The Argosy — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

THE VOYAGE OF THE PULO WAY. 263 was on the floor slid gaily from side to side of the cabin. Out against the port the water foamed angrily, while the incessant pitching and rolling pro- claimed the presence of big seas. With the utmost dificulty I dressed and scrambled up,on deck. It was blowing a great gale. Not a soul was to be seen upon the wet decks, though I knew that behind the weather screen on the bridge the officer would be keeping his watch, possibly the captain also. Sometimes I think I have an affinity with the wild swirling of waters, bred, perhaps, through a sense of security ; for there is something grand in watching the baffled sea furiously fling itself upon the unyielding plates of a sturdy vessel. Indeed, so intent was I gazing at the curious contest, that for a time I did not notice that we were only going about half speed. The mate came up from below smothered in oilskins, his old sou’ wester tied tightly under his chin. As he stepped out on deck and took a look round, he mumbled a surly ‘‘ Good morning.”’ ‘Good morning,’’ I replied. ‘‘ Nice weather !’’ It was sarcastic, but unavoidable. The bad weather had got into me in some way. ‘“-Ves,’’? he growled ; ‘‘ makes one in love with the ocean, don’t it ?”’ I admitted that such elemental eccentricities were conducive to extreme physical enjoyment. Then I asked him how the glass stood. ‘‘Steady,’’ said he. “That means a continuance of this agreeable weather? ”’ ‘‘That’s it. If I was a passenger I’d go below—and stick there.”’ ‘“‘But, you see, I am unaccustomed to this sort of thing, and this is a sensation.’’ ‘It strikes me you’ll have a few more sensations before you see the last of this packet.’’ His narrow, beady eyes glistened into mine, and something very like a sneer stole up from his ugly mouth. Then without more ado he slouched off forward, steadying himself from time to time by means of the bulwarks. I watched him duck to avoid the flying showers of spray—watched him care- fully tread his way until he reached the bridge and disappeared. This was my first conversation with the mate, and I must admit it did nothing to alter the opinion which I had previously formed of him. And, after all, what did it matter to me if that worthy officer were of the rough and ready order? Our acquaintanceship would last, at the longest, till we reached Manila. SolIthought. It was to last a little longer. About ten minutes after the mate had disappeared forward, and while I yet clung to one of the mizzen stays watching the swirling of the sea, I became aware of an unusual presence near me, and turning round, I beheld a big Chinaman standing in the doorway of the deckhouse. I looked at him and he looked “at-me, and I saw a smile steal from his little black eyes right down to his ugly mouth. For a Chinaman he was an exceedingly well built fellow, and though apparently approaching middle age and getting somewhat stout, was of an appearance which would command respect in any company. His dress was of the usual coolie pattern—a loose blouse, and short, wide (26) Gomichook 2S