The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 40: what you’re looking at

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

424 A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC, dimly above the mess chest and the sailors were gathered about it, drinking, Atwell had brought out a plentiful supply of liquor from his secret hiding place. The treacherous scoundrel and Mockton were conversing earnestly together in one corner. The passenger appeared in no danger from the mutineers. The amazed Pepper was about to go aft again when something looming up in the gloom ahead caught his eye. He looked again, shielding his eyes from the flying spray with his hand. ‘The outlines of some vast object slowly developed. It was an enormous cliff towering high above the Naida’s tallest spar ! He dashed back to the group near the quarter. ““Land! Wand dead ahead !”? The cry paralyzed his hearers. Even Captain Latimer was helpless with the horror of it. He drew Sydney to him and they clung together on the break of the quarter while the great brig tore on-her fateful course. Now above the howling gale, was borne to their ears the roar of the breakers, The outlines of the towering cliff stretched away on either hand. There was no break in the wall. Thorne, clinging to the wire cable which guarded the ladder to the quarter, felt a numbness at his heart. ‘This was the end, then. That awful - sea would dash them in pieces against the rock. He saw the two mates shaking hands solemnly. ’Tonio was on his knees beside the hissing engine, praying with all the fervor of his emotional negro nature. And the sailors— those half drunken creatures in the forecastle—they would go into eternity unprepared—unwarned ! ‘They'll drown like rats in a trap!” was his thought. He staggered forward, striving to reach the forecastle ere the brig struck. But he was too late. With a grinding crash the Naida was hurled forward upon the reef. A great wave broke over the stern and swept the deck from end to end. ‘““ The boats—it’s our only hope !’’ Thorne heard Captain Latimer shout. ‘“Get ready the cutter, Mr. Sessions. I put Sydney in your charge.”’ He dashed into the cabin. A great wave followed him and flooded the place in a moment. ‘The brig remained upright on the reef, having become wedged in her position. But every wave came in over her stern and her breaking up was a matter of but a few hours — perhaps a few minutes. ‘The forecastle door had become jammed and Thorne heard the imprisoned men beating on it. He seized an iron pin from the mast and pried it open. ‘The crazed sailors burst out and started aft with wild shrieks and curses. Mr. Sessions stood at the cutter with a drawn revolver. _ ‘Keep away !’’ he shouted warningly. ‘‘ Take the long boat. I’ll shoot the first man who comes aft.’’ . 3 Thorne saw the third mate stagger out of the galley laden with provisions, Tonio was unlashing a water cask ainidships. Mr. Latimer was already crouching in the bottom of the cutter. He struggled to the cabin and plunged down -the stairs. Captain Lat- imer passed him with the logbook and cashbox in his hands. He shouted (E(0) AA Eboo “4 “3