn't matter, does 1T"
- .. II OF at all; ne are IN no shape to
fight the storm, with only one man in
the stokehole. You will have to creep
70 the ladder"
'You-you wish me to so below7"
Xxx. UfuSi you 10. - !. { :.
And you are going to remain at the
wheel aloneY
.Dugan is forward, within easy call.
II have sent the two mates below for
an hours rest. There is nothing for us
to do now, but hold on until the storm
2abates. I'll simply lash the wheel, and
stand By. You are absolutely exhaust
cd ana get belowU,you will GOT"
- Yes Il III yen think It best. am
~ t1red the strains Of It; the fear
could not hold OUT"
n know. bent and kissed her, and
~ elunG to ne: But do not think Of