Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 30: what you’re looking at

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820 built for the Rio Janeiro trade, and her patronymic was a famous belle of Balti- more. ‘““ The vessel is fast, very fast,’”’ Sherman explained. ‘ I have seen nothing that could touch her by the wind, old as she is. But you know, of course, that our Baltimore craft always have beat the world.” It did not take long for Hunt to find out that Sherman himself was a Baltimorean, a good sailor and a genial shipmate; and that the Madeline was well found. At Hunt’s suggestion they adjourned to the op- posite pier where a broadside view could be had of the schooner. In a sailor’s eye the Madeline was indeed a “bonnie boat” to view broadside on. Like all vessels of her type she sat low in the water. The sheer of her rail was suf- ficient to give life to her shapely hull which was surmounted by two tall raking masts and a bowsprit having an airy steeve. Her long cutwater, backed by her sharp bow- harping, gave the bow a graceful appear- ance, to which the raking stem added. Ail over, below and aloft, and from stem to stern, she looked the sentient thing—the ideal clipper of romance. “A sweet looking craft and we'll see what she is made of,” said Hunt as he turned away to walk up the pier. “ I must get up to Smythe’s to meet our captain: I’ve not seen him yet.” “Neither have I,” returned Sherman, ‘but I know him very well by reputation. He will not come aboard until the tug is fast alongside, I think.” “ Ever been to the Coast, Mr. Sherman?” “Not since I was a young man,” was the reply, “but you know the Rio and Brazil trade now has gone to the dogs, and I have a large family. They must live if I do go to—” “Oh, yes! I understand,” rejoined Hunt; “none of us can control circum- stances. We are not free agents in many things, however, we may flatter ourselves. T don’t much fancy this African trade my- self. °Tis my first cruise.” sir. The climate there at times is terrible. It is the greatest objection I have to the business.” ‘“T hope it may not be your last one, ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “With me,” said Hunt bitterly, “it is the least. Please take care of my dunnage when it comes down, Mr. Sherman. I will come aboard to-morrow morning,” and up the street he started to keep his appoint- ment with Smythe. TIT. “Mr. Hunt, let me introduce you to Captain Reed,” said the shipping master as Hunt stepped briskly into the private of- fice. Both men stared at each other as they shook hands, surprised at something, they hardly knew what. Hunt had heard of Reed for years as the king of all African traders, and when he saw a wiry little man, dressed like a clergyman he was, for the nonce, a little set back. Reed was a South Carolinian, and in appearance as meek- looking and gentle as a dove—anything but the thorough sailor and reckless law-break- - er that he was. Not till he spoke was the illusion dispelled, and then the man of ac- tion showed himself in his quick, terse speech. Captain Reed looked his mate over rather quizically, and could hardly dis- semble his surprise at meeting such a sailor —so neat, and so out-an-out fashionable in his dress—a dandy, in fact. ‘‘ What trades have you sailed in, sir?” he queried quickly, as he looked Hunt over from head to foot. ‘* Every known trade in the world, bar whaling and the African trade,” replied Hunt with a snap in his tone, feeling that he was under the harrow. “ How do you like the Madeline, now you have seen her?” asked Reed. *¢ She is a good old packet, no doubt, sir. These Baltimore vessels are all fast sailers and some of them, they say, are good sea boats, though I never sailed in one.” ‘“T have never sailed in the Madeline,” said Reed; ‘“‘do you think she is in good trim?” “Tell you all about that when we get outside of Sandy Hook. No man—-sailor, I mean, can give an opinion of a vessel he never sailed aboard of, sir,”’ replied Hunt. “True, true! Very true, Mr. Hunt! I oO CoOMmicbooks CO