It was purchased and shipped on the
strength of a contract signed by a
high official of one of the European
governments, yet the responsibility of
payment rests upon myself and a few
intimate friends. If the Indian Chief
safely discharges this cargo, within a
designated time, at a certain port or
contingent thereto, I shall muke a for
tune, and retain my honor as a mer
chant. If not, then I am a ruined man,
Mr. Hollls, and my reputation is gone
also."
"What port?"
"Hamburg."
I leaned forward, deeply Interested
by now In his unusuul story.
"Then I presume your cargo Is large
ly munitions of war?"
"Of that nature yes."
"From what port did you sail?"
"Baltimore, July 20th ; we were held
back within the capes for two days
by a severe storm."
"Then you have not heard of the
declarations of war In Europe?
His eyes widened, his pale face
grew whiter than ever.
"War in Europe; already declared!'
he exclaimed. "Is that actually true?
We carry no wireless, and have spoken
with no vessel since we left the Chesa
peake. What nations are at war?"
"The last message we received on
the Esmeralda was that Germany and
Austria were already pitted against
France, Bussla and England. The Ger
man troops had Invaded Belgium In an
effort to reach Paris. The night before
our accident a great British battleship,
racing toward New York, passed us.
She was under orders to bottle up the
German liners. May I see your mani
fest?" He took the list from an inner
drawer, and handed it over to me with
out a word, evidently stunned by this
unexpected news, and unable to speak.
I turned the typewritten pages slowly,
glancing quietly over the various Items.
They were astounding.
