BADLY BLUFFED.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 625, 30 September 1909, Page 7

BADLY BLUFFED.

SALYAGE STORY. TUGS RACE FOR SCHOONER ALPENA. - AMERICAN SKIPPER TALKS SHOOT. (By Telegraph-Proßs Association-Copyright.) (Hoe. September 29, 10.10 p.m.) , Sydney, .September 29. Tho American schooner Alpena, which was left anchored in a dangerous position off tho Stockton beach near Newcastle—her crew haying been takon off by the lifeboat-weathered tho storm and has been safely towed to Newcastle. , THE GUN THAT NEVER WAS. HOW THE HAIDERS..'WEBB ODT-EACED .AND BEPELLED. . ' (Bee.'; September 30, 0.30 a.m.) ■' Sydney, Soptember 29. ■ The escape of tho American schoonor Alpena .was only effected after an unusual and exciting incident. Ever since Captain Ncilson ah-4 tho crew left the vessel thoro had been talk of the possibility of salvage and tho captain made arrangements with the tag Port Jnetaon to tow the vessel in. At tho same time the tug leveret was hovering about seek-' iug an opportunity to Eecuro tho prize. Police Would Not Supply Firearms. When the Leveret was seen making for, the vessel tho Port Jackson started, in pursuit. Prior to her leaving, Captain, Neilson tried to gut-a'gun from tho police station, on tho ground,that "somo blamed rascals" were trying to steal his vessel. The police officials explained that such methods were not, sanctioned b'r. law.", With a curse on such outof-dnte legislation the American captain dashed back tj.his tug. Then an exciting chaso commenced. Tho leveret had a good start, both were going at top speed, and there was a big sea'running. IV.'Port Jackson'gained by hugging the Stockton beach closer than her rival. > A Threat'that Succeeded. The Leveret prepared to lowor a boat, but tho Port Jackson dashed in between.the Alpena and tho Leveret. , Tho captain, of tho Alpena from the deck of tho Port Jackson hailed tin l Levoret, and. threatened to draw a gun (which he did not possess) on the first man who attempted to Kird the Alpena.:',. The throat;caused those on the Leveret to coaso their boat-lowering operations. Meanwhile, Captain Neilson jumped' into a boat that had been lowered from the Port Jackson and boarded his 6hip. ; Tho Leveret ' then steamed off. ■":.':■ ~