Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 364: what you’re looking at

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

NEMESIS ON “ There, he’s going below again,” ex- claimed Schuyler. “There is some mys- tery about ‘him. I got a look at his face last evening in the passage way, and I’ve seen it somewhere before. It isn’t so rough as his dress would lead one to expect, either, though he does wear a week old beard.” “Where could you have seen him be- fore?’’ queried Guy, doubttfully. “ T can’t think for the life of me, but I will go below for our coats, Guy, while you stay by mother. Are you quite comfortable, mother? ” “ Quite, thank you,” replied Mrs. Mountain, opening her eyes. Schuyler had hardly moved a dozen steps when a tremendous shock threw the passengers to the deck. The mighty vessel stood stock still for an instant and trembled from stem to stern, at the same time heeling far over to port; then she started forward again impetuously, at the same instant keel- ing oyer to starboard without righting. Such as were near the starboard rail saw a ghostly schooner sweep by with falling masts, while frantic beings waved their arms wildly. Then arose screams and shouts from every side, as the passengers, male and female, poured up and out on deck. The officers added their hoarse com- mands to the hubbub, and the crew and stewards came running amidships to the bridge, some to be sent rushing for- ward and below to close the iron bulk- heads, while the others sprang to the davits, and with flashing knives cut the lashings of the suspended boats. The captain, from the top of one of the deckhouses, roared out to them to come down, there was no danger, the bulkheads were fast shut, and the ship could never sink. Meanwhile, a forward boat was al- ready manned by a crew, and as her tackles creaked in the blocks she dropped quickly into the water and was pulled back into the fog to look for the crew of the collidirg and doubtless sunken schooner. HIS TRACK. 355 Order and confidence were at last re- stored. The listing ship turned toward the north and crept under ‘half speed, like a gigantic cripple, toward the coast of Newfoundland. When the fog lifted a l#ttle that after- noon, a private yacht was fortunately sighted and signaled. She hove to, and her captain, with his sailing master, came aboard. He gallantly made an offer to the Bavaria’s captain to steam ahead to Halifax and advise the authorities to send some es- corting steamboats. The offer was ac- cepted. The gentleman captain was just about to go over the rail, when two passengers emerged on deck and pressed through the crowd toward him. One was the mysterious unknown. “Now is the chance of a lifetime! ”’ he exclaimed, under his breath, as he took in the situation. ‘It is of vital importance for me to get ashore,” said he eagerly to the yachtsmen. “I am due in London this very minute and hours are precious. Will you allow me to accompany “ Really,” said the other, “ my yacht is crowded as it is, but I could manage one if it 1s of such vital import why, Guy Mountain! You here?” for Guy had just managed to push into the crowd. “My dear Mr. Simms!” exclaimed he in turn. “I knew you were cruising hereabouts; but I never but see here! Mother and Schuyler and I are aboard. Mother is prostrated by the shock, and she is actually dying, [ be- lieve, of nervousness. For theaven’s sake, Mr. Simms, can we arrange to get her off this infernal tub? She’s ag- ing, you know, and [ really believe it will kill her to remain aboard. Come! What can we do?” ‘Do? Go below at once and get your traps together. Vil fix matters with the captain.” “You’re a brick!” cried Guy, and he turned to go. GOH GOOO SS CO