New Britain herald., 1925-02-12


 the Orontes-
 Mir. Fielding lawyer, with the astounding news that Drake has become owner of the Orontes and that Captain Stevars must sur, render command of the ship to him. NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 No need for loud talking" Drake cut In, sharply. First let us go to the Custom House and settle the matter. Then"
 Then I only want five minutes talk with you on neutral ground be- hind the sheds before l pack my dunnage for home!" snarled Stew ems.
 Drake nodded grimly as the irons fell from him, then brushed his clothes and hair with his hands and went smilingly to Mary.
 Miss Mary, if you have read the letter Captain Manning tells me he sent you, you know that your father has sold the ship to me. It will make no difference to your voyage, except that I shall be your captain for the rest of the passage. Cap tain Stevens and I are now going to negotiate the change of masters. When I return on board, may hope to have your company at dinner ashore tonight?"
 Miss Manning is going to dinner with mel" snapped Stevens. "I'll call for you at five, Mary"
 Drake glanced at her face, wait ing for her to speak. There was a gleam In her dark blue eyes, a tiny quicker between them. He had never seen that expression before in her. Had he not believed Mary Manning to be as full of courage as she was of health, he would have suspected that look meant fear. Yet there was nothing for her to be afraid of He met her eye, and looked his question.
 T promised Captain Stevens" she said
 But I'm not sure that MT. Stew ems will be free" said Drake.
 You can bet I'll be the free-est man in this port as soon as leave the Custom House." Stevens grinned. "Barrin', of course, that five min utes of your time I have bespoke, Captain Drake" Stevens In his turn emphasized the Captain unduly.
 "Of course. If Mir. Stevens is free, you must keep your promise, Mary" Drake laughed easily, meeting the black glare of Stevens calmly enough. But I scarcely think he will be. l shall come for you at five-thirty. No gentleman expects a lady 10 wait more than half an hour for him. Shall we go ashore now, Fielding? You ready. Stevens?"
 Mir Fielding was very glad to go. There was too much dynamite in the surcharged atmosphere of the Orontes' cabin. He knew little of the men of the wide waters. He trem- bled with the dread that these two stalwart, bronzed men would back Imenacing words with murderous blows. Particularly he feared Stew ems. Like most folk whose lives fall Tn placid grooves, he believed large ly in appearances. A grim visaged, .knotty, tough looking man was more to be feared than man of the pale, smooth, smiling type. And Jake Stevens did little to mend that idea as he followed on deck with his papers and certificate, grinding his powerful teeth sava gely until tiny trickle of blood appeared at the corners of his mouth.
 On the wharf he walked behind tho others as they sought q cab 10 take them up Adderley street to the Custom House. They waited for him. He came up to Drake. his glittering eyes full of sinister meaning. He made no move towards entering the vehicle.
 What was that funny crack you made about me maybe not being al liberty tonight?" he> demanded. This here's about as good q place as any to settle the private matters between you and me"
 Mir. Fielding again lost the air of security that he had rcgained upon stepping ashore. Stevens looked 10 him now like nothing so much as a forbidding brute contemplating murder.
 "Only that you will have to ask for leave, and you may not get it, i Mir. Stevens" replied Drake com posedly.
 Ask - for leave? Little Cherubs; Who from? You?"
 Exactly. And I believe in my chief officer staying on board while cargo is working out. Come, step i in. Time flies"
 Stevens seemed to choke. He hurled down his papers on the road. and laid a nervous hand on Drake's arm through the cab door.
 "M'son," rasped he. you've pulled something over on me that I don't believe any ship master ever | had pulled over on him before, But one thing you can't do. You can't give Jake Stevens orders on the ship he's sailed master of. Tonight I take Miss Manning to dinner. To- morrow I book passage for home. Between now and then me and you are going to-"
 "Doeget in and let's go," Drake said impatiently. Do you want 10 start brawling out here in daylight for all the world and Cape Town to see. then expect to take a lady to dinner like a gentleman? I'll give you that five minutes, presently. l wouldn't miss il for the world And you won't quit the Orontes either, You'll go on as mate, and if you're