41 Lure O Gold 1904

"
In the
Shaft Alley
dressing the men,
deck.
"
who wants fresh air, better go up on
There s too many in here for comfort anyway.
Ye re all tumblin over each other an standin on each
other s feet."
At this I saw Trust and Somers exchange glances.
It had no doubt occurred to them, as it had instantly
occurred to me, that Fishley would send the whole
gang away if
he could, but that in any event he would
thin them out as much as possible.
"I ll bet a dollar he fixed them ventilators," said
Somers to Trust, quietly.
"He wants to choke us all
out."
"Well, I can stand it as long as he can," was the
reply.
Two men passed forward, panting, and left the alley.
Leave that door open
!"
bawled a man with an adze.
"Don t
you dare!" shouted Fishley. "Captain s,
orders very strict wants it kept closed."
"You re a liar," breathed Trust, though
not loud
for the third officer to hear.
enough
The door was closed, and I felt as though we were
all sealed up in a great tin can. Most of the men had
stripped themselves down to the waist, and yet the
sweat rolled from their bodies.
[229]