The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-22
CHAPTER x.
We Accent Adventure

Of the mizZenmast, the only person Wis.,
ible was Il lOng-logged cabin boy in
dustriously rubbing away IT grease
spot on the deck. He was not aware
Of my presence until I spoke, when
he gazed up ut me across his shoHlder,
with seeming little intelligence In his
dull eyes.
"Do you know which Of these state
rooms the lady was given"
"Oh, yes, sir; over there just took
her in a needle an some thread"
"All right-what Is your name?"
"JOe-JOe Moon, sir"
crossed over and raped at the
stateroom door, which had figure "5'
stencilcd on the upper panel.
"Who is there?" she asked.
"This is Hollis; could you spare me
a few moments?"
"Certainly; will come out directly"
she laughed, II have been doing some
emergency mending."
I picked out chair and sat down.
A moment later the door of No. 5
opened, and the girl greeted me pleas
antly, crossing the cabin swiftly, and
extending her hand, as arose to my
feet.
II feel actually born anew, Mr.. Hol-
lis" she exclaimed. II am almost
afraid was losing my nerve in that
little boat. Where is this steamer
bound?
"That Is what I called upon you TO
discuss Sit down here, and will give
you the whole story. The captain and
both mates are dead; the fellow on
deck in charge when we came on board
was the chief engineer. The owner Of
boat and cargo, however, is here;
have just been talking with him in
the cabin yonder. He is in poor healtt.
and crippled iE one limb"
"What is his name?"
"Foolishly I forgot to ask, and Mas.
ters-that is the name Of the engi.
neer-ncglected to mention 1t when he
introduced us. However, that makes
no difference in the facts. I'll tell you
the story, as briefly as cam
She listened intently, leaning for
ward in her chair, her ringless hands
clasped, her eyes on my face. The
simple story seemed to thrill her,
breathing as it did the mystery and
romance Of the sea.
"And that Miss Vera" said at last,
us the present situation. 1t is for you
to furnish the final solution"
'For me! You tell me nil this merely
to leave the decision with mc?"
"Yes;I shall do nothing against your
expressed WISH"
"Why-but what would you do, II
you We're here alone?"
'That would be entirely different.
have no family, no near relatives liv'
ing; not even any special friends to
mourn greatly over my demise.
might willingly risk my life lin such
an adventure and think little of it
l know the sea and its perils, and such
a game as this Is likely to have its
attractions.
"You-you consider the attempt very
dangerous?"
"Of capture, and possible imprison
ment-yes. Probably our lives vii
not be in any special peril. We have
no arms with which to resist. If once
overhauled, prize crew would be put
on board and we would be taken to the
nearest British or French port, as pris
oners of war. Our cargo, destined fol
the German government, would be an
ply sufficient to condemn us. Undc
the circumstances, our own countr!
would make no effort to protect us.
should not mind, but I cannot expos,
you to hardship and possible impris
onment."
Her eyes were shining, and her hant
reached forth, unconsciously, and rest
ed on mine.
"How long would it requireT
"Weeks, probably; I should choos'
the more northern route, around Scot
land and then skirt the Norway coas
through the North sea-"
ITO place me on some other vesse
at sea would spoil your plan, Mr.. Hol
lis?" - me- ..s7g . III --.-~r--r