The Huttig news., 1917-10-13

peeh iucheu up Dy lHlS snip.
 '"Three-all passengersT'
 "Yes-one was woman"
 "Yet, if 1 understand Masters aright, you have been In the merchant sery- ice?"
 In every capacity; when I retired was captain of the freighter Vulcan"
 He stood silent moment. thought fully considering me, and I could not determine whether or not he was alto 1 gether pleased. Finally. having appar- ently reached some decision, his gaze shifted to the face of the burly engi- neer
 T 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 thckens, and we are in the track of ships."
 "Very well, sir"
 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
 T hardly know how best to approach my subject" he said soberly. If you were merely shipwrecked merchant captain, l could make you rather at tractfve offer; but, as you have retired from the sea, that would probably prove no special inducement."
 'The pay, you mean? Well, hardly I have no desire for q berth"
 'So I supposed, or else you would scarcely have been one of Caring tons guests for yachting cruise. I presume Masters told you the fix we are in?"
 "4es, as strange an accident as l ever heard of at sea. You have got to have navigator, and I am perfectly willing to serve you so far as I can. 1 owe you this for picking us up from m open boat. With your permission. sir, and without mentioning pay, 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, new crew."
 He sat silent, one white hand crum- bling Q 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.
 II certainly appreciate your of- Ter. Captain Hollis. It is a most lib- eral one, because, if 1 know anything of maritime law. you would be justly entitled to high compensation for thus saving both ship and cargo. I had in- ended offering you-at least that was ny first thought-the sum of three hundred month to take command, the contract to remain in. force after the conclusion of this voyage, if you so de- sired. This you will not consider? The money argument has no weight?"
 I smiled, but shook my head.
 "Then there Is nothing left me, ex- cent to appeal to your humanity" he went on, leaning forward, his eyes on mine. You belong, I suspect, to my class, and I can give you my confi- 1dence, trust you with my secret. Is this not true?"
 q hope I am worthy of such faith" l answered wonderingly, as he paused.
 "I repose that faith in you, and ask you to face this situation from my standpoint. I am the sole owner of the Indian Chief, and also of her cargo Every dollar 1 possess on this earth is tied up on board this vessel. That is why 1 sailed as supercargo; I dare not trust the venture to anyone else. Under the hatches I have a cargo val ued at nearly half a million dollars. It was purchased and shipped on the strength of contract signed by high official of one of the European governments, yet the responsibility of payment rests upon myself and few intimate friends. If the Indian Chief safely discharges this cargo, within q designated time. at certain port, or contingent thereto, 1 shall make a for tune, and retain my honor as mer- chant. If not, then I am ruined man, Nr. Hollis, and my reputation Is gone also"
 What portf"
 Hamburg"
 1 leaned forward, deeply interested by now In his unusual story.
 '"Then I presume your cargo is large ly munitions of warp
 "0f that nature-yes."
 'From what port did you sail?"
 Baltimore. July 26th; we were held back within the capes for two days by severe storm.'
 'Then you have not heard of the declarations of war in Europe?'
 His eyes widened, his pale face grew winter than ever.
 'War in Europe; already declared :" f he exclaimed, "Is that actually true? We carry no wireless, and have spoken with no vessel since we left the Chesa- peake, What nations are at warp
 'The last message we received on the Esmeralda was that Germany and Austria were already pitted against France, Russia and England. The Ger. man troops had invaded Belgium in an effort to reach Paris, The night before our accident great British battles ip