Courier Democrat., 1918-01-03
CHAPTER TX.
Contraband of War.

Contraband Of War.
The knowledge that the owner was
actually on board changed the entire
situation. would have to argue it
out with him undoubtedly, for quite
naturally he would object to any re-
turn to an American port. Well, I
might be in for a disagreeable inter-
view, but had made up my mind, and
it was not to be changed by any blus-
ter or offer of high wages.
"Come on, Masters said brusque-
ly. Lets get this over WITH
The after cabin extended from rail
to rail, the door opening directly from
the main deck. There were two cabins
astern, occupying apparently the full
width of the vessel, and the engineer
raped with his knucIzles on the panel
of the nearest door. There was no re-
sponse, but a second attempt resulted
in a voice bidding us enter.
It was pleasant enough interior,
lighted by two ports, but showing no
from one of the chairs and faced us,
the light from the stern port shining
full upon him. He was tall, delicate
looking, his features bearing marks Of
pain, yet certainly not over thirty
years of. age. He was not at all like
what I had expected to see, and I
faced him in surprise. He had taken
a step toward us, limping slightly, but
at sight of a stranger paused.
"Whom have you here, Masters?" he
asked, his eyes on my face. "Is there
another vessel near us?"
NO. sir,'' and the engineer stood,
hat in hand, awkwardly shifting his
weight. "We 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 directly into mine.
81 regret your misfortune, sir, but4you
coming is a godsend to us. Your ship
was wrecked?"
"Sunl in collision" answered. "But
it was not my ship; have not been to
sea for several years in any position
of command. On this occasion I was
q guest on board steam yacht belong
ing to Gerald Carrington Of New York.
The name of the vessel was the Esme.
ralda I need not relate the, details
just at present, but three of us have
been picked up by this ship"
"Three-all passengers?"
"Yes-one was a woman"
"Yet if understand Masters Alright
YOU have been in the merchant serv.
ice?"
'ln every capacity; when 1 retired.
Twas captain Of the freighter Vulcan -
He stood silent Il moment, thought
fully considering me, and could not
determine whether or not he was alto
gether pleased. Finally, having appar-
emily reached some decision, his gaze
shifted to the face of the burly engi-
neer.
II 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 thickens, and we
are in the track of Ships"
every well, sir.'
AS the door closed behind the engi-
neer's bulky figure, the owner mo-
toned me to chair, while he took an
other himself.
II hardly know how best to approach
my subject" he said soberly. IF you
were merely shipwrecked merchant
captain, I could make you rather at
tractive offer; but, as you have retired
from the sea, that would probably
prove no special inducement."
'The pay, you mean? Well, hardly
have no desire for a BERTH"
$50 I supposed, or else you would
scarcely have been one Of CARING
toms guests for yachting cruise. /
presume Masters told you the fix we
are in?''
eyes, as strange an accident as I
ever heard of at sea. You have got
to have a navigator, and am perfectly
willing to serve you so far as can.
owe you this for picking us up from
an open boat. With your permission,
sir, and without mentioning pay, I 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-
pling paper on the desk. his forehead