The Red Cloud chief., 1919-07-17
WOLVES OF THE SEA
Bv RANDALL PARRISH

pnCCo hnu u pipe, buu-yes, Whit q
second-writing materials. And, by
the way, there are two staterooms
astern. Who occupies the one to star
board-Senor Bstadar
mo, senior 1t is the young lady"
"Oh, the one brought aboard last
night. Have you seen herr
"Si, senior; she is English and good
to look at. but she sit and stare out
the stern port. She will not speak or
eat. take In her breakfast, but she
touch not n morsel. So I tell Senior
Estada. and he say. then bring her
out TO dinner with me; I'll make the
hussy eat II l have to choke II down
her dainty throat"
"Good I'll have q look at her my
self then. Now hurry up those things,
steward. and remember what ! sent
you after"
He brought the shaving set and
writing materials first, explaining that
he would have to 60 down into the
lazaret and break open some pack.
ages for the tobacco and pipe. The
moment the fellow disappeared I
grasped the opportunity. l dashed on
a note ~hurriedly-a brief line merely
stating my presence on board md beg
cling her not to exhibit surprise at
meeting me. I had no time in which
to explain or make clear the situa-
ton. With this folded and concealed
in my hand I silently pushed open the
door.
I crept swiftly forward. following
the circle Of the staterooms. until I
came to the closed door of the one I
sought aft. I bent hero an instant,
listening for some sound from within,
but heard none. Beyond doubt the
girl was within and alone, and I must
trust her quick intelligence to respond
to my written message. = thrust 1t
through the narrow opening above the
sill. and the moment 1t disappeared
within stole swiftly back to my own
room. The action had not been seen,
and yet l had scarcely n moment to
spare. Before I could lather my face
the steward returned. bearing In his
hands tobacco and pipe.
Estada. however, remained away
longer than I had anticipated he
would, and I was fully dressed and
comfortably smoking before he came
down from the deck and crossed the
cabin to my partially open door.
"The s%tarboard watch has been
called.'' he said. land you are to take
charge of the deck. relieving LeVere.
I waited to explain the situation to
the men before you appeared. I sup
pose you are readyr
"Ay, ay, senor," knocking the ashes
out Of my pipe and rising. He eyed
my clothes disapprovingly.
Rather a fancy rig, Gates. for a
first officer on duty"
"Some style. I admit, senior, but they
were all the steward offered me-"
you'll have to carry a hard fist,
my man. to back up that costume
aboard the Namur." he said coldly
"Those black devils are apt to mis-
take you for a ~plaything." I followed
him up the stairs to the deck. LeVere
vas still on duty. and came forward
and shook hands at my appearance.
"Rather glad I didn't drown you"
he said. intending to be pleasant. but
hope you'll not run amuck In the after
cabin"
II shall try not to unless I have
cause" I answered. looking him
square In the eyes and Determining
to make my position clear at once
"Senor Estada tells me I am to ~
lieve you. What IL the course1"
"Sou'west BY half SOU"
DO you know your position"
"Only In . general way. We have
held an east BY south course since
leaving the capes, until an hour ago
making about ten knots"
Every well; I will figure It out q,
best I can. There IL nothing further
to reportT
mo. senior; all has been as It 4.
now"
He glanced toward Estada, moi
greatly pleased. I presume. with my
brusQueness. yet finding nothing II
either words OF manner from which
to evoke q quarrel. The latter haG
overheard our conversation, but h,
stood now with back toward us look
Ing out on the e of the port quar-
ter. His silent Indifference caused
LeVere to shrug his shoulders ant
disappear down the ladder on his way
below. I turned my face to the mar
at the wheel--it was the giant negro
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