The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 133: what you’re looking at

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

THE GOLD DELUGE. 133 mate had the watch, and slowly he paced his post on the commander’s bridge, keeping his weather eye on the search for danger, while the Spaniard Mendez had charge of the wheel, where he ae whistled a love song to while away the time. ‘‘ How is Szemsky ?’’ Erik made haste to inquire, as soon as he appeared on deck. ; ‘‘ Shlaping loike a log, your excellency,’’ Kelly replied. ‘‘ Does not feel the shlightest pain ’xcept in wan shoulder where he was sthruck. But here is the rascal hi’self !”’ Szemsky actually turned out with the rest of the crew, looking very pale, it is true, but otherwise all right. | Erik stepped up to him and shook hands heartily. “Thanks, Szemsky, a thousand thanks!”’’ he said to the calmly smiling Pole, ‘‘and thanks to you all,’’ turning to the others of the crew; ‘‘ you all proved your sterling qualities as men.’’ ‘‘ His excellency—three cheers for his excellency !. Hip, hip—hurrah !’’ Felly cried, and willingly all hands joined. ‘And another cheer for Szemsky!’’ Erik exclaimed enthusiastically, and again the cheer was given with a hearty vim. Eric ordered coffee served for himself and the officers = the ship in the little weather cabin on the commander’s bridge, whence a free view could be had of the surrounding ocean. As far as the eye could reach, not a single sail, nor any smoke from steamers, could be discerned. ‘Well, captain,’’ Erik inquired, ‘‘ where are we now?”’ ‘‘ Considering the frightful speed at which we traveled, I presume that we must be about near Cape Horn,’’ Captain Alsloev replied. ‘‘I have now laid the course of the ship more to the west, to avoid that part of the polar territory which reaches up to the sixty first degree, and I propose that we go by way of the coast of Victoria Land direct to the south, where we will be perfectly safe.’’ ‘“Very good,’’ the first mate added; ‘‘thatis also best, in my opinion, but—excuse me, if I ask—then—what ?’’ ‘“Yes—what then?’’ the officers all repeated in chorus. No one replied, and Erik stared thoughtfully out upon the great, undulat- ing ocean. Then suddenly the cabin entrance was darkened by the shadow of Erik’s young wife, who entered and was respectfully saluted by the officers. Erik explained to her in as few words as he could the problem with which they were confronted. ‘‘ We must in some manner or other get into communication with Europe,’’ she said. ‘“ But how ?’’ Captain Alsloev asked smilingly. ‘‘In the southern lati- | tudes there are neither post offices nor telegraph stations.’’ “ No—fortunately not,’’ Junker rejoined, ‘‘ otherwise we would perhaps have visitors—unwelcome visitors on board, all too soon.’’ ‘“ Have we no possible chance of meeting some ship—a whaler, for in- stance ?’’ the steward asked. (S@) CoOmicooolxs