Argosy All-Story Weekly, October 7, 1922 — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

176 they will be within easy call of each other. They are to investigate immediately any suspicious actions on the part of anybody. “‘ Explain as little to them as you can. I don’t want the men alarmed any more than they are now. However, if any of the men object or are inclined to refuse the extra work, say that I order it for the safety of the vessel.” Harris started. Coming from the cap- tain, the phrase “ for the safety of the ves- sel” carried a distinct and definite thrill. It placed the whole affair on a higher plane. He rather felt, in carrying that phrase about with him, and the authority to use it, as though he were carrying the Pope’s ring; a Nuncio with plenipotentiary powers. He had a decided appetency for things that were regal. He certainly hoped that the men would show an inclination to refuse. He went below, with a flair. Hendriks mounted to the bridge. Mac- Donald stood waiting for him at the head of the ladder. The man at the wheel, in the wheelhouse, stared stolidly at the card. ‘“‘ Come over here, Mr. MacDonald.” “Yes, sir.” They moved to the port end of the bridge. ‘Something further has happened, sir?” ‘““'Ves,. I want to find out what you know about it. Have you noticed anything un- usual from the bridge during the past half hour?” “That infernal racket a few minutes 9) ago— “ But before then?” “Why no, sir. It’s so pitch black to- night you can’t see the deck very well. I did hear Sparks getting off a message. Then there was that pounding down in the shack. Sounded like he was out to bust the whole works to pieces.” “ Which end of the bridge were you when the racket commenced?” “‘ Starb’d, sir.” “Then you couldn’t look down at the door of the shack.” ‘No, sir. But after it had been going on for a moment—the racket—lI crossed to this end and called down. As there wasn’t any answer I blew my whistle for the sailor on watch to come up and investigate.” ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. ‘Was the noise still going on?” “It had just stopped, sir. Saw Sparks come out and start down the ladder for the main deck.” “You saw the man come out of that door?” “Yes, sir. “Could you see what he looked like?” “¢ Sparks?” “It was some one else—the man we’re after.” | “The one who struck Mr. Rutledge?” rT 4 Yes.”’ ‘“‘ Good Lord—if I’d only known! It was so dark. I was sure it was Sparks. I called him. Asked him what the racket was about. He just kept on going, never stopped. The sailor had come up by then, so I sent him to find out about it.” “You couldn’t see which way the man went?” “It was so dark, sir—”’ ‘“‘ Of course.” Hendriks paused. When he spoke again, his manner was strained— significant. “ Mr. MacDonald, I am going to ask you to continue Mr. Rutledge’s watch until eight and then keep right on with your own. I have work, very serious work, for Mr. Rutledge below. There is no time for lengthy explanations to you now. They will come later.” “Yes, sir.” “Take this.” Hendriks handed Mac- Donald a revolver. “It is loaded. I know you have none of your own. I can tell you nothing definite, give you no warning, no hint as to what to expect or from what quarter to look for it. I do know, how- ever, that all of us are in very grave danger. Exercise the greatest caution, the greatest vigilance—and under no_ circumstances whatsoever leave this bridge!” MacDonald, thoroughly impressed, took the revolver from Hendriks and pocketed it. “One more thing, Mr. MacDonald. If you sight a ship call me immediately.” He hesitated the barest fraction of a moment. “If I am not to be found in my room, the man will locate me in number three hold.” ‘“‘In number three hold—yes, sir.” Hendriks went below. MacDonald, his hand fingering the gun in his pocket, walked toward the door of the wheelhouse. comicboooks C©