 CHAPTER V BIRD COVE During the rest of the afternoon, during the evening, on into the night, Dick's hearty snoring floated up the companion-way. At supper-time, MacGlory called Olly Larson to the wheel and went below. The Swede looked after him, and observed that he took the steps slowly and cautiously, and was more quiet than usual in the cabin. From the mate his attention turned to the binocle. His instructions were to hold the course nor east, pointing into the wind where the sheets hauled close. Ordinarily he would not have taken the trouble to question any orders that might have been given him. But the dislike and distrust all the crew felt for their new mate was stirring in his mind. He took occasion when Harper came aft about some work to beckon him and point to the compass. I tank we don't go at Mackinac no, he said in a half-whisper. Is that the course he gave you? Yass, that's her. I was thinking myself it was funny. Near as I can figure we're pointing at Manitoulin Island. Now what in thunder? Look here, Olly. First chance I get I'm going to wake the captain. I tank we do dat, Yass. They had dropped their voices but McGlory had heard them. He now came tiptoeing up the companion steps, wearing an ugly scowl. Go up forward, he commanded addressing Harper. I was just asking about the course, Mr. McGlory. It didn't quite seem to me. Go up forward. Pink hesitated, then he raised his voice. Cat and smiley generally likes me to wake him when he's slept as long as this. Go up forward. Well, he was starting but he moved too slowly. McGlory's temper gave way and he struck him with the back of his hand across the face. You hit me! The blood rushed into Harper's face. He drew himself up, his fists contracting, the muscles of his bare forearms knotting. Olly gazed impassively at the compass, but his fingers were twitching on the spokes of the wheel. He saw from the expression of Harper's eyes that the boy needed no assistance. For one tense moment, as they stood there on the sloping deck, a faint light shining on them from the open companion way, anything seemed possible. Had McGlory been a coward he would have retreated from the blazing figure before him. But he was not a coward. Instead of retreating he stepped forward, gripped Harper's arm and whirled him around. Go up forward, he said for the fourth time. And Pink, swallowing hard, went. A gentle sigh escaped the wheelsman. The mate turned on him but Olly was gazing out into the dark with an expressionless face. Into the silence that followed came a gurgling snore from the cabin. If Pink had hoped to wake the captain, he had failed, and the end of this brief incident was that McGlory returned below and finished his supper while the Marianne continued to point northeast. Towards eleven o'clock the moon rose and showed Duck Island six miles off the port bow. McGlory was again at the wheel. He now brought her up still closer to the wind, heading a few points off outer Duck Island and skimming the lower edge of Jenny Graham Shoal. Huddled up in the bow, out of the mate's view, Harper and Larson were watching out ahead, pulling at their pipes and occasionally exchanging a whispered word or two. Lending, the third sailor, lay flat on the deck by the windlass, his head pillowed on a coil of rope, the regular sound of his breathing telling that he was asleep. Soon Oly's practised eye made out a bit of land far off to port, and he pointed it out to his companion. What is it? Middle-Duke Island, yas! A few minutes more and they saw a line of coast dead ahead. Manitoulin Island? whispered Pink. I tank. On they went until the shore lay plainly before them in the moonlight. On until the breeze began to fail them so close were they in the shelter of the land. Finally they heard McGlory say in a guarded voice. Ready about up there? And they springed to their places. It proved a short tack. Hardly a quarter of an hour later when the land had faded but a little way into the indistinct night they came about again. This time they ran in so directly for the land that Pink grew nervous. He stood up, pipe in hand, looking back at the mate, then forward at the shore. The breeze fell away, but they drifted on through a mirror of shapes and shadows. The trees of the bank loomed before them, then it seemed, around them. Still the Marianne drifted on, her wheelsmen turning every stray breath to advantage. She was in a cove now, though how wide it was or how far it extended the sailors could not tell, so strangely were the bluffs and the trees reflected in the water. Drifting, however, is lazy work, and Harper sat down to it and relighted his pipe. At length the schooner came lazily up into the wind and McGlory ordered the anchor overboard. Here was a chance to try to wake the captain, and the chance was seized, but even the clank and rattle of the chain failed to interrupt the snoring in the cabin. "'Lending,' said McGlory, come back here.' Larson and Harper looked at each other. They had not told Lending, then between them they woke him and sent him aft. Without a word the mate motioned the sailor to help him lower the boat over the stern. "'He's going ashore,' whispered Harper. Oli nodded. "'He's beckoning for us. Say, Oli, should we go?' But the swede started promptly aft. The habit of obedience is so strong in a well-disposed sailor that only great provocation will overthrow it. With but a moment's hesitation Harper followed. "'Climb down there,' said the mate, and mind your quiet about it.' Down they went. McGlory came after and took the rudder and propelled by two pairs of oars the boat slipped away, crossed a patch of moonlight and entered the mysterious regions of shadows. Way enough, easy now. They literally could not distinguish the shore. It was all distorted, unnatural. They dragged the oars in the water and looked over their shoulders. Lending was in the bow with a long boat-hook ready in his hands. Then they found themselves floating quietly alongside a narrow landing pier, and it was necessary to tumble in the oars in a hurry. Lending checked the boat's headway. The others reached out and caught the planking with their hands and McGlory stepped out. "'Make her fast,' he said, and come ashore.' They obeyed. Now, boys, he seemed of a sudden to be making an attempt at good nature. "'I want you to wait here for me. I'll be back in five minutes.' And walking along a path that mounted the bluff he left them standing there. For a few moments they were silent. Then Harper spoke up. "'Look here, fellas. I don't know how it strikes you, but I'm hanged if I like this way of doing business. What we'd better do is pull right back and wake the captain.' "'Mr. McGlory, she hath give us orders, yas!' "'What's that got to do with it?' But the two Swedes shook their heads. They were slow of body and mind. The idea of rowing off without the mate was too daring. "'You won't do it, then?' They looked at each other. "'All right,' said Harper, pulling off his coat. "'All right, have it your way. But I'm going back, and I'm going now.' He tossed his coat into the boat, pulled off his boots, and threw them after. Let himself down into the water, waited a few steps, and struck out for the schooner. It was but a little way. He swam around to the stern, and drew himself up by the boat-tackle, which had been left hanging down close to the water. Rushing down into the cabin, where a single lantern burned dimly, he bent over the captain, who lay dressed in his bunk, and shook him. "'Wake up, Captain. Wake up.' "'Let me be, will you?' "'Wake up. It's me, Harper.' "'I don't care if it is. You needn't drown me.' "'But Captain!' "'Well, what's the row?' Slowly Dick raised his head and looked around. "'Good Lord, what time is it?' "'Twelve o'clock.' "'Twelve o'clock what?' "'Midnight.' "'Midnight, your grandma.' "'But it is, Mr. McGlory. He—' "'Just let go of me, will you? Go over there and drip on the steps.' Dick was slowly swinging his feet around and sitting up. "'You've soaked my bedding now. What's the matter with you anyhow? Been trying to swim home?' "'No, Captain, but Oli says we're up at—' "'See here, why haven't I been waked up?' "'Mr. McGlory wouldn't let me wake you.' "'Wouldn't let you?' "'No, he—' "'What's the matter with your lip? McGlory hit me.' "'Hit you?' Dick sprang to his feet. "'What in thunder are you talking about?' "'I'm trying to tell you, Captain, if you'll just listen.' "'Go on, be quick about it.' "'You've been sleeping ever since we left Middle Island. Oli and me—' "'We've seen that the course was northeast instead of northwest, and I was going to wake you. But he wouldn't let me, and I hollered loud, but it didn't wake you, and now we're in a place Oli thinks is burnt cove on Manitoulin Island, and—and Mr. McGlory has made me row him ashore, and told us to wait there for him, and I swum back to wake you.' Dick was standing close to Harper, staring at him with a mixture of astonishment and incredulity. Now he brushed him aside and ran up the steps. Sure enough, on every side were trees and the shadows of trees. The lake was not to be seen. He turned again to Harper, who was close at his elbow. "'Where's the boat?' "'Right over there, not a hundred yards.' "'Oli!' called Dick. "'Yaaas!' "'Bring that boat back and hustle about it.' In a moment they heard the clanking of oars, and soon the boat appeared in the moonlight and ran alongside. "'What are you doing there?' said Dick. "'Me's McGlory. She said to wait.' "'Oh, she does, does she. Well, we'll see about it.' He leaped down to the boat and took the stern. "'Pull ashore.' "'Captain,' said Harper, will you let me go?' "'Sure, if you want to. Take Lending's place. Lending, you stay on the schooner. And mine there's nobody but me giving orders around here. Pull away, boys.' The landing pier was deserted when they ran alongside. "'Which way did he go?' asked Dick as he stepped out. Harper pointed at the dim path. "'How long ago was it?' "'Just a few minutes.' "'All right, we'll wait here.' He sat down with his back against a post and filled his pipe. "'Got a match, pink?' "'Oh, I forgot, you're wet. "'Oli, give me a match.' He lighted up and settled back to smoke and think. McGlory had evidently walked some little distance back from a cove for nearly ten minutes past before they heard his step in the brush. Dick sat still until he saw the mate coming down the bluff. Then he said, "'Get aboard, McGlory.' At the first word McGlory stopped short. "'Well,' Dick added, rising, "'how long are you going to keep us waiting?' "'Still, there was no word from the motionless figure.' "'Not until Dick stepped to the stern of the boat, did he speak?' "'Come on up here a minute, will you, Captain. I want to speak to you. You can do any speaking you have to do on the schooner. Swing around, pink. I'll hold her.' "'Just a minute, Captain. You know what I mean.' "'All I know about you is that you can't be trusted.' "'Seems to me you're getting mighty innocent all at once.' "'You can have your choice, McGlory, of getting aboard or staying behind. For my part I'd a heap site rather leave you behind.' "'You needn't talk that way. I know what I'm doing. I know I'm not to talk to you.' "'All right, pink.' Dick stepped into the boat. "'Let her go.' McGlory turned and looked back up the path, as if listening. Then suddenly he ran out on the landing and got aboard just as the men were pushing off. He took the bow-thwart and settled down without a word. When they reached the schooner he got out the boat-hook and held her steady while Dick climbed out. "'That'll do there,' said Dick, when McGlory and Larson were hoisting the boat up to the daffets. Let her down again. Pink, you'd better take lending and sound the channel ahead of us. We'll start right out.' "'That ain't necessary,' put in the mate hurriedly. I can take her out.' Dick turned and looked him over sharply. "'How do I know you wouldn't run her aground? You seem to be raising the devil, generally.' "'I ain't a fool,' replied the mate with an impatient gesture. "'I'd feel a little safer if you were. Well, all right. Pink, make her fast. We'll let him try it.' McGlory took the wheel and Dick sat by him on the cabin trunk. They went out as they had come in, gaining a rod here and a yard there, as the vagrant night breezes stirred the trees and faintly rippled the water. Up forward the men settled down as quietly as if working out of burnt cove after midnight were a part of the daily routine. Dick smoked in silence. The mate alone was nervous. For some reason he seemed as anxious now to get out of the cove as he had been to get into it. Occasionally his eyes wandered back toward the darker spot where the landing was. Once he seemed to hear something. They were then in sight of the open lake, and he swung her off quickly to gain headway. Finally Dick asked. Got another row your lady friends stowed away up there? The mate grunted. Maybe thought you'd just drop her on for a little call. That the idea? No, that ain't the idea. I didn't know you were a Mormon. Another grunt. Case of temporary mental aberration perhaps. You thought you owned the schooner, or maybe you dreamed I was going to give it to you. Not for its intrinsic value, but as a token of affection and esteem. That it? No, that ain't it, and you know it ain't. Oh, I'm in the secret, am I? McGlory leaned across the wheel and looked at him. Are you a trying to make me think you don't know why I come here? I certainly am. Well, you beat me. Then we're in the same condition. It isn't exactly usual, you know, to take another man's schooner off for a summer cruise without asking him if you don't mind. Of course, between friends it's all right. Only there are some little formalities that are customary, but I suppose you aren't going to tell me anything about it, why you did it. The mate said nothing. They were now slipping out into deep water where the breeze could fill the sails, and the schooner began to heal and to nose through the ripples with a grateful sound. The light was stronger out here, and the mate could see the captain's face more plainly. What he saw there answered several questions that lay unspoken in his mind. I'll take the wheel now, said Dick. Hold on, don't you go forward. Wait here till I get through with you. He raised his voice and called to the others. Come back here, boys, all of you. And when the crew was grouped about the wheel, Pink here is going to be my mate for the rest of this trip. I want you to take his orders the same as if they were mine. McGlory has nothing more to say on this schooner. That's all. The men looked at each other. The Swedes were slow to grasp what he said. McGlory stood back in the shadow, and his face told nothing. Harper was excited. That's all, I tell you. You can go back. They went at this. All but Pink who lingered. Captain. Well, what is it? I was just going to say it's more in square. You've been more in white to me. Hold on there. You needn't bother about engrossing any resolutions. You'll find it hard enough. Well, I'm mighty obliged for. Not at all. 36 hours later, when the Marianne was slipping through the island's west of the Straits, and heading southward for the run down Lake Michigan, McGlory slipped aft and addressed Harper who had the wheel. I was sort of hasty a while ago. Pink, when I hit you that time, I hope you ain't a lion that up against me. Pink stared at him, but offered no reply. I was a little excited. You see, Captain Smiley is a good sailor, but he don't know where his own interest is. I ain't got nothing to say to you about Captain Smiley. I know. Say, you ain't got no objections to turn in an honest penny, have you? That depends. Or say, maybe it was a neat little five hundred? Good hard stuff. Where's it coming from? You know where we was, over in Canada. I ought to. Well, Smiley knows all about it. The hell he does. Sure thing he's been there before, more than once. Funny he didn't know the channel then. There ain't a place around the lakes he couldn't sail the anthro if he'd smelled it once. I know, that's the queer part of it. He knows it with his eyes shut. He had some reason or other for putting up the bluff he did. And I'd give just about ten round dollars to know what it was. Better ask him. Watch me. This ain't the kind of thing you can talk out about. I know he knows, and he knows I know. But he's down on me, and there's nothing I can say, here, anyway. What do you want of me? You're the right sort. You've got nerve and a head on you. Help me carry this business through, and I'll divvy up with you. Five hundred sure to start with. What am I to do? Nothing hard. You've got a good stand in with Smiley. Just put in a good word for me, so as he won't fire me before and then he'll be fine. I've got another trip, anyway. You fellows made a mistake this time in not standing by me. I can do better by you than he can, and a lot better. Help me to stay aboard for the next trip, and I'll hand you fifty right now for a sweetener. Well, I'll see what I can do. I've got the fifty down below. I'll get it. Hold on. Don't be in a hurry. You'd better see what I can do for you before you do any sweetening. Make a glory knotted and slipped back to his station. When the watch was changed he went below and settled down to writing a letter on crumpled paper with a pencil. He seemed to be thinking hard. Three times he made a start, only to hold the paper up to the lantern, shake his head over it, tear it up, and stuff the pieces into his pocket. But the fourth attempt, which follows, suited him better. Dear Estelle, I ain't done the trick I was going to do this trip. The captain woke up too soon and stopped me. But I've got a fellow here on board that's going to see me through next trip, so don't you go down to Saginaw yet. Wait till you see me at Spencer's, and I'll tell you all about the scheme. It'll be worth a thousand cool, anyway. I should say it's worth waiting for. I'm doing it for you, you know, so don't you get impatient, but just wait a little longer and we'll have a gay old time. Joe. When he gave the wheel to Dick, Harper repeated to him the whole conversation and asked him what he made of it. Give it up. You don't think he's laying for you, do you? I couldn't tell what he was up to. Of course, he wouldn't hardly let me see into his game the first time we talked. Oh no, hardly. Will I go on letting him talk to me? If you see any fun in it. It ain't that. I thought maybe we could find out what he's after. I don't want to know about it, but you don't think he'll try to stick it into you anyway? Let him try. He can't do much harm. Well, take my advice, Pink, and quit thinking about him. I don't like this business any more than you do, but the worse it is, the less I want to know about it. When we get back, we'll fire him and that will end it. Don't you think we'd better tie him up or something? That wouldn't do any good. You'd better tumble below and get some sleep. There's nothing like it when you're a little worked up. Dick had indeed something else to think of than his rascal of a mate. Only four days of sailing, if the wind should hold, lay between the Marianne and the Annie for whom she had been named. These days would slip away before he knew it. And then? The uncertainty was hard, but still he dreaded the meeting. That might be harder still. Off Waukegan, on the last day, the wind swung around to the south, nearly dead ahead, and as the schooner lost headway and was forced into beating it windward, the dread suddenly gave place to impatience. So variable were his thoughts indeed, as the miles slipped a stern, and the long green bluff that ends in Gross Point grew nearer and planer, that his courage oozed away. Far down the lake between the Lakeview Crib and the Horizon was a speck of a sail. Dick's heart sank. He knew as if he could make out the painted name that it was the captain. He watched it hungrily as the Marianne, headed in close to the Waterworks Pier, swept easily around and started on the last outward tack. Then he called to pink and had the sheets hauled close, and he laughed softly and nervously as the schooner responded with a list to port and a merry little fling of spray. He could at least come in with a rush with all his colors flying. He was waiting for the tiny sail to swing around the Point Northward. He was disappointed. He reached for the glass and took a long look, then lowered it, and smiled bitterly. There were two figures seated in the stern of the captain. The Schmidt was lying on the south side of the pier, and the wind enabled Dick to come easily up on the opposite side and make fast. It was late in the afternoon and Dick released the two Swedes, both of whom had families on shore. Then he crossed the pier between the high piles of lumber and found Henry sitting quietly as usual in his cabin. To the older man's greeting Dick responded moodily. I want to talk to you, Henry. What's my reputation anyhow among the boys? Do they call me mean or a driver or hard to get along with? Henry looked at him curiously and shook his head. I never heard anything of that sort. Your row with rope was the only thing, and I guess he was a poor stick. Well, I'm through with McGlory, too. Through with him? Henry was startled. You haven't discharged him? No, but I'm going to, to-night. I've brought him back here, and he wants to stay, but I won't have him aboard another minute. What's the trouble? Dick gave him the whole story, including the conversation between McGlory and Harper up in the Straits. I don't like the sound of it very well, said Henry, when he had finished. Couldn't you get on with him a little longer? After that? I know, there is some devil-tree behind it, but still, he is a good man. You'll have hard work finding a better. And honest, I would kind of hate to face Captain Stensenberger myself with this story. Why? I can't have a man around that's going to steal my schooner and my sleep. Oh, well, he could never do that again. I can't see what he was thinking of. Do you see into it at all? Dick had been staring at the cabin table. At this question he raised his eyes for an instant with an odd expression. I know all I want to. The whole thing is so outrageous that I'm not going to try to follow it up. He talked to your man about a rake-off, didn't he? Dick nodded. What do you suppose he was going to rake? Dick, whose eyes were lowered, and who was therefore unconscious of the pallor of his cousin's face, said nothing. I know we don't look at some things quite the same, Dick, Henry went on, but if anybody on my schooner is going to do any raking, he has got to see me first. A dollar's a dollar, my boy. When you're my age, you'll think so, too. I don't mix in this business. No more would I, but it seems to me, if McGlory's got some way of his own of making a little pile, and if you could have your share for just letting him stay aboard, you'd be sort of a fool not to do it. Excuse me! Henry smiled indulgently. There's nothing very bad in what you have told me. Of course, if there are things you haven't told me, it might make a difference. You have the whole story. Do you know, Dick, you make me think of the folks up at the college here. You know that brewer that died repentant and left $500,000 to the biblical school? Well, a lot of the old preachers got stirred up over it, and made them refuse the money. Made them refuse $500,000 cash. Good Lord! If these particular folks would look into the private history of all the dollars in the country, they'd never touch one of them, not one. There isn't a dollar of the lot that hasn't got a bad spot somewhere. Like the rest of us. The main thing is, are your own hands clean when you take it? If they are, the dollar can't hurt you. But look here, Henry. My mind's made up about this. I won't have that fellow on my schooner. Going to turn him off tonight? Yes, right now. All right. You can send him over here. I'll give him a bunk till morning. But what are you going to do for a mate? Pink is all right. I could go farther and do worse. All right. Tell Joe to bring his things along. End of Chapter 5. Chapter 6 of the Marianne This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush. December 2009 The Marianne by Samuel Merwin Chapter 6 The Red Seal Label It was on Friday morning when the Marianne had sailed away from Lakeville for her first trip to Spencers. On this same Friday another set of persons were passing through a series of events which concern this story. Dick had sailed out at daybreak. A few hours later, when the morning was still young, Roke, who had come down by train from Manistee, was hanging about near the teamsters' friend. Now standing on the corner by the lumber office, looking stealthily up and down the street, now passing by on the opposite sidewalk, closely watching the screened windows. Finally he crossed over and entered the saloon to ask for McGlory. Murphy, the senior partner in the business, who lived a few blocks away, came in for his day's work and found Roke there. McGlory, said Murphy, won't be back for a week or so. At this, with an angry exclamation, Roke went out. The quantity of bad whisky he had taken in since his discharge from the Marianne at the Manistee Pier had not worked to change his humor or to calm his faculties. He was plunging around the lumber office into a side street when beverage, who had been watching his every movement, accosted him. Beg pardon, have you got a match? Hey, what's that? Have you got a match? A match? Why, sure. Much obliged. I've got the cigars, better make a fair trade. You'll find them a good smoke. Well, don't care if I do. Here, you can't lighten this wind. Oh, yes, I'm Irish. Say, haven't I seen you somewhere? Couldn't say. Why, sure I have. Isn't your name Roke? That's what it is. And your mate of the Marianne, sailing out of Lakeville. You're wrong there. No, I'm sure of it. I've seen you too many times. Why, do you belong out there? Yeah. Yes, I live at Lakeville. Well, look here. I'll tell you how it is. I was on the Marianne. But I ain't any more. Oh, you quit Smiley. You're right, I quit him. No more Smiley for me. What's the trouble? What ain't the trouble, you'd better say. But I ain't tellin'. Smiley's done me dirt. And I know him for just what he is. But I ain't tellin'. They were passing another saloon, and Roke accepted an invitation to step in. I've seen Smiley a good deal around the piers, said the young fellow, when they were seated. Likes to swagger some, doesn't he? Oh, he's no good. Mean to work for? Those conceited fellows generally are. He's mean, yes. But that ain't the worst thing about him. Roke paused, guardedly, and said, I'm sorry. Roke paused, guardedly, and glanced around the empty room. I don't know much about him myself. Just seen him now and then. But, of course, I've heard things. I'll tell you right here. You ain't the only one that'll be here in things before much longer. Another cautious glance around. You don't happen to know anything about law, do you? I've studied it some. Well, look here. I know some things about Dick Smiley. And if it was worth my while, I'd tell him. But, you see, I am an honest man, and I've got my living to make. And he's just cute enough to lie about me and try to drag me down with him. Folks might say I didn't quit him the first minute I found him out. I can't run no risks, you see. I can tell you this much. But, of course, it's none of my business. Go on. Well, it depends on the case. But if he has done anything serious, and if the authorities find it hard to get evidence against him, you probably wouldn't have any trouble, even if you were right in with him. A man can turn states evidence, you know. But I wasn't in with him. When I'd found him out, I'd quit him the first good chance I got. Yes, of course. But it all depends. I couldn't tell you anything more because I don't know the case. It all depends on how bad they want me. It all depends on how bad they want him. They want him bad enough. He dropped his voice and leaned across the table. Did you ever hear a whiskey gym? You don't mean to say. Roke nodded. Why, man, you're rich. How do you make that out? Haven't you seen the papers? Roke shook his head. There's a reward of five thousand up for whiskey gym. Who will give it? The consolidated dealers. You see, there has been a counterfeit label of the Red Seal brand on the market. And I understand the liquor men have been running it down and putting the Treasury agents on the track to protect their business. Five thousand, eh? And do you think we could make it? If you have the evidence to convict this whiskey gym, we can. But now, before we go into this, what sort of an arrangement will you make with me? What sort of an arrangement will you make with me if I steer it through for you? What would you want? Well, I should go at it something like this. I should go to the United States Treasury officials and tell them I could get them the evidence they want if they would agree not to prosecute us. It would take some managing, but it can be done. But I can't do it for nothing. What do you want? Say, one thousand. That's twenty percent. Too much. Not for the work to be done. Remember, I agree to get you off without any more trouble than just giving in your evidence. But I don't need to get off. I ain't done nothing. No, I understand. Of course not. Say, five hundred and it's a go. No, sir, I can't do it for that. I might take seven hundred and fifty, but it's too much. A damned sight too much. You'd ought to do it for less. Couldn't think of it. Well, is it a go? I suppose so. Alright, that's understood. If I can get the five thousand for you, you will hand me seven hundred and fifty. Now, I suppose the sooner we get at this, the better for both of us. When can I see you and talk it over? You might come around this afternoon. Say, two o'clock. That's alright. Where do you live? I'm stopping over on North Clark. Forty-two, seventy-two and a half. Third floor. You'll be around then, will you, Mr. Bedlow's my name. Yes, I'll be there at two sharp. But at two o'clock, when beverage called at the boarding house on North Clark Street, I'll be there at two o'clock. When he called at the boarding house on North Clark Street, he found that Roke was gone. He only stopped here a day, said the landlady. This noon he paid me and said he was called out of town by a telegram. Did he say when he would be back? He didn't know. Did he leave his things? No, what little he had he took along. Beverage turned thoughtfully away and walked around the corner where Wilson was awaiting him. He had no means of knowing that Roke was already well on the way to Spencer where Smiley saw him a few days later. Not there, Bill, asked Wilson. No, skipped. Lost his nerve, eh? I guess so. Well, now what? Nothing until I see Madge tonight. Do you really expect anything there? I don't know. I don't know. It's a chance, that's all. Do you think she'll keep her promise? Couldn't say. I'll give her a chance anyhow. She did keep it. Very shortly after five while Beverage was riding slowly up and down near the meeting place he saw her coming and his eyes lighted up with surprise. He could not know how much thought had been given to the effect which pleased him so. He only observed that she looked like a young girl in her short-wheeling skirt and leggings and with her natty little cap and well-arranged hair. They found St. Paul's Park gay with lights and music when they arrived. Dancing had been going on all the afternoon on the open-air platform. The Ring the Cain booth and, every time you knock the baby down you get a five-cent cigar booth were surrounded by uproarious country folk with only here and there among them. A little way down the slope through the grove ran the sluggish north branch a really inviting spot in the twilight and to this spot it was that Beverage led the way after checking the wheels. The boats don't amount too much he said to Madge as he helped her down the bank but I guess we can have a good time anyhow. She did not reply to this but there was a sparkle in her eyes and a flush on her cheek that drew an admiring glance from Beverage. He took the clumsy oars and pulled upstream under the railroad bridge past all the other boats on into the farming country where the banks were green and shaded. Pretty nice isn't it? said he. She nodded. They could hear the music in the distance and occasionally the voices but around them was nothing but the cool depths of an oak copes. They were reclining in the stern looking lazily at the dim muscular outlines of her oarsmen. You row well, she said. I ought to. I was brought up on water. You don't know how this takes me back said Madge dreamily. I couldn't tell you how long it is since I had been out in the country like this. He pulled a few strokes before replying. Didn't McGlory ever take you out? I don't like to think about him now. Let's talk of something else. I'm glad you don't like to. That's the only thing that bothers me. What, Joe? Yes. Oh, he needn't bother you. I can't help it. You see, you're... His wife? Yes, so I am. But I'm... What, Madge? I don't know what you would think if I said it. Say it, please. She glanced into his face. He saw with surprise that her eyes were shining. Well, I was going to say that... that I'm about through with him. Do you mean that, Madge? She was silent. Perhaps she had not meant to say so much. Has he been ugly to you? It isn't his meanness altogether. If that were all, I could have stood it. I have tried hard enough to love him all the while, even after he first struck me. You don't mean. She smiled, half bitterly, and rolled her sleeves above her elbow. Even in that faint light he could see the discoloration on her forearm. He meant it for my head, she said. He's a brute. She smiled again. Didn't you know that a woman can love a brute? It wasn't that, even when he made me live in the saloon, and when I found out what his business really was, she paused. I was brought up on a little better than this, you know. Yes, I have always thought that. And when I learned that he wasn't, well, honest, much. Oh, I guess he is not dishonest, is he? He is bad enough, I'm afraid. I don't know. I don't believe it would do any good to tell you. No, don't, if you'd rather not, Maj. I don't care. I'd just assume. You don't know what a relief it is to have somebody I can talk out with. I have guarded my tongue so long, and I suppose even after all that that if he hadn't left me, you don't mean that he has gone. She nodded. It comes to the same thing. He will drop in once in a while, I suppose, but he's gone back to the lake with Captain Smiley, and that means that he wants to see. She turned toward the shadow of the oaks. There's somebody up in Michigan that, that he... Oh, said Beverage. Yes, I have known her to long while. She turned, looked at him, and spoke impetuously. Do you think he, anybody, could say I hadn't stood all a woman ought to stand? Her reel in motion caught Beverage off his guard for an instant he hesitated. Then he said gently, Don't let her disturb you now, Maj. I don't think he can bother you much more. There is no reason why that shouldn't all slip into the past. I wish it could. Beverage was silent for a moment. He wished to lead her into telling all she knew about McGlory and his ways, yet he hesitated to abuse the confidence so frankly offered. But, however... There is one thing about it, though, Maj, he said quietly. If he is on the lake he will have to go where his boat goes and there isn't much chance for him to get into bad ways, even if, as you think, he is dishonest. He will have to behave himself until he gets back to town. You don't understand, she cried. It is just there on the water that he can do the most harm. I'm going to tell you anyway. I don't care. He is a smuggler or a moonshiner or something. I don't know what you would call it. A moonshiner here in Chicago? She nodded nervously. He is only one of them. I have known it for a long time and sometimes I have thought I ought to speak out. But then he... Oh, you don't know what a place he has put me into. What he has dragged me to. There is one thing I will say for Joe. He is not the worst of them. The rest are smarter than he is and I believe they have used him for a cat's paw. But he is bad enough. You don't know how hard this is to believe, Maj, that a man sailing on a decent lumber schooner can manage to do enough moonshining or even smuggling to hurt anybody. But that is just it. It is in the lumber. In the lumber. He had stopped rowing and was leaning forward. Had her own excitement been less she could hardly have failed to observe the eager note in his voice. Oh, yes, I know about it. But it's no use saying anything. They will never catch the headman. He is too smart for them. Beverage took her hand and held it gently in both his own. Don't let's think any more about any of them, Maj. I don't wonder it excites you. It would anybody. But you are through with them all now. She sat up ridgid and looked at him. Are you sure I am? Yes. But how? Joe is my husband. Tell me what you mean. What am I to think? You see what I have done? I have let you bring me out here. I have told you things that could put Joe in prison. Do you mean that you can help me? That I can get free from him? For a moment beverage thought of turning and rowing back. But he was not yet through. He had taken an unexpected turn. But he would not retreat now. You are willing to be free? He whispered. Oh, yes. To leave him forever? Yes. Then we understand each other, Maj. It may take some time. I don't care. I don't care for anything now. I shall have to do some thinking. Do you think it will be hard? No. But we shall see. Shall we start back? I'm afraid you won't get home till pretty late now. It doesn't matter. I'm alone there now, you know. But still, perhaps we'd better. As they rode down the stream and later on the ride back to the city beverage could not but be fascinated by Maj in the flow of spirits that had come with the freedom of this evening. She liked to look at him and to laugh at his little jibberish. She caressed him in a hundred ways with her voice and her eyes. She rode her wheel with the lightness of youth and led the way flying down the paved streets of the city. And when at last she dismounted at the teamsters' friend and unlocked the side door she was in a merry glow. Come in, she said. Don't you want to get to sleep? It is late. I'm not tired. We must have something to eat. After that ride, wasn't it fine? So he went in with her and they sat down to a cold lunch in the dining room. When he rose to go and they were both lingering in the dining room door he said, smiling. By the way, Maj, while I think of it I want an empty bottle. Come out into the bar room. You can help yourself. She lighted the gas for him in the middle of the bar and rummaged among some bottles and flasks that stood on the floor. At length he found one that seemed to suit him and stood a moment looking intently at the label. Do you find what you want? Yes, this will do first rate. She followed him to the door and said as he stood on the step, when am I to see you again? In a few days. Not tomorrow? No, I'm afraid not. I expect to be out of the city over Sunday. I have to go where I'm sent, you know. Do you know? She said with a smile. You have not told me anything about your business. Why, I hardly think I know anything about you. You will soon know enough. She smiled again. Wait, you will have to be a little careful about coming. Mr. Murphy goes away about ten o'clock every night. You might come a little later and then if Joe isn't here I will be down. If you don't see me you mustn't ask any questions. I won't. And you will be thinking about... Yes, we'll talk it over next time. Good night. Good night, she replied, and when he had walked a little way he heard her humming a tune to herself in the doorway. Wilson was sitting in the shadow on the steps of the lumber office. He rose and came forward. Hello, Bill. That you, Bert? What's left of me? If I'd known you were going to be gone half the night I'd have brought a blanket. Couldn't help it. I suppose not. Not even if she'd been fifty-five with red hair and a squint, eh? Beverage, instead of laughing, made an impatient gesture. Come out here in the light, Bert. Nobody around, is there? No, our friend the policeman went by ten minutes ago. Just as well he didn't see you with your friend. They say he's a chum of McClory's. See what you think of this, said Bedlow, drawing the bottle from under his coat. Hello, you don't mean to say you've got it. Take a good look. Yes, sir, well I'll be. There's the red seal and the left foot a little out of drawing and the right hand turned out instead of in. And is it? Yes, an imperfection in the capital C. Yes, sir, you've got it. I won't say another word, Bill. You're a wizard. You must have hypnotized her. Well, I got it, no matter how. And I got something else, too. Here, step into the lumberyard before we're seen. Stensenberger doesn't keep a private watchman, does he? No, he doesn't need it, with his friendly hold on the police. A board was loose in the rear fence. Within a very few minutes, the two men were stepping cautiously between the piles of lumber, beverage peering eagerly into the shadows, his companion watching him and following close behind. Wish we'd brought a lantern, Bill. I thought of it, but it would hardly be safe. Come this way, over by the Murphy and McClory shed. That's where it would have to be handled. Silently they tiptoed forward, reaching out with their hands to avoid a collision with the projecting timbers. Once, beverage tripped and would have fallen if Wilson had not caught his arm. Wait, keep still, Bert. It's all right, we're way back from the street here. It isn't the street I'm watching. See that light? He pointed up to a second-story window in the adjoining building. She's still up, and it's awful quiet around here. A moment later, beverage stopped and sniffed. What is it, Bill? Don't you smell anything? Yes, guess I do a little. But there are a lot of old kegs and bottles on the other side of the fence. There are no old kegs about this. He moved forward, feeling and sniffing his way along a pile of 12 by 12 timbers. Here, have you that big jackknife on you, Bert? Yes, here it is. Cautiously, very cautiously, beverage began prying at the end of one of the big sticks. Shall I lend a hand, Bill? No, it's got to be done without leaving any signs of our being here. It may take time. A thing is in for keeps all right. During fully a quarter of an hour, they stood there, beverage prying with a long blade of the knife, his companion watching him without a word. Finally, beverage gave a suppressed exclamation. Fetched her? Yes, take hold, easy now. Together, they pulled a long, circular plug from the end of the timber and set it on the ground. Just put your arm in there, Bert. Well, I'll be. Did she tell you about this? She certainly did. But how did you do it, man, without letting on? Never mind about that, replied beverage shortly. Yes, sir, it's all there, no end of it. All right, now that's enough. Let's put the plug back. Now's the time for us to go slow. You're right there. Even with this, it will be awful hard to bring it home. The next thing to get is the man. I wish we knew where that fellow rope went. What do you think? I'd be willing to buy him a new hat if he isn't on the train for northern Michigan just about now. But we don't need him very bad. We want a bigger man than him. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of The Mary Ann This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush, December 2009. The Mary Ann by Samuel Merwin. Chapter 7. Drawing Together The eleven days Dick had given her for considering were going faster than any other days Annie had known. To make it worse, she had to pass them alone, for Beverage, who was always diverting, hardly appeared after Dick sailed away. It was now the afternoon of the tenth day, a bright, cool afternoon, the southerly breeze and a rippling lake. She was in her room, looking out at the pier where the Schmidt lay, when a voice caught her ear. She stepped nearer to the window and then could see Beverage and his friend Wilson standing on the beach. While she looked, Wilson said good-bye and strolled over to the pier, and Beverage turned irresolutely toward the house on stilts, looking up at the flowering balcony. Annie remembered that she had not watered her flowers. She always waited until the shadows crept around to the eastern side of the house. They were here now, so filling her picture she stepped out. Beverage, fully recovered from the odd sensations of his evening with Madge, raised his cap, but found that she had turned her back on him and was absorbed in her forget-me-nots. Annie, he called, aren't you going to speak to me? Oh, she came to the railing. Oh, how do you do? Won't you come out? Why, I suppose I might. All right, I'll wait down here. When she appeared on the steps, he suggested a sail. I don't mind if the wind holds. It's not very strong, and it may go down with the sun. She was looking about from lake to sky with the easy air of a veteran mariner, and he was looking at her. Let's chance it. So they pushed out, and at the moment when Dick and the Marianne were coasting along the bluffs above Gross Point, the captain was skimming out on a long tack for the Lakeview Reef. Little was said until they were entering on the second mile, then this from Beverage lounging on the Windward Rail. Have you been thinking about our talk that evening, Annie? Oh, dear, thought Annie, but she said nothing. You haven't forgotten what I said. Oh, the evening you came up for me. Yes, and Smiley came later. But you don't—you don't want me to think that you meant— But I did, Annie. Do you remember I told you I thought I had a fair chance to be something in the world? Well, I'm nearer it than I thought, even then. There are a good many things I'm going to tell you some day, not just yet, but when you know them you will understand why I dared to talk this way. If I didn't believe I was going to be able to do for you all you could want and more, if I didn't feel pretty sure I could help you to grow up away from this beach to get into surroundings that will set you off as you deserve, I'd never have said a word. But I can do these things, Annie, and if I could only know that I had the right to do them for you, I want to take you away from here. But I don't want to leave the beach. I know. I think I understand just how you feel. It's natural. You were born here. You've never seen anything else. But I can't stay here, and I can't go without you. I can't get along anywhere without you. But—what, Annie? You've got along very, very well lately. No, that's just it. I haven't. My work has kept me out of town. Your work? Yes, I've— Mr. Beverage, are you a student or aren't you? I— Tell me, please, some of the things you have said I don't understand. Well, no, I'm not. Then what you have said hasn't been true? No, some of it hasn't. And yet you— She hesitated. In a very little while, Annie, maybe only a day or two, some surprising things are going to happen. I wish I could tell you, but I can't. I have been perfectly honest with you. No, don't look at me that way. It is true, and if I have misled you in one or two little things, it was only because I couldn't honestly tell you the whole truth yet. A few days more and you shall know everything. I'm not a student. If I were, I could never offer you what I do offer you now. He straightened up. His eyes lighted and an eager note in his voice compelled her attention. I have made a big strike, Annie, or so near it, that it can't get away from me now. I have no earthly business to tell you this. I never talked so to anyone before. But I have offered you everything, myself and all I have, which would be poor business not to trust you with part of my secrets, too. I want you to know, because I trust you, and because I am going to be able to spare you some disagreeable scenes." He leaned forward. Tell me, Annie, when does Dick Smiley come back? She turned and looked up the lake. His eyes followed hers. There, on the horizon, were the white sails of the Mary Ann. Then I can tell you sooner than I thought. Tomorrow. Tomorrow night I'll tell you everything. And maybe you will tell me, too. Everything. Will you, Annie, if I come for you tomorrow night and tell you all about myself, will you give me your answer? She was still looking northward. Tomorrow was Dick's eleventh day. I can't, she said slowly. I have an engagement for tomorrow evening. Not. Not with him. She nodded. Break it, Annie, break it. Or no, wait. I won't say that. We'll just leave it. I'm willing to let it work itself out. I think maybe when tomorrow comes you won't want to see him any more than I want you to. I won't tell you he is a rascal. I'd rather let you find it out for yourself. I want you to know why I've spoken out this way and how hard I have tried to save you from doing something you would regret all your life. She was bewildered. Tell me this, Annie. Haven't you an aunt or anything here in town? Yes. Her voice was hardly audible. Aunt Lizzie lives up by the waterworks. Do you go up there much? Sometimes. Won't you go to-day and stay over till tomorrow about this time? Why? It may save you annoyance. I think some disagreeable things are going to happen here. I'd rather not have you at home. It's only on your account. I don't see what can happen to me at home. Nothing will happen to you, but don't ask me to tell you now. Tomorrow evening I'll come up for you and bring you down, and then I'll tell you everything. You see, I must have your answer tomorrow. I shall probably have to go right away, and I couldn't go thinking I had left this, one thing of all that I care about, unsettled. I want you to know that everything in the world I have to offer you is yours forever. I want you to know this, and then, when you've thought it over and realized what it means for both of us, I want you to come to me and give me your hand and tell me that... that it's all right, that you give me everything too. A long silence. Let's sail up toward the waterworks now, Annie. I'll drop you off there at the pier and bring the captain down alone. She looked again toward the Marianne. He read her thoughts. We needn't pass her. We'll run in close to the shore. She shook her head. I'm going to turn back. And back they turned. In vain he urged her, reproached her, pleaded with her. Hardly a word could he get during all the run back to the beach. He pulled up the boat for her and walked by her side to the steps. There, with an odd pressure of the lips, she shook her head at him as if afraid to trust her voice and mounted the steps. Annie, you haven't told me. Will you go? She shook her head again and entered the house. Beverage, motionless, looked after her. Finally he turned and glanced with a troubled air at the approaching schooner. Then at the sleepy pier where he could see Wilson stretched out flat holding out a bamboo fish pole over the water. Behind the house Captain Fargo was mending his nets. Beverage heard him humming a song as he worked and after hesitating a moment longer walked around and greeted him. How do you do, Captain? How are you? The fisherman straightened his spare old figure and looked at the young man. His face was brown above the beard and criss-crossed with innumerable fine wrinkles. Beverage knew in meeting those faded blue eyes with their patient subdued expression that he was facing a man whom he could trust. I have something to say to you, Captain, that may be a surprise. I want Annie. You want her? Yes, you may think I've not known her very long but it has been long enough to show her that I can't go on any longer without her. Captain Fargo stood for a moment without replying then asked simply, What does she say? It isn't settled. I have told her how I feel and asked her for an answer to-morrow night. Isn't she a little young? I don't think so. And you, you're a student? No, I'm not. Do you think you could support her? I'm afraid we have taught her to expect more and her position would seem to make right. Yes, I can support her comfortably. You see, I... Hasn't Annie told me you were a student? Yes, I told her that myself. There was a reason for it, Captain. The situation is unusual and my only chance of keeping her out of what is to come lies in talking it out plainly with you. He swept the beach with a swift glance, stepped close to the older man and spoke rapidly and eagerly in a subdued voice. The Captain removed his hat and looked out over the water with a distressed expression. Are you sure you were right about this? He asked, when beverage had finished. Perfectly. You know it is generally easy to prove a thing when your mind's set on it. There is no doubt whatever my mind is set on nothing but carrying out my orders. Do you think I would tell you this if I didn't have the whole case right in my hands, cold? I tell you, I've got it. It's the end of one of the worst cases in fifty years. Well, I don't know. I hate to think it. In my business we learn not to think anything. I always thought Maxwell would live and die in the work. If there was a clean man and a good friend to me anywhere on earth, it was Tommy Maxwell. But he had this work before me and they paid him, I don't know how much, to cover the scent and skip to Mexico. After all his experience, Tommy couldn't walk by that offer. And now he must end up in Mexico for it. If I told you about the men and the methods that I have had to fight in this business, you would find it hard to believe me. In some ways it has been even a dangerous case. This was beverage's first opportunity to free his mind and his tongue was threatening to run loose. He was speaking with a certain pride. You know there is one of us shot on the average every year in this work. I don't know," said Fargo again. Maybe you are right about her going. It wouldn't be pleasant for her. I'll speak to her mother about it. Of course, the sooner the better. Yes, I'll go in now. One minute, Captain. You understand, don't you, my putting it before you. It's just to spare Annie. There may be rough work. Yes, I understand. You will hardly find it necessary to tell Mrs. Fargo what I have told you. No, I suppose not, though it would be perfectly safe with her. If you don't mind, I'd rather not. Very well. The Captain went into the house and beverage walked away. The Marianne was at the moment coming slowly and toward the north side of the pier. When he had nearly reached the pier, beverage turned and stood frowning and snapping his fingers. A glance told him that Wilson had just hauled out a fine perch and was baiting his hook for another. He turned toward the house and found that the Captain was approaching him. Well, said beverage, will she go? I haven't said anything yet. I thought I'd turn it over in my mind. Aren't you pretty young for this work, Mr. beverage? Not so very. Do as you like about it. I have said all I can. Oh, it's all right, of course. Well, I'll step in and see how Annie feels about going. A second time they parted and a second time, beverage walked away. He looked over his shoulder and saw Annie running down the beach for something she had left in the Captain. He hurried back and intercepted her. Annie? Yes. You see, I have gone a good way in telling you what I have. Oh, of course. If you want to take it back. But I don't, not a word of it. I was only going to say... He hesitated again. She waited. It isn't what I have asked you for myself. That stands, Annie, and always will. It's the other, don't you see, how I have put myself in your hands? I never did such a thing before in my life. By letting you know that there's going to be something going on here tonight and by asking you to be away, I have put a lot of power in your hands. You won't mind. You won't be offended if I ask you not to breathe a word of it to a soul? He waited, hoping for some reassuring word or sign, but she only looked at him with wide eyes. You see, a chance word might undo everything, if... He glanced out toward the two schooners. If a hint of the facts gets out there to him, don't you see? It simply can't happen. You know why I've told you. It was because I love you, because I want to save you from it all. That's why I've put myself in your hands. But all she said was... Don't say any more. I must go in. He was silent, but with one foot on the first step she turned. Wait, tell me. Yes? Tell me, have you anything to do with that revenue cutter that was in here the other day? Oh, dear Annie, you mustn't ask me that. Then she hurried into the house. In the kitchen Captain Fargo was trying to tell his wife some half truths. Never an easy thing for him to do. But what is it? What's the trouble? I don't see that anything could happen here that it would hurt her to see. It wouldn't hurt her, but it really would be better to take her up to Lizzie's. You and she could come back tomorrow. Oh, it's me too. Now what is all this about anyway? The Captain, instead of replying, spoke to himself. I can't believe it. There has been a mistake made. They never should have sent a boy of his age to do such work. What work? Is there something you have promised not to tell me? Yes, there is. Don't ask me what it is. Just talk it over with Annie and see if she won't go with you up to Lizzie's. Mrs. Fargo, through a glance at her husband, hesitated, then went up to Annie's room. Let me in, dear. Annie obeyed. I want you to put on your things and go out with me. Not to Aunt Lizzie's? Yes, your father thinks. Has he been talking to father then? Your father and I have been talking it over. He hasn't told me just why he asks it. But I know. Oh, do you? There was a note of burning curiosity in these three words. Yes, I do, and I don't believe a word of it. It's nothing very bad, I hope. Oh, I don't mean that I understand it all, but I know something about it. Mr. Beverage had no right to go to father. Oh, it was Mr. Beverage. Yes, it was. Tell me, mother, did he—do you know what else he said? No, I haven't asked him. But he wants us to go very much, and I don't think we had better say anything. He wants you to go too? Yes. Now, mother, you won't think I'm very bad if I don't go. I'm afraid your father—father doesn't understand it himself, I'm sure. It's all a mistake. Your father thinks that, too. Oh, does he? Then he won't mind if I don't go. I don't know. I'll tell him what you say. The mother slipped out and returned to the kitchen. She doesn't want to go, father. But I have asked her to. I can't explain to you or her. She seems to know more than you do. She says it's a mistake. It is, it must be. But I said, Now, father, don't you think we'd just better not say anything more? Nobody is going to hurt us in our own home. No, he said that himself. Well, now, suppose we just let her have her way. I could see something was troubling her, and I think she'd best be let alone. The captain had done what he could, so now he returned to his nets and left his wife to begin getting supper. Beverage was standing at the shore end of the pier waiting for Wilson, fish-pole on shoulder, to approach. Well, what luck, Bert! Wilson held up a small string of perch. Fair! It's too late in the day to catch many. Going up to the house? Yes, I guess so. Then their voices dropped. Where will you be, Bill? In the park here by the road. You will be back early? Yes, as soon as I can make the arrangements. You have spoken to them at headquarters? Yes. All right, so long. So long. At seven o'clock after supper Captain Fargo was hailed by Henry Smiley. How are you, Henry? Glad to see you. You haven't been around much lately? No, too busy. On your way uptown? No, just been. I ran out of tobacco and went up to get some. I generally live on the schooner, you know. I have no other place to go to. That's the devil of it, Captain. When you get to be my age without a home or a near relation there isn't a soul that cares anything about me. I guess you need some supper. Come in with us. Ain't all cold yet? That wouldn't help any. I've got enough to eat. What do you mean by talking about your age? You're young yet. Do you call forty-five young? What do you think of me? I'm most sixty. That's another story. When you go you'll leave something behind to show that your life was worth living. I wasn't much younger than you when I married. None of that for me, said Henry, with a sort of smile. I never was minded to it. If you've seen anything worthwhile about living you're lucky, I never could. Look here, Henry. I don't like to hear you talking that way. What's the matter with you? Another questionable smile. I'll tell you how it looks to me. We have to live with a pack of rascals and heaven help the fools. Henry, you're enough to give a man the blues. I've had enough today to give him to me. To tell the truth, Captain, I don't know what to make of Dick. I'm afraid he is one of the fools. There isn't anything serious the matter is there. This was said nervously. He's young and independent. He has no idea of easing off his own notions so as to keep things running smooth with other people. I've done everything a man could do to help him get on, but it's no use. He antagonizes the only people who can help him. He's bristling all the time. A couple of weeks ago he just naturally got sick of his mate and fired him. I smoothed things over and got the Captain to suggest another, and now he's fired this one and won't have him on his schooner at all. And I've had to take him in for the night. Wasn't there any reason? Reason, yes. I know he means to tell the whole story, but he has no idea how hasty he is sometimes. Mick Glory's so ugly, I could hardly trust my own self with him. I thought the best thing would be to walk off for a while and maybe we'd both cool off. Dick's all right, though, isn't he? No, no trouble or anything. Why, been hearing anything? I... I've thought he wasn't quite himself lately. Why did you think that? Oh, I couldn't say exactly. Why, no, I don't think he's in any trouble. Henry smiled again. I suppose you know as much as I do what's bothering him. No, what is it? Well, now, see here, if it's that way, I oughtn't say anything, but you don't quite follow. Surely you know, just about the little girl. My Annie? Yes, of course, we all know how Dick feels there. Well, I've thought of it, of course. That's another thing that's been bothering me. He's got no earthly business to think of such a thing. I don't know what to make of him anyhow. I used to think I understood him, but lord, he has new sides to him every day. You might as well try to organize a volcano. It's kind of discouraging. He's the nearest approach to something to care about I've got. And if he would only let me, I'd like to sort of push him along. But I don't know. I don't know. I'm afraid I misled you a little just now, Henry. How's that? What I said about not having heard, I have heard something. About Dick? Yes, I can't tell you what. I know it isn't so, but it has bothered me. What sort of thing about his character? In a way, yes. Henry looked sharply at the captain with an expression of doubt and uncertainty. Then he half turned away. You aren't going, Henry. Yes, guess I'd better and see what Micka Glory's up to. I'd let him go back to the city, but I want to see Captain Stensenberger before he does. Good night. Henry walked out on the pier to his schooner. The evening came slowly on and settled over the lake. The breeze instead of dropping with the sun had freshened and now was stirring up little waves that lapped the two schooners and the piling under the pier. Annie, sitting out on her balcony in an inconspicuous dress, her arms on the railing, was listening and watching and waiting. She had heard Henry say good night to her father and had seen him walk out on the pier until he was lost among the lumber piles. She saw the afterglow die in the north. The red-gold lake fade to amber, to gray-blue, almost to black, while the twinkle of the lighthouse on the point went to a powerful beacon and sent an arrow of light deep into the water. She watched the horizon line grow dimmer and dimmer until it disappeared and sky and lake blended in darkness. All was quiet on the pier. The lights of the schooners swayed lazily. Occasionally a voice floated in over the water, a quiet matter-of-fact voice. She looked up the beach, down the beach. All was peaceful. But there was no quiet in Annie's heart. She was rigid, her hands were clasped. Her eyes shifted nervously from point to point. Once she got up and went into her room and tried to read, but in a few moments she was back. And there she sat until the late twilight had darkened into night. Then she rose, passed through the room, leaving the light burning, stepping out into the hall and softly, very softly, closed the door. She stood motionless, still holding the knob. Her father and mother were in the sitting-room quietly talking. She went slowly down the stairs, stepping cautiously over the one squeaky step and slipped through the hall. The sitting-room door was closed. Annie? Yes, mother? Is that you? Yes, I'm out here. What is it? Nothing. I'm going out for a breath of air. Where are you going? Oh, not far. Come in soon, won't you? Yes, of course. I'm not going off anywhere. There was apparently no further need for quiet, yet she was half a minute closing the front door after her. Again she looked up and down the beach. She could see the street now on the low bluff, but no one appeared within the light of the corner gas-lamp. Then she hurried along the beach, climbed up on the pier by some rough steps that she knew, and walked rapidly out toward the schooner, stepping on the balls of her feet and avoiding loose planks. End of Chapter 7 CHAPTER VIII. OF THE MARRY ANNE This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Betsy Bush, January 2010. The Marianne by Samuel Merwin. CHAPTER VIII. THE EVENING OF THE SAME DAY Once within the shadow of the lumber, Annie paused. Not a sound came from the two schooners. She knew that the Marianne lay to leeward on the north side, and after a moment of listening and a glance behind, she turned toward it, making her way by feeling the lumber until she found an opening. In another moment she stood at the edge of the pier, looking down on the schooner. At first she thought Dick must be asleep, for there was no light in the cabin. Then she saw him sitting on the cabin trunk, his hands clasped about his knees, his pipe between his teeth, his eyes fixed on the dark water. The night was still. The lapping of the ripples was the only sound. Dick! she whispered. He turned with a start and removed his pipe. Though he looked directly toward her, he evidently could not see her, for her black dress blended with the shadows. Dick! she said again. This time he ducked under the boom and came across to the rail. Who's there? It's me, Dick. I'm coming down. No, wait! He stepped up beside her and added in a low, uncertain voice. You might wake Pink. He's sleeping below. And before she knew it, his pipe lay on a plank, and he had taken both her hands. You came out to see me, Annie? Yes, but wait, Dick. I don't know how to tell you. I couldn't help coming. He waited for her to go on, but she could not. She could not even withdraw her hands, but stood motionless, her wits fluttering. Finally he spoke. You said you came to tell me. Not that, Dick. Not what you think. It's something else. He released her hands. He even, in his bewilderment, took up his pipe again. I've found something out, Dick. I couldn't let it go by without telling you. It's about Mr. Beverage. Oh, said Dick. Did you think he was a student? Yes, I thought so. Well, he isn't at all. Oh, said Dick again, and then, isn't he? No, he has something to do with. Don't you understand what I'm getting at, Dick? He shook his head. Are you going to make me tell you? You needn't tell me anything you don't want to, Annie. Oh, dear, I don't understand it myself much of it, but I thought you would if what he says is true. It's something about me, then? Yes, Dick, and the revenue cutter. The revenue cutter? Yes, the foot. He has something to do with her. He's a revenue officer, then? Yes, or something. I don't know just what he is, but you understand it now, don't you? Not a bit. But you must, Dick. He says something is going to happen right here. On the pier? Yes. When? Now, tonight. I was afraid it would be before I could get out here, and I had to wait till dark, you know. But how do you know all this, Annie? Mr. Beverage. Mr. Beverage told me more than he meant to, I guess. And then he talked with Father, and Father and Mother both tried to make me go up to Aunt Lizzie's early this evening, so I wouldn't be here. It was to save me from something, they said. But I don't see, Annie. Why don't you go, Dick? I've come out here to tell you, so you can sail away before he comes. Then you won't have any trouble. There's a mistake, I know. And when they have found it out, you can come back. Oh, I wouldn't do that, Annie. I have no reason to go away. If anybody wants to see me, he knows where he can find me. This silenced Annie. She looked at Dick, and then looked away from him out over the lake, not knowing what to say or think. You came out just to warn me, Annie? She nodded. There must be something more, then. Something you haven't told me? No, only he, Mr. Beverage, said a good deal. He tried to make me believe you were dishonest or something. And you didn't believe it? She made no reply to this. She was beginning to think about getting back to the house. When Dick spoke again, it was in a gentler voice. I'm glad you came out, Annie, mighty glad. And I know you'll be glad to find out that he is wrong. Oh, I know that. But there must have been some things I don't understand at all. I don't know, but what it's a good thing he is here. If he can clear it up, it will be better for all of us. So I'll stay right here, and if he wants me, he can have me. That's no reason why I should dodge any man living. I knew it. I'm glad. Then Dick's reserve broke down. He caught her hands again. But you can't tell me you're coming out here doesn't mean anything, Annie. You've told me already what I didn't dare to ask you. No, Dick, let me go. I'm going back. But after this, you can't put me off now, Annie, don't you see? It's no use trying to make me think you would have done this for anybody, because you wouldn't. I know it, and you know it. Now, Dick, please, I'm afraid. If you've only knew how I felt this trip, what a regular hell it has been. You wouldn't keep me waiting any longer. I know tomorrow's the time, and I wouldn't have said a word tonight if you hadn't come out here. But you ARE here, and you have let me know so much that it's only a matter of saying a word. You can't blame me if I take your coming that way. Annie was struggling, and Dick, in his eagerness, was holding her tightly. But she got her hands free now and turned away. Let me go back with you, Annie. I—I'll try not to bother you. I didn't mean to just now. Hang it. I can never trust myself when— No, you mustn't come. Not even good night, Annie. But she hurried off without a word into the shadows, and felt her way nervously until she reached the central roadway, where it was lighter. It was now getting on toward nine o'clock, and nothing had happened. Perhaps nothing was going to happen after all. What with her hope that it all might be a mistake, and her fear that she had come on a fool's errand, Annie was in a pretty state of mind. She did not know what to make of beverage. She did not know what to make of herself. The natural thing, apparently, was to get angry with Dick, and this she was rapidly doing. When she was passing the last but one of the lumber-piles, hurrying along with less caution than she used in coming out, a man appeared out of the shadow and blocked the way. She stepped aside and tried to run by, but he, as quick as she, stepped aside too and caught her wrist. Then she saw that it was beverage. Let me go, she said breathlessly. No, Annie, wait. You decided to warn him, did you? Let me go. You have no right to hold me. Yes, I have. More right than you know. Now tell me, why did you do it? Mr. Beverage. You must wait, Annie. No one is going to hurt you. If you had known what you were doing, you never would have come. It's no place for a woman. But now that you have done this, now that you are here, I think you had better stay and see with your own eyes what you have done. Then perhaps you will believe me. Poor Annie could say nothing more. Her head whirled. She let him lead her back along the roadway. Close to the spot where she had turned off to reach the schooner, Beverage stopped. In a moment he was joined by another man. Bert? Yes, what is it? Want me to take her home? No, wait here, in case I call, and have an eye on the other boat. You aren't going to take her back there? Never you mind what I'm going to do. But look here, Bill, this is no place for. Do what you're told and keep still. Annie heard this muttered conversation without taking it in. Beverage still held her wrist, held it tighter than he knew, but she was hardly conscious of this, either. She was caught up in worlds along on the high wind of events. She was conscious only of Beverage, of a new side to his character. The young man she had known on the beach and aboard the captain had vanished. This Beverage was hard, irresistible. His manner, the atmosphere about him, spoke of some object that must be reached without regard to obstacles. Her Beverage had been friendly, considerate. There was nothing considerate about this man. And yet a part of his object was to convince her that he was right and that Dick was wrong. And she knew why. Dick had gone back to his seat on the cabin trunk. Beverage, gripping Annie's wrist, stood at the pier edge and looked down. Smiley, he said. Dick crossed the deck. I'm Smiley, what is it? I shall have to ask you to come away with me. Who are you? Beverage, Special Agent of the United States Treasury Department. Well, what do you want me for? Dick was peering forward, trying to make out the figure in the background. I guess it isn't necessary to tell you that. I'll give you a minute to get what things you need. Who have you got there? It's me, Dick. Annie. Dick leaped up to the pier. Have you dragged her out here to see? Get back there on your schooner, Smiley. It won't be necessary to do any talking. Anything you say is likely to be used against you. Get back there. Dick looked at him a moment, then jumped down. Beverage followed, helping Annie none too gently. Where's your man Harper? Pink, called Dick. Pink, come up here. In a moment, the sleepy mate appeared. Harper said to Beverage, get an axe, be quick about it. Pink looked at Dick, who said, go ahead, do whatever he tells you. The axe was brought and handed to Beverage. Now, Smiley, you and your man go below, please. Below? To the hold, I'll follow. Pink, said Dick, get a lantern. They had to wait a minute while Pink was lighting the lantern. There they stood, without speaking, each watching the other. Finally, Pink led the way to the open hatch and descended the ladder. Dick followed. Beverage led Annie to the opening. Wait, he said, I'll go first and help you down. Dick, standing below on the timbers, looked up like a flash. I wouldn't try to bring her down if I were you. I'm not talking to you, Smiley. No, but you will be if you bully her much longer. Just try to make her go down that ladder. Try it. Beverage, without heating, turned to Annie. When he turned back, Dick with itching fingers stood on the deck beside him. What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to go below? Annie, said Dick, just say the word, just look at me, if you want, look here. Mr. Beverage, I don't know much about law, but it seems to me you haven't shown me any papers, and until you do, you can have your choice of letting go of her hand, or losing your front teeth, just whichever you like. But Beverage did neither. No, Smiley, said he, we won't get into that sort of talk. After which remark he stooped over and looked down at Pink in his lantern, and at the timbers on which Pink was standing. I guess maybe you can see without going down, Annie. Sit down here and watch what I do. Go ahead, Smiley. Dick again descended the ladder, and the special agent followed, axe in hand. Annie, with horrified eyes, sat limp against the hatch, and took in every motion in that dimly-lighted group below. She saw Dick and Harper stand aside. She saw Beverage raise the axe a little way and bring it down sharply on the end of a stick of lumber, an end that was marked with a circular groove. She saw the timbers split open and a plug fall out. She saw Beverage stoop and dip his fingers in a brown liquid that was flowing from some sort of a broken receptacle. She smelled whiskey. She was confused. She had only a half-understanding of what it meant, but she shivered as if a cold wind were blowing upon her. And when they had all three mounted to the deck and were standing about her, she was still sitting there, holding to something. She knew not what, and gazing with fascinated eyes into the square black hole, blacker than at first, now that Harper was holding the lantern before her on the deck. But she knew when Beverage stepped forward to help her up, only to be brushed aside by Dick, who raised her gently with a low exclamation of pity and helped her across the deck. The three men gathered about her at the rail. Before we go any further, said the agent in a conversational tone, will you men walk into Captain Fargo's house with me and sit down while we talk this over a little? Say you will, I'm willing to take your word, but if not, I have men on the pier and on the bank that might help you to make up your minds. That's not necessary, we'll go with you. Just step up, Annie, put your hand on my shoulder. All right, Mr. Smiley, come, Harper. In passing his assistant, Beverage paused to whisper, I'll be at the house. See that Mick Glory doesn't try to get ashore. If he gives you any trouble, whistle. A few moments more and they were seated around Mrs. Fargo's dining table, Beverage, Dick, Pink Harper, and the old fisherman. Annie was shut in her room, refusing admittance, even to her mother. There's one question that comes up right here, Mr. Smiley, began, Beverage, before we go any further. Is this man Harper one of your accomplices? What do you mean by that? Don't take my time by evasions. You have given me trouble enough now. If you will tell me that he has had little or nothing to do with this business, and if he can give a good account of himself, I'll let him go. What do you say? Will you tell me what you mean? That's enough. I won't waste any more time on it. We'll hold him. Captain, turning to Fargo, there's one thing. I guess you can understand my position. I shall have to call on Annie for a witness a little later. Here, Dick broke out. So that's why you dragged her into this, is it? Be careful what you say, Mr. Smiley. Dick looked hard at him, then glanced around the group, then settled back in his chair. After a short silence, Captain Fargo spoke. This isn't all settled, is it, Mr. Beverage? Dick hasn't told you that what you thought was so. It was hardly necessary. I found the proofs right there on his schooner. Is that right, Dick? It seems to be. You don't mean to say right out that you're a smuggler, Dick? No, I'm not. Captain Fargo was puzzled. He looked from one to the other of the two men until Beverage, with an air of settling the matter, rose. You'd better not throw away any sympathy there, Captain. You can be thankful to find out in time that he's a bad one. I'm only sorry to have to draw your family into it. I tried hard enough not to. Yes, I know that. There was a shout outside, a noise on the steps and a hammering on the door. Then, before the fisherman could get out of his chair, the outer door burst open, and down the hall and into the dining room came Wilson, breathless, his hat still on his head. Well, Bert, he's skipped. McGlory, what were you thinking of? Where'd he go? Beverage was on his feet. No use, Bill, sit down. It'll take a steamer to catch him. You didn't stand there and let him sail off. Wait till I tell you, I was back a little way where the pier narrows, so as he couldn't slip by through the lumber. The schooner he was on, the—the— Schmidt, put in pink. The Schmidt was on the south side, the—the— Marianne, said Pink, was on the north. There's a south wind, you see, and the first thing I knew I heard the tackle creaking off to the left. Thanks, I, that's from the Marianne. Only there ain't a soul aboard her. I ran out and looked and sure enough there she was with two or three men hauling away on the sails. And you didn't stop them? How could I, Bill? You see, they'd cut the ropes and let her drift off down the wind. She was a hundred feet out before they made a move. But what were they doing on the Marianne? Don't you see? said Pink, she can beat the old Schmidt hands down. They'd sneaked across out by the end, added Wilson, while I was near shore. Beverage sat down again and tapped the table nervously as his eyes shifted from one to another of the faces before him. How are they sailing, Bert? Right off north. Before the wind? Yes, sure, said Pink. How could they help it with the south wind? Smiley, Beverage had turned on Dick and was speaking in a keen, hard voice. Where are they going? I couldn't tell you. Think a little. Your memory's poor, maybe. But Dick was stubborn. Pink, however, was struck by a flash of intelligence. How bet I know. Where, Harper? Why, to Spencer's, where we just come from. Where's that? Around in Lake Huron. If I had a chart here. Captain, ain't you got a chart of Lake Huron? Except for Pink's eager voice the room was still. The four other men sat like statues leaning forward. As he waited for the reply the boy became suddenly conscious of the odd expression on their faces. He had meant to help both Dick and himself. Was he helping? The thought that had already found a place in Dick's mind, the thought that they were in the hands of a merciless agent whose whole object was to prove them guilty, whose own advantage, whose future, perhaps, lay in proving them guilty, and that the course to be followed was not a matter for offhand decision came now to him and he faltered. Captain Fargo shook his head. No, said he huskily, not even of Lake Michigan. Go on, Harper, perhaps you can tell us your memory's better than Smiley's. When Beverage spoke that last sentence he made a mistake. Pink glanced at Dick and dropped his eyes. When he raised them his lips were closed tight as if he were afraid to open them at all. Well, go on. Pink shook his head. Don't be a fool, Harper, if you can help me get MacGlory it may make it easier for you. But him, Pink motioned toward Dick, would it make it easier for him? Beverage shook his head. I don't believe the Lord Almighty could save him. Then, said Pink with a flash of anger, you can go to hell for all of me. Beverage sat thinking. He looked at Dick from under his eyebrows, studying the man with shrewd eyes, with the same scrutiny he looked at Pink. Then he drew an envelope from his pocket and consulted a list that had been jotted on the back and followed this with a Milwaukee timetable which he studied with eye and finger. It's now—he looked at his watch—9.12. We'll make the 9.40. Come along with me, Smiley. Captain Fargo asked the question that Dick would not ask. What are you going to do with the boys, Mr. Beverage? We're going to Milwaukee now, on the 9.40. To Milwaukee? Yes, I'm afraid that's all I can tell you. Dick and Pink took their hats and rose. Wilson stepped back to fall in at Pink's shoulder, leaving Smiley to his superior. Suddenly Captain Fargo, after a moment of puzzled silence, broke out with— Wait! has anybody seen or heard of Henry? All looked blank. Where was he seen last? asked the special agent. He was here on the beach after supper. We had a little chat together. He'd been uptown after some tobacco and said he was going out to the Schmidt and would be spending the night there. He hasn't been around since? No, not here. You haven't seen him? This was addressed to Pink. Beverage wheeled suddenly on him in asking it and raised his voice with the idea of bullying him into a reply, but Pink shook his head. They wouldn't likely have lugged him across the pier with them. He may be on the Schmidt yet. How about it, Bert? I don't think so. I looked around the cabin. Shall I look again? Yes, we'll wait here. You'll have to hurry with it. We can't stay here more than ten minutes longer. Wilson was out of the room out of bound, down the steps and across the beach and running out on the long pier. In five minutes he was back. Well, not a soul there. How many men did he have aboard? Do you know, Captain? Only one or two, I guess, besides Mick Glory. They've gone along, of course. The only question is, did they take him with them? How could they, said Wilson? He is a strong man, and there wasn't any sound of a scuffle. No, if there had been anything like that I should have heard it. I'll tell you what I think, said Fargo. It isn't what I think, either, but it keeps coming up in my mind. He didn't seem quite himself when he was talking to me. How, nervous? Oh, no, but kind of depressed. He never says a lot, but then he isn't generally blue like he certainly was tonight. He talked about Mick Glory, too. What did he say about him? Asked Beverage sharply. He said that Mick Glory and Dick had disagreed, and Dick had ordered him off his schooner, and he had taken him in for the night. Mick Glory, he said, was so ugly there was no getting on with him. He had sort of made an errand uptown, so he could get away and cool down a little. I guess he felt so glum himself he was afraid to trust himself with a man that acted like Mick Glory was acting. Beverage was standing by the door, ready to start, watching the Captain closely during this speech. Now a look of intelligence came to his face. How were Henry's smiley affairs? Money and that sort of thing, he asked. Oh, all right, I think. He has always been saving. He must have a neat little pile tucked away by this time. And he wasn't married or... Beverage paused. Not Henry. No, he was a woman-hater pretty nearly. Was he pessimistic, kind of down on things? Did he have any particular object in living anything to work for, especially? He was pessimistic, all right. Didn't believe in much of anything. I... I know what you're thinking, Mr. Beverage, but I... I couldn't hardly think it's possible. I don't know, though. I guess his schooner was about the only thing he cared for, except maybe Dick here. Oh, fond of his cousin, was he? Yes, I think you could say he was that. Had you dropped any hint of what I told you? Well, now you speak of it. I don't know, but what maybe I did let him see that I was a little worried about Dick. Beverage nodded. I can't wait any longer, Cumbert. You, I suppose, turning to Dick in pink, will come along without any trouble? Certainly, said Dick. Goodbye, Captain, and say, by the way, Captain, if I were you, I would send right up to the life-saving station and have them set a few men to dragging out there. Do you really believe that? Beverage nodded. If he is found anywhere it will be within fifty feet of the pier. Goodbye, Cumbert. They hurried over to the railway station. Beverage walking with Dick. Wilson with Harper. In the minute or two that they had to wait, Beverage scrawled the following message and had it put promptly on the wire. To Captain B. Sullivan, onboard U.S. Revenue Cutter, foot, Milwaukee. I'm coming, Milwaukee, with two of our men. Third has stolen Schooner and headed Lake Huron. We'll be aboard for Chase about midnight. Kindly have already. William Beverage. To Operator. If not there, try Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Sturgeon Bay, and Marinette, in order named. Beverage. Rush. End of Chapter 8.