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Show THE CONTRABAND TIMES-NEW- NEPHI, UTAH. S. 99 By RANDALL PARRISH A War' Sea Story Abounding in Adventure and High Romance Copyright A. C. McClurs HOLLIS CONSENTS TO TAKE CHARGE OF SHIP AND TINUE VOYAGE ENEMIES 6c Co. CON- BASCOM AND M'CANN ARE DEADLY DISSATISFACTION DEVELOPS. Synopsis Robert Hollis, who tells the story, Is a guest oo Glrard Oarrington's yacht, Esmeralda. It Is supposed to te a "stag" party, and Hollis Is surprised on discovering a woman, who evidently wishes to remain unknown aboard. She merely tells him her name' is Vera. Carrington tells his guests of the coining war, and that he is engineering a copper pool. The yacht is sunk in a collision and Hollis saves McCann, millionaire, and one of the party. Hollis and rescue Vera and leave the ship in a small boat. McCann refuses to submit to the authority of Hollis, and the latter enforces obedience. The castaways are sighted by a ship, the Indian Chief, which takes them aboard. The vessel is badly storm damaged. All officers are dead. Bascom, the owner, says he is taking a cargo of ammunition to Germany! Mc-Oa- CHAPTER X. We Accept Adventure. As I emerged from behind the butt of the mlzzenmast, the only person visd ible was a cabin boy Inlong-legge- dustriously rubbing away at a grease spot on the deck. He was not aware of my presence until I spoke, when he gazed up at me across his shoulder, with seeming little intelligence in his dull eyes. "Do you know which of these staterooms the lady was given?" "Oh, yes, sir ; over there ; I just took her in a needle an' some thread." "All right what Is your name?" "Joe Joe Moon, sir." I crossed over and rapped at the stateroom door, which had a figure "5" stenciled on the upper panel. "Who is there?" she asked. "This is Hollis; could you spare me a few moments?" "Certainly ; I will come out directly," she laughed, "I have been doing some emergency mending." I picked out a chair and sat down. A moment later the door of No. 5 opened, and the girl greeted me pleasantly, crossing the cabin swiftly, and extending her hand, as I arose to my feet. "I feel actually born anew, Mr. Hollis," she exclaimed. "I am almost afraid I was losing my nerve in that little boat Where Is this steamer bound?" "That is what I called upon yon lo discuss. Sit down here, and I will give you the whole story. The captain and both mates are dead; the fellow on deck in charge when we came on board was the chief engineer. The owner of boat and cargo, however. Is here; I have just been talking with him In the cabin yonder. He is in poor health and crippled In one limb." "What is his name?" "Foolishly I forgot to ask, and Masters that is the name of the engineer neglected to mention It when he Introduced us. However, that makes no difference in the facts. I'll tell you the story, as briefly as I can." She listened intently, leaning forward in her chair, her. ringless hands clasped, her eyes on my face. The "You you consider the attempt very dangerous ?" "Of capture, and possible imprisonment yes. Probably our lives will not be in any special peril. We have no arms with which to resist. If once overhauled, a prize crew would be put on board, and we would be taken to the nearest British or French pori, as prisoners of war. Our cargo, destined for the German government, would be amply sufficient to condemn us. Under the circumstances, our own country would make no effort to protect us. I should not mind, but I cannot expose you to hardship and possible imprisonment." Her eyes were shining, and her hand reached forth, unconsciously, and rested on mine. "How long would it require?" "Weeks, probably; I should choose the more northern route, around Scotland, and then skirt the Norway coast through the North sea." "To place me on some other vessel at sea would spoil your plan, Mr. Hollis?" "It would render our chances of success much less. The only possibility would be the meeting of some American ship, homeward bound, whose captain would promise to make no report. Such a one might be hard to find, especially if he suspected we were endeavoring to' carry munitions of war to Ger. many." "Do yon believe the Germans are right In this war that you ought to aid them?" "I cannot answer that," X answered honestly enough, "for I do not fully understand the conditions. To be perfectly frank, however, my sympathies are with England and France. In this case I am not considering either side, but the poor devil who owns this ship and cargo. What we carry on board here will not be a drop in the bucket, but its loss will spell ruin to him, and that Is the thought which Influences me." "And I could not even dispatch a message wireless ?" "The Indian Chief has no equipment. No, Miss Vera, we shall be absolutely lost to the world until we are either captured, or safe in some German port. I would not deceive you the project is both a desperate and a dangerous one." The girl remained silent, her eyes lowered to the deck. I had said all possible, determined as I was not to influence her decision. As she did not speak, or change her attitude, I arose Her Eyes Were Shining, and Her Hand Reached Forth, Unconsciously, and Rested in Mine. simple story seemed to thrill her, Itrenthlng as it did the mystery and romance of the sea. "And that. Miss Vera." I said at last, "la tl" present situation. It is for you to furnish the final solution." "For nie I You tell me all this merely to leave the decision with me?" "Yes; I shall do nothing against your expressed wish." Vy but what would you do, If you weie fcr.f aVss7" "That would be entire! .J:.f?rci. I have no family, no near relatives living; not even any special friends to mourn grebtiy over my demise. I might willingly risk my life in such an adventure, and think little of It. I know the sea and its perils, and such frame as this Is likely to have its traction " and walked across the cabin to where I could look out forward. "Mr. Hollis." "Yes." I turned. "I must decide this? You mean to leave it all to me?" "There Is no other way." "But I do not know what to say. I thought at first I could answer yes, gladly. I am not afraid, not the least bit afraid ; and If I could only get some word back to my people in New York that I am safe, I would almost welcome the adventure. I am only a girl, you know, and I I like such things. But they will worry horribly, for they have no knowledge of where I am. No oife knows. I I have simply disappeared, and papa will have detectives hunting for me, and will have to tell mother. They will imagine all sorts of horrid things. And you say it may be weeks, or even months, before I could get a message to America?" "I am afraid so. Miss Vera ; I wished you to understand the exact truth." "Oh I I do not think that would be right do you?" "I thought you might feel thnt way, and so made no pledge before telling you the story. Of course, I knew nothing of how you were situated; or under what circumstances you haI left home." "I stole away unknown to anyone; It was just a lark, a foolish joke. No one knows where I am. If I could only send thera word !" I touched the bent head gently with my hand. "Do not worry," I said kindly. "We will give the scheme up entirely, and head toward the nearest American port. Perhaps luck rony favor us, and if we meet nn American ship, we can transship you, and then taLo a chance, knowing that you are safely homeward bound." "But I understood you to say that that would only increase your peril." "It might, and it might not. At least I will not consent to have you implicated in the affair any further than you are now. I will not sacrifice you to help our friend yonder save his fortune. I'll give him my answer now.". I took a step aft, but paused suddenly, for the door of the owner's cabin opened, and he came limping forth, resting heavily on a cane, his white face clearly revealed in the glare of the skylight. I stepped back beside the girl, who, aroused by my sudden movement, glanced up and saw him. Almost instantly she was upon her feet, hesitated an instant as though perplexed at the man's appearance ; then advanced and met him. "Mr. Bascom," she exclaimed, "can this Indeed be you?" "You speak my name, certainly," he replied, but gazing Into her face seemingly without recognition. "Yet I do not recall " "Oh, yes, you do; surely you must," she Interrupted. "Why, you have changed more than I. Do you not remember the moonlight nights at Palm Beach? The fishing parties along the coast?" "Vera !" he cried, a note of delight in his voice. "Of course I remember; but you have become a woman, the very last person in the world I expecN ed to see. And so you are the lady we were fortunate enough to rescue. Mr. Hollis never even mentioned your name." "There was no reason why I should," I said, "having no thought of your previous acquaintance. The young lady and I have just been discussing the situation " "Wait just a moment, Mr. Hollis," she interrupted, her eyes still on face. "This discovery changes everything. Mr. Bascom is an old friend." "So I judge; but I do not intend to let that influence your decision." "But it will, and does!" a certain impetuous appeal in her voice. "I did not understand before, as I do now. You are the owner, Mr. Bascom? This is your boat and cargo?" "Yes, Vera; things have not gone well with me of late, and my entire fortune is here," he answered rather bitterly. "I am sorry; I had not heard. You have been terribly ill, from your looks, and are lame. It It was that affair in New York, from which you never recovered?" 1 was in the hospital for months, and scarcely hoped to live. That was when my business went to smash." "Father never told me; and your mother?" "Is living in Philadelphia, but in rather straitened circumstances, and ill ; my younger brother lias been compelled to leave school and seek employment." He smiled ' weakly. "I had hoped this voyage would set us all on our feet again." She released her hand from his grasp, and sunk down once more into the chair, her glance leaving his face, and seeking mine. "Mr. Hollis," she said, almost defiantly. "It is my wish that the Indian Chief continue its voyage." "But I cannot consent " "You left this decision to me. Well, I make that decision. My comfort, even the momentary fear which my family may feel over my strange disappearance, could never Justify my refusal. ' I know this gentleman, and hnve met his mother; we were good He shall not be ruined friends. through any whim of a girl. I urge you to go ahead, not considering me in the least." "I cun not quite understand so sudden a change." "Perhaps you do not understand women," she said, and smiled. "Surely you recall who Mr. Bascom Is?" "Not In the remotest degree." '"But we spoke of him in the boat Philip Bascom." My eyes widened, and I caught my breath. "Good heovens I yes ; now I recall thu affair. He is the man Fergus shot In the hotel restaurant. That was the accident he speaks of. Why, this la strange enough to be fiction." Bascom stood, leaning on his cane, looking at us, as though falling to comprehend what It was we were talking about. Possibly he did not catch our words clearly, for his white face appeared puzzled. "You speak of roe?" he asked, "of my difficulty with McCunn?" She looked up at him earnestly. "Yea ; it is very strange. You should know the truth. There were three of us who escaped together when the yacht sank ; Mr. Hollis, myself and Fergus McCann." Bascom straightened, his Hps pressed Bas-com- 's Mc-Cu- tight "He Is here now; a guest on board my ship?" "Yes ; I do not know where sleeping In one of the staterooms, probnbly. I have not seen him since I came over the side." Bascom'i struggle, as he stared into our faces. It was difficult for him to And words ; to even control bis mind. "This this Is a misfortune," he said finally. "I do not know how It will end. I have sought to avoid the man. Miss Vera, do you know the truth of that affair? not the newspaper story, but the facts?" She shook her head. "I only heard that the trouble occurred over Myra Bradley. McCann found you together, and shot you iq a fit of jealous rage." "So far the story was true; but I was not at the restaurant with Miss Hrudley. I had never, but once before, even spoken to her. She called me to her table that evening, where she was dining alone, to question me regarding some mutual friends In Philadelphia. Our brief conversation was most commonplace. McCann shot me without warning; I did not even know he was near until the woman screamed." "But," I said, as he paused, "was there no trial? That was not the newspaper story." "I know It," bitterly, "and I have only my word to give you. I could not defend myself, and no one else made any effort to do so. McCann had money and influence; I was lying unconscious in a hospital. The girl was shipped oft to Europe ; a waiter swore that I drew a revolver, which he afterwards picked up on the floor; the police exonerated McCann on the ground of and the case never came to trial." I held out my hand. "Having had some experience lately with McCann," I said heartily, "I am perfectly ready to accept your version. His being on board is awkward and unpleasant, but we must put up with it as best we can. Is this ydur thought, characfaces, noting, ir seemed to teristics of every race on, rth, and s realizing that here before re grouped the scuas of he seven tune;. "Men," I hepu.-- gripping the rail ano speaking swiftly, "my name is Hollis, and I held command in the old Atlas line. The owner of this vessel and cargo Mr. Philip Bascom has just done me the honor of appointing me as captain for the remainder of the voyv The fellows remained silent except for the restless shuffling of their feet on the deck. "And what is the vlge to be, mister?'" suddenly asked a hoarse voice back in the group. "The same one you signed on for, of course." "Ter Hamburg?" "That's where we lay her head." "But ter perdition wid it ; we've a wrecked ship, an' they tell us there's a war on." "Who tells you that?" "The guy that come aboard along with yer ; he told the cook." "Well, war or no war, this ship cleared before there was any declara- - CHAPTER XI. I Select My Officers. The die was cast However the strange adventure might eventually end, whatever peril lurked ahead of us, it was now too late for regret The full responsibility I had assumed al- most overwhelmed me as I first emerged upon deck, but there came to me also a spirit of recklessness, which brought a laugh to my lips and a shrug to my shoulders. Why should I care? It was her choice, not mine. A moment I lingered at the port rail, staring out into the smother o the coming dusk, wondering how It would all end, before I climbed the ladder to the poop deck. The negro was at the wheel, while Masters stood aft gazing astern. He was not aware of my presence until I spoke sharply. "Mr. Masters." "Aye, aye, sir." "I have agreed to take command of the vessel for the remainder of the voyage," I said quietly, "and would have a word with the crew." "The remainder of the voyage, sir?" "Yes ; the vessel has suffered no serious damage, and there are surely seamen on board to serve as watch officers." "The bosun Is a good man, air." Is his name?" "Leayord." "Very well ; have the men piped aft" "All hands, sir?" "Certainly, Mr. Masters. They have had rest enough, I imagine, the past few days. Now they are In for a spell of work." I was not altogether pleased with the engineer's niuuuer, a vague suspicion coming Into my mind that he also rather preferred a return to Baltimore, and that the crew might desire the same decision. As I went forward to the rail I noticed thnt both Vera and Bascom had come up as far as the head of the companion, and now stood there in the shadow, where they could both see and hear. McCann, however, did not appear, and wus probably asleep below, or still doctoring his discolored optic. I had just a moment to observe these things before the men began to appear aft the mainmast and form in a straggly line across the deck. lot They were Indeed a rough-lookineven for a freighter's crew, plainly showing the effects of prolonged debauches ashore, with several among them still manifestly under the Influence of liquor. The of sea discipline on board was evidently to be my first task, and my teeth clenched tightly ns my eyes swept their faces. "Come farther aft, men," I ordered sternly. "Bosun, bring them closer In, where they con hear, what I say ayl that's- more like It" 1 stared down into the upturned "What g was one of 9tMtyy ii Trappers furl If von ara looking for THE ou ina main tnac win air cash monev for your fun. write fori our tmem today and nil thsuaon " I next shipment of furs. 9 Wei have no orlzaa or other flv-b'nisrht oromises to offer you iuat a nlaim ' jpuiiBMi proposition null 'lPay Ton More For Your Fort We have been in the Fur Business 42 yesrs hsva aimosc unwniieg oapiuu ana wiu givm yon I Square Grading Highest Prices and Quick Returns the three bis; things that a trapper Deeds. Fun will be High this season and yon can roaka WS Honoy on trie trap line, na want Mink, Meant, uian, muBKruia, iposioms suia ii ouiar nui m that Satiafied Feoliog ly shipping- your I ABRAHAM FUR CO. Trapper' voyage." "That's a d lie," sang out another voice shrilly. "The most of us wus signed on by crimps." I straightened up, determined to end the matter then and there. "We have had enough of this, lads," I said sternly, staring straight down Into their faces. "I don't know who among you are doing all of this talking, but ril answer you this : I am captain of the Indian Chief, and if any of you want to try out whether I can handle my crew or not go to it Bosun, come here." The man named separated himself from the others, and slowly climbed the ladder. He was a big, muscular fellow, with red hair, clipped close to his head, and Intelligent blue eyes. "Your name is Leayord t" "Aye, aye, sir." "This Is your first voyage on the Indian Chief?" "No, sir; my third." "Very good, Mr. Leayord; from now on you will mess aft and rank as first mate, serving watch and watch with me. Is there a man forward capable of filling the second mate's berth?" He ran his eyes over the group below rather doubtfully. "Olson might, sir," he answered finally. "He is sober, and a good seaman." "Step forward, Olson." The mass of men parted slightly, and a man was pushed to the front He possessed a strongly marked Swedish face, smooth shaven and almost boyish. "How old are you, Olson?" "Twenty-eigh- t sir." "You know the sea?" "Twelve years in the fo'castle, sir." "All right; I'm going to give you a chance to make good as second officer, Mr. Olson. Now, lads, that's all for the present I take it you are sailor-meand know what that sky means. The chances are ten to one we'll have a storm before midnight and well meet it better with clear decks. Get forward, all hands, and clear away that riffle lively now." They were a bit slow about it grumbling among themselves. Olson spoke once or twice, although I could not bear exactly what was said, and the power of sea discipline finally conquered. Within ten minutes they were working cheerfully enough, and Leayord had ceased bis gruff ordering, and stood silent beside the lee rail. It pleased me to observe that Olson took hold along with the others, and did his full share of the work. I leaned farther over to gain view of the cabin entrance, but Bascom had disappeared. The girl, however, held her place, and glanced up, her eyes meeting mine. "Could I come up there, Mr. Hollis?" she questioned. "Certainly ; as a passenger this deck Is free for your use. Take the starboard ladder." I gave her my hand, and helped her to grasp the rail. She glanced about Into the mist "How gray and somber ft is," she said soberly. "The fog is almost like a hand clutching at you." n, complicates the already serious situation by stirring up mutiny. Things begin to look bad for Hollis and Vera as totd In next Installment McCann Supplied, Traps, baitt, tic. d loaut price. ll4AbraIiamBldg, St. Louis, Missouri rttetodam for Frmm COOTO PrlcLUk end Ti The Elusive Cook. "I see the army is advertising for cooks, with a proviso that they need not enlist for any stipulated time." "Shows they understand the nature of cooks, all right enough." Louisville Courier-Journa- l. THE BEST BEAUTY DOCTOR Is Cuticura for Purifying and Beautifying the Skin Trial Free. For cleansing, purifying and beautihands and hair, Cuticura Soap with touches of Cuticura Ointment now and then afford the most effective preparations at the minimum of cost. No massaging, steaming creaming, or waste of time. Free sample each by mall with Book. Address postcard, Cuticura, Dept. L, Boston. Sold everywhere. Adv. fying the complexion, His Bright Idea. "Now, look here, Mr. Mikeyl This won't do! You haven't paid any rent for over a month." "I'm sorry, but I really can't pay just now," replied Mikey."You're the third one today with that yarn !" exclaimed the landlord, "and I can't afford such a loss. Yon must see what you can do to help me 1" "All right I will ! I will write yon tonight," answered Mikey. Next morning the landlord eagerly opened the letter, expecting to find a remittance, but this is what he read: "Dear Sir : I've thought it over, and the only thing I can suggest, to diminish your loss, Is to lower the rent" He Got the Blind. tradesman In a certain town put b box outside his shop, labeled "For the Blind." A few weeks later the box disappeared. "Halloa ! What's happened to the box for the blind?' he was asked by a friend. "Oh, I got enough money," he replied, pointing up to the new canvas blind that sheltered his shop window. "Not bad, Is It?" A Strange Behavior. "I like for a man to be natural." "Yes!" "For instance, yesterday a chap pulled my $700 car out of a mud hole with his flivver." "And did you a favor." "Certainly, but he was neither sarcastic nor humorous." The wise man goes on a still hunt for opportunity Instead of waiting for It to call. There's Superior Flavor To POSTUM as a table beverage. A package from the grocer is well worth a trial, in place -- of coffee especially When Coffee Disagrees! - expression Jq Douse Aft'' r 'fe"! age." Mr. Bascom?" He did not answer at once; not until she looked up questionlngly. "There is nothing else possible," he said at last, but as though the admission hurt. "My nature is not revengeful, although I certainly have no feeling of kindness toward this man. However, this is my ship, and he is my guest ; as long as he remains on board, I shall treat him as I would any other under like circumstances." "I knew you would say that," the girl exclaimed. "Now everything is all "From Now On You Will Mesa right, Mr. Hollis?" tlon, and you fellows shipped with her "As nearly so as we can make it" I for the answered, assuming an ease I was far from feeling. "Your decision is that we continue the voyage to Germany?" "To wherever Mr. Bascom desires to go." "Very well. And yon appoint me captain, delegating to me full authority "I do, with pleasure." I held out my hand, surprised to note the strong grip of the Blender, white fingers responding to my clasp. "The matter is settled then, let the result prove what it may. It is already growing dusk; I will go on deck and assume command." HAIAKUHI (TO BJS CUNTWUKUJ |
