The Huttig news., 1917-12-15

 deserted. although forward of the maiamast I could perceive dark blotches along the port rail, where members of the watching party were observing the approach of the French cruiser. With heart beating like a trip hammer, I made my way along the front of the cabin, until 1 ventured to peer over the port rail- secure that my presence on deck was screened by the deep shadows in which I lurked.
 The gleam of the stars alone re- vealed the glittering surface of the sea, but the night was clear of fog, and the black outline of thc French warship was plainly visible, approaching us at half-speed. and silently closing up the narrowing gap of water between the two vessels. l felt the heart come up into my throat aS l gaZed spellbound. very nerve in me throbbing painfully | single voice echoiag along those ecks wonder could blow us out of the
 ater. Even aS 1 stared at the grin 9ectacle, the slim figure of q man ap= beared at the end of tile bridge, enc l voice hailed us in French.
 "Ahoy there! What ship is that?'
 There WAS 2 shuflling of feet above me; then McCann spoke in English:
 The American freigtter Indian Chief, bound for Liverpool"
 'Is there anyone aboard who speaks Frenchf"
 ] heard them hustle Dubois forward te the rail- and caught q word or two of MeGanH,s swift threat hissed into his ear; then the frightened French man stammered out ali answer.
 "Oui, monsieur je parle Francais."
 Then talk up; what ship is that?'
 could hear MeCann prompting, and Dubois echoing the words put in his mouth.
 The Indian Chief, Boston. McCann, master, from St. Johns 10 Liverpool, two days out"
 with what eargo?"
 Miscellaneous; mostly farm ma chinery."
 A searchlight swept us fore and aft, but finally settled on the little group of men clustered together on the poop rail-
 You're north of your course"
 There was an instant of hesitation then Dubois explanation:
 We ran before the storm last night, monsieur, having been struck by light ningn
 "Ah, I see; that accounts for your stump of a foremast and the temporary wheel aft. What shape are your boats in?'
 "Three of them left, monsieur'
 "Send the captain, with the French man, over with the ships papers. Be lively about it.
 "Oui, mensieur; what is the name of the warship?"
 "The French cruiser Descartes. OF patrol. Get your boat over.
 What would McCann do? Was he ready for such an emergency as this Had he taken the precaution to alter the ships manifest, or even forged a new one? There was moment of ex- cited talk on the deck above me; then McCann descended the starboard lad der, and disappeared through the com panion, evidently after the ships pa pers LiverDool's voice ordering the watch to lower number five boat, and stand by, sung out from the poop rail. McCann emerged from the companion, called up to Liverpool, waving his hand with a laugh full of confidence, and went forward. A moment later he was joined by Dubois. and the two men elambered over the rail and dropped into the lowered boat. His actions, his easy manner, startled me; those must be carefully forged papers in his pocket to enable him to proceed with such con fdence. Slowly I lifted myself until I could peer over the side at the dark expanse of water between the vessels. The searchlight of the warship rested in a glare of white on the small boat bobbing up and down, revealing the men at the oars, and McCann and Du- bois in the stern sheets. Neither glanced back, but I could see their faces clearly. and McCann was smiling as though at an excellent joke.