The Argosy, Vol. 82, No. 3 — page 74: what you’re looking at

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

448 One arm, broken when the Marshall was blown up, was still in a sling; while two weeks in irons had not only completely broken the spirit of the bucko mate, but had brought to him the lasting realization that the erstwhile Dude was now master of the ship. Hence, Forrester had capitulated without honors, and Blake was seeing that he kept in that condition. “} think he’s come out to say eood-by, Forrester. Go ahead—heave up short, and wait for the word.” The pitifully small crew sprang to the _capstan, Fancy Harry Lowell taking second mate’s position with a smirk of importance. Jack shook hands with Wicliff, as the old missionary came forward. “Glad to see you again, sir! Any word from those men that were with Marshall that last night? Are they still hiding out on the south headland?” Wicliff nodded. ‘Yes, they’re adrift down there still, but they’re all right, Blake.” “Sure you don’t want me to take them off for you?” smiled Blake. ‘‘I can land my men and rout ’em out in no time, in spite of their guns.” — Wicliff’s piercing blue eyes twinkled as he glanced from Blake to Mary, who had that morning become Mrs. Blake. “No, I have use for them, and wish no more conflict.” “Come, man!” laughed Blake, puzzled. “What on earth do you expect to use them at? They’ll resist arrest, and raid your fields—” “Tut, tut, sir!” broke in Wicliff. “Il am not too old yet to convert men, sir, and it seems those men are badly in need of it.” Blake’s face went grave. “You'll never do it, Wicliff, never in the world! They’re waterfront sweepings, wharf-rats—why, no man on earth could put the fear of God into those scoundrels!” The other nodded quietly. THE ARGOSY. “T quite agree with you there. No man could do it. But has it occurred to you that God might accomplish something of the sort Himself, in His own good time?” Blake’s. eyes shifted to the rugged grandeur of the hinterland, glowing in the noonday sun. He nodded quietly. “Well, Dl be off,” and Wicliff took the girl in his arms, looked deep into her eyes, then pressed his lips to her brow. ‘God bless you, both! And remember, I can get letters twice a year!” “We'll remember it, never fear,” said Mary softly, as Wicliff shook hands with Blake and turned to the gangway. “Good- by! Good-by!” “Anchor’s apeak, sir!” snapped Lovell, from forward. Blake signed to Forrester. “Break her out, bullies! topsisi? -_ 7 The halliards were manned with a whoop, and Paddy Ryan started the chorus that jerked the main topsail aloft. H’ist away “Oh, come all you little yaller boys, An’ roll the cotton down! Oh, a husky pull, my bully boys, An’ roll the cotton down!” With her three topsails mastheaded and the fore-topsail laid to the mast, the cable was broken out, the fore-braces came in hand over hand, and the ship swung on her heel, leaning gracefully to the freshening breeze.’ Blake stood at the poop rail, Mary’s hand in his,.and together they waved a last farewell to Wicliff’s dancing boat. Bully Forrester approached and touched his cap. ‘‘What port, sir?” he asked, grinning. Blake looked into the girl’s brown eyes. ‘What port, captain?” Their eyes met and held for a long mo- ment. Then— “Home, dear!” THE END. CONSTANCY "THERE is a love that perishes; and one That shall outlast the glory of the sun. Be mine the steadfast love that throbs each hour, Nor wastes its beauty like some heedless flower. Be mine the quiet service through all days, Serene and well content in hidden ways, Not that wild passion of a spendthrift June, Wasted in ashes at Life’s golden noon. ' Charles Hanson Towne. EORMICLOOOKS (C@)