Ensign Merrill — page 89: what you’re looking at

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

84 A STARTLING DISCOVERY. leathern-skinned appearance resulting from many years _ of exposure to old ocean’s boisterous moods, was pump- ing away near by, to the tune of a rollicking ditty. He raised one hand in awkward salutation, and said: “Good marnin’, sor,’’? as the commander passed, It was a simple tthdent: but meant much to Merrill, who had retired a few hours before, with a heart full of dis- trust and suspicion. He greeted Ned SRORrDY on reaching the bridge, and, seeing that young man’s heavy eyes, sent him helene for a few hours’ rest, with secret instructions to An- thracite to not call him until the afternoon, In the enthusiasm of his new duties Gage had spurned even the thought of sleep, but tired Nature claimed her dues — as soon as he touched the bunk. | After the mén had eaten breakfast, Mark ordered the main hold broken out, setting Muller to that task. Sending for Dr. Agnew he requested him to take four men and the steward and search the after cabins from end to end for John blood and his supposed confederate, Daly. ‘‘Don’t leave a stone unturned, doctor,’’ he added. ‘“Take your time and examine every nook and corner. Better carry your weapons handy; you may need them. By the way, when you go aft, call down the engine- room hatch and tell Mr. Cranke, the chief engineer, that 1 wish to speak with him on the bridge.’’ ; The official was not long in obeying the summons, He was a tall, dark man, of Scotch descent, and taciturn — in manner. His strict. attention to duty made hima ~ byword on the ship, and, in fact, he‘ seldom left his — department long enough to become acquainted with his — shipmates. However, the social part of his nature did — net bother Mark; that astute young man looked more to his trustworthiness and seisreiyge none mee . * (i ¢ if * re 7" ¥ “A aN wok ee ‘Ty, ‘We a i ry 4 * \ a V 4 s / \ q , L : i i, pl 7 Ne ee Oe ee at ‘ ; : ~ a ee | oT e 5 a 2 . 4. = ~s che pee ‘ 4 (1 * yp *