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About The Maupin times. (Maupin, Or.) 1914-1930 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 5, 1919)
E OF THE SEA ! ON FUEL ISSUED i mm ORDER WOLVES jit a CHAPTER XIX. 13 Laying the Trap. Our first job was executed much more eoslly than I had anticipated. We caught Manuel sound asleep, and LeVere had sinewy hands at his throat before the fellow could grasp n weapon. The narrowness of the state room prevented my taking much part In the nftalr, but the mulatto needed no help, as he dragged the cursing Spaniard from his bunk to the deck and throttled him savagely. , Indeed he would have killed the fellow had I not Interfered and twisted his hands loose, leaving Estevan barely con scious. A blunket ripped into strips served to blud him securely enough for the present, but I thought it best to lock the door, nnd keep the key in my own pocket. LeVere would have knifed him even as he lay there help less, but for my threat and Insistence. Once back In the cabin my eyes dis tinguished the frightened face of the steward peering forth at us from out the dark of the passage leading for ward. C "Come here, Gunsaules," I said sternly. "Step lively, lad ; there's noth ing for you to fear. Senor Estada has been killed during the night, and we have Just captured his murderer," I explained. "There Is reason to believe this act was part of a conspiracy to seize the ship in connection with those fellows amidships. Does that passage lead to their quarters?" "It did once, senor, but now there is a closed door of oak, studded with Iron, not only locked, .but barred on this side. There are but two keys one for the captain and the other for him who commands the buccaneers." I stood there a moment, considering this Information. The only way the mutineers could reach the cabin then would be from the deck, descending through the companion. So long as they remained unaware of the capture of Manuel there was little danger of their taking such action. "Very well, steward," I said. "You go on about your work as though noth lug had happened. If uny word of this affair gets to the crew, or to those fel lows 1UI WUI U, 1 IX I1UIU JUU C'OllUilSI- ble. You are not to leave this cabin without my permission, nor speuk to unyone. LeVere." The mulatto faced me respectfully enough, and I had a feeling he would obey orders, largely because lie dare not rebel. "' , "They will be wondering why you are not on deck. It will be better for you to take charge of the watch at once, and keep the men busy. Helieve Wntklus at the wheel and send the man down to me. lie can choose the fellows who will stick better than you could, and then can circulate among them without urouslng suspicion." Watklns soon shutlled down the steps, lie whipped off his cap and stood waiting. . I put my hand on his shoulder. "Tom," I said soberly, "we are in the same bout, and understand each other. The chance has come for both of us, If we piny the cards right. Listen while I tell you the situation, and what I plan doing." I told It briefly, wasting no words, yet relating every fact, lie listened eagerly, but without Interruption un til the end. "What do you mnke of It?" I asked. "About what you do, sir. I knew there was something of the kind going on some of the men forwnrd are In on It. You've got the ring-leader." "Manuel, you mean. Who did he count on for help In the forecastle?" "Cochose, and a handful of others, niggers and Spaniards, mostly. They . mount to pull the affair off either to day or tonight. Your plan gives us a fair chance, sir. A dozen good men on deck might do the business." "l!ut are there a dozen aboard to be trusted?'' "Well, yes sir. I rather think there nre. I'd say that In both watches here'niaybB fourteen to be relied on." "In my watch there's Jones, liar wood and Slmms, either English or Welsh. They're all right. Then there's n nigger named Sam; Schmilt, a Dutchman, with his partner, whose unmo I duu't know, nnd two Fronchlos, ltavel and Tlerre. That makes eight, nine counting myself. Then In the starboard watch I'd pick wit Jim Car ter nnd Joo Cole, two Swedes, Carl son and Ole Ilnllin, and another nig ger. Then there are a couple of Finns who ought to be with us, but I can't talk their lingo. That would give us sixteen out of thirty, und It's quite likely some of the others would take a hand with us, If they thought It was safe. I hnuMi't any use though, sir, for Francois LeVcro. There ain't a worse scnmp aboard." 'I know that," I admitted, "but he had to be used." "And what Is my part now?" "This Is my watch below, and It will be best for me to keep off the deck until nil Is prepared. You sound these men and get them together; wake up the oneg In tho starboard wnloh yon feel ure are all right, and have them allp quietly ou deck. Then we'll get By RANDALL PARRISH CuLyyiitiiil, by A. C. AiuClui't; & Cu. (liese arms in the rack here, and be ready for business the rest will be done in a hurry. I'll wait here for your report." At the very best Watklns could scarcely perform the task assigned him In less than an hour. The success or' failure of our effort depended en tirely upon taking these fellows by complete surprise. If it came to an open fight our cause was hopeless, for thiit would mean fourteen or fifteen men unarmed, pitted against over a hundred thoroughly equipped and trained fighters. Only by confining them below, with hatches battened clown, and a carronade trained upon them, would we be safe. I sat where I-conld watch the stairs, nlid the entire forward part of the cabin. Gunsaules lowered the table, and begun preparing the morning meal. Finally he announced break fust. "Suppose you rap on the lady's door yonder, and ask If she will join me. Say your message is from Senor Gates." She came at once and seated herself opposite me, and we spoke of the weather while Gunsaules served. He was still hovering about, but my nnx lety to have a word with her alone caused me to send him to attend Cap tain Sanchez. We waited until he dis appeared within the after stateroom, bearing a tray ; then her eyea sudden ly lifted to mine, filled with question ing. "Tell me what has happened?" She breathed eagerly. "I heard the noise of a struggle out here, and voices con versing. Why are you alone?" . I leaned over to speak in as low a tone as possible. And I told her the situation in detail and my plans. She sat silently gazing at me across the table, her parted lips trembling to "Tell Me What Has Happened." an unasked question. Before she could frame this In words, the door to the companion opened, and Watklns (to seeuded the stairs. At sight of her he whipped off his cap. "You may speak freely," I said, "This Is the young lady I told you about, nnd of course she Is with us. Only talk low." "Yes, sir," using a hoarse whisper, and fastening his guze on me. "It's all right, sir." CHAPTER XX. The Deck U Ours. I had the next step carefully out lined In my own mind, and yet I hesl tated n moment, glancing Into the two faces before me, with a sudden reali zation of what the contemplated ac tion would mean to all of us, If by any chance it should fail of success. I managed to speak cheerfully, putting a ring of conQdence Into my voice. "Then the sooner we act the better, Wutkins, have LeVere order these men aft Let him say that Senor Estada wishes them to break out some stores In the lazaret. They need be here only long enough for us to distribute these arms among them, and for me to speak a word of Instruction to them." "But have I no part? Is there no way In which I can help?" asked the girl. "You have your pistol? Then re main here. I shall have to go ou deck with the men, and will not dare leave them a moment until the ship Is ab solutely secure, Manuel Is locked in that stateroom, but must not be com municated with by anyone. It will be your part to gee that Gunsaules neither enters that passage lending amidships, nor approaches this door, Keep him In sight. You will save us a man. Wait here now until I see how securely this passage forward Is closed." Q It was as described to me-a heavy oaken door, nail gtudded, not only locked, but held firmly hi place by a stout Iron bar. There wus not the Jut faintest possibility of any entrance aft, except through assistance from this side. As I returned to the cabin, Gunsaules came out of the captain's room and crossed the deck. At sight ofjne he stopped Instantly. "Gunsaules," I said, "you are to re main In this cabin until I give the word. The lady here has a pistol, and orders to shoot If you attempt to either enter tills passage, or approach the door of Manuel's stateroom, How did you find Sanchez?" 'Sitting up in his bunk, senor, and able, to eat." "Does he know what Is occurring on board?" "No, senor. He questioned me, but I only told him evetything was all right, so far." In my heart I believed the fellow deliberately lied, but there was no op portunity to question him further, for at that moment the door of the com panion opened and a miscellaneous group of men thronged down the stairs. They were a rough hairy lot, here and there a sturdy English coun tenance meeting my gaze, but the faces were largely foreign, with those of two negroes. conspicuous.- 'Twelve here, sir; I couldn't, get Hnrwood down from the foretop," said Watklns. "And there are others below who will join us?" "Yes, sir; six more I count on." "Which means lads, that with Har- wood, Senor LeVere, and myself, we'll total twenty-one in tills shindy. Now I'll tell you what is up. Watklns gave you some of it no doubt, but a word from me will make it clearer. I'm no pirate; I'm an English sailor, shang hled. Estada named me first ofilcer because I understand navigation." I stopped speaking, staring at one of the faces before me ; all at once it appeored familiar. "What is your name, my man?" V "Jim Carter, sir." "You were on the Slnbad, three years a?o?" , "I was that, Mister Carlyle," he an swered grinning. "I know'd you the minute I cum down yere." "Then that Is all I need say on that line. Here's one of your mates, lads, who will vouch for me. Now, as I've been told, you are all of you in the same boat you are prisoners on board. Luck has given us a chance to make a break, and get away. Captain Sanchez Is wounded and helpless. Pedro Estada is dead, and I've got Manuel locked In that stateroom. His cut-throats are all below, and now all we've got to do is clap on the hatch and keep them there. Now, what I want to know Is are you fellows with me?" Watklns answered up promptly; then Curterthe others joining In with less heartiness, the different accents revealing their nationalities. I knew sailors well enough to feel assured they would follow their leaders once the game started. "That's good enough ; now we've got to hit hard and quick, lads. There nre six men on deck who are not with us. Watklns will take care of them with those fellows I don't assign to other work. Jones, you find Carter make straight for the forecastle aud don't let anyone come up the scuttle. One of you had better drop down below, and prevent any of those lads from unbarring the door leading amidships. Who is the best for that job?" "Let Carlson do it." "All right Carlson it is then. You Frenchmen, and the two negroes, your part will be to ship the main hatch. Do a quick Job, and clamp it down tight." "I'll come down to you Carlson, as soon as we have the deck. It ought not to take more than five minutes to handle those lads, and slew around a carronade. Watklns, you and Carter hand out the cutlasses from the rack ; you boys will handle those better than firearms. Good; now are you all ready?" There was a low murmur of voices, the faces watching me showing their increasing excitement and eagerness. Our little talk had served to urouse their confidence In my leadership, and with gleaming weapons In their hands they became self-reliant volunteers. Once turned loose my greatest diffi culty might be to restrain them, rather than urge them ou. Revenge for past w rongs was iu each heart, and they welcomed a chance to strike. I whispered a parting word of ad monition Into the ear of Dorothy, re ceiving In return a glance from her eyes, which gave a new throb to my heart; then straightened up, and pis tol In hand, pushed my way through the throng of sailors to the foot of the stairs. "Follow me, lads," I said quietly. (TO BE CONTINUED.) 1 Celtic Isle. The smallest dependency of France is the lie d'lloedle, situated at the east of Belle isle. Its population Is 238. The people do not speak French, but Celtic. Fishing is the principal Indus try, and all the Inhabitants are pro vided with food at an Inn managed by the women. Tbe town has no street. The houses are mostly of mud. O Government Attempts to Avert Coal Famine. PRIORITY LIST MADE Control of Distribution by Retail Deal ers May Be Awarded to State Officials Crisis Near. Washington, D. , C. War-time re strictions on the nation's use of coal, more stringent than those applied dur ing the war, were ordered into effect Monday to stave off a fuel famine. Moved by reports of diminishing coal stocks and growing danger of distress In numerous sections, the government sought no compromise with striking mineworkers, whose walkout forced the emergency, but asked for national determination to endure privation and discomfort until coal mining was re sumed on its terms. Fuel Administrator Garfield, acting in conjunction with the railroad admin istration, gave notice that hereafter only the essential consumers included in the first five classes of the war priorities list would be supplied with coal, and asked the help of all state and municipal authorities to make ra tioning effective. 1 The order, which made national those restrictions already put into local effect by regional coal committees, where the pinch of fuel shortage has been felt, cut off supplies from all but transportation agencies, which In cludes inland and coastwise shipping as well as railroads; federal and local governmental institutions, including concerns working on government con tracts; public utilities, including news papers and retail dealers. Railroad administration officials conceded that it meant widespread cessation of in dustrial operations, only justified by the gravity of the situation. "It Is necessary that coal shall be used only for essential purposes," Dr. Garfield said in giving public notifica tion of the step. "Public utilities con suming coal should discontinue to fur nish power, heat and light to non-es sential industries and should consume only sufficient coal to produce enough light, power and heat to meet the ac tual urgent needs of the people. Ad vertising Bigns and displays of vari ous kinds necessitating the use of coal should be curtailed and no coal should be distributed for such purposes." Officials said that the terms of the order as given were framed to allow the greatest possible variation in local arrangements, so that emergencies could be met by action best suited to that result. Industrial establishments operating their own power plants will be forced to shut down when present supplies are exhausted, while the op erations of those whose power is sup plied from public utility plants will be curtailed or continued in the discre tion of local agencies and officials. Dr. Garfield noted further that the government would be glad to leave supervision and control of distribu tion by retail dealers entirely "to any state, county or municipality which may make provision therefor." Congress Opens Session, But Little Is Accomplished Washington, D. C. Washington looked on Monday at one of the quiet est and most uneventful opening days of congress in history. Perhaps fa tigued by the long strain over the peace treaty, which was laid aside only ten days ago, but 55 senators appeared to answer to rollcall. This was in distinct contrast to the last week of the old session, when the complete vote of the senate was cast on several of the peace treaty votes for the first time in almost a quarter of a century. There was an absence of all of that hurry and bustle .which usually marks an opening day, because another prec edent was broken in the failure of the executive departments, through the secretary of the treasury, to have their estimates of expenses for the fiscal year ready to submit when congress met These came out later in the af ternoon, however. Data on Siberia Asked. Washington, D. C. Information as to how long American soldiers are to be kept In Siberia was sought of tho state department Monday in a resolu tion by Representative Rhodes, repub lican, Missouri. It asked also if Japan had defined its Siberian policy and for the strength of British, French, Italian and Japan ese forcea in Siberia and whether any draftees are among the American troops there. c a package c a package c a package THE FLAVOR LASTS SO DOES THE PRICE! Hurrah! How's This Cincinnati authority says corns dry up and lift out with fingers. Ouch ! ? I T ! ! This kind of rough talk will be heard less here in town if people troubled with corns will follow the simple advice of this Cincinnati authority, who claims that a few drops of a drug called freezone when applied to a tender, aching corn or hardened callous stops soreness at once, and soon the corn or callous dries up and lifts right off without pain. He says freezone dries Immediately and never Inflames or even Irritates the surrounding skin. A small bottle of freezono will cost very little at any drug store, but will positively remove every hard or soft corn or callous from one's feet. Millions of America's women will welcome this announce ment since the inauguration of the high heels. If your druggist doesn't have freezone tell him to order a small bottle Tor you. Adv. Sensible. Japanese girl babies have their heads shaved until they are three years old. Not Right Kind of Laughter. One is tempted sometimes to laugh at another's mishap or disappointment, but the laughter that leaves a sting in someone's heart is not the sort of laughter that helps anyone. Preventive for Cold Feet. A recent patent covers a shoe to cure cold feet, a heated plate being insert ed and the heat being retained by the close-fitting construction of the shoe ankle. Largest Custom House. New York has the largest custom house in the world. Cost, $4,600,000. f JNew Houston Hotel Stith and Everett Sta Portland. On. Fool block from Colon Dacnt Two block) froai Nov Pootoffieo. Modern and fireproof' Orer 100 eotatda noma. Rat 76o to It 00. i i . nunwui, maoefw. WDfNR Belresbes, See I ties. li,'JZ B tab-Keep ,0ur Eye. MM- i strong and Healthy. II they Tire, Smart, ltch,or VhlintvtC Burn Sore. Irritated, IUUR LI CO Inflamed or Granulated, use Murine often. Safe for Infant or Adult At all Druggists, Write for Free Eye Book. Marine Eye Seated; Ceopioy, Caluoe, U.S.. L Hand SenstheSkin before the war during the war NOW 187 Are Yop Satisfied? I the biggest, most perfectly equipped Business Training School In the North west Fit yourself for a higher poeltloi with more money. Permanent poaluous assured our Graduate. Write tor natal or Koartk ud TanaWU Portland. Thought She Was Serving. We took our 3-year-old son to a cafeteria for supper the other evening and when he saw me going around with the tray he said out loud: "Mamma, are you working here now?" The Delaware Indians made salt from brine Bprings in New York state and sold it to settlers as early as 1670, making probably the first commercial production of salt in this country. The manufacture of salt by white people iu the United States was begun near Syracuse, N. Y., about 1783. Salt is the most commonly used mineral in the world, and no useful mineral ex cept coal, perhaps, occurs In greater abundance or is more widely distrib uted In the United States. Wesleyan college at Macon, Ga., was founded in 1836, and is therefore older than Elmyra college, chartered In 1852. It is the oldest woman's college in the United States. THE JOY OF MOTHERHOOD Came to this Woman after Taking Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound to Restore Her Health Ellensburg, Wash. "After I was married 1 was not well for a long time nnd a good deal of 'tie time was not able to go about. Our greatest desire was to have a child in our home and one day my husband came back from town with a bottle of Lydia E. Pink ham's Vegetable Compound and wanted me to try it. It brought relief from mv troubles. I improved in health so I conld do my housework; we now have a little one, all of which I owe to Lydia E. Pinkham'j Vegetable Compound." Mrs. O. S. Johnson, R. No. 3, Ellensburg, Wash. There are women everywhere whe Ion" for children in their homes yet are denied this happiness on account of some functional disorder which in most cis"s would readily yield to Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound Such women should not give up hope until they have given this wonderful medicine a trial, and for special advice write Lydia E. l'inkham Medicine Co., Lynn, Mass. The result of 40 years -rionce is at your service. P. N. U. No. 49, 19H