Fang Rubies and the Black Siamese

entry in the catch-scall at Queen Philip Carney master position 12 degrees 12 minutes south 130 degrees four minutes west wind fresh sky fair remarks cleared Darwin Australia after altercation in Bono Hotel reason for incident the fang rubies in the black Siamese between two trading students at a dock in Darwin for Three days, unloading the stuff we brought in from Port Morsby

and taking on a cargo to Singapore. My chief mate, Gallagher, and my crew were in town, spending a few well-earned hours at shore leaves. I was alone on the forward deck. I'd been watching the busy lighters wallowing between the shore and the merchantman to rank it in the stream.

And I started toward the captain. I got to the shore with rail and time to see a man hurrying along the dock. He was carrying a blank cat in his arms. He looked back over his shoulder at the schooner on our stern.

And then, before he reached out, Gangway, tossed the cat aboard. It landed lightly on its feet about two yards from it. As bad as the act was, the guy carried it through. Siva! Here, Siva!

Come here! Oh, my, Simon, you saved me. Jump the board, you're ship. May I come aboard after him? I saw how he came aboard. I'll toss him back to you. I'm sorry, but I have to come aboard after him.

He started to cross the Gangway. The second shot caught him and slammed him into the guardrail. He paramed off of it and hit the deck in front of me. By instinct, I headed for cover and waited for more shots.

I didn't think I... I didn't think. After a few seconds, I moved over to him. Can you... can you hide me? Sure. Sure, I'll hide you. I've done... I've done that much just now. Until I feel better.