The Jasper news., 1918-04-25


cabin. Captain Elisha fingered for a
final look about. Then he followed
leisurely, becoming aware as he
reached the open air Of loud voices III
angry dialogue.
Entrances to the Empress Of the
Oceans cabins were on the main deck,
and also on the raised half deck at the
stern, near the wheel, the pinnacle and
officers corned beef tubs swinging In
their frames. From this upper deck
two flights of steps led down to the
main deck below. At the top Of one
Of these flights stood young Pearson,
cool and alert. Behind him half crouch
ed the japanese steward, evidently very
much frightened. At the foot Of the
steps were grouped three rough looking
men, foreigners and sailors without
doubt, and partially intoxicated. The
three men were an ugly lot, and they
were all yelling and jabbering together
in a foreign lingo. AS the captain
emerged from the passage to the open
deck he heard Pearson reply In the
same language.
whats the matterw he asked.
Pearson answered without turning his
head.
Drunken Sailors" he explained.
part Of the crew here. They've been
uptown, got full and come back to
square grudge they seem to have
against the steward. I'm telling them
they'd better give up and go ashore, If
they know when they're well of"
The three fellows by the ladders foot
were consulting together. On the wharf
were half dozen loungers, collected by
the prospect Of row.
"If I can hold them Off for a few
minutes" went on Pearson, well be
all right. The wharf Waterman has
gone for the police. Here, drop 1t
What are you up TOT"
One of the sailors had drawn a knife.
The other two reached for their belts
behind, evidently intending to follow
suit. From the loafers on the wharf
came shouts of encouragement.
"Do the dude up, Pedro! Give him
what's comm to him"
The trio formed for q rush. The
steward, with a shrill scream, fed to
the cabin. Pearson did not move. He
even smiled. The next moment he was
pushed to one side, and Captain Elisha
stood at the top of the steps.
"HereW he said sternly. whats all
this2"
The three sailors, astonished at this
unexpected addition to their enemies
forces, hesitated. Pearson laid his hand
on the captains arm.
BE careful" he said. They're dam
gerous."
Dangerous? Them? I've seen their
kind afore. Here, you!" turning to the
three below. "What do you mean by
this? Put down that knife, you lub-
| Der Do you want to be put In irons :
Over the side with sou, you swabs
Ctr
He began descending the ladder.
| Whether the sailors were merely too
surprised to resist or because they rec
ognized the authority of the deep sea
In Captain Elisha's voice and face Is a
question. At any rate, as he descended
they backed away.
'Mutiny on board ship Of mine?"
mean by it7 Why, I'll have you tied up
and put on bread and water. Over the
side with you Mutiny on board Of me
Lively! Tumble up there"
With every order came stride for
ward and a correspondingly backward
movement on the part of the three
The performance would have been
ridiculous If Pearson had not feared
that it might become tragic. He was
descending the steps to his new &C
quaintance's aid when there arose O
chorus of shouts from the wharf.
THE cops. the cops! Look outp'
That was the finishing touch. The
next moment the three "mutineersr
were over the side and running as fast
as their alcoholic condition would per
init down the wharf.
swell, by Georgew exclaimed Pear
son.
Captain Elisha seemed to be coming
out of dream. He stood still, drew
his hand across his forehead and theI
began to laugh.
"'Wellw he stammered. "Well.
snum! I-I-Mr. Pearson, wonde
what on earth you must think Of me
declare the sight Of that gang set m,
back about twenty years. They-the.
must have thought was the new
skipper! Did You hear me tell ,em the!
couldn't mutiny aboard Of me7 40
no! Well, I'm an old idiotF'
Pearson stuck his fist into the pain
of his other hand.
ave got 1t |" he cried. II knew you