The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-27

about this that came on deck. Who
was the man, and what had he done?"
"Our old friend, Fergus McCann," I
answered, deciding to be frank with
her. 1T was not so much what he had
done, as what he proposed doing. He
was attempting to corrupt the crew
forward by the use of money, and un-
fortunately, there are some, scamps
aboard only too willing to make
trouble. II felt it safer to nip the
scheme early ....'..
'But what-what does Mr.. McCann
seek? Why should he endeavor to buy
up the men? What is his purpose?"
ITO have the Indian Chief returned
to an American port. I'll do him the
credit of saying that, until. I told
him, a. while ago, he possessed no
knowledge whatever, that Bascom
owned the vessel, or was on board. He
hates Baseom yet, and will be only too
glad to ruin" him. And he hates me,
because of what occurred in the boat.
This Is what underlies his action, no
doubt; then he believes money will ac-
complish anything and he has found
sailormcn forward ready enough to do
the dirty work, if he will only pay we'll
for it." s-..
"You know them?"
"The two most prominent are Jim
White and a fellow known aboard as
Liverpool Red, both typical forecastle
bullies. I know how to deal with their
sort" ,@>.
I: "You-you have decided what to do,
then?"
II have decided to fight it out. at
least. l gave you my promise, Miss
Vera, to take this ship to Hamburg If
it was possible to get there"
"And there is no other way Of saving
the investment in this vessel and
cargo?'. ~-s
II know of none."
"Then we must go on, must we not?
IL hope you will, Captain Hollis"
Before 1 could stop her, or add an
other word, she was gone, and was
apparently alone on deck.
I remained on deck the greater part
of the night, but nothing of an alarm
ing nature took place. The crew re-
manned quiet, and the watch on duty
obeycd orders promptly enough to
give those of us aft a new feeling Of
confidence.
The sky cleared, although the wind
remained fresh ard the sea heavy
enough to keep two men at the wheel
The Indian Chief mada good weather
Of it, however, and I possessed faith
In Lcayord's seamanship. For an hour,
perhaps, loitered about on deck, but
all remained so quiet that finally, with
word to the mate to have me called
at the slightest sign Of need, went be-
low, and turned in. ! ..
did not remove my clothes, and the
new day was barely reddening the east
when was aroused by trampling Of
feet on the deck overhead. There was
no call, and l was sailor enough to
comprehend what was going on above
- the watch was about to be
changed, and Leayord was using all
hands in cleaning ship. The activity,
the quietly spoken orders, the low
chant of a song as the men toiled at a
rope, were evidence that my presence
was not required, and I felt it would
please both officers to be left alone in
charge. l opened the port and looked
out ut the glorious morning 1t was
a lonely ocean scene, yet wildly beau
tiful. Everywhere was the wild DESC
lation Of the sea, nothing on which the
eye could rest except the restless
waves, the constant shifting Of colors.
Satisfied that no other vessel was with
In range of vision, lay down again.
l do not recall pleasanter meal at
sea than our breakfast that morning.
All were in excellent humor, and no
premonition of trouble entered our
minds. The night had passed quietly,
both officers reporting the crew docile
and chez rful.
Olson was on watch, but Masters
! joined us at table, and reported all we'll
In the engine room, and together we
drank toast to q pleasant voyage, al