The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1922-07-13

He saw nc recognition Of the name
In Burr's reception Of it; but he had
not expected that. None of those on
Benjamin Corvet's list had had any
knowledge Of Alan Conrad or had
heard the name before.
Alan was silent, watching the old
nan 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
lakesT' Alan inquired.
"All my life."
"Do you remember the MiwakaT
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.
II remember her-yes. She was lost
In 90" he said. "in 90" he repeated.
Did you know Benjamin CorvetF"
Alan asked. .
Old Burr stared at him uncertainty.
II know who he is, Of course"
You never met himi"
mo"
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?'
81 never heard of Miss Constance
Sheriff.. To send what t~hings?"
Several things-among them a
watch which had belonged to Captain
Stafford Of the Miwaka."
Old Burr got up suddenly and stood
gazing down at Alan. "A watch of
Captain Stafford's?-no," he said agi-
tatedly. mol"
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 Altar 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
this man was a nephew of the James
Burr who had lived nea Port Corbay
and had disappeared" with all his
family. Old Burr had not lived at Port
Cerbay-at least, he claimed not to
have lived there; he gave another adj
II. 81 - - $40. ,Y,sNA 1tf
ferent connections. For every member
of the crew of the Miwaka there had
been a corresponding, but different
name upon Corvet's list-the name of
a close relative. If old Burr was not
related to the Burr on Corvet's list,
what connection could lie have with
the Miwaka, and why should Alan's
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
Burr's figure, vague in the dusk.
crossed the railroad yards and made
It's way TO where a huge black bulk,
which Ala recognized as the ferry,
ioomed 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
tall, bluff bow.
Alan thrilled q little at his inspec-
ton of the vessel. He had not seen
close at hand before one of these great
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 a means of getting into converse
ton with the old man. But now he
meant TO apply; for 1t would enable
him. to find out more about old Burr.
No berth on the ferry vas vacant
yet but one soon would be, and Alan
was accepted in lieu of the mar who
was about to leave; his wages would
not begin until the other man left, but
IN the meantime he could regain
aboard.
All that was known definitely about
old Burr on the ferry, II appeared. was
that he had Joined the vessel In the
early spring. Before that-they did
o know he might be an old Iakeman
who. after spending years ashore. had
returned TO the lakes for q livelihood.
The next morning, Alan approached
old Burr In the crews quarters and
tried to dra... him INTO conversation
again about himself; but Burr only
stared at him with his intent and odd
iy retrospective eyes and would not
talk upon this subject. A week passed;
Alan. established As q lookout now on
Number IS and carrying OF his duties.
saw Burr daily and almost every hour
his watch coincided with Burr's watch
al the wheel-they vent on duty and
were relieved together. Yet better
acquaintance did not make the old