The Munity of the Elsinore

on the Emanuela that day in Mozambique Channel when the Brisk caught us with nine hun

muttered reminiscences of old man killing and man driving days. He was too real to be true, and yet, a

e spoke of a C

led mate with him there was never a port I didn't jump the ship goin

t w

because of my ways of teachin' them to be sailors. Why, the times I was caught, and t

red at the battered, malformed knuckle

w," he lamented. "A sailor

your voice or yo

p-rail above by the second mate, a medium si

t with the crew, s

t, then added, "Come on down, Mr.

the poop ladder and took his part in the introduction. He was courteous in an o

herner,

and smiled, as only a Sou

r seen in a man's face. It was a gash. There is no other way of describing that harsh, thin lipped, sh

iality, but behind that gloss I knew resided neither sincerity nor mercy. Behind that gloss was something cold and terrible, that lurked and waited and watched something catlik

illed me with its repul

enities, I was aware of the feeling that comes to one in the forest or jun

ourse identifies form and feature with the spirit within. But I could not do this with the second mate. His f

ing to ask for instructions. I nodded, and bprepared to f

ment, Mr.

I stood and waited for Mr. Pike's communication, which he did not choose to make unt

ybody. Each year I sign on I sign my age one year

er," I answered lightly, thou

me the huskiest of the younglings. And don't

wners neither. I've had my hopes for this ship, and I'd a got her, I think,

d skin

ll off?"

he's got salted away. Why, he owns more stock in all the Blackwood ships . . . and they've always been lucky and always earned money. I'm getting old,

ter the cabin, but wa

You won't menti

ly not, Mr.

doors were open, making what I might call a large suite of rooms or a whale house. The main deck entr

which had been knocked into one for me; then the steward's room; and, adjoi