Johnston McCulley

“ Do you know one reason I won't believe you? Do you want to know one reason why I think you are unworthy? What about the girl who became a stowaway? What about the girl who played the piano in that low resort you made your headquarters? Why did she become a stowaway? 'Interested in the mate,' my uncle says. A woman like that—a vile creature like that unsexes herself to follow you when you sail, yet you say you are a worthy man. And you fought with Riney for her—not because I asked you to avenge his insult to me!"
"Stop!" Connor almost yelled the word. "You do not know what you are saying! ”

“ Captain Bill Adams, on deck with his mate, watching the crew as they carried out Connor's orders, listening to the mate's hoarse voice as he bellowed his commands, found himself regretting that he had planned to punish the man; he began wishing he could have Connor for his mate permanently.
There is danger in a blow when the seas run high for a vessel that carries a cargo of lumber lashed to her decks. ”

“ Sally Wood is a woman in a thousand—a good woman—"
"A good woman—playing the piano there?" she cried, laughing.
"Yes—a good woman!" Connor's eyes blazed at the captain, then he faced Norene again. "Evidently your uncle hasn't been fair. Evidently he didn't tell you this woman's story! It's one to make an honest woman's heart bleed with sympathy for her. 'Interested in the mate,' eh? Cap'n Bill didn't happen to mention which mate, did he?" ”

“ I think I may stand on the bridge a moment."
He turned toward her again, his face grave.
"It would be the same, madam, if you owned all of her," he said. "An officer in charge of a vessel has responsibilities and certain rights. He can order an owner in irons if that owner makes an attempt to interfere with navigation of the ship."
Her eyes flamed again.
"You'd put me in irons, I suppose?" she asked.
He did smile now.
"I scarcely think it will be necessary," he said. "Now that I have explained, I am sure you'll descend to the deck and observe my orders." ”

“ Morgan scratched his head a moment, then faced Norene again.
"Mate's orders must be obeyed, miss," he said. "Officer says you must go below."
Norene realized the man's predicament and did not care to cause him trouble. It was Connor she wanted to outwit.
"Tell your officer," she replied, "that I was just going. There is much better company in the forecastle."
She started to descend, and Morgan and the other sailor followed her at a respectful distance. On the deck they stopped, while Norene walked across to the rail, leaning against it and kicking out her heels like a girl of ten. ”

“ I scarcely think she'll put a shot across our bows when Old Glory is flying from our stern."
"She can make as good time as the Amingo, sir. You'll not dare go in Mexican waters."
The skipper laughed loudly. ”