The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

3: See sd oe eee a ina OE ate ees ee ‘ i 7 A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC, A13 ‘You could have got just what you wanted there in the line of a craft for your exploring trip.’’ ‘“ But the Naida would have been a long way off her course,’’ ‘No more’n she’s like to be now,’’ muttered Jessop. ‘“ Maybe Captain Latimer was afraid he would lose some of his crew if he put in there,’’ said Thorne, giving the sailor a sidelong glance. ‘Tt would ha’ been a good thing all round if he dd lose some of ’em,’’ growled Jessop. ‘‘ What do you mean by that ?’’ demanded Thorne: But the man only shook his head gloomily. ‘‘ Come, Jessop,’’ said Thorne, ‘‘ do you scent trouble—serious trouble— through this Atwell ?”’ | : “Sh! Belay that, sir,’’ whispered the man. ~ “See yonder? ”’ He motioned with his stumpy thumb in the direction of the forecastle. There, just in the shadow, were two nien in close conversation. - Thorne moved so that he could see them better, while yet not appearing to look. He recognized one as Sam Atwell. ‘“Who’s with him?’ he asked. Jessop did not reply, for then the two men separated. Atwell dodged into the forecastle, but the other came aft. As he passed the cook’s quarters the light from the galley fire shone full on his face. It was Carter Monckton. After the passenger had disappeared into the cabin, Thorne turned quietly to Jessop. ‘€ How long has ¢Aa¢ been going on ?’’ he asked. ‘This hain’t the first time,’’ responded the sailor, non-committally. ‘* But what does it mean oe ‘“Rum,’’ replied Jessop bluntly. ‘‘ What !’’ cried Thorne, horrified. ‘‘ Does Atwell supply Monckton with liquor ?”’ Jessop nodcled. ‘“T suspected Atwell had some, although I didn’t see how he could have smuggled it aboard. Captain Latimer watched him like a hawk while we lay in New York.”’ ‘He got it fast enough,’’ said the sailor shortly. ‘But I wouldn't have believed that Monckton would stoop to such a method of getting the stuff.’’ ‘“ Well, if a man wants a drink, I reckon he don’t care much how he gets it,’’? returned the sailor carelessly. ‘‘ They tell me that young chap’s been a »?) high roller ashore ; he’s likely to be somethin’ wuss before he sees the last of the Naida.’’ ‘‘T can hardly believe it,’’ said Thorne, paying little attention to Jessop’s last words. ‘‘I haven’t seen him intoxicated since the night he came aboard.’’ ‘Oh, Lord, sir!’’ exclaimed Jessop, with a chuckle, ‘' he’s a sharp one. I heard Atwell a sayin’ he was drunk below in his berth most o’ the time durin’ that last bit of a blow. Sam passed the drink through the cabin light to him,’’ COMIC HOOKXS.EO©