Williams news., 1922-09-15

He saw no recognition of the nsne in Burr's reception of it; but he had
 not expected that. None of those on
 Benjamin Corvet's list had shad any knowledge of Alan Conrad or had heard the name before. Alan was silent, watching the old
 man; Burr, silent too, seemed listening
 to the conversation which came to
 them from the tables near by, where
 men were talking of cargoes, and of
 ships and of men who worked and
 sailed upon them.
 How long have you been on the
 lakes?" Alan inquired.
 "All my life.'
 Do you remember the Miwaka?"
 Old Burr turned abruptly and studied Alan with a slow scrutiny which seemed to lock him through and through: yet chile his eyes remained
 fixed on Alan suddenly they grew blank. He was not thinking now of Alan, but had turned his thoughts within himself.
 ''I remember her-yeS. She was lost in '95,'' he said. 'In '95," he repeated.
 Did you know Benjamin Corvet?'' Alan asked.
 Old Burr stared at him uncertainty. 'I know who he Is, of course"
 "You never met him?"
 "No."
 Did you receive a communication from him some time this year-a re- quest to send some things to Miss Con- stance Sherrill at Harbor Point2"
 q never heard of Miss Constance Sherrill. To send what things?"
 Several things-among them a watch which had belonged to Captain Stafford of the Miwaka."
 Old Burr got up suddently and stood gazing down at Alan. "A watch of Captain Stafford's 2-no." he said agi- tatedly. "NoI'
 He moved away and left the place; and Alan sprang up and followed him.
 He was not, 1t seemed probable to Alan now, the James Burr of Corvet's list; at least Alan could not see how he could be that one. Among the names of the crew of the Miwaka Alan had found that of a Frank Burr, and his inquiries had informed him that Burr who had lived near Port Corbay and had disappeared" with all his family. Old Burr had not lived at Port least, he claimed not to have lived there; he gave another ad- dress and assigned to himself quite diff ferent connections. For every member of the crew of the Miwaka there had been a corresponding, but different name upon Corvet's Nst-the name of ] close relative. If old Burr was not related to the Burr on Corvet's list, what connection could he have with he Miwaka, and why should Alan's | questions have agitated him so? Alan l would not lose sight of old Burr until | le had learned the reason for that.
 He followed, as the old man crossed 1 he bridge and turned to his left | lmong the buildings on the river front. l 3urr's figure, vague in the dusk, | rossed the railroad yards and made ts way to where a huge black bulk, which Alan recognized as the ferry, at the waterside. He disap- 'eared aboard 1t. Alan, following him, aged about.
 A long, broad, black boat the ferry vas, almost four hundred feet to the all, bluff bow.
 Alan thrilled little at his inspec- lon of the vessel. He had not seen lose at hand before one of these great raft which, throughout the winter, rave Ice and storm after all-or near ? all-other lake boats are tied up. Ie had not meant to apply there when e questioned old Burr about a berth n the ferry; he had used that merely s a means of getting into conversa- ion with the old man. But now he leant to apply; for 1t would enable i'm to find out more about old Burr.
 No berth on the ferry was vacant ct but one soon would be, and Alan ,as accepted in lieu of the man who 'as about to leave; his wages would ot begin until the other man left, but l the meantime he could remain board
 All that was known definitely about Id Burr on the ferry, it appeared, was nat he had joined the vessel in the ariy spring. Before that-they did | ot know he might be an old Iakeman 'ho, after spending years ashore, had eturned to the lakes for livelihood.
 The next morning, Alan approached l Id Burr in the crews quarters and | lied to draw him into conversation gain about himself; but Burr only | tared at him with his intent and odd 7 introspective eyes and would not ak upon this subject. A week passed; Ian, established as a lookout now on l lumber 25 and carrying on his duties, aw Burr daily and almost every hour Is watch coincided with Burr's watch t the wheel-they went on duty and ere relieved together. Yet better cquaintance did not make the old lan more communicative; a score of 1 1 mes Alan attempted to get him to sll more about himself. but he evaded