Adventure Magazine, December 10, 1924 — page 178: what you’re looking at

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

156 interest, though it was natural that a man brought to see a sailor reported sick, would study carefully the aspect of the patient. “Yes, it’s fever,” declared Jessup as he dropped Wade’s hand. Turning to Doxey, the missionary said: “T’m happy to tell you that your com- rade will be better in a few days. This weakness is only temporary; I’d say due to excitement because I’ve come, rather than to the fever itself. There’s vigor in the heart action, though the circulation is de- ranged. Let us give thanks to the Creator, and I shall return back to the village and my schooner.” “T knew you’d pull through, matey,” cried Doxey. ‘You hears what the parson says. You'll be fit again, give you time!”’ “Tf I could only have decent ship’s grub,” said Wade. “I know I’d pick up in a day or two.” “We will now pray for your speedy re- covery,” said Jessup, and kneeling beside Wade, he said a short prayer. But though Wade and Doxey bowed their heads, Jessup did not keep his head so low that he was prevented from studying Wade. “T’ve done all that’s in my power,” said Jessup, as he got to his feet. ‘Farewell, brother, and may your illness end in good time.” Nodding to Doxey, the missionary turned to the door and moved out on the platform. “Just a minute, sir,” called Doxey, fol- lowing outside. “I thank you kindly, sir, for comin’, but I’m just wonderin’ if we couldn’t do somethin’ to get my matey out of this.” “How do you mean?” asked Jessup. “This way: I’m a strong man and a good seaman. If my pal here could get proper grub, not fancy, but forecastle chow, he’d pick up and be hisself again. And if you’ll take him, Ill go in your crew and stand double watches, sir. For just passage for us two to the nearest port of call you make.”’ Jessup considered for a minute. “My crew are all natives,” he said. ‘And I’m over-manned 4s it is.” “You’d save a white man’s life, sir!” pleaded Doxey. ‘“I’ll work my fingers to the bone. May be weeks and weeks afore a schooner or a coast guard shows up and we may miss her, even if she comes in and anchors, what with me havin’ to keep watch on my pal. Help us out, sir!” Adventure “T’ll ask the mate, Mr. Langton, about it,” said Jessup. ‘“He’s really my sailing master, but on the ship’s papers I’m owner and master.” “‘Can’t you use more’n one white man aboard?” asked Doxey. ‘‘Couldn’t I be handy? Bosun, the wheel, sails, but I’ll do common sailor work as well.” “You see, on account of my wife—and the cabin’s small - “We don’t ask after-quarters, sir,’’ broke in Doxey eagerly. ‘“‘For’ard for us, and not a bit of trouble; only to the next port you makes. What good be we here to ourselfs or anybody else? We'd rather be at work, ’stead of livin’ like a couple of beach- combers. Some could have it easy, livin’ with the natives, but we don’t stomach that. We’re not vagabonds, sir, but stranded seamen. Look at this place! Marooned, that’s what we be, and shut away from our kind. No wonder my pal’s sick, as [ll be if I have to go on this way!”’ “T’ll put the matter before Mr. Langton. I don’t want to bring you on board until I’ve discussed the matter with him. No need to hurry. We'll be in here several days. . My wife’s not well, and she needs quiet. You'll hear from me again.” “Thank you, sir, thank you!” Doxey. Jessup pulled his hat down over his eyes and, with a farewell gesture of the hand, strode across the clearing toward the glade, leaving Doxey on the little veranda. cried V WADE had thrown off the tapa and was sitting up on the mats smoking a@7ita cigaret when Doxey returned, having watched the missionary out of sight into the little valley leading to the beach. “So far, so good,” remarked Wade. “Think he’ll take us?’ asked Doxey soberly. He lighted a cigaret and sat down cross- legged on a mat. “Tt’s an even bet. He may have strung you along just to get away without an argument. That would be easier than having you chase him around the island.”’ Doxey nodded. He was not especially hopeful. “Told me first he had slipped in for water and fruit, and would have time to see you while his casks were being filled. Just CoOMmichook A) C© =