Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-06-08
My names

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 MiwakaW
Old Burr turned abruptly and studied
Alan with a slow scrutiny which
seemed to look him through and
through; yet while his eyes remained
fixed on Alan suddenly they grew
blank. He was not thinking now of
Alan, but had turned his thoughts
within himself
Il remember her-yes. She was lost
In 90" he said. "In '95," he repeated.
Did you know Benjamin Corvette"
| Alan asked.
Old Burr stared at him uncertainty.
Il know who hc 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 Sheriff. at Harbor Point|'
Il never heard of Miss Constance
| Sheriff.. To send what things|
Several things-among them a
watch which haze belonged to Captain
Stafford of the Miwaka."
Old Burr got up suddenly and stood
gazing down at Alan. "A watch Cf
Captain Statford'SE-nO," he said agi-
tatedly. NO"
He moved away and left the place !;
and Alan sprang up and followed him.
He was not, it 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
lliIS man W oo q lIClIllSN VI VIZ JANIS
Burr who had lived near Port Corbay
and had disappeared" with all his
family. Old Burr had not lived at Port
Corbay-at least, he claimed not to
have lived there; he gave another adj
dress and assigned to himself quite diff
ferent connections. For every member
of the crew of the Miwaka there had
been corresponding, but different
name upon COrvet's lst-the name of
close relative. If old Burr was not
what connection could he have with
the Miwaka, and why should Alan
questions have agitated him so? Alan
would not lose sight of old Burr until
he had learned the reason for that.
He followed, as the old man crossed
the bridge and turned to his left
among the buildings on the river front
Burrs figure, vague in the dusk
crossed the railroad yards and made
its way to where a huge black bulk
which Alan recognized as the ferry
loomed at the waterside. He disap.
peared aboard it. Alan, following him
gazed about.
A long, broad, black boat the ferry
was, almost four hundred feet to the
tail, bluff bow.
Alan thrilled a little at his inspec-
! ::nn Of the vessel. lie had not SEGA
close at hand before one of these grear
craft which, throughout the winter
brave ice and storm after all-Or near.
| ly all-other lake boats are tied up
He had not meant to apply there when
he questioned old Burr about a berth
on the ferry he had used that merely
as means of getting into converse,
, ton with the Old man. But now he
meant to apply; for it would enable
him to find out more about old Burr.
No berth on the ferry was vacant
yet but one soon would he, and Alan
was accepted in lieu of the man who
was about to leave; his wages would
nGl begin until the other man left, but
in the meantime he could remain
aboard.
All that was known definitely about
ola Burr on the ferry, it appeared, was
that he had joined the vessel in the
early spring. Before that-they die
not know; he might he an old lakemaI
who, after spending years ashore, ha(
returned to the lakes for a livelihood.
The next morning, Alan approached
old Burr in the crews quarters ant
tried to draw him INTO conversation
again about himself; but Burr Onl,
stared at him with his intent and odd
ly retrospective eyes and would no
talk upon this subject. A week passed
Alan, established as a lookout now OF
Number % and carrying on his duties
saw Burr daily and almost every hour
his watch conceded with Burr's watcl
at the wheel-they went on duty an
were relieved together. Yet bette
acquaintance did not make the oil
man more communicative; a score o
| times Alan nttpmutpd to get him +