The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1925-02-18
Through Dangerous Seas


UT IKE most savages, Malays al
- very superstitious." began Ca
tain Ira. IF they run into anythin
which they don't understand, their fir.
impulse is to get away and hide frol
it. BY that, / don't want you to thin
they are towards. When it comes
physical bravery, there are no bette
men in the wo-ld than these sam
Malay pirates which you have aske
about"
MALAY pirates" continued the CAP
tain,' have built up bad name TO
themselves. Some of their chief
have been so powerful, and so dread
ed, that the people of those part
spoke of them only in whispers, ant
that in fear and trembling. Strange
things have happened. Men have gone
away and have not been heard O.
again. Entire ships, crews and all
have vanished. leaving no trace
Knowing this you may be able to
tell something Of how l felt the first
time 1t came my lot to sail those wa
tiers. / was cabin-boy and general
finnkey aboard an old tramp sailor,
the 'Bfue-Nose Lucy
This time we had been long
spell becalmed at sea, and the fresh
water tanks were getting low. After
talking 1t over with the two mates,
our Captain decided to put in for
water at one of the islands of the
lower archipelago. This was done.
Soon we lay at anchor near a great,
wooded mountain, and in the lea Of
a sheltering island which partly closed
the throat of the harbor.
There was Malay village across
the bay from us, and to it the Cap
tain made his way in our ships long
boat. l was taken with him, to carry
a parcel up of glass beads and some
other finery, which he meant to give
the Malay chief In order to gain his
good will. But we were received with
scowls instead OF smiles, and our
gifts were scorned.
ut seems there had been several
slight earthquake shocks felt in the
village of late, and the natives were
full of fear and distrust.
After the Captain regained the ship,
plans were made to send several boats
crews, with fresh-water casks, up
the bay In search of water This,
though, was never done.
about that time one of the deck
watch spled fiotilla Of war canoes
putting out from the village and head
ing straight for us.
I'm the carved prov of each canoe
stood stalwart Malay, ready with a
Several of our crew, at sight of
the oncoming horde, lay down behind
the bulwarks with pistols ready and
prepared to sell their lives as dearly
as possible. 1T is helpless to try and
Eight them said the Captain.
1T was tense moment as the Ma
lays, from all directions, began to
swarm over the rail. Swarthy, tur-
baned heads, with eyes flaming madly,
came into view. And clenched In |
white teeth shone scores Of glitter |
ing dirks. l thought myself as good
rs dead
Suddenly great. wailing cry went
up from the village. The Malay war
Tors stopped. One among them took
up the cry. 1t leaped from man to
nan. They turned about. Over the
all they returned. back into the
,anoes. then padded toward shore
ike furies.
Soon we saw what they fled from.
I was great wall of water, taller
han our ship. and with a side as
teep almost as n house. 1t was a
idal wave.
"a moment later 1t hit us. We did
lot get the full force of 1t, for the
sland partly sheltered us. But our
hip was torn from her mornings.
We were engulfed and swept half
cross the bay. How the 'Blue-Nose
.ucy ever weathered 1t, l can't fig
re. But shc did. although four Of our
rev were washed overheard.
1.-THE entire Malay canoe feet was
and the survivors were
ew. 1t took tremendously power
III swimmer to live in that weller
seething water. Even the lower
art of the village across the harbor
as partly swept away.
"And now, boys" went on the Cap
lin, "that shows what insane fear
nd distrust did to those savages. If
icy had behaved In natural way to
s. the chances are that few Of them
'ould have been harmed by the tidal
ave. They would have been home.
liking their afternoon siestas. instead
on the sea. Fear and distrust al
avs go hand in hand. Keep away
orr both. They can do you much
ARM II