The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1919-07-05
CHAPTER XXI.


EXCEPT tiIHi ludBi VI ttIN ihFll ~
manned armed there was no suggestion
of violence. But for the cleaning car
rOnade trained on the main hatch, ant
the small group of gunners clustered
about il, the scene was peaceablt
enough. resembling the deck of some
merchant ship. LeVere sood motion
less at the poop rail, staring down ant
his attitude and expression of face
aroused within me n doubt of the man
a determination 10 put him to the test
Evidently he had held aloof and re,
Trained from taking even the slightest
part IN our activities. The men them
selves were mostly forward, grouped
together and still excitedly discussing
the situation.
"Stand by 10 reef tOpSails," l shout
ed. "Were all one watch now. Go at
it lively, lads, and when the job is
over wen eat, and decide together
what's our next move. Two Of you
will be enough to guard the hatch and
one of you 20 into the cabin and re-
lieve the girl there. Keep your eyes
open. I'll be down presently. Ai0ft
with you ana see how quick job you
can make Of it,"
Watkins led the way up the main
mast ratines. and Cole was first into
the fore shrouds, the others following
eagerly. | watched them lay ont on
the yards and was heartened to hear
tho fnIlnIpc CiIKu n thnyr 40
canvas melting away as if by magic
climbed the ladder to where LeVere
stood on the poop, but carefully
ignored his presence, my gaze on the
scene aloft. Twice l gave orders,
changing the steering direction slight
ly, and commanding the lower sails
reefed. The mulatto scowling, Joined
me at the rail.
whats all this about?" he asked.
THAT'S no storm cloud yonder."
There is always danger in fog" ]
answered coldly, land besides there is
no use carrying on until we know
where we are bound, My purpose is
to keep the men busy, and then talk
the situation over with them. Have
you any criticism of this plan, Senior
LeVere?"
He hesitated, but his eyes were mar
rowed, and ugly.
You'll do as you please, but you
told me we sailed for Porto Grande.
Was that lie?"
Not necessarily" and 1 smiled
grimly. although l should not have
hesitated to tell one under the circum-
stances. l mean to leave that decision
to the men themselves. 1t is their
lives that are in danger"
"That scum half of them are Eng
fish and French. All they want is to
get away; they will never go back to
Porto Grande without you make
them"
How make them?"
"By false observations; there is no
navigator forward. 1t is trick easy
enough to play with little nerve. /
would never have taken part in this
mutiny if / had supposed you meant
to play into the hands of the men,"
ut is very little part you took Senior
LeVere, judging from what saw. You
seemed quite content to stand aft here
and look on. However you are in 1t
just as deeply as l am, and are going
TO play the game out with me to the
end. Do you understand that?"
What you mean, senor-play 1t
out?"
Go On with the rest of us; take
your chance with the men and do your
duty. l am captain here. The first
sign Of treachery on your part will
send You below with those others. /
don't trust you. and all / want Is an
excuse to put you out of the way-so
be careful what you do"
| turned and walked away from him
toward the forward rail. The men
we're still aloft but coming in from off
he yards. Below me in the door of
he companion. stood Dorothy, her
Eyes peering curiously about the de-
'erted deck. She glanced up and saw
ne.
May / come up there?" she asked.
Certainly; let me help you. Stand |
lere beside me, and you can see all |
hat Is being done. That's all, lads: /
breakfast is ready; lay down all ex- |
ept the lookout"
We watched while they streamed |
Town the ratlines and gathered for.
ward of the galley, squatting in groups
n the deck. To all appearances the
elbows had not care in the world,
r any thought of the stirring scenes
ust passed through. The girls hand
ouched my sleeve, and l turned and
BOXED into her face.
Have you considered Captain San
heZ?" she asked.
t.INhxr L..