The Argosy, August 1914 — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

NOBODY LOVES A LOSER. to the bunk-house, gathered his per- sonal belongings into.a bundle, and, fearful at every step that he would be brought to account, set out for the home of a distant cousin on the far- thest point of Barratry. The object of the night sally had been kept a secret between the captain, his number one man, and Jack. With Jim Tarkis, the party numbered seven. Not until they were grouped at the water’s edge did Captain Zed offer an explanation. “These dumb Simcoxes, with Buck Potter eggin’ them on, cal’late to steal our mackerel and cut up our pound for shoestrings,’ he said vehemently. “Now I know none of you boys are goin’ to stand for that.” = You bet we aitrf- hoarse, hushed chorus. “T thought best to go out there in skiffs ’stead of takin’ the work boat,” the captain explained. “ ’Twon’t make so much noise. What we want to do is to sneak up and catch ’em in the caine in a act. Then we'll have a good enough excuse for—well, we'll have a good enough excuse. Ain’t that right, Herb?” “That’s right, cap’n,’ growled Herb. ‘“'There’s seven of us, every one as good as two Simcoxes, and there ain’t but five of them. We'll go out in three skiffs.”” ‘But won’t they get away before we come up with ’em?” asked Charlie Hinkley anxiously. ‘“ Not if we’re spry,” the captain re- plied with a chuckle. “ It'll keep ‘em busy a while huntin’ for them mack- erel.”’ As Captain Zed had remarked, there were three skiffs where ordinarily there were but two. Where the third had come from nobody knew. But the sharp eyes of Herb Mann, who was assigned to its command, .noted a striking resemblance to one whose title resided in Captain Eb Spencer, of New Galilee. This being none of his affair, he kept OF his mouth shut and assumed cori- mand of the craft, with Jack Garrett for mate and crew. Charlie Hinkley, with Anse Burdick, occupied another, and in the third were the captain, Harley Whaley, and Jim, Tarkis. Silently the punitive expedition pulled down to the harbor mouth. Captain Zed had timed the setting forth to the hour of slack low tide when, if the current fell short of being helpful, it at least was non-partizan. Jack and Herb talked in low tones. The former asked what action was to be taken. “Depends on what we find,’ Herb replied. ‘“ You don’t mind a little scrap, do you? ”’ “Don’t know that I do,” Jack ad- mitted, “as long as it’s in a good cause.” “TT didn’t think you would after th’ way you shook up Buck Potter,” said Herb dryly. ‘‘ Cap’n told me to watch him and follow suit.” The pound was anchored about a mile offshore to the eastward of the harbor mouth, out of the path of navi- gation. The three dories held close together, Captain Zed in the lead. The rowlocks had been greased, and their progress was almost noiseless. Within a quarter of a mile of their destination Captain Zed came to until the others drew up beside. “Listen here, boys,” he said softly. “We don’t know what we’re goin’ to find over yonder. But if there’s any robbin’ of the pound it ain’t no time for soft words. Give ’em hot shot. “So when we come up, if, as I say, we find anybody doin’ what hadn’t ought to be done, I'll take the nighest boat and board it. Herb, you and Jack go for th’ next one. Charlie and Anse will make for the work boat. Is that all clear?” ‘All right, cap’n,” came from Herb and Anse. “Come along, then, and keep close,” the captain ordered. The pace was slackened and extra care taken to avoid making a sound. CORmMICLOOokKs (C@)