Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-06-02
CHAPTER NNNNIII

TT WAS a matter Of seconds If we cleared.
l. with drawn-in breath, our hands grip.
ped, our eyes staring i'm fixed horror, we
faced that sharp murderous stem, as it
drove through the green surges straight
toward us. Leayord his full weight on the
tiller bar, his lips open with an oath
unuttered was motionless as stone. and
the boat shot to one side n cascade of
water pouring over its lowered gunwale,
as it sped like a frightened deer for
safety. The deadly copper sheathing
missed us by barely ten feet, the swift
rush of the flying schooner fairly whiring
us about, scraping along the side so close
ly that the paddle which Olson used as
a fender was actually torn from his hands,
and a great cash made in the dinghys
rail
1t was Gods miracle that we lived and
kept anoat; that were not sucked
under or crushed into driftwood. To this
day l know not what occurred, or how we
held upright There was a crash. a crunch
ing sound, a mad plunging Of the tortured
boat under us. My hands gripped vanly
a the steel sides slipping past-then sud
denly the wild race ended with a jerk,
with a leap of the boat through a surge
of water drenchinE us to the skin. and
We struck the schooner's side blow which,
It seemed to me must crush every plank
into atoms. I held Vera TO me ready for
the end, but Leayord yelled wildly
That's 1t, Red! make fast there make
fast! Lively now, before we go down
The miZzen chains, Olson, Up you go, my
lad-by God! he made it,
| was on my feet now, understanding IT
all. realizing the value of each second
knowing that the shattered boat must be
sinking under us. | also got grip on the
chains, and the three of US held on des-
peratey, Red hauling the single rope end
taut, and looping it about the thwart
Here, Olson; reach your arms down take
the woman irst-there's no time to wait for
help. Now Vera-quick girl; the boat is
sinking under us"
She stepped on to my shoulders grasped
the chains to steady herself; then gripped
Olson's hand, sprang upward. and was
drawn safely in. I turned to the others,
Make fast, Red. There is nothing moro
to be done, but get out. one at a time
now; here, White, you're crippled, go first
hoist him up, Masters now ease In there,
Olson-good enough. You're next, Mas
ters."
Leayord and | were the last, and we left
the dinghy swamped behind us, dangling
and crushed against the steel side of the
schooner, upheld only by the strength of
the rope. 1t was all the work Of a feverish
minute in which thought was impossible
because of the stress Of action, But now,
as / clung breathless to those lower mzzen
ratlines, the seven OF us jammed upon
the little platform, the green surge Of
water below sushing against the wreck
we had just left, the strange silence of
this vessel which we had boarded struck
me with full force.
In heavens name, what could it mean?
It was broad daylight II there was a man
alive aboard he could never have failed to
see or hear us in this fierce struggle for
life. Yet no one was visible; no sound OF
voice was heard; no face peered over at
us above the rail. II was like a ghost
schooner and | felt the very heart Of me
chill as l stared into the blank faces Of my
huddled companions, and along the shiny
sides and the deserted rail.
This is a rum go, sir" ventured Lea
yord sobery. "An't she got no crew."
Il don't know what TO make of it," ]
confessed. but we'll soon find out. Help
the lady, Leayord. Olson, come with me"
We footed the ropes, and swung up to
the rail. clnging there long enough to gain
swift view Of the deck beyond 1t was as
clean as a millionaire's yacht, and had the
appearance OF one with brasswork glisten.
ing and paint fresh and bright. Every rope
seemed coiled in place, the sail gaskets
firmly tied, the planks spotless, the canvas
as white as though just out of the sail.
loft, My eyes surveyed the whole fore anC
aft-the low forecastle, the cooks galley
with door standing wide open, revealing q
ireless stove; the boats in chocks, not one
missing; the after cabin on the deck level
it's companion door ajar; the wheel astern
outlined against the sky, swinging slightly
to a lashing of rope-and nowhere a human
being. 1 could scarcely believe the evil
dence of my own eyes.
my God, Olson there's not a sailor or
deck" l gasped.
mo. sir it beats me I've been at sea I
long time, sir, but / never see nothin' like
this-they amt left her fer the boats ar,
all there an, damn me, the wheel 1,
lashed' She's just sailin' herself"
There's no sign OF any trouble aboard
Why, those decks are scrubbed like /
Dutchwoman's floor, Hurry up, Leayord
the schooner seems deserted. Come on
mate we shall have TO clear this mystsr.
up
we gpsang down on the deck. and tn