The Argosy, April 1916 — page 136: what you’re looking at

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

126 a nothing-at-all, yet necessary,” Michael Sands commented, and then read from a sheet of paper: . September 23. Owing to the prevalence of storms in the month of October, now seven days off, Overseer William Ransom will see to it that the crop as soon as gathered and picked be taken at once to the warehouse in order to avoid any risk of loss or damage through storms. HorRACE REMINGTON NEVILLE. “Signed by the captain himself, as you may see,” Michael pointed out as he handed the written order to Ransom. “Thank you, Master Sands,” the over- seer said, accepting the paper. ‘We’ be- gin first thing in the morning.” “Thank you, Mr. Overseer,’”’ Michael re- joined, bowing. ‘And gentlemin, with this brief interruption I'll be biddin’ ye good night—and all the pleasure of the game to e. The good night of the others was as agreeably voiced as Michael’s. When he and the Brothers had gone the game went on for fully ten minutes in apparent ear- nest. Ransom, however, who had seen Michael and his companions out at the door, left his seat several times to follow with his eye the three black shapes moving leisurely along the road on the way back to the big house. He did this by peeping through the win- dow as he stood behind the dark-blue shade and held a spare half-inch of it to the side. At length he informed Jake and Pete that Michael was gone for good. In case he should come back, an eventuality which was wholly improbable, Mother Juliet would see him as she had seen him this time. “S right what he said already about that there nothing-at-all order,” Jake as- serted. “We could get it in the morning yet not too late. He was yus’ nosing, but he didn’t nose nothings out already.” — “Val” cried Pete, seizing the occasion with alacrity. “And we got to hit now al- ready while the iron is red—red!”’ “Nothing is surer than what each of you has said,” the overseer agreed thought- fully. For the first time during their visit the ship’s carpenters showed signs of genuine cheerfulness. “‘We must not miss a good chance, and THE ARGOSY. -we’ve got a good chance,” continued Ran- som. ‘‘We must not miss any other good chance that comes up, either—and we’ve got another.” They listened more intently, as if ex- pecting him to say more. A second or two elapsed before they grasped the significance of the gesture of. Ransom’s enormous hand and forefinger, which he lowered and raised with a ham- mer-like motion in pointing through the door to the cellar. Putting his grimy, gnarled fingers like a claw over his mustache, Jake Haas pushed a good portion of it into his mouth and chewed the hair as token of his disgust. Sailor Pete grunted. His yellow head lolled back and his blunt face was more idiotic in expression than usual. ‘“‘We’ve been pals long enough, I hope, for you men to be a bit patient,’’? Ransom argued. “Listen to me! I have an idea.” The overseer bent down over the table and beckoned them to do likewise. The three heads were very near one another as Ransom whispered: , ‘““We need a man inside the big house— and this is our man! We couldn’t have wished for such a stroke of luck as to find him.. Now with him we’ve got the big house beaten inside as well as outside. “We'll be eating in the dining-room up there within the next month. Good stuff, too—better than any we have here. And plenty of liquid refreshment for you thirsty chaps. We'll have a dance in the hall, where there’s a piano that works itself when you wind it.” 3 _ The sailor’s head lolled slightly as he replied: “T been waiting to see that stranger in the house first before I take a drink, Jake.” “Tt does seem difficult,” admitted Ran- som. “And yet I have a plan to manage it as easily as I lay my hand on this table. And when he’s there I can keep him fast to us. I tell you I’ve got the power.” The overseer’s fist banged the table to emphasize his statement. ‘Then prove it once,” Jake demanded. “Give me time, Jake,” Ransom replied, and left his seat to go to the kitchen. They heard him at the trap-door, saying, in a loud voice: “Come up, Mr. Danforth. There is no danger now.” The palm-curtain effectually shut the kitchen off in semi-darkness, so that they cConnicloooks Cc C@