The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC, 399 ‘“ Where is he ?”’ ‘* He’s below, mum.”’ ‘ What’s the matter with him ?’’ and the clear voice became suddenly stern. ‘‘ Didn’t he understand that all hands were called ?’’ The three sailors shuffled their feet and looked at one another uneasily. Meanwhile Thorne reached the forecastle and descended, losing the answer to the question. The brig’s forecastle was a low, dark, musty smelling place. There were two tiers of bunks on each side, a big mess chest and several stools in the center, and piles of dunnage in various corners. The place was unoccupied save for a man asleep in one of the lower berths, and it didn’t take a second glance to assure the passenger that the fellow’s torpor was induced by liquor. The smell of the vile stuff pervaded the atmosphere of the forecastle, and the neck of a black bottle protruded from beneath the blanket that was partially drawn over him. While Thorne stood looking about the place, one of the other men came below, evidently to fetch the delinquent Atwell. ‘“Hi, mate! Get up out o’ that, and come on deck,’’ cried the sailor, punching the sleeping man vigorously to arouse him. | A sailor hates nothing as much as he does a shirk and considerable energy was expended in this case with evident good will. “Ow! get out! What’re you about?’’ demanded the man, sitting up suddenly and swinging his legs out of the berth. ‘All ’ands ’ave been called, mate. Didn’t ye ’ear the summons?” ‘‘ Who sent you down here to bother me?’’ demanded the half drunken sailor fiercely. ‘‘ She did.’’ ‘“Who??’”? ‘That bloomin’ second mate.’’ A torrent of foul language and abuse poured from the man Atwell, and Thorne turned back to the deck, unwilling to listen to it. It made his hands tingle to get hold of the brute. What could Captain Latimer be thinking of —to put his daughter in the way of hearing such talk ? _ ‘The other sailor quickly followed him and went aft again, and, a moment later, the delinquent stumbled up to the deck.. He was in an ugly mood, having imbibed just enough liquor to enhance his naturally surly disposition. As he passed Thorne the latter heard him muttering and swearing to himself and looked after him a little uneasily as he approached the main hatch, near which Miss Latimer was standing, having descended from the quarter. ‘“ You have been long enough a sailor to know that no idlers are allowed aboard ship, Atwell,’’? he heard her say severely. ‘‘’Turn to with Tom there and lower the casks as they’re run aboard.’’ ‘Pll turn to when I get ready,’’ declared the fellow, with an oath. It made Thorne’s blood boil to hear him. - He expected to see her back down before the man ; but she was made of sterner stuff, and Thorne mentally applauded her pluck, though he so strongly disapproved of her position. ‘’ How dare you answer back ?’’ she exclaimed. ‘‘Turn to at once, or cd CoORmmiclooolks 5}