Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-16

room door, through which the
captain could be seen bending over thu
chart of the South Atlantic Ocear
which lay open on the table.
THE hands are present, sir" thu
mate reported, putting his head into TIT
chart room.
| Men," the commander began abrupt
ly, stepping out on deck and fixing hi:
| eyes upon the wretched huddle of hui
mainly lined up three deep, their sod.
| den oilskins lashed at wrists, waists anc
ankles Things have gone hard againS
us. Here we are five months at sea
| the last two months of which have beer
spent off the Horn. You've seen the
| reception we have had down here. Dur.
ing these two months we have made
practically no progress, and I can see
no prospects of favorable slant. Win
ter is coming on, food won't last fol
ever, and the trying conditions are be.
ginning to tell on us all"
He began to pace the deck, glancint
each time he turned ON his heel towart
the western horizon, as though seeking
even at this eleventh hour some alter
native to the momentous decision III
had reached. The men pressed more
closely around him, waiting anxiously
for what was to follow.
facing the crowd, the captain continued
II have come to the conclusion that
there is nothing to be gained by hanging
around here any longer. intend
therefore, to put the helm up and make
a fair wind of It by running the casting
down past the Cape and Australia, and
then steering straight across the Pacific
toward our destination. I know this
will mean prolonging the passage con-
siderably, but that can't be helped In
the circumstances"
Then, sweeping the rows of faces In
front of him with his keen eyes, he
added almost aggressively: HAS any
one anything to say?"
Shutting irresolutely, and shifting
from foot to foot. the crew glanced In
all directions, as though searching some
easier solution Of their difficulty. The
captain remained silent, his steely gaze
rowing from face to face, until suddenly
it rested inquiringly upon the avowed
spokesman of the crowd. sea-lawyer
by reputation, who generally took the
lead in representing fo'csle complaints.
well, NJ" he said "Have you
anything to say on behalf of your SHIP
mates?"
We'll be glad of anything to get away
from ere, Cap'n." the seaman replied
stolidly. But what about grub, sir?
Do you propose putting in anywhere?"
We'll. can't very well feed you on
the patent fuel with which the ship is
loaded, can ~" retorted the commander,
coldly. Il shall have to put in some
where, but that is entirely my affair"
quite so, sir; quite So" murmured a
grizzled old shell-back, evidently anxious
to show that the men placed complete
faith in their commanders actions.
I'm sure, sir, that my mates are ready
to leave the matter in your hands"
Good! Then stand by to square the
yards" ordered the captain in fresh,
firm voice.
Instantly all became hurry and hustle
port watch to the fore braces; star
board watch to the MAN," Numbered
the mate, his strident voice breaking
through the deadly spell of inaction
which seemed to have descended on the
ship. The bos'n took up the cry. Come
along, me lads" he beloved. Square
In them match-sticks. Let's get the old
girl on the move again. Make her
travel!"
THE Denbigh Castle paid off slowly in
answer to her helm, and as the wind
began to draw aft she gathered head
way. great sea came sweeping up on
the port quarter, curled alarmingly over
the ship for few moments. then swept
on with q swish and a roar, its boiling
crest crashing on board with a roar and