The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

400 A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC. ‘Or what ?’’ demanded the fellow, taking a step nearer and clenching his | fist. Thorne believed the cowardly brute would strike her ; but she held her ground, although her face went white all of a sudden. ‘Belay that, mate !’’ cried the Cockney sailor Tom, springing forward. But the passenger was before him. Shifting his umbrella to his left hand he swung his fist and delivered a scientific blow just under the fellow’s ear. Atwell went skating across the deck and landed like a log under the rail. At that instant there was a quick step on the gang plank and Thorne turned to see Captain Joshua Latimer coming aboard on the run. CHAPTER V.—AN UNWELCOME ARRIVAL. ‘“Wuat does this mean ?’’ demanded Captain Latimer, without a glance in Thorne’s direction. His eyes were fixed angrily on Atwell, who was just picking himself up from the deck. ‘‘ You, Atwell?”’ The sailor, pretty well sobered by the blow, held his hand to his head and said nothing. ‘*He has been drinking, I think, father,’’ interposed Miss Latimer, her voice trembling a little. ‘‘ He refused to go to work with the other men, and = ‘“ After what I ve done for him, too !’’ exclaimed Captain Latimer. ‘‘ You scoundrel, you! If we weren’t going to sail tonight, I swear I’d make an example of you.”’ ‘You've done a lot for me, you have !’’ said Atwell, in surly tones. ‘‘ A- cutting me down from my billet of second mate, an’ a-putting Zev in my place,”’ and he pointed his finger at the girl. ‘“ Answer me back, will ye?’’ cried the captain. Then he raised his voice. “Tonio? he shouted. ‘‘ Bring the irons from under my berth. Be quick about it!’’ Atwell started as though to escape. But Captain Latimer laid a huge hand upon his shoulder and he stopped where he was. ‘Thorne measured the old man and did not blame the sailor for backing down. A moment later the - cook ran from the cabin and handcuffs were snapped upon Atwell’s wrists. Then he was hustled forward and dropped down the hatchway. ‘‘I reckon you'll cool down some, if you’re left to yourself, my man,’’ remarked the captain grimly. 3 But Thorne saw the look the insubordinate sailo® cast in the direction of Miss Latimer and himself as they stood together in the background. It was not a pleasant thing to remember. He was sorry he was to be in the narrow quarters of a sailing vessel for some weeks with a man like that. But when the incident was over, and the sailor disposed of, Captain Latimer seemed to think very lightly of the matter. . *©Got liquor somehow, I s’pose,’’ he remarked, as his daughter went calmly back to her duty with the other three seamen. ‘“He’s a good man when I can keep drink from him, and no mean navigator. I had to cut him down from second mate’s berth last voyage because of it. a Eomicbooks 3