The Argosy, August 1914 — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

&0 The other dory, in charge of Len Reed and Jim Frost, had been an easy conquest, while Abel Harris, who on the far side of the pound waited with the work boat to receive the mackerel, saved himself from punishment by surrendering without a blow. This was a keen disappointment to Charlie Hinkley and his companion. Captain Zed, however, had accom- plished what he set out to, which was to thwart the would-be thieves, to beat them up as far as excuse offered, and hold over their heads the threat of legal action in case of further depre- dations on his property. He came over to Herb Mann to explain matters. Buck Potter was just showing signs of returning consciousness. Captain Zed heard the story without comment. When it was apparent that the man could as well be left to the tender mercies of his fellows, he gave the order to come aboard and make for port. In lieu of the pleasure he had expected to experience from beating up whomever he found in the work- boat, Charlie Hinkley had compelled Harris, under pain of his active dis- pleasure, to round up the Hooper skiffs. Now all hands on both sides were gathered around the dory which contained Potter. “You fellers might as well be gettin’ back, too,” said the captain. “ Else you'll lose your beauty sleep. No, we don’t want no tow. We're able to row yet a while. [ guess you'd better get Buck to bed just as soon as you can.” With some difficulty Buck was loaded on the launch. Just before they started an idea occurred to Herb. “ Say, cap’n, did you search ’em?” he asked. “Search ’em for what?” the cap- tain returned. “Why, for mackerel. They might have some stowed away, for all we know.” Jack Garrett’s mind leaped back to the object of their night adventure. “ Captain—Herb—we'll lose all THE ARGOSY. those fish!” he exclaimed. ‘I had to cut the pound to get Potter loose.” Captain Zed chuckled. “ You fellers might as well quit worryin’,” said he. “Eb Spencer come across from New Galilee last night and lifted every last fish in the pound. They’re safe at Fulton Market by now.” CHAPTER XX. AN UNEXPECTED OFFER. To the lover the only use of a deco- ration is to give it to the object of his admiration, 3 Jack Garrett had opportunity within the next twenty-four hours to learn this immemorial truth. Herb Mann headed the procession which laid trib- utes of appreciation at his feet. “That was a fine thing to do, Jack,” said he, holding out his calloused, water-marked hand: “TI sh’ld like to think ’'d show as much pluck when th’ time comes.” Jack stammered and felt himself blushing. After Herb came the rest, each by himself, when there was no- body around to observe, and each in a different way telling Jack what he thought of his conduct. Among them was Captain Zed. In view of the night excursion, the Tues- day morning visit to the traps was sus- pended and a holiday declared. ‘The captain called Jack one side. His tribute was as embarrassed yet hearty as the others. He ended up with: ‘TI guess after this, and Pete Gomez turnin’ out such a skunk, there don’t nobody question but what you told the livin’ truth about them trippin’ and tiein’ you up that first night you went on watch. My granddaughter same as told me at th’ time I was a fool not to believe it, but it was consid’able of a yarn.” “That’s all right, captain,” said Jack.. “I hope we don’t have any more trouble from them.” COMMICLOOOKS (C@