New Britain herald., 1925-02-09

ging to cool. The pelt already drag ged overheard on a heaving line, getting secured by the rushing sea.
 Abreast the galley Stevens stopped, and with a face working in cruel an- ticipation he seized Drake by the wrist.
 50 you're the monkey who's going to be master O this ship soon, are you?" he snarled. Drake glanced at the angry face, then at Tony, who seemed to be choking. Tony had his own notions about getting even for that thrasting.
 Some day may, sir" said Drake, respectfully. T want to be-
 Some day. You want! You meant nothing like that when you yam mered out your thoughts unknown to you, Tony! Come here!"
 Tony approached nimbly, carefully avoiding having to meet Drake's eye.
 What was it he said?" snapped Stevens.
 He say, som day soon he sail dees sheep hees self. then hee tell Captain Stevens who thee bes' man."
 II came to sea because I like the sea-" said Drake cooly. "I see no reason why I should not command this ship in time, sir"
 Don't lie. You're no common ships boy. I believe there's some damned nonsenseafoot between you and Miss Manning, and"
 That, of course, is a lie," Drake | Interrupted without raising his voice.
 In a flash Stevens big fist smashed against his mouth, and his arm was wrcnched excruciatingly as he whirled around. He had fallen head long against the steel bulwarks but for that iron grip on his wrist. The hosun and his gang stopped their scrubbing to look on in wonder. It vas the starboard watch, and Drake had few friends in that side of the forecastle. He, being deck boy, kept day hours, working through the day with both watches, and keeping no night watch; but most Of his well wishers were among the port watch. Old Bill Gadgett, the bosun, had warmed toward him when he had whipped Tony, and some of the men were not openly against him; but taken all around the deck scrubbers looked on in secret glee. MT Adams was aft, by the wheel, making sure that the ship swerved no more from her course. Mary had gone to her cabin in chagrin.
 While Drake sprawled on the deck. his twisted arm held high, Stevens struck him again, so savagely that the very impetus of the blow made him let go his wrist hold. Drake got up with the danger signal in his black eyes. backed against the bull warks, gathered himself on his toes and hurled himself at his assailant, with balled fists working in short, straight uppercuts. The men Gasped aloud; Tony groaned in sympathy as those short punches thudded upon the captains sacred chin. Mir. Adams stepped to the break of the poop, att tracted by the sudden Hull in the swish of brooms
 Carry on with your work, bosun"' cried NIT. Adams angrily. He lesped down the poop ladder, going to the defense of his skipper. Stevens re- 1 covered himself, lowered his blond head, and charged. believing bull like. He swung at Drake, needless of the snappy jolts that peppered his face. The punch drove Drake back ! heavily into the arms of Mir. Adams, who gripped him securely.
 Shall I iron him, sir?" he asked anxiously. Never in all his going 10 sea had the young second mate wit messed such a thing as ships boy returning punch for punch with a ship master. Stevens drew his arm hack for another punch, and held 1t, His Iips were bruised. his chin wal