The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1919-09-20


you will need captain, cook, an
engineer and a deckhand," said Char
lie, "and I have the captain and the
cook all ready for you"
That afternoon we rounded them
all up, including the engineer and the
deckhand, and we arranged to start,
weather permitting, with the morning
tide, which set east at six o'clock on
July 10, 1908,
Ships stores We're the next detail,
and these, including fifty gallons of
gasoline, over and above the tanks
and three barrels of water, being duly
got aboard, on the evening of July
II all was ready for the start; an eve
ming which was naturally spent in a
parting conclave in John Saunders
snuggery.
"Why, one important thing you've
forgotten" said Charlie. "Machetes-
and spades and pickaxes. And I'd
take few sticks of dynamite along
with you too. l can let you have the
lot. Well get them aboard tonight"
"It's a pity you have to give it
away that it's a treasure hunt" said
John, "but then you can't keep the
crew from knowing. And they're a
queer lot on the subject of treasure,
have some of the funniest supersti-
tions. l hope you won't have any
trouble with them"
Had any experience in handling
niggers?" asked Charlie.
Not the least"
"That makes me wish were coming
with you. They are rum beggars. Aw-
full towards, and just like a pack of
children. You know about sailing
anyhow. That's a good thing. You
can captain your own boat, if need be.
That's all to the good. Particularly
if you strike any dirty weather. But
let me give you one word of advice !:
Be kind, of course, with them-but
keep your distance all the same. And
be careful about losing your temper.
You get more out Of them by coax
ing-hard as it is, at times. And, by
the way, how would you like to take
old Sailor with you"
"Sailor" was a great Labrador re-
triever, who at that moment turned up
his big head with devoted sigh from
behind his masters chair.
Rather" 1 said. So "Sailor" was
5 thereupon enrolled as further add
} ton to the crew.
cold Tom," the cook. was first or
| hand next morning. took to him a
t once, A simple, kindly old "darky' Of
"Uncle TOMS Cabin" type, with faith
f fulness written all over him, and Ger
' tain sad wisdom in his old face.
"Youll find Tom a great cook" sale
Charlie patting the old man on thu
shoulder. "Many trip we've takel
together after duck, haven't we, Tom?
"That's right, sub. That's right,
said the old man, his eyes twinklini
with pleasure. -
Then came the captain-Capt. Jabe
, Williams-a younger man, with an in
| telligent, self-respecting manner, some
what nOncommittal businessllke, evi
IDENTIFY not particularly anxious as t
whether he pleased or not, but lookin
\ competent and civil enough.
y Next came the engineer, a younE
hulking bronze giant, splendid phys
| ical specimen, but rather heavy an
sullen and not over-intelligent to loo
at. The deckhand proved to be
shackly, rather silly, effeminate fellow
suggesting idiocy, but doubtless wir
| and good enough for the purpose.
| While they were busy getting up tn
anchor of the Maggie Darling / wer
down into my cabin to arrange varior
odds and ends, and presently came til
captain, touching his. hat.
"There's a party" he said, "outsit
here wants to know if you'll take hi
passenger to Spanish Wells"
"We're not taking passengers" / a.
swered, "but I will look him over"
l A man was standing UP In roy
boat, leaning against the ships sid
. you'd do me great favor, sir"
began to say In soft, ingratiatir
k voice.
J. looked ut him with start OF re
Ognition. He was my pockmarkC
ID friend, who had made such an unplea
Id ant impression on me at John Sau
" ders' Office. He was rather more &c
IS tlemanly looking than he had seemt
lg at the first view, and saw tha
IS though he was a halfbreed the viii
rt blood predominated.
Or II don't want to intrude," he sal
''but have urgent need of getting
n Spanish Wells, and there's no boat 6
at ing that way for week. I've Ju
sc missed the mall"
to 81 didn't think of taking any passe
ct gers" said.
IT. II know" he said. II know It's
re. great favor I ask" He spoke with
he certain cultivation of manner. "B
I am willing of course to pay anythil
ed you think well for my food and n
passage"
er- waived that suggestion aside a
stood irresoIutely looking at him, wi
no very hospitable expression In |
ut eyes, I dare say. But really my Il
taste for him was an unreasontng pr
nd udlce, and Charlie Websters phra
on came to my mind--"His face Is AGAR