ent for; my summer was
provided for, and I was still seven dollars to the good. I was
exultant, but with my exultation was mixed a curious anger at
McWhirter, that he had advised me not to shave that morning.

My preparation took little time. Such of my wardrobe as was worth
saving, McWhirter took charge of. I sold the remainder of my books,
and in a sailor's outfitting-shop I purchased boots and slickers--the
sailors' oil skins. With my last money I bought a good revolver,
second-hand, and cartridges. I was glad later that I had bought the
revolver, and that I had taken with me the surgical instruments,
antiquated as they were, which, in their mahogany case, had accompanied
my grandfather through the Civil War, and had done, as he was wont to
chuckle, as much damage as a three-pounder. McWhirter came to the
wharf with me, and looked the Ella over with eyes of proprietorship.

"Pretty snappy-looking boat," he said. "If the nigger gets sick, give
him some of my seasick remedy. And take care of yourself, boy." He
shook hands, his open face flushed with emotion. "Darned shame to see
you going like this. Don't eat too much, and don't fall in love with
any of the women. Good-bye."

He started away, and I turned toward the ship; but a moment later I
heard him calling me. He came back, rather breathless.

"Up in my neighborhood," he panted, "they say Turner is a devil.
Whatever happens, it's not your mix-in. Better--better tuck your gun
under your mattress and forget you've got it. You've got some
disposition yourself."

The Ella sailed the following day at ten o'clock. She carried nineteen
people, of whom five were the Turners and their guests. The cabin was
full of flowers and steamer-baskets.

Thirty-one days later she came into port again, a lifeboat covered with
canvas trailing at her stern.

CHAPTER III

I UNCLENCH MY HANDS

From the first the captain disclaimed responsibility for me. I was
housed in the forecastle, and ate with the men. There, however, my
connection with the crew and the navigation of the ship ended. Perhaps
it was as well, although I resented it at first. I was weaker than I
had thought, and dizzy at the mere thought of going aloft.

As a matter of fact, I found myself a sort of deck-steward, given the
responsibility of looking after the shuffle-board and other deck games,
the steamer-rugs, the cards,--for they played bridge steadily,--and
answerable to George Will