Slow Boat From Marseilles

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 262, 23 August 1950, Page 7

Slow Boat From Marseilles

5 By Michael Hastings. E

5- Serial Story S

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CHAPTER XII. THE PASSENGERS COME ABOARD Oliver’s eyes narrowed. Sooner or later, he decided, there must be a show-down between the _ boatswain and himself. No doubt Johansen had kept the man in his place. Now that Johansen was nd longer about, Connor was trying to assume more control, making a bid for greater independence. That would have to be nipped in the bud. “Dautry,” he asked, “how old are you?” “Nineteen, sir.” “And what made you join the ship?” “There was more than one reason, sir. I needed a job. And I find it difficult to settle down.” By vvay of explanation, he added: “1 was in the Maquis, sir,” “I see.” “That was where I learnt to spean English, sii For a time we had two English airmen with' us. Their bomber was shot down; but they escaped. They spent several weeks with us. In the end, I led them towards the coast.” “Good work. . Did they get away?” “Yes, sir. There was one of them who used to write to me, until he was killed in "a flying accident.” “I don’t know that you selected the best possible ship,” said Oliver, with a wry smile. “It is not easy to go to sea,” Dautry replied. “There seem to be more men than ships, sir. I have stood for hours, waiting. And it has always been the same. No more required. So when the captain came upon me," staring out to sea with my hands in my pockets, and asked me if I cared to sign on for a voyage, well, I felt that was a miracle.” . “I’m not so sxire of the miracle,” said Oliver. “However—we will see. This ship has a strange crew, Dautry. Keep your own counsel as much’ as possible. Also, keep out of trouble. And I will do what I can to help you.” “It is very good of you, sir. Thank you for helping me as you have done." Then, timidly, Dautry said: “You are English, sir?” \ “Yes.” “Then I have come to the f right ship,”, said Dautry. Oliver laughed, There was no opportunity for saying more, because the huge negro came out on deck. “You wanted me, suh?*’ he asked. “Yes. But it seems that every time I speak to you, I give you work to do.” Jim Crow showed his white teeth in a grin. “I’se not afraid of work, suh," he maintained. * “Good. Do you know Dr. Prinz?” “Yes, suh.” “Good. I want you to go ashore—to the end of the quay where the cars turn in. You may find Dr. Prinz there. If not, he will be arriving by car with Dr. Rutter. There will be, some luggage. Dautry, here, will go with you to assist.” “Yes, suh.” “You understand perfectly?” “Yes, suh, I understand.” “And mind you do not slip away anywhere for a drink.” The white teeth showed again. “I’ll stay right at the end of the quay, suh,” Jim Crow promised. “I’ll not move a foot nearer to the town.” “Don’t forget that promise,” said Oliver. “Off with you both.” The two then hurried ahead of him up the companionway. He returned to his original position on the deck and watched them going from the ship. Dautry emerged from the. distant shadows, carrying two leather grips. Behind him was Jim Crow, more heavily laden. Then other people came into view. Oliver recognised Dr/ Prinz. There were three others. Dr. Rutter, of course, and the two special passengers about whom Lacoste had tried to pump him during the day. “Surely Dr. Prinz told you—as he engaged you,” Lacoste had said, Oliver felt that some gesture was required, so he hurried from the deck and went down to the gangway, standing aside as the negro . and Dautry came up it. They set down their loads quickly. “There are more to bring, suh,” Jim Crow explained, and the French youth nodded his head in confirmation. ’’Right. Don’t be too long,” said Oliver. They hurried away. Oliver went down to receive the little party. Dr. Prinz left the others and hurried toward him. “Everything in order, Mr Oliver?” he asked. His voice was quieter than usual. “Everything, doctor.” “Where is the captain ?” “On the bridge. I didn’t think it necessary to disturb him.” “Quite correct,” said Prinz. He had a small case in his hand and he hurried up the gangway with it. Oliver was left to face the others. There were, he saw, two men and a girl. The first, he guessed immediately, was Dr. Rutter. He wore a long, heavy coat and-a scarf. His dark homburg hat was pulled low. Very little of his face could be seen from a trim black beard and the tinted glasses which he was wearing. He came up to Oliver and said: “What became of Dr. Prinz? I missed him.’” “He went on board—doctor.” “Good.” He turned away, and then stopped. Slowly, he looked back at Oliver. “We have not met before,” he said thoughtfully. “And yet you seem to know that I- am Doctor Rutter. How is that? Has somebody described me to you?” “No, doctor. I’m—well, I just guessed.” For a moment Rutter stared at him. Then he nodded his head. “I see,” he said. “Of course. And what is your name?” “John Oliver, doctor.” “And are you the new first mate?” 1 “That is correct, doctor.” Rutter nodded his head again. “You seem to have everything ready for us,” he said. “Everything is ready, doctor.” “Excellent.” Rutter continued on his way. Apart from glancing back and saying: “You all right, Milany?” he seemed very little concerned about the two passengers. “Quite all right, Dr. Rutter,” said the man thus addressed. XTo be Continued.) The characters in this story are entirely imaginary, and no reference to living persons is intended.