Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1918-02-07

1
when Blake discovered streamer of
smoke on the horizon to the north,
and after study of several minutes,
| put the boat about to get into the
course of the approaching ship. She
came up rally, and we could soon
see the tunnels and hull of steamer
that must pass close to us unless she
shifted her course. 1t was much bet
ter being picked up than to row into
nian peninsula, not considering bills
tering palms and aching backs.
"She's somebody's private yacht"
said the captain, rigging his handker-
chief to Reedley's oar for signal
"and that means she may make any
port or none; but we can have her put
us on the Nanaimo." l thought, witk
an inner grin, that he wouldn't trans
ship me in irons.
REST oars" he commanded, and we
lay to on the soft roll of the waves.
could turn now and survey the ap-
preaching ship. / had seen her be.
fore, making out Of the Golden Gate
late one afternoon not so long ago.
Now I could find out what flag she
carried.
We were off her port bow less than
a couple hundred yards, and we could
see the men on her decks lining the
rail to look at us, but she did not
slacken speed. "Ahoy, there! Take
us aboard" shouted Captain Blake,
and saw man run up to the bridge
and start an argument with the cap
flesh. Several of the men at the rail
Joined the group.
"What in blazes does this mean?"
quoted Blake. "Is that ship or a
picnic? Alloy, there!" he shouted.
"Stop her and let us board you!''
She was by us now, but l heard the
engine-room bell and Blake handed
Reedley his oar. Pull alongside" he
ordered. She'll come to-" and we bent
our backs to the task.
They lowered the ladder, and we
were met at the top by tall, gang
ling mate in misfit uniform who ad-
dressed us in Italian. AS l spoke that
language colloquially, due to a fond
ness for spaghetti and ravioli, l an
swered, telling him of our predica-
ment, and he escorted us to The main
deck saloon, handsomely furnitured
cabin from which opened half-dozen
staterooms. At his command, a sailor
went to one of the doors, and in a
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 l had noticed peculiar look
of mingled astonishment and anxiety
on Isabelle's face, a fear come to her
eyes, but it had slipped by me as the
emotion incident to rescue. Now
I was flabbergasted! She was Weep
ing and rafting Italian endearments
to the fond ear of an elderly lady
who hugged her more tightly than
had ever dared The Italian mate
smiled and led us away, ladling out
staterooms to us as though accomoda-
tions were the simplest of matters
aboard ship.
Blake took 1t upon himself to he
my cabin-mate; l 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, you'll remem-
ber that l am your jailer, responsible
for your return to-"
"Sit down, Blake" interrupted.
disgustedly. "We'll have this thing
out right now. like you if you are
sixteen kinds of an ass" motioned
him to the settee, taking my place on
the lower berth. He sat.
I'm going back to San FransiscO,"
I continued, "but | prefer my own
company to yours. For that same
reason | intend to change my cabin
or you will We're not going to hitch
we'll together"
"Ill stay by you till"
you'll choke! Blake, you have no
more authority over me than piece
a steamer now, let alone being an
officer of the law in Mexican waters.
You're just nothing now, Blake, moth
ing at all Get that?
'Ill tell the captain"
$50 shall /; don't worry"
"Aboard the Nanaimo-"
"If you're aboard the Nanaimo
I'm not. II you're not. l will be; hui
no irons, Blake. l don't like irons
Now do we understand one another?'
Blake scowled, but he was thinking
deeply. "We'll see," he said present
ly, and 1t was threat.
you'll see," said promptly. "It's
going TO be as plan not you. This
Is q new deal and I'm shuffling. j
may have 10 slip few cards off the
bottom of the pack but I'll hold the
stronger hand, Blake; I'll beat you
Now drop it," stood up, speaking
vchemently. Forget your brass but
tons and your quarterback vanity
Come down off your hlpped dignit,
and be II mani"
And do what? Let you escape?" Il