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"By the gods! you'll be short-handed, sir I'll kill 'em!"

That threat was more effective than mere bluster Captain Downs

instinctively squinted aloft at the scud which was di wind

"One word to you, and you'll understand, sir!" pleaded Mayo He put the

pins back into the rack and walked straight to the captain

There was no menace in his action, and the mate did not interfere

"Just a word or two to you, sir, to show you that I have done more than

throw my hat into the door of the Masters and Mates Association" He

leaned close and whispered "Now let ed in low tones

Captain Downs glanced again at the bared arm and surveyed this sailor

with o around and coh the coach-house door," he commanded, after a little

hesitation

Mayo bowed and hurried away down the lee alley

That cabin designated as the place of conference was the dining-saloon

of the schooner He waited there until Captain Downs, ed down the h its after-door which no sailor was allowed to profane

"Can anybody--in there--hear?" asked Mayo, cautiously He pointed to the

h the door," grunted the