The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-21
CHAPTER TX.
Contraband of War.

contraband Of War. ...
The knowledge that the owner was
actually on board changed the entire
situation. I would have to argue 1t
out with him undoubtedly, for quite
naturally he would object to any re-
turn to an American port. Well, !
might be in for disagreeable inter-
view, but had made up my mind, and
It was not to be, changed by any blus'
ter or offer Of high wages.
"Come on, Masters" said brusque.
ly. Lets get this over WITH"
The after cabin extended from rail
to rail, the door. opening directly from
the main deck. There were two cabins
astern, occupying apparently the full
width Of the vessel, and the engineer
raped with his sknuckles on the panel
Of the nearest door There was no re-
sponse,i but a seeMd attempt resulted
In a voice bidding US enter.
1t was q pleasant enough interior,
lighted by two pGrts, but showing no
attempt at decoration. A man arose
from one Of the chairs and faced us,
the light from the stern port shining
full upon him. He was tall, delicate
looking, his features bearing marks Of
pain yet certainly mot over thirty
years of age. he was not at all like
what I had exp2eted to see, and ]
faced him In cutpflse. He had taken
step toward usiplimping slightly. but
ut sight Of d stranger paused.
""Whom have you here, Masters?" he
asked, his eyes on my face. lis there
another vessel near us?"
mo, SIR" and the engineer stood.
hat In hand, awkwardly shifting his
weight. "We have picked up some
castaways. This man here is Captain
Hollis. late OF theiAtlas line"
"'Indeed;" he held out his hand to
me. his eyes looking directly into mine.
II regret your misfortune, sir, but your
coming is a godsend to US. Your ship
was wrecked?" Mill !.
Sunk in collision" answered. But
it was not my ship; I have not been to
$50 for several years In any position
G. command. On thisl occasion was
guest on board steam yacht belong.
ing to Gerald Darlington of New York.
The name of the vessel vas .tae Esn,e-
ralda. 1 need not relate the details
!ust at present, but three Of US have
been picked up by this Ship" f.
'Three--all passengers" 3,
"Yes-One was q woman"
yet, II l understand Masters arikhS
you have been in the merchant serv.
iceY' ~ =. s@fssS
I'm every capacity; when I retired.
was captain Of the freighter Vulcan"
He stood silent a moment, thought
fully considering me. and l could not
determine whether or not he was alto
gether pleased. Finally. having appar-
emily reached some decision, his gaze
shifted to the face Of the burly sngi-
neer.
II will talk with Captain Hollis" he
said quietly, "and perhaps you had bet
ter return on deck, Masters, and keep
an eye out; the fog thickens. and we
are in the track Of ships" =,
every well, sir" ~. 'N
As the door closed behind the engi-
neer's bulky figure the owner ! mo-
toned me to a chair; while he took an
other himself. ~ 49, 90" ~, s.. ~
II hardly know how best to approach
my subject" he said soberly. IF you
were merely shipwrecked merchant
captain, could make you rather at
tractive offer; but, as you have retired
from the sea, that would probably
prove no special inducement." .
1.-THE pay, you mean? Well, hardly ;
have no desire for berth"
$50 1 supposed, or else you would
scarcely have been one Of Caring
toms guests for. q yachting cruise.
presume Masters told you the fix we
are in?" ~
Eyes, as strange an accident as
ever heard Of at sea. You have got
to have navigator, and l am perfectly
willing to serve you SO far as can.
owe you this for picking us up from
an open boat. With your permission,
sir, and without mentioning pay, I will
agree to take command Of the Indian
Chief, and sail her to the nearest
American port, where you can procure
officers, and, If necessary, a new crew."
He sat silent, one white hand crum-
ping paper on the desk, his forehead
creased, the lines of his face showing
clearly. He appeared to hesitate, un-
certain how best to answer me.
IL certainly appreciate your Of
fer, Captain Hollis. It Is most lib
eral. one. .hecapse. II / know ANYTHING