Fighting Byng: A Novel of Mystery, Intrigue and Adventure
Page 22
CHAPTER XXII
We had no trouble negotiating for our wrecking boat--the_Anti-Kaiser_. The owner was all right, as could be inferred by thename of his new schooner, a good solid roomy one, as Howard said,fully equipped for deep-sea sponging and light wrecking among thespongers who lose their boats occasionally in sudden tropical storms.It did not surprise me when he told us that he expected to operateabout the Bahamas when the season opened and didn't propose to takeany chances. He had applied for a five-pound gun to mount aft and aone-pounder forward, and got it. However, there was no gunner and onewould have to be provided.
Howard did not refer to little Jim during the evening. He wascounting the cost--the effect on her life and his, the necessity ofbeing untrammeled in the immense enterprise we were undertaking. Iwanted to learn from Washington the status of the Ramund case beforecommencing. I went to Key West in the _Titian_ and spent most of thenight there. As I expected, Ramund could not be refused bail muchlonger, but the department would post me regarding his movements. ThenI ran into Ike Barry again.
"Still fishing, Ike?"
"Yes--the Missus couldn't stand it any longer and came down a few daysago. She is a better scout on the water than I am. We're having agreat time."
I remembered having met her at Tampa with him one time and recalledher as a sweet, motherly woman who had raised a splendid daughter theyspoke of a great deal.
I found Scotty there, too, still out of a job, going about like a fishout of water, his face so long he was tramping on his upper lip,waiting for his passport to go back to the British Navy.
"Scotty, didn't you tell me you were a gunner in the Royal Navy beforeyou went in the engine-room?"
"I certainly was. Served two enlistments, the last one as chief."
"Then you are just the man I want."
He became jubilant and came over to me stronger than ever when I toldhim what had happened and how he had helped by delaying the Bochecutter. After another "drap of Scotch" he said he would go to hell forme.
I told him what I wanted and warned him that it would not be a joyride, but probably very dangerous.
"If you've got two guns, I'd swim from here to the Tortugas for achance at 'em."
"All right, Scotty, stay here till I come for you and keep your eyesopen."
When I got back to "Canby's bay" day was breaking. After breakfast Itold Howard about Scotty and what I received from Washington.
"Even though Ramund and the manager are admitted to bail, what canthey do down here? You have a clear case against them," he said.
"None too strong, Howard, without little Jim. As I see it, everythingdepends on her testimony. Have you decided about her?"
"Yes, I have," he began, relieved when the subject was raised. "Wetalked all night about it. For a while she would cry bitterly and sayshe would never leave me here alone, then for an hour we would beplanning for her to go, only for her to come back and curl herself inmy lap and tearfully declare she would never leave me here alone. Weboth realize it's a turning point in our lives that requires courageand, Wood, do you know I believe she is the braver. Well, in the nightwe came to this definite conclusion--that if you will help us she willgo as soon as I can get her ready. Do you realize what it means for meto part with her? It's like tearing my heart and soul out."
"Howard, I believe I do, but her safety is most important now. We maybe away a week and you can't leave her here."
"I know that, but she has been raised here on the Keys, dressed like aboy, and has never known either girls or women. Just what clothing shewill need, and how to get it, is a puzzle to both of us."
That was a complication I had overlooked and hesitated a moment. Ithought of Mrs. Ike Barry.
"Howard, a friend and his wife are at the hotel at Key West. I believeshe would be glad to help us out and fix little Jim for the trip. Herpermanent outfit and clothing it is best to leave to someone with whomI can arrange at the school."
"That sounds good, but, Wood, I am afraid that would be loading youunduly with my personal affairs."
"You will have ample opportunity to square yourself with me before weget through," I replied, laughing. "Little Jim partly belongs to me;besides, she has become an important Government witness."
During the afternoon we brought the _Anti-Kaiser_ to the nearest safeanchorage. We put aboard water and provisions for a week. Then, in theafternoon, I went with Howard and little Jim to Key West to prepareher for her journey into a new world. She acted at times as thoughmoving in a dream, first delighted then sad because she was leavingher chum, teacher, father,--and such a wonderful father.
Mrs. Barry told me afterward it was a rare pleasure to select littleJim's outfit and clothing, to witness her perfect delight in the firstpossession of pretty things. Howard and I stood by as helpless asthough run out of gasoline or the steering gear had gone wrong. LittleJim evidenced her femininity. Motherly Mrs. Barry delighted her. Shetalked of her and her new things all the way home, when the depressionof parting was not on her mind.
Going to the wireless again I reported details. Little Jim was avitally important witness for the Government and all was soonarranged. Venerable, fatherly Henry Woburn, a sort of messenger ofthe Department, would arrive the next day to whisk her away by rail tothe gates of the school inside of which she would be safe. The schooltook great care of young girl pupils; an additional caution, quiteunknown to her, being exercised in her case because of her importanceas a Government witness.
I shall not attempt to describe the last scenes between father anddaughter and the delightful simplicity with which she bade megood-bye. I could not if I tried. Both felt it was a distinct crisisin their lives, a turn in life's road which was separating them--howlong--and where would it lead? Spiritualists, soothsayers,fortune-tellers, astrologers, who pretend to look even one minute intothe future, are lying mountebanks. They would usurp infinity. I doknow that Howard Byng's life, so far, had been stormy, one of greatactivity, but who could say not useful. No one can fail to admireintense action, and his intentions were good. His life so far was awonder to me, and I had faith that such tremendous energy would beutilized for the general good. Little Jim, half of his blood,primitive, fierce when aroused, but pure and real red, the other halffrom the purposeful, refined, delicate but no less iron-willed NormaByng likely could not escape the responsibility of its possession.Action, vital action, would be expected. As now constituted she hadthe simplicity of extreme childhood, and the knowledge and power ofexecution of a man, making a combination that might be difficult tobalance. Little Jim, now a real girl for the first time, lookedsplendid; little Jim, crack rifle shot and unerring with the pistol;little Jim, champion swimmer and diver of the Gulf; little Jim, whoran a big motor boat forty miles an hour alone, who dynamited theHuns' boat, made their capture possible, and saved her father's life,was gone, it seemed to me, forever.