Ensign Merrill — page 39: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

igies —_ This was a matter which Se delicate handling 3 to prevent the object of the expedition from being | ~ noised about, although, in view of the Ah Foy episode, — aS there was little hope of retaining the secret. Still none — of the company cared to have it made public more than : Shs necessary, for many reasons. There were several shipping offices ashore, with whouk Mark had already communicated, leaving directions — with each to send all applicants on board to him for © personal examination before signing articles. He ~ wished to use as much care as possible in the selection, — a and intended giving every individual an idea of the © is a _ dangerous part of the expedition first. As he had figured it out there would be required, beside Ned and himself, at least one hundred and fifty — men. This would include a second and third. officer, — three engineers, two boatswains and carpenters, fifteen — men in the fire-room, at least twelve in the steward’s department, and the Balance forward. One thing Mark — intending paying especial attention to was the select- — ing of a competent surgeon. He had in mind a young man lately arrived from the United States, a recent graduate of medicine, who was traveling for pleasure in the Hast. He had met him several times and was satisfied from his conversation that it would be an easy — - matter to secure his services. It may as well be stated © at once that Merrill was successful in this matter, and— Paul Agnew, M.D., was _ due time enrolled on oy articles of the ae as ‘‘surgeon in chief.”? bs: Mark was met at the gangway by the watchman, a native of the old sod, who had been employed for many years with the firm. Patrick received the young ensign ; -. with many expressions of pleasure at the visit, and led — ). - i > ‘ " > é < 4 4 - . 7 - at Ms - jm’ « os 7 Sy i Ts , * [ ¢ is ' 7 4 v ‘ % he ee F A i.e ‘ ie" >? rs Ns ~ M an £ ue . U a. Sf fl ae O* al * ye! w 4 ‘ \ - D ba ci? e\i ie oh feb a. bd 2 2, To ili 2) the way aft to the companionway eee below z ney , Ua “4 te ] w ; . oe Dore eid ‘ all the airs of a king’s ery ites, cas a pe a Re sags O} ral sYe re) = GO