American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-10-19

matches. The ships dry as IA bone
have had the well sounded every three
hours"
And what about the crewT"
Just 80, so "A crimp brought them
aboard drunk, an we were not at sea
long enough for the mates TO whip
them into shape when this thing hap
pened. I'm no deck officer, Mr.. Hollis.
and they don't take orders from me
very well. | call 'em IA id hard
lot"
/ made ne comment, endeavOring to
turn all these facts over Ia my mind,
and reach some decision. 1t was evil
dent enough what was wanted. and
how | could best serve but would they
be satisfied with the offer which 1 felt
willing TO maker II was fur from my
desire "a assume command OF the In
dian Chief, and guide her destinles on
a long outward voyage, 10 whatever
port her cargo hnd been consigned.
Whit that port was made slight DIFF
ference, for my whole desire was to
return as quickly as possible To New
"'EH H'hAAH ANNNNfAs AntuiAt EN-
porary command, md consent 10 nnvi-
gate the vessel 10 the nearest Ameri-
can port. where "a competent skipper
might be procured. and Il new crew oh
tanned. The Indian Chief possessed no
wireless OUTFIT, and whatever | did
must be on my judgment. These
considerations flashed swiftly through
my mind, and I attained decision be-
fore Masters again spoke. would
navigate the boat 20 the nearest mort
on the American coast. notify the own.
ers. aud then cav them 10 do as they
pleased with vessel and crew. l cared
nothing for the salvage: the presence
OF the disabled steamer ia these wa
tiers had saved our lives. which was
reward enough surely. All I cared for
war TO get myself and the young lady
safe ashore. My thought, was inter
rupted by the sound OF M6sters' voice.
1T sorter seemed 10 me. Mr.. HoI-
lis.' he was saying. that maybe II
would be best for me 10 explain these
things before you went into the cabin.
You'll naturally want 20 know lust the
condition before you decide what 70
do"
Il have decided. Masters" / an
swered briefly. There Is only one
thing | can do legally. and hat is
navigate the Indian Chief TO the near
est American port. and surrender her
to her owners, As a licensed captain
OF steam l have authority TO assume
command to this extent. but no more"
Il reckoned you would look az IL
that way, sir. I'm no sea lawyer but
l sorter figured II out about az you
do, But that Amt the situation ex-
actly."
what lsn'tT'
why. this owner business. SIR. You
see, the owner OF the Indian Chief, an
every pound o. cargo below matches. Is
IN board here"
The owner Is on boardr'
That's the gospel truth that's why
! took thee trouble TO keep you here.
and tell you what I have. before you
went down and met him. sir. II gives
YOU n chance 10 think out sour best
course"
But n the man Is aboard. why did
he not appear on deck TO give US wei.
GOMEZ Surely our arrival must have
been Of interestf'
Likely as o he hasn't even heard
yet hat you r aboard. You see
his cabin Is on the starboard side
astern. and he would see nothing from
them ports. Besides. Mr.. Hollis, h
Is lame. and Il IL "A bit hard for hin
10 get around on a ship without help
What do you say, sir7 Shall we <,
down now, an talk IL over below7'
~The sooner the better" / said. viii
a glance over b port rail. The fol
Is thickening out yonder. and we ma,
have a rough night. The steame
would ride a heavy sea better witt
some more Of that rifle overheard"