Code

By FRANK RICHARDSON PIERCE
Author of “The Last Stampede,” “Sweet Water,” etc.
A REVERED TRADITION OF THE SEA MAY BE CONFUSED WITH A SKUTTLE-BUTT RUMOR—WHEN STORMS BLOW UP OFF THE PACIFIC COAST AND TWO CAPTAINS OF THE OLD SCHOOL COME FACE TO FACE, ONE ON THE BRIDGE OF A COAST GUARD CUTTER AND THE OTHER IN COMMAND OF A RUM RUNNER
A month had passed since the Crayton had first appeared offshore seeking a chance to land her cargo unobserved. It was an interesting and valuable cargo, but there really was no secret regarding the identity—real stuff, bottled in Scotland. Each bottle bore a label which read:
Supplied on all the Liners of the P. & O. Coy. continuously since 1874, numerous other Shipping Companies, H. M. Transports, and to many Clubs and Officers’ Messes at home and abroad.
But this cargo was not destined for either P. & O. Liners, His Majesty’s transports or Officers’ Messes—not if Captain McNulty could elude the Coast Guard ships strung along the invisible line designated the twelve mile limit.
The glass was dropping and McNulty scowled and cursed his luck as the Chinook , one of Uncle Sam’s newest cutters, steamed past. Old Wold, her skipper, was on the bridge and he knew all about the Crayton and McNulty. In addition he was familiar with all of the tricks in the book and could neither be deceived nor bought. It was his belief that a pitcher could and would come to the well once too often.
From the Crayton’s crow’s-nest came the lookout’s monotonous voice, “ Chinook two points off the starboard bow, sir!”
McNulty growled a retort and glanced at Pritt who owned the cargo and ship. “The Chinook is ready to take us as usual, Mr. Pritt.”
Pritt swore with feeling. Then he swore again as the radio operator appeared with a weather report predicting a bad blow within a few hours. McNulty put to sea. This was no coast to be caught in a blow. Pritt ventured a suggestion. “The cutter is riding light and we are loaded. We can stand rougher weather than the Chinook ; why not try to run in after she’s hunted shelter?”