Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-04-25
CON NTR ABAND
A Romance of the North Atlantic
By RANDALL PARRISH

plainly furnished, a great contrast to the
handsome sea parlor of the Esmeralda, but
familiar enough to me. a bare table eN-
tended lengthwse, it's wooden surface
stained and disfigured. A lantern, its globe
discolored with smoke. danged from
blackened beam overhead and small coal
stove, red with rust. occupied prominent
position in front of the mizZen mast, its ILL
Jointed pipe leading somewhere astern. The
carpet was of rag. rather gay in coloring,
and showing unmistakable signs of long
use, and the paintwork, originally cream,
had long ago faded into dirty yellow.
Stateroom doors opened along either side,
so close together as to prove them mere
closets, containing no other conveniences
than sleeping berth or two.
The cabin, however, was well lighted.
much of its front being open to the deck.
and having also n headlight above. Mas
ters led the way around the butt of the
mast, and | followed having taken all this
in at a glance. There were two cabins
astern, occupying apparently the full width
of the vessel, and the engineer raped with
his knuckles on the panel of the nearest
door. There was no response. but second
attempt resulted in voice bidding us
enter
1t was pleasant enough interior, lighted
by two ports, but showing no attempt at
decoration. There was rug underfoot, two
chairs upholstered in leather n big sea
chest. and desk Uttered with papers
Shelves held a fair collection Of books. while
two hunks occupied the far corner. A man
arose from one of the chairs, and faced u.s.
the light from the stern port shining full
upon him, He was tall delicate looking, his
features bearing marks of pain, yet GER
tainly not more than thirty years of age.
He was not at all like what | had expected
to see, and ! faced him in surprise. He
had taken a step toward us, limping slight
Ia nt aioht Of Gtrnt
Whom have you here. Masters?" he
asked, his eyes on my face rs there
another vessel near us?"
mo, sir" and the engineer stood, hat
in hand, awkwardly shifting his weight
I'VE have picked up some castaways. This
man here Is Captain Hollis, late Of the Atlas
Line"
Indeed" he held out his hand to me,
his eyes looking direct into mine. II regret
your misfortune. sir, but your coming is
"A godsend to us. Your ship was wrecked ?"
Sunk in collision" I answered But it
was not my ship have not been to sea
for several years in any position of COM
mand. on this occasion I was a guest on
board a steam yacht belonging to Gerald
Darlington, Of New York. nv name of
the vessel was the Esmerafda. need not
relate the details just at presers but three
Of us have been picked up by this ship"
'Three-all passengers"
'GeS-One was woman
yet. II | understood Masters Alright.
you have been in the merchant service?"
"In every capacity; when / retired was
captain Of the freighter Vulcan"
He stood silent a moment, thoughtfully
considering me, and ! could not determine
whether or not he was altogether pleased.
Finally having apparently reached some
decision, his gaze shifted 10 the face of
the burly engineer.
"I will talk with Captain Hollis" he
said quietly. and perhaps. YOU had better
return on deck, Masters, and keep an eye
out: the fog thickens, and We are in the
track of ships"
VERY we'll sir"
As the door closed behind the engineers
bulky figure, the owner motioned me to a
chair while he took another himself He
seemed doubtful Just how to begin. open
ing a drawer in the desk, and bringing out
cigars
"You smoke. doubtless?'
"I thank you-yes."
"I hardly know how best to approach my
subject" he said soberly. IF you were
merely a shipwrecked merchant captain, I
could make you rather attractive offer:
but as you have retired from the sea, that
would probably prove no special induce
ment.'
"The pay. you mean? Well. hardly;
have no desire for a berth"
$50 I supposed. or else you would sea rec
ly have been one of Carrngton's guests for
a Yachting cruise. ! presume Masters told
you the fix We are in'
"Yes. as strange an accident as ever
heard Of at sea. You have got TO have
navigator, and I am perfectly willing to
serve YOU so far as ] can, l owe you this
for picking us UP from an open boat. With
your permission. sir, and without mention
ing paw ! viii agree to take command OF
the Indian Chief and sail her to the near