Argosy and Railroad Man's Magazine, Vol. 107 No. 3 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

440 “In case we are followed. My chief built it himself this afternoon and evening. A very clever man, Riley. You must be good friends.”’ “In case we are followed,” repeated Riley with a frown of misunderstanding. “Followed by what?” ‘“* The destroyers.” Riley whistled softly. tricks, eh? But why?” ‘“‘ Chiefly because we are leaving San Francisco without clearance papers.”’ Riley was too dumfounded to interrupt him. Murdock hurried on: ‘‘ You wondered why I had changed so since we parted this afternoon. Do you wonder now? That girl is driving me into my grave—with her honesty and her flag flapping. On top of the worries of her—this! . “The inspectors were snooping around *tween-decks when I came back from the hotel. They’ve condemned her. Unfit for sea duty. What do you think of that?” ‘“‘T thought you were foolish to bring her into San Francisco in the first place. Rot- ten boilers. Rotten hull. She’s nothing but a floatmg coffin, as I told you. I think we’re a pair of fools. And there’s trouble a-lee.”’ He paused and bit his lip. “What did you mean by that reference to ‘ flag flapping ’ patriotism? Has that got anything to do with this cruise? Are we bound on a job for that damned Hartman gang?” “ Hartman gang?” muttered the old man increduleusly. Donn Riley snorted. ‘‘ You’ve been sail- ing on the lower coast for twenty years and you don’t know the Hartmans?” he de- manded. ‘The most damnable pack of thieves and smugglers, and international croeks since Captain Morgan bombarded Acapulco! What are they up to now? Some new-fangled deviltry? Are you one of them, captain? Or an understrapper?”’ ‘“‘ You make me tired! Didn’t I tell you we are sailing with a blank charter? Cer- tainly, I’ve heard of the Hartmans!”’ “What has that to do with flag-flap- ping?” asked Riley sternly. The captain became several shades more indignant. ‘“‘ How do I know?” “Up to her old ARGOSY AND RAILROAD MAN’S MAGAZINE. ‘‘ Then why do you mention it? In one breath you speak of a blank charter out of San Blas; in the next you blubber about Miss Murdock’s patriotism, as if it’s some- thing to sneer at. What are you driving at?” ‘““T’m all shaken up by this afternoon. I’m holding out nothing. If she suspects we're taking a cargo for Hartman from San Blas to Pinar del Rio, let her suspect it. I have no suspicions at all. I get a fat freight. I carry the cargo. My business— not hers.” “Even if it should turn out to be a Hartman cargo?” “Well, what of it?” demanded the old man petulantly. “Only that it goes into the ocean! What kind of a cargo would come out of San Blas—south-bound? Bananas? Or ma- hogany? D’you imagine for a moment I don’t know what kind of a place San Blas is? It’s a stinking little tropical hole with a dozen scattered shacks. There’s an eight- mule stage runs into the interior. A ’dobe cathedral. <A couple of tequila street-stalls. What has San Blas to ship south? Or Ocos? Or even Mazatlan? I wonder! Murdock, you couldn’t drive me off this ship now if you used a blacksnake! I intend to see this thing through!” . The old man waved his fists. going to stand by me!” he roared. Donn Riley jerked his thumb toward his chest, jabbing himself on the breastbone with loud thumps. “ First of all I’m going to stand by my principles!” ‘“‘ Bosh!” snorted Captain Murdock. ‘* Youre CHAPTER XI. A SIMPLE SIREN. AS the captain’s indignant figure strode out of sight Donn Riley pushed him- self away from the rail. Seme ‘one settled against his hand and held him there. He was surprised, and he said so. “You did your shopping in a hurry,” he added, giving the ardent Miss Anderson a smile. Her large, blue eyes were upon his in the frankest adiniration. COMICEDOO© ‘eo S Co mM