American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-09-18
CHAPTER /.
A Yacht Party.

a Iacht PARTY.
So many items bearing upon those
strange adventures which have lately
ibefallen me have found publication In
the newspapers, oftentimes distorted
and untrue, and resulting In letters OF
inquiry from friends, induce me now
to write out the tale while the incl
dents remain fresh In memory. In
deed, / W. the truth not only to my
self but even more to her who so
bravely shared with me those days and
nights Of peril.
The earlier passion Of my life was
the sea, and, when others Of my age
were grinding away through their
courses in college, l was apprenticed
TO the merchant service In a Meet
owned by my father, trading between
New York and northern European
-6orts. Loving the work, and, possibly
assisted by the fact that l was my
fathers sons, I rose rapidly, until
licensed as captain Of steam, and as
signed to command the Vulcan, a
freighter Of 1900 tons. At thirty, how
ever, the novelty and fascination OF a
sea life ceased its attraction, and when
my father died sufficient property be-
came my share from the estate 70 en-
able my ~resigning this command, and
retiring permanently from the service.
Circumstances, unnecessary now to re-
late, caused me to make permanent
home in Chicago, where l soon became
engrossed in business, finding my sole
recreation in yachting upon the Great
Lakes. Such were the rather com
monplace surroundings of my life
when, at thirty-seven, adventure sud
denly called me out into the unknown
Nothing could have been more unex
pected than the occasion which tool
me to New York. Carrington-GeralC
Darlington, the Copper King-had JUS
placed his new steam yacht, the Esme
talda, In commission, and was cage
to christen ii by a run across to tn
ports of Spain. He wrote urging M
to become n of the party. The temp
tation was irresistible, for, as l knew
Mrs. Darlington was In Europe, tn
guests on board would undoubtedly al
be men, and probably c%ongenial feI
lOMS. a nhIutlOI H. SELL ~ Jas AOAA
at sea had left me unaccustomed I
the society of women, whose presenc
1 avoided whenever possible. Hence
I accepted Carrington's invitation in
mediately by wire, hastily packed tn
few things necessary for the trip, an'
unaccompanied even by a valet, caugf
the Twentieth Century for New Yorl
Darlington lived on Long Island, an
talked with him on the phone. TheI
we're to be twelve in the party, tn
names Of two. who were former a
uuaintances, alone being mentioned
our brief conversation. The yacht W,
lying at Tompkinsville, provisions
and ready for the sea. l must be q
board by three o'clock the followiI
day. and he gave me quite explicit i
structions as to the best mode Of reac
ing the vessel.
An accident to the ferry caused n
TO miss the local train which had a
ticipated taking the e morning, al
l was consequently the last of o
yachting party to arrive at Tompkir
Vile. The others were already safe
aboard when l hurried across the gan
plank, to receive the cordial welcor
of Darlington, who Immediately
dered the vessel under way. I
guests must have been gathered on {
upper deck. enjoying the excitement
departure. for l caught no glimpse
anyone on board. excepting some me
bers of the crew. as the steward
me 10 the cabin assigned 10 my l
during the voyage.
Even the brief view l had obtain
Of the boat impressed me strong
both with its beauty and seagol
qualities. l was sailor enough TO
p~reciate all this ut a glance. I
Esmeralda was n steam yacht. sch
ner rugged aloft. of over fifteen h
dred tons. constructed for deep-wa
cruising. well manned, and able TO C
hat the storms Of any ocean.
opened the door and emerged Il
10, main cabin. II was deserted.