Page:The Catalpa Expedition (1897).djvu/129

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A STRANGE EPISODE
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"We published seven weekly numbers of it," O'Reilly has written. "Amid the dim glare of the lamp the men, at night, would group strangely on extemporized seats, the yellow light full on the pale faces of the men as they listened with blazing eyes to Davis's 'Fontenoy,' or the 'Clansmen's Wild Address to Shane's Head!' Ah, that is another of the grand picture memories that come only to those who deal with life's stern realities!"

The Englishman's reference to Australia opened the way for Captain Anthony to inquire the possibilities of the place for refitting and taking aboard fresh provisions. The Englishman advised it, saying that it was a cheap place to recruit ship.

"Have you a sheet chart of the coast you could spare me?" asked Captain Anthony finally.

"Lots of them. Here's the roll I used when I was master of the Hougoumont. Help yourself. You're welcome to any you want."

The Englishman handed out a bulky roll, and Captain Anthony selected a chart of the western coast of Australia on a large scale, showing the survey about Swan River, Freemantle, Bunbury, Rottnest Island and lighthouse.

Then, as the wind was strengthening, Captain Anthony arose to go. The Englishman bid him "God speed," and the men parted.

Upon reaching the Catalpa, Captain Anthony went down into the cabin, chuckling in great glee.

"What's happened?" asked Mr. Smith.

"Why," said the captain," would you believe