41 Lure O Gold 1904

"
"
"
The Lure o
Gold
more tons of coal.
Thought
I was a barnacled old
fool because I suggested that we leave out a little freight
and bring up something to run her with. That s the
way they are. They think that it s all like San Fran
cisco Bay up here, and that you can dodge in anywhere
and coal up. Wish I had Densmore and a couple
more of em up here, facing that He ! pointed toward
the "black mess," as he called it, and gave a curious
laugh, in which there was not a spark of mirth.
The Captain aired his views on the subject of owners
while the wind scudded over the forward house and
buzzed in the stays, making noises that reminded me
of the sounds proceeding from paper-covered combs
at the lips of stout-breathed schoolboys.
Glancing
about of a
sudden, the Doctor spied me,
where I stood to the leeward of a big, staring ventilator,
uncertain of
my right to break into this serious talk.
Although what I had heard about the storm was un
pleasant news, it did not destroy the scent of the ama
teur sleuth, and I was all for speedy action, whether
we floated or sank.
"Hullo, John!" said the Doctor, "shouldn t
you be
in your berth ?
Yes,"
I replied.
"
I know it s late, but I want to