Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1919-09-04

under twenty tons, with an auxiliary
gasoline engine of % horse power,
and an alleged speed of ten knots.
Next, the crew.
You viii need captain, a cook, an
engineer and deekhand," said Char
lie, land / have the captain and tho
cook all ready for you"
That afternoon we rounded them
all up, including the engineer and the
weather permitting, with the morning
tide, which set east at six o'clock on
July 10, 1908.
Ships stores were the next detail,
and these, including fifty gallons of
gasoline, over and above the tanks
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. Wen get them aboard tonight"
Its 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-
lions. l hope you won't have any
trouble with them"
Had any experience in handling
niggers?" asked Charlie.
mot the least.".
"That makes me wish I were coming
with you They are rum beggars. Aw-
full towards, and just like 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 your?
"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
thereupon enrolled as a further addi-
ton to the crew.
"Old Tom" the cook, was first on
hand next morning. took to him at
once. A simple, kindly old "darky" of
"Uncle Toms Cabin" type, with faith
fitness written all over him, and GER
tain sad wisdom in his old face.
you'll find Tom a great cook" said
Charlie, patting the old man on the
shoulder. MANY trip we've taken
| together after duck, haven't we, Tom p
That's right, sub. That's right,
! said the old man, his eyes twinkling
with pleasure.
Then came the captain-Capt. Jabez
Williams-a younger man, with an in
telligent, self-respecting manner, some
what noncommittal, businesslike, evil
IDENTIFY not particularly anxious as to
whether he pleased or not, but looking
competent and civil enough.
Next came the engineer, a young
hulking bronze giant, a splendid phys
ical specimen, but rather heavy and
sullen and not over-intelligent to look
at. The deckhand proved to be 8
shackly, rather silly, effeminate fellow
suggesting idiocy but doubtless wiry
and good enough for the purpose.
While they were busy getting up the
anchor Of the Maggie Darling l went
down into my cabin to arrange variou:
odds andends, and presently came the
captain, touching his hat.
There's a party" he said, "outsidt
here wants to know if you'll take hin
passenger to Spanish Wells"
"We're not taking passengers" an
swered, "but ] will look him over"
A man was standing up in q row
boat, leaning against the ships side
you'd do me a great favor, sir" h,
began to say in soft, ingratiatin:
voice.
I looked at him with a start of rec
ognition. He was my pockmarke'
friend, who had made such an unpleas
ant impression on me at John Saun
ders' Office. He was rather more gen
tlemanly looking than he had scenes
at the first view, and / saw that
though he was halfbreed the whit
{ blood predominated.
II don't want to intrude," he said
''but have urgent need of getting t
: Spanish Wells, and there's no boat &c
ing that way for week. I've jus
missed the mall"
81 didn't think of taking any passen
gers" 1 said.
: Il know" he said. II know It's
, great favor ask" He spoke with
certain cultivation of manner. ''Bu
l am willing Of course to pay anythin
j you think well for my food and m
passage"