Meade County news., 1917-11-08

obeyed orders promptly enough to
give those of US aft a new feeling of
confidence.
The sky cleared, although the wind
remained fresh and the sea heavy
enough to keep two men at the wheel.
The Indian Chief made good weather
of it, however, and 1 possessed faith
in Leayord's seamanship. For an hour,
perhaps, lOitered about on deck, but
all remained so quiet that finally, with
word to the mate to have me called
ut the slightest sign of need, went be-
low, and turned in.
did not remove my clothes, and the
new day was barely reddening the east
when was aroused by a trampling of
feet on the deck overhead. There was
no call, and 1 was sailor enough to
comprehend what was going on above
- the watch was about to be
changed, and Leayord was using all
hands in cleaning ship. The activity,
the quietly spoken orders, the low
chant Of song as the men toiled at a
rope, were evidence that my presence
was not required, and 1 felt 1t would
please both officers to be left alone in
charge. opened the port and looked
out at the glorious morning. 1t was
lonely ocean scene, yet wildly beau
tiful. Everywhere was the wild desc
lation Of the sea, nothing on which The
eye could rest except the rostle1s
waves, the constant shifting of co.-rF
Satisfied that no other vessel was with
in range of vision, lay down again.
do not recall pleasanter meal at
sea than our breakfast that morning.
All were in excellent humor, and no
premonition Of trouble entered our
minds. The night had passed quietly,
both officers reporting the crew docile
and cheerful.
Olson was on watch, but Masters
Joined US at table, and reported all well
in the engine room, and together we
drank toast to pleasant voyage, al
most convinced that before us were
only the ordinary vicissitudes of the
sea. 1t was not until the men left the
table that was reminded Of our pris-
oner In the nearby stateroom.
"Mr. Bascom seldom takes any
breakfast?" 1 said to Dade, who was
polishing the stair rail.
'No, sir; have orders to take him
cup of coffee at nine o'clock"
"And how about McCann?"
"The gentleman in number six, sir?
He's locked in, and haven't the key"
"That's true; I'd forgotten. I'll look
in on the man; and you get his break
fast ready to serve"
I unlocked and opened the door.
McCann was seated on the edge Of his
bunk facing me, and, it was plainly
evident at first view that he was in no
pleasant humor.
"McCann," 1 said, as he failed to
speak, "let's have an understanding.
1t is no desire of mine to hold you a
prisoner here for the next month. I'll
accept your pledge not to interfere
with the working of this vessel"
"On what other terms"
"That you stop holding communica.
tions with the crew, and consider your.
self q passenger until the end of the
voyage. Give me your word to that
and you may have the freedom Of this
cabin, and the after deck"
"What is the voyage?"
"To Hamburg"
He laughed, and there was an ugly
sound to it.
"Pshaw, do you think you ever will
get theref" he asked, glaring at me
but making no effort to rise. "Are yor
fool enough, Hollis, to imagine that the
English fleet will ever permit this shiI
to pass through the Channel? Why
your whole darn cargo, they tell me
is contraband."
"Who tells your"
"Never mind who. It's the truth
isn't it?"
Eyes, you might as well know
mostly munitions of war, but contract
ed for months before war was de
clared. However, that's nothing to d,
with your status on board. 1t is moth
ing to you, is 1t. who gets the cargo, o
where 1t is finally landed?"
at is something to me whether Tn
safe in New York, or rotting in an Eng
lish, or French prison" he said sullen
ly. Besides, that's not all. I've go
a deal on there that means more thai
, million dollars can't afford t
drift about here on this rotten tramp.
"The saving of this boat and carg
means more to Bascom than your mi
lion dollar trade does to YOU"
"What's Bascom's affairs to me?" b
, sneered. "He took his chances, didn'
: he? You seem to think owe the ma
something. l suppose he told you, o
else the girl did, that 1 crippled hir
for life. Well, he deserved all he go
t / pay my debts, let me tell you, an
J I've got some against you to be settle
{ yet. Don't preach Philip Bascom
me. It's not for his sake you are hang
, ing on here, and trying to get this shi
! to Hamburg. I'm not so blind as q
that"
"What do you mean?".
! "Meanl Why that is Darlington