Charlevoix county herald., 1918-03-22

They lowered the ladder, and We
were met at the top by q tall, gang.
ling mate In misflt uniform who ad.
dressed US In Italian. Az spoke that
language colloQuially, due to q fond
ness for spaghetti and ravioli, an
swered, telling him of our predica-
ment, and he escorted us to the main
deck saloon, q handsomely furnitured
cabin from which opened q half-dozen
staterooms. At his command, q sailor
went to one Of the doors, and In Q
minute woman approached us, to
be met by rush from Isabelle that
landed them in each others arms.
From the minute we made out the
yacht I had noticed Q peculiar look
Of mingled establishment and anxiety
on Isabelle's face, q fear come to her
eyes. but 1t had slipped by me as the
emotion incident to q rescue. Now
I was flabbergasted! She was weep
ing and rafting Italian endearments
to the fond ear Of an elderly lady
who Rugged her more tightly than I
had ever daredl The Italian mate
smiled and led u away, ladling out
staterooms to US az though accomoda-
tons were the simplest Of matters
aboard ship.
Blake took It upon himself to b
my cabin-mate; should have prefer
red Reedley, but was given no choice.
When we were within and the door
closed, he turned on me.
"Gilmore," he said. ''youu remem-
Der that I am your TALLER, responsible
for your return to"
"Sit down, Blake" interrupted.
disgustedly. wen have this thing
out right now. like you II you are
sixteen kinds of an ass" I motioned
him to the settee. taking my place on
the lower berth. He sat.
"Pm going back to San Francisco"
I continued. "but I prefer my own
company to yours. For that same
reason I intend to change my cabin
or you will. We're not going to hitch
well together"
'T'll stay by you till"
you'll choke! Blake, you have no
more authority over me than q piece
of cheese. You're not even captain Of
steamer now, let alone being an
officer Of the law In Mexican waters.
You're just nothing now, Blake. moth
ing at all. Get thatf
'Tll tell the captain
$50 shall I; don't worry
Aboard the Nanaimo-"
"If you're aboard the Nanaimo,
I'm not. II you're not, will be: but
no irons, Blake. I don't like irons.
Now do we understand one another2"
Blake scowled, but he was thinking
deeply. "We'n see," he said present
ly, and 1t was threat.
you'll see," said promptly. TITS
going to be as / plan, not you. This
Is new deal and I'm shutting.
may have to slip few cards of the
bottom of the pack. but I'll hold the
stronger hand, Blake; I'll beat you.
Now drop It'll" ! stood up, speaking
vehemently. Forget your brass but
tons and your quarterback vanityl
Come down of your hippsd dignity
and be a mani"
"And do whatf Let you escapsf" II
was q sneer.
Listen to reason, q fair story and
an honest one, and listen to reason.
That's all I ask-insist on. Want
it?"
my orders are distinct"
"You are not taking orders or CIV.
ing them now, Blake. Will you List
emf"
There came q rap at the door.
"Damn!" cried, but opened It
"The captains mos honorable COM
pliments, and please come" Then
Kodani saw my face. His Jaw drop
ped, his beady eyes opened; he turn
ed and ran, looking after him with
what must have been an equally gro
tesque astoundment. Kodani, St
Dunstan valet, my Jap Of the deft
fingers was aboard the yacht.
Blake was beside me. well finish
this talk later-perhaps." he said. tn
talk to the captain now" and pushed
by me he threw the door shut In my
face. But was too quick for him, and
my bare foot was between wood and
jamb. my shoulder pressing outward.
I had the purchase and he gave over
at once.
'WeIl both talk" said, smiling.
although I limped as walked beside
him.
In the captains cabin. sitting ut the
end of the map-table,' was the noun
tain of flesh had seen on the bridge.
The mate introduced US to Captain
Belgrag. who pulled out his cheeks
portentously and nodded. He was
barrel-a hogshead of Q man. weigh
ing easily three hundred weight on
the hay scales.
Immaculate is . neat undress uni
iorm of some foreign rank. he was
still gross and beastly: too strong for
. pig, not dignified enough for bun.
His arms were like an athletes leg, his
wrists coarse ankles. his hands some
thing abnormal, not comparable. He
had no neck, his head, fore and AFT
running into sloping shoulders. More
than anything else, he reminded me
~ fha n,vxnnno novou~o~x .,s~A