Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1918-01-10
"From Now On You Will Mess Aft

from NOW On you Will MESS AIT
ing, but I'll answer you this: I am cap
tain of the Indian Chief, and if any Of
you want to try out whether l can
handle my crew or not, so to it. Bosun,
come here"
The man named separated himself
from the others, and slowly climbed
the ladder. He was a big, muscular
fellow, With red hair, clipped close to
his head, and intelligent blue eyes.
"Your name is Leayord?"
"Aye, aye, sir"
"This is your first voyage on the
Indian Chief?"
"No: sir; my third"
every good, Mr.. Leayord from now
on you will mess aft, and rank as first
mate, serving watch and watch with
me. Is there a man forward capable
Of filling the second mates berth?'
He ran his eyes over the group be-
low rather doubtfully.
"Olson might, sir" he answered
finally. "He is sober, and a good sea-
man.
"Step forward, Olson"
The mass of men parted slightly, and
a man was pushed to the front. He
possessed a strongly marked Swedish
face, smooth shaver and almost boyish.
"How old are you, Olson?"
"Twenty-eight, sir"
"You know the sea?"
''Twelve years in the %fo'castle, SIR"
Gall right; I'm going to give you a
chapce to make good as second officer,
Mr.. Olson. Now, lads, that's all for
the present. I take it you are sailor
men, and know what that sky means.
The chances are ten to n We'll have
a storm before midnight, and We'll
meet it better with clear decks. Get
forward, all hands, and clear away
that effectively now"
They were a bit slow about it, grum-
bling among themselves. Olson spoke
once or twice, although I could not
hear exactly what was said, and the
power of sea discipline finally con-
quered. Within ten minutes they were
working cheerfully enough, and Lea
yord had ceased his gruff ordering, and
stood silent beside the lee rail. It
pleased me to observe that Olson took
hold along with the others, and did his
full share Of the work. I leaned far
Their over to gain view Of the cabin en-
trance, but Bascom had disappeared.
The girl, however, held her place, and
glanced up, her eyes meeting mine.
Gould I come up there, Mr.. Hol-
LISP" she questioned.
certainly; as a passenger this deck
is free for your use. Take the star
board ladder"
I gave her my hand, and helped her
to grasp the rail. She glanced about
into the mist.
SLOW gray and somber it u.s." she
said soberly. "The fog is almost like
a hand clutching ut you"
"The glass is falling rapidly" I an
swered, land I suspect a storm is
brooding behind that curtain; that Is
why l am sc anxious to make nll clear.
What do you think Of the crew."
She glanced aside toward the mo-
tionless negro at the wheel, and then
st the men shutting about their work.
Ell hardly know; they-they look
awfully rough and-and disreputable.
Weren't some of them drunk?"
mo doubt, yes. Don't worry, Miss
Vera. Those things are frequent
enough on shipboard. We will have
these lads thoroughly tanned within an
other t%wenty-four hours. There is never
a mutiny without some leader and a
better cause. I am working under
your orders, you know"
She glanced up quickly into my face.
under my orders? No, not that,
Mr.. Hollis. You told me 1t would be
your choice; I merely granted permits