Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-04-25
CHAPTER X-(COntinued)

TT WAS far from my desire to assume com.
i mand of the Indian Chief and guide her
destinies on a long outward voyage to what
ever port her cargo had been consigned
What that port was made slight difference,
for my whole desire was to return as quickly
as possible to New York. / would, how
ever assume temporary command and con-
sent to navigate the vessel to the nearest
American port where a competent skipper
might be procured and new crew obtained
Indeed under the laws of the sea, this duty
was ALI that could be expected Of me; all |
had any right to do. In every essential
this was a salvage job ! had found the
freighter floating helplessly on the high
seas, and my skill alone would bril- her
safely into harbor To this end possessed
authority, and could compel the obedience
of the crew. an obedience which, no doubt
thew would grant willingly enough in their
eagerness to get safely ashore. But II !
ATTEMPTED more than this and assumed
command for the long voyage shouiu
be captain in name only, possessing no
real authority on board, until after we
reached the port OF consignment ana hau
communicated with the owners and received
their Endorsement. The Indian Chief pos
sessed no wireless outfit, and Whatever
did must be on my own judgment. Ihese
considerations flashed swiftly through my
mind and attained decision before Masters
n gain smoke / would navigate the boat TO
the nearest port on the American coast,
notifv the owners and then leave them to
do as they pleased with the vessel ana
crew. I cared nothing for the salvage
the nresence Of the disabled steamship in
these waters had saved our lives, which was
reward enough surely. All ! cared Tor
was to get myself and the young lady
safely ashore. Why even II further adVeh.
ture appealed to me, l could never consent
to drag that girl about with me TO wnatever
foreign mort awaited the Chiefs cargo. Ny
thought was interrupted by the sound OF
Masters's voice
ut sorter seemed to me, Mr.. Hollis" he
was saving, tibet maybe 1t would be best
for me to explain these things before you
went into the cabin. rou',l naturally ids wan
to know just the coho'''o" peioie you ""S'""
"I have decided. Masters" I answered
briefly. "There Is only one thing can do
legally. and that is navigate the indian
chief to the nearest American port and
surrender her to her owners. AS a licensed
cantain of steam ! have authority to as
sun,e command to this extent. but no
more. 1t is a salvage job, and ! would be
within my legal rights. but II i continued
the voyage. and later the owners should
FOR any reason, choose to disown my act
4, would place me in serious position
81 reckoned you would look at 1t that
vav sir, I'm no sea lawyer. but sorter
Teured It out about as you do. But that
amt the situation exactly
what aint?'
.Whv, this owner business, sir You see
the owner of the Indian Chief. an every
noupd o. cargo below matches Is on board
here" ,,,,
"The owner Is on board J!
..Thats the Gospel truth that's why
,ook the trouble to keep you here and tell
,,ou what / have before you went down and
| met him sir. 1t gives you chance TO think
| out your best course
But IL the man is aboard why ala ne