ASIA

ROLF

BENNETT
AUTHCQ

"THE

LIEUT

0!='

ADVEUTURBS

LAWLESS.

OF

RM^

PR

UNIVERSITY

CORNELL

LIBRARIES
ITHACA,

N.

John
Colleaion

JOHN

M.

Echols

M.
on

14853

Y.

Southeast

OLTN

Asia

LIBRARY

Cornell

PR6003.E57C2

University

Captain

CAPTAIN

CALAMITY

Library

1916

1924

Calamity

oil

107

400

the

By

Author

Same

OF

ADVENTURES

THE

R.N.

LAWLESS,

LIEUT,

Net
IS.

Stoughton

Hodder

London
:

and

CALAMITY

CAPTAIN

ROLF

BENNETT
AUTHOR

"THE

OF
'

ADVENTURES

LIEUT.

OF

SECOND

HODDER
LONDON

EDITION

STOUGHTON

AND
NEW

LAWLESS,

YORK
MCMXVI

TORONTO

R.N.

Ld.,
Watson
by
Gteat

HazeU,

Britain

printed

in

Aylesbury.
London

and

"

Viney,

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I
FA

THE

PARTNERS

OB

I3

II

CHAPTER

21

CHAPTER

III

MUTINY

29

IV

CHAPTER

THE

36

CASTAWAYS

CHAPTER

DORA

44

FLETCHER

CHAPTER

MR.

DYKES

RECEIVES

VI

HIS

LESSON
.

53

CONTENTS

10

VII

CHAPTER

PAGE

6l

AGITATOR

THE

VIII

CHAPTER
THE

69

PRIZE
.......

IX

CHAPTER
TRAGEDY

78

.......

CHAPTER
THE

captain's

"

X
"

.86

APPEAL
.

CHAPTER
THE

CHAPTER
DESPERATE

103

....

THE

EBB

XIII

TIDE

114

....

CHAPTER
THE

ATTACK

95

XII

VENTURE

CHAPTER

XI

FIGHT
.

XIV
I2o

CONTENTS

II

CHAPTER

XV
PAOB

MCPHULACH

EXPLAINS
.

CHAPTER
CALAMITY

KEEPS

HIS

CHANCE

CHAPTER

COMMAND

SIGNAL

SMITH

-155

XIX

XX
171

......

XXI

GUN

179

CHAPTER
MR.

163

CHAPTER
THE

147

WHEEL

CHAPTER
IN

135

XVIII

THE

....

CHAPTER

AT

XVII

FLETCHER'S

.129

WORD

CONFESSION

DORA

XVI

CHAPTER
THE

SEEKS

PARTNER

XXII

185

CONTENTS

12

XXIII

CHAPTER

PAGB

DORA

FLETCHER

ANSWERS

NO

CHAPTER
THE

MACHINATIONS

OF

CHAPTER
THE

MR.

SOLOMON

I94

201

XXV

XXVI

TRIAL

217

XXVII

LRTTER

228

CHAPTER

XXVIII

HOME

239

....

CHAPTER
NOBLESSE

2O9

CHAPTER
THE

XXIV

ARREST

CHAPTER
THE

"

"

OBLIGE

XXIX

248

CHAPTER

THE

"

Know

all
and

forth
to, and
to

license

forth
'

the

take

and
to

by

force

the

ships,

the

The

had

of

man

feet

he

exaggeration,

to

of

thatch
a

eyebrows

produced
steely-grey
other

shock

it

his

small

was

black

and

and

adjudged."

brooded
when

and

possessed

was

pale

seen

13

and

over

that,

broad

his

face,
A

the
table
was

five

without
he

as

was

with

bronzed

pair of thick,

eyes

that

for

while

extraordinary

green

He

bullet-shaped

over

first

the

little

clean-shaven.

was

from
on

built

hair, and

by

as

manner

down

as

and

adjudged

goods

aloud

fifty,

shall

sell

to

companion.

well-nigh

was

it may

been

squarely

so

wiry

copper-hue,

shaggy

the

head

His

long.

but

belonging

and

sort

laid

and

goods

and

reading

at

forty

between

height,

in

been

inquiringly

glanced

seize

Brighouse

hath

parchment

closely written

such

of Admiralty
who

man

and

in

apprehend,

wherefore
John

called
and

and

ships, vessels

such

course

to

ship

command

own

vessels

Brighouse

the

arms

said

condemned

and

of

Empire,

of

dispose

his

reprisals

John

manner

under

issue

presents
and

authorise

warlike

for the

lawful

by these

of Marque

and

German

the

be

in

Hawk,'

therewith

do

we

Letters

grant
do

set

PARTNERS

that

men

gazed

usually
one

was

mobility,
upon

the

PARTNERS

THE

14
with

beholder

he

was

Pacific

After

eye.

had

"

had

secure

experiencing
second-hand

one

who
The

had

other

and

Hebraic

from

any

from

age

with

angular,
and

cast

ing
obtain-

it.

forty
of

an

last managed
to
the relative of a gentleman

to

features

pair

lose

at

Solomon

Isaac

man,

to

difficultyin

some

longer required

no

been

misfortune

the

glass substitute, he

lean

dead

"

of the

have

of

stare

stony

this

But

his

and

mitted
adalarming optical phenomenon
of a simple explanation. At
some
period
for thus
eventful career,
Captain Calamity
known
throughout the length and breadth

fish.

in

fixed

the

by name,
sixty.
of

beady

might
He

was

pronounced

black

that

eyes

impression of mingled cunning and

His upper
humour.
shaven, but he wore
lip was
a
beard
his
which, like the few remaining hairs upon
of a dingy grey colour.
head, was
This
seated in a small
oddly assorted pair were
half parlour, half office,at the rear
of the
room,
conveyed

the

premises

wherein

business

Mr.

Solomon

carried

the

on

of

ship-chandler. The one window, partly

shuttered
the fierce glare of the sun,
to keep out
looked
out
Singapore Harbour, with its forest
upon
of masts
and
busy fleet of small craft darting to
and fro across
the sparkling,unruffled surface of the
water.
"

That

enough for you,

Captain Calamity, tapping
good
"

"Veil
rubbed
"

O.K.
"

the

the

palms
suppose," he
; genuine
"

What

Mr.

other
of his

apologetic sort

quired
in-

parchment.

and

meditatively

"

nodded
of way.

"

long,skinny hands together.

on
hesitatingly, it is all

this letter of

Solomon

the

"

went

eh ?

paused

Solomon

"

authority ?
in a
deprecating,

half-

PARTNERS

THE
"

thought

15
did

the British Government

that

not

"

of
issue any Letters
Listen !
interrupted his
"

"

the

up

of

"

document.
His
'

Fifth

Britannic

'In

the

companion, snatching
and

name

the

on

Majesty, King

George

half
bethe

"

stopped abruptly and, pushing the parchment

the table with an impatient gesture, pointed
across
the large red seal.
to a signature just above
Look
at that," he said.
the signature as a bank
scrutinised
Mr. Solomon
clerk might scrutinise a doubtful
cheque.
at last, it is not
a
forg
Yes," he murmured
himself hastily,happening to
I mean," he corrected
it seems
catch the Captain's eye,
quite genuine.
like to know
Oh yes, quite. Still,I would
broke
How
I came
by this authority eh ?
And
with
in the other
a
laugh.
contemptuous
why I'm referred to there as
you'd like to know
JohnBrighouseandnot as Captain Calamity. You're
itching to know, aren't you, Solly ?
of pissness."
Merely as a matter
of business, I'm
Exactly. Well, as a matter
I obtained
How
the
not
going to enlighten you.
is my
Letters of Marque
concern
why
; the reason
referred to therein as John Brighouse is not
I am
He

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

concern.
your
else in these

the

For

parts, my

and

rest, to you
remains

name

to every

what

it

one

always

"

Captain Calamity. Savvy ?

A
tree is known
by its fruit eh, Captain ?
that
is to say, his
And
Solomon
Mr.
laughed
emitted
throat
a
strange, creaking noise which
suggested that his vocal organs needed oiling,while
his lips twitched
convulsively.
when
this mirthful
And
on
your ship," he went
is she ?
mood
had passed, vere
has been

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

i6

PARTNERS

THE
"

That

than

is

question which

you

can

better

answer

I."

eloquently interrogative.
I mean
that, if you intend to join in this little
with me, you must
solve the problem."
venture
other
I
don't
But
said
the
understand,"
You
have
tell me
a
anxiously.
ship called
you
the Hawk,
and
he shrugged his shoulders
now
with a helplessgesture.
Mr.

face

Solomon's

was

"

"

"

"

afraid your
I
Solomon.

"I'm
friend
The

Hawk

fiction
want

the

never

referred

to

in

carried

said

anything

that

document

you away,
of the sort.
is

legal

fiction some
illegal
might call it. If you
provide
go in for pigeon-plucking,you must
of prey," and Captain Calamity chuckled
an

"

to

bird

grimly
"

enthusiasm's

at

Me

his

facetiousness.

own

Provide

"

ship ! Out of the question !

cried
Mr.
the
Solomon, backing nervously from
table as though the mere
him.
suggestion alarmed
the table and took from
Calamity reached across
a box
a big, fat, Biumese
cigar. This he proceeded
back
in his chair
to light,which
done, he leaned
and
emitted
with
obvious
huge clouds of smoke
!

satisfaction.
"

think

of

something else. Captain,"

his companion, drawing still farther away
went
on
the table to escape
rrom
being suffocated by the
Captain's smoke.
Now
see
here," said Calamity, taking the cigar
his mouth
and speaking with great deliberation.
trom
You

must

"

"

clever

business

clever

man,

or

business
you

man

wouldn't

damned

have

kept

Well, here's a business

jailall these years.
heart.
You
own
proposition after your
provide
I'll provide the crew.
the ship and
fit her out, and
to earn
Then, within three months, I'll undertake
out

of

You're

i8

PARTNERS

THE

the
unexpectedly found
The
solution
to a seemingly impossible problem.
that Calamity regarded him
marked
so
change was
with
Solomon
undisguised suspicion, for when
looked
that somebody
hke that it generally meant
wise by experience.
was
going to be made
I vill dink it over," he said at last.
smile came
A
bland
over
Calamity's face. He
of

look

who

one

has

"

had

had

not

companion
and

intimate

this

Mr.

old

hand

also,

was

remark
"

his

with

ten

years

for

at

this

game

as

his

next

proved.

Please

rising as
and

an

past

was

coquettishnesson

relations

nothing,
mere
bluff,a sort of playful
Solomon's
he,
part. But

the

during
that

knew

business

in

yourself,"
"

if to go.
the meantime

he

answered

think

You
I'll

it

indifferently,
over

trip over

pal Rossenbaum.
your
to
chance

He

see

as

you

to

Johore

be

glad

may

say,
and

of the

"

"

Mr.
such

Vait

minute

Vait

Solomon, starting to
a
'urry for ?

minute

his

feet.

"

"

interrupted
Vat

you

in

"

In moments
h's which

of excitement
other

times

he

was

apt

to

he

drop

the

assiduouslycultivated.
I'm going to hang about
Well, you don't suppose
the
local aperients
on
Singapore and get drunk
while you make
?
inquired
up your mind, do you
Calamity.
Now
just you sit down. Captain, and ve'U talk
the matter
in a mollifying
over," said Mr. Solomon
Make
tone.
yourself at home now."
of great reluctance, Captain
With
an
appearance
himself
and
took another
Calamity reseated
big,
rank cigar from the box on the table.
Go
ahead," he said laconicallyas he lit the
poisonous weed.
at

"

' '

"

"

"

PARTNERS

THE
"

Vat

propose," began

a bond.
you give me
continued
for
He

19
is that

"

Solomon,

Mr.

..."
half

over

an

hour

to

state

his

conditions, Calamity never

once
interrupting him.
he had got through the Captain threw
the
When
and drew
stump of his third cigarout of the window
his chair
"

feel

closer to the

table.

you've used up yovu steam, and,

better, we'll talk business," he said in

Now

determined

I
a

hope,
cool,

voice.

elapsed before Captain Calamity rose

to his feet and
prepared for departure. It had
demands
been a tremendous
battle,for Mr. Solomon's
had continued
to be outrageous and he had resisted
But
nail.
reduction
tooth
and
they had
every
at last come
to an agreement, though, even
so, each
to the
felt that he was
conceding far too much
main
The
other.
points were, that Isaac Solomon
to procure
a
was
ship and fit her out ; that the
to be
profitsof each privateeringexpedition were
divided into foiu equal shares, of which the partners
shares
The
each
took
were
one.
remaining two
for the
bonuses
to be used for refitting,
victualling,
hours

Two

wages, and
the venture

crew,

with

but

one

its root

so

was

to be

kept

every

his partner, for, with

a
modesty that
in wisdom, the ship-chandler avoided
much

Solomon

"

Vet

"

Yes, drink

it ?

had

licity
pub-

as

"

Mr.

from

secret

possible.
I suppose
you're going to wet
remarked
Calamity as he picked up
as

connection

Mr. Solomon's

forth.

"

affected

not

to

the

contract

"

his hat.

understand.

inquired innocently.
to the prosperity of the

he

venture,

partner."
With
crossed

no

to

great
a

show

cupboard

of
and

alacrity,Mr.
was

about

Solomonto

bring

PARTNERS

THE

20

out

bottle

red

of

stopped

Calamity

when

wine,

him.
"

Damn

drink
Sheenies.

"

and

ful
held

his

"

thin,

fellow

your
of

in

brought

fluid,
He

you

rum,

about

was

half

his

forth

Calamity

yourself,

filled

took

dole

out

bottle

the

of

glasses.

the

handing

said,

he

partner,"

square

to

one

throat,

ado

Calamity
shrill

poured

out

it

deluged

about

with

water,

teaspoonand

then

glass.
and

Captain,

the
more

noise

than

more

life

Long

cried

chuckling

when

spirit,

the
up

"

red

carefully

other

of

bottle

for

to

bottle.

the

The

it

that

glasses.

help

Now

back

measure,

him

from

the

two

modest

no

made

and

going

not

"

replacing

bottle

I'm

save

with

out

Solomon

Mr.

"

cried.

he

purgative

Come,

skinflint

and,

"

purple

that

old

you

than

and

voice.

to

success

tossed

and

if it
Co

had
!

"

and

Calamity
off

the

been

milk.

echoed

Mr.

raw

spirit

Solomon

Co

"

with

in

CHAPTER

THE

Captain

DEPARTURE

force

for

of

of

civihsation

this

sort

but

World,
islands

various

of

the

with

have

drifted

battling

South

Pacific,

minimum

has

no

safe

effort.

use.

social

men,"
distance

the

life

further

be

can

tained
mainmere

are

the

striving,

Some

their

New

luxuriant

Some

just

are

bribed

outcasts,

from

the

over

in

whom

waters
back-

the

semi-barbarism.
all

for

those

through

into

where

of

derelicts

remittance
a

found

of

one

often

of

particularly

world

at

be

to

are

hfe

more

beachcombers,

"

and

HAWK

be

to

reasons

to

"

"

THE

appeared

circumstances,
of

Men

OF

Calamity

who,

men

II

to

main
re-

respectable

more

relatives.
A

few,

adventure

few,

very

who

men

are

superabundant

and

energy

these

as
as

was

the

was

known

to-day,

origin

the

even

Isaac

inkling

of-his

real

imder

such

circumstances,

more

the

incredible
islands

than

concerning

the

No

had

various

last,
him.

were

Still,

his

the
be

as

he
until

"

shghtest
expected

stories,
current

the

past

him

one

might

Of

which

by

name

as

crowded,
over-

knew

"

And,

name.

the

Yet

who

Solomon

their

world.

the

Pacific.

the

throughout
not

of

suggestive

for

in

vitality

those

to

spirit of

scope

Calamity.

mystery
of

by

no

cities

Captain

was

much

was

find

can

over-civilised
such

obsessed

men

each

among
one

most

OF

DEPARTURE

THE

22

"

THE

"

HAWK.

it sounded
because
generally believed, no doubt
of
romantic, described him as an ostracised member
he had
whom
aristocratic English family upon
an
in earlier years brought disgrace.
the truth might be, Calamity never
But, whatever
by any chance referred to his past, and, as to the
the
take
did not
stories concerning himself, he
them.
trouble to deny or confirm
mon
For
some
days after his interview with Mr. Solobusily engaged in collectinga
Calamity was
to be
a
was
crew
a
crew
which, as the Hawk
fightingship, would have to consist of about thrice
"

the

which

number
concerned

were

much

proved
for

this

was

or

have

deck-hands

carried
and

fairlyeasy, but
and
engineers

difficult.

more

reason

some

as

officers

finding

to

came

far

So

merchantman.

would

-she

Men

other, found

as

firemen
when

the

it
task

of this class,who,
themselves

adrift

a
ship, fought shy of the
Singapore without
and
notorious
probably
skipper. They believed
that to sail under him would
with very good reason
ruin all prospects of getting a job with a reputable
firm
again. So, while willing enough to absorb
at the
Captain's expense,
they politely
pegs

in

"

"

"

"

his offers of

declined

berth

on

the Hawk.

engineer who had

made
several
with
him
on
trading and
voyages
Phineas
a
McPhulach,
pearling expeditions ; one
with
Scotsman
no
little,red-haired
professional
unlimited
capacity for deathprospects, but an
McPhulach, being in his customary
dealing drinks.
down
and out," and having no future that
state of
necessitated
consideration, eagerly accepted the
berth of chief-engineerwhich
Calamity offered him.
able to introduce
in
a companion
Moreover, he" was
misfortune
named
Ephraim Dykes. Mr. Dykes was
Eventually,

"

he

ran

across

an

THE

a
an

DEPARTURE

OF

lean, lanky individual,with

accent

that

proclaimed

"HAWK"

THE

him

cast
a

in

one

native

23
eye, and
of New

held a master's
England. He had once
certificate,
but this,it appeared, had been suspended indefinitely
owing to his ship having piled herself up on a reef
off New
Guinea.
Therefore, when
Calamity proposed
that he should
ship as first mate, he was
freeze right on."
quite willing,as he put it,to
Partly through the instrumentahty of this latter
able to secure
second
acquisition.Calamity was
a
in the person of Mr. Sam
mate
Smith, a Httle Cockney
of
unsober
A
habits.
second
engineer named
of middle
also picked
Sims, a taciturn man
age, was
and
thus
in collectinga
Calamity succeeded
up,
suitable
in quantity if not
in
ship's company
quahty.
In the meantime,
Mr.
Solomon
also been
had
busy. On the day followinghis entry into partnership
with Calamity, he went
to Johore and
paid an
afternoon
call on Mr. Rossenbaum,
of
a gentleman
similar persuasionsto his own.
For some
weeks past
they had been haggling over a business deal, which,
Mr. Rossenbaum
up to that day, had not been settled.
possessed a steamer which he wanted repaired,
had the docking faciUties necessary
and Mr. Solomon
the only thing which
had
far
for the job, and
so
of opinion as
stood between
them
was
a difference
to price.
these
two
The
meeting between
gentlemen
afforded a magnificent piece of acting. Both
peared
apto have
forgotten all about the subject over
conversed
which
they had been negotiating, and
amicably on neutral topics. The war, of course,
this led Mr. Solomon
for discussion, and
came
up
"

to

remark

that

agreed,

not

money

only

was

Mr.

scarce.

because

it

was

baum
Rossen-

the

truth.

24

OF

DEPARTURE

THE

always maintained
when
was
even
plentiful.
money
Mr. Solomon
went
to say that, in
on
of the said scarcity of coin, he was
now

but

because

he

undertake

contracts

had

consequence

obliged to

unremunerative

on

cash.

the

terms,
Rossenbaum

Mr.

added,

and

before

never

"

this view,

had

simply for the sake of

expressed his sympathy
matter

HAWK

"

THE

as

between

mentioned

been

the

though

cause
laying up, solelybehe was
the extortionate
unable
to pay
prices
demanded
by ship-repairersfor overhauling her.
tantamount
to a
This
was
challenge, and Mr.
Solomon
accepted it. For a time they fenced and
dodged, but at last,casting aside all pretence, came
of wits
combat
the bargain. It was
to grips over
a

them, that he had

between

world,

two

as

steamer

well

matched

and

it lasted well into the

Mr.

Solomon

and
way
amended
advance.
on

men

agreed

if half

Mr.

Rossenbaum

condition
the

that

he

advance.

afternoon.

terms

the

was

in the

any

great business
accept the contract

made
to

as

money

were

tually
Evenof

giving
the

on

paid

in

reluctantly consented
allowed
Solomon

^ per

cent,

count
dis-

nearly fainted,
and, with tears in his eyes, declared that if he agreed
ruination
would
in the face.
stare him
Finally, he
consented
to a 2j per cent, discount, and
the business
concluded
at last.
was
Each, on
parting,
the
other
that
assured
he had
of the
spent one
most
enjoyable days of his hfe, and this was
bably
prothe only truthful statement
either had made
throughout the interview.
Over
week
a
elapsed before Calamity and his
partner met again, and, contrary to the Captain's
evinced no desire to back
expectations,Mr. Solomon
out of the venture.
On the contrary, he exhibited
almost
an
painful desire to see the expedition set
on

Mr.

26

DEPARTURE

THE

and

sampan
no

the

reaching

On

one

OF

harbour, Calamity

taken

was

"HAWK"

THE

to the

steamer.

engaged a
There
being

able to make
rupted
uninteran
board, he was
very thorough examination, and, to his

on

and

surprise,found

that

she

was

all that

claimed

be.

She

was

comparatively

not

her

than

more

odd

3,000

five

and

tons

and

seaworthy
bad

to

old
years
with every

sound.

at

most

of

"

of

indication

food, too,

The

had

Solomon
new

"

about

being
not

was

as

of it, indeed,
been ; some
might have
seemed
Moreover, Mr. Solomon, in
quite eatable.
an
extraordinary fit of liberality,had not only
the name
repainted the ship, but had also caused
Hawk

to

be

emblazoned

which, by

gold

"

out

it

as

the

very

next

her

on

the

in letters

stern

had

Calamity

way,
day. Nor

had

Solomon

of

painted
forgotten

primary object of the expedition, for in the

after-hold were
six machine-guns
rather antiquated
such
most
as
decidedly
weapons
go, perhaps, but
the

"

serviceable.

and

Ammunition

small-arms

were

miscellaneous
plenty, the latter a somewhat
collection of varying degrees of deadliness.
The
Captain, as he noted all this, felt a growing
of perplexity. It was
so
sense
utterly unlike Mr.
Solomon
to do
cepting
anything thoroughly always exhis chents, of course
that he felt almost
like an
apprehensive. He was
animal, sniffingan
appetising morsel, while fearing that it was
merely
the bait of some
concealed
time
trap. For some
he
stood
leaning on the bulwarks
thinking hard,
but at last the worried
expression left his face and
succeeded
was
by a smile ; a smile that would
not
have
made
Mr. Solomon
the happier had
he
any
there

in

"

"

seen

it.

Having
Calamity

made
decided

himself
to

waste

acquainted with
no

the

further time.

ship.
Going

THE

DEPARTURE

ashore

again,

aboard

under

he

OF
collected

THE
his

"HAWK"
and

crew

27
them

sent

Mr.

who
Those
Dykes, the mate.
not
sober enough to walk were
were
carried by
those who
and flung unceremoniously into the
were
boats
a
joyful,polyglot crowd with complexions
varied as their sins. On reaching the Hawk, the
as
firemen
kicked below to get up steam
and the
were
deck-hands
set to holy-stoning and polishing.
When
board
little later,he
Calamity came
on
a
sent for Mr. Dykes, and
the two
had a brief conference
appertainingto the work of the ship.
What's
the crew
asked the
like,Mr. Dykes ?
Captain presently.
"

"

"

"

Like

"

echoed

the

"

mate.

the

reckon

devil's

around
here
opened hell's gates somewheres
and
we've
picked up a few of them what's got out.
There'll
be red, ruddy, blazin' mutiny
before
a
week's
the number
we've
out, and, with
got on
board, we shan't stand a yallerdog's chance."
Calamity smiled.
Don't
yourself,Mr. Dykes, I don't think
worry
"

we

shall have

or

two,

know,

trouble

much

very

sailed

have

with

with

them.

One

before

me

and

they, probably, will give the others the benefit of

their experience."
Mr. Dykes having been dismissed, chief-engineer
McPhulach

was

opinion of
terms

but

the

mate.

"The

scum

to the

under

men

agreed

the

by

summoned
in

him, his reply varied

spiritwith

of the

Asked

cabin.

that

bottomless

his
in

already given

pit," was

how

he

put it.
"

They
Calamity
we

shall

Whereat

not be
may
in an
almost

understand
McPhulach

one

liner's

exactly," said

crew

gentle voice,
another

departed

"

before
with

but

I think

long."
an

almost

28

smile

happy
for

the

"

he

informed

Solomon's

store,

he

his

Captain

promise,

panied
accom-

introduced.

duly

that

partner

he

was

don't

soon

"

ejaculated

want

do

necessary,

lying

longer

idle

"

you

but

no,

capital

your

Solomon.

Mr.

"

bills

these

sign

of

lading

and

don't

waste

time."

my

Solomon

Mr.
which
his

turned

and

spectacles,
had

each

one

all

Solomon

the
much

So,

his

put
than

That

glance

night

the

unostentatiously
troubling
officials

and

whatever.

and

him.

his
to

name

the

over

Hawk

the

customs

at

would

rest

last

the

not

sail

without

judgment,
without

Mr.

doing

contents.

weighed
of

papers

signed

better

on

scrutinised

that

were

against

put
the

He

he

swore

oil-lamp

room,

examine

to

remainder

out

the

the

carefully

so

little

smoky

before

patience

unless

delay.

more

long

lost

Captain

proceeded

thrust

so

the

up

illuminated

inadequately

Calamity

at

fireman

night.

You

Then

his

whom

done,

No,

insolent

an

to

Mr.

at

Dykes,

so

than

down

according

Mr.

that

"HAWK"

THE

soul.

by

Vat,

"

his

arrived

sailing

"

of

evening,

Calamity

"

knocked

and

good

That

This

OF

DEPARTURE

THE

anchor

Singapore
authorities

and

steamed

Harbour
or

out
with-

any

other

CHAPTER

III

MUTINY

dawn

By

the

towards

speed
unknown

judge

to

the

crew

of

engineer
they

even
a

will

expected.

the

effect

cloud

glances
would

for

and

threats

his
were

very

these

and

already
When

few

white

the

at

"

Now

mean

than

with

work

not

they

They
had

that
and

ening
threat-

amongst

had

only

below

had

ing
lower-

breath.

the

all been

shanghaied

Besides

swain,
boat-

the

of quartermasters,

couple

them,

amongst
the

and

crew

state

there
between

and
of

hostility

existed.
the

swore

of

deed,
In-

mate

quarrelled

pretences.

men

rest

boatswain's

forecastle

the

those

sooner

black

muttered

they

the

silence

They

officers

that

and

mate

the

false

under

sullen
as

but

grumble.

even

nerves

day.

but

imagine

shipped

or

still

of

did

didn't

too

was

manifest.

fulfilled

men

stolid,

the

on

on

themselves,

One

solid,

same

The

still, they

maintained

be

to

It

ship,

becoming

prophecies

hkely

were

destination

the

of

full

at

way

Captain.

qualities

if the

her

and

the

already
as

worse

but

the

were

it looked
the

Sea

Java

one

any

churning

was

the

to

early
of

Hawk

him,

door
and

then,
Show

my
a

to

mate

call

that

was

and

sons,

leg,

the

show

called.
29

his

put

morning
very

bad

you

know

leg,

show

head

inside

watch

no

sign

indeed.

the
a

one

leg

sons

!"

I
he

MUTINY

30

Nobody
him

to

his

threw

the

had

their

word

scarcely a
"

been.

with

bunks

Rouse

The

Rouse

caste, loafingswine

told

out

"

roared

He

tentative

faces

with

with

and

boatswain's

the

his hand

of

out

hang-dog,

You

half-

mate,

into

he

movement

what

him

tumbled

men

might thus goad them

and induce a homely feeling.
failed,however, and though one

hoping

that

him, nobody consigned

surly, glowering
spoken.

out

at

regions, nobody

nether

mother

boot

fulness
cheer-

made

man

direction

in the

of it.
hip, nothing came
The
matter
was
reported to Mr. Dykes, who
shook
his head gloomily.
You
by now,"
ought, by rights,to be half-dead
he said, looking resentfullyat the boatswain's
mate.
latter evidently felt his position and tried to
The
look apologetic.
of 'em,"
Can't
out
even
curse
get an honest
he
said.
They've had three feeds already, and
of

sheath-knife

at

his

"

"

"

the

says not one's threatened

like it because, of course, he

cook

don't

'Tain't natural

wrong.

their

and

grub

go

away

that

men

without

of 'im.
just what
they think
anything like it before."
Something's going to bust,
"

remarked
when

the

mate.

he

on

Calamity, who
"

An'

kill 'im.

He

feels

something's
should
just fetch
tellingthe cook
Tve

and

it'llbe

never

see'd

pretty soon,"
a

gaudy shindy

it does."

Later

"

"

to

The

men

reported the state

merely smiled.
are
doing their work,

of

aren't

affairs

they

to

"

Yes, sir."

"Well?

"

is, sir, things ain't settlin' down

as
they ought to. The ship feels like a theatre when
"

The

fact

MUTINY
the

boys

loosenin'

are

as

photo nor a picture-postcardnailed

it, sir, like
nothing homely about

There's

up.

you'd expect

their guns before the curtain

in the foc'sle and there ain't

been

I've

goes down.
much
so

31

to

see

cussin'

no

rowin'

nor

nor

thing
any-

cheerful,"
will be more
cheerful later
Probably the men
the Captain.
They are
on, Mr. Dykes," answered
to the ship,remember."
new
in deep dudgeon.
mate
went
The
So this
away
the notorious
was
Captain Calamity ; the man
he had been told, was
sufficient to cow
whose
name,
the most
disorderly ruffians that ever trod a ship's
"

"

decks.
the

evening

That

Phulach, in
"

he said.
about
his

waitin'

ain't

He

like

Aye,
Queer

ditch
"

to

suckin'

ship,' says

the

but
the
!

before

he's

the

men

were

slit all

our
'

dove.

he,

talks

sailors is about

as

only
throats,

Remember

soft

I wouldna

hasna
Mr.

go

been

Dykes

walked

quare

till ye

mon

engineer thoughtfully.
all be dumped
He'll let us
he raises a finger."

michty strange

he

wrong,"

as

some

school-marm."

remarked
"

him

told

tabbed

man

School

good opportunity

jest coo'd
to
they're new
"

for them

excuses

skipper as they

bucko

Sunday

When

he

old

no

of

crowd

mark.

confided

got this old

we've

"

on

latter's cabin.

the

I reckon

were

skipper with
was
disgusting.
his opinions to Mc-

It

elbow.
he

who

crew

mission-boat

some

at his

parson

mutiny, making

like

talking

with

was,

of

verge

very

and
the

he

Here

far

as

mon,

I'm

made

that

gave

away,

sa

tae

fathom

contemptuous

opined

that

the

and

him,"

into

that.

say

tellingye,
can

ken

the

Yon's
the

line
lead-

him."

grunt, and,

skipper and

as

the

MUTINY

32

chief

about as fit to control

a pair,and
engineer were
their grandmothers would
have been.
as
men
not
As he had
were
anticipated, matters
long
in coming to a head.
the
At
machine-gun drill
and
rifle exercise, which
occupied several hours
each day, the men
increasinglyslack. On the
grew
fourth
he could do to get
as
as much
day out it was
the men
if ever
showed
to obey orders, and
a crew
of the Hawk.
signs of mutiny it was the crew
But,
dent
early in the morning of the followingday, an incioccurred

which,
for

attention
of

effect
The

sound

the

of

everybody's
ultimate

while, had the

the long-threatened crisis.

of dawn

mist

distract

to

little

bringing about

grey

when

if it served

still lay upon

firing was

the waters,

heard, apparently

the
The
eastward.
Hawk's
coming from
was
changed slightlyand an hour later those
able to make
the
bridge were
out, with
glasses,a small German
gunboat
holding

course

aid

"

Guess

could

we

swallowin'

as

of
"

up

liner.

French
"

the

on

sink that little steam

cocktail,"

remarked

"

can

as

the

easy
mate.

"

Say, Cap'n, do we butt in here ?

Instead of answering, Calamity stepped
engine-room telegraph and rang down
this time

By

things from

the

could

Germans

the liner to their

own

be

seen

up

to

the

"

"

Stop !
conveying

vessel, and,

how
some-

the Hawk's
other, the rumour
spread among
that
bullion cases.
crew
they were
Presently the
to proceed on
liner was
allowed
her way,
and
the
or

steamed

German

off in

north-easterlydirection.
Full speed !
to the
down,
a

"

Then

Calamity rang
engine-room and turned to the mate.
Follow
that packet," he said,indicatingthe
"

"

"

Then

but

don't

we're

overhaul

goin' to

"

man,
Ger-

her."

let that

square-head breeze

MUTINY

34

anything else,they did

The spokesman wound
not Uke the Captain.
up his
perorationin broken EngHsh by hinting that, unless
would
the crew
at once,
the Hawk
was
put about
take charge of her.
All this while Calamity had stood leaning on the
bridge-rail,listeningto the serang with an expression
The
of quiet,almost
mate,
anxious, attention.
of his eyes, saw
no
watching him out of the corner
he
sign of that terrible berserker rage with which
In fact,
the Captain credited.
had so often heard
and,
officers,

the

to

deputation

could

Parliament

of

member

than

more

of

listened

have

not

constituents

with

do

they

polite

more

attention.
"

if

I reckon

hand

out

that

trouble,"

some

ain't got

don't

we

knife

one

what
said

ready

the

"

mate.

their

at

they'll

want

hips

Them

has

got

two."
but a peculiarpallor
no
Calamity made
answer,
from the
had
overspread his face. He turned away
and, without any sign of haste, descended
bridge-rail,
the companion-ladder and
stepped calmly into the
midst
of the snarling rabble.
What
he asked
the
are
you doing on deck ?
quietly. Your place is in the stokehold."
serang
started
make
The
to
man
an
impudent reply,
words
but before
he had
uttered
the Captain
two
"

"

"

snatched

had
been
of

him

child

astonished

Then,

as

with

and

flung him

men,

bodily into

knocking

several

if he
the

had

crowd

of them

over.

against a steam-winch
serang landed
terrible crash, Calamity
snatched
up

the

mate,

dashed

into the

standing

on

crowd.

the

spectacle as he had never

devoutly hoped he would never
such

easilyas

as

the

capstan bar and

Then

off his feet

bridge, witnessed

seen
see

before

and

again. Swing-

MUTINY

ing

the

were

knives
was

no

In

two

his head

and

Captain smashed
how
hitting them
men,
the head, body, limbs
no
he

and

hit

made

Two

them.

three

or

where

drew

desperate rush at him, but

getting through the swinging circle of
a

minutes

resemblance

to

injured men
planks into

the

deck

shambles,

and

forward

blood

for

bore

it

their
there
iron.

horrible

littered

was

trickhng

was

he

where

matter

"

as

though it
and
right

as

the

long

so

above

left

on

"

bar

flail, the

among
could

iron

heavy

35

down

the

with
white

the scuppers.
Groans, shrieks, and ciirses
resounded
all sides ; the men
scurried
for shelter
on
in every direction
like rats, and two
or
three, reaching
the forecastle, locked
themselves
in.
But
a
couple
of

blows

from

spUnters
the

and

One

bar

cries rang
terrible
the

bulkhead

iron

then
of

sound

against

the

or

smashed
out

smashed

again

and
as

weapon
a

the

bunk

door

with
it

to

to

them

crashed

spUnters.

of the
forecastle
to escape
out
managed
the poop
and
when
was
running for his life towards
with
demoniac
fury,
Calamity, his face distorted
the
It caught the
man
on
flung the bar at him.
the
head
and
he pitched forward
of the
back
on
blood.
he lay weltering in his own
deck, where
the fearful
much
as
a glance at
so
Then, without
to the
havoc
he had
wrought, the Captain returned
bridge.
I
What
left, Mr.
saying before
were
you
he inquired calmly.
Dykes ?
if the wind
Er
I was
as
saying that it looked
would
changeround to the nor' west before long, sir,"
subdued
and
in
answered
the
mate
extremely
a
man

"

"

"

"

respectful

tone.

CHAPTER

CASTAWAYS

THE

The

following

crew

not

in

limbs

or

I'm

such

of

think

What

raises

And
I

to

see

get

of

out

turned
"

who

God,
my

to

the

always

I'll

we

somehow
deal

should
think

clap

hawser

cheerful

the

you

harsh,
insults.

who

man

hesitates

in

string

up

for

collar.

crew,

at

and

cheerful

as

in

the

I'll

look
him

in

or

man

like

doesn't

if
he

as

bilboes.

Now

sight."
back

stepped

from

the

rail

and

mate.

believe

in

Mr.

persuasion,

using

that

as

first

anything

said

the

telling

scum

emphasise

this

with

this

Captain

The

is

derrick

he

the

by
by

prison

as

struck,

were

breath

you,"

say

meek

as

were

and

order,

an

man

by

my

about

remember

ought,

to

of

waste

to

heads

had

accompanied

rail.

seemed

them

bells

the

to

about

want

out

end

the

bridge,

doss-house

murmur

carrying

the

to

that

voice,

grating

they

ship's

up

crowd

what

and

the

assembled

were

of

Many

the

going

not

are

"

walked

and

mate,
"

As

mounted

Calamity

sick-list

hatch.

bandages,

lambs.

little

the

of

bells, those

eight

at

on

or

forward

the

upon

morning,

duty

on

IV

have
we

drastically

exercising
he
Dykes,"

any

shall
with

more

"

it
the
3"5

patience
said.

trouble
will

"

become

offenders."

"

and

in

ever,
If, how-

and

I don't

necessary

THE

CASTAWAYS

37

Without

waiting for a reply, he

chart-room, leaving Mr. Dykes and
gasping.
"

What

like to

in

thunder

know

maimed

"

He's

replied

the

Lord

that's

"

all

kid,

the

the-

the second-mate
'

call

and

drastic,'I'd
"He's

ready
al-

calls that

between

stand

into

former.

crew

suasion.
per-

and

me

his

all I

say."
knock-aht,

second-mate

admiration.
him

the

bloomin'

he

inquired
half

The

persuading,

"

would

walked

in

swelp
tone

the yarns

thought

Bob,"

me

of

subdued

I'd heard

about

"

but

help !
Later
when
Mr. Dykes conveyed his sions
on,
impresto the chief engineer,the latter merely nodded
without
evincing the slightestsurprise.
I told ye he was
a
marked
michty quare mon," he reI wouldna
advise
to
run
calmly.
ye
if ye've got liquor as an excuse."
athwart
him even
I guess
I'll
You
bet I won't, not
after this.
have to load up pretty considerable
on
liquor before
was

now

"

"

"

"

try
"

to hand

the

jesthave

song

and

dance."

liquor,ye'U find a bottle o' rum

pillow o' my bunk, Meester Dykes. We'll
a
wee
drappie an' I'll tell ye hoo I marrit

Talkin'

under

him

about

fairst wife."

me
"

Your

"

first wife?

repeated

the

had ?
have
you
many
I couldna
tell ye off-hand, mon.
saircumstances
in mony
cases
were
"

"

ken

me,"

answered

."
fairst,now
Mr. Dykes listened for
.

account

turned

that

"

Say,

"

how

if ye
Me

mate.

McPhulach

Ye

see,

the

compleecated,
thoughtfully.

some

time

to the

engineer's

complications and then

since leaving Singathe first time
For
pore,
in.
an
he closed his eyes without
suspicion
uneasy
officers might have
of the
rest
the
he
and
of his matrimonial

CASTAWAYS

THE

38
their throats
for the

The

seas.

served

have

exacting skipper that

most

could

men

Indeed, the

morning.

the

henceforward

might

crew

before

cut

sailed the

ever

turned

have

not

had

occasions

such

on

boatswain's

had

mate

would

start

hum

to

toothache
"

It's

led

ship'scat

the

if he

smile

it ; he'd

round

German

four-inch

her

with

They

he

vouchsafed

gunboat
watch,

that

at

booty.
so

much

or, if

was

the

But

one

never

hint

never

or

certain

was

they weren't,
the Captain

look-out

the

men,

glanced

word
at

the

those

even

tumbling up
they were
going
not

Captain's

reported

fully
care-

self
him-

on

to

who

deck,

in

sniff the

spoken,
bridge where

was

that

ately
Immedi-

chasing a large steamer.

came

last

as

And

the

explanation.

morning

afterwards
on

up

German.

the

But

Calamity,

business,

no

third

the

to

her.

engage

it to themselves.

kept

the

sink

his officers ; every

his

knew

to

reached

from

question

On

put

perishers dance

us

could

guns,

reluctance

of wonder

that

all

puzzled, therefore, as

were

seeming
word

second-mate

of
kept the smoke-trail
days the Hawk
no
attempt
gunboat in view, but made
her.
Every one agreed that the Hawk,

two

overhaul

to

only

it."

For
the

depended

don't

man

make

man

happy, and

said the

old

the

that
Dykes,
bhghted maypole and

that

power
ten-thousand-horse-

wonder,"

"

Mr.

had

And

Whenever

if his hfe

as

everybody was
a
dog's life.

bloomin'

tune

the

even

complaint.

for

cause

no

that

such

was

cheerful,laboriouslycheerful.
they were
Calamity happened to approach a man,

to

for

out

with
more
promptitude
respective watches
guage
a
battleship, and their lanthey been aboard

their

on

model

as

were

not

the

hope
promised

not

the

man

skipper

THE
stood

with

CASTAWAYS

39

his

glassesfocussed on the chase.

They
were
patientlycheerful.
the faint echo
of a shot
Presently there came
and the steamer
lay-to,apparently waiting for the
At
her.
her stern
fluttered the
pirates to board
red ensign of the British Mercantile
Marine,
The
Hawk
had
slowed
down
to quarter speed,
and
to
Calamity, through his glasses,continued
watch
In
events.
a
remarkably short space of
time
the
Germans
transferred
a
portion of the
it might be, to their own
whatever
vessel,
cargo,
after which

the

steamer

One
thing seemed
way.
Germans
cared
less for
for

lajdng hands

the

on

allowed

was

to

clear, which

sinking

valuable

more

that

was

enemy

they happened to carry.

having captured and dismissed her
her

and

course,

so

did

also

the

ships than
and portable

articles of cargo

on

her

pursue

The

boat,
gun-

prey,

tinued
con-

the

Hawk.

doubt, had
Calamity, no
fully developed his
plans, but he appeared, also, to have developed a
very

bad

his commission

panjnng

clauses, one

other

ship
taken
and
have

by

in
the

company
Letters
to

and

instructions

the

which

numerous
among
if any
that
laid it down
to us or our
subjects,shall
"

belonging
distress by being
the

in

such

merchant

of

Marque

shall

aid

succour

and

fight,set

use

officers,
shall

ships

as

their

best

all such

deavours
en-

ship

ships, ..."

for reasons
Which, of course,
himself, the Captain of the Hawk
nor

to

or

upon,

commanders,

enemy
of

give

accom-

contained,

vessel

or

found

be

For

memory.

attempted
The
morning

to

kno;^n
had

only
not

to

done,

do.

unusually hot, even

such latitudes,and, as the day advanced, the
The
became
almost
unbearable.
pitch boiled
had

been

for
heat

and

CASTAWAYS

THE

40

bubbled

deck-seams

the

between

up

and

the

posed
ex-

huge
disfigured with
paintwork became
the
bUsters.
An
awning had been rigged up over
bridge, but, despite this and the fact that it was
high above the decks, the atmosphere was like that
of a super-heated bakehouse, dry and
shimmering,
nor

there

was

of

breath

wind

to

Occa-

stir it.

came
a whiff of hot, oilyvapour
sionallly
up through
the
the engine-room gratings and
helped to make
the sea,
air still more
heavy and oppressive. Even
the
calm
as
a
pond, looked oily and hot under
set in a
sky of
glare of a biirning noonday sun

metallic blue.

eight bells

Then, towards
a

faint

breeze
from

sprang
blue

up

to

in the

watch,

ceptibly
sky changed imper-

the

grey,

afternoon

and

the

sun

became

slighthaze round it. The

had taken
sea
on
a
yellowish-green tint and angry
other
and
to
each
little wavelets
began to chase
sides.
dash themselves
viciouslyagainst the Hawk's
as
suddenly as it
Presently the breeze died away
and
had
more
more
arisen, but the sky became
and
into
the
wavelets
overcast
boulders,
grew
white-crested
and
sun
threatening. The
peared
disapof black, evil-lookingclouds,
behind
bank
a
still more
while the atmosphere became
oppressive
and
A
and
the decks
awnings steamed.
strange,
silence had
settled over
everything, so
uncanny
that the least noise sounded
curiously distinct. The
throb
of the engines, usually mellow
and subdued,
in sharp, staccato
beats ; the clang of
now
came

red, glowing disc with

the

furnace-doors

shovels
the
"

in the

and

stokehold

the
could

rattle
be

of

rakes

plainly heard

and
on

bridge.
Strike

typhoon,

me
a

pink, if we ain't in for a bloomin'

the
reg'lar rip-snorter,"muttered

CASTAWAYS

THE

42

and

amidships

great roller struck the Hawk

reeled till her port bulwarks

Another
she

under

were

funnel-guys
righted, her
of tangled wire, her boats carried
twisted into a mass
stove
or
in, her decks, fore and aft, littered
away
been
with
had
swept
wreckage and gear which
the
Between
loose.
deafening peals of thunder,
Gradually

water.

the

shouts

stokehold

and

she

of the

curses

could

be

heard

clinker

Sometimes

their

among
a

firebars
coal

of red-hot

masses

bodies.

half-naked

would

wave

thrown

they were
doors, or the

as

against the glowing furnace

slipped out, shooting great
and

in the

wretches

poor

the

catch

under

vessel

ward
plunged forinto the boilingsea ahead, her propellerracing
high in the air until the plates quivered with the
the

stern, liftingher

vibrations.

she

Or

so

that

would

her

lift her

billow, and, rising with

in

the

seething
from

seemed

It

through

view

vortex

beneath

impossible
such

bows

that

to

it, bury

till the
the

nose

her

ship

coming
on-

stern

peared
disap-

wheelhouse

turbid, foaming
any

an

water.

could

live

storm.

lightningbegan to grow less vivid,

in the distance
the thunder
gradually died away
the
and
little by little,
subsided.
Firemen,
sea,
black from head
to foot, staggered along the deck
threw
themselves
to the forecastle and
just as they
their bunks
were
engineer came
; the second
upon
off duty, a bloody sweat-rag twisted roimd
his head,
and reeled,rather than walked, to his cabin.
Then
McPhulach
appeared at the fiddley,mopping his
face with a lump of oily waste.
all right below
Are
?
shouted
Calamity
you
from the bridge.
of the puir deils will carry the
Aye, but some
mairks o' this day upon their bodies as long as they
But

"

"

at last the

"

THE

live," answered
garden party

CASTAWAYS

the

"

engineer.

what

to

43

it

Hell

down

was

be

must
a

yon

while

wee

aback."
he

As

spoke,

injured firemen, the upper parts

of their
bodies
round
with
oil-soaked
wrapped
the
deck
and
carried
to
brought on
waste, were
forecastle.
Their
had
faces, which
evidently been
ness
of a corpse-Uke whitewiped with sweat-ra^s,
were
that was
accentuated
by the circles of black
coal-dust
"

two

round

their

eyes.
said
roasted,"
McPhulach,

Half

jerk of his head

rinds

hadna
the

noo.

wi'

the

to

like rhinoceros
the

Mon,
stink

"

injured

two

If they

men.

hide, they'd be

stokehold

Uke

smelt

dead

kitchen

o'

scorching meat."
The
engineer disappeared and
Calamity turned
Smith
the bridge.
Mr. Dykes, who had reUeved
on
"

"

the

indicating with

Serve

out

It's been
"

as

The
when

of

as

box

the
them

"

the

I touched,

sir."

about

said.

he

and

waters

"

mate.

some

It

remark

pair of binoculars
the
to
bridge-rail. He
waste
seemingly deserted

the

upon

make

to

snatched

fastened

tossing grey

the

ever

Captain was
he
suddenly

focussed

hands,"

trying experience."
echoed
experience !
hell

near

of

out

all

to

rum

Trying

was

of

tot

handed

then

them

to

mate.
"

do

What

asked, indicating
The

"

I'm
"

It's

then
a

of that, Mr.

point on
stared
through

mate

minutes,

make

you

boat

handed
with

them
a

man

nigger," he said.
So I thought," answered

the

"

he

glasses for some

to the Captain.

back
a

woman

the

port quarter.

the

and

Dykes

Captain.

in

it, or

CHAPTER

DORA

FLETCHER

hoisted
let the
to
immediately
observed
and the
that
know
they were
castaways
steamer's
course
was
changed to bring her as near
But
there
was
as
possible to the drifting boat.
still such
a heavy
sea
running that a near
approach
involved
the
boat
risk of the
would
have
being
side before the occupants
dashed
against the Hawk's
the
could
So
be rescued.
the bos'n, standing on
line which, after three
vain
foc'sle head, cast
a
in the
woman
caught by the young
attempts, was
it fast to one
of the thwarts.
stern
sheets, who made
Then
steamer's
of the
derricks
one
was
slung
outboard
with
a
sling suspended and half a
rope
A

SIGNAL

dozen
"

men

was

laid
hold

on

to

the

line attached

the

to

boat.
"

sHng as you pass under it !

roared
Calamity from the bridge.
difficult manoeuvring, boat and steamer
After some
were
brought into such a position that the former
passed immediately under the sling.
shouted
Quick now, my girl,or you'lllose it !
the Captain.
and indignation of everyBut, to the amazement
one,
it was
the man
and
the girl who
not
caught
the sling and
hoisted
was
safelyout of the boat.
Oh, the gory swine," growled the second-mate.
Get the derrick inboard, men," he added
aloud.
Catch

of that

"

"

"

"

44

DORA
The

derrick

with

go

with
"

swung
that

run

terrific

Outboard

by,
"

FLETCHER
round

45

and

the

deposited the

bump.
again

"

cried

man

the

on

"

Calamity.

deck

Stand

bos'n."

Get

up,

swab

you

"

ejaculated

mate, administering the rescued

"

let

sling was

If the

skipper wasn't
back

carcass

The

the

sullen, hang-dog

prepossessing.
What
d'you
truculently.
"

second-

The

I'd

his feet and

staggered to
He
Cockney.

feet tall and

six

was

broad

in

was

for ?

me

far

was

astounded

so

ugly

an

proportion, with
that

to kick

want

cast

great, hulking brute

countenance

mate

ditch."

fellow

look at the
over

into

second-

heavy kick.
pitch your ugly

man

lookin'

the

"

he

from
asked

what

at

he

super-colossalimpudence and ingratitude,

that
he just gasped.
Then, before he could
his speech, the boatswain's
mate
came
recover
up,
by the collar of his jersey,
and, gripping the man

regarded

him

ran

as

Meanwhile
made

to

repeat

lowered

and
"

We

first manoeuvre,
the boat
and
over

she

moment

gently

ain't

frustrate

her

to

woman

had

cabin

I'll send

free with
"

Or

my

you
"

can

in

second-mate
feet.

"

Still,if

you somethin'
duds."
go

to

my

at the

been
third

girlcaught

the
s\vung

aboard

stewardesses

no

the

was

but

had

on

board

deck.

the

to

Miss," said Mr. Dykes, who

to

attempts

the

Next

of it.

hold

unsuccessful

two

sUng passed

the

foc'sle.

the

into

hot

this

packet.
arrived just in time
assistingthe young
to my
you'll come
and

you

can

make

cabin," put in the second

Sorry I 'aven't
eagerly.
with an admiring glance at

any 'airpins,"he added

of hair
the tawny mane

FLETCHER

DORA

46
which

had

become

unfastened

her

during

passage
"

"

But I've a
ship'sdeck.
The
lady'llfind better accommodation
young
This
in my
cabin, Smith," interrupted the mate.
of
in the tone
and manner
way, please," he added
a
shop-walker, and departed with his prize.
the disgruntled
Talk
about
nerve," muttered

from

to the

the boat

"

"

"

"

Smith.

Yank's

That

got

bloomin'

more

nerve

peddlin' auctioneer."
the
as
that, as soon
Calamity had sent word
survivors had been given food and dry clothes,they
Half an
to be brought into his cabin.
hour
were
ushered
in by the mate
and
was
later, the man
stood in front of the Captain with the same
dog
hangthan

air that
"

Your

he had

exhibited

and

name

when

all the

rest

first rescued.
of

it, my

man,"

said the

skipper curtly.
I'm Jasper Skelt, bos'n of the barque Esmeralda,
London
the
to Singapore," answered
fellow in a
We
hit by that there typhoon
were
surly voice.
"

"

and

far's I

so

"

What
?

crew
"

about

Miss

the

You

survived

the

keep
a

leak

bottom

and

the

overboard
boats

the

to

and

Cap'n's daughter,

ship

and

don't
?

the

we

know

of

the

rest

of

the

head-on
had

to

whether

to

the

abandon
any

by
only
was

boom.
and

me

left.

seas,

We

but

she

her."

of the other

boats

"

"

No, sir."

"

And

the

"

Miss

Fletcher's

"

And

now

that

Captain
knocked

took

crew

Fletcher,

sprang

to

the

skipper was

tried to
"

the

at

"

The

Then

she's

now."

by

sea

know

sUng

ship'spapers
I want

before

"

got 'em."
to

the

know
woman

why
had

you caught
?
a chance

on
"

DORA
"

told

She

FLETCHER

to, and

me

47

anyhow my hfe's
defiantly.

good

as

as

the man
hers," answered
I see.
confession
Well, by yoiur own
you're
a
coward, and by your looks you're a scoundrel,"
answered
Mr. Dykes," he added, turning
Calamity.
"

"

the

to

McPhulach
the

with

rascal

"

I'm

the

take

going into
fiercely.

man

"

voice
the

"

which

those

who

curseful

most

and

You've

to

Mr.

to

give

tell him

in the

blasted

no

you !
good," answered

Very

blackguard

stokehold."
stokehold

no

"

right to

make

in that

quiet

"

work, damn

me

this

compliments
job he's got

my

worst

not

cried the

"

mate,

Calamity

knew

him

dreaded

outpourings.
wish.

as
long as you
passenger
the
foc'sle, Mr. Dykes,

"

You

Take

and

send

than

more

shall be
him

the

back

to

carpenter

me."

to
"

dering.
Very good, sir,"replied the mate, greatly won-

By

the carpenter had

the time

and

departed
that

reported

the

dried in firont of the

"

his instructions

out, the
carry them
had
clothes
girl, whose
to

galleyfire,was

her

along then,

moments

later

Fetch

received

Mr.

ready

mate

been

viewed.
to be intersaid

Dykes,"

the

Captain.
A

few

Miss

Fletcher

entered

She was,
accompanied by the mate.
remarkable
woman
doubt, the most
young
had
either Calamity or his mate
set
ever
Tall, and almost as powerfully built as a
face was
nearly the colour of mahogany
cabin

constant

clear, cold
and

high

as

grey,

had

directness
one

who

the

to

exposure

an

weather.

almost

of gaze,

and

is accustomed

the

without
that
eyes
man,

on.

her

through

Her

eyes, a
ness
challenging steadishe
to

held
look

her

the

head
whole

FLETCHER

DORA

48

was
squarely in the face. Her whole manner
curious
aloofness,
a
blending of authority and
suggesting a very difficult personalityto deal with.
feminine charm,
But, if lackingmuch of conventional
and vigour about her that was
there was
a freshness
attraction
she
eminently pleasing. One womanly
a
certainlydid possess in abundance, and that was

world

wonderful

of chestnut

mass

hair which

she

now

wore

her head.
For
the rest, this
tightly plaited round
attired in a short,
was
extraordinary young woman
blue woollen
blue serge skirt, a man's
jersey,and a
pair of rubber sea-boots.
Sit down," said the Captain.
The
girl obeyed, looking at Calamity with an
expression of mingled perplexity and resentment.
have
This may
been due to a little feminine
pique
for he had
to her
at his seeming indifference
sex
risen to his feet,nor
had his face relaxed
from
not
its usual stern grimness. Or it may
have been due
cocked fullyupon
to the fact that his glass eye was
its unswerving, disconcerting stare.
her with
The
other
the practical one
not
was
looking at
eye
her at all,but was
meditativelygazing down at the
"

"

"

"

table.
"

that

The

who

man

you

the

are

you in the boat tells me

daughter of the Captain of a
His story was
not
altogether

was

with

"

barque," he said.
I should
like to hear your version
so
satisfactory,
as
brieflyas possible,"he added with a snap.
A slightflush of annoyance
tinged the girl'sface.
Evidently she was not used to being treated in this
"

curt, unceremonious

manner,

and

resented

it.

Mr.

was
the
impressionable where
Dykes, who
very
was
concerned, mentally compared
opposite sex
his own
the
would
Captain's attitude with what

have

been

under

similar

circumstances.

DORA

50
"

FLETCHER

Yes, sir ; I suppose

cabin, sir ?

will have

she

her

food

in

"

the
"

in this one,

Not

Again
face

the
she

and

Mr.

Dykes."
blood

hot, angry
turned

rushed

pair of blazing eyes

girl's

the

to

the

on

Captain.
for that privilege,at
you
said with furious sarcasm.

"

Thank

she
"

Not

at

made

and

any

rate

"

all,"murmured
Calamity imperturbably,
he wished
to be
a gesture to signifythat

alone.
the mate

As

escorted

Miss Fletcher

the cabin,

from

nearly as hot and indignant as herself

Here
at the Captain's behaviour.
was
a handsome,
into their
strappinggirlwho had unexpectedly come
midst
and
a
Calamity treated her as if she were
had
He
derelict deck-hand.
not
even
expressed
for the death
of her father.
word
of sympathy
a
he

was

very

real sorry you should

this," he said awkwardly.
dude, but I did think
"

I'm

been

have
"

treated

skipper

The

like

ain't

no

"

"

assure

you

it makes

interrupted the girl.

that

"

I shan't

An'

you

have

ain't

to

him

; it'd be

see

the

Miss," answered
way,
the man
wouldn't
envy
with

"

only

am

only

who

one

mate

who

too

of him

more

the

difference

no

glad
than

to

me,"

to think

is

sary."
neces-

thinks

that

thoughtfully.

took

the

inside

"

track

pleasant as takin' your grub

in a den with a hungry lion."
denly
sudPassing out of the alleyway, their ears were
assailed by the sound
of oaths, curses, and
blasphemies, intermingled with threats, groans, and
from
appeals for mercy.
They emanated
Jasper
demands
to be treated as a passenger
Skelt, whose
were
now
receiving attention
according to the
as

DORA

FLETCHER

51

Captain's instructions. Resting on

trestles
two
each
side of the after-hatch was
placed one on
a
thick wooden
beam, inclined so that one of its sharp
Astride
this unpleasant
edges was
uppermost.
perch, his feet about six inches from the deck, was
ex-bos'n

the
tied

of

neck

behind

benefit

of any
judge from

indifferent
"

his back, and

cord

were

round

last

"

felt

his

for the

desire to expectorate.
condition, there were
many

Skelt's

marksmen

That

to

spit-kid this

who

man

ankles

beam, his wrists securely

the

suspended

was

His

Esmeralda.

together beneath

fastened

To

the

aboard

the

Hawk.

fool

enough to sass the old man

and now
he's learnin' better," explained Mr. Dykes
to his companion.
ain't a pretty sight, is
He
guy

was

"

"

he?

Seeing Miss Fletcher, the misguided Jasper had

his output of assorted
suddenly checked
profanity
and now
wildly appealed to her for help.
Surely you ain't going to stand by, Miss, and
"

see

tortured

me
"

You're

coward

and

"

he

it

cried.

serves

"

Oh,

you

swered
right," an-

girl.

the
"

like this !

you

interrupted him

began the
by shoving a

man,

wet

but

someone

deck-swab

into

his face.
"

He'll

be

four

there

hours," said the

mate

as

"

have
aft.
they walked
By that time he won't
spiritenough to utter a cuss, not if you offered him
the
dollar for the pleasure of hearin' it. When
a
skipper does hand out trouble, he does it with both

fists."
Mr.

only partly
Dykes's prognosticationwas
for the ex-bos'n, though a strong man,

consciousness
carried

into

after
the

the

foc'sle.

third

hoiu:

and

had

to

rect,
cor-

lost

be

"

the

Repeat

day

until

"

The

for,

"

begged

anxiously
work
On

of

the

allowed

share

to

and

eagerly
in

the

crew.

of
it

be

Skelt

Mr.

senses,

to

following

the

smoke-trail
chase

his

however,

repeated,

not

was

recovering

on

him.

to

treatment

every

Calamity

said

work,"

to

reported

was

and

to-morrow

treatment

volunteers

he

this

when

if

FLETCHER

DORA

52

could

German

the
be

they

morning

gunboat

called
"

was

picked
and

resumed.

the

up

the

chase
"

CHAPTER

MR.

For

DYKES

three

days

the gunboat's

plans
that
the

The

in

the

fire

had

got

in

all

the

continued

of

German

and

him.

swooping

was

the

part

of

out

of

till the

wait

enemy
and
then

carry

question

The

now

chestnuts

could

plunder he

in

asking everybody
the
Captain's

play

to

to

follow

to

opinion

pull the

words,

upon

LESSON

everybody was
whispers what

the

other

down
the

Hawk

fable

the

HIS

consensus

intended

cat

swoop
would

the

hushed

were.

he

RECEIVES

trail,and

else in

VI

when

was,

start

During all this time. Calamity had not spoken

to Miss Fletcher, or, indeed, betrayed
a single word
of her existence.
He
aware
sign that he was
any
had

never

mentioned

even

him

that

and

had

given

sharing

the

he

was

without

not

would

have

As

the

to

right
he

once

to

second-

that, had

ordered

him

unobtrusive
further

his

up

reason,

of

member
been

be

treated
a

as

dark

he
the

from

heard

had

let out

back

Skelt,

ex-bos'n

knew

cabin

own

he
to

53

to

his

crew,

him

the

to

so.

told

not

girl

the

feared,

Calamity
quarters.

own

become

had

passenger.

hint

done

deck

on

He

mate's.

the

to

sleeping
had
Dykes

Mr.

she

how

been

have

steam-winch.

asked

or

all he

for

and,

accommodated,
contrary, she might
was

under

her

and

very

nothing

concerning
It is true

effect

that

he

his

that
was

"

DYKES

DR.

54

time," but

biding Ms

attention
of

one

no

Hib

LEbbUiN

paid

the

the

change had
two

and

mates

the

of feminine
refininginfluence
it
Phulach
was
poetically termed
"

tell

used

up
of white

clean

two

The

them.

on

shirts

lives and

the

over

come

The

to

slightest

him.

to

Meanwhile,
habits

RECEIVES

chief

engineer.
society as Mcning
already begin"

for instance, now

and quite a number

mate,
week

pocket-handkerchiefs ; the second followed

cleaned
the good
example by having his shoes
he happened
every day, and substituting, whenever
to think of it, blooming," for the sanguinary adjective
hitherto
he had
favoured, and the engineer
his face every
not
coming
night when
only washed
his own
off watch, but, on
confession, changed his
socks rather
more
frequently than he had done in
"

the

past.

Whether
made

were

the

the

lady

was

aware

three

on

behalf

whose

of them,

dandies

had

no

these

sacrifices

and

duly appreciative,

means

of determining.

and
practical man
merit in hiding his lightunder
no
a bushel, did
saw
once
suggest that Miss Fletcher should be tactfully
made
of the
aware
astonishing changes she had
wrought. The suggestion, however, was
promptly
the
sat upon
to convey
by the mates, who wanted
of
impression that their present exemplary mode
life was
in nowise
abnormal
despite the strain it

McPhulach,

who

was

entailed.
"I've

had

started, and

that's no'
his

engineer,when
"

You've

pairs

twa

got

o'

socks

month

washed

ago," grumbled

publicitypropositionwas
to

remember

you're

Smith.
gentleman nah," answered
It's awfu'
expenseeve," murmured
"

plaintively.

sin'

we

the

opposed.
"

bloomin'

McPhulach

MR.

DYKES

KECtlVliS

HIS

LESSON

55

the last person

Although Miss Fletcher was
to
she was
familiarity,
encourage
capable of a certain
camaraderie
through having lived so much
among
She

men.

had, it seemed,

early age,

and

father

nearly

on

exhibited

since

neither

then

all his
the

lost her
had

mother

accompanied
Therefore

voyages.

at

an

her

she

timidity nor

coquettish
lure which
might have
expected from a girlof
her age under
circumstances
like the present. Her
towards
the three men
manner
who
had, as it were,
her hosts
appointed themselves
was
disarmingly
frank ; as a woman
she kept them
at arm's
length,
she was
as
a companion
as free and
easy as a man.
Smith, when
discussingher one day with the mate,
remarked
that
she only remembered
she was
a
when
said which
woman
something was
any decent
would
Mr. Dykes alone occasionally
resent,
man
assumed
wards
a
patronisingly mascuHne
attitude, toment.
resentwhich, so far, the girl had shown
no
tried to believe, was
This, he sometimes
that she regarded him with special
a tacit admission
favour, if not with some
degree of awe, though at
other times common
sense
prevailed and he reaUsed
that
But
with

it

was

due" to

Dykes
things as they
Mr.

coy
been

sheer
was

indifference.

becoming

very

dissatisfied

particularreason,
unless it was
that he had given up his cabin to her,
the mate
somehow
felt that he had
a
prior claim
He
to Miss
Fletcher's
was,
respect and esteem.
therefore, secretly aggrieved to think that Smith
her behalf had
and McPhulach,
whose
sacrifices on
little extra
exceeded
not
a
personal cleanliness,
In short, Mr.
in favour
himself.
much
were
as
as
the
to
in danger of falling a victim
Dykes was
tender passion if,indeed
he had not already done
hence
the jealous feelingsthat were
so
beginning
"

"

were.

For

no

56

MR.

DYKES

to

ferment

in

his bosom.

LESSON

HIS

RECEIVES

suffered

He

ever,
how-

most,

taking the
happened that he was
second
dog-watch, and, from his post on the bridge,
Miss
could
McPhulach,
see
Fletcher, Smith, and
laughing and chatting on the after- hatch as though
existed.
he, Ephraim Dykes, had never
free and
It was
easys," as
during one of these
the girl suddenly began
Smith
called them, that
she
Hitherto
to discuss the Captain of the Hawk.
had
ignored him as completely as he had ignored
noticed
might have
her, though a keen observer
that
she frequently cast a curious
glance towards
he happened to be on
it.
the bridge when
Bless you, he's a bloomin'
bag of mystery, he
is ; a reg'lar perambulatin' paradox," replied the
the girl
in answer
to a question which
second-mate
There
ain't no
had
put regarding the skipper.
gettin'the latitude nor longitude of him."
the
He's
a
michty quare mon," corroborated
engineer.
the
asked
But is his name
reallyCalamity ?
girl.
Phulach
McMeybe it is and meybe it isna," answered
o'
Some
he's a mon
cautiously.
say
guid family, and others declare the revairse is the
truth; but which is right I dinna ken."
him
sailed with
Well, I've never
before," put
but
from
the
of his
in Smith,
little I've see'd
gentle habits I should say he'd die of throat trouble
it

when

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

all of

a
a

sudden."

"

Throat

"

Yes

rope
few

trouble

throat

the

bloomin'

when

crew.

he was," and

"

queried the girl.

trouble

that

tight. Why,

collar too

days

he starts
A

Smith

comes

we'd

of wearin'

only

to half mmrder

been
the

out

whole

roarin', ravin', rampin' lunatic

proceeded to relate,in pungent.

58

MR.

DYKES

RECEIVES

Hlb

l^iibbuiN

false pretences, so to speak. It was

a
very
real grievance in his eyes, more
especiallywhen he
under

reflected
over

her

his

on

the

noble

speech and

restraint

he
out

manners

had

exercised

of

regard for

sex.

moodily to the hatch and sat down.

The
Mcstill discussing Calamity with
girl was
Phulach, her voice defiantly enthusiastic.
If I were
I'd ask for no better Captain to
a man
sail under," she was
saying.
It's a pity you ain't,then," growled Smith, who
this remark.
had returned
just in time to overhear
I've often thought so
myself," she retorted.
Men
are
getting too soft nowadays."
Meybe
so," put in the engineer soothingly.
But ye'llhae no cause
to complain o' the saftness
And
aboord
this packet, I'm
thinkin'.
gin it's
need
to
fond of, ye've no
devilry ye're so muckle
fash yersel'aboot missin' any here."
He

returned

"

"

"

"

"

"

'*

Not

half

you

needn't," added

Smith

with

"

he broke
the old man
When
grim chuckle.
off abruptly as
the
ship's bell struck.
Holy
Moses
he ejaculated,and,
! eight bells already !
off to relieve Mr. Dykes.
rising to his feet,went
As
the
the latter descended
companion-ladder
after handing over
the watch
to the second-mate,
he paused suddenly before reaching the deck.
He
and had never
made
not an
a
was
imaginative man
study of beauty except as representedby the female
crimps and spongers who infested the various ports
he had
for a moment
visited.- But
the sight of the
girl sittingon the hatch, her beautiful hair softly
radiant in the moonlight, and her figurein its closefitting jersey so strangely alluring in the halfconcealment
of the shadows, held him
spellbound.
The
splendour of the night, with its star-powdered
"

"

"

'

MR.

DYKES

RECEIVES

HIS

LESSON

59

of

deepest, limpid blue; the brilliant moon

beams made
whose
an
ever-widening track of molten
silver with
the
shimmering tints of bronze, across
of foaming, sparkling
blue-black waters
; the wake
iridescence
in the steamer's
track, all these thiags
him
moved
not
one
jot for he had witnessed them
times without
number.
He
saw
nothing, in fact,
but the girl,sittingwith her face resting on
her
before
Never
hands, gazing pensively out to sea.
had he reaUsed
that she was
beautiful and intensely
feminine
despiteall her affected masculinity.
Dumed
if she don't
look like a picture postcard,"
he murmured
ecstatically.
sky

"

"

walked

He

her, but

sign

of

attract

she

up

to

did

not

the
turn

hatch
her

and

sat

head

nor

down

near

show

any
of
his
He
being aware
coughed to
presence.
her attention, but without
result ; she continued
gazing with sad, thoughtful eyes into the

mingling of crystal blue and gUstening

and
the junction of sea
silver-greywhich marked
sky.
he observed,
Say, ain't it a dandy night ?
unable
to keep silence any
longer.
aroused
but the remark
The girlmade
no
answer,

distant

"

"

McPhulach

from

the

reverie

into

which

he, also,

Rising to his feet,he knocked the ashes

out of his pipe and yawned.
Gin I bide here any langer, I'll be consooming
anither pipe 0' bacca ; so I'll wish ye a verra
guid
nicht, Miss Fletcher," he said.
answered
the girl,
Good-night, McPhulach,"
who
rarely used the prefix Mr." when addressing
her companions..
The
engineer strolled off towards his cabin and
left alone
the mate, to his great satisfaction,was
time he sat fidgeting,anxious
For some
with her.

had

fallen.

"

"

"

6o

MR.

to

speak,

He

watched

gloating

the

figure,

of

the

didn't

The

sound.

"

know

He
to

his

fist

shot

of

his

shapely

her

and

cinating
fas-

the

hair.

seeing

and,

feet,

her

to

say.
of

corner

head,

her

if

to

she

speak,

but

and

strode

he

said

in

movement

and,

out

between

the

if
he

was

side.
voice.

quivering

could

waist

her

do

left

her

so,

unexpectedly

him

him

sent

no

girl

encircle

to

catching
eyes,

uttered
the

her

hoarse,

as

said.

as

to

before

but,

arm,

there,"

unsteadily,

you,"

squarely

were

away,

made

with

the

wonderful

rose

as

rose

move

I want

He

of

her

you

made

mate

about

of

to

started.

mate,
"

girl

the

anything

outlines

the

poise

profusion
Suddenly

out

over

delicate

of

think

to

furtively

her

secretly

eye,

unable

yet

LESSON

HIS

RECEIVES

DYKES

into

reeling

the

scuppers.
When

he

different

only
"

himself
novel

All

man.

irresistible
of

desire
a

to

had

in

singing
he

No,"

himself

recovered

an

heroine,

the

left
the

remarked
iron
she

and

sat

and

he

was

the

conscious

head.

thoughtfully,
stanchion,
ain't."

was

all

ardour,

passionate
him,

he

up

"

she

addressing
ain't

no

dime

CHAPTER

VII

THE

It

Sunday

was

not

were

morning
watch
lay

on

the

on

AGITATOR

for'ad

bunks.

favoiu-ed

gaUey,

hatch,

receive

would

few

their

those

of the

who

crew

the foc'sle head, sat

upon
still lay snoring in their

or

peehng

some

and

lounging

were

potatoes
reward

for

"

in

due

round

which

the

they

course

"

and

others

with
advice.
From
helping them
good
the galley came
within
the voice of
Slushy," the
of hymns
cook, bellowing out snatches
intermingled
with
pungent profanities,each equally sincere.
"

"

There

is

Drawn

he

"

roared.
of

son

making
"

him
"

followed

on

performed

added

to
to

perishin'

this, you

o'
a

who

fireman

get

at the

hot

was

water.

profanities,and

scuffle,more
an

acrobatic

feat

which

the

landed

scuppers.

your lousy 'ead in 'ere again and I'll murder

I won't
said the cook.
bloomin'
'ave no

you,"
bad
language
others.

he

hell out

'ot water, you

pasty-faced doughyour
retorted
the fireman.
!

in the
Put

"

blood.
veins,"

"

walloper
fireman

to

filled with

Emmanuel's

surreptitiouseffort

Damn

Then

Get

swab

fountain

from

"

"

in

'ere,"

There's

he

damned

this bug-trap."
6i

warningly
sight too much

added

to

the
of

it

62

AGITATOR

THE

again

He

"

lifted up

And

paused

in song.

plunged beneath
all their guilty sta

sinners

Lose

He

his voice

to

"

administer

flood.

the
a

ains."

"

cutting admonition

to

of his assistants.

one
"

hot

pouring the
boiled, into
In

the

iron

kettle

part of the

another

forecastle

guilty stains," he trilled forth,

in which
water
potatoes had been

their

all

Lose

second

and

held

that

the

ship, under

crew's

the

lee of the

different

somewhat

tea.

meeting

of
Jasper Skelt, ex-boatswain
the
men
Esmeralda, was
addressing half a dozen
with
in fierce whispers, emphasising his remarks
The
violent
men
gestures of the head and hands.
ally
listened,placidlysmoking their pipes and occasionthe bridge
turning a nervous
glance towards
that they were
not being observed
to make
sure
by
the Captain.
What
proof have we that this boat is a licensed
Skelt was
ing
saying or rather, whisperprivateer?
his
ain't seen
We
only the Captain's word.
of Marque
and
ain't likely to.
Letters
Why ?
orator
The
paused as if for a reply. It came.
in

was

progress.

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

the

'Cause

get murdered,"
For

first

man

said

one

Skelt

moment

'as asked
of the
was

to

'em

see

'ud

audience.

disconcerted

by

the

subdued
he
"

see

But
laughter which followed this answer.
on
:
pulled himself together and went
I'll tell you
No
why we ain't likely to
; and
his Letters of Marque : because he ain't got any."

This
of

one

stared
"

the

statement,
who
at

delivered

knew,

each

other

blazes

'Ow

the

men

angrily.

with

all the

produced an effect.
with puzzled faces.
do

you

know

"

confidence
The

asked

men

one

of

AGITATOR

THE

the British Government

Because

"

63

granted
the agitator.
They're
any for this war," answered
and
steamers
chartering merchant
arming 'em
themselves.
Commerce-destroyers they call them,
but they're really Government-owned
privateers."
told you so ?
Who
queried a sceptic.
haven't

"

"

"

"

ask me, read

answered
Skelt.

Don't

"

Ho

yus,

the papers

forgot all

ejaculated another
Boy,

about

member

"

me

for yourself,"

see

Sunday

me

of

give

and

paper
audience

the

"

castically.
sar-

and

Lloyds

the

Observer."
A

of unrestrained

roar

witticism, and

the

laughter
had

orator

went

ado

some

this

at

up
to

master

his wrath.
it now," he said

It's all very well to laugh about

wait till later on
But
heatedly.
"

"

lunatic

calls himself

who

vessels ; wait till he's called

then
you'll change your
papers
two

"

asked
"

to

the

What

tune, my

it matter

'ell does

Skelt.

answered

"

one

what

us,

babe.

"

anyway

here

If

and

rob

proper

"

"

to

authority
not
privateers
pirates,that's

having the
of Marque
we're
blooming, God-damn

"

merry

someone.

without

for

his

"

innocent
I'll tell you, my
murder
sink ships, commit

swab

or

one

show

to

upon

"

clinker-knockers

sinks

Captain

till this

wait

"

doesn't

the

that

"

What's

we

at

what

in

cargoes
is Letters

all ;

if any

more,

start

we

we're

are,"

brainless

punishment is
pleasure in tellinghim."
the

what

know

piracy,I'll have much

'Anging, ain't it ?
Right first time ; hanging
"

It ain't nothin'
of

the

the

to

objectors.
skipper does."

with

do
"

it is."

We

us,

ain't

any'ow," said
responsible for

64

AGITATOR

THE
"

P'raps not, but if he orders

you do it,you're a murderer

and

such.

as

beak

You

won't

you

thought

that

my

it'llbe

son,

Davy on
handsome

that.

will

be

sponge

neck

by tellingthe
privateer. No,

were

you

in

the

and

of your

photo

your

gal
jollysailor-boyto
her
curly-headed

for another
11

take

can

but

newspapers,

mother'

man

will be treated

hanging job, you

Maybe they'llput

looking

on,

your

and

dial

soon

save

to shoot

you

lose

your

darling."
There

during

constrained

was

Skelt

which

Despite
listeners, they
To

nervous.

silence for

grinned

audience

cally.
sardoni-

affected

the

increduUty
evidently beginning
most
ignorant among

were

the

even

at his

moments,

some

akin to
an
piracy was
ugly word, much
S'posing what you say's right, what

of

his

to

feel

them,

murder.

"

do

"

?
"

asked

Ask

suggested
"

of your

of you

"

"

'

said

would

do

you

Knock

knife

came

in five

you

size

question

bloke

the

up

minutes,'

"

'is bloomin'

Shove

hang

to

fool

"

going

of

fraction

ask me
wouldn't
you
answered
Skelt.
If

I'm

walk,"

laughter.

brains

had

and

out

get

us

to

we

last.

at

guts

like that,"
what

let

to

amidst

someone

If any

and

skipper

the

hecklers

of the

one

are

lightout,"
between

said

fireman.

'is ribs,"

suggested

another.
"

"

Of

course

But

and

here's
then

hanged
wants

"

as

any

You're

Why

who

man

tells you
sure

risk

sooner

would,"

you

to
as

gets
do

you

the
on

something

infants

necks

your

said

than

ex-boatswain.
board

you

tell that

eat

pap.
tell him

to

the

ship

that'll get you

And

old

you'd

that, if he

murdering done, he'd better do

perishing set of heroes, strike me
don't

his

it himself.

blind
man

"

your-

66

AGITATOR

THE

"

You'd
look
scepticalfireman.
standin' on
the top
Sunday afternoon
to be funny, it
it pleases you
"If

the

before

He

his hands

stuck

of

expression

utter

of

his

in

But, despite the

tub."

doesn't

hurt

tune."
with

pockets and,

contempt

you're up
piracy on the high

different

of

on

till

wait

charge

on

But

you'll sing

maybe

seas

beak

the

"

Skelt.

retorted

me,"

fine

his

on

an

face, turned

scornful

incredulitywith
had
been
his remarks
received, they had not
soil. As
fallen on
a
entirely barren
general rule,
is hopelesslyignorant of the law, and,
the sailor-man

away.
which

but

has
a
consequence,
vague
of it. For him, it possesses

in

of

the

sailed
out

ship whose

they
and

before

and

worst

his

ears

skipper that

ever

mission

pretended

somewhat

savour

who

would

them

price of

not

stabbing

them

drink

the

some

not

offence

of which

shudder.

cut
a

It

This

of

called

that

person's

few
or

the

obsessed

not

was

ex-

began

rest

was

have
;

them

of dread.

sense

who

the

at

heard

dog-watch

man

prison for
greatest crime

piracy, the
guilty, made
highest order

had

itself to

the first

of

laugh

to

unpleasant

hardly

for the

inside of

could

and

communicated

day there was

by it. Many
the

of the

words, those
new

quickly

throat

in

offence.

boatswain's

crew,

wording

terrible

more

character

So, while
feel

the

seas.

any

to

him, and

Skelt, it was
true, had not served
fear-inspiringlegal phrases, but he had
to use
on
piracy, which is an ugly word

the

of that

abuse

worst

mentioned
a

sounds

summons

than

jargon cows

its very

unknown;

all

real dread
very
the terrors
of the

had

seen

other, but

sailor

can

be

belonged to the
of crime, and, though the punishment
be
that
meted
for
out
greater than
in the back, the fact that it was
man

THE
and

vaster

their

AGITATOR

infinitely
more
minds

coarse

had

ever

67

daring

than

anything

conceived, made

it

seem

appallingly stupendous.
those
who
off watch
During the afternoon
were
discussed the subject in whispers. Some
for
were
sending a deputation to the skipper, but no one
could
be found
whose
was
equal to the
courage
task.
Skelt, who
was
approached on the subject,
flatlydeclined to act as the crew's representative.
He had done his part, he asserted, by warning them
of their danger ; let sombody else have
the privilege
of bearding Calamity.
You
didn't help me
when
I was
strung across
that damned
I'm not going to help you,"
spar and
he said.
I'll give you
bit
Still,"he added,
a
"

"

"

of advice.

When

the

time

for you

comes

to

man

and
at some
start blazing away
ship or
guns
other, stand fast. Let the swivel-eyed blighterdo
the

his

murdering."
That's
all right," growled

own

"

doin'

start
"

off

it

you'llask
jumpers so's

easier," sneered
"

voice,

"

but

'e'U

us."

on

Yes, and
your

his kind
he

can

permission
cut

your

to

take

throats

Skelt.

No, by God,

we

won't

"

exclaimed

someone

truculently.
The

new

note

of defiance

was

terrible

taken

It was
up.
in his cabin,

skipper
to disobey his orders,
but
another
to swear
immediate
when
there was
no
prospect of those
went
orders being given. Their courage
up by leaps
and bounds, and
they discussed plans for defying
in whispers.
the Captain's commands
the right spirit,"said Skelt encouragThat's
ingly.
be a holy terror, but
This
skipper may
stick together. Just
all if we
he can't murder
us
thing
quite

one

to

face

the

"

"

"

68

AGITATOR

THE

show

him

in

the

calm

that

hangman's

all

froth

afraid

and
of

'em

meek

so

but

once

for

damn

Dago's

all

lambs.

as

fury
;

his

for

swear.

to

mean

rope

I'll

down,

don't

you

them

they

their
I

Oh,

he'll

think

they
see

know

'em

as

Sailed

care

become

they

you're

don't

you

bullying,

soon

skippers

bucko

as

necks

your

and

sake,

know

long

put

with

"

one

ex-boatswain's

The

by
the

his
"

To

of
door

foc'sle

put

"

sound

the

head

man

take
off

defiant

flung

stations,

was

to

on

open

Next

deck.
and

short

cut

was

moment

second-mate

the

in.

the

Uncover

whistle

was

your

There

reminiscence

Jasper

and

guns
rush

his
the

stand

from

station

the
and

machine-gun,
Skelt.

man

every

by

for

foc'sle,
start
was

he

shouted.

orders

"

and

peeling
the

the
the

fiery

"

first
paulins
tar-

and

CHAPTER

VIII

THE

PRIZE

haze

the
hung over
water, so that sea
and
sky were
merged in a fikn of brooding grey.
Through this, looking strangely flimsy and unreal
of the mist, could be seen
by reason
a
large cargoSLIGHT

of

steamer

about

steaming in
at something

the

stay fluttered

question
"

of

"

What

thousand

five

opposite direction

like

knots,

ten

hoist

of

ship

What

She

tons.

the

to

from

and

was

Hawk

her

triatic

signal-flagsindicating the
are

you
sir ?
"

shall I answer,

"

inquired Mr. Dykes

Calamity.
"

'

British

for

Singapore

Hawk.

steamer

don.'
Lon-

"

signal

The
"

British

the

hoisted

was

steamer

time

same

Rio

Ann,
the

red

reply
Hongkong."

and

the

for

ensign

hoisted

was

came

At
at

the

stern.
"

You

say that
the German

flying
Mr. Dykes.
"

hauled
"

she's

you

flag ?

I think

Yes, sir.

another

when

"

first

Calamity

she

must

H'm,

she

British.

her

she

was

inquired

have

was

German

Signal

her

to
69

few

of

just passed
being
ensign was

ship, for the

I sighted her."
when

German
down

saw

minutes

stop, Mr.

ago

Dykes."

now

THE

70

signalwas

The

attention

no

from

and

funnel

her

PRIZE

duly hoisted, but the

proceeded on her

arose

thick

while

course,

of black

cloud

paid

steamer

smoke,

Although
firingup.
showing that the stokers were
the skipper of the Ann
might resent being called
merchant
to stop by what
looked like another
upon
vessel, this sudden
speed,
attempt to accelerate
of
in the
unusual
freedom
use
coupled with an
national flags,was
suspiciousto say the least of it.
Put
shot
a
through her funnel, Mr. Dykes,"
said Calamity.
With his own
hands, the mate
sighted the quickfirer on
swain,
then
the bridge and
nodded
to the boat"

who
a

sheet

chief gunner.

also

was

of flame

terrific roar,
funnel, but the

and

from

leapt

muzzle,
struck, not
the

shell

Next

moment

there
the

was

Ann's

supporting guys and passed through

a
ventilatingcowl above the engine-room. Despite
this unequivocal hint, the steamer
did not
stop,
and

putting
"

foam

the

her

stern

showed

that

she

was

speed.

on

Aim

under

for the

chart-room

and

make

better

shot

of

it," said Calamity.

Mr.
Dykes, greatly chagrined at his first shot
wide
of its mark, again sighted the
having gone
Meanwhile
gun.
the Hawk
in the
wake

of the

Bang
This

the

Captain

arc

of

was

circle to

bringing round
get her in the

retreating steamer.

time

the

had

mate

better

luck, his second

shot

and
smashing through the chart-room
wrecking it.
"That
to reason,"
ought to bring them
complacently.

It did.

away

man

Before
was

the thin veil of smoke

seen

on

the Ann's

had

pletely
com-

he

marked
re-

drifted

stern, frantically

THE

callingup
the
"

foam

The
and

an

of

out

Hawk

under

the

of white

arrow

skipper of the Ann

this,for,making a
know

this

what

shot

steam

was

ing
subsid-

into

the

air

funnel

the

of his

sanguinary

hands,
blazes

of

himself

first to avail

the

was

he demanded

by

meant

was

hold-up.
I

"

stranger's stem

exhaust-pipe. Already the distance

the two
vessels was
rapidly diminishing
The
within
they were
hailing distance.

soon

to

the

her

between
and

in

71

A
semaphore code.
the privateer'sbridge answered
then
and
on
other started to flap his flagsabout.
Don't
fire,stopping,"read the message.

man

the

PRIZE

demand

to

see

bellowed

papers,"

your

Calamity.
other

The

appeared

war-dance
clenched
a

on

fists above

second

or

the

then

"

"

Bhmey

it's

even
"

'ear

variety

its wonderful
crew.

in

Smith

bloke

for

came

of raw, pungent,
the
hurtled
across

Hawk's

murmured
to

treat

of the

words

burst

kaleidoscopic profanity
intervening space, evoking by
admiration

sort

No

and

the

of

complicated
bridge, wildly waving his
execute

his head.

and

more,

to

handle

awed

an

tone,

cuss-words

like

that."
Even

Mr.

Dykes,

who

rather

prided

himself

on

refreshingart of invective, was

note
mental
a
Indeed, he made
force
whose
of several
vituperativecombinations
and originalityimpressed him.
of the Ann
master
paused,
at last, the
When,
of the
of breath, the crew
presumably for want
looked expectantlytowards
Hawk
Calamity. Would

his mastery of the

moved
to wonder.

he

be

able

to

by
profanity, or
opponent

rise to
a

the

scorching

would

blast

he humiUate

wither

and

occasion
of

them

even

his

deadlier

by using

the

PRIZE

THE

72

commonplace
did

words

swear-

of

everyday

life ?

!"

he shouted.

He

neither.
to board

"I'm

going
attempt

one

you

hinder

to

and

me

"

the

to

go

you

Make

bottom."
His
trained
"

"

the

on

Ann,

aboard

Come
don't

God

backed

words,

sink

Fizzled

by the
brought an

if you
me."

like

out

which
guns
immediate

damp

for the

but

must,

squib,"

were

reply
love

of

muttered

Smith.
"

he's

I guess

also

who

mate,

collapse of
promise.
A
the

quickly lowered from the Hawk, and

Captain, before getting into it, gave Mr. Dykes
boat

certain
"

of

the

was

instructions.

remember,"

And

trickery put
"

few

deck

an

"

"

By

becoming
"

the

here.

what

right

the

he

ships."
amid-

mate.

Calamity had

Are

was

you

that

met

reached
the

by

aware

that

"

you

"

short.

perfectly well
be

demanded

him

cut

know

shouldn't

"

piracy

committing

Calamity

water-line

the

sign

any

explanation of this outrage

former.

the

see

first mate.

the

demand

if you

her

where

Ann,

the

of

blustered
are

under

afterwards

minutes

Captain and
"

shot

"

added,

he

Very good, sir," answered

the

the
played his long suit," remarked
felt disappointed at the ignoble
Ann's
skipper after such brilliant

Your
do

you

other, who

what

papers.

I'm

doing,
Captain."

or

ask

''
for my
papers ?
showed
signs of again

truculent.

That,"

answered

Hawk's

guns.

Calamity shortly,pointing to

THE

74
didn't

You

hoist

something
"

German

the

ing
hav-

ensign without

justifyit."

to

"

that

swear

PRIZE

"

I can
do all the
Calamity.
for myself."
swearing I want
I can't give you
I haven't
But
what
got !
the
table
till his face
Calamity leant across
"

broke

Don't/'

in

"

"

touched

almost
"

"

the

papers," he said in

The

Understand
The

"

unlocked
a

them

Take

low, menacing

voice.

"

did, apparently, for, with

therefrom

took

me

other
he

curse,

other's.

of

one

second

damned

muttered
and

drawers

table

bundle

be

and

the

of

documents.

to

you," he

said,

the table.
on
flinging them
Calamity picked up the papers, and, as he glanced
there
look
of grim satisfaction
on
at them
was
a

his face.
"

be

explain to me,
it is that you
happen to have
Captain Noel, how
The
?
he inquired.
different sets of papers
two
first state that the Ann
is a, British ship, owned
by
that
she
and
of Sunderland, and
Masters
Ready
second
from
The
for Hongkong
Rio.
has cleared
Will

you

good

enough

to

"

"

batch

declare

from

Bangkok

for

her

to

be

Bremen.

German

They

vessel, cleared

give the

owner

"

as

stopped abruptly as he glanced again at the

he
of
look
incredulous
was
holding. A
paper
his
astonishment
it was
face, but
appeared on
almost
immediately succeeded
by one of the keenest
He

satisfaction.
"

Isaac
other

The
two

Solomon
made

no

of

answer,

Calamity regarded
"It's

clever

Singapore,"he

trick

him

and

and

for

concluded.
moment

thoughtfully.
how
managed
you

or

to

THE
obtain

these

guess,"

he

on.

that

of mine, and

secret

later

Sand

the

the

What

on.

ballast

interest

you,

ever,
how-

Isaac

mon
Solo-

Mr.
say,
will let

he

expensive
"

Captain ?
cement," growled

cargo.

Portland

No

doubt

the

took
out
cargo you
this ?
interesting. But what's

more

holding
"

document

up
I don't

"

hesitation

be

"

he

was

absolutely blank

sheet

this

is

usual

of

with
paper
got a candle ?
Noel

Captain
He

of

this

The

seemed

them

both,

the

ment
docu-

all appearances

to

latter held

murmured

strange,"
enclose

to

the

and

seal

produced

the

document

sheet

Have

as

from

one

find

to
eager
enclosure

you

out

on

of the

himself.

flame

and,
When

legiblehe spread

table

the

lit

meaning

to appear.

became

communication

shelf and
the

out

in front

the paper

Calamity

as

expected,writing began

whole

blank

ship's documents.

the

Calamity.

"

mysterious

he had

of

out
with-

of paper.

It is not

it.

sealed.

well to find out," and

calmly broke the seals.

astonishment

H'm,

added,

as

the

virgin

he

know."

Still,it would

To

heavily

rather

was

"

as

into the

me

other.

"

"

to

"

is your

and

pretend

almost

doubt

no

I don't

esteemed

might

one

"

friend
"

of papers
It may

sets

went

dear

75

"

know

to

is

two

PRIZE

and

commenced

to

read.
It was,
in effect, a
Isaac
Solomon
to Mr.

that
a

his last cargo

neutral

by
"

port, without

some

manner

Eastern

had

very

in

which

letter from

German

official

Singapore, informing

of

reached

This

advice

another
"
"

him

its first destination,

mishap.

valuable

merchandise

cargo

might

was

followed

concerning
"

referred

be

to

delivered

the
as

at

76

THE

the

PRIZE

even

port. There were

greater interest, but

study

these

at

have

only

"

also

same

Captain,"
'

of this

Eastern

"

Copper and

"

Calamity

one
"

more

question

What

was
'

merchandise

matters

of

decided

to

time.

convenient

more

said.

he

other

the

ask

to

exact

you,
nature

"

nickel," answered

the

other.

profitablecargo, I should imagine ; yet

little piece of paper
not
as
profitableas this one
should prove
to me
eh. Captain Noel ?
I'll take
I knew
oath
nothing of this,"
my
the latter eagerly.
answered
very

"

"

"

"

You

about

knew

that's

shall hand

matter

you

back

the

cargo, at any rate.

which
doesn't concern
clearance

German

your

ever,
HowI

me.

papers,

English ones, together with this interesting

little document, I shall keep."
You
you're going to keep the English papers ?

but

the

"

' '

"

faltered
"

the

other.

Yes."

"

But, good God, man,

reach
can't
a
port with
the

mercy

of the

"

Exactly.
gentle heart,
I'll wager

he'd

I shall

will have
sooner

his
the

I'm
papers.
cruiser I meet
!

Isaac

dear

captured

German

first British

And

be

ship

Solomon,

bless

confiscated.

authorities

took

I
at

"

his

Still,
his

ship

piece of paper."
to his feet,and, leaving the German
Calamity rose
others
in his
the table, put the
on
papers
pocket.
I'll wish
good-day. Captain Noel," he
you
I may
said.
capture a few prizes during my
like
never
cruise, but I can
hope to get another
should
If you
meet
this.
Mr. Solomon
during the
to him.
next week
or
so kindly remember
me
tain
CapCalamity ; he'll not have forgottenthe name."
than

this

"

"

PRIZE

THE

left

He

told

sir,"

aboard

to

on

made

Calamity

in.

"

her

Don't

of

to

the

Ann

and

way

was

Hawk

the

it

don't

means,

"

you

"

was

going
wallopers, all
he's

comes

surprise

the

to

cabin,

his

to

It means
saying in the foc'sle.
The
skipper's helped
joUy sailor-boys.
that
the
blooming barge
on
money-chest

this, my
and

"

crew,

her

on

what

savee

himself

the

suppose,"
worth

comrse.

Skelt

Jasper

Meanwhile,

disappointment
to proceed
permitted

"

nothin'

and, going

answer,

and

resumed

packet

Hawk,

course.

mate.

weren't

that

no

himself

locked

the

there

the

to

original

the

answered

"

added,

he
freezin'

continue

to

good,

Very

and, returning

steamer,

Dykes

Mr.

"

the

77

it.

to

you'll

be

festive

Yes, my

able

stick

to

deckthat

plimder

and

prize-money

the

way

your

stick

to

in

hollow

tooth."
A

low, angry

bolder
"

that
"

I'll
"

rest,

b'Heved

you,

im'oly

Then
see

We'll

speaker.
skipper
turning
There

"

by

And,

go

at

"

ain't

We

rights."

our

answered

Skelt,

to

the

others.
murmur

said

mate,"
that

of

so

the
make

we'll

more,

Ain't

'Awk.

low

you,

what's

the

'ave

others.

some

man,

"

and

get 'em."

you
stand

of

was

then

it."

chance

by me,"

stand

you
that

of

out

up, and
his feet.

Skelt, I'd

J as

growled

done

be

to

to

rose

aft, and

swine

aye,"

Aye,

goin'
"

the

than

If

went

murmur

"

approval.

he

first

you

added,

IX

CHAPTER
TRAGEDY

reading the secret

had
which
document
so
unexpectedly fallen into
his hands, he chuckled
grimly. It proved, beyond
vestige of a doubt, that Mr. Isaac Solomon
any
tremely
was
playing an extremely profitable,but also exIt was
not
hazardous
simply a
game.
of trading
of blockade-running, it was
a matter
case
He
in effect,treason.
with
the enemy
by
was,
devious
tricks and
dodges, supplying the enemy
without
with
saying,
war
material, and, it went
tion.
making a gigantic profit on each rascally transacHis method
was
wonderfully ingenious, for,
and English clearance
by providing German
papers
of
their
for his ships,he was
getting
reasonably sure
stopped by British vessels or
through, whether
those of the enemy.
were
Moreover, the cargoes
guised,
disshipped to neutral ports and their real nature
to lessen further the risk of discovery. But
had managed
the astute
Solomon
to get these
how
Calamity could not imagine; still,he had
papers
Calamity

As

in

sat

his

cabin

"

done

so.

the

character

and

business

numerous

that

document

remarkable

This

he

alleged.

was

Until

also

variety of some
activities,and

even

now,

wealthier

Calamity
78

shed
of Mr.

Solomon's

seemed

than

light on
to

rumour

himself

had

show
had
never

TRAGEDY

79

guessed that his partner possessed any ships,and

certainlySingapore knew nothing of it.
Inscrutable
the ways
of Solomon," he murare
mured
"

with
He

would

smile.
have

not

document

for

parted

fortune

henceforward, Solomon
all his tTcinsactions
had

always
held

who

been

the
he

expedition

and

Solomon's

the

be

had

motives

for

in his power.

In

wily ship-chandler,he

to feel that

whip-hand. He
left Singapore

of it when

incriminating
it meant
that,

the

because

would

with

made

with

it

been

had

latter

the

was

conscious

this

privateering
than
more
suspected that
financing him had been only
the making of a profit out of
on

with
partly concerned
of it now,
possibleprizes. He felt even
more
sure
his sense
but it only increased
of grim satisfaction.
tables had been turned, and it was
he who
The
held
the whip-hand, for it was
in his power
not
only to
ruin his partner financially,
but to have
him
sent
be
to prison for what, in aU
probabihty, would
the

term

of his natural

life.

these matters,
gloating over
and while Jasper Skelt was
doing his best to incite
to mutiny, Mr. Dykes was
the crew
ventilatinga
grievance to the chief engineer. What
puzzled and
else on the
irritated him, as it did nearly everyone
the Captain's seeming folly in letting
Hawk, was
the Ann,
ship, get away.
admittedly an
enemy
if she carried no
of any value, she could
Even
cargo
claimed
been
have
escorted
into Singapore and
as
a
surely have
prize. The Admiralty award would

While

Calamity

was

and well worth

generous,
This
view
he explained at

been

Phulach, who

gin

and

rum.

was

The

absorbing a
engineer was

listener at any

time, but

all the trouble.

length

some

to

fearful concoction
not
as

both

Mc-

of

sympathetic
the second-

very

8o

TRAGEDY

watch, there
on
second-engineer were
Mr. Dykes could unburden
else to whom
one
was
no
himself with anything like freedom.
I ain't saying but
what
he
mayn't have his
and very good ones," said the mate;
but,
reasons,
startin'
The
if he has, he ought to tell us.
are
crew
'em ? Three
to look nasty again,and who's
to blame
in a
to rope
times
already we've had a chance
It gets
prize and he's let eveiy one breeze away.
by me, and that's a fatt."
who
had been dozing between
drinks,
McPhulach,
opened his eyes as the speaker paused.
He's
a
michty
michty quare mon
; a verra
hie
and closed his eyes
quare mon," he murmured,
again.
I ain't grouchin',
Mind you," went on the mate,
this dance
I'd hke to know
where
but, all the same,
all over
is going to end.
Is he goin' to tote
us
the Pacific for the fun of stoppin'ships and letting
'em go again ?
And
where' s the prize-money that
we
were
goin' to get such lashings of ?
Mr.
A
the oiJy reply, and
stentorian
snore
was
fast asleep,
Dykes, realisingthat the engineer was
him
a
hearty
suppressed a desire to administer
Outside
he came
kick, and left the cabin.
upon
Miss Fletcher
sittingon a camp-stool at the door
and

mate

the

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

of the cabin
"

What's

serious," she

that had
the

been

once

matter

his.

You're

looking

very

said.

Dykes paused, and, leaning his back against

in his
the
opposite bulkhead, stuck both hands
air of weary
an
resignation.
pockets and assumed
I was
jesttryin'to figgerout whether we're on a
is jestdodgin'
yachtin' trip or whether the old man
for the sake of his health," he answered.
about
The
girllooked puzzled.
Mr.

"

TRAGEDY

82

There'll
they do stampede it won't be like last time.
be real, genuine trouble accompanied by corpses
put your shirt on that."
you can
But
told me
he quelled a mutiny singleyou
when
handed
were
only a few days out."
you
the
Then
but
this is different.
men
"Yes;
were
unprepared, they didn't know what to expect,
"

"

and

the

so

old

man

able

was

to

before

Cain

raise

ferent
it'll be difThis
time
they'd got their bearin's.
; it'llbe a real, genuine, bloody mutiny, with
hell to pay."
back
fear.
I would
no
Personally, I have
of such
scum,"
Captain against any number
your
answered
the girla little contemptuously.
Mr. Dykes shook
his head
gloomily.
to be
This ain't the sort of ship for a woman
"

"

remarked.

on," he

myself."
The
made
mate
and, realising that
no
answer,
not
his forebodings were
meeting with any sympathy,
and
from
the
rose
slowly
yawned.
step
mine's
Guess I'll turn in for a spell,"
he said ;
"

quite capable of taking care

am

of

"

"

the

middle

She

watch."

made

lounged
get some

away

to

attempt

no

the

towards

detain

him,* and

second-mate's

-cabin

he
to

sleep before going on duty.

The
brief twilight of the tropicshad given place
the sky
to night, and, though there was
no
moon,
in
ablaze
with myriads of brilliant stars, some
was
others
like groups
of sparkling gems,
clusters
it were,
the translucent
as
strewn,
promiscuously over
blue

by

reason

dome

and
of

their

few

isolated

wonderful

and

ing
outstand-

brilliance.^The
subtle, intoxicating

filled with
a
night-airwas
like a vast
steel mirror
perfume, and the sea was
for the expanding streak of bubbling, foamsave
cool

TRAGEDY
flecked

water

sounds

to

83

in the steamer's

be heard

wake.

And

the

only

the

steady, rhythmic beat

of the engines and
the gurghng swish
of the water
it swept past the ship's sides, clear, cool, and
as
mast-head
enticing. The
light shone out steady
and bright like a star of enormous
magnitude and
the
either beam
on
navigating lights cast red or
green reflections on the placid sea.
Dora
Fletcher
retired to her cabin, where
she sat
watching, through an open port, the beauty and
starlit night.
wonder
of
the
She
had
guished
extinthe lamp the better to enjoy this and the
of peace

sense

were

which

darkness

the

she
turned
however,
away
for bed, and, as she did

prepare

of the

out

towards

the

port

foc'sle.

with
so,

looked

which

door

The

induced.

sigh to
lessly
glanced care-

across

of

sently,
Pre-

the

deck

the

latter

was

shut, but

through the chinks a yellow ray of light

penetrated, and, listeningintently, she caught the
of voices.

murmur

forgot all about the beauty

and
peacefulness of the night, and her thoughts
turned
to the lugubrious forebodings of the mate.
such
under
On
conditions, it was
su^clf
a night, and
almost
such
he
as
impossible to imagine a scene
had
hinted ; impossible to picture the silent and
with
deserted
decks
aswarm
bloodthirsty
savage,
For

intent

men,

she,,who
left the
she

been

that

afloat

knew

nursery,

which

murder

upon

had

knew

man

she

moment

it

kept

was

this

and

destruction.

before

that

it

only

the

horde

most

children

Yet
have

possible,just as
iron mastery of one

was

of

ruffians

in

check.

babyhood, almost, she had listened to tales of

mutiny and crime on the high seas ; had sailed with
such
who
had witnessed
who
things,and some
men
boasted
of the parts they had played therein.
even
Since

84

TRAGEDY
she

Suddenly
dream

into

man's

voice

she

which

from

the

fallen

by

roused

was

raised

had

almost

waking
vague,
of a
the sound
It

dropped
lected
abruptly as though the speaker had suddenly recoland
himself
conscious
of having committed
was
It was
indiscretion.
an
evident, however,
that something unusual
was
going on in the foc'sle
which, ordinarily,should have been silent till the
relief watch
routed out and the off-goingwatch
was
tumbled
in. After a while she again heard voices,
and
then
sounds
that seemed
to suggest subdued
soimds
quarrelling. These
again died down, all
and soon
afterwards
was
silent,
thelightin the foc'sle
was
extinguished.
For
the girllingered at the port,
moments
some
for'ad
the commotion
portended,
wondering what
the bridge
the officer on
wondering also whether
had

noticed

for

the

it.

noise

The

of

not

was

she

saw

shout.

that

were

the

the

in itself

always kept burning

She was
just about
when

chances

engines coming
probably have drowned

gratings would
and
in the foc'sle,
up

to

the

fact that

it had

suspicious;

had

he

through
the

not,
the

sounds

been

dim

lighted
light was

there.
to

move

foc'sle door

turn
and
in,
away
creep
open and a man

Had
he stepped out
stealthilyout.
boldly she
would
have
thought nothing of it, but his furtive
at once
roused her curiosity. Keeping
movements
of the bulwarks, he crept forward
well in the shadow
till at last he reached
the
alleyway between
the
cabins
disappeared. Next
amidships and
the girlheard
soft footstepsapproach her
moment
cabin, pass the door, and die away.
She kept quite still for a few seconds
in order to
let the man
softlyopened her door and
pass, then
At the other end of the alleyway,giving
peered out.

TRAGEDY

85

the after-deck,she

caught sightof the shadowy

figure making its way aft,and still keeping well in
the shadows.
out of the cabin,
Stepping noiselessly
upon

she

followed

him

to find out

the

what

he

quarters, the

to sink behind

roimd

and

action

arrested

which

to do.

and

desire

reaching
the
Captain's
girlhad barely

to

the

winch

steam-

insistent

an

led

stopped

man

to

about

was

aft

deck-house

time

in obedience

On

before

he turned

gazed furtivelyabout him.

not being
Then, apparently satisfied that he was
did
an
watched, the man
extraordinary thing.
he began to lower himself
Chmbing over the taffrail,
the
wild
fear that he
A
water.
gently towards
intended
suicide took possession of the
to commit
about
his next
to cry out, when
girl,and she was
shoot

projected from

that

cabin, he

grasping
tillhe

still faxther

Captain's
and
then,

his hands, let himself

to the waist in water.

with

the shoot

nearly

the iron wind-

on

the scuttle of the

himself

lowered

was

his feet

With

her.

up

down

girlguessed what his

situated
intention
The
was
was.
Captain's bunk
the porthole, a fact she had
immediately beneath
noticed
during her first and, so far, last interview
his present insecure position,
with Calamity. From
the man
could, by putting his arm
through the open
port, reach the Captain as he lay asleep,and, providing
for instance, stab
he had a weapon,
a knife
him before he could utter a cry for help or defend
and

Then,

not

till then, the

himself.

And,

gleam

even

of

for the
her

eyes

as

knife

murderous
and

was

she

looked,

in the
blow.
about

felt herself seized from

tightly over

her

mouth.

man's

Dora

hand

Fletcher
;

saw

saw

the

it raised

Involuntarily she closed

to shriek for help when
she
behind
and a hand
pressed

CHAPTER

"

"

captain's

THE

APPEAL

word," whispered a harsh

her
astonishment, she recognised
Captain Calamity.
"

Not

"

"

back

Go

And

soul.
She

not

to
a

from

his hand

removed

He

voice

of what

whisper

to

belonging

to

mouth.
said

he

bunk,"

your

Understand

her

as

which,

you

in

low

have

seen

tone.
to

"

nodded.

signifying that
to her cabin,
the girl crept back
to go, and
she was
has
been
like a school-boy who
feeling very much
she had thought
discovered
What
breaking bounds.
to be a horrible
cerned,
contragedy had, so far as she was
turned
out to be a farce.
Yet, with feminine
for Calamity
inconsistency, her secret admiration
hundredfold.
His
increased
a
extraordinary
was
self-reliance,
preparedness, his calm, unshakable
her.
his independence of everyone
else, fascinated
There
was
nothing picturesque or heroic in his
or
manner
yet he had proved himself
appearance,
than a match, for the desperadoes
and more
a match,
He

who

board

jerked his head

him.

surrounded
his

equal

treatment

while
of

manner

There

"; he

she

her,

was

not

man

on

resourcefulness, watchfulness,

in

strength of purpose
Even

in

was

felt

she

master

of them

or

all.

his
at
deeply humiliated
reahsed
the absurdity of such
86

THE

CAPTAIN'S

feeling. To

than

him

for all she

brief and

knew

the contrary, he

to

She

felt that

would

accoimt

well nourish

be

Ufe Dora

indifferent

Fletcher

to her

had

met

feelingsas

he

rock

the

For

on

might

wave

against the
itself.

very

resentment

had, until this

nourish

to

childish

resentment

dashed
ineffectually
her

was

unexpected encounter, forgottenher

existence.
this

87

of less consequence
even
inefficient fireman or sailor on board

the most

she

"APPEAL"

which

it

first time

in

on

who

man

as

was

to her sex,

was

as

and,

curiouslyenough, she was not altogetherdispleased

by this.
Calamity, meanwhile, was
playing his own
game
in his own
Withdrawing into the shadows,
way.
he

awaited

errand.

the

had

He

after Dora

two

back

to

her

cabin,

he

As

and

did

clutched

until he
the

head

lowered

was

He

the

on

ex-boatswain

cast

hurried

grip
being

of

then

the
of

deck.

the

to

on

from

out

verge

or

cautiously clambered

with

his throat

moment

curtly ordered

so

himself

shot

hand

of the

taffrail.

choking grip relax, and

darkness

steel.

Not

suffocated
hand

did

fastened

his shoulder.

upon
"

so

been

left, then

and

his murderous

from
wait.

to

had

the

the

rail and

the

long

not

Fletcher

appeared over
glance right
over

of Skelt

return

Silence.

sent

with

Come

thrill of terror

Skelt had

no

me,"

through

alternative

but

said

voice

which

him.
to

obey, and

so, with

Captain's heavy hand still upon his shoulder,

accompanied him into the cabin.
Now," said Calamity as he seated himself and
surveyed his prisoner, be good enough to explain
the
"

"

this disobedience
The

to

fellow looked

orders."
at him

disconcerting enough

to

in astonishment.

find

himself

It

was

prisoner

88
in the

hands

but

was

it

sounded
"

"

of the

like

Is

be

to

minor

"

how

Remember

then,

after-deck
there

that

when,

next

you
unless

after sunset

habit

time

you

for

being

excuse

know,

as

the

of

"

the

is your

what

of what

sullenly.

in

been

have

you

Captain ?
Sir," growled the man.

Now

by him

accused

understand," he answered

that

murder,

to

offence.

addressingyour
"

intended

he had

man

amazing

I don't

"APPEAL"

CAPTAIN'S

THE

no

are

men

speak.
on

the

allowed
"

?
by express command
in the ex-bos'n's
Something akin to hope arose
it be possible,he thought, that the
breast.
Could
and
of his real intention
imaware
Captain was
of the
thought that he had merely disobeyed one
ship'sregulations? And, being wholly ignorant of
the extraordinary methods
of the terrible skipper
of the Hawk,
Jasper Skelt permitted himself the
luxury of a little secret contempt.
I didn't know
anything about the orders, sir,"
"

he

answered.
"

Indeed

No, sir."

"

Death."

started

man

know

you

board

on
"

The

Do

obedienc
penalty for dis-

the

privateer ?

"

nervously and turned a shade

not going quite so well as he

paler. Things were

had
thought, after all.
"I've

never

been

aboard

privateer before,

sir," he repliedhumbly.
"

So

What's

presume.

you're likelyever

to

more,

be aboard

don't

think

another."

Again the ex-boatswain

glanced nervously at the
last remark
him
struck
skipper. The
as
being
The
lowed
folunpleasantly ominous.
question which
confirmed

his worst

fears.

CAPTAIN'S

THE

go

with

prisoner

scientist

"

remarked

of you

any

went

meeting you
actuallysuch fools

"

held

last

that

hope

decent

men.

hand

faith went

made

Skelt

the
"

with

to suppose

that

soiled

ever

quietly in my cabin
like
behaving themselves
they were
never
thought that rascality and

no

and

answer,

Next

called

Chinaman

Captain

the

table.

the

on

huge

acquainted

in hand."

little hand-bell

steward,

occurred

You
were
Sunday.
that,having shipped

worst

in the

never

foc'sle ; you
even
of the little indignation

of port vermin
gang
ship's decks, I should remain
the

it

interesting

in the

nothing

as

and

new

length,
might be

on

I knew

that

sure

some

at

that

that

everything
felt

calm, questioning scrutiny of

the

surveying

specimen.
So," he
to

"APPEAL"

rang

the

moment

Sing-hi, entered

cabin.
"

he inquired.
hngee ?
Yes."
Calamity turned to the prisoner. Have
he asked.
you anything to say ?
For God's sake don't be hard on me," implored
would-be
murderer
with
the
abject piteousness.
Give me
a
chance, sir, and I'll do anything for
chance, sir, only one, and, before
Only one
you.
Christ, I'll be your slave."
smile came
A
over
Calamity's face as he
queer
regarded the cringing servilityof the rufhan.
he observed.
You
If
would, would
you ?
You

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

I asked

you

to

kill

"

certain

man

fora'd

while

he

"

was
"

asleep,would you do it ?
Yes, sir,if you'll spare my
cried

sir!"
"

"

You'd

swear

I'll take

my

the

to do

oath

with

man,

it ?
on

life. I'll do

grovelling eagerness.

"

the

thing,
any-

Bible, sir."

CAPTAIN'S

THE
"

"APPEAL"

thought you would,"

Steward, lock the
grimly.
I

answered

"

and

Savee

with

him

Calamity
"

"

answered

grin, whereupon
ex-boatswain's
collar,swung

hustled

and

arose

When

cabin.

of the

out

made

on
Dykes was
Anything to report
No, sir."

his

way

the

he

caught hold
him round, and
they had gone.
to the
bridge,

"

asked

the

Captain.

with the crew

?
managing
Well, sir,they ain't quite as peaceful
might be ; not since we met the Ann."
"How

are

huge

watch.

Mr.

where

up in your room
if he tries to escape.

muchee,"

plenty

Chinaman
of the

Captain

man

kill him

to

the

"

Savee?
"

hesitate

don't

91

"

you

"

"

Indeed

"

They

why

seem

to

as

they

"

think

might have made her a

port. In fact," added the

we

prize and taken her into

I may
mate, warming up,
going to be trouble, sir."
?
Mutiny, you mean
when
they
Yep, and
"

as

well tell you

there's

"

"

"

It's that

murder.
workin'

the

swine

we

start

there'll

picked

up

be

blue

that's been

mischief."

him, Mr.

Dykes."
I guess it'll be a stiff proposition,Cap'n ; he's
him.
behind
D'rectly you lay
gotten all the crew
hands
him, it'll be like a spark in a powderon
"

Then

we

must

deal

with

"

barrel."
"

the

Then

ship ?

The

you

regard him, virtually,as Captain

of

"

mate

made

no

answer,

but

shrugged

his

believed
that, in
significantly. He
utterly disregarding the wishes of the crew, and, at
iron
the
time, maintaining an
discipline.
same
than
he
a
bigger chunk
Calamity had bitten off
shoulders

"

THE

CAPTAIN'S

chew."

However,

92
could

"APPEAL"
considered

he

it

prudent

keep this opinion to himself, and therein he was

undoubtedly right.
the Captain
on
morning," went
By to-morrow
all signs of mutiny will,I think, have
after a pause,
disappeared."
I hope to God
they will, sir."
I feel sure
that an
appeal to the men's reason,
to

"

"

"

"

such

I shall make

as

fail in its

will not

to-morrow,

effect."
"

An

appeal

their

to

sir !

reason,

"

gasped

the

mate.
"

Yes.

mild

"

of

to

I don't
No

absurdity

mutiny."
get you, sir."

attempting
"

of the

demonstration

Well,

all hands

muster

on

deck

eight

at

Good-night, Mr. Dykes."

the
and,
mate,
Good-night, sir," answered
the
walking to the bridge-rail,expectorated over
if it ain't enough to
side.
"Well," he muttered,
An appeal to their reason
make
!
a feller spitblood.
in the cabin
Gee, he'll be holdin' family prayers
bells.
"

"

next."
At
was

six bells,which
up,

the

was

hour

an

perceived

mate

before

his watch

mounting

man

the

bridge-ladder.
"

"

"

"

"

Hello

"

"

exclaimed,

he

who

are

you

the man.
Brunton, sir," answered
?
It's not your
Well, what d'you want
Have
Skelt, sir ?
seen
you

"

watch."

"

Seen

hell do you

Skelt !
take

"

me

perishin'son
packet is ?
"He
was
going

every
this

couldn't

the

roared
for ?
of

"

mate.

What

D'you think I know

cock-eyed monkey

the
where

aboard

"

get

away

to

murder

before,

as

the

Captain,

all the

others

sir.
were

CAPTAIN'S

THE

watching
think
"

me.

only got

he's funked

Goin'

out

93

they

because

now

it."

murder

to

"APPEAL"

here, fetch

"

second-mate

the

"

up, quick !
The man
hurried

Smith's

to

the

sleeping occupant, who

bridge vomiting profanity of
"

Get

"

aft !

shouted

cabin

and

stumbled
varied
"

the mate,

roused

out

to

the

up
hues.

they'remurderin'

old man."

the

Smith

turned

cabin, which

he

entered

room

off to

without

It
knocking.
adjoining came

of
small

dashed

and

the

the

even

the

mony
cere-

from

but

empty,

was

Captain's
a

of stentorian

sound

snores.
"

"

Blimey

He

don't

"

Smith, glancing round

muttered

sound
fell

if he

as

him.

dead."

were

the

ship'slog which lay open on

the
table.
Instinctively he glanced at it and,
the following:
the entry for the day, read
under
Jasper Skelt,boatswain of the barque Esmeralda.
His

eye

on

"

Died

at

He

slowly
what

mate
"

"

Well,
a

returned
had

he

You're

climbin'

he

that

the

The

men

tumbled

themselves

bos'n

in

mate's

recent

Suddenly

one

the

hanging
Jasper

from

Skelt.

one

and

told

the

the

asked
like

Mr.
of

motor-'bus

Dykes, in quite
a couple of hours

all hands

muster

on

sullenly,muttering

out

latter.

Smith.

to that

to

seemed

which

manner

warning
of them

clear, grey

"

noise

morning

of mind

sent

In

hill,"answered

ago,

bridge

alive ?

was

makin'

was

different frame

the

the

to

seen.

he

sure

eight bells

At
a

Cause, misadventure."

sea.

to

the

gave

morning

to

deck.
among

justify

Captain.
cry.

light, they beheld,

of the derricks, the lifeless body

His

hands

and

feet

were

of

tightly

THE

94

bound

with

boom

by

Judging
the

ghastly

likely

to

and

cords,
a

"APPEAL"

CAPTAIN'S

round

rope
from

the

spectacle,
prove

vain

he

bis
men's

was

the

neck.
faces

Calamity's
one.

from

suspended

as
"

stared

they
appeal

"

was

at
not

CHAPTER
THE

XI

FIGHT

German

been
had
gunboat, that the Hawk
following so assiduously,had disappeared in the fog
which
the
of the Sunday
Ann
on
was
stopped.
each day with
Nevertheless, Calamity set the course
seemed
to
which
an
unhesitating decisiveness
A
definite plan in view.
suggest that he had some
after that encounter
a
large steamday or two
and
flying no ensign, was
yacht painted war-grey,
Calamity,
sighted steaming in a northerly direction.
her
who
the bridge at the time, examined
was
on
them
to Smith,
through his glassesand then handed
the mate
being below.

The

"

What

The

do

make

you

after

second-mate,

of her
a

long

"

and

he

asked.

careful

scrutiny,

glasses back.
he
Looks
like a commerce-destroyer,"
said,
tell what
if I can
but blowed
nationalityshe is."
find out," answered
the CapH'm, we'll soon
tain.

handed

the

"

"

"

"

I've

as

Smith
took

the

mounted
the

wake
"

Go

altered

the

send

shot

after her

as

soon

course."

left the

bridge, and, mounting the foc'sle,

which was
off the quick-firer
tarpaulin cover
Meanwhile
there.
Calamity had brought

Hawk's
of the
All

for 'ad and

nose

round

so

that

he

was

strange ship.

ready, sir

"

shouted
95

Smith.

now

in

the

96

FIGHT

THE

"

let her

Then

The

stern

; too

make

to

and
carefully laid the gun
shell went
the yacht's
a
hurtling over
enough
high to do any damage, yet near

second-mate
minute

next

it."

have

any
still.

nervous

nervous

The

feel

board
on
persons
noise
brought the

more

privateer's
was
pening.
hap-

on
deck, eager to see what
tiolmbling
of the shot
had
Then, before the sound
died away,
observed
the yacht was
to be changing
her course
of a circle
in the arc
steaming round
starboard
of the Hawk.
to
Obviously she was
not
that she
running away, and'the inference was
intended
to fight.
the
cried Calamity from
Pipe to quarters !
bridge ; but before the bos'n had time to obey the
order
the men
were
rushing to their places. It
if there was
seemed
as
going to be a fight at last.
The
of about
yacht, a steamer
tons, came
3,000
round
with her bows
the Hawk's
pointing towards
starboard
that position,
quarter, and, as she reached
crew

"

"

"

there

the

came

whistled

above

the

splintersone of
been
repairing on
to

hard
smashed

one

boom

of

privateer'supper
the boats
the

which

davits.

shower

of

gun.

shell

works, smashing
the carpenter had

second

the first,and then

a
upon
of the raised skylightsabove

sending

room,

sullen

broken

shot

lowed
fol-

third, which
the

engine-

glass upon

the

below.

men

"

"

he stood
as
Blimey !
ejaculated Smith
by
this looks like the real
his gun, lanyard in hand,
thing not half it don't."
The damage done by the last two shots would
have
been
the
not
Calamity thrust
greater still had
from
and
the wheel
it
taken
quartermaster away
his control, the Hawk
himself.
Under
slewed round
that
she presented only her bows
so
a
as
target
"

"

98

FIGHT

THE
"

hear

D'you

"Excuse
look
"

the

If the

the

have

girlwants

shouted

if Miss

hold.

deck

"

But

she

can

I won't

fight."
It was
an
ungracious order, but Mr. Dykes had
nothing for it but to leave the bridge and acquaint
Miss Fletcher
with the Captain's instructions.
The skipper'scompUments," he said, and would
when
they're taken down
you attend to the wounded
woman

on

during

to

doesn't?

Fletcher

in the

wounds

Captain.
who's

herself useful

make

to

the

"but

answered;

wounded

men's

"

I say ?

sir," he

me,

after

dress

what

"

"

the

to

hold

"

The

girlglanced
hesitating manner
suspicions.

at

him

in

which

"

That's

not

"

Well, I

guess it's as near

he has ordered

"

You

mean

what

he

the

sharply ; probably
he
spoke roused

said ?

"

as
me

she
no

her

challenged.

matter."
off the

deck

"

deprecatory gesture and turned

clined
For
the girl hesitated, half inmoment
a
away.
remain
to defy the Captain's orders and
on
Then
the futility
of any such act of defiance
deck.
ing
to her, and she returned
occurred
to her cabin, lockThe

mate

the
"

Oh
"

rage,
She

made

door
!

"

behind

exclaimed, stamping her

she

I hate

her.

him

foot with

"

ardently for a while,

and
then, as this gave little real satisfaction,she
opened her cabin door and peered out just as Smith
was
passing.
she asked.
Are you going on to the bridge ?
Yes," he answered, pausing.
be good enough to tell the Captain that
Then
tend the wounded
he can
himself," she burst out,
continued

to

hate

him

"

"

"

"

and
mate

slammed

the

could

recover

door

before

from

his

the

astonished

surprise.

second-

THE

FIGHT

99

duly delivered her message, but it was doubtful

if Calamity heard it ; certainly
he made
no
comment,
and Smith
thought it wise to let the matter
go at
He

that.
The

vessels

two
a

But

last

at

in when

shot

getting

stillfencingand

were

both

wherever

commanders

the

fruitless tactics, and

The
in real earnest.

and

manoeuvring,
they could.

then

the

of

tired

these

began
lighter

engagement

armed
with
yacht was
than those of her opponent, but she had more
guns
of them, and, in addition, possessed the advantage
twice
of speed, being capable of answering her helm
as
quickly as the privateer. This enabled her to
broadswing round at all angles, catch the Hawk
side-on

and

her

sweep

this, she by

and

fore

decks
no

for the privateer kept up

way,
trained fire that made
things aboard

than

lively.

only

those

As

allowed

on

small

the

on

deck,

foc'sle and
A

Whenever

Hawk.

from

by another

taken

was

casualties

the

and

placed
be

on

the

on

killed

men

mattresses

untU

such

"

Hit

shouted

relatively
fell,his place
in the

men

reserve

avoided.

were

in the

for'ad
and

carried

were

time

were

guns

as

they could

to.

had

the

jacket,and, with arms

working the quick-firer
having been
gun's crew

off his

thrown

elbows,

bridge, three
or

man

rigged up

wounded

Calamity
to

were

losses

the

here

attended

bared

the

thus

unnecessary
hospital of sorts had been

hold

steady, wellher adversary

the

served

who

men

withstandi
Not-

it all her

had

means

own

more

aft.

was

of the

wounded.
her
to

amidships, in
Mr. Dykes, who

the
had

engine-room !
charge of the

"

he
gun

the

on

poop.
minute

or

two

later there

was

loud

explosion

FIGHT

THE

loo

the

on

while

yacht, owing to
loaded, by a sheU

of her

one

from

being

guns
Hawk.

the

hit

wild

and
privateers' men,
Calamity, thinking he might board his adversary
order to the quarterin the confusion, bellowed
an
master.
cheer

went

the

from

up

"

Quick, damn
your eyes !
Hard
the quartermaster started to echo,
a
but before he could finish a fragment of shell struck
what
to
see
him, and
Calamity, swinging round
had
bespattered with blood and
happened, was
He
brains.
sprang to the wheel, and, pushing aside
the
dead
body with his foot, altered the helm.
"

Hard

starboard

"

"

But

it

too

was

late, the

other

had

his purpose

divined

drawing off. Instantly the Hawk

she came
round
in the
started in pursuit,but, as
yacht's wake, a ricocheting shell dropped through
there
the engine-room skylight and
an
was
sion
exploand

was

below

came

shook

Volumes

stern.

the

which
of

the

hissing

from

vessel

stem

through

ascended

steam

to

gratings and ventilators, while, above the roar,

the agonised shrieks
of some
men
firewretched
who
hold.
were
being scalded to death in the stoke-

his

man,

flesh, stumbled
paces, and

fell

face

wet,

of the

out

sprawling

on

of

mass
shapeless,raw
fiddley, staggered a

the deck.

few

Another

lowed
fol-

whose

to the
hair, stiU attached
skin, was
fallingoff in lumps, and he, too, collapsed on the

deck.
the

At

and

the

German

had

being,firingceased

it would
the

the

seem,

was

privateer, for
more
certainly not

the

moment

same

engines ceased

Meanwhile
time

the

in
she

on

Hawk

steady throb

both

off, and, for the

sides.

little better
was

than

The

enemy,

condition

steaming
five

to lose way.

began

drawn

of

at

knots.

than

rate

of

Calamity,

THE

FIGHT

loi

watching her from the bridge, cursed aloud as he

his hoped-for prize slowly but surely getting
saw
while he
away
in pursuit.
"

Send

for

McPhulach

could
anyone
the bridge.
"

I'm

are,"
"

he

prevent her

to

"

to

or

go

cried ; but, before

to
chief-engineermounted
!

obey, the

sair dootin'

Do

he

we'll

hae

bide

to

where

we

remarked

placidly.
to say the engines are
mean
Calamity.

you

demanded
"

unable

was

I wouldna

sae

go

far

as

"

"

say that," answered

speak o' them as assorted
tae

Ye micht
engineer.
scrap-iron."
The
Captain laid a firm

the

wrecked

hand

McPhulach'

on

arm.
"

You've

engines," he

repair those

to

got

said

quietly.
"

Eh

"

You

"

Losh

so

presarve
do it !

Almighty's
needn't

you

going

A'michty Himsel'

the

mon,

us,

"

The

"

me."

heard

couldna
"

"

or

I'll

Guid

worry

chief engineer of the

Get those
about that.

stringyou

God,

are

Hawk,

not

the

at

up

mad,

ye

end
!

mon

of
"

engines

derrick."

gasped the

engineer.
"

Mad

"

or

sane,

I'll do

what

say."
engine-room's like

the
tell ye
laundry," wailed McPhulach.

squairtingsteam

that

isna

and

it'll take

bind

up

the

all the

leaks.

"

out

of

cotton-waste

It's

There

isna

crack

some

in

the

plumber's job,

steama

pipe

or

itha,

ship
no'

to
an

engineer's."
"

to

Well, if you
do

mine," said

can't
the

job, I'll undertake

Captain grimly.
do

your

FIGHT

THE

102

emitted

McPhulach

pocket
of

and

short

sic

pipe.

come

over

thing

o'

plug

as

tobaccy

look

his

face.

"

said.

he

Hae

ye

ye'r pair-

on

"

son

had

his

from

briar

ye're richt, skipper,"

Maybe

got

rank

very

took

then

groan,

resignation

phlegmatic
"

filled

might

him

handed

Calamity

his

pipe,

also

short,

run

of

pouch

put

Phulach
Mc-

tobacco.

and,

remarking

some

tobacco

that
loose

he

his

in

pocket.
"

Gin

The

produced

lit his

pipe, and,

matches

The

of

of

and
latter

made

and

the

Gradually
and
of

her

Soon
succeeded

engines

was

after
in

began

washing
killed,

death

as

carried

were

down

cluding
in-

not

the

hold,
stoke-

eleven.

The

in

numbered

possible
into

the

became

commerce-destroyer

until,
a

superintending

been
to

bridge.

in

the

wheel-

burial.
the

smaller,

dropping
the

the

comfortable

as

former

pending

house

had

The

vestas.

left

been
and

scalded

wounded

the

were

hold

had

men

firemen

of

pocket,

own

Three

two

what

see

absent-mindedly

wounded

the

decks.

the

box

meanwhile,

removal

the

his

into

mate,

and

below

said.

he

Captain

engineer
the

I'll go

match,

done,"

be

can

hae

ye

by

feathery
eight

evening,
smoke-trail
bells

performing
to

move.

that
a

all

that
the

on

night,
miracle

"

smaller

was

visible

horizon.
McPhulach
the

Hawk's

CHAPTER
A

like

Slowly,
and

as

DESPERATE

push
engines,

the

of his

taking his first walk

strength, the Hawk
began

aside

seas

instead

VENTURE

convalescent

yet doubtful

to

XII

and

ahead.

move

The

of

working with
rhythmic regularity,
were
banging and thumping in jerky spasms
the bridge "shook
with
still,they were
working
their ponderous vibrations, while
the
wire
funnel
slacked
and
the
smokestack
as
stays tautened
quivered.
The
first duty accomplished after the
clearing
the disposal of the dead, which
up of the decks was
were
placed in canvas
bags weighted with firebars
their sinking. There
to
ensure
were
no
prayers,
of
ceremonies
kind ; they were
services, or
any
the side.
simply dropped over
In the hold
at work
were
Calamity and the mate

"

"

with

their

Some

of

coats

the

better

off

and

shirt-sleeves
had

hatch-covers

ventilation

and

been

rolled
removed

up.
to

couple of lanterns
the girders flickered
suspended from
feebly in the
two
were
semi-twilight. Against the bulkheads
of mattresses
rows
arranged so as to leave a passage
of these
between
them, and on some
lay wounded
secure

men,
over
was

each
him.

with

The

attending

to

coarse,

black

Captain,

assisted

the

serious

more
103

blanket

by
cases

thrown

Mr.

in

Dykes,
a

manner

which

the

the

caused
He

DESPERATE

104

duties

brutal

had

VENTURE

considerable

mate

expected

to

secret

the

see

ment.
astonish-

skipper perform
ready if

of surgeon
in a rough and
and
felt a strong
had
way,

not

sympathy for
Instead, Calamity handled
prospective victims.
with
almost
men
professionalskill,performing
serious operations with
deft, q\:ick fingers,

his
the
even

and

without

smile,

nervousness

word

cheery

joke

flavoured
in

either

of

worked

encouragement,
and

wonders,

hesitation.

or

full-

even

man,

excruciating pain, would

grin feebly at some

broad
jest uttered by the Captain.
Dora
had
Fletcher, who
thought better of her
first hasty decision, was
of the minor
dressing some
wounds.
To her, Calamity's new
role came
a
as
startlingrevelation of a hitherto unsuspected phase
of his character.
acts

of

pass
that

from

he

She,

bed

to bed

the
Men

their fears

so

it

recognise and

as

at

at

the

curt

she

last he

demand

to

new

fidence
con-

apprehensivelyas
their injuries,but
his
gentle as a woman's,

some

Yet

to a nurse.
surgeon
and
triumphant, for
a

quiet assurance
with

cases

him

watched

flinched

was

give

to

was

worst

quickly set
glanced at

were

scarcely even

he did

air of

an

examine

though firm,

touch,
He

with

commit

him

seen

unquestionable brutality,now

inspired even
and hope.
approached to

and

had

who

her

rest.

girl,and

directions

felt
had

when
from

as

strangelyhappy
been

forced

to

She

felt

assistance.

herself

the terse
volving
to him, and
orders, innecessary
her
of succour,,
co-operation in the work

seemed

to her

she
he

would

if he

would

have

resented

After

the

tacit admission
at
to

least be

of the fact.
an

acknowledge

entity
her

forth
Hence-

in his

eyes ;

existence,

even

it.

Captain

and

Mr.

Dykes

had

gone;

io6

In

appliances.
sustained

been
to

But
and

hide

the

Smith
On

the

going
"

of

"

watches,

spell,"he
She
merely

each

In

time.

hold, she

Miss

Fletcher

met

Mr.

Dykes.
you're to

that

you'llhave

asked

to

and

and

her

nodded

and

passed

into

far
to

"

fading in
surroundings

corner

undo

she

first port

she

found

front

and

witness

wrote

the

the

that

he

of his

the

man

letter

noiseless
for

his

that

He

was

the

dying,
will

last

document
was

ship touched.
making feeble

shirt.

half-

the

was

curiously pathetic

hold.

the

was

knew

down

write

for another
at

who

man,

testament

posted

take

said.

growing daylight, making the

more
gloomy and depressing than even
from
with
bed
to bed
light. She moved
little services
steps, performing vaiious
One

was

rest between

the

sufferers.

as

was,

sepulchre."

dim, yellow glow of the lanterns

The

she

as

are

that

so

wardly,
out-

normal

her

fact

bloomin'

skipper's orders

four-hour

shell, and

merely superficial,like
used
by a faded beauty

morning,

the

to

much

done

resumed

had

whited

had

and

shot

was

of

the

canvas

cosmetics

second

down

The

it

ravages

put it,

and

damage
yacht had

of the

with

Hawk

least, the

creams

much

encounter

effects

the

appearance.
the

meantime

Paint

repaired.
at

to

the

the

in

cover

VENTURE

DESPERATE

too

"

to

be

In

efforts

weak

he
wanted, the
speak, and, wondering what
it to find a small
silver crucifix
girl unbuttoned
his neck.
suspended from a piece of string round
Divining his need, she placed it in his hand, and
the
the
over
misshapen fingers closed
coarse,
Symbol ; thus he died.
Soon
afterwards
the Captain entered
and passed
the
between
of the
beds, stopping to ask each
getting on, and giving a cheery
patientshow he was
to

A
word

of

DESPERATE

VENTURE

encouragement

reached

the

the

figure,whose

dead

bed

107
At

to

everyone.
Dora
Fletcher

where

last he

stood

fingersstill clasped the

over

little

silver crucifix.
"

to

H'm,"
report

In
and
"

she
"

in

loss.

Anything

girl described the condition

of the various
clusion
patients. At the conprogress
comment.
no
Calamity nodded, but made
I should
like to ask you
a
favour. Captain,"
said quietly.
A favour ?
he demanded
Well, what is it ?
the reverse
of encouraging.
that was
tone
Do
think
could
give this poor
you
you

"

words

wished

the

"

"

the
"

indicated

the

burial ?

dead

man

I think

"

the

on

would

he

it."

Captain's face as he
figure.
The
man's
dead, isn't he
Yes, of course," answered
question.
the

Then

waiting
Later

again

for
on

"

answer,
that day

man's

rest.

got
I'm

the

not

him

to

how

without

away.
the

request

desire.

distinctions,"rephed
to take

scious
uncon-

girl,puzzled by

Dykes urged

Mr.

came

"

it make

can

walked

Fletcher's

make

annoyance
glanced at the

Calamity, and,

demanded

an

at Miss

I can't

The

difference

what

buried

he's

bed
have

look of mingled surprise and

A
into

she

"

Christian

"

the

another

"

few

fellow"

"

"

grunted,

"

"

"

he

his chance

going

of

the

Captain.
paradise with

give him an unfair

ful
Besides, this is a cheerto depress the livingby
the dead.
They'll get

to

advantage over the others.

ship,and I don't intend
reading burial services over
their proper ratings without
my
So that evening the corpse,

assistance."
sewed

up

in

canvas

io8

VENTURE

DESPERATE

and

weighted

the

side

with

piece of pig-iron,was

without

cast

over

ceremony.

followingmorning the look-out upon

bow.
the foc'sle head reported land on the starboard
The
news
rushing on deck at
brought the men
is always
once, for the sight of land to sailors at sea
an
interesting event, savouring of adventure,
and
The
wine.
ported
news
was
immediately rewomen,
hurried on to the bridge
to the Captain, who
for some
time
and
the seeming cloud
scrutinised
through the glasseswhich Smith, who was on watch,
Early

handed
"

to him.

grunted Calamity,
the Palau
Group I

H'm,"

"

One

"

Which

"

"

the

on

of

Was

should

sir," corrected
knowing ; among

no

say, sir."
eh ?

"

the

German,

There's

island."

an

it's German

that

means

"

so

"

second-mate.
scattered

many

it's

two
or
quite possible that one
may
have
been overlooked
by our cruisers."
Smith
Maybe, sir," answered
doubtfully.
Calamity again focussed the glasses on the dark
As he had justpointed
smudge in the dim distance.
out
to the second-mate, it was
quite possible that

islands
"

of the

some

what

was

small

islands

called

once

which

went

the Bismarck

to

make

Archipelago

up
had

This seemed
the more
escaped official annexation.
German
vessels, the gunboat
probable since two
the commerce-destroyer, were
and
apparently still
Both
at large in these
waters.
ships,particularly
the former, would
require a coaling station not too
far away, and what
more
likely,therefore,than that
be

should

there

islands
The
her

Hawk

speed

in before

hidden

one

those

now
on

among

these

numerab
in-

slowly
was

away

bore
so

down

reduced

board

were

upon
that

able

the

land, but

night
to get

had
a

set

really

VENTURE

DESPERATE

109

good view.
By the following morning, however,
within
mile of it, and its
they found themselves
a
palm-fringed beaches could be seen plainlyfrom the
There
deck.
was
nothing about the island to excite
wonder
that it justhappened to be
interest,save
or
of blue waters.
waste
dry land amidst a boundless
Numbers
of such islands, many
of them
far larger,
to

were

be met

with

Yet, because

it

pleasures, there
aboard

in these

land, and

was

was

the

latitudes.

an

Hawk.

suggestiveof

illicit

air of

ment
suppressed exciteThroughout the day she

coasted

did a canoe
once
slowly roiuid it,but never
catamaran
or
a
put off to trade ; indeed, not a
life was
to be seen.
At last,after
vestige of human
they had nearly completed a circuit of the islsmd,a
small harbour
was
sighted at the eastern extremity.
structure
On a hill,overlooking the entrance, was
a
which suggested a fort.and this at once
gave Calamity
the idea that the gunboat which had hitherto eluded
him

was

probably
"

ensconced

pirate and take

the first thought which
and a stronger motive
but another
"

dig
spoilswas

To

to enter

that

the

out

the

the

harbour

Hawk's

at all costs.

engines were

this harbour.

within

next

possessionof her
occurred
to him,
made
This
door

him

decide
the

was

to

fact

useless,

effectuallyrepaired,
It was
would
become
quite possible,
entirely so.
German
he reflected,that if the island really was
a
station, there would be appliances for dealing with
engine-room mishaps.
sundown, he steered boldly for the
So, towards
call
to
harbour, even
blowing the steam
syren
the fort,he
The flagstaff
attention
to his visit.
on
drew
bare, although as the Hawk
noticed, was
it was
possibleto make out an inconspicuous
nearer
and, unless they could be

wireless installation.

more

no

"

DESPERATE
without

German
"

If it

floatingup

self.
to him-

doubt," he remarked

British

were

Union

the

would

Jack

be

there."

turned

He

VENTURE

what

he

in

and

Dykes

Mr.

to

done.

wanted

few

The

words

Hawk

plained
ex-

to

was

which
American
merchantman
pose as a harmless
of trying to obtain some
had put in for the purpose
The
coal.
large crew, totallyout of proportion to
the

number

who

in

remain

to

were

required
to

were

of

deserted

grimy

in

firemen

emitted

The

sound

manned

in

the

had

man

in

"

Don't

get you,"
try."

"

Vot

schip vos
evidently some

This

couple

hour

an

harbour

the

and

the

with

white

off from

the

stern

boat,
seated

man

small, wooden

When

within
stood

up

hailing
and
put

to his mouth.

heisst das

was

of

fort.

the

Wie

"

purposes.
decks

expectorating
later, the

ear-piercingshrieks.
when
scarcely died away

"

another

Half

by natives and
stern-sheets,put

hands

for show

the bulwarks

over

mouth

two

or

three

jetty beneath
distance, the
both

tramp,"

few minutes
the
very
for the look-out
and
a

water.

the

deck

the

leant

who

the

reached

syren

except

into
Hawk

the

"

man

lounge about

Therefore
were

peaceful
foc'sle,except one

to

is the

"

schiff ?

dot

answered

sort

American

he

"

bawled.

Calamity

bellowed

the

"

have

other,

who

of

port official.
steamer
Hawk,

for

Singapore

Valparaiso."
Vy you no show your flarg? inquiredthe official,
his boat coming nearer
the Hawk
every moment.
it was
Sorry ; if I'd known
birthday,guess
your
I'd have hoisted a bit of bunting,"repUed the pseudo
Yankee
skipper,and gave an order which resulted in
the Stars and Stripesfluttering
out astern.
"

"

"

A
The

DESPERATE

VENTURE
did not

reply,however,

iii

to

appear

please the

official.
"

You

see

'eave-to

"

he

"

commanded.

I vant

to

papers."

your

"

Calamity rang down

Stop," the engines ceased
deck
out
on
came
thudding and a couple of men
and
the side.
threw
A moment
a rope-ladder over
later the
boat
came
alongside and the official,
a
the ladder with some
ascended
short, fat little man,
aUghting on deck hot and breathless.
difficulty,
his coffee-coloured
cox'n
Meanwhile
having made
the boat fast to a rung of the rope-ladder,sat down
and lighteda cheroot.
asked
der Captain ?
the newcomer
You
vas
recovered
his breath.
of Calamity, as soon
as he had
"

"

"

Yes."

"

You

"

If

you,"

produce

must

you'llcome
answered

towards

papers."
with me,
sir,I'll show
Calamity pohtely,and led
your

them
the

to

way

his cabin.

Suddenly he stopped near

which
a
couple of the covers

the

had

after-hatch, from

previously been

removed.
"

he asked.
squintat the cargo ?
it'llinterest you."
Guess
looked surprisedat the quesThe
fussy little man
tion,
but he stepped up to the hatch, and, leaning
the combing, peered into the obscure
depths
over
"

Like

to have

"

below.

While

he

was

stillin this convenient

attitude

impelling force caught him in the small of the

into the hold, alighting
back, and he shot downwards
head
foremost
Then,
a
on
heap of sand-ballast.
to raise a shout,
before he had recovered
sufficiently
the hatch-covers
were
promptly clapped on again
an

and

he

the

ups

was

and

in the

left there
downs

of

dark

to

meditate

port official's hfe.

on

DESPERATE

112

VENTURE

disposed of this inquisitive

Having satisfactorily
the
to the bridge and
Calamity returned
person,
Hawk
began to steam slowly past the fort into the
harbour.
her

Two

one

of their

was

well.

steered

his

the

the

gave

boarded

her

concluded

that

by
all

Mr.

shorewards.
had

Hawk

portion

upper

Dykes
"

man

his boat

When

seen

hill watched

the

Dykes had managed to

side
dusky cox'n in the waiting boat alongwould
remain
upon
on
master
board, wheresaluted, cast off the painter, and

Meanwhile

the

on

officials doubtless

the

that

sentinels

they having

but

progress,

convince

three

or

vent

of

to

rounded

the

harbour

the

sudden

bend

which

from

view, Mr.

exclamation

hid

of astonishment.
"

old

bug-trap ?
Looking in the direction indicated by the mate.
the
Calamity saw
pirate gunboat beached
just
beyond the jetty and lying on her side, evidently
for the purpose
of being repaired. His assumption,
secret
a
then, had been correct : this island was
coaling station and place of refuge for the very few
still at large. However,
vessels which
German
were
he made
comment
no
aloud, and in a few more
Dumed

minutes

the

if that

ain't

anchor

was

peacefully at

her

situation

our

let go

and

the

Hawk

swung

moorings.
in

which

tarily
volunCalamity had
placed himself by entering this harbour
was,
he
with
infinite
as
fullyrealised,fraught
peril. He
that if he now
knew
attempted to escape he risked
being sunk by the guns on the fort,yet he could not
remain
where
he was
much
longer without
being
result in
would
subjected to investigationswhich
Under
the
circumstances,
capture, if not worse.
therefore, there was
only one thing to do, and that
to attack
the fort and capture it. This plan,
was
The

XIII

CHAPTER

EBB

THE

last

At
the

night

Calamity gave the

of the foc'sle,some

came.

streamed

men

TIDE

out

word

and

rushing
davits,

ready to lower the boats from the

and
under
others
ammunition
the
stowing arms
had his own
thwarts.
particularduty
Every man
to discharge ; there
no
was
confusion, no shouting
of orders, no
wild and
objectlessrushing about
done
quietly and systematically.
everything was
Stand
by 1
but
The
low
Captain's voice was
penetrating.
Everyone stood still at his post.
Slip !
the
The
boats
davits, the falls
dropped from
cast
were
off, the oars
flung out, and the bowmen
stood
Quickly,
up, ready to push off at the order.
and with scarce
a sound, the
landing party swarmed
down
their places in the
the rope-ladders and took
falls

to the

"

"

"

"

"

boats.
"

As

Give

the

out

into

those

left

shot

view

by
muffled,
heard

"

man,

one

boats

way

so

were

dipped

into

thwarts

and

the

the

the

soft

to

darkness,
board.

on

that

the

bent

rowers

The

only sounds
plash of the

water

and

stretchers.

But
"4

the
soon

their

and

were

oars

which

oars, the
lost to
had

been

could

blades

creaking

be

they

as

of

the

these noises died

THE

EBB

TIDE

115

in the distance,and then all seemed

away
still to the dark figurescrouching beside
the

on

Hawk's

About

tongue

sink

to

minutes

sound

Mr.

Dykes

and

there

the

boats

suddenly leapt from

dull boom.
Evidently

the

The

after

flame

by a
just discovered

had

the

guns

decks.

five
of

perfectly

the

boats

attack, and

before

of the gun
passed the
ensued

had

to open

left

the

lowed
fort, fol-

the

Germans

attempting

were

they reached
scarcelydied

word

had

fire

the

shore.

away

when

on

the

fort,

the latter
lively duel between
and
the Hawk.
As it was
a
pitch dark night, each
side had to guide its fire by the flashes of the enemy's
somewhat
so
that, at first,the shooting was
guns,
erratic.
But, after a while, the Germans
began to
such good
and to make
get the range of the Hawk
of his
practice that Mr. Dykes had to order some
stack
them
sand ballast and
to fill bags with
men
to afford additional
along the bulwarks
protection
the
to
crews.
Unfortunately, the enemy's
gun
calibre than
the Hawk's,
of much
heavier
were
guns

that, when

so

shell

struck

the

vessel, it did

siderable
con-

damage.
"

By

Gum

had

means

Hawk
he
a

was

few

"

this is

ting
get-

a
receiving such
fusillade from the fort, and, though by
timorous
began to fear that the
man,
So far as
at her
be sunk
moorings.
been
to tell at present, there had
only

not

tremendous
no

ejaculatedthe mate,

hot."

durned
He

"

would
able

casualties

reckoned

on

upon

board, the bulwarks

and

bags
sand-

affording an excellent protection for the men

working the guns, although, had it been daylight,
been
of little avail.
would
these
probably have
suffered considerably ;
herself had
But
the steamer
the deckhouses
were
mostly in splinters,all the

Ii6

skylights had
had

Once

the

his

living thing
I

was

of

them

cables," he murmured

just

skidoo

couldn't
The

than

Calamity

chance

in

the

pleasant.
By this

cut

then

our

could

we

old

the

man

harbour

occurred

time

he

his

men

getting

of

would

time

of

the

more

it from

his

cowardice

to

without

Captain

reach

should

of him

be

and

him

island

the

on

within

consequences

to

dismissed

certainly savour
and

himself

cables

retreat, while, if the

to

succeed

ever

"

and

harbour,

slipping the

each

It would

leave

the

of the

but

once,

mind.

of

out

himself,

to

would

shells

word."

say
notion

creeping

of

out

funnel

the

only a jagged stump.

the
in battering down
simply annihilate every

succeeded

some

where

now

would
guns
board.

on

wish

smashed, and

there

enemy

defences,
"

been

stood

once

TIDE

EBB

THE

very

wards,
after-

far

from

Hawk's

machine-guns
had been put out of action, and
still the fort kept
Mr.
an
unceasing bombardment.
Dykes was
up
now
ferventlyhoping that Calamity would abandon
the
attack, return
on
board, and
get out of this
hornet's
with
all possiblespeed
nest
if, of course,
the steamer
not
was
already too battered about to
With
this possibilityin view, he
get under
way.
and was
sent a man
to fetch McPhulach
exceedingly
surprised to learn that the engineer could not be
one

"

found.
"

Ain't

"No,
the
"

"

in his cabin

sir, nor

messenger.
he must
But

stand
"

he

by

'E's
See

yet

in

"

the

be, the

he

inquired.
engine-room,"

skipper said

the

engines."
not there," repeated the
if he's in the alleyway."

man.

he

replied
was

to

THE

The

EBB

departed but

man

McPhulach

that

TIDE

117

retiirned with

the

in

not

was

the information

alleyway.

him
Moreover, nobody on board had seen
landing party left.
Fetch up Mr. Sims," said the mate.

since the

"

Sims

Mr.

with

man

watery

dyspepsia, who
was,

had

had

he
"

"

"

"

"

Sims

Ain't

there

Sims

full head

"

he

that

he
deck

"

sake

Why

been

you
orders

to

doing

keep

up

"

use

your
there
ain't

all the

firemen

almost

tongue, man,"
deck."

on

are

danced

steam

no

roared

"

with

rage,

yet this

nothing for the simple reason

all hands
recollected having ordered
now
and
of serving the guns
for the purpose
could

passing up
Sims

steam,

say

ammunition

Oh, get

Having
up

have

nodded.

Dykes

time

of his statement.
"

have

you
?

of steam

Because

Mr.

Mr.

Didn't

God's

the mate.

thunder

"

Dykes.

then
steam,
his head.

in

appeared.

in confirmation

what

Sims

For

no

shook

there

Mr.

ejaculated Mr.

nodded

Then

down

"

"

Sims

way

be."

hour, may

get under

to

us

Mr.

when

mate

an

What

Mr.

"

officers

other

could

will it take

long

Half

if he

the

with

met.

ever

How

Mr.

on

mixed

never

word

inquired the

eyes,

engineer, a melancholy
palhd face, and chronic

possiblyhelp it. He
too, an indifferent engineer ; but, as McPhulach
as
a
said, the biggest success
once
nonentity

uttered

or

second-

the

was

to

hell out

vanished

back

out

of it !
into

despatched some
the mate
again

advisability of drawing

hold.

of the
"

he

splutteredand

obscurity.
firemen
fell to

off since

below

to

get

considering the
the
enemy's fire

ii8

THE

showed
it

not

fate in store

they fell

if

rather

but

moment,
the

Sims'

Mr.

doing

to

their

thing

"

McPhulach

used

I'm

goin'

the

anchor.

the

word

to

will smell
"

to

get

the

be

could

firemen

yrere

bos'n's-mate

left the

hold
stoke-

the

to

dared

to

do

had

ascertained

Having

up
of

out

the

the

anchors.

death-trap," he
stand
so
by to pick up
till I give
at the guns

"

men

butt

the

nothing

have

firing,else

about

'Ow

Still,if

fair pressure
cf steam, he
and
personally tested the

hauling

and

rat

board

on

for

cease

enemy.

board.

deck

Keep

the

descended

bos'n's-mate,

the

to

others

that

not

already
the

to

capstans
said

would
on

at

any
anticipation of

the

Dykes
and

deck

he

was

returned
"

Mr.

been

there

that

himself

utmost,

hit

hour.

an

assure

of the

in charge

of

justice,

him

himself

correct,

was

least half

order

In

and

hands

do

vivid

him

the

report

from

for

into

for at

done

To

signs of slackening.
from
fear of being

no

was

TIDE

EBB

this

them

durned

in before
sir ?

Cap'n,

can

we

"

Germans

quit."
the

asked

man

doubtfully.
"

ask

Damn

eyes,
fool questions !
"

The
Mr.

walked

man

Dykes

angry
wasn't

and

he

he

determined

to

carry

the

steam

the

be

to
or

the

dictated
else

anyone

to
so

by
long

don't

unwillingly

him
out

and

all the
his
a

as

more

plan.
swab
he

He

of
was

in

ship.
down

rung
went

was

somewhat

away,

made

room,
the weighing

and

snapped

I tell you,
the mate.

which

going

charge of
Having

what

thought,

bos'n's-mate

on

do

your

on

to

of the

about

"

the

Stand

by

"

foc'sle head

anchor.

When

the

engineto superintend
all was
ready

to

to the man
at
pass the word
capstan, Miss Fletcher suddenly appeared

foc'sle.

to

THE

"

What

"

Get

"

And

lurch

"

of

Eh

believe
"

thrusting

mate

quietly,

anchor."
able

scarce

off

he

to

the
threw

side

the

till the

while
gave

them

off

oath,

an

with

vessel

and

with

overcome

indignation

caught

Then,

nearly

harbour

so

he

Suddenly,
of

they

still

gazed

feet.
into

down

of

revolver
stood

unexpected

their

sprang

however,

sight

an

he

that

intention

the

foc'sle.

the
as

other,

to

was

uttering

Then,

dead

this

and

girl's hand.

in
ing
eye-

lur9h

The
the

mate

dark

below.

water

nin'

that

leave

apparently

her

stopped

"

girl

the

Dykes,

Dykes

Mr.

her,

each

the

by

board."

on

speak.

not

sprang

the

either,

men

said

Mr.

astonishment

which

in

men

answered

heave

to

shan't

moment

nor

be,"

may

you

comes

towards

the

his

ears.

that

say

mingled

he

and

rage.

exclaimed

his

For

curtly.

foc'sle,"

going

not

"

Captain

could

it

as

this

suppressed

you're

"

asked.

she

answered

Captain,

any

quit

just

That's

but

"

Captain

the

ain't

voice

a
"

do

to

119

"

so

in

TIDE

he

way,"

leave

There

now,

going

you

under

"

are

EBB

Euchred
out

and

"

we're

he

ejaculated.
fast

aground."

"

The

tide's

run-

CHAPTER

XIV

THE

ATTACK

Having

failed

without

discovery, Calamity

between

thing,

in

the

of

the

guns
the
have
it

fire

"

the

only
of

the

Even

shore.

own

did

not

and

best

the

tion
atten-

operations.
concentrate

of

some

their

less

promiscuously, into
to
they did not appear
illuminating shells, for
inaccurate

consequent
the
prevented

before
it was,

as

distract

his

fire
cross-

next

and

that

gunners

the

the

as

steamer,

darkness

being annihilated

from

or

the

on

or
firing, more
harbour.
Fortunately,
either searchlights or

aim

was

defenders

were

was

the

from

the

wholly

Hawk

landing

regarded

extent

some

Germans

Nevertheless,
their

to

the

effect

to

attempt

fort and

it would

as

his

little force

single boat

the

touched

around

water

them

where
shells
constantly sending up cascades
fragments of bursting shrapnel struck it.
roared
Pull
like hell !
the
Calamity above
"

din.
The

through
strain.
a

terrible

boatload

only
men

needed

men

the

no

of

oars

that

above

Suddenly,
was

and

with

water

cry

urging

heard,

men

the
and

for

that

would

under

with

have

leapt
the

of

the

guns,

there

had

been

before, there

splintered wreckage
clinging to it. Yet
none

assistance

bent

thunder
where

moment

some

boats

the

few

dared
meant

go

was

now

wovmded
to

their

inevitable

THE

122

left the

of the

shelter

ATTACK
"

moved

and

go-downs,"

wards
to-

till they
It was
order.
not
hill in open
himself to
showed
that the enemy
to climb

the

started
be

of their presence

aware

brisk
but

rifle-fire was
aim

the

on

opened on
too
high,

was

the

island.

them

from

and

with

advance

to

forward

step

attackers
the

drew

bullets

came

the

others.

But

had

man

he

danger increased, and,

the

and

nearer

the

to

nearer

perilouslynear,

one

the

been

continued
with

now

flew

by

Even

fort,

the

bullets

the

harmlessly above the sailors' heads.

time they were
halfway up, only one
was
so
hit, and his wound
slight that

Then

or

as

each
the

stockade
two

men

the long, thin

But
dropping out of the advance.
line of creeping figuresnever
wavered, though not
of them
For
the last
had as yet fired a shot.
one
forward
on
fiftyyards or so they simply crawled
above
their bellies,while a hail of bullets whistled
their

heads.
the

long,
the signal
shrill call of the bos'n's pipe. This was
the fort,and the men,
to storm
leaping to their feet,
rushed across
the few remaining yards that separated
While
them
from the stockade.
slingingtheir
some,
their
rifles across
backs, made
prodigious efforts
to scale the bamboo
defences, others, provided with
dynamite cartridges, tried to blow gaps in it to
Then,

enable

high

their

above

comrades

terrific

the

to

din, there

enter.

For

arose

few

minutes

struggle,those of the attacking

in getting over
or
through
party who had succeeded
the
stockade,
engaging in fierce hand-to-hand
with
the
encounters
defenders, using whatever
came
handiest, rifle-butt,sheath-knife, or
weapon
simply bare fists. But
eventually the seamen,
finding themselves
hopelesslyoutnumbered, began
and fall back, fightingdesperately all the
to waver
there

was

THE
time.

At

ATTACK

123

last

forced
the
to abandon
they were
hardly-won ground altogether and then, as if acting
on
a common
impulse, they turned and fled.
The
vain attempt to rally them,
a
Captain made
but they were
unnerved, and, heedless of his shouts,
fled in panic down
the hill, till they reached
the
shelter of the "go-downs" at the bottom
of the slope.
"

To

the

boats

But

just

move

towards

sound

of

upwards from
the landscape
been

have

the boats

explosion and

into

rout
"

FaU

At

the

with

for miles

the

upon

they

could

the

came

around.

in the

Calamity's
Hawk

the

fort, but, whatever

to

opportunity

an

had

convert

shouted.

he
the

disaster

which

once

more,

followed

their

and, in the

small

see

overtaken
courage,

this occasion

them,

had

their

regained

men

forming into line

up the slope. On
down

make

to

there

shell from

here

saw

"

sight of

enemy,

"

victory.

in !

'ad

great flame shot

fort
the
on
hill, lighting up
a
weird, lurid glare that must

that
thought was
exploded the magazine
he

edge,

water's

observable

cause,

about

were

first

the

We've

someone.

men

the

terrific

To

the

as

"

cried

'ell.

of this

enough

"

bodies

the

and,

Captain
no
deadly fire swept
light of the flames,

of

terrified

soldiers

the stockade
or
scrambling over
forcing their way
to
through the gaps, in panic-strickenendeavours
the blazing enclosure.
escape from
Now
cried Calamity.
Steady, lads 1
give
"

"

"

it them."

The

straggling line

moment
mass

of

hail

of

Germans

volley followed, and

terror, dashed

back

of

lead

halted, and

seamen

swept

through

with

fearful

some

of the

towards

the

the

effect.

next

chaotic
Another

in
fugitives,
blazing fort

their
while

THE

124

others,

cool-headed, flung themselves

more

Even

ground.

the

lay around

escaped
Since

ATTACK

the

threw

heap of
stockade, and
their

up

dead

so,

and

the

few

in token

arms

flat upon
wounded
who

had

of surrender.

impossibleto enter the fort here owing

round
to the flames. Calamity led his men
to the
other side which, so far, had
escaped the fire,and
the
word
attack.
With
wild
to
a
yell of
gave
triumph, the party rushed
up to the palisades and
those

it was

could

who

scale

not

rifle butts.

through

with

been

resistance, but,

no

inside

men

their

soldiers advanced

appeared

close

confined

too

was
space
fire and
so

the

The
of

courage

led

two

for

whatever

defenders

fought

determined

that

it seemed

even

now

The

shots.

attacked
their

forced

be

and

arms,

officer who

an

fort.

The

to

came
weapons
with
the desperate

with

the

was

there

resistance

party might
from

retreat, when,
rear,

savage
defeat
and

Hawk's

the

as

the

under

fierce

so

lives

the

came

dense

the

sound

defenders,

another

by

thirty

or

sell their

to

though

as

in the Germans'

smoke
of

Yet

it.

to avenge

his

an

dearly as possible, the seamen

still smarting
ferocity of men
eager

reformed

of the

with

men

by

way
had

there

exchange of riflepartiesimmediately engaged in

encounter

handiest.

far

twenty

some

them,
upon
the commandant

be

to

So

Calamity

as

enclosure,

the

smashed

them,

force

believing themselves
from
behind, threw down

their officer called out

that

he

rendered
sur-

unconditionally.
There

took

was

brief

lull while

Smith

and

the

bos'n

of the

prisoners. Then suddenly above

the cracklingof the flames, there arose, from
amidst
the

charge

smoke,

a
"'

hoarse, stentorian
Oh
An'

I'll tak'

the

you'll tak'

voice

high road,
the

low

"

bawling ;

ATTACK

THE
The

voice

125

ceased

abruptly and there staggered

into the open
the figure of Phineas
McPhulach, a
revolver
in one
hand
and
a
gin-bottle which, at
the moment,
he was
in
holding up to his mouth
"

"

the

other.
"For

bellowed

days of

the

the

Lang

auld

he removed

engineer as

I"

Syne

the bottle from

his

lips.
Then, heedless
friend and

among

Highland

revolver
all

of

above

the

his head

Suddenly

collapsed on
How

causing

was

to dance

time

firingit

waving the
the perilof

to

threw

he

the

weapon

complicated step, failed,

smoking timber.
demanded
get here ?

heap

devil

the

he

same

and

him, tried to execute

and
"

sensation

alike,he commenced

foe

fling, at

beholders.

from

the

of

"

did

you

Calamity.
beatific but

smile

uncomprehending

the

engineer's face and he made

raise the gin-bottleto his lips.
It's a
hie
michty square
"

he

"

vain

"

bus

"

illumined

hie

"

effort to

iness,"

"

murmured.
"

Get

up,"

commanded

"

Eh,

mon,

but

hie

cordial.

"

His
his

voice

closed,

eyes

Calamity
feet ; but
into

his

however,

changed

died

the

hae

will ye no
It's a verra
into

away
and

he

Captain.
a

wee

sup

0' this

"

an

incoherent

emitted

murmur,

lusty

snore.

to his
dragged him
still snoring, slid gently back
McPhulach,
former
recumbent
position. Suddenly,
he sat up with
a
jerk and his expression
contentment
to
from
befuddled
genuine

seized

his

arm

and

horror.
"

Mon

front

of

"

him,

cried,pointing a trembling fingerin

he
"

D'ye

ken

yon

snake

An'

losh

126

THE

presairve us, there's

thairty legs !

ATTACK

beastie, a pink

anither

wi'

ane,

"

the bottle

raised

He

all his

with

Smith
back

sot

"

his head

called the latter,

to the

and

threw

it

narrowly
imaginary reptile,

the

might at
missing Calamity.
"

above

ship and

pour

"

this drunken

take

bucket

of cold water

him."

over

With
inebriated

engineer
attempt to

vain

"

addressed
of

of

assistance

the

as

raised

was

embrace

ain dear

me

of

couple

his

to

the

men,

feet.

Calamity,
mither," and

After

whom

he

to kiss

one

prisoners,he burst into tears and

who
carried
ducked
was
by four seamen,
away
him in the water
before depositinghim in the bottom
of one
of the boats.
Here, although soaked to the
which
skin, he fell into a peaceful slumber, from
he did not awake
he found
till the morning, when
the

German

back

himself

in his bunk.

In the meantime,

down
prisonerswere marched
the hill and
placed in the "go-down," except the
whom
to question
commandant,
Calamity wished
the
concerning the place where
booty taken by
for it was
stored
the gunboat was
pretty certain
the

"

the

had

Germans

however,

unable

not

left it

at

first to

board

on

elicit any

reply, the prisoner declaring that

about
"

Very well,"

change
"

Like

he

He

was,

satisfactory
knew
nothing

it.

is that

most

German

perfectly.
I mean,"
"

if your

Calamity,

take

"

since
to

measures

you

induce

refuse
you

to

mind."

your

What

said

I must

tell me,

to

her.

memory

"

asked

the

he
officers,

answered

the

is at

fault

prisoner, starting.
understood
English
"

Captain suavely, that

concerning the disposal

ATTACK

THE
of the
means
"

gunboat's plunder, I
of refreshingit."

You

would
the

"

There

but

dare

to

shall try and

torture

me,

find

some

"

sir !

claimed
ex-

commandant,

are

that's

not

127

few

not

turning pale.
things I wouldn't dare, perhaps,

of them."

one

last the

At

commandant, fearing that his captor

in earnest, reluctantly
mation,
was
the required inforgave
and
Calamity, with the bos'n and half a
dozen
his way
cated.
to the place indipicked men, made
There
they found, on the side of the hill,
a
a
narrow
strong iron door, in front of which was
foot-track
about
twenty yards long, evidently the
result of sentinels pacing up and down.
This door,
of course,
was
securely fastened, but a charge
of dynamite sufficed to blow
it in, and
Calamity,
followed by the others, who
carried storm
lanterns,
There
entered.
was
or suggestive
nothing romantic
of Aladdin's
the place ; in fact,it looked
about
cave
much
like an
and
ordinary store-house, with cases
it.
packages stacked around
of
Open that," said Calamity, indicating one
several heavily sealed cases, edged with metal.
little difficulty,
for the case
After some
was
very
knocked
off, revealing
stoutly made, the top was
"

bars

of bullion.

"

the marks

From

gold

murmured

good,"

Very
good."
had

been

the

Captain,

"

very

the cases, he judged that the

from
out
England to a Colonial

on

sent

ship carrying it had been

stopped and robbed by the German
pirate-captain,
thing with another, appeared to
who, taking one
bank.

have

Obviously

been

both

profession of
showed

that

the

industrious

his
there

and

adoption. A
were
quite

successful

in the

methodical
a

number

search
of

these

128

all

not

cases,
some

ATTACK

THE

were

tobacco

ship.

There

and

well

stocked

notes

and

German

bearing
and

of

bales

them

French,

different

bullion

of

with

gold,

for

while

the

ammunition,

Kaiser's

in

and

cruisers

and

German

of

property

paying

wages,

the
chasing
pur-

necessaries,

such-like
still

were

spirits,

money-chest,

the

use

besides

and

wines

American,

probably

was

from

taken

things

forth.

so

English,

Government

coal,

of

cases

and

been

other

were

for

marks,

same

have

must

cloth,

cigars,

the

at

large

in

the

Pacific.
Dawn

breaking

was

the
the

treasure,

the

Hawk,

fort

dying

were

strongly
where,

it

and

was

under

carefully

the

fires

down

guarded,

as

was

Calamity's
stowed

away.

which
if

had

satiated,
taken

personal

on

sumed
con-

when

board
vision,
super-

EXFLAiJNb

MCPHULACH

130

by they found a forge and a

workshop, with all the tools
repairing damaged engines.
"

and

I could

than

is better

This

engineer's
machinery for

well-fitted

hoped,"

have

said

estabUshed
have
a
to
They seem
Calamity.
regular small dockyard here."
the mate.
German
thoroughness, sir,"answered
"

"

"

You

got

if any of their small boats in the Pacific

about
knocked
they could put in here for
see,

Til

business

long

ago

if it hadn't

quitted

have

would

Emden

the

bet

repairs.

been

for this

httle

since

can't

comer."

cosy
"

we'll take

Well,

the

over

gunboat

we

wise
prisoners on board the Hawk, otherher up."
blow
I should
how
Don't
know
you're going to officer her,
all the

cram

"

sir."
"

must

We

Mr.

Dykes,

pointed
of

them

one

on
"

to

work

whole

only himself and Smith

of her, and, since only
take command
the
the Hawk,
could
be spared from
fall
of navigating the
gunboat would
there

that

out

available
one

Calamity.
somehow," answered
mildly protested. He
however,

manage

were

man.

It

would

he'd

that

mean

bridge practicallynight and

"

You'll

"

Me,
Yes,

sir !

other

"

I shall

with
divide

the

to make

be

to

on

the

day, sir,"he concluded.

best arrangements you

all."

that's

can,
"

have

have

ejaculated the mate.

place you in command
of

some

the

watches

man

you

Hawk's

the
with

the

like to select.

of

the

You

men.

may

must

and

any

pick

your

bos'n's-mate
You

boat
gun-

crew."

Mr.

Dykes groaned,

safe to of

er

any

but

further

decided

that

it

was

not

objections. To be placed

MCPHULACH
in command

of

officer under
more

than
"

"

EXPLAINS
without

steamer

even

with, perhaps, twenty

board, was
a
great deal more

The

have

can

to make

"

he

or

asked.

Sims."

choked

mate

reliable

one

him, and

prisoners on
he had
bargained for.
What
about
an
engineer, sir ?
You

131

back

the

remark

he

about

was

But
qualitiesof Mr. Sims.
that, if the second-engineer had
inwardly he vowed
no
conception of what hell might be like,he would
be in possession of a good working theory before
he left the gunboat.
Now
that's
the
settled," went
on
Captain,

concerning

the

"

"

had

her and make

go aboard
for coaling and victualling."

you

better

tions
prepara-

"

Mr.
Dykes in a
Very good, sir," answered
spiritlessvoice, and departed in deep dudgeon.
inclination
Had
to listen
the Captain shown
any
have
to his advice, he would
suggested leaving the
prisoners on the island under a strong guard, till
the
send

the

vessel

take

them

as

wisely accepted

mate

Having

he

to

himself

German
the

could

as

to

cheerful

live shell, and

burden

with

so

what

muster.

acquainted

one-time

returned

could

his

and

However,

away.
be about

Calamity would
trying experiments with

fortitude

the

to

informed

were

with

argue

job

authorities

British

Hawk.

with

what

resources

colony possessed. Calamity

He

anxious

to

consult

repairs to the engines

had
suffered
other
and
parts of the ship which
from the fort's guns on the preceding night. There
of the
to be
explained, also, the mystery
was
engineer'spresence in the fort, when, according to
orders, he should have been in the engine-room of
McPhulach

the

Hawk.

concerning

the

was

"

as

EXPLAINS

MCPHULACH

132

is Mr.

Where

"

asked

"

stepped on board.
cabin, sir," answered

In his
Then

and

go

fetch

myself," and
go to him
the engineer'sabode.
"

Captain

the

he

as

soon
"

McPhulach

him

"

of the

one

men.

stay though, I'll

no,

Calamity

made

his way

to

"

inquired a feeble voice in

to the Captain's knock.
answer
Calamity, instead of answering, opened the door
darkened
ing
and stepped in. The
cabin was
by havthe
curtains
the
drawn
across
ports, but he
the figure of McPhulach
could make
out
propped
Wha's

there

in his bunk

up

bag

and

on

his head

was

half-eaten
"

the
"

How

are

curtains
I'm

no

footba'
"

"

"

into

aid

of

leather

battered

engineer presented a sorry

in

enveloped

by his side stood

cup

towel,

wet

of tea

and

slice of

dry toast.
inquired the Captain, drawing
you ?
apart to admit the daylight.
weel, an' I thank
verra
ye," replied
"

stillin

McPhulach,
a

the
The

locker

with

pillow.

spectacle;
and

feeble

"

voice.

Ma

held

is like

filled wi' lead."

the Captain coldly.

Naturally," remarked
Aye, I ken it weel," groaned the sufferer.
What
the

there,"

I want

to know

and

fort

what

is, how
you

the devil

did

when

you
you

got
got

Calamity.
It's a michty
business, skeeper, an' I
quare
dinna a'togitherken it mesel'."
You
ordered
to remain
were
board, instead
on
of which, I suppose,
smuggled yourself into
you
of the boats when
one
they put off."
I didna
McPhulach
"Weel,
swim," answered
and held his aching head
in both hands.
testily,
You
disobeyed orders."
There
ominous
was
an
ring in the Captain'svoice
"

"

"

went

on

MCPHULACH
made

which
himself
"

victim

a' due

was

to

said, thinldng

would
"

permit.
nightmare

"

Weel, I
second

ma

after

It

last

mingled

him

with

the

For

By
been

and

men

was

the

other

several

the
to

to

of

place

sample

nearly two

again.
sUpped into

he

the

pints of

had

just

sprang
of

but,
inside

was

killed at

any

did

figure

on

his

and

at

last

not

crawl

away

which

was

he

sort

the

finished

mixed

moment.

untenanted.

noticed

of

on

the

drew

the
clusion
con-

smoking-room

fort ; at

contents

had

he

in

followed,

unconscious,

spirits,and

was

them

butt-end

that

he

There

soldier

an

him

with

the

there

observations,

officers of

time

with

ashore.

with

lay

started

bottles
the

under

side when

him

he

know

to

seized

advanced

orderly-room

careful

the

taken

might be
contingency

he
an

by

been

and

latter

to

decided

wife

"

demanded

to, quickly realised

that

used

I thocht

Calamity, losing

darkness, he had

been

time

programme,

Taking

thaird

till

had

clubbed

stockade

table

talking

During the fight which

and
scaling the stockade

in

and

came

brain

you

sleep.

feel dry land

to

and

safelyon

this

As

the

in the

boat

coming

the

"

gradually,and the Captain

boats were
putting off from

out

McPhulach

succeeded

rifle.

are

ma

ma

and

up

came

first attack.

forward

in

on

that, just as

landed

in hell

rambled

So, unobserved

on

What

d'ye ken

befuddled

his

as

'twas

irresistible desire

he

I had,

Hawk,

the

pull

excess

."
.

truth.

the

hard

as

mebbe

patience, pulled
learnt

nichtmare

ha' walked

or

"

me.

the

must

McPhulach

the

alcoholic

"

about

of

133

together sharply.

It

he

the

EXPLAINS

of the

what

any

rate, he

bottles.
must

have

he felt equal
spirits,

the

taking

to

whole
"

to

I didna

having

of

"so

sat

doon

temper

to

rise."

the

an'
it

An'

I kenned

he

hit

from

the

the

seein'

creepin'
replied.

across

in

these

good

first

the

powder

as

it

"

the

now

in

the
he

suppose,"

"

don't

you

with

an

terious
mys-

capture
added,

remember

gin-

empty

suddenly
stared
fixedly
I'll hae

his

to

spider

green

ye

an'

bulkhead

yon

wi'

meet

blue

whiles

unco'

quare

not

log

you

week's

pay

for

said.

seem

to

over^the

the

get

feet.
to

he

leant
at

But

mind

did

threat

head.

his

latitudes."

orders,"

who

"

"

to

rose

disobeying
The

As

engineer wearily,

resulted

shook

mind

to

he

I've

of

for

Calamity,

slowly

Calamity
"

of

gin

"

centipede
animals

of

do.

one

"

mair."

no

ca'

since,"

enclosure

magazine.

that," concluded

McPhulach
I

on

wards
after-

soon

bottle

charge

had
explosion which
fort was
of the
explained.
unwonted
with
geniality,
trying to kill pink snakes

"

for

could

and

revolver

I see," murmured

of

what

see

said, gazing

dark

the

remains

random,

at

ma

into

the

his

after

for

out

removed

being

bottle

he

as

charged

have

pretty quickly,

rose

"

drew

to

porthole,

waited

placed
to
pocket

shots, fired

"

he

what

wandered

start, he

"

do,"

ken

first

his

was

in

quite

he

in

fact,

single-handed ;
Calamity, he would

battalion.

dreamily out
the doorstep
Apparently

"

fort

confessed

now
a

EXPLAINS

MCPHULACH

134

impress

the

side

of his

he

murmured.

floor.

rat-trap,"

engineer,
bunk

and

CHAPTER

CALAMITY

XVI

KEEPS

HIS

WORD

of sampans
and
canoes
day a number
with
loaded
fruit, vegetables, and
flowers, came
been
Mr. Dykes had
in error
alongside the Hawk.

The

next

he

when

cleared

all the

natives

afterwards, the

hearing

the

belief

his

stated

and

had

the
it

As

out.

people

guns

that

fled

had

had

discovered

was

the

to

only

Germans

interior
back

come

on

that

afternoon.

walking

Smith,
of

which

was

tropicalflowers.
of the

with
"

the
How

had

much

caught sight
taftrail,just

with

been

success,

wonderful

endeavouring
because

none

flowers,being chieflyconcerned

wanted

crew

the

over

loaded

sampan
Its owner

sell these, but without

to

deck,

the

leaning

Fletcher

Dora

below

along

eatables.
much

"

asked

the

girl of the native

in

the

sampan.
The
man

English, but he
some
comprehended the girl'sgestures, and made
unintelligiblereply.
Miss
Fletcher, seeing Smith, asked if he would
help her.
the second-mate
fully,
cheerLike a bird," answered
of the
flowers,
and, addressing the owner
shouted
something in the vernacular.
had
the man
Well?
queried the girl,when
did

not

understand

"

"

"

answered.
135

KEEPS

CALAMITY

136
"

all those

for

flowers

"

that you
of old trousers."

Smith,

says," answered

He

pair

WORD

HIS

have

can

ment
girl stared at him with a look of astonishthat gradually gave
place to amusement.
It's the
on
Smith, as
truth, straight," went
of his
though she had questioned the accuracy
The

"

translation.
"

What

those

wanted
"

I to do

am

in

unless

she asked

half

"

jiff,"and

"

helplessly.

mo'

the

darted

second-mate

into the

sampan.

native's

face

The

"

"

approving

an

then

started

How's

that

the

when

over

eye

to hand
"

discarded

the

flowers.

up

Smith

ments
gar-

grin, he
trousers,

triumphantly,

been

emptied.
you," answered

It's

"

girl.
"

"

"

smiled.

from

for them
"

Then

Smith

I reckon

Well,
a

owe

him

earth

the flowers

He

that

she

I could

have

got

he

bob

Whitechapel Sheeny."
a
shilling."
you

nodded.

paying

arm.

the

broad

the

demanded
had

sampan

into

expanded

his

of
the
kind
very
do I owe
much
for the trousers
?
How
you
!
Then
Owe
me
ejaculated the other.

on

off

with

"

"

I'll be

though.

later
couple of minutes
pair of greasy, paint-daubed trousers over
Here, corffee-dial,"he said, and flung

returned

He

and

his cabin.

towards

cast

"

flowers."

dunno,

back

she

knew

shillingand

would

raise it.
and

away

heap

He

them

would

insist

on

wondering how
helped her to carry

was

on

the

bunk

in her

cabin.
"

Oh,

"

Um

them

"

aren't
"

m,

she murmured.
they lovely?
s'pose so," answered
Smith, eyeing
"

critically, but I'd rather

myself,"whereupon he departed.

have

cokernut

138

CALAMITY

KEEPS

HIS

WORD

Captain, and her heart ceased beating tumultuously.

The
the
not
imperturbable celestial showed
slightestsign of surprise at finding her there, and
merely greeted her with his usual urbane smile.
flowers
here
Sing-hi,I have been putting some
for the Captain," she said;
but you're not to tell
the

"

"

him
"

been

I've

Savee,"

here

"

savee

answered

"

Sing-hi,and

the

girl left

the

cabin

would
feelingtolerablysure that the Chinaman
not betray her.
in this assumption, for,
She
was
quite correct
after watching her disappear up
the companion,
Sing-hi shuffled back into the cabin, emptied the
flowers out of the port, dried the glass,and returned
it to the

rack.

During

afternoon

the

from

the

effects

McPhulach, who
of his debauch, went

had

covered
re-

ashore

to inspect
engineer wished
the plant it contained, in order
the workshop and
for repairing the
make
Hawk's
to
arrangements
engines as speedily as possible. Also, since the
of the prisoners
Captain had decided to convey some
to be
to Singapore in the gunboat, the latter had
to

meet

The

Calamity.

and

examined

overhauled

floated ; thus, in
and his staff were

one

way

likelyto

before

she

and

another,

be

kept busy

could

be

McPhulach

for several

days to come.
Leaving the engineer to attend to these matters.
in search
of Mr.
he
Dykes, whom
Calamity went
found
superintending the loading of lighterswith
for
coal
bunkers.
To
replenishing the Hawk's
facihtate this work, the mate
had pressed some
of
the
German
prisoners into his service and these
were
employed in transferring the coal from the
to the jetty.
go-down
"

"

CALAMITY

KEEPS

HIS

WORD

139

"

Thought I might as well make

squareheads, sir,"he explained when
came

of

use

the

these

Captain

up.

"

"

Where

the

are

Still in the

others

"

shack

yonder, sir. Before rations

served
out this morning I made
were
'em
all take
in the harbour.
bath
of 'em, who
a
One
speaks
English, said he should complain to you."
On account
of the bath ?;"
defenceless
Yes, sir. Called it cruelty towards
prisoners."
"

"

"

you
"

sir.
the

did
who
"

We'll

about

see

got, Mr. Dykes

have

many

"

thirty and forty I guess,

the slob who
One of them
complained about
bath
that the explosion and
reckons
the fire
for about
the same
number, not countin' those
killed and wounded
in the fighting."
were
"

"

Which

that

means

in the

men

That's

"

Well, you'd better

how

imder

the

Captain.

few

had

belonged
Which
?

"

Most

of

part

the

German

is the

asked

filed past him.

with
You
"

about

man

prisoners out, Mr.

them," said Calamity.

the

look at

marched

were

formed
to

fetch

armed

an

been

have

must

figger it out, sir."

Dykes, and I'll have

Accordingly they
"

there

fort all told."

"

"

How

between

Somewhere

hundred

down

later.

that

of

the
Naval

who

wishes

grouch,

gobefore

Reserve.

Calamity, when
the

and

"

paraded
were
soldiers,but a
and
gunboat's crew

guard
them

of the

out

to

the

fall out

make

plaint
com-

prisonershad
!

"

cried

the

mate.
A

man

in

sailor's uniform

ranks, and, drawing himself

Captain. The latter, as he

stepped out of the

saluted the
up stiffly,
glanced at him more

KEEPS

CALAMITY

140

closely,started, and
between
"

"

the

Your

WORD

HIS
of

look

recognition flashed

two.
"

name

Calamity.

asked

the prisoner.
Siemann, sir," answered
this man
have
Mr. Dykes," said the Captain,
the Hawk, and
that he's kept away
sent aboard
see
from the other prisoners."
the mate, who
Very good, sir," answered
posed
supthat
Calamity was
going to deal with the
that would
check any further
grumbler in a manner
display of discontent.
When, later on in the day, the Captain returned
the Hawk, he ordered
board
Fritz Siemann
to be
on
The
brought to his cabin.
prisoner was
brought in
by a couple of sailors,who, at a word from Calamity,
left them
together.
This is a strange meeting, my
worthy Fritz,"
said the Captain, looking at the man
with an ironical
Fritz

"

"

"

"

smile.
The
no

his

prisoner shrugged
He

answer.

was

shoulders, but

of

man

between

thirty and
pair of small,

forty, very fair, tall,and with a

cunning eyes.
is it that I find you
out
Well, how
Pacific, a sailor instead of a valet?
Captain after a pause.
"

"

and

out

came

"

"

"

did

day

You
?

"

the

When
A

afterwards

was

answered
"

on

or

were

cruiser

as

made

transferred

"

Naval
the

to

in the

here

asked

the

Reservist,

gunboat,"

fellow.
leave

you
two

before

recalled

"

England

war

was

declared,"

by

the

German

ment
Govern-

"

Yes."
H'm

left ?

"

and

how

was

your

master

when

you

CALAMITY
"He

died

answered

KEEPS

about

the

three

Died

"

Yes, sir,he fell from

Calamity
"

he

he

stole

in

name

my

your

then

sence
pre-

so

far

to

as

I don't

think

the

Captain's face

at this.

him.

amuse

know,

you

for cer+ain

find out

find out

always trying to

was

over

it seemed

But,

"

and

moments,

some

mention

ever

smile

Somehow
"

hunting."

dead."

were

grim

while

the German.

to

more

often,but

Not

if you

I went,"

"

?
"

before

his horse

silent for

was

once

Did

months

141

"

turned

WORD

man.

"

he

HIS

he

never

was

able

to

"

so, but

everyone

thought

you

were

dead, except Mr. Vayne."

Yes, Vayne was the only friend I had," muttered
"

Captain.

the
"

Did

my

brother

rascality?

his
"

"

turned

He

don't

you

pay

sharply
well for

the

prisoner.
assistinghim in

to

"

understand,"

faltered

the

German

nervously.
advise
to
Nevertheless, I should
try,"
you
it
answered
save
siderable
conCalamity quietly,
may
you
discomfort.
Now, answer
question."
my
I was
while
in his
well enough
He
paid me
reluctantly; but, as for
service," growled the man
rascality
I'm
referringto the forged cheque," broke in
the Captain.
The
prisonerstarted and shot a keen glance at
"

"

"

"

' '

"

him.
"

"

that
to

repeated as if puzzled.
of the part you played in
don't risk your neck by trying
it is, I'm half inclined to hang

Forged cheque ?
I am
perfectlyaware

"

httle affair,so

prevaricate.As

he

you

here

and

HIS

KEEPS

CALAMITY

142

but

now,

WORD

assuredly swing,

shall

you

singlelie."
The
ex-valet turned
deathly pale, for he realised
shifted
He
the
threat
that
was
no
one.
empty
uneasily from one foot to another, glanced furtively
if considering the possibilities
the cabin
round
as
the
of escape,
and
finally let his gaze rest on
Captain.
lad, if you

my

"

do

What

utter

want

you

to

me

say

"

he

asked

sullenly.
"

I want

mind

that

"

About

your
the

"

About

the

"

He

"

How

"

me

the

life depends

cheque

truth, and

bear

in

it."

on

"

cheque."

forged it."
was

do

know

you
in the

"

You

"

I suppose

"

with

him

in fact ?

helped him,

"

"

so."
deserve

By God, you
did," exclaimed
You

room

"

"

tell

to

you

asked

the
me

to be

hanged

if ever

man

Captain.
to

tell you

the

truth, sir," said

shrinking back.
Get on with your
story."
to tell,sir. The
There's nothing much
scheme
without
worked
deceived
a hitch, and
was
everyone
always doubtful."
except Mr. Vayne; he was
Such
Well, and what did you get out of it ?
the

man,

"

"

"

"

assistance
"

as

you
hundred

gave

was

invaluable."

pounds."
H'm, a very
profitablestroke of business on
your part, especiallyas it placed you in a position
Now
at will.
what
fee
to
an
levy blackmail
the Captain's face as he
ugly expression crossed
do you
uttered
this
require in consideration of
of that interesting
a full account
your writing down
Five

"

"

"

"

"

CALAMITY
and

transaction

"

other

that

signing it

hesitated

thousand
I

shall

authorities
"

WORD

HIS
in the

143
of witnesses

presence

"

?
The

KEEPS

You

and

American

the

document."

"

And

"

Why,

be

cash

handed

as

guarantee

British

the

to

war."

shall have

notes

and

over

prisoner of

Agreed.

in

pounds
not

as

moment.

the

soon

as

in Engbsh
money
prepared
you have

"

change my mind ?
then," answered
Calamity

if I

with

genial

"

it'llbe the last time you ever

smile,
change it on
this earth," and, rising,he laid pen, ink, and paper
the

before
"

Call

prisoner.

the

will send

he

when

steward

have

you

for me,"

said

hour

the

finished

Calamity

as

and

left the

he

cabin.

nearly
pausing every
For

"

appeared

in

"

which

last he

read

to

what

finished

had

he

had

called

he

and

nodded

few

said

Sing-hi

as

minutes

Captain entered, accompanied

wards
after-

by

Smith

McPhulach.

seated, gentlemen," said Calamity, himself

Be

taking
went

again

steadily,

wrote

Captain I'm ready," he

the doorway.

Chinaman
the

and

at

German

steward.

Tell the

The

and

now

When

written.
for the

an

chair.

a
"

on,

this

to

"

witness

the

has

written.

man

I tell you
confidential,I feel

first,and

brought you here," he

signature of a document

I have

He

that

when

sure

will read
word

every
you

will both

it

over

lutely
is absoobserve

At least," he added
strictest secrecy.
cantly,
signifiit will be to your advantage to do so."
settled
murmured
and
assent
witnesses
two
The

the

"

themselves

down

to listen.

Then,

at

nod

from

the

KEEPS

CALAMITY

144

Captain,
read.

Fritz

At

the

HIS

WORD

and
began to
paper
engineer and the secondthe

picked

up
the
start,

looked

read
mildly surprised,but as the man
and
their
on
expressions changed to amazement
they stared from the reader to Calamity with looks
of mingled incredulityand awed
At length
wonder.
the prisoner,having finished reading the document,
laid it on the table and signed it.
muttered
Smith
under
his breath.
Blimey !
A michty quare business," remarked
McPhulach.
I will ask
Now,
gentlemen," said Calamity,
of this
to append your
signatures as witnesses
you
interestingconfession."
Smith
picked up the pen, and, after a preparatory
the pen
Then
he handed
flourish,signed his name.
to McPhulach,
who
took it somewhat
gingerly.
"I'm
?
incurrin'
he asked
no
liabeelity
ony
cautiously.
the Captain.
None
whatever," answered
I dinna hauld
wi' signing papers mesel,'
went
the engineer,
it's producteeve of unco
on
Are you going to sign that paper or not ?
terrupt
inthe Captain.
McPhulach
hesitated
no
longer, but
hastily
his signature underneath
scrawled
Smith's.
that's all I
Thank
both," said Calamity ;
you
mate

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

shall

need."

Smith
and
"

had
From

and

the

engineer,taking the hint, departed

left the Captain with his prisoner.
Now
want
reward, I suppose," remarked
your
you
Calamity, and, stepping into his little .sleeping
cabin, he brought out the money-chest which
been

taken

this he

thousand

from

the

counted

pounds,
in American

most

treasure-house
out

the

of it, at

notes.

in the

fort.

equivalent of one
the prisoner's
quest,
re-

CALAMITY

146
"

My

"

mean,"

went

in your
efforts
confession
your
The

"

"

be

force

to

out

did you succeed

deed-box
and abstract

that

"

colour, but

changed

he

tried

denial.

I haven't

"

"

Captain,

the

on

prisoner'sface

bluster

to

understand."

I don't

"

WORD

HIS

KEEPS

the

touched

Then

it's rather

smeared

with

strange

white

that

paint.

said.

he

box,"

jacket should

your

You

see,

bunk

my

"

re-painted only this

The
Captain's remark
German
suddenly sprang

was

terrific blow
knife.

Calamity

that

struck

the

stroke.
had

he

seized

him

under

could

by

time

avoid

to

the

such

with

the

force

throat,

derer
mur-

of

impetus

himself,

recover

the

aimed

and

the would-be

off, while

forward

Before

in

table

the

point snapped

stumbled

feet

the

short, pointed sheath-

just

was

which

weapon,

with

him

at

his

to

for

short,

cut

was

at

the

he

said

the

the

tain
Captime

same

calling for Sing-hi.

"

The

irons

out

of my

drawer,"

the

when

Chinaman

of

appeared.
a
pair
Sing-hi opened a drawer, took therefrom
and
the prisoner's
handcuffs
over
sHpped them

wrists.
"

You'd

for the
The

time
same

better

the

remains

firebars

"

was

bag.

canvas

used

pounds in notes.
Captain Calamity was
word.

fellow

in

being," said Calamity as

night Mr. Fritz Siemann

say, his mortal

sewed
in a
up
besides

the

lock

as

not

lowered

he
"

man

went

out.

that

is to

into

And, inside
sinkers, was
the

pantry

your

to

the

sea,

bag,

that
the

sand
thou-

break

his

CHAPTER

THE

During

the

XVII

CONFESSION

days

work

of

repairing
Hawk's
the
on
engines went
unceasingly under
McPhulach's
supervision. The gunboat, which, it
mans,
was
found, had aheady been repaired by the Gerthree

next

floated,

was

and

the

arrangements

made

were

for

the
have
accommodating
prisoners she would
her
to
Satellite,and
Calamity christened
carry.
the name
in big white
her
stem
was
painted on
letters over
had
the word
Gnesen, which
formerly

been

there.

departure three
escaped damage
while
could
into

not

the

in order
in

of the

the afternoon

On

there

would

such

be

of the
from

day preceding Calamity's

in
guns
the fire

the

fort

and

destroyed

were

away

had

rendered

were

stores, ammunition,

taken

which

less,
use-

coal

as

flung

or

This

was
seeming waste
necessary
to prevent any
stray vessel that might put
from
re-coaling or victuallingwith what
sea.

otherwise

have

been

left.

following morning, McPhulach, grimy of

of sleep,reported
and half-dead
from
want
person
in working order and that he
that the engines were
the

On

had

full head

of

steam

in

the

boilers.

few

ready for the

everything was
been
into
divided
departure ; the prisoners had
the Satellite,
two
now
lots, one
being sent aboard
hours

afterwards

147

148

THE

under

the

CONFESSION
of

command

transferred

to

Mr.

Dykes,

Hawk, whose

the

and

after-hold

the

other

had

been

fitted

up for the purpose.

blast from the Hawk's

weigh

the

rumbling up through
privateer slowly steamed

came

the
mouth
the

anchor

syren gave the signalto

winches
rattled, the cables

with

ruined

the

the

hawse-pipes,

Satellite in her wake.

fort with

the

Union

the

towards

As

and

harbour

she

passed
Jack flutteringabove

it, she fired an irregularsalute of three guns, while

the Satellite,
not
to be outdone, dipped her flag.
stern rail,watching the
Leaning over the Hawk's

hissing water
propeller,was
when
into

the

trees

being
Dora
which

churned
Fletcher.
lined the

She
shore

foam
was

had

by

the

still there

dissolved

presently took on
a bluish
merged in the hills
the hills themselves
faded, became
beyond. When
blurred, and melted into the horizon leaving against
the sky-linenothing but a dark smudge
resembling
from
her
a
low-lying cloud, the girlhad not moved
with wistful
to gaze
post, but still continued
eyes
into the distance, Long
before the brief twilight
the flaming sky the
cast
a
across
cooling shadow
of sight
last vestige of the island had
faded
out
and nothing was
vista
unbroken
to be seen
save
an
of sea
from
for
that changed
to grey, was
green
transformed
into
few
moments
a
a
shimmering
of molten
gold in the rays of the dying
expanse
slowly changed to purple, and so to a
sun, then
it grew
the
Darker
blue.
as
deep, unfathomable
twilightdeepened, and when night abruptly blotted
the soft half-lights,
and
the sea
became
out
vast
a
trembling mirror,reflectingin its depths a thousand
twinkling points of light.
It was
the first time that Dora
not by any means
a

outline that
green
tint,and finallybecame

into

vague

THE
Fletcher
but

had

for

seen

there

in

this

it had

that

not

sky

could

not

seemed

depressing
was

and

sea

she

reason

CONFESSION
swallow

the

up

land,

self,
to herexplain even
something unusually

be

to

149

departure from the island. It

possessed any particularcharm

for her ; she had seen

islands infinitely
more

lands

far

more

picturesque
"

beautiful

and

it

not

no,

was

this.
add

To

of her

thoughts
future
had

which

her

she

gone,

world

her

to

whom

to

she

were

loneliness

dead

father

and

to return.

never

vague.

but
been

it
she

that
no

in all the

one

who

father

her

would

sensation

miss

of utter

descended

She

upon her, and with it a strange

the less disquieting
it was
because

felt

an

urgent

companionship, and, looking

that

depression came
the great, empty

lay before her. Now

reflected,there was
she mattered, or

foreboding, none
so

unaccountable

was

deserted.

had

no

wish

Smith

desire

round
was

the
on

speak to him,
Mr.
Dykes, now
to

for human

deck,
the
even

saw

bridge,
had

it

the
aboard
possible. And
satisfied this hvmger of
not
have
Satellite,would
soul for fellowship. Her
to
her
thoughts turned
she did not dismiss from
her
the Captain, and him
but
this
mind,
lingered contemplatively upon
strange, taciturn man
; so vital,so dominating.
lUogically,she found herself wishing that this
cruise might last for ever
was
something
; there
soothing in the thought of her utter dependence
she
will. For
moment
this man's
a
on
lingered
the thought of her life ordered
luxuriously upon
controlled
and
by him, and gave herself up to a
and
from care
of absence
delicious (feeling
bility.
responsiSuddenly she experienced a revulsion of
of
feeling,and flushed vividly with a sensation
it possible,
she asked herself angrily.
shame.
Was

CONFESSION

THE

150
that

she

miss

butter

she

Was

because

dismayed

so

she

than

needs

must

must

wish

for

protection; in short, a master

her
The
cool night-wind fanned
made

the

chaos

effort

an

of

her

Unfortunately
opened,

way
"

her

thoughts

for her

to

and

evening,"

voice

was

above

half-choked

cheeks

hot

and
of

and

reduce
order.

in this direction
the
the

for

said, but

she

life

start

sort

saw

and

some

ef orts

turning, she

Good

days

dependence

herself

compose

little deck-house

of the

door

to

all her

she

and

she

bread-and-

some

sheltered

Hved

had

who

herself,that

for

stronger

no

was

the

companionself.
Captain himsome

reason

utterly unlike

her

own.

her, perhaps the unconscious

Something about
in
note
appeal of her gracefulfigure or the imusual
about
him
he was
to pass on.
her voice, arrested
as
Good
evening," he answered, a httle less curtly
"

than

his wont.

was

hoped he would go
something, he paused.
She

"

I suppose
you
he said.

know

on,

but,

we

are

as

if

recollecting

bound

for

pore?
Singa-

"

"

Yes."

"

Have

you,

by

chance, friends

any

there ?

"

"No."
"

charge

"My
"it

is

gathered

from

that

home
your
is not
home

here," and

if to indicate

as
"

he

the

she
sea

placed in my
is in England."
in England,"
she answered;
her arm
waved
dramatically

and

space.

any rate, I presume

affected
said, in nowise

At

"

If I must."

"

I can't

force

you

you

papers

you

by

to go

will go
her

England,"
poetic suggestion.
to

anywhere against your

THE

CONFESSION

will," he answered
"

patient.
the

If you take
Consul."

British

"

You

seem

such

girlwith

"

What

"

do

you

mean

had

been

be

to

"

"

he

and

Have

I
"

face

angry

asked.
"

were

somehow.

Ever

either

ignored

nuisance

which

ship you've
Yet

I've

done

my

"

I ?

haven't

work,

claimed
ex-

board

on

came

flushed

if I

as

me

tolerated

of the

share

this

on

else treated

or

"

me

bitterness.

since

her

will consult

this," she replied impulsively.

mean

since I have
me

sudden

at

Calamity gazed
with surprise.

trying to keep

one

get rid of

to

encumbrance

an

of

advice, you

my

anxious

very

the
been

in the tone

151

flung out hke a challenge,and

moments
some
elapsed before the Captain spoke.
It was,
sidered
conperhaps, tiie first time he had ever
this girl as an
entity, as anything but an
him
forced upon
stances.
unwelcome
by circumpassenger
The

"

he

question

What
asked

"

all this to do with

has

with

"

her

passion
"

Calamity,
and

better
she

when

felt abashed

so,

emotion

her,

so

voice
"

ask

You

were

burst

she

own,

that

"

Captain's

the

to

her

into

she

had
much

down

and

as

the

been

for her

that

anger

despair

at

my

companion.

humiliated

herself

reahsed
not

cabin," said
regained control of herself,
to

come

had

way

kicked
even

"

of tears.

he led the

She

failed, and

less than

no

had

You

indignation.
sent, as though

be

to

voice

astonishment

and

anger

I want

where

in

answered,

she

Everything,"

destination

your

at last.

trembled
me

was

this
at

the

and,

now,

phorically,
meta-

fooUshness.
sudden
his

burst

Yet
of

treatment

of

that

she

thought

THE

152
must

soon

she

had

she

would

to

said,

he
You

do.

round

chair

Now,"

me

that

as

to

be

swung

"

been

never

utterly as though
him, henceforward,

of his life

out

pass

something less, even, than a

reaching the cabin. Calamity shut

On
and

cuiNtJissiuiN

"

say

for her

just

tell

have

you

to

me
no

object,apparently, to being placed

What

Consul.

British

then

memory.
the door

sit upon.
what
you

and

home,
in

want

charge

you
of the

"

almost gently,and because

spoke very quietly,
this, perhaps, a feeling of utter
hopelessness
the girl.
over

He

of
came
"

You

in

voice

a
"

from

just now

But

"

think best," she answered

you
all fire and
which
spirithad gone.

do

must

I know.

"

as

you

was

refused

to let

foolish

and

me

do

this."

unreasonable, I

suppose."
silent for a minute
or
two,
Calamity remained
regarding her curiously. He read her better than
she guessed. When
he spoke again she recognised
her feel as if
It made
a
new
quality in his voice.
were
they two, though so near,
yet miles apart.
There
of pity in it which
note
hurt her more
a
was
than
known
before because
anything she had ever
it demonstrated
so
positivelythe distance between
them.
"

You

"

can

never

and

I, Miss
be

Fletcher,"

friends ;

at

he

least, not

said
in the

slowly,
sense

thinking of, for our paths lie wide apart. If

and you
and
have
sense
assumption is wrong
my
discrimination
I mean
what
enough to know
by
must
that
to lack
pardon me and put it down
you
of insight on
part, not to any presumption or
my
will understand
vanity. If it is not wrong,
you
without
that
saying more,
why it is necessary
my
you should leave this ship for good at Singapore."
I

am

"

"

THE

154

produced

thing
become

We

will
still

of

you

be

this,"

settled
when

he,

all

to

ances,
appear-

unmoved.
all

forget
to

but

impression,

perfectly

was
"

deep

CONFESSION

is
we

he
this

reach

said
matter

"

quietly.
of

Singapore."

what's

The
to

CHAPTER
FLETCHER'S

DORA

"

From

what

had

CHANCE

told me,

have

you

mother,"

no

XVIII

Calamity

left his voice, and

went

his manner,

four

was

you have
of pity
note

if not

brusque,

and

"

"

The

on.

judicial.
the girl, my
No," answered
cold

was

assume

old."

years

Her

mother

died

when

too,

manner,

had

changed ; all the heat and defiance had left it and

she spoke in a subdued, colourless voice, as though
her.
these matters
hardly concerned
And
have
relatives living?
no
you
I
in Sunderland.
I have
a
couple of aunts
eight years old. I I
stayed with them until I was
She
hate
them
!
made
a
passionate gesture as
of these
people aroused
though the very mention
It was
that
not
bitter
memories.
they were
unkind
now.
well, it doesn't matter
exactly ; but
Soon
after my
eighth birthday my father took me
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

away
that

him

with

I went

educated

with

me,

"

note
"

;
so

on."
"

for mate

if I had

and

after

on

remarked
Navigation, eh ?
of surprise in his voice.
Yes

East, and

the

to

voyage

He
nearly all his voyages.
taught me French, mathematics,

him

too

navigation, and

on

been

got my

man

master's
155

Calamity with
I could

ticket

have

passed

long ago.

I'd

156

DORA.

FLETCHER'S

CHANCE

knowledge of seamanship against that of any

this ship," she concluded
on
defiantly.
That
be a very hard
wouldn't
test," answered
what
But
did
Captain with a cynical smile.
father intend you to be ; surely he didn't suppose
a ship ?
eventually command
you would

pit my
man
"

"

the

your

"

"

I don't

trip

before

near

Los

know

this last one,

an
"

"

"

"

"

to

The

No.

"

but the

fruit

I think

he

from

farm

meant

the

sea."

and

aunts

occupy
but
he
his,

my
were

"

several
lived in

never

of them."
made

He

will,I

Yes, it's among

so

me

made

he

not

you're

strongly advise

what

you

healthy

do

can

and

papers

"

that I handed

everything's left

when

then

H'm,

suppose

those

I know

should
see

house

in Sunderland

you.
told

he

bought

he retired

when

there

were

Probably he thought it might provide you with

occupation."
Perhaps so ; but he never
spoke of it."
Then
he had no home
of his own
in England ?

others

any

he

Angeles, California,and

to settle down
"

his intentions

what

because

me,

his will."

to

you

off after all.

badly

so

with

to

over

the

remunerative

and
go to California
fruit- farm.
It's both

occupation

Fve

been

told."
The
"

and

but

girlnodded,

made

no

answer.

I propose
to do is to take you to Singapore
the protection of the British
place you under

What

Consul, who,

proving of
know
nothing
the

"

It's very

"

Well

now,

doubt, will advise

no

your

father's will and

of such

kind
I

of

concerning
forth,for I

you
so

matters."

you," murmured

think

that's

all

for the present," said Calamity in

that the interview
at
was

the
we
a

an

can

tone

end.

girl.

arrange
which
timated
in-

DORA
She

the

and, with

rose,

left the

FLETCHER'S

cabin

deck.

and

CHANCE

murmured

mounted

Slowly, as

the
in

one

157

"

Good-night,"
companion-way to

her

dream, she made

glance at the vm-

to her cabin, casting no

way
ruffled sea with its millions of scintillating
reflections.

bold

Her

statement

declaration
would

of love, had

have

induced

intolerable

shame

them

with

humiUated

Indeed,
what

she

strange

was

the

not
shame

puzzled

she

nor

to say

she

so

with

case

and

knew

had

who

man

incoherent

so

But

they.

were

of the

felt neither

feelingswere,

her

aU

been

which

women

this

have

rebuff

feeling of
probabihty, inspired

most

in

But

would

she

in

and,

them.

with

met

lastinghatred

Fletcher

Dora

Calamity, admittedly

to

anger.

exactly

altogether
had

met

unrecognised force ; that she had been

thing
as
not so much
by a mysterious someby a man
inherent in him ; by a qualityrather than an

hitherto
awed

individual.
the next

During
in every

as

again

to

have

though

become

individual

that

the

she had

girl'savoidance
developing in her

she

would

exalt

had

he

Captain
attempted

the

ever

interview

memorable

forgotten her

existence

ceased

to

be.

as

He

pletely
com-

had

mysterious
Yet, despite
gradually
was
do something

grim, taciturn, and

first encountered.
of

the

which

Not

she avoided

out, for, since that

seemed

he

days

possibleway.

seek her

to

few

mind

him,
a

there

desire

to

in his eyes.
She
them
gulf between
;
her

wanted

to

to achieve
bridge that vague
It was
her worth.
something which would
prove
a delightfullyingenuous dream,
only possibleto a
girl as unsophisticated and natural as this young

Amazon

In due

of the

time

Seas.
and

through
hoped-for opportunity did

effort of her own, the

and
the girl was
occur

no

158
able

DORA

CHANCE

FLETCHER'S

play the part she had so often pictured in

It came
her waking dreams.
about, as such things
usually do, in quite a fortuitous manner.
One
day, about a week after her interview with
Calamity, the weather, which had been remarkably
fine since they left the island, showed
signs of a
change and before mid-day the sun had disappeared
to

behind

freshened

and

sprang
up
became
sea

the

fashion

Hawk
and

time

every

the

as

day

wind

clouds.

on,

wore

the

choppy, and a great bank of black clouds

the sky till there was
barely sufficient

spread over
light by which
Soon

of sombre-tinted

curtain

to

read

the

on

compass

the

bridge.
a
nasty

rollingand pitching in
weather-bow
her
over
shipping seas
was

she

ducked

her

In

nose.

view

of

the

were
approaching storm, hand-lines
rigged across
the decks, the
was
prisoner in the wheel-house
transferred to the hold, and a couple of men
stationed
the steam-gear
at the hand
steering-gearin case

break

should

Swiftly
hurricane
turbid

down

and

at

with

swept

critical moment.

ever-increasing violence

down

upon

them.

the

The

seas, a
creased
incrests, had

with
great, foaming
green,
in fury and every moment
grew

higher,while

and
mottled
them, streaked
valleys between
with
patches of foam, became
deeper and more
of the
of raging
meUe
engulfing. In the midst
lurched
and
rolled and pitched,
waters, the Hawk
and
she
curveted
on
were
though
plunged as
gimbals. Blacker and blacker grew the sky, higher
and
Now
in
higher leapt the waves.
they rose
front of the straining ship in solid walls of inky
the forecastle with
a
water, to plimge down
upon
the

roar

like

reel and

high

thunder

the

Then

force

which

made

her

would
leap
great wave
weather-bow, and, rushing past her

stagger.

above

and

DORA

FLETCHER'S

beam,
listing
starboard

descend

CHANCE

with

upon the
wheel-house
waistcrash

mighty

159

quarter, fillingthe

deep with seething water.

darker than the
Night came
on, scarce
which
had
preceded it, and with never
star

nor

rift in the

wild, devouring

speck
and

of

waste

tossed

light

solid blackness.

and

in the fathomless

shrieked

and

tumbling
circled

darkness.

moaned

like

Above
the

seas

the
head
mast-

luminous

wind

The
chorus

friendly

dim,

"

afternoon

howled

of lost souls

in torment.

Throughout that seemingly endless night Calamity

and Smith
and
kept the bridge together, drenched
cold despitetheir oilskins ; their faces whipped by
the stingingwind, their eyes sore with the salt spray
that was
Two
flung in ghostly eddies against them.
six
struck
bells
four
relief
two
eight ; the
quartermasters fought their way along the sea-swept
"

deck

for'ad
out

bells
and

and

another

bridge
Soon

two

men

the

over

it.

Two

the

at

after this

"

their

hours
had
"

and

the
six

"

had
come

"

worn-

eight
passed,

upon
release

the
the

wheel.

it was

"

trick

four

"

four

another

from

wheel

quartermasters

take

to

exhausted

took

again

over

"

clutched

who

men

"

four o'clock in the

morning

Calamity staggered up the inclined deck to the

Smith
was
standing.
spot where
You'd
better get below," he yelled above
the
been up here over
twelve
of the gale.
You've
roar
"

"

"

hours."
the second- mate,
right, sir," answered
he clung to the bridge-rail.
as
Never
mind, get to your bunk."
and
shivering with
Though well-nigh exhausted
cold, the little Cockney obeyed with reluctance,
being loth to leave the Captain up there to con the

"I'm

"

all

DORA

i6o

ship

FLETCHER'S
knew

he

But

alone.

CHANCE
better

than

disobey

to

so, grumbling to himself, he crawled

argue, and
the companion-ladder and
down
sought his cabin.
or

At

last

leaden.

the

broke,

dawn

Calamity,

forbidding,sullen sky in
break
in its glowering expanse.
a
there ; only wind-torn, tattered
was
it to assemble
cloud
driving across

the

and

massed
At

six bells

Smith

"

solid bank

tumbled

unbroken

slumber,

stepped into the

the Captain, who

the
him

dashed

leading

it was,
motionless

who

Calamity,
took

the

them

to

wheel

After

releasing the
unconscious

him

the

oilskins, and

the

object of relieving
the

bridge over
deck, stillonly half
on

swept

not

carry

sea

him
the

which
off his

feet,

ladder

iron

the

that

miracle
him

came

overboard.

limp, crumpled figure,lying

ladder
foot jammed
with one

rung.
alone had

from

of his

the

witnessed

the

quartermasters

second-mate

from

accident,
and

his

sent

perilous

some

whose

man,

bandaging

did

hours'

his

huge

watch

difficultythey succeeded
imprisoned foot and then carried

knee,

the

from

the

rescue

position.

in

lowest

the

beneath

eastward

violently against
bridge. It was a

under

of black

on

the

by

up

bulwarks,

it left him

As

shreds

after three

been

now

he reached

it receded,

as

wave,

the

to

up

had

caught

leaping over
and

dragged
alleyway with

As

twenty hours.
awake, he was

break

no

aspect.
in the morning

of his bunk

out

But

of evil
o'clock

seven

"

and

heavy-eyed, scanned
the hope of glimpsing

and

weary

sombre

chill and

to

his

wound

on

left leg dangled

in
the

loosely

cabin.

Here, after roughly

his forehead, they stripped

dripping garments

and

laid him

in

his

bunk.
When

frowned

these details
and

muttered

were

reported to the Captain he

something under his breath.

i62

DORA

the

removed
the

FLETCHER'S

bunk

and

his

with

books

from

and,

started
a

pad
"

which

on

him

towel

her

"

about

split this in
awaiting further
round

injured limb could

she said, watching him.

splendid assistant."
Sing-hi understood
Plenty muchee
that

wind

above

He

without

to

just

shelf

narrow

the

Excellent,"

At

it down.

took

hands,

CHANCE

tone

structio
inform

it to

rest.
"

than

more

two

You're

her

words.

helpee," he replied modestly.

Smith
stared
opened his eyes,

moment

in bewilderment,

and

then

uttered

loud

groan.
"

Gawd,

"

Your

on

left

Just

What

been
a

the

still afloat
look-out

the
"

was
can

"

and

Don't

no

I'm

worry,"

improvised
Captain myself
you

"

half

"

see

of the
"Then
retorted

him

going

ship

I don't

"

the
the

sooner

there

He's
ain't

blighted

that

on

he

suppose

is if she's

It's

cheerful

girl calmly as she

I'll relieve
Sing-hi.

the

splint from
presently."

suffering, laughed

him.

error."

answered

And

to

now

and

corpsed.

bloomin'

the

What

do

man

broke

he

occurred

twenty hours,
him.
is
Dykes
I

"

if

having
old

nasty gash

girl tersely.
As

luck.

leastways,

and

"

there's

the

the

will

over

astern

bad

ejaculated.

he

and

thought

devil

"

answered

new

relieve

to

packet

took

watch

on

soul

"

is broken

leg

bloomin'

my

off suddenly,
"

happened

forehead,"

your
"

what's

Smith,
outright.

below

"

despite the
"

Oh

leaving

and

pain he
stars, I

my
you

in

charge

think."
you

girl cheerfully.

do

think,

the

better,"

CHAPTER
AT

Before

Smith
at

had

Miss

XIX

THE

time

WHEEL

to

from

recover

Fletcher's

remark,

his

ishment
aston-

business

the

of

The
placing his broken
leg in splintswas
begun.
the
with
no
one
operation
ship roUing and
easy
lurching incessantly proved so painful that he
"

"

swooned

before

he

make

any

girl when
accomplished, it may

the

was

able

to

audible

comment.
"

task

remarked

There,"
had

been

job, but

"

I think

"Heap good
complacently.
Having made

the

it'llanswer

doctor

tillwe

pigeon,"

not

reach

murmured

difficult
be

fect
per-

port.''
Sing-hi

the

cumstanc
ciras
patient as comfortable
would
permit, the girl left the cabin
and stepped into the alleyway. Here she paused for
a
steadying herself against the bulkhead
moment,
and
breaking over the bulwarks
gazing at the waves
and
flooding the decks knee-deep with a swirling
water.
of turbid, green
Then, with an abrupt
mass
arrived
at
movement
as
some
though she had

cabin and
to her own
decision, she went
sea-boots, oilslcins,and sou' -wester.
hastily donned
momentous

done, she passed out into the alleyway again,

his
just as the bos'n, with a life-belt strapped over
oilskins, appeared at the entrance, staggering and

This

slithering.
163

AT

i64
"

S'truth

"

"

Down

WHEEL
"

"

asked

jerked his

the

head

there."

it's 'elldown

ejaculated,

he

where

bos'n

The

THE

girl.
direction

of the

Jest been

down

in the

after-hatch.
"

'old," he answered.
there, and, Gawd, it fair made
"

In

the

like it since

see'd

anything

Plate

cattle boat."

"

"

Matter

now

as

knock

to

except for
a

'atches

furnace, and

enough

into slabs and

"

about

was

arrested

'eave

don't

ain't

give

thick

that

just

was

it's

water's

than

could

you

light

no

more

no

as

cut

it

it overboard."

to turn

when

away

the

girl'sattire

his attention.

going

ain't

You

it

down,
bilge

There

down.

air's

the

said

River

"

stink of the

the

you

battened

are

lantern, which

glim, and
He

it's what

Why,

Never

aboard

was

there, then

matter

'ell. The

"

'ot

the

What's

sick.

me

"

I am."

"

Well, don't

you

on

deck

go

"

he

said.

didn't

you

ought

to

this

weather."
"

That's

affair,bos'n."

my

skipper's,too, when 'e catches sight

the man
of you," answered
Still,it ain't
grimly.
of mine, and
if you
business
wants
to try and
no
I s'pose you
which
must," with
get drownded,
philosophicalreflection the bos'n proceeded on his
"

It'll be the

"

way.
The
the
but
she

reached

such

pitch

girlwas half inclined to follow the

pride forbade, and, clinging to
made

sailor

as

Hawk

was

she

had

storm

her
she

seemed

way
was,

towards

it

rollingto
to

lie

on

proved
such

her

an

no

fury

that

bos'n's

deck.

the

of

easy

extent

beam-ends,

the

advice,
handrail,

Experienced
task, for
that
and

at

the

times

the

girl

had

to

AT

THE

cling with

both

herself
bulkheads
succeeded
seas

came

She
had

from
at

without

hands

prevent
violentlyagainst the

terrific lurch.

last in

torn

here

because
and

away,

anything

to

to

cling

rails to

the

to

being flung

each

165

reaching the
with
thundering down

at

paused

been

WHEEL

the

have
to

However,
deck, where
the

force

she
the

of battering-ra

hand-line

nearest

ventured
would

further

have

been

Yet
it was
courting certain death.
nearly as
very
where
she was,
since at any
dangerous to remain
moment
extra
an
large sea might swoop down, and,
tearing her from the insecure handrail, sweep her
overboard.
And, once
engulfed in that inferno of
would
be utterly impossible,
raging waters, rescue
if anyone
even
happened to witness the catastrophe.
Therefore, watching her opportunity, she made
a
the
iron
ladder
dash, reached
leading up to the
bridge, and clung to it while another
huge wave
the reeling ship. \A'hen it had
fltmg itself upon
passed she started to mount, clinging to the rails
for

dear

life. As

her

head

came

level

with

the

bridge she saw

Calamity gripping an iron stanchion
to steady himself, and
apparently trying to peer
ahead
through the swirling spindrift. His back
the girl,and
he did not
towards
her
even
see
was
she set foot on
the sacred
as
bridge and glanced
doubtfully around.
but a sailor realises
She was
stillhesitating none
the extraordinary sanctity of the bridge when
one
of the
a
warning cry.
quartermasters uttered
had
left his lipsa terrific
before the words
Almost
the port beam, and, leapstruck
the Hawk
on
sea
ing
ing
high into the air,discharged itself with a deafeniron stanchion
to
the bridge. The
roar
upon
the Captain had been
which
chnging was wrenched
"

"

WHEEL

THE

AT

i66

Calamity was
swept off his feet,
and, but for the fact that, in falling,he became
graph,
the rails and the engine-room telewedged between
would
certainlyhave been carried overboard
of the two
As it was,
one
by the receding water.
lost for ever
and
swept away
quartermasters was
in the raging sea, while the other lay stunned
against
its socket,

from

the

binnacle.

Trained
Fletcher

in

saw

the

ship. With

the

Hawk

would

tremendous

sea

her.

Even

save

been

and

then

in

mortal

no

thought struck her, the girl

and brought the vessel round

to the rollers just as she

again bows-on
to swing broadside-on.
Calamity, staggering to his feet, saw

there

wheel

at the

and

and

of the

customs

with

Imbued
sea

she

as

about

was

the

girl
master
quarter-

of the

inert form

the

feet.

her

at

could

power

this

as

wheel

the

to

sprang

seamanship, Dora
threatened
flash the perilwhich
a
to control the steering-gear,
no
one
fall away
into the trough of that
had

she

as

traditions

the

Fletcher

Dora

was,

misgiving at thought of
experienced a momentary
and
wondered
committed
the
sacrilege she had
order
whether
the Captain, in his just wrath, would
her

be

to

voyage.
she had

locked
The

fact

saved

the

in

her

that, by

ship

destruction

and

did

not

Involuntarily she
of
expectation of the storm

moment.

about

howling
harsh
"

Port

wheel

upon
gale, she

of the

her

the

her

clenched

her.

caught

sure

above

Then,
the

at

the
in

teeth

felt

she

anger

her

to

occur

evitabl
in-

from

board

on

the

mind,

of

presence

all

of

rest

was

the

Captain's voice,

commanding.

and

And

descend

to

for

cabin

little ! That'll

that

seemed

was

all.

to have

do; steady now,

Her

presence
caused
him
no

steady

there
more

at

"

the

surprise

AT
if she

than

in

had

WHEEL

THE

been

of

one

167
It

deck-hands.

the

humiliating,because it robbed her

of triumph ; all the wilful delight of
of all sense
act.
a
having committed
daring and unauthorised
In answer
to a signal from
the bridge, a couple
was,

of

way,

seamen

the

came

unconscious

and

of the

girl by

took
the

to

on

the

forecastle

themselves

further

no

notice

rail,continued

to

hoarse

repeating the
apprehension
of

conscious

order
had

content

the

at

that

and

now,

she

to

had

he

wheel,

she

was

even

Captain,
the
steering to
kept two quartermasters

seemed

it

take

to

quite competent

was

Her

the

that

trust

hitherto

wheel.

the

feeling of pride

seemingly, was
her, and, though
granted

left her

teeth

turning round, he
the girlobeyed,

turned

she

as

the

into the

gaze

which

command

removed

Captain
the bridge.
upon
of her, but, hanging

gale. Presently, without

shouted

and

quartermaster, leaving

the

Calamity

from

up

to

for

manage

alone.
six bells struck

When

watch
over

three

"

had

been

at

storm, far from

The

in the

o'clock

eleven

Fletcher

Dora

hours.

"

the

noon
forewheel

abating, had

the
there were
fury, and some
among
the steamer
would
who
crew
began to doubt whether
live through it.
to take
At eight bells the relief watch
came
up
fully,
The
the
wheel.
girl relinquished it thankover
and
exhausted.
both
for she
was
hungry
Reaching her cabin, she ate ravenously of the food

increased

in

which

steward

the

had

in, fallingasleep almost

She

sea-boots.
the

afternoon

keeping
bunk

and

"

did

watch,

watch
donned

and

left for her, and then turned

her
before
she had removed
not
and

awaken

then,

watch,"

oilskins and

she

till eight bells

as

the

turned

sea-boots

crew

out
once

in

were

of her
more.

i68
Whether

or

determined
do

"

her

trick

of the

expected her, she was

it for granted that
she should
ber
a regular memthough she were

Calamity

no

take

to

WHEEL

THE

AT

"

as

crew.

Feeling just a little bit apprehensive, she climbed

to the bridge, took
the wheel, and
was
over
given
steeringdirections by the off-goingquartermasters,
of whom
one
paused as he was
going and bellowed
in the girl'sear
:
The
Better
keep a bright look-out, Miss.
skipper'sgot one of 'is malaria attacks comin' on.
I've sailed with 'im before, and I know."
This
had
was
startling,for the girl,somehow,
conceived
it possible that
never
Calamity could
suffer from
of the ordinary ills which
flesh is
any
heir to.
She watched
him
more
intently.after the
sailor's warning, and
that he moved
noticed
stiffly
if in pain, and
he
he stood still,
as
that, whenever
seemed
limb.
to be trembling in every
On the whole, it was
cheerful prospect.
not a very
The
the
Captain sick and likely to become
worse,
all
the
in
only officer incapacitated, and
crew,
into open
probability,ready to break
mutiny if
they felt assured that the one man
they feared was
unable
to raise a hand
And
there
against them.
the
with
were
as
well,
prisoners to be reckoned
"

should

there

Dykes,

it

from

twelve

was

him,
hours

Another

be

trouble

useless

for the

to

count

gunboat

ago.
hours
two

board.

on

had

As

for

Mr.

assistance
any
lost sight of
been
on

passed by, and it was

plain
that Calamity was
growing worse.
Though he did
word
utter
of complaint, the
not
a
girl realised
that he was
fightingwith all his might against the
fever
which
was
slowly but surely sapping his
strength. Once or twice he would have fallen had

beggin'

sick-list,

the

on

WHEEL

THE

AT

lyo

your

pardon,

Miss,"

said

bos'n.

the
"

is

He

The
"

men

Well,

laid
"

an

Miss,"

know

to

who's

attack

of

went

on

the

nervously,
in

bos'n,
"

we

fingering
thought
the

am,"

hesitation.

answered

the

girl

"

without

his
we'd

skipper's

up."
I

glances.

while

command

Why

malaria.

significant

exchanged

sou'-wester

dripping
like

with

down

moment's

CHAPTER

IN

For

the

moment

standing

the

in

COMMAND

little group

of

remained

men

doorway, staring at
with
abruptly and

Then

mouthed.

XX

the

girl openaccord

one

they left the cabin and she heard the tread of their
sea-boots
the
heavy
going up
companion-way.
directions
Having given the steward
concerning
medicine
and a supply of hot-water
bottles so long
the patient remained
in the cold stage of the
as
fever, Dora
had

Fletcher

went

up

deck.

on

The

weather

moderated

considerably, but night was

coming
and
it was
quite possible that the hurricane
on,
To her surprise,she found
might spring up afresh.
of men
standing about the after-deck, though
groups
in that
been
their presence
part of the ship had
by the Captain.
expressly forbidden
she demanded
What
are
doing here ?
you men
sharply.
They stared at her with sullen sheepishness, but
"

"

answered.

one

no
"

let

Get
me

for'ard

find

duty

some

But

the

incoherent

to
men

but
the

Suddenly

stepped

up

to

to

quarters

your
aft

man

on

stir, and

not

menacing,
bos'n, who
her.
171

reached
had

once

bridge

she went

perform,"
did

the

of

at

been

and

unless
after
low

the

don't
he

has

pause.

murmur,

girl'sears.
standing by,

"

COMMAND

IN

172

It's like this 'ere.Miss," he

said, in
half-defiant,

half-apologeticand

was

know

where

with

are,

we

fever, the

ain't

crippled. Who's
going to
back to Singapore and take
I have
already told you

'ere, and

"

"

Miss, but

know,

to

second's

the
this

packet
place ?
"

old man's
I am."

that

didn't

we

want

we

navigate
the

that

skipper's took

The

do.

we

mate

voice

"

take

it

as

was

you

serious."
"

Well, you

The

bos'n

"

Til

last,
see,"

"

now."

serious

awkwardly from
glanced doubtfully at

the

foot

one

to

sullen

the

men.

tell them

but

I'm

it that

shifted

and

another,
figures of

take

can

say, Miss," he said at

how
they'lltake it. You

what

I don't

you

know

of 'em
hastily, maybe some
which
aren't partialto taking orders from
a woman,
don't seem
natural, as you may
say."
See here, bos'n," answered
the girl,raisingher
voice so that all could hear,
can
you, or any other
man
on
board, navigate this ship to Singapore ?
No, Miss, I can't say as any of us could."
I'm
a
Well, I can.
practicalnavigator, and I
will undertake
to bring the Hawk
safely into port.
he

"

went

on

"

"

"

"

"

if there's

But

do

it,let him
"

Of

among

man

thoughtfully,
navigate, Miss."
don't

You

command

the

what

bos'n

became

in

ships

sailed

aboard,

and

bossing. Of

"

can

the

know

should

could

you
to

propose

take

"

was

we

wondering.

confidential
where

it's
course

he

bit," answered

didn't

we

suppose

otherwise?

"That's

it

alters

that

bos'n
"

thinks

command."

take

course

who

you

the

generally
we

know

You

"
"

some

skipper's
she
you

see"

of
'ad

what's
ain't this

us

"

'ave

'is wife

done

the

skipper's

COMMAND

IN

173

wife, but all the same

we
thought as 'ow you might
be wanting to try your 'and like."
Well, you see the position now," said the girl.
Please explain it to the men,
and let them
stand
underin charge of this ship, I am
that, while I am
Captain and will be obeyed."
Without
copied
quite realising it, she had
decisive
and
this,
Calamity's curt and
manner,
together with the fact that they were
reallyhelpless
not
the
in the matter, was
without
its effect on
After a short discussion with the bos'n, they
men.
sullen, others
trooped off to their quarters, some
pullingtheir forelocks as they passed the girl.
We'll carry out your orders, if you'll take the
into Singapore," said the
ship fair and
square
"

"

"

bos'n.
"

that's

Then

the

do

crew

"

agreed

my

part

as

long

as

theirs."
answered

Very good. Miss,"

of the

for'ad in the wake

went

I'll do

bos'n, and

the

he

men.

Fletcher
was
Feeling decidedly relieved, Dora
she caught sight of
the bridge when
about
to go on
McPhulach
standing at the fiddley door, having
off watch.
Seeing her, he
apparently just come
a
on
piece of
forward, rubbing his hands
came
oily cotton- waste.
been getting a rough time of it
have
You
must
down
below," she said by way of greeting.
if I wasna
Rough, d'ye ca' it," he answered
;
fairther before
a
me,
guid Presbyterian like me
sinner
the
I'd be a convairted
noo.
Bradlaugh
"

"

"

himsel'

during
The
"

the

if you

last four

can

to

an'

have

spare

hell if he'd

been

below

twenty hoors."

sympathetically.

girlnodded

I want

denied

hae

wouldna

the

few

minutes'

time," she

chat

said.

with

you,

COMMAND

IN

174
"I'm
"

ye'r deesposal."

at

please

Then

don't

want

chart-room.

the

bridge longer

the

leave

to

into

come

than

can

help."
"

the

Leave

bridge !

astonishment.
"

Please

led

the

in

McPhulach

echoed
"

"

D'ye
at once," interrupted the girl,and

come

way
that

"

the

to

up

After

bridge.

first

taining
ascer-

not
there, the engineer
Calamity was
such
followed, wondering, as well he might, what
they
an
extraordinary invitation portended. When
the door
had
the girl shut
the chart-room
entered
and pointed to a seat.
she
the
about
Have
heard
Captain ?
you
"

"

asked.
"

Haird

"

Then

what
you

haven't.

of malaria

attack

inquired McPhulach.

"

quite incapable

is

; and

with

is down

He

severe

of

doing

anything."
"

dinna

Ye

"It's

half
"

quite true, he
hour

an

Weel,

always
"

had

to be carried

ago."
weel," murmured
a

was

And

his

"

say

michty

Smith,

the

bridge

engineer,

"

he

mon."

quare

I suppose

as

off the

know,

you

has

broken

leg."

"

Aye, ane of
"Therefore,"

take

command

the

firemen

she
of

"

went

the

tellin' me."

was

I have

on,

since

Hawk,

no

decided
one,

to

except

myself, is capable of navigating her."

She
had
some
expected the engineer to show
prepared
sign of surprise,even
resentment, and was
to

combat

exhibited,
she

had

going

to

it.

But, for all

she

might

decided
bed.

to

He

her

not

emotion

been

have

alter
did

the

time

even

McPhulach

tellinghim that
of getting up or
appear

interested.

COMMAND

IN

175

but, stooping down, proceeded

take

to

off

of

one

his boots.
"It's

bad

hand
policy to buy ye'r boots secondunless ye'r sairtain they'llfit,"he remarked,
then remained
silentlystaring at a hole in his
earnest
as
a subject for long and
though it were

and
sock

verra

meditation.
"

I suppose
myself," she

think

you

taking a great

am

said, wishing

to

force

deal

on

comment

some

him.

from

engineer jerked

The

his head

in

manner

which

might have been a nod or a shake, agreement or

the
still fixed on
disagreement. His eyes were
But at last he spoke,
gaping aperture in his sock.
as
a man
slowly and incisively
might who had come
to

conclusion

momentous

after

mental

much

tribulation.
"

the thaird

Yon's

first wearin'.
a

pair to
"

I go

I don't
"

looked

Wasna

"

"

no

the
hae

ye

pain

tellin' me

o' the

Hawk

expression

of

his face.

on

that
?

an

ye

goin'

were

to tak'

"

Yes."
Then

ye,"
"

I'll

this rate

with

up

mingled surpriseand
command

at

at

by the time we reach Singapore."

believe you've been listeningto a word
exclaimed
the girl,
goaded to exasperation.

McPhulach

"

on

I've holed

name

me

I've said !

Gin

sacks

pair o'

he

The

hard

to

saying I didna hear

triumphantly.
point I want to get at," said the girl,trying
I depend on your
Can
be patient, is this.
ye were
answered

support and
it all

wrang

in

"

assistance

right with

the

if necessary

crew.

Will you

I have

be

made

responsible

"

down
below ?
for your men
The
engineer did not answer

immediately. Ap-

COMMAND

IN

176
patently

he

turning

was

the

matter

in

over

his

mind.
"

Ye'll be takin'
of

powers

inquiredat
"

skipper,

I'm

.understand

tae

"

he

last.

tion."
Yes, since I shall be responsiblefor the naviga-

Again McPhulach
girl noticed, with

wandered

his

eyes

But

this time

"

ye'rsel'the privilegesand

upon

towards

it did

Calamity's

no

paused meditatively, and

feeling of apprehension,
not

said

the

hole

in

his

the
that
sock.

monopolise his thoughts.

anything tae ye consairning

"

he asked.
mesel', I suppose ?
Certainly not," she replied,rather
In fact, I've had
the question.
no
"

"

to discuss
"

with

him."

continued

the

anything

Because,"

surprised at
opportunity

engineer,

"

he's

as

in
rise of a poond a month
a
good as promised me
sairvices.
But
I've
heard
recogneetion of me
naething aboot it syn."
I know
that.
It's a matter
for
nothing about
when
he returns
to duty."
the Captain to consider
it
isna," protested McPhulach.
Nae,
nae,
he wears
The captain'sthe captain whether
skirts
breeks.
I'd like ye, in ye'r capacity of skipper
or
of the Hawk,
that promise of an
to confairm
extra
poond a month."
"

"

"

"

I will undertake

that

you

shall have

the

extra

in command,
if I have
even
long as I am
the girl.
it myself," answered
to pay
Guid enough.
Gin ye hae a bit o' paper handy,
meybe ye'd no objec' to putting it doon in writing.
I'm no
dootin' ye'r word, mind
be
ye, but 'twould
mair
satisfactoryto hae it in black and white, if
money

so

"

ye ken
He

me."
drew

fountain-pen

from

pocket beneath

IN

178

took

from

rulers,

drawer

sitting

down,

and,

course.

This

stepped

out

she

came

shall

only
"

said.

little

boots

in

there

was

"

It

in,"

pyjamas,

that
he

jest

"

Weel,

false

bunk.

her

down,

lying

to

sea-

door.

with

the

oilskin

an

his

over

door.
mak'

to

Miss

sairtain.

misunderstand

me

what

I'd
tae

propose

the

over."

off

taking

preparatory
the

now,"

wheel

passed

has

was

over.

Fletcher,

whiles

back,"

anxiously.

Misunderstand

She

she

who,

wanted

"

ye'U

think,

relief

said.

at

didna

said

mesel'

wheel
the

at

then

two

as

the

man

when

at

she

stood

ye

any

one

McPhulach,

was

"I

knock

take

to

chart-room

Come

on,

just

ship's

and

log

the

up

parallel
the

out

bridge,

storm,

later
the

wrote

up

want

The

marked

the

to

on

and

pencil,

chart,

she

done,

quartermasters
"

COMMAND

gin

like

hope
I

to

it

wouldna

what

able.

was

she

mak'

tae

ye.

"

It

asked
clear
like

said
were

in
that

jest

didna
attach

tae

ye

aboot

surprise.

marryin'
a

wee

bit

ye

joke,

ken."
reassured

engineer,

him
with

concerning
a

sigh

of

her

relief,

and

intentions,
returned

to

his

CHAPTER

THE

XXI

SIGNAL

GUN

The

cloudless, with
morning dawned
bright and
But
promise of a spell of fine weather.
every
had
although the hurricane
spent itself,there was
still a heavy sea
running which
impeded the work
of clearing up the decks
and repairing the damage
In the brilliant,penetrating
wrought by the storm.
sunshine, the Hawk
presented a disreputable appearance
her
funnel
encrusted
with
:
dirty grey
rime, both her for'ad derricks a heap of splintered
wood
and
smashed
to
tangled cordage, her boats
and her decks
a depository of wreckage
matchwood,
of aU

sorts.

Dora

Fletcher

had

been

able

to

snatch

only

night, but when

She found
dawn
she went
broke
to see
Calamity.
him tossingin his bunk, and murmuring incoherently.
she
When
he showed
no
spoke to him
sign of
Sing-hi stood by while she went
comprehension.
couple

to

the

of hours'

sleep during

medicine-chest

and

the

took

out

bottle

of

spiritsof nitre. To him she explained what

the Chinaman
dose he was
to give the patient, and
nodded
comprehendingly ; he had already proved
and trustworthy sick-nurse,
himself
conscientious
a
He
would
have
initiative.
albeit possessed of no
the
down
Captain's
on
pouring medicine
gone
sweet

179

at

unless

given

Her

by

What

cher
"

entered,
"

of

one
"

are

"

been

you

Not

lying

so

here

she

"

old

this morning ?
the girl.
answered

man

dusty considerin'.
on

genially as

exclaimed

"

But

"

shelf like

left till called

"

But

"

Oh, nothing

you're

It's

bit orf,though,

bloomin'

that's

parcel

for."
in

not

pain

make

to

you

the

since

"

about.

shout

with

getting on
pectin'muttay ever
are

deck-hands.

the

In the hot stage now,"

how

contrary.

Smith, who, as Sing-hi had

do in the cabin, was
being

he

the

how's

the

to

dead,

was

to

was

could

he

as

attended
"

visit

next

much

as

instructions

latter

the

after

long

intervals

throat

GUN

SIGNAL

THE

i8o

the

I've been

crew

But

how
ex-

knocked

skipper was

out."
"

I don't

think

there's

fear of that," answered

with
her interview

much

girl,and described
the preceding evening.
on
the
see," she concluded,

the
the
"

"

bos'n

"

You

less."
help-

are

men

admitted.
something in that," Smith
By crikey,you're a bloomin' knock-out, and no
kid," he added admiringly.
I must
leave you now," she said, going to the
but I'll look in again later on."
door,
Right you are, sir," replied the patient jocularly.
There's

"

"

"

"

she

When

entered

quartermaster
courtesy, rose

some

who

her

almost
that

could

regarded
amoimted
the

be

to

the

foc'sle to

of the

their
with
to

men,

feet, but
an

see

the

injured

impelled by
there

air of

rude

others

were

aloofness

which

Having ascertained
progressing as favourably as

defiance.

patient was
expected, she

left the

foc'sle and

was

met

THE
on

the

be

in
"

for'ad deck
an

Been

"

"

Gun

by

the

agitated state
looking for you

breathlessly.
"

SIGNAL

Didn't

What

i8i

bos'n, who

appeared

to

of mind.

everywhere, Miss," he
'ear

you

the

gun

said

"

"

gun

GUN

astern.
Struck me
signal from somewheres
it might be the Satellite in trouble. Miss."
The
the circumstances
only thing to do under
for the vessel in distress.
to search
The
was
girl
the bridge, and, tellingthe quartermaster
went
on
to stand

aside, took
she

moment

heard

the

wheel

the

herself.

distant

At

boom

the

of

same

g\m,

became
sary
necesobviously a signal for help. It now
in a semi-circle and
round
to bring the Hawk
called
task which
for
a
this, in such a sea, was
extremely nice judgment and skilful seamanship.
the
Yet
woman
amazing young
accomplished it
broadside-on
without
mishap, though once, when
board
to a beam
on
experienced a few
sea, those
of green water
with a solid mountain
nasty moments
fall
towering above them, and looking as if it must
its stupendous
crush her under
the ship and
upon
weight.
S'truth 1
ejaculated the bos'n softly when
"

"

the

steamer's

nose

swung
that was

roimd

to

meet

the

coming
on-

touch-and-go if you like.

that gal."
'andle a boat, can
But she can
stood near
him, agreed.
And
the carpenter, who
Ship on the port
Suddenly the look-out shouted
bow
!
and, giving the wheel to the quartermaster,
looked
snatched
Fletcher
Dora
up the glasses and
indicated.
direction
enough,
There, sure
in the
looked
vessel which
remarkably like the
a
was
amazing thing of all, she was
Satellite,but, most
the seas
were
breaking clean over
not rolling,and
had
what
hapIn a flash the girl divined
her.
"

rollers,

"

"

GUN

SIGNAL

THE

i82

uncharted
gunboat had struck some
reef and was
firmly wedged aground. Presumably,
fast and the only
making water
therefore, she was
and
to get the crew
prisoners off
thing to do was
as
quickly as possible.
Signal we're coming to her assistance," said the
the flags, H.F.
The
girl,and the bos'n hoisted
a tow, no
damage."
immediately, Want
reply came
'ave
struck
feather
she
must
a
piller
Gawd,
the bos'n
sotto voce,
instead o' a reef," commented
the reply to Miss Fletcher.
he communicated
as
bore
down
of the
to leeward
Slowly the Hawk
stranded
vessel, signallingthe Satellite to send a
far too perilous to
with tow-lines, for it was
boat
from
near
enough for the lines to be thrown
come
Thanks
sight
to Mr. Dykes's foreone
ship to the other.
the sea around
in having thrown
out oil-bags,
subsided
the Satellite had
considerably and a boat
without
much
lowered
difficulty.But as soon
was
oil radius
the
the frail cockleshell
she got outside
as
tossed
about
of a boat
like a cork, and
was
it looked
if she must
than
as
once
more
inevitably
she
and
be
swamped
capsized. But
fought her
within
manfully, and at last came
hailing
way

pened

the

"

"

"

of the

distance
"

Stand

off !
"

The

Hawk.
"

shouted
from

Heave

wisdom

of

pieces. So while
sea,

the

man

where

this

for,had the boat come

to get alongside, she
been
swept against
the

in the

the

order
much
would

girlthrough
you

phone.
mega-

are."

apparent to all,
or
nearer
attempted

was

almost

the

steamer

crew

kept

bows

certainly have
and

her

waited

crushed

head-on
for

to

to

the

favourable

when
the boat
carried
opportimity. It came
was
till on a level
upwards on the crest of a huge wave
the Hawk's
with
bridge ; then he stood up, and.

SIGNAL

THE

swinging one

of the

The

cast.

thin

long, sinuous
deck, where
the

of

drum

period
send

of

the

lines round

waiting

tense

before

line aboard

accomphshed at last, and

return
journey.
As

soon

as

lines

the

Hawk's
"

until

stern, one

Vast

heaving

Then, with
of the hawsers
and
which
and

The
to

was

the

hawsers

work
had

each

side.

came

the

"

Hawk

be

was

of the

off the

towed
would

been

the

wind

in

under

the

the

ends

the hawse-holes

lessen

to

of the

reef stern
as

commence

made

to

its

on

secured

winches,

astern

now

to

came

order.

through
chafing-mats

with

to

another

started

been

carried

were

successfully

began
appeared

the assistance

parcelled

friction.

on

was

and

hawsers

the

it

line had

started

were

secured

chance

boat

the

second

the

steam-winches

and

but

the steamer's

ensued

Then

it

in

air

the

on

promptly caught

steam-winch.

other

his head, gave

descended

and

was

183

leapt through

rope

curve,

it

GUN

soon

the

Satellite,
foremost,
as

the

secure.

reported all ready and the girl

Stand by
to the engine-room. There
rang down
she again moved
the
and
then
tense
a
was
pause,
from below, the
A faint
lever.
ting-ting came
round
to
Slow," and the
telegraph pointer swung
with
a
Hawk's
steady,
engines began to move
fixed upon
the
All eyes
were
ponderous beat.
the
steamer
began to move,
which, as
hawsers,
slowly raised their dripping lengths from the water.
the
when
arrived
moment
the
Then
great ropes
like
the tension
under
till they vibrated
tautened
them.
bow
is passed across
a
fiddle-stringswhen
been
had
which
The
slowly forging ahead,
Hawk,
sudden
with
a
jerk, and then
to pull up
seemed
gradually slide back, stern foremost, in her own
At

last the

bos'n

"

"

"

"

"

THE

i84

the

the

while

wake,
hand

the

on

she

Again

the

hawsers

forged ahead, only

hound
suddenly
time

this

the
Dora

decks

the

pressed

vibrated

engines,

and,

from

the

anxious

into

deep

"

eloquent

of

The

terrible
had

She

been

the

coUapsed

thus
his

of

that

head

later.

then

the

same

ment,
mo-

Once

of

the

thunderous

more

telegraph,
beat
of

of

the

cheer

sHd

gently

bos'n,

wiping
monosyllable was

the

the
more

of

fatigue

utter

which

was

Fletcher
only, Dora
slipped
and
flung herself on the settee.
strain

of

responsible
those

last

hour,

suddenly

McPhulach
into

the

body

nervous

all

and

moan

the

and

strain

and

oration.

an

chart-room

the

Hawk

ejaculated

little

into

alone

"

than

that

not

But

accompaniment
the
watchers,
gunboat

his brow,

from

With

ing
strain-

leash.

the

to

the

steanaer

like

more

lever

the

to

and

the

as

once

the

was

water.

Gawd

sweat

taut

Fletcher

hawsers

beats.

little way,
while, at
Satellite was
to
seen
move.

gathered

she

if for

as

"

speed

by its
jerked back
was
only momentary

recoil

the

her

stern-way

Half

recoil

to

with

the

Hawk's

grew

into

braced

quickened

with

dipped

waited

watched

"

down

rang

pulsated

engines

she
the

as

and

nerve

every

effort, whUe

Then,

GUN

sagged
bridge

the

on

telegraph,

stupendous
disappear.
arrested,

hawsers

girl

The

sea.

SIGNAL

the

souls

for

been
a

dead

discovered
chart-room

hours

the

aboard,

had
in

these

too

safety
added
much

faint, and
her

some

when

when
fifteen

she

of

the

to

the

for

her.

it

he

was

put

minutes

i86
"

MR.

PARTNER

"

was

tired," she said apologetically,and

very
"

"and
"

SEEKS

SMITH

she
as
jes' swooned," put in McPhulach
hesitated.
Weel, I'm no sairprised. I'm subjec'
it mysel', which
is why
I always carry
tae
a
wee
drappie aboot me
pairson. It's likewise a muckle
fine thing for stomach
troubles, ye ken."
The
girlnodded
absently and gazed through the
the Satellite,now
chart-room
window
at
steaming
cable's length astern.
about
Under
the bos'n's
a
had
been
cast
off
directions, the towing hawsers
the gunboat.
It had
and hauled
back
aboard
not
occurred
till this moment
that
Mr.
to her
Dykes
have
been considerably exercised in his mind
must
the bridge,and in command
at seeing her on
instead
She
of Calamity.
wondered
he
what
thought
Ye

"

about
"

it.
I'll be

Weel,

"

for

here

It

breath

ganging below," remarked

a
michty guid thing I came

was

o' fresh air an' tae

hoo

see

Phulach.
Mcup
were

ye

getting alang."
"

It was,

what

and

I'm

much

very
did," answered

you

obliged to
But
girl.
anyone."
as
though
"

the

don't

it to
say anything about
and
blushed
She stammered

him
"

compound
Nae, nae, I'll
to

want

sae

tells

me

I'll jes'gang

which

the
to

mate's

please
asking

felony.
breathe

and

word,

assured

steam-pipe
doon

for

her.
has

hae

"

burstit
a

speer

gin
Mr.

ye

dinna

Smeeth's

in his
at

cabin,
it,"saying

scendin
engineer left the chart-room, and, dethe deck, made
his way
to the second-

cabin.

After
himself

pipe

no

tae," he

me

man

you

and

an

and

amiable

Smith, he found

plugged

of

exchange
it with

the

cotton

greetings between
leak
waste.

in the

steam-

MR.
"

'Tis

SMITH

PARTNER

187

Miss

has

that

Fletcher

remarked,

preparing to leave.
answered
mean
gettin'the Satellite off ?
Yes, Byles was
tellingme about it ; said
of the finest feats of seamanship he'd
one
"

You

"

Smith.
it

fine bit 0' wark

done," he
"

SEEKS

was

seen."

ever
"

'twas

Aye,

wife
"

"

for

body

think

Never

enoo'

There
the

pause
As
he

Smith

called him

ThinMn'

lookin'
"

It's

"

say,"

few

0'

to

the

met

her, would

be

the

open

as

pin

to
"

statement,

you
?

you
McPhulach

I ain't such

door,
a

bad-

the

engineer
repairs,some

answered

bloke.

trying

hideous, would

"

alterations

regaird ye

second-mate,

be

"

tae

Wi'

Never

definite

about

was

I ?

am

micht

women

like

who'd

mon

back.

haird
"

slowly.

the

it over," said he,

cove,

thoughtfully.

thinkin'."
at a', I'm
marry
made
and McPhulach
to leave

tae

cabin.

the

marry

not

was

But

splendid

her."

manage
said Smith

"

so

to

mak'

could

doot, lad.

enoo'

she'd

Mon,

who

D'you

Strang
Strang

"

that.

an

an'

Adonis."

But,"
the

went

other

wouldn't

on

down

say

the
to

was

"

before
regarded him critically
an
opinion.
haird tae say," he rephed at last.
in
disgust.
hang !
ejaculated Smith

Again
venturing
"

It's

"

Oh

"

"Still,"
a

he

"

went

on,

I'm

blowed

if I don't

have

try."
"

Eh

"

She

"

D'ye

tae

"

do

might

marry
"

"

Why
You're

that

mean

ye ?
not
a

worse."

ye're goin' tae

"

"

brave

nion, Smeeth."

ax

Mees

Fletcher

i88
"

But

SEEKS

SMITH

MR.

reiterated

"

I ?

shouldn't

why

PARTNER

second-

the

mate.
"

I ken

ever,
"

why

reason

nae

D'you

mean

shouldna

ye

ax

think

don't

you

"

engineerdryly.

Hoo-

her."

she'd

have

"

me?
"

ye luck," said the

I wish

hae
tastes, an' it isna
nae, women
quare
that
the
oot
the
best-lookin'
comes
mon

Nae,

always
best."
"

here, Mac, d'you think

Look

feeler for
"

Eh

us

could

put

out

"

sound

"Jest

you

"

her,

speak

to

so

; find

out

whether

she likes me."

"

the

answered

engineer hastily.
I've enough troubles
of me
ain, an' I'm no goin'
tae do anither
body's coorting."
Tell you what, Mac," went
Smith
on
coaxingly,
shall be best man
at the wedding."
you
but it's no' the job I'm
Ye're
verra
generous,
speerin'after."
All right, you
can
give us a wedding present
Nae,

nae,"

"

"

"

"

"

then."
"

Eh

Half

engineer
don't
do

It's

rephed
"

made

another
there's

gin

mon

ye

to

else

one

any

deeficult

verra

d'you

There

is an'

"

What

the

no

mean

there

devil

that

mean

an' he's

attempt

as

the

"

You
escape.
in the runnin',

question

tae

answer,"

McPhulach.

How

second-mate,

"

"

"

said the

Mac,"

mo,

think

you
"

I'd be ye'r best

marrit."

were
"

Weel, mebbe

are

"

isna'."
you

she's wishfu'

wishfu'

tae

be

driving at
tae

marrit."

marry

"

the

skeeper,

MR.
"

PARTNER

SEEKS

SMITH

189
of

"

Crikey I ejaculatedSmith, the look

anticipationdying out of his face.
that

you

"

able
pleasurtold

Who

"

Ony fu' wi' a pair o' een in his heid could hae
teltye that."
him
bit gone
at first,
I guessed she was
a
on
but bhmey, I never
in love with
thought she was
him
why, he's old enough to be her father, I
should
Besides, he's only got one
eye, and
say.
look at him any way
you can't call him handsome,
"

"

"

like."

you
"

I told ye

hae

quare tastes."
better man
to look

women

"

Well, if I ain't a
that one-eyed old crock

aft, I'll

eat

than

at

bloomin'

my

hat."
"

McPhulach,

answered

the

before

cabin

For

Miss

time

trying
most

effective

mature

that

he

very

in

of

disconcerted

found
The

scheme,

no

young

him.

lay still,
best

the

to

and

him

seemed

at the
so

moment,

preposterous

in dismissing it
difficulty
his
he
more
thought over

the

marrying him,

fortunate

as

of

slip out

declaring his passion to

to the Caps reference
tain,

consideration

mind.

matrimonial

that,

it had

had

his

mind

McPhulach'

Fletcher.

upon

his

manner

promises,"

second-mate

amorous

up

detain

could

Smith

the

make

to

though

from

rash
ye tae mak'
and
to
managed

advise

I wouldna

more

Miss

woman.

he became

convinced
Fletcher

would

Besides,

she

be

would

privilege of keeping him

doubt, provide her
would, no
straight," which
he believed, liked
with an interest in life. Women,
have
ample
reforming, and his future wife would
opportimity for indulging in this hobby. She
effect a
might, in time and with patience, even
reform.
permanent
have
"

the

inestimable

MR.

igo

SMITH

SEEKS

PARTNER

good fortune in store for her,

stood
Fletcher
the bridge with a sextant
Dora
on
in her hands,
shooting the sun," it being then
the first time
This was
exactly at the meridian.
been
overtaken
since they had
by the hurricane
for taking observations.
had occurred
that a chance
For the last two or three days the ship'sapproximate
positioncould only be ascertained by dead reckoning,
this
to
correct
and, therefore, it was
necessary
her
at the earhest
opportunity. Having concluded
the Hawk's
observations, marked
position on the
on
chart, and laid out the course, the girllay down
quate
the settee to try and make
up a little for the inadeof sleep she
had
amount
had
during the
last forty-eighthours.
Later
in the day she
on
He
was
again visited the Captain's cabin.
sleeping
it was
when
she
that
evident
his
went
in, and
condition had improved.
Having given the steward
further
to
Smith's
some
instructions, she went
he was
cabin to see how
getting on.
do
feel this evening?"
she
"Well, how
you
inquired on entering.
the invahd
with
Pretty fair,thanks," answered
a
deep sigh.
Your
leg'snot hurting you ?
Oh no, my
leg ain't hurting me."
Little

guessing

the

"

"

"

"

"

what's

"Then

the

matter?

You

seem

rather

melancholy."
"I've

gloomily,
"

Your

been
"

of

thinkin'," said

still

more

future."

me

future

Smith

"

lyin' on a sick bed gets queer

notions into his head, especiallyif he's got brains."
about the future ?
But why should
you worry
be
asked
the girl,puzzled.
Your
leg will soon
all right,and you'llbe able to go on duty again."
"Yes.

man

"

"

"

MR.
"

SMITH

SEEKS

PARTNER

191

fact is," repliedSmith, suddenly

The

"

confidential,

I'm

thinking of

becoming

settlin' down."

"Yes?"
"

like me,

man

who's

led

always

rovin'

hfe,

anchor.
A home
and wife
an
speak, wants
and kids, and so on."
"Then
you're thinking of getting married?"
asked
the girlinnocently.
That
all depends," he answered.
Although
a
particularsort
you mightn't think it,I'm rather
of cove.
I've got my
Of course
faults
and
he waved
if to signify that he also had
arm
an
as
his virtues,which
too obvious
to specify.
were
Miss Fletcher, not
to make
feeling called upon
remained
silent,and, after a moment
any comment,
to

so

"

"

"

two. Smith

or
"

What

stands

went

spirit,mind

is

want

of

men

on.
a

imder-

who

with

woman

bad-lookin', and

not

you,

sort.

my

woman

young

able

bit of
to

turn

anything."
I should
think you'd better advertise,
"H'm;
stating all your requirements."
I've
No need," replied Smith
triumphantly.
in my
eye."
got the very woman
Oh ?
That
ought to save you a lot of trouble,
the girl with
a
to
not
expense," answered
say
Smith
failed to
of irony, which, however,
touch
perceive.
Yes, but the trouble is that I ain't quite certain
she'U have me," he said.
yet whether
her

hand

to

'most

"

"

"

"

"

should

wovJd
difficulty
ignorant of the
laborious
"

You

"

Good

think
be

the
ask

to

direction

confidences

don't think

in which

the

second-mate's

tending.

were

she'd

gracious,how

of the
out
way
her," she replied,
wholly

easiest

be offended

should

I know

if I did ?
!

"

"

SMITH

MR.

192
"

Better

SEEKS

than

PARTNER

think, p'raps,"replied Smith

you
"

Shall I tell you her

mysteriously.
Really, Mr. Smith, I don't think
in the slightest
what
the lady's name
"

"

But

his elbow

on

For

the
"

of

heard
"

"

An

began

to

the

from

rose

see

locker

seated.

now,"

lady's name

said

she

little coldly.

"

Smith,

in

you

haven't

yet."
I want

think

It's not

to, thanks.

"

Isn't it !
"

been

you

which

Fletcher

is."

Fletcher

She

mo'," broke

don't

matter

me

"

the

concerns

shouted, raisinghimself

Dora

this.

had

leave
to

Half

it

"

staring at her hard.

all

she

I must

"

he almost

first time

which

I have

and

the

trend

upon
"

it does

"

name

You

wait.

about

how

angry

flush

then,

being

blessed

sense

of

The

that

mounted

to

with

that

she

humour,

had

is Dora

lady's name

"

girl'sface, and
rare
possession, a
ado
to prevent

the

much

herself from

laughing outright.
I'm afraid I can't oblige you, Mr. Smith," she
said.
I
Although, of course,
appreciate the
honour
you've done me."
That
ain't any use
to me," growled the secondaback
rather
taken
this unhesitating
at
mate,
rejection.
"

"

"

"I'm
"

"

sorry, but
What's
with
wrong

Of

yet
"

course
a

I'm

Captain
think

answered

we

the

not

"

me,

then

bloomin'

"

he

earl

or

burst
a

out.

dock

nor

"

had

girl.

better
"

again."
But Smith, his hopes
his pride wounded,
was

Please

dashed
not

forget
don't

to

it,"

all about

the

inclined

speak

of

ground,
to drop

it

and
the

CHAPTER

XXIII
"

FLETCHER

DORA

able

was

however,

once

more

Smith

was

"

are
you
smile of his,

The

then

the

convalescent,
command.
As,

discharge his
appointed Miss

to

Captain

mate.

now

officer,"he said with

an

"

me."

girl'seyes
the
light

lit up
died

better

had

you

with

cabin

in the

resume

still unable

temporary

Since

grim

to

duties,

customary
Fletcher

NO

passed, and Calamity, now

had

WEEK

"

ANSWERS

take

moment,

them

and

same,

but

I should

own

cabin

of

out

meals

your

pleasurefor

with

that

her

lips

hardened.
"

Thank
have

to

my

all the
you
meals
in my

as

prefer

before," she

answered.
"

yourself,"answered
Calamity carelessly.
After
this, although their relationship remained
much
the same
it had
as
always been,
superficially
and
the Captain taciturn
abrupt, the girl quiet and
there
subtle
was
a
change in the
self-possessed,
the other.
of each towards
attitude
Calamity had
the girl,and
to rely on
now
come
accepted at her
Please

hands

many

little services

his greater comfort,

rejected with

curt

services

which
which

imperiousness

ago.
194

tended

he

towards

would

less than

have
a

night
fort-

DORA
One

day

he

"NO"

ANSWERS

FLETCHER
for

sent

195

and

McPhulach,

due

in

the

soiled

engineer appeared, clad as usual, in

dungarees, and claspinga piece of oilycotton-

waste

in his hand.

course

"

Ye're

wishfu'

tae

see

sir ?

me,

"Yes; sit down."

The engineer perched himself
and
began mechanically
rails with
"

McPhulach
at

Tae

"

Yes.

Calamity
England ?
I may
you

able

"

to

go

asked

ceased

document
be

to

care

you

trip,McPhulach

"

he

inquired.

on

the

cabin

to

rub

the

light,
skybrass

his cotton-waste.

Would

stared

"

the

England after this

Captain abruptly.
the

rubbing

rails, and

brass

in astonishment.
"

he

repeated.
that

with
you in connection
signed, and quite possibly I
want

shall

give you a good shore job."

the engineer thoughtIt a' depends," answered
fully.
Ye
skeeper, I hae sairtain financial
see,
I canna
disobleegations in that country which
leddies
twa
or
chairge. An' meybe there are ane
who'd
mak'
it no
verra
pleasant for me gin they
to

"

"

tae

were
"

H'm

ken

; I

should
and

resource

your

that

have

thought
experiencecould

have

of

man

oveicome

difficulty."

that

McPhulach
cloud
"

back."

was

on

considered

his brow

for

little time, and

the

lifted.
"

he
brawly wha' tae dae, sir I
Gin ye'U ca' me
Jones and give oot
there's
a
no
Welshman,
body who'd
I ken

"

exclaimed.
that

I'm

recognise

me."

like

Something
but
"

he

answered

If you

think

I have
difficulties,

in

a
a

escaped the Captain,

perfectlygrave voice.
chuckle

that
no

device

will

overcome

your

objectionto callingyou Jones

DORA

196
and

it may

all whom

informing

"NO"

ANSWERS

FLETCHER

that

concern

you're

Welshman."

"

Pontypreed."
sounds
From
Pontypridd, if you like. That
Welsh
enough."
Then
I'll sign on wi' ye, sir."
Calamity,
Right, then that's settled,"answered
ness,
and McPhulach,
preening himself upon his astutereturned
to the engine-room.
the
That
Miss Fletcher
came
on
evening, when
bridge to relieve the Captain, he seemed inclined to
linger.
By the twenty-seventh," he said, we ought to
be in Singapore."
the girl,and nodded
In Singapore," murmured
if in answer
to some
as
unspoken thought.
what
to
Yes.
Have
finally decided
you
Frae

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

do?
"

I shall

the British

see

father's papers,
to
money
There's

and

Consul, lay before him

ask him

to advance

my
sufficient

me

"

"

need

no

to

ask

that," interrupted

him

"

have
whatever
I could
let you
Calamity.
you
if there wasn't
wanted, even
Still,if you don't mind, I should preferto borrow
it from the Consul," she broke in without
locking at
"

"

him.
"

As

made

you

Then

please.

I take

it that

to go to CaHfornia
?
up your mind
and
Yes ; I will take your
advice

"

you

have

"

try fruit-

farming."
H'm," grunted Calamity.
"

"

told

You

thing

I could
in her

sarcasm
"

Yes

"

me

it

was

the best

"

do," she said with

voice.

yes, I suppose

I did."

in
a

fact, the only

faint

touch

of

DORA
"

best

The

of

the

You

woman.

ANSWERS

professionI know

that

"

"

FLETCHER

"

pointed

It is self-evident

Calamity

sea

turned

best

I
that

cannot
out

and

"NO"

197

which

I love

follow, being

yourself."

"

if to leave

the

bridge,
the top step of the companion-ladder,
on
and
then
back again. Seemingly he did so
came
but, having done
only to glance at the compass,
to
the
leant
this, he came
bridge-railand
up
away

as

hesitated

it.

over
"

You

are

strange young

woman,"

he

said

abruptly.
"Am

I?

"

lapsed into silence again and Dora Fletcher,

looking at him surreptitiouslyout of the comer
of her eye, marvelled
this
exceedingly. Once more
was
extraordinary man
revealinghimself to her in a
new
light. Usually so self-confident and determined
in manner
and
tancy
speech, he exhibited a curious hesithis evening that puzzled the girl. He
was
who
wished
like a man
to say something yet, for
pressed
or
some
reason
other, feared to say it. This so imher that
she grew
and, moving a
uneasy,
httle fajther away
from him, leant against the starboard
the darkening
rail and gazed fixedly across
He

waters.

Captain straightened his back,

walked
to the port rail,and, after standing there a
ing.
standmoment
or
two, crossed to where the girlwas
He did not speak, and, although her back was
that
towards
he was
close.
him, she knew
very
Involuntarily she clutched the rail tightly as if to
support herself,her heart began to beat faster and
Arid yet, she
her
breath
in little catches.
came
for this ; it made
told herself,there was
no
reason
with herself for being unreasonher angry,
angry
Presently

the

DORA

igS

ably agitated,and
of

it.

saying nothing,
longer.
"

with

angry
remained

He

Won't

for

him

last

cause

behind

could

she

her,
it

bear
"

below, sir ?

watch

your

being the

close

standing

till at

miss

you

"NO"

ANSWERS

FLETCHER

no

she

asked.
"

and

way,

affair,"he answered

is my

That

felt

she

in his old curt

of reUef

sense

famihar

the

at

tone.

remained

He
her

intently

and

have

startled

the

every
for she
wish

made

to gaze

head.

shapely

however,

was,

girlhad

that

expression

an

she

regarding
There

it.

seen

would
was

Captain's face,
as
might
comely a picture as any man
with her slim, supple figure and
upon,

great braid

the

with

for that

excuse

he

where

look

hair

of red-brown

Masculine

the

on

as

she

coiled

round

in

was

her

lessness,
fear-

her

of command,
strength, and her power
withal intensely feminine, possessingbesides
her

she

was

lure of

all the
All
if he

this

had

blossoming womanhood.
Calamity recognised clearlyenough
done

never

so

before.

He

was

very

being a sentimentalist,but, as he stood so

of that
she
to her, the
day when
memory
back
her love for him
came
frankly avowed
that
knew
he
He
now
poignant vividness.
from

been

blind

greatest
the

fool

awakened
Such

that

treasure

taking,and
to

and

he had
sense

the

brutal

fool

life can

give
spurned it.

of what

he

had

which

as

had
But

well.
been
now

now,

far
near

had
with
had
The

his for
he had

lost.

passed through
the
on
Calamity's mind as he lingered irresolutely
sensation
to him,
bridge. It was an altogethernew
this self-condemnation
and
timid
hesitancy. For
the first time in his life,
perhaps, Calamity was afraid.
It was, if nothing else,a chastening experience.
were

thoughts

DORA

FLETCHER

for Dora

As

ANSWERS

"NO"

199

Fletcher, her whole

in a
being was
tumult
of warring emotions.
Instinctivelyshe felt
something of what was passing through the Captain's
mind.
and

She

could

remarkable

herself,that

but

not

change

it meant

this

guess that
in his manner

was

sudden
due

to

ship
beginning of a new relationbetween
them
at least,so far as he was
cerned.
conAlready their relations had passed through
several different phases : first she had been a mere
to be
nonentity in his eyes; then an individual
later on,
then
trusted
and
a
tolerated, a nurse
she supposed, a
efficient officer,
and finally finally,
indistinct as the years
ever
growing more
memory
passed.
able
was
becoming intolerJust as his near
presence
it
of the complex emotions
to the girlbecause
the
and strolled towards
occasioned, he moved
away
other end of the bridge. She wished
ferventlythat
her
he would
near
go below, for while he remained
in a fever of apprehension.
she was
Presently, however, he turned again and walked
standing on the lee
slowly back to where she was
side of the bridge.
Miss Fletcher," he said abruptly.
facing
Yes, sir," she answered, turning and
the

"

"

"

"

him.
"

Will

you

It had

last, the

at

come

approaching

had

felt

that

illness.

For

"

me

marry

inevitable

since

ever

she

moment

his
was

chmax

she

from
recovery
conscious
of

exquisitejoy, and her carefullynursed

munication
resolution wavered.
Then, remembering the comself
to her, she pulled herhad made
Smith
together.
a

thrill of

"

No,"

The

she

answered

Captain

turned

in
on

low

voice.

his heel and

walked

in

leisurely

manner

for

lingered

he

glanced
"

Keep

descended

ANSWERS

FLETCHER

DORA

200

at

the
her
the

to

the

moment.

by

end

of

Then
and

compass,
west

other

"NO"

north,"

companion-ladder.

turned

the
he

said,

back,

came

towards

he

where

bridge,

the

and

girl.

slowly

MACHINATIONS

THE

202

SOLOMON

MR.

OF

if the Hawk
did not take up her
day on board, even
of the men,
One
a
moorings tillthe next morning.
to the
reached
grizzledold shellback whose memories
days of clippersand square-riggedships, started to
drone
now
a chanty, popular enough in its day but
and
sails and salt
consigned to the limbo of masts
of his song :
this was
the burden
junk. And
"

ship'sgone

Yankee

Her

d'you

How

the

By

and

masts

And

what

was

she's

Yankee

clipper ?

fly above her.

d'you
captain of her ?
runner.
Kelly, the Bowery
d'you think
they had for dinner

Belaying-pin
There

like silver.

shine

and

Stripesthat

think

who

One-eyed
And

river.

yards they

know

Stars

the

down

soup

chorus

is

and

monkey's

between

liver."

each

line of

"

Blow

the others
took up
boys, bully boys blow," which
In fact, the
and yelled at the tops of their voices.
in such high spiritsthat, on the smallest
men
were
raised
three
cheers
have
provocation, they would
for the skipper but the provocation was
not given.
the bridge,grim and
Calamity paced up and down
buried
in the pockets of
taciturn
as
ever, his hands
cable's length astern
his monkey
a
jacket. About
the
the
Satellite,with Mr. Dykes lollingon
was
calculations
to the
as
bridge and making mental
"

number

of dollars that

the final settlement

was

would
made.

fall to his share

Like

when

their comrades

busy making the ship

their anticipationsless
were
spick and span, nor
Even
the prisoners on
cheerful.
both vessels were
perking up at the prospect of being released from
the hot and
stifiing
they had spent
quarters where
so
days.
many
weary
of the expediPerhaps the only gloomy members
tion
the Captain himself
and
Dora
Fletcher.
were
on

the

Hawk,

the

crew

was

MACHINATIONS

THE
The

latter

Calamity

had

SOLOMON

MR.

203

sittingin her cabin gazing thoughtfully

open port. Since that evening when

was

of the

out

OF

asked

her

him

to marry

she had

and

the subject again

refused, he had not mentioned
his manner,
to indicate that he had
indeed, seemed
dismissed

the matter

inconsistency she
had

told

never

identity,for
simple. Yet
thought that
should
she

she

With

his mind.

fervently wished

now

her

then

the

of

secret

feminine

Captain's
been quite

the

everything would

have

tried to

herself

comfort

Smith

that

with

the

truth

herself

faced

by

better

was

as

which,

with

situation

totally unfitted
grapple. Involuntarily the girl sighed. So
and
end
of her
to be the
was
one
only romance.
Rightly or wrongly, she had rejected the love
she

assured

she

herself, she

above

desired

would

the

it was, better that she

late and
before it was
too

it

know

found

from

gladly

the

Meanwhile

Hawk

to

was

all else and

have

the

one

man

this

she

with

whom

were

ing
draw-

mated.
and

her

consort

to
Singapore, and presently,in answer
a
signal,a pilot-boat approached, and, standing off,
boat
which
lowered
a
alongside the
quickly came
man,
yacht. The pilot,a grizzled,weather-beaten
nearer

scrambled

to

out

of the

and

stern-sheets

climbed

on

board.
"

Well

I'm

jiggered!
Captain stepped forward
Calamity."
"

The

shook

same,

hands,

good many
Singapore.
a

"

that
"

"

exclaimed

he
to

greet him, "if

Abott," answered
for

this

that

But, bless my

the

was

as

not

pilot

it ain't

the

latter

the

first

taken

had

the

they
time by
as

him

into

soul, skipper, this is the hooker

out
you wafted
It is," answered

Singapore."
But
Calamity.

of

"

come

along

204

THE

MACHINATIONS

to my

cabin

and

have

OF

drink, Abott.

SOLOMON

MR.

I'd like to have

you."
Nothing loth, the pilot accompanied him to the
cabin, where
Calamity, after carefullylocking the
door, brought out a bottle and some
glassesfrom a
cupboard.
usual ?
The
he inquired.
Aye, skipper,my tastes ain't changed since we
a

with

little pow-wow

"

"

"

last met."

Captain poured out

he handed
brandy, which
poured out a like dose for
The

"

Calamity

nodded

"

the

"

About

war

ain't took
Berlin.
hike
"

the
"

But

what

look

Oh,

so

You

asked.

he

in thunder

made

you

"

Calamity staring hard

asked

this old

of

at

steamer,

and

me

and

moment

came

into

made

off with

of

told

The

excellent

from

the

I'll have
when

his face.

nice

pilot.
having stolen

Solomon

you've

Isaac

for

the

it unbeknownst

Abott.

answer

there's

it is and

Solomon

What

of Rossenbaum's."

baum's
Rossen-

"

accused

taken

packet

understanding
story is that I

the

bet

no

it," answered

over

with

"

off his drink.

mans
Oh, nothing special,the GerParis, and we haven't burnt down

made

Captain

ship ?

"

tossed

glass.

"

Arrow,

The

then

"

he raised his

as

other.

The
"

himself.

say, skipper,what
?
the old Arrow

off with
The

and

news

the

to

said the other

Here'sluck,"
What's

helping of
generous
and
the j5ilot
then

took

Rossenbaum
his

blooming
that
you'd

oath

explains a

me

Solomon's

or

shindy

him."

to

start, but
one

his

"

old

now

two

I get ashore."

lot of

things,

manoeuvres

begin

to

little bones

zled
puzsee

to

daylight.
pick

THE

MACHINATIONS

"

Now,

MR.

OF

SOLOMON

here, skipper,jest you

205

take

tip,"
my
the other earnestly.
Don't
put into Singapore.
It ain't a healthy place for you, and
that's

said

see

"

fact."

"

Why
Why

"

the
"

"

of

don't

Well, you

not

be accused

"

not

pinching

a
suppose
other party's

some

authorities

not

You

they're after

mean

There's

say

warrant

word, do you

ship and

"

for your
arrest
of that sort."

out

the

can

"

me

man

under

Piracy Act or something

that's news."
H'm," grunted Calamity;
Now
each other
see
here, skipper,we've known
to lead
tidy while,and you know I'm not the man
old friend into a mess
if I can
help it. Take my
"

"

"

a
an

advice

and
oath

your

make
that

for

other port ; you

some

I shan't

say

may

about

word

take

having

picked you up."

Abott, you're a white man," answered
Calamity,
but I'm not taking your advice, good as it sounds.
Solomon
has played his card, but I can
trump it ;
he's absolutelyin my
hands, though he doesn't
we'll dismiss
that
know
it yet. Now
subject for
the present, and talk of something far more
tant.
impor"

"

First of all,can
boat
"

the
"

Trust

"

'em

Well, I should

pilotin surprise.
I mean
What
is, can

shut

trust

you

the

men

on

your

"

say

so," answered

they keep their

mouths

"

limpets."
of
Right. Now
just listen to this little yam
mine, Abott, and don't interruptbefore I'm through.
Like

"

Savee
"

"

Forge

For

ahead, skipper."

close upon

half

an

hour

the

Captain

talked

2o6

THE

MACHINATIONS

in lowered

tones, and,

face exhibited

Calamity

some

moments,

*'

taking
mopped
"

I'm

Well

And

he

remained

silent for
realise what

wholly

to

Even

told him.
damned

"

muttered

he

handkerchief

last,and,

at

from

question is, will

the

now

I don't

not

"

I've

that

know

afraid

I'm

it over,

the

asked

it yet, skipper. It sort

and
that's a fact."
"

pilot's

his

pocket,

his face.

proposal or
"

the

of astonishment.

if unable

large blue

SOLOMON

MR.

proceeded,

finished

had
as

latter had

he

as

degree

every

when

the

OF

I can't

Captain.

fairlygot

o' takes

give

accept the

you

breath

one's

time

much

you

teeth

my

into

away,

to

think

Abott."

"

"

By thunder, I'll take it on then !

other man
I'm glad, because
I could
there's no
better set to
We'd
trust," answered
Calamity.
and get the job over
work
as
quickly as possible."
This
is the
Wait, though," said the other.
sort of thing that wants
to be done
at night. Suppose
sheer away
from land a bit and don't put
we
in till to-morrow
morning ?
"

"

"

"

"

"

That's

not

bad

alongside after dark

Yes, but there's

idea.
then

"

well.

about

How

to

want

after the
"

It

another

the

off,prize-money and

might

touches

be

men

all,before

get rid of that

hook

boat

Your

could

come

"

crowd

thing

to

Can't

you

we

put

as

soon

consider
pay

as

them

in ?

You'll

as

possible

mud."

possible. Just

lend

me

hand,

Abott."
the

ing
pilot'sassistance,all the boxes containincluding the heavy box found in the
money,
fort,were
dragged out into the middle of the cabin
and opened.

With

MACHINATIONS

THE
"

Before

first-mate

and

course

by

woman,
signal the

SOLOMON

MR.

this

count

we
"

OF

way

Satellite to

Captain.
The
pilot left the cabin, and
Calamity had already started

said

alter

to

"

do

tell the

the

the

same,"

the

with

Even

the

money.
took a

long time, and

values

of the

made
"

better

you'd
the

207

hurried

some

various

offer

can

in addition

it

calculations
about

man

he

count

them

at

finished

was

currencies

each

to

of

two

when

when

returned
out

work
and

the

it
the

adjusted.Calamity
on
a

paper.

hundred

pounds

due," he said at last.

And
a
pretty fine bonus, too, for such a short
trip! They won't jib at that offer,you bet your
that deal's squared the better, I
Ufe. The
sooner
to wages

"

should

skipper."
ing
The
Captain unlocked the cabin door, and, callSing-hi,told him to fetch the bos'n.
to make
I want
a
proposal to the men,"
you
said Calamity, when
the bos'n appeared.
In the
ordinary way they might have to wait a week or
before they received
the prize-money due to
more
a
them, but, if they prefer it,I will pay each man
hundred
pounds cash in addition to wages.
They
by waiting till the stuff is valued
might get more
and disposed of, but, if they preferthe cash, I will
say,

"

"

divide

the

balance

among

the

various

marine

charities."
"

I'm

for the

others'll be

say,"
"

the

answered

cash
same;

the

myself, sir, and

but

I'll tell them

I think
what

the
you

bos'n.

engineers,"said Calamity
the bos'n had left the cabin,
when
they will have
be properly adjudged."
to wait until their shares can
As
long as we can
they
get rid of the crew,
don't matter, skipper."
As

for the officers and

"

"

2o8

In
the

minutes

few

favour

in

unanimously

were

men

and

returned

bos'n

the

SOLOMON

MR.

OF

MACHINATIONS

THE

of

said

that

the

taking

cash.
"

assemble

Then

the

aft

men

bells,

eight

at

bos'n."
"

Aye,

"

"

said

Now,"

I'll

his

signal Mr.

put

the

this, and

in

to

Dykes

his

from

rising

Calamity,

parted.
de-

and

latter,

the

answered

sir,"

aye,

chair,

proposal

same

to

men."

received

would

lined

man's

stepped

in

and

money

pounds,
been

all

paid,

was

Later
boat

boat

the

night,

that

the

approached
stern.

her

and

again.

Satellite,

table

hundred
When

lowered

and

and

twenty

they
the

had

Captain
tion
distribu-

similar

owner

equivalent

the

hat

each

Calamity

where

his

where

the

the

made.
on

her

was

As

bos'n,

pay.

and

prize-money

aboard

went

in
about

of

notes

men

of

crew

money.

the

by

little

received

and

the

their

out

the

to

up

the

that

effect

time

short

very

evening

receive

to

called

was

seated

was

that

aft

up

the

to

payment.

o'clock

name

it

cash

the

eight

Hawk

back

message

prefer

At

of

did

accordingly

He

Some
then

cases

she

it

when
Hawk
and

slipped

and

bags
away

was

fast

made
were

into

dark,

quite
lowered
the

under
into

darkness

ARREST

THE

210

"

do

Yes, what

"

I want

to

see

sir.

you,

"

want

you

answered

I have

the

tain.
Capfrom

message

Solomon."

Mr.
"

Then

alongside."
sheered
The motor-boat
alongside the Hawk,
the water-clerk, gripping a rope which
had
thrown
He

come

the

over

waited

ladder

from
to go
"

at

then,

Calamity,
with

as

of

board.

the

he

what's

your
the
descended

between

have

Captain,"
"

foot

on

message
ladder.

water-clerk, an undersized
Malay
a movement
small, shifty eyes, made

something
"

the

himself

been

bridge companionfor Calamity to come

down, having learnt
an
unforgivable offence
experience that it was
unless requested to do so.
the bridge himself
on

Now

The

taffrail,hauled

and

salaam

important
he

and

from

news

"

asked

half-breed
that

was

salute.
Mr.

Solomon,

said.
ahead."

Well, go

deck
at work
on
glanced at the men
and made
a
significant
gesture.
It is very private, sir," he answered.
Then
to my
cabin," said the
you'd better come
aft.
On
entering the
Captain, and led the way
cabin he sat down, but did not request his visitor
the latter knew
to do likewise, and
main
enough to restanding.
unload
Now
instructions," said Calamity.
your
The fact is. Captain, there's been great trouble
about
in Singapore," began the clerk, speaking
you
The

clerk

"

"

"

"

in subdued

Marque
pirate
"

that

tones.

"It's

forged

were

and

said

that

that

your

Letters

you're nothing

but

of
a

"

what

the other

"

broke

jumped.

in

the

Captain,

so

fiercely

THE
"

ARREST

211

I'm

only tellingyou what people say," the

clerk answered
nervously.
You
mean
told
you're teUing me what Solomon
to say.
Well, get on with it."
you
I know
nothing about the matter
tain,
myself, Capbut the authorities
are
going to arrest you
and take possession of the ship."
"

"

"

"

is

And

Solomon

Mr.

that

it ?

"

has

asked

sent

to

you

Calamity

with

warn

me,

ironical

an

smile.
"Yes.

He

is afraid

seize the

ship and all

That's
better, now

"

But

how
?

did

any."
H'm,
"

he

"

think

not

would

you

far-seeingman
to do
expect me
idea

truth.

the

der
plun-

any

without

return

But

is Solomon.

what

"

should
you
stuff to the motor-boat

valuable

the

plunder."
we're getting at
know
I've got

His

taken

will

authorities

"

"He

does

the

the

Solomon

does

that

is that

transfer
that

so

the

most

be
it may
see, when

to a safe place. Then, you

away
officials board
ship they will find
your

tically
prac-

nothing."
"

An

with

excellent

plan," remarked
"

enthusiasm.

"

About

"

Yes

while

you,

Captain

I to be

am

Solomon

But

what
?

almost

Calamity
about

me

"

"

left to

the

care

of the

police
"

is

looking after the plunder ?

Oh no !
tones.
ejaculatedthe clerk in shocked
If there is nothing of value on board the authorities
will
can't do much
to you.
Besides, Mr. Solomon
do his utmost
to secure
acquittal if you are
your
"

"

"

tried."
"

about

very

this

ingenious scheme.
story of the Arrow."

And

now

tell

me

ARREST

THE

212

"

The

Arrow

"

with

other

repeated the

affected

innocence.
"

Hasn't

Exactly.

stole

it ;

baum

that, in

short, it belonged

to

that

Rossen-

"

startled

face, but it
"

declared

Solomon

was

I think

answered

expression crossed
in

gone

be

"

suavely.

instant.

an

must

you

water-clerk's

the

mistaken.

I have

heard

Captain," he
nothing about

Arrow."

the
"

Well,

and tell him that

you
go back to Solomon
his little scheme's
that he needn't
gone adrift, and
himself

worry

looking
The

after

clerk

for the

That'll

fancy,"
about
and
"

that

He'll be

if he

as

back

the

to

harbour

would

interview.
Arrow

succeeded

liked

to

leaving the
which

then

speed.

was

if you

bit,

told

Abott

Solomon

he

when

"It

have

motor-boat

friend

our

up

I'm

because

of it, and,

full

at

Calamity,

might have

about

plunder,
Now
quit."

myself.

shake

said

the

the

thought better

cabin, hurried
"

it

looked

protest, but
made

about

had
a

clever

hadn't

scheme,
told

me

affair."

here
thing between
'Frisco when
that
and
little runt
gives him your
the pilot with
a
message," answered
grin.
whole
The
thing's as clear as daylight now,"
He got hold of Rossenbaum's
went
on
Calamity.
his own,
as
so
that,
ship and palmed it off on me
when
the time came,
arrested on a
he could get me
charge of piracy and collar the whole of the proceeds
himself.
There
two
are
things he didn't
that
I
count
of them
was
however, and one
on,
might get rid of the stuff before reaching Singapore."
But
didn't
that
you've still got to prove
you
hooker."
pirate old Rossenbaum's
about

the maddest

"

"

"

ARREST

THE

213

no
Calamity laughed softly,but made
answer.
afterwards
naval
steam
a
Very soon
pinnace hove
in sight,and, without
to stop,
signallingthe Hawk
came
alongside. A young Lieutenant
caught hold
of the rope by which
the water-clerk
had
lowered

himself
board

into
with

the

motor-boat

agilityof
Captain Calamity ?
the

and

scrambled

on

monkey.
he
inquired briskly as
forward.
latter,who had left the bridge, came
the Captain.
At your service," answered
It is my
duty to inform you, sir,that you are

"

"

the
"

"

arrest," said the officer.

under
"

"

charge ?
The
ties,"
by the authoricharge will be formulated
repliedthe Lieutenant, who, apparently, had
very great likingfor this policework.
what

On

"

no
"

to do with
you propose
I must
to accompany
ask you
this vessel is anchored."
as

do

What

"

soon

me

then

ashore

me

"

as

the Captain.
disposal,"answered
Steaming into the harbour, the Hawk
dropped
the Satellite,
her anchor, and
having received no
suit. While
this
orders to the contrary, followed
work
was
proceeding, a native boat put off from
and approached the yacht. In it was
the shore
a
attired in a frock coat, and
a
thing as
passenger
tall silk hat.
in Singapore as snow
The
a
rare
boat came
alongside, and the boatman, in answer
indicated
the
to
an
inquiry from his passenger,
the taffrail of the
still hanging over
rope that was
"

at your

am

"

"

Hawk.
"

the deck

from
"

is it ?

Hullo, what
Can

board
tones.

shouted

the

Lieutenant

above.

Brighouse is on
inquiredthe silk-hatted person in dignified

you
"

"

tell

me

if Mr.

John

THE

214

ARREST

"

I will ask, but who

The
stranger took a

are

"

you

card-case

from

his

pocket,

but, realisingthe impossibihty of handing it up to

the officer,
put it back again.
I am
Henry Vayne, of Vayne " Paver, soHcitors. Chancery Lane, London," he said in the same
"

dignifiedtone.
"

had

You

"

better

but
you,
of ascending than
by
Thank

"

If

wait

I'll let

answered

been

other

no

means

"

moment,

leather

small

is there

this rope

having

ladder

carried

"

ladder,"

accommodation
The

er

"

you'll

aboard, sir."

come

the

visitor,who

mounted

handbag,

the

Lieutenant.

the

lowered,

down

the

to

deck.

greatly obhged," said he, taking

from his pocket again and presenting
the card-case
if you
would
card to the of"cer,
a
give this to
Mr. John Brighouse, and ask if I might be permitted
"

should

be

"

to

him."

see

who

bos'n
"

the card, and, turning to the

standing near, asked him if there was

was

called John

one

any

took

Lieutenant

The

No

one

as

Brighouse on board.
knows
of, sir," answered

the

bos'n.
afraid

"I'm

have

you

made

mistake,

sir,"

Lieutenant, but at that moment

Calamity
appeared on deck, and, catching sight of the visitor,
said the

hurried
"

Vayne, by
sohcitor

The
for

towards

moment,

him.
all that's wonderful
stared
and

at

then

him

in

his eyes

!
a

"

he exclaimed.

puzzled fashion

lit up

with

flash

recognition.
Bless my
soul, John, I shouldn't have known
he exclaimed
as
they shook hands.
you !
Fifteen years make
a
great difference,eh ?
of

"

"

"

"

ARREST

THE
"

Fourteen

lawyer.
subject of dates.

corrected
the

on

months

ten

years,

the

"

the
office, and
my
somewhat
painful."
answered

Yes,"

"

the

last time

like

"

in

days,"

most

exact
met

we
were

"

Captain,

beUeved

who

! Nonsense

Pah

always

circumstances

behaved

Still,Vayne, you
the only person

nine

and

am

The

in

"

215

was
er

"

they

brick

were.
were

you

"

me."

exclaimed

"

the other.

But

"

altered most
remarkyou've altered," he went on,
ably."
I have
altered,
Yes," said Calamity grimly,
as
Strange you should turn up at this
say.
you
I'm
in trouble
more."
once
jimcture, because
the lawyer in a
dear me," murmured
Dear
me,
"

"

"

of

tone

concern.

Yes, I've been

"

if I'm
"

of

on

"

began

the

first

pinc-nez

on

through them.
Yes, that's

the

other, and

"

my

latest crime.

Tut, tut," said the lawyer in

mustn't
put it like that.
you

John, piracy

that

Ask

distance
"

"

"

But,

answered

who

had

to

Calamity,

moved

disprove the charge ?

Yes, I have a pretty good defence,
You
will, of course, place it in my
Since
you've arrived at such an
But

dear

my

"

httle

away.

you

will

Vayne,

moment,
not

met

we

peevish tone,

joking ?

Surely you are

gentleman,"

indicating the Lieutenant,

"

time

Last

forgery."

was

"

piracy,

then, stopping

"

"

"

of

charge

syllable,hastily adjusted a pair

and
his nose
regarded the Captain
Piracy, did you say ? he went on.

"

it

on

mistaken."

not

Pi

short

arrested

do

so."

it would

be

an

"

fancy."

hands

"

opporttme

insult to the

gods

2i6

answered

"Good,"
reminds
It's

if

that

and

he

The

officer

knocked

Captain

that

Then,

Calamity

under
was

hour

"

Calamity,
errand

pressing

more

in
the

possession
Lieutenant

alone

the

lawyer,
in

at

the
an

taken

and

consented,

remained

seaman

an

ask

your

you

will

half

here.

together

ashore."

by

they

place
I

readily

accompanied
There

have

taken

I'm

is

charge

better.

us

repUed

discuss

can

sooner

the

let

can

before

piracy
the

facts,

the

we

eh

Lane,

here,"

you're

I'm

why

Chancery

reason

This

on.

matter,
of

why

know

for

and

later

from

distance

Oh,

asked

haven't

that

"But

lawyer.

the

You

me.

some
"

"

ARREST

THE

the

ashore.

to

close

conference

door

and

Lieutenant
escort

went

was

of

Calamity,
his

cabin.
until

informed

waiting

bluejackets,

the
for

him.

Captain

2i8

TRIAL

THE

him

to

send

had

then

take

to

crew

the Arrow,

over

which

left the

yard and was

lying in Singapore
He
harbour.
had
but,
duly despatched a crew,
the
wire
another
on
following morning, received
from Mr. Solomon
to Singapore
asking him to come
at

On

once.

been

boarded

her

taken

and

by

steam

own

Calamity.
The
president
The

learnt

arrival, he

then

latter, who

called

had

under

Captain

as

Isaac

upon

carefully

had

harbour

known

person

vessel

his

of the

out

that

Solomon.

abstained

from

looking at Calamity, took his stand as far from him

he possibly could.
as
According to the statement
previously laid
before
undertook
us," said the president, you
to
repair the steamer. Arrow, belonging to Mr.
The
Rossenbaum.
cuted,
repairs having been duly exe"

"

the
await

to

to

steamer

anchored

was

which

crew

send

That

is so," answered

"

But

while

she

the

harbour

wired

Mr.

baum
Rossen-

"

"

crew,

had

you

in

the

the witness.

waiting
disappeared mysteriously ?
steamer

was

for

this

"

"Yes."
"

And

you

committed
"

have
the

can

to believe

reason

offence

it," said Mr.

prove

that the accused

"

Solomon

eagerly,but

still carefullyavoiding the

"

That

will

Solomon,

with

about

retire, when

to

do,"
a

said

grin

of

Captain's eye.
the
president, and
triumph on his face,

the

solicitor

rose

Mr.
was

from

his

chair.
"

With

permission, sir," he said, addressing

your
"

president,
question."
the

"

Proceed

I should

then."

like to

ask

this witness

THE
"Was

TRIAL

there

anything in the
existingbetween yourselfand
the

Most

emphatically

"

I have

He

man.

of

nature

partnership

the accused

"

asked

solicitor.

"

be

219

had

never

showed

me

"

not

the

ness.
wit-

dealings vith the

vich purported to
opinion it vas
my

any

paper

privateer'slicence, but

exclaimed

in

forgery."
"

That

Vayne,
The

all I

was

and

sat

Tilak

was

in

clerk, who,

water-

know,"

to

said

Mr.

down.

witness

next

wanted

to

answer

Solomon's

Sumbowa,
the

president,proceeded

of how,
give a long and detailed account
the very
on
day that the Arrow
disappeared, his
employer, Mr. Solomon, had instructed him to wire
Mr. Rossenbaum
that his steamer
was
awaiting a crew.
That
wire," said the witness
impressively, is
On returning
in Mr. Rossenbaimi's
possessionnow.
to

"

"

office I found

the

to

and

out

left
I

morning.

that

would

business, and

on

away

saying

note

Mr.

that

he

had

be

not

that

still have

Solomon

had
been

back

till next

Then,

note.

gone
called

having

of town
out
myself, 1 went
and did not get back till the followingday."
in
Then
neither you
nor
employer were
your
disappeared ?
Singapore on the night the Arrow
suggested the president as the witness paused.
No, sir."
certain

business

to

do

"

"

"

Other
natives
not

was

witnesses

half-castes

or

in

"

Singapore

to
on

departure, and that he had

dealings with Calamity.
"

I will

defence
said

the

now

and

call upon
examine
any

president.

called

then

were

the

night

never

the

of the

had

accused

witnesses

any
to

he

them

Solomon

Mr.

that

show

all of

"

Arrow's
business

make

thinks

his

fit,"

TRIAL

THE

220

stood up, and, adjusting his

Vayne at once
the tribunal.
pinc-nez, addressed
that
the court
I think it only right to inform
the
adventurer
client is not quite the nameless
my
have
believe," he said in a
you
prosecutor would
It is true that he is known
voice.
loud, sonorous
in these parts as Captain Calamity, and it is equally
he is
But
is John Brighouse.
that his name
true
Mr.
"

"

deal

to

come

we

will grant that

you
is at least equal to

"

because

gentlemen,

mention,

when

of Redhurst

Redhurst

also Viscount

fact which

that,

assume

with

conflictingstatements,
of an
the word
English peer
that of a semi-Asiatic
ship-

chandler."

Vayne paused for

Mr.

in

denouement,
his statement
taken

had

He

calculated

moment

or

two

after this

full

significanceof
of his opponents.
sink into the minds
their measure
pretty accurately,and
order

the

upon

to

let the

his words

which

effect

would

produce.
"

"

on,
permission of the court," he went
will recall the prosecutor and put a few questions

the

With

him."

to

At

gesture from

president, Mr.

the

Solomon

air of conscious
rectitude
The
stepped forward.
when
had distinguishedhim
which
giving evidence
not
so
now
apparent.
against Calamity was
said the lawyer, focussinghis
I understand,"
"

"

the ship-chandler, that it was

you,
pinc-nez upon
the authorities
and
not
Rossenbaiun, who informed
client had
that
illegallyappropriated the
my

Arrow

steamer.
"

Yes,"

"

How

Arrow
of the

"

repliedthe
soon,

was

after

witness.
you

missing, did

fact ?

"

had
you

discovered
inform

the

that

the

authorities

THE
"

About

"

You

TRIAL

221

three veeks," answered

that

mean

authorities

three

made

were

weeks

the witness

elapsed
of what

aware

tantly.
reluc-

before
had

the

taken

"

place ?
"Yes."
"

do you wish the court

to believe that if a
and chain, or broke into your
stole your watch
man
office,you would wait three weeks before informing
Then

the

"

police?

"

vould

That

"

I believe

sudden

"

thing."

the lawyer with

Now," added
I put it to you,
sir,that your

waiting such a long time

might get safelyaway before

for

accused
had

chance

It

not

vas

"

wish

cried
him

Mr.

to be

lawyer placed both

The

chair

and

leaned

Because,"

that

was

the

the authorities

capture him."

to

I not

should

"

different

you.

vehemence,

reason

"

be

Solomon

captured

hands

on

"

hotly.

Vy

"

the

back

of his

forward.

he said in

denunciatory

"

tone,

you

partner ; because, having partly

financed
wanted
to
his scheme, you
reap all the
profitsby swindling your partner out of his share.
I maintain," he went
tion
interrupon, waving aside an
the

were

that

accused's

Mr.

Solomon

was

about

to

"

make,

that

client capture what

let my
to
object was
prizes he could, and then, by contriving his arrest,
seize for yourself all the proceeds of the expedition,
from the
that might accrue
together with any money

your

Government."
"It

is

lie,a vicked

lie 1

"

the

almost

witness

shrieked.
"

will go even
further," pursued the
indignant protest.
ignoring Mr. Solomon's
I

assert

that

the

whole

thing

was

lawyer,
"

I will

plot,engineered

TRIAL

THE

222

by

as

you

as

soon

With

you.

without

or

Rossenbaum,

armed

Singapore,coaled, provisioned,and
after

and,

substituted

be

client with

overcome

emotions

Arrow,

by

you,

Hawk

name

handed

was

to

to

to

over

my

understanding that it was your ship."

attempted to make a reply,but was
other
with
indignation, anger, and
inarticulate
he
could
only utter

the

Solomon

Mr.
so

for

the

caused

had

you

round

brought

was

Mr.

of

connivance

the

Arrow

the

plans before

laid his

client had

my

that

sounds.
"

ship-chandler

the
Mr. Vayne, and
bowa," went
on
sat down,
biting his nails with rage.

The

water-clerk

looking

forward

came

Sum-

witness, Tilak

like to recall the

I should

very

nervous.
"

gathered

Solomon

Mr.

nor

Arrow,

the

left," said
"

No

Mr.

she

as

or,

on

and
from

you

night
Hawk,

Vayne.
left

me

note

midday

at

was

ing
say-

it here,"

envelope

pocket.

his

Let

the

called, the

then

was

Solomon

; Mr.

Singapore

in

were

that neither

evidence

your

I have
called away
business.
on
the witness triumphantly produced an

he

"

from

me

it."

see

passed the note to the lawyer, who

the envelope critically.
scrutinised
to Mr. Solomon," he
This envelope is addressed
Sumbowa
"

said.
"

Yes.

The

note

envelope, so
and
basket
put
an

"

And

picked

this
up

"

Yes."

"

At

the

was

picked

the

note

is the

out

time

of the

you

lying
one

out

on

desk

his

without

of the waste-paper

in it."

envelope which
waste-paper basket ?

identical

"

found

the

note

"

you

THE
"

Directly I

"

All

of

"

Yes."

"

Then,"

the

for

account

reading

left

Solomon

it."

took

place

Singapore

during

and

of town

out

was

few

"

"

said

the

the

fact

lawyer quietly, how do you

it
that this envelope bears on
week
after the Arrow's
ture
depar-

"

There
from

Hawk

dated

postmark

223

circumstance

that Mr.

time

the

finished

had

which

before

hours

TRIAL

was

dead

to the

one

silence.

other

with

The
almost

an

looked

witness

pitiful
expression

of bewilderment.
"

"

will not

you

smne

"

made
"

Sumbowa.

unhappy
I didn't

the

put

note

faltered

Now

think

into

the

have

would

No."

"

What

of

till

envelope

time

"

I don't

"

Don't
?

Oh

night

exactly in

However,
Were
the

that

it,

some

you
way
let
that
will

office yourself

in the
left ?

Arrow

the

we

you

Solomon

did Mr.

following morning

the

then

believe.

moment.

the

"

"

us

for the
on

on

to

come

the

mistake," commented

yes,

"

pass

ties
postal authori-

mistake,"

you've made
lawyer drily, but not
Oh

the

I pre-

us

afterwards."

days
"

have

pause,

"

I must

the

that

suggest

long

offer

to

you

post-date letters
"

after

lawyer

the

explanation have

what

as

said

Well,"

"

arrive

the office

at

"

know."
you

office in

the

to

go

the

mornings,

"

yes,

usual,

I went

but

waited

about

When

came

to

office at

Solomon

Mr.
for

the

little while

back

at

not

was

and

eight

then

half-past

ten

o'clock

there.
went

he

away.
had
turned."
re-

TRIAL

THE

224
"

Was

there
?

arrived
"

Oh

"

How

"

in

do

know

you

the

at

he

time

came

had

he

flash, what

"

That was
why 1 went
up.
into the lawyer's eye as he

locked

was

gleam

ofhce

no."

It

in the

anyone

"

away."
realised,

accidentallystumbled

upon.

was
looking,he knew that Solomon
making
and
frantic but
by a
stealthy signs to Sumbowa,
kind
of hypnotism he kept the little water-clerk's

Without

fixed upon

attention

let the half-caste

his

himself.
what

guess

Mr.

into.

employer

It would
a

he

mess

Vayne's

do

never
was

next

getting
question,

therefore, was
purposely casual.
You, yourself,had no key to the office then
"

"

Oh

"

Mr.

"

no."
Solomon

"

Yes."

"

Then

do

left the

had

you

office

the

only

one

suggest that

he

unlocked, because,

get in and

you

to

find the

note

"

and

went

away
if not, how
if it

And

did

was

locked
un-

it to be locked
in, how came
you went
when
returned
in the morning, you having no
you
not having arrived ?
key and Mr. Solomon
when

"

witness

The

looked

then, catching sight of

to
"

crumple
Come,

for

bewildered
Mr.

Solomon's

and

moment

face, seemed

up.
answer

my

question," rapped

the

out

other.
"

He

I found
"

he must

"

the

You

have

come

note," whimpered

back

to the

office after

Sumbowa.

simply been tellingthe

of lies from beginning to end," thundered
You
have
contradicted
yourself so
have

court

the

lawyer.

many
have

times

"

that

you

Now

let

can't
me

remember

tell you

this,my

what
man

tissue

you
: unless

you

said.
are

226

TRIAL

THE

After

treated

having

him

the

is that

inference

he

should

he

that

he

have

confirmed

did

until

three

put it

see

an

that

the

fact that

not

make
after

weeks

these

Solomon,

known
the

the

and

so,

on

why
why

alibi ;
try and prove

pains to
Singapore that night

in

town

client

my
done

not

establish

to

I contend

by

did
he

of

out

departure

such

taken

not

was

"Further,

deductions
on

his

own

alleged

mission,
ad-

offence
left.

had

steamer

are

of the world, that

gentlemen, as men
extraordinary procedure, and can only
for by the assumption that the prosecutor

to you,

was

an

be accounted
did not

outlay

his victim

want

secured

latter had

term,
"

Arrow's

Solomon

tried

have

be

would

particular night. Had

should

the

that

note

that

this

his

saying that he
fortnight after the

the

until

admitted

has

hoods
palpable falseemployer, the witness
did not give
Solomon

series of

instigationof

at the

Sumbowa

to

us

shall

call

what,

generous

to be

for

arrested

want

of

the

profit on

before
better
initial

In

short,

I submit

that

Solomon

entered

into

the
to bring about
persons
of my
client in order that he, the proseruination
cutor,
of
the
entire
benefits
this
teering
privamight reap
a

conspiracy

with

divers

expedition.
"

concerning the allegationthat

of Marque.
I
client possessed forged Letters
my
it necessary
don't think
to prove
or
disprove this
charge, seeingthat, under the circumstances, Letters
of Marque
were
Any British
quite unnecessary.
ship, or any ship belonging to an allied Power, has
and
the right to attack
destroy an enemy
vessel,
is borne
which
statement
out by the fact that the
a
And

British

now

word

Government

captain who

could

offered rewards
prove

that he had

to any

merchant

sunk, captured,

THE

destroyed

or

an

his

few

This,

men,
gentle-

say."

to

minutes'

colleagues,

227

submarine.

enemy

is all I have
After

TRIAL

whispered

the

consultation

president

with

turned

towards

Calamity.
"

We

brought

against
and

malicious

that

arising

charges

drawing

them

some

Calamity
touched

from

his

his

course

nesses,
witupon

clearance

from

German

which

Solomon,

rose

handed

pocket,

instructions
Mr.

Calamity

forged

the

were

questions
bell
in

entered

marines

due

fore,
there-

are,
and

speaking.

hastily glanced

little

of

he

had

Ann.

few

dation,
foun-

case."

papers

to

charge

victim

You

in

with

ceased

addressed
the

the
"

the

smallest

prosecutor

this

They

president

The

of

secret

from

the

dealt

the

and

soiu-ce,

out

him.

to

papers

be

the

said.

he
to

president

the

taken

As

that

been

have

you

will

opinion

without

conspiracy,"
they

and,

is

you

acquitted.

As

of

unanimously

are

in

side.

and

then
of

sergeant

ring and

the

to

answer

asked

them,

voice,

low

his

at

through

stood

at

attention.
"

said

Solomon

friends

and
and

and

so

was

vanished
enemies

see

that

vice-

like

dragged
for

alike.

he

the

indicating

sergeant's

the

Isaac

room

man

president,

the

With
Mr.

that

Arrest

ever

is well

guarded,"

ship-chandler.

grip

his

upon

protesting
from

the

from

ken

arm,
the

of

XXVII

CHAPTER

LETTER

THE

of

news

known

half

And,

as

result

looked

held

the
camera,
acquittalsoon became

been

in

Calamity's arrest and

throughout Singapore, though

least

were

trial had

the

Although

of

versions

different

dozen

there

were

the

at

affair.

accurate
inanticipated, various
of his adventures
accounts
a
as
privateer
with
the
by his crew,
put into circulation
hours
had passed, he was
that, before many
of the most
romantic
hero
as
a
type.
upon

Crowds

been

have

might

flocked

to

the

vessels,and the native

in taking the
round

them.

amount

of

fabulous

sums

among

Wild

harbour
boatmen
more

tales

were

exaggerations,

crew.

another

did

been
which

In addition
one

gaze

at

the

two

ness
thriving busienthusiastic
spectators
spread concerning the

had
booty which
of prize-money
the

to

soon

taken
had

and

been

to these

the

buted
distri-

confused

gained

to
currency
created
lord in
a

Calamity had been

recognition of his exploits.
As for the crew,
they were
having the time of
their lives, being regarded as heroes by everybody
the
feted both
save
police. They were
publicly
and
privately; interviewed, photographed, and
written about, until, at the end of a week, they had
become
so
overbearing and insolent that people grew
the

effect

that

228

THE
tired

of them

LETTER

and

229

the

police intimated that the

sooner
they found ships and departed the better.
Most
of the men,
in
having spent all their money
a brief but gloriousdebauch, adopted this wise
sel,
counbut a few, who
overrated
the patience of the
authorities

and

belonged

continued

them,

to

were

orgy and locked up.

In the meantime
and

Paku,

to

gone
train, where

he

to

seized

Calamity
a

act

little town

if the

as

during
had

town

drunken

left

Singapore
easilyreached
by

paper
reasonably safe from newsand
men
inquisitivepeople generally. In
order that he might do this,Mr. Vayne had undertaken
to act as his representative in paying off the
officers and
for
to
them
making arrangements
receive
their
share
of the
prize-money in due
On
the day following the trial,the lawyer
course.
and
found
went
to Paku
over
Calamity seated on
the verandah
of the house
where
he was
staying,
clad in white
ducks
and
smoking a very strong
cigar.
anything of Miss
By the way, have you seen
the
Fletcher ?
asked
Captain after they had
been talking for some
time.
this
No, but I heard of her at the Consulate
She had been to see the Consul
ing
concernmorning.
and
will be leaving for
certain
private matters
was

"

"

"

Yokohama

in

from

that

gathered

P.

O.

and

boat

to-morrow.

she will sail for San

Yokohama

Francisco."
"

"

H'm,"
And

grunted Calamity,
she left this for
letter from

and, taking

Calamity
put it aside.

who

to

you,"
his

glanced at

but

went

made

on

no

the

ment.
com-

lawyer,

it
pocket, he handed
and
the superscription

"

Thanks
Not

I'm

Vayne,

afraid

I'm

lot of trouble."

all, not

at

into

go

much,

very

giving you
"

LETTER

THE

230

these

at

all !

But

now,

matters

if you

just
greatly

would
be

should

obliged," and the lawyer opened the little leather

handbag he had brought with him.
taking out some
Everything," he went
on,
is perfectlystraightforward and simple.
documents,
By your elder brother's death you inherit the title
and
his own
estates, while, of course,
private property,
"

"

and

investments,
and
"

child
Child

have
"

"

"

"

wife

little girl. She'd

Lady

Did

George

twelve

now."

"

Betty,

be

about

is

suppose,

still at

the

"

Yes."

Calamity's lips tightened and his

frown.
The
a
lawyer regarded him
and
then, leaning forward, touched
the

his

to

"

interrupted Calamity.

child, then

And

Towers
"

Yes,

forth, go

so

"

brows
for
him

in

met

moment,

gently

on

knee.
You're

thinking of
the
alleged forgery," he
regard it as forgotten now
likely to refer

to

hesitated

smiled.

and

"

Unless

what

"

Unless

you

that

it in any
?

wretched

said.
;

at

way

"

You

least, no
unless

business

of

safely

may

is

one
"

ever

Vayne

"

in for

politics."
Calamity laughed in spite of himself.
You
safely dismiss that possibiUty from
may
he
said.
mind,"
But, as it happens, I'm
your
going to reopen the matter
myself."
Eh
?
ejaculated Vayne.
the story, don't you
You remember
?
A cheque
for five thousand
pounds was
forged in my father's
go

"

"

"

"

"

THE

LETTER

231

and, by a series of artificially

prepared
traced to me.
The belief that I was
clues,'it was

name,
'

the
had

culprit was
strengthened by the fact that 1
been
playing the fool pretty generally and
head

was

over

in

ears

debt

what

you

the

cheque

in such

He

had

trying to poison
for a long time and

don't

the
"

Was

it

that I should

way

of

account

on

brother

my

be

old

the

forged
suspected.

man's

mind

"

woman

"

interrupted

lawyer shrewdly.
Yes

madly
my
the

is, that

been

against me
"

know

Well,

time.

the

at

see

love

in

brother

understand.

you

the

with

held

the

same

strong

We

and

woman,

suit.

both

were

But

to

well,

"

continue

me
guv'nor accused
outright of forging his
signature, and I, being too proud to deny such a
vile charge, especiallycoming from him, was
branded
criminal by the entire family.
as
a promising young
The
of money
to clear
a
smn
guv'nor offered me
bribe I refused, though I cleared out
out, which

all the
"

same."

And

Lady Betty from her engagement

?
murmured
Vayne as the Captain paused.
and
The
latter winced
went
on
hurriedly :
I left I was
The
sitting at the
night before
window
of an unlighted room,
thinking God knows
I was
when
what
now
thinking, it doesn't matter
I heard
voices
in the
shrubbery and recognised
and his German
them
as
belonging to my brother
I leant out of the
valet.
Hearing my own
name,
you

released

"

"

"

"

window
for

listened

and

guessed
affairs. And,
the

the

and

no

about

shame

then.

heard, but
the

played
caring much

I wasn't

just

when

felt

part George had

anyway,

conventions

repeat what

my

There's

no

out

my

about

need

suspicions were

pair moved

in

it,

to
firmed,
con-

of the shrub-

THE

232
I knew

bery

My

at
a

fall

once

would

thought

and

tell him

of
I

No, there

rush

I had

what

whole

the

under

the

hardly expect
nothing for it but

anyone

to

go

thing
stances,
circum-

accept.
the

acquiesce in

I did."

which

"

to

But

I hadn't

that

me

which,

my
could

man

discovered.

convinced

word,

on

and

old

the

to

tangible proof, that

was

inevitable

to

was

reflection

rest

in

matter

forged the cheque, having

that
matters
so
suspicion

first

atom

an

put the

they

me.

on

moment's

them,

had

previously arranged
"

To

ruin.

my

brother

nutshell, my
should

that, between

for certain

engineered

had

LETTER

"

"

Yes," said Vayne thoughtfully, you

office one
was
morning early. There
my

to

in your
It has

face

that

often

I shan't

puzzled

me

forget as long
since why
you

came
a

as

up
look

I live.
to

came

me."
"

I don't

Calamity.
quite know, myself," answered
But
had
always been pretty decent to me,
you
I was
Vayne, and when
acting the fool at Oxford,
than
befriended
staid
me
a
more
once.
Why
you
and eminently respectablefamily lawyer like yourself
should lend a helping hand
to a scatter-brained
"

idiot I don't
"

As

been

to

know;
that, my

clients of my

but

did, and there it is."

you
dear
John, your family have
firm
for generations," said the

lawyer almost
apologetically.
Calamity laughed.
"I'm

afraid

that's

weak

very

defence, Vayne,

However, we'll let it pass.

say irrelevant.
the money
lent me
of the country
to get out
the rest."
well, you know

to

not

You
and
"

"

I know

letter
don't

as

much

as

year," answered

believe

you

would

told

you

the
even

me

in

lawyer
have

one

scanty

drily.

written

me

"

I
to

LETTER

THE

234
"

I don't

Oh,

in

that

mean

the

But

newspapers.
beheved
in my

and

I propose
publishingit
all those
who
knew
me

guilt

time

the

at

shall

see

it."
"

done

mortuis
"

"

form

good

"

your

brother

and

it would

dishonour

to

his

his

beg

"

memory

flashed

Calamity.

out

order

made

revenge,

albeit

the

charge him

with

poor

for

dead

while

suffer

me

to

shield

to

sion,
expres-

bow

won't

one

honouring

the

I hate

brother

my

dead

fact

the

mere

the

fruits of

just

that

because
now

he's

makes

did,

able

of

dead

are

ever

longer

no

rascahty

his

shibboleth

they
as

posal,
dismy
he's dead.

now

the

to

much

as

it is

at

one

his crime

down

should

alive, and

only

reputation.

man's

was

in

on

your

in

suffer

De

memory.

"

very

be

hardly

pardon, Vayne," he went

quieter tone, noticing the other's shocked
I don't
but
live man
a
see
why
He

have

may

nil nisi bonum."

Damn

wrong
is dead
now,

he

you,

er

"

whatever

But

and

enjoy

to

difference

no

to

that."
"

As

will, John

you

decide,

from

rose

his little leather

"

er

"

the
"

the

By
"

for

matter

to

you

my

and

slowly

tened
fas-

bag.

of

Letters

started

'Pon

his chair

he said

way,"

have

war

it's

me."

not

lawyer

The

httle

Marque

"

hesitatingly,

have

been

since

revived

"

word, Va3me, I don't know,"

answered

Calamity.
"

"

"

"

Then

you

Oh, as usual, I took risks."

H'm," grunted the lawyer, and
"

will you
fortnight or three

pause,
"A

when

be

ready

weeks

added,

to sail ?

from

now.

after

"

I want

THE
to make

of the

share
"

all my

235

officers receive

their proper

profits."
I shall

well.

Very

"

that

sure

LETTER

see

to-morrow,

you

I suppose

"

Yes, I shall be here," answered

ing
Calamity, shak-

hands.
The

entered

servant

called
"

had

lawyer
to

and

is his

"

Abott,

"

Then

stated

gone
that

native

gentleman

had

Captain Calamity.

see

What

when

scarcely

name

"

master."
him

show

up."

as
in, and, as soon
duly ushered
the servant had departed, he congratulatedCalamity
acquitted of the charge which
on
having been
had brought against him.
Solomon
I told you
I
Thanks," answered
Calamity.
had something in store for the old rascal."

The

pilot was

"

"

"

Then

"

Yes

it's true

he's

I don't

think

been

arrested

"

you're likelyto

gaze

on

his

again, Abott."
that you're a
there's a story going round
Then
lord or a dook
or
something of that sort."
Don't take any notice of it,"answered
Calamity;
that
when
than
you'll hear a good deal worse
ness."
to busiAnd
now
rumour's
got well under way.
smile

benevolent
"

"

"

"The
be

dark

well

stuff's down
in

toddle

few

over

at

old

my

minutes,

shack, and,

thought

we

as

might

it'll
as

there."

Calamity agreed, and, leaving the house, they

proceeded at a rapid walk till the outskirts of the
reached.
dark,
By this time it was
village were
and Abott, taking an electric torch from his pocket,
till they
foot-track
led the way
along a narrow
reached

the

sea-shore.

236
"Here

Hght
the

on

tumble-down

led the
old

have"

in.

way

lantern

hut
I'll go

door,

the

would

push

"

edge.

unlocked

He

said, throwing

are," he

we

water's

an

LETTER

THE

the

with

about

first."
affair that

good
completely, and

crazy

brought

With

gleam of
fiftyyards from

down

aid of the

piece

of

out

lumber

with

corner

found

"

'tain't much

of

just possibleto
of cases
and
sacks piled in a
of various sorts, such as empty
so
rusty anchors, and
spars,

number

he

in it, and,
upturned barrel.

"

make

torch

candle

lightingthis, set it on an
There
we
are," he remarked
light,but it'll do to talk by."
In
the
yellow glimmer it was

after

water-beakers, odd
forth.
"

the

Looks

if it

as

lot, doesn't
the
"

beaker.

of

about

he

seated

think,"

to

he

half

dollar

somewheres

fifty thousand

pilot as
And

worth

it, instead
and

hundred

two

were

around

dollars ?

himself
went

on

on

"

marked
re-

water-

musingly,

out of it. What

for ?
pullfiftythousand
For
playing the game," answered
Calamity
of cheroots
from his
gravely, and, taking a handful
to the other.
pocket, he offered them
Abott
took one, opened the door of the lantern,
and they both lit up.
Now," said the pilot,exhaling huge clouds of
fix matters
we'd
better
smoke,
pungent
up.
"

that

"

"

"

"

This
arm,

isn't the

walk

sort

into

of stuff you
can
bank
with, and

tuck
ask

under

your
for it to be

placed to the credit of your account.

No, sir,questions
might be asked, seeing that bar gold and
promiscuous jewellery ain't common
even
currency
in this country.
And, I take it, if the Admiralty
about
to confiscate
knew
it, they'd want
a
tidy
it's called."
trove, or whatever
lump as treasure

THE

LETTER

237

Calamity nodded.
"

Well,

this
for

I know

little

doing

"

lot, though

it.

How

Excellent.

"

in Sumatra

man

does

Will

will, and

he'll
that

charge

negotiate

cent,

per

strike you ?
to it, Abott

see
you
shall hear

you

who'll

"

"

directlythe job's
done the right thing

through. I reckon you'llhave

by everybody ; the Government's
got a new
island,a German
war-boat, thirty or fortyprisoners,
and about a thousand
pounds' worth of raerchandise
stacked
"

board

the

traitor

in

on

away
Likewise

Hawk."
the

respected Solomon, and a

added
Calamity.
?
The
Ann
queried the other.
the Ann
a
packet named
having been
British cruiser and taken
into Penang
"

be

"

hooker

the
"

Without

you
meet

the

?
a

story

Solomon

the

"

late

the

Ann,"

I heard

collared

of

by

; would

that

"

doubt, but
now,

"

of

person
ship called

AlDOtt.

which

isn't

I haven't
If

ever

likely
"

you
ask

time

to

happen
him

tell
to

about

it."

pilotrose, kicked aside the beaker on which

been
he had
sitting,and picked up the lantern.
Calamity also got up, and, going outside, waited
while the other
extinguished the light and locked
and
to
Paku
the door.
stopped
They returned
where
outside the house
Calamity lodged, the pilot
to get back
having refused to go in as he wanted
to Singapore as quickly as possible.
I leave," said
I shall see
again before
you
Calamity as they shook hands.
he
from
his
took
On
reaching his own
room,
pocket the letter which Vayne had given him earher in
addressed
to "Captain Calamity
It was
the day.
the
in a large, bold
handwriting. Tearing open
The

"

"

238

THE

envelope
and

is

and
to

wife

of

'

again,

me

The

might

of

going

shall

his

which

contained

placed

the

hps.

note

"

it

time
Then

in

you

once

As

the

made

have

you

Redhurst

unhappiness
as

have

gested,
sug-

you

desire

to

see

found."

folding

the

really

apart.'

California

up,

with

"

about

ing
Dur-

you

that

was

bring

ever

signed

second

who

Viscount
and

to

you
be

was

the

wide

utterly

am

before

Calamity,
twice

fail

should

note

lie

wife

the

it

Calamity

should

where,

why

why,

refused.

learn

to

paths

as

both.

us

notepaper

explain

to

you,

chanced

Our

me

and

'

marry

realised

but

to

Captain

believe

of

sheet

Good-bye

me

then

happy,

to

say

illness

your

said

'

to

asked

you

were,

out

This

when

took

Calamity

read

"

LETTER

he

took

confession

it.

Fletcher,"

Dora

read

the

faint

out

his

of

Fritz

last
smile

leather
Siemaim

and
sentence

playing
wallet
and

CHAPTER

XXVIII

HOME

It

spring, and

was

although spring

not

done

the

train at Redhurst

of

their

its worst, the

two

greatcoats and

powerful, squarely built man

gazed round the little coimtry
of

and

someone,
the

done
"

fixed

with

station

as

his
a

Scotch

red-headed
with

man

porter

over

who
the

had

the

collars

of them,

One

in

woman

up

motor

glass

eye,
if in search

serviceable

wicicet-gate.
He
thereupon

companion,
broad

last

richly dressed

upon

at

turned

shivered.

year

alighted from

who

men

Station

that

eye

side
just out-

turned

to

his

arguing in
alleged damage

was

trunk.
very old and dilapidated cabin
Tell them
be sent on
the luggage must
at once,
to

Jones,"

he

said.

Jones, to see that his

instructions
carried
were
out, Calamity passed
through the wicket-gate. As he approached her,
the woman
leaned
of the tonneau
out
expectantly ;
that
but
from
the
at
moment
sun
an
emerged
obscuring cloud and shone right into her eyes.
By
and
could
the
time she had
opened her sunshade
the
The
reached
see
car.
again Calamity had
of honeyed
her
words
died on
welcome
lips and
she
she
shrank
back against the cushions
saw
as
him
standing there with a grim smile on his face.
Leaving McPhulach,

alias

239

HOME

240
"

"

Well, Betty
Is

"

again
"

of

flicker

The

as

the

are

as

same

altered

and

she

promised

to

But

not
"

the
he

now

language words which

thought, that, despite the years,
in

in his

glad

so

am

eyes.
have
you

come

she

man

had

her

as

she
had

charms

back,"

had

spoken

showed,

familiar

lessened

mented.
com-

Betty's self-possession.
frightened her at first,

Lady

marry.

he

anyhow,"

ever,

had
appearance
had not recognised in him

His

face

Calamity's

at her.

restored

words

once

"

eh ?

crossed

smile

looked

he

You

His

changed,

little,"she answered.

"

faltered.

she

"

"A

said.

he
"

is it you ?
Yes, you find me

"

she

said

softly.
that

At

accompanied

up

came

to

moment,

her

by

annoyance,

McPhulach

porter.

to tak' the
an' saxpence
says it will be ane
luggage," said the engineer indignantly.
"

He

"

Calamity.
Pay him then," answered
But, mon, 'tis only a sheeling,forby
Pay him," snapped Calamity, and McPhulach
"

"

"

grumblingly paid
counting

the

twice

them

pennies and
before handing
in

money

pennies,
halfthem

over.
"

Won't

you

Calamity again
He
obeyed,

get in
turned

"

asked

Lady

Betty,

as

to her.

Phulach,
calling to Mcwho
was
watching the luggage being
As he approached
to the station 'bus.
hoisted
on
uncouth
ready-made
an
figure in an ill-fitting,
overcoat
Lady Betty elevated her eyebrows.
she whispered quickly.
Who
is this ?
the Captain.
introduce
Let me
him," answered
the

at

"

"

"

"

"

same

time

HOME

242
all these

this

years,

still fresh

was

memory

with

him.
"

darken

Why

the

unalterable

past

by thoughts
answered
softly.

homecoming

your
?

"

"

she

of
It

is all

forgotten and forgiven now."

It is not
forgotten, neither

"

that

not

am

is it

forgiven
"

sort."

deeper colour flooded her face. He considered

himself wronged, then, that she had believed in his
his brother.
At
that moment
guilt and married
she wished
passionately to justify herself in his
for

eyes,

this stranger who

beginning
weaker

old

about

was

apology,

leaned
Hae

to

her
in

the

skeeper ?
Calamity

he

thing
inquired.
a

You

him

tossed

McPhulach

pocket

and

out

of

words

turned

excuse

round

and

wind-screen.

such

ye

stammer

McPhulach

when

the

over

"

"

had

was

days.

and

his

lover

her

ascendancy over
never
possessed

an

he

that

nature

She

"

exercise

to

been

had

produced
transferred

as

box
a

of

aboot

match

matches,

well-worn

ye,

upon
where-

briar

from

it to his mouth.

forget all that old story of

the cheque," said Lady
Betty recovering herself.
It is so long ago that everyone
is prepared to be
nice to you
if it had
as
as
never
happened."
H'm," grunted Calamity.
You'll
I've got
see," she went
on
hopefully.
some
people staying at the Towers, and Judge Pennyher as
feather
remember
a
Lady Di
pert
you
other
flapper,I expect the Bishop and some
young
people are dining with us to-night."
the story of the forgery was
Then
not
kept in
the family," remarked
Calamity icily. All these
people know it ?
must

try

and

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

HOME
"

Well

"

yes," a little hesitatingly. "It was

to keep it secret ; you
know
George

possible
imhad

"

valet
"

243

fittingepitaph," said Calamity grimly.

What
rupted
interbegan Lady Betty, but was
for some
who
once
more
by McPhulach,
had been pulling at an empty pipe.
moments
I'm oot o' baccy," he said, again peering over
the
wind-screen.
Ye'll no
be haein'
a
pooch
on
ye'r pairson, skeeper ?
Without
word
a
Calamity passed him a tobacco
pouch, while Lady Betty bit her lips with annoyance
at this interruptionof their tete-d-tite.
I'm
tell't that
yon's ye'r ain hoose," said
he filled his pipe.
It's a gey
as
McPhulach,
braw
mind
haein' it mesel'."
place, an' I wouldna
He
of his pipe to a picpointed with the stem
turesqu
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

old

mansion

wooded

just ahead.
Calamity
at

had

his

grounds
made

All

of

sorts

that

swallow

of

slope

gazed thoughtfully

childhood,

the

And

again.

home

he

thinking

soft and

of

sheltered

mansions, it seemed
battered
man.
world-worn,

the

to

trivial incidents

wood,

summit

of the

ously
luxuri-

own

live in such

who

flashed
until now,
into a road that

In

of his

its

but

answer,

expected to see
early days there, and
desirable

the

at

never

lives of those
very

no

this home

in

standing

across
ran
as

young

of

his mind

through a
boy, he

bird

the

and

as

wood
had

remembered

past, forgotten
the

car

turned

on

the

estate.

seen

an

adder

killingthe
that
piece of

reptile with a heavy ash stick. In

by trees, there used
marshy ground, almost hidden
to be a pond fringed with yellow iris ; he wondered
He
still there, and the iris.
if that pond were
...

made

resolution

to go

and

see

later on,

but,

even

HOME

244
he

as

did

knew

so,

remained

Everything

only

; it was

same

Then

at

from

home

this

had

was

not

at

too, whether
and

ease,

feel at

would

home
or

appeal to
again amidst

then, of

he would

have

course,

to meet

he

felt

he

thrust

as

he

whether

these

back

He

all its

apart

be

to

neither.

the

to

forth

glad

was

grim

whether,

sure

him

there

the

was

master

as

was

with

at variance

And

while

old life,with

the

same.

altered.

all

triumph,
probably he

Betty

been

of

"

find it the

same

had

who

he

sense

otherwise

or

he

which

criminal, he
from

the

changed, and,
thus
returning

his mood

satisfaction

would

he

that

dered,
won-

luxury
would

remembered

roundings,
sur-

them.

the

were

people

more

people whom
foreign to him

polyglot rabble which had formed his

last crew.
He
had
seen
Lady Betty shrink from
him
at first sight,and
imagined that her present
forced ; that her words
and
those
amiability was
him
were
soft, languishing glances she cast upon
would
from
shrink
him
void of sincerity. Others
too, he supposed, and then hide their feelingsunder
she was
of well-bred
mask
a
as
doing.
composure
their own
Could
he meet
these people on
ground,
speak their language, lead their life? he asked
than

now

the

himself.

Seeing Calamity
who

had

leaned

over

deep
the

in

thought

wind-screen

McPhulach,
to

return

the

tobacco-pouch, slid gently back into his seat and

absent-mindedly dropped the pouch into his own
pocket.
The
car
was
now
proceeding up a broad avenue
of the Towers, and
which
led to the main
entrance
to Calamity of himself as a small boy
a vision
came
this same
on
horseback, cantering down
avenue
The
with his father.
thought of the latter brought

245

nKjmti,

back

to his memory

him

in his father's

been

and

eyes

what, in heart,

brother

the

made

him

still was

he

had

who

he had

what

an

"

blackened
outcast

and

he hated

him

exile.

an

had

Never

he

hated

his brother

as

this moment.

at

Betty, meanwhile, was

taking advantage
of his thoughtfulness to examine
his profileat her
leisure. It was
a strong face, she reflected,
stronger
and harder far than that of the youth she had loved
Lady

fifteen years
"

ago.

thoughts," she said Ughtly,to

induced
dissipate an
l)yhis proximity and
of their youth.
those memories
the baffling,
and
rather grim
turned
He
swiftly,
smile
his mouth,
which
played about
together
with the fixed and merciless stare of his glass eye,
embarrassed
her to the point of actual nervousness.
"

for your
emotion

penny

shall have

You

them

at

your own
answered.

up for sale," he
first
Her
coloured.

put them
She

idea.

No, he

thinking of
You

that

meant

the

married

never

that

he
the

moment

been

abruptly, and

asked
voice

have

must

propitious. Perhaps he, also, had

not

"

that
thought was
she quickly dismissed

her, but

to snub

intended

was

price when

could

she

in all those
with

not

years

she

in

little tremor

"

her

control.

"No."

"Why?

"

smiled

He

in

at her

quizzicalway

and

shrugged

his shoulders.
"

Ah, here

before

the

are,"

we

stately

Springing out,

he

he

entrance

made

said
to

his way

as

the

car

Redhurst
round

to

drew

up

Towers.
the

other

246
side in

order

however,
crooked

McPhulach,

ahght.

his

with

stood

and

him

before

to

arm

angle of forty-fivedegrees, his body

an
ingratiatingleer on his face.
o' yon
care
step, ye'r leddyship," he

at

Hae

her

help

to

was

an

bent, and
"

Kjiyiii,

remarked.

Ignoring

the occasion.

equal to

lady was

the

But

to the ground.
she sprang
his arm,
furs from
Will you be so kind as to bring my
asked
she
?
the
sweetly, and to herself :
car
"

"

The
a

waited

shyly

up
"

"

the

at

she

as

of the

head

her
"

brought

to the

terrace.

steps, colouring

stone

stranger'sgaze.
little girl,Elfrida," said Lady Betty

there

hand
no

was

John."
out
frankly to her grim
suggestion of shrinking

Uncle

is your
child held her

relative, and
in

had

the

met

Elfrida, this
The

approaching motor
twelve running out on

is my

This

him

with

uncouth,

"

of the

sound

child of about

She

this

John brought

has

earth
on
Why
seafaringsavage
"

manner.

you home
trifle primly.

the first to welcome

to be

out

came

Redhurst, Uncle John," she said a

to her
Then, becoming all child again, she turned
I thought you'd never
come.
mother.
Oh, mummy,
I'll go and tell them
you're here. We're all having
to

' '

hall."

in the

tea

Calamity thought, with

she might have been his
and he
only a moment,
she

was

the

"

Welcome

"

Thank

"

It has

fourteen

child of the

home,"

you,"
been

he

home

child

fair-haired

the

watched

he

As

something
But

own

of

this

remembered

said

pang,

that

feelinglasted

once

had

who

man

disappear.

that

more

ruined

him.

Lady Betty softly.

answered
to me,

years," she said,and

without
and
then

I have

enthusiasm.
loved

continued

it for

archly,

HOME

obviously
you've

now

Calamity

inviting
come

fixed

expecting

and
to

his

247

turn

me

"

denial.

And

out."

disconcerting

gaze

her

upon

face.
"

There's

no

hvury

for

week

or

so,"

he

said.

CHAPTER

XXIX

"NOBLESSE

oblige"

about

Grouped

hall

the

"

splendid example

of

wainscoting and
several people chatting
great, open fireplace were
of
and
drinking tea. Calamity recognised some
in the
them,
immediately as people he had known
dealt
Life had
old days.
gently with them, and
they had changed but little despite the intervening
turous
They had lost the rude vitahty and advenyears.
sleek and
spiritof youth, and had become
soft and
habit-governed ; but otherwise
they were
clean,sheltered,
essentiallythe same, livingthe same
architecture

Tudor

with

its oak

"

uneventful

lives.

with
Lady Betty, these
Calamity entered
people gathered about him with words of welcome.
of themselves, and
in the
after all, one
He
was,
had passed the old story of the forged
years which
faded
into a legend of doubtful
cheque had almost
authenticity. Calamity, despitethe bitter memories
that
which his home-coming had brought back, knew
not insincere ; that these friends
these greetingswere
wanderer
of a by-gone period regarded him
as
a
As

returned

When
tea

to

the

everyone

fold.
had

settled

again

to

drink

chatter. Calamity seated himself between

he
poUtician for whom
Betty and an eminent

and

Lady

down

248

"NOBLESSE

250

OBLIGE"

his
it that
was
Why
terrific personalityseemed
to disquiet her alone ?
she
The matter
stillexercisingher mind
when
was
She
down
for dinner.
that evening, dressed
came
had
had heard
a little earlier and
Calamity go down
hastened
her
dressing in order to snatch a quiet
their

at

with

ease

talk

with

But

he

him

library,and
where

his

neither

the

their

rooms.

the

nor

her

to the gallery,
way
down
from
the walls in

gazed

ancestors

left

smoking-room

made

she

so

others

the

stiffness.

painted
Here

before
in

was

him.

she

in

entered,

found

brown

and

him

to

He

study.
Betly,

Lady

went

and

him, pacing up

and

down, apparently

looked

after

laid

as

up

second's

hand

her

she

tion,
hesita-

upon

his

arm.
"

"

was

I know

She

you
looked

be

you'd

sure

here,"

well."

so

delicate

very

and

in the

sweet

light,and the fire,suddenly flaming

the gold of her hair.
He
laughed, a little bitterly.
"

Know

me,

married

you

softly.

said

she

do you ?
brother
my

"

after

glinted on

up,

"

asked.

he

shaded

Is that

promising

to

why

marry

me?"
She
his

by
"

looked
tone

"

"

"

Be

You

"

don't

It's

the

so

to

know

take

to
seem

again,"
to

ago.
now."

affronted

tone." she
that

after

said
what

"

find

You

he

it

charge against

long

it's different

me

that

well

very

I couldn't

"

decent

although

sUently for a moment,

knowing what to say.

of you

You
I

happened

not

yet

It is cruel

last.

at

at him

me

must

concluded
so

for her.

difficult

to-day^

has

not

been

see,

yourself,that

proved."
dis-

"NOBLESSE
"

Since

I've

OBLIGE"

become

head

251

of. the

"

family ?

he

suggested.
She

drew

herself up haughtilyand walked

the fireplace,
where
she stood looking down

towards
into the

blaze.
"

What

without
"

would

"

had

have

had

me

do ?

"

she asked

looking round.

Believe

She

you

in my

shook

her

I couldn't
been

that

innocence

"

head.

that," she answered.

of fool, what
kind of

"

do

"

then

He

But
?

if I

"

and
said nothing.
shrugged his shoulders
Standing there in the firelight.
Lady Betty looked
unquestionably beautiful, and yet Calamity felt a
His mind
of her and of this scene.
great weariness
took a leap through time and space, and he saw
self
himthe deck of the Hawk,
once
more
facing,
upon
this delicatelynurtured
but a girlwith
not
woman,
fearless eyes and wind-swept hair ; a girlwho
would
believed
in him
have
against the world.
Lady Betty crossed to him.
You
are
unjust to me," she said.
You
were
unjust to me," he replied.
She gave a weary
little sigh. It seemed
hopeless
him
make
her point of view.
to try and
see
Suppose I told you that I could now
prove
innocence," he said, turning on her abruptly,
my
the past ?
how
would
feel about
you
It's" it's impossible."
Impossible! Not a bit of it. I suppose you
here ?
wondered
why I brought that Scotchman
of the witnesses
to a confession
Well he's one
signed
of the real criminal.
Vayne will
by a confederate
with
be coming
to-night bringing that confession
all adjourn to the
would
that we
him.
I told him
library after dinner to hear him read it."
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

OBLIGE"

"NOBLESSE

252
Fifteen

his innocence,

Lady
knew

guiltless,she

her

that

believed

not

could

he

declared

had

lover

Betty had

told her

he

when

now,

when

ago

years

spoke

he

himself

prove

intuitivelythat

him

the

truth.
"

John, I

colourless

I'm

"

and

nodded

He
moment

and

him, also, the

To

away.

became
Presently he
her
and turning, saw
his arm,

poignant.

was

hand

of her

aware

moved'

face

said, her

glad," she

very
stricken.

standing beside
John, what

on

him

with

"

I say ?

can

head.

bowed
Words

are

useless

so

"

now."
"

You

"

What

at the
"

does

not

hated

her,

she asked,

"

wondering

' '

he

went

I have

on

the

known

how

matter

no

others

then, with

he

though

as

and

truth
the
to

man

clear

suffer

might

contemptuous

in

laugh,

on,

"

Now,

triumph
for

it ?

When,
by chance, I met
this confession, I determined

consequence."
He
paused and
went

did

his face.

heard

name

"

matter

years,"

made

my

who

me

fifteen

him.

who

that

passion in

For

had

asked

haven't

I can't

While

by

the

do

looked

she

last

moment

traditions

the

"

me.

her

the

at

arm

"

the

of this house

of

moment
are

too

strong

it."
at

and

him

led her

wonderingly, he seized
to the portrait of his

brother, her late husband.

"There," he said, pointingviolentlyat it, George,
"

Redhurst, forger and

Viscount
take

to

noble
He

and

his

place among
I should

these
be

if I

liar !
noble

As

unworthy

members

of

proved his guilt."

released her arm, and, turning away,
paced up
the room,
down
his face working.
Lady Betty
race

as

"NOBLESSE

OBLIGE"

groped her way to one

sinking into it,covered
the two
she, perhaps,
than

moment

the

world

her

ears.

husband

not

loved,
whom

man

she had

she

moment

What,
She

raised

her, with
moment
"

head

husband's

crashing about
she had respected,if
than
a
forger; the

whom

she knew

guiltlessand
he

bore

at that

perhaps

his dead

find him

to

in his

trace

afraid,"

be
in

the

tending
ex-

brother.

face

standing before
the passion of a

of

"

said,

he

will be

there

library to-night,and

no

to-morrow

for California."

"

California

"

Yes," he
?

when

"

him

this

man

exile

an

to

me

than

now

the

she
of

home

bearing

making
mentally
his boyhood,

was

her, and

from

still

and

me

sacrifice he

the

again

to

keep

to

of it."

out

me

came

is there
home

more

of what

out

set

no

turned

revelation
to

"what

answered;

father

my

repeated blankly.

she

place is

This

meant
saw

dead

ago.

leave

that

at

left to her ?

was

her

no

Don't

meeting

here

and

Of

be

to

worse

the hatred

indeed,

her

whom

still loved,

to her

of

seemed

loved

her hands.

sufferingmore

was

forger and

window-seats, and,

her face with

victim

crime, for her

The

of the

253

the

burden

she

asked

of

another's

guilt.
Are you
doing this for me
trembling voice, dreading his
"

"

in

answer.

"No."
Then

"

Partly Elfrida, partly these,"

his
"

"

"

why
to

arm

Noblesse
"But

"

indicate

his

oblige,you
California."

and
in

ancestors

he

their

moved
frames.

know."
Her

voice

was

husky

whisper.
"

California, Betty.

"

he

paused

mo-

unspoken thought.
interested in fruit-farming."
here
Lady
Betty's self-control gave way.

and

ment
"

am

But
She

OBLIGE"

"NOBLESSE

254

smiled

knew

that

if at

as

he

some

what

meant

said, and

he

England she would probably

again. She began, incoherently :
Oh, John, I can't let you leave

he

left

never

see

me.

Do

"

understand,
"

drowned
did
"

not

The

her

wait

clangour

for her

to

Great

him

you

Britain
London

close

at

hand

ceased

it had

and

Calamity

continue.

THE

in

arose

When

words.

dinner-gong," he

Pfinted

if

"

I can't

deafening

that

said.

"

Shall

we

go ?

END

by Haiell, Watson
and

Aylesbury.

"

Viney,

Li.-

"