Part 5 (1/2)

”A suro,” [1] was the answer

”Wonder if any one is hurt?”

The Spaniard bent a little nearer ”What can you expect?” he whispered sympathetically

In the unnatural peacefulness of the shi+p's progress, disturbed only by the roar of the superheated vapor, they all heard the opening of a door at the head of the saloon stairway The third officer appeared--his wet oilskins glea

”Dr Christobal, the captain wishes to speak to you,” he said

Christobal rose and crossed the saloon

”As you are here, won't you tell the ladies there is nothing to be afraid of in the ested

”Oh, the shi+p is right enough,” was the hasty response ”There has been an accident in the stokehold That is all”

”Want any help?” demanded the American

”Well--I'll ask the captain”

Evidently anxious to avoid further questioning, he ran up the companion Christobal followed, the door was closed and bolted again

”I hate the word 'accident' It covers so many horrid possibilities,”

said Isobel

”I am afraid some poor fellows have been injured, and that is why Captain Courtenay sent for Dr Christobal,” said Elsie

”Oh, of course, I h it is annoying that a breakdown should occur here”

”It would be equally bad anywhere else,” put in the missionary's wife, timidly

”By no means,” was the sharp response ”If ere in the Straits, for instance, we could signal to San Isidro or Sandy Point; and there would be other vessels passing Here, we are in the worst possible place”

Miss Baring's acquaintance with the chief features of the South Aly iers, now that Christobal was gone, realized vaguely the perilous plight of the _Kansas_ The fact was that even a girl of her apparently frivolous disposition could not avoid the influences of environment

In a maritime community like that of Valparaiso there was every reason to know and dread the rock-bound coast which fringed the southern path towards civilization Strange, half-forgotten stories of the terrors which await a disabled shi+p caught in a southwesterly gale on the Pacific side of Tierra del Fuego rose di darkness did not tend towards cheerfulness In her new track, the _Kansas_ had turned her back on the ht which penetrated the storloo that no one cared to dispute with her, Isobel felt that a scream or tould be a relief

For once, pride was helpful--it saved her fro, they knew not for what, which dulled the thoughts and stilled the tongues of the small company at the table, soon communicated itself to the stewards Thefeords, and those less; but the chief steward, whose trained ear caught the regular beat of the donkey-engine, woke thehts,” he said loudly ”Clear the table and hurry up with the coffee Get a move on those fellows, Gomez Have you never before been in a shi+p when the screw stopped?”

The Golish out of the common was required He muttered a feords in the Hispano-Indian patois which his hearers best understood, and the scene in the saloon changed ondrous suddenness The glow of the electric la shadows The luxurious coer Coffee was brought The sangway, but the chief steward suggested that the gentlereeable Under such circureeable, and the instant result was a distinct rise in the social barometer

The noise of the steaan The shi+p was riding easily in spite of the heavy sea Drifting ind and wave is a si asunder of resisting forces Thus lide towards the brink of the cataract with cunning smoothness

And then, while the occupants of the saloon were endeavoring to persuade each other that all ell, the loud wail of the siren thrilled the note of a fog, nor the sharp course-signal for the guidance of a passing shi+p, but a sustained tru, which announced to any stea waste of waters that the _Kansas_ was not under control It was a wild, sinister appeal for help, the voice of the disabled vessel proclai her need; and the answer seeale, while the added fury of the blast brought a curling sea over the poop The _Kansas_ staggered and shook herself clear The wave smashed its way onward; several iron stanchions snapped with reports like pistol-shots, and there was an intolerable rending of ork But, whatever the dae, the powerful hull rose triumphantly from the clutch of its assailant Shattered streams of water poured off the decks like so many cascades Loud above the splash of these -horn