The daily Alaskan., 1919-05-22

raIl, unable to stem the rush, and roar ing for mercy. I had view of Carlson dropping recklessly down the forecas- tie scuttle, and then sprang forward myself to give a hand to the four wrestling with the main hatch. To- gether we dragged 1t into position, forcing relentlessly back as we did so, a. dozen struggling figures frantically endeavoring to reach the deck. Shots were fired, the bullets whistling through the opening, the flare lighting up the black depths below, revealing vaguely @ mass of frantic men staring up, and cursing us fiercely in q dozen languages; but, in spite of them, we clamped the hatch down tight, and locked 1t securely into place with an iron bar. .s.
 Watkins needed no help; he had nis party rounded up. To my orders they were driven into the cooks galley ana guard stationed at the door. Then turned to the more serious work con- fronting me iI the forecastle. We must have men enough to sail the bark, and if I was to command them, I must first of all prove my courage and enforce authority. The whole sue cess of our effort depended on this.
 "What's going on below?" asked.
 "Cursin' mostly" answered Carter peering down through slight uptilt, ing of the scuttle. "They don't just know what's happening yet, but the big nIgger seems ter be raisIn' hell Carlson is a holdin' him back with his cutlass."
 "Open up and let me down."
 fell, rather than clambered along the rungs of the ladder, coming to my feet on deck in the midst of a group of angry men. The light was so poor could scarcely see their faces a babel of voices greeted ne, and more than one hand gripped me fiercely as the excited owner yelped demand to know what In hell we were up to. roughly cleared space, aided by Carl sons cutlass, and fronted them. Tow ering above them all, his black ape like face, distorted with rage, dis tinguished the giant Cochose, his i'm mense hands grasping a wooden bar ripped from bunk. Plainly enough he was the leader. If I was to rule, this black brute must be conquered at the very start, conquered by my own hands, and in the presence of his mates.
 Stand back there lads" said stern. ly. "I'l explain all that has happened presently, but first am going to lick that black within an inch of his life. Step out of there, Cochose."
 He came grinning widely, balancing the heavy club.
 "You mean me. sah? You all think yer kin lick met"
 "Yes, I think so; I'll try it anyway Here Carlson, take this pistol and sheath knife. If anyone interfereS shoot him. All I. ask is fair play. Drop that club, Cochose, and throw away your knife. You and will fight this out with bare hands"
 His dull brain worked slowly, and he stared at me, his eyes ugly. His silence and lack of response, awoke a growl from the impatient circle of men behind. One fellow kicked the club out of his hand contemptuously, and another plucked the knife from his belt.
 You big skulker," the latter said, with an oath of derision, "gO on, and fightw
 What for An fight this white man? An don't even know who he is"
 "Then I'll tell you. Estada is dead {; Manuel is a prisoner. I'm in com mand of this bark. You are big, boastlng cur! I heard what you said when came down, and now I'll make you prove 1t"
 I took two steps forward, my ad- vance so swift and unexpected the big negro had not even time to throw up an arm in defense. With open hand l struck him squarely across the face.
 (Continued on Saturday, 4 < < f 4 < + * + 4 4 # <