Roland Ashford Phillips

“ We left the docks behind, and hurried up the steep hill toward the burning, smoke-obscured area above. Many people passed us now, all running in the opposite direction, their arms filled, yet all strangely silent and like so many frightened spirits.
A woman carrying a baby tripped and fell heavily, and Warwick, his face working queerly, bent over and lifted her to her feet again. ”

“ The city—" He fumbled desperately at his throat. And while he stood there gasping I saw the figure of the stranger climbing the short stairs toward us.
"Go on! Go on!" I urged.
"The city—was destroyed by earthquake—this morning!" the operator stammered, "She's in flames—burning—burning—absolutely no hope left! Everything's gone!"
With horror-stricken eyes, I saw the stranger grope blindly for the hand-rail, choke out something like a scream, and then crumple limply to the deck. ”

“ The captain's big hand slapped to his knee.
"Warwick was drunk—dead drunk!" he exclaimed.
I drew my feet down from the coil of rope. A puff of wind came from somewhere, bulging the awning above us. I stared meditatively across the white space, where a lamp glowed amidship. Far up, toward the cabin, a door opened and shut, and a bar of light shot obliquely over the deck. In another moment the wireless operator came down and addressed the captain. ”

“ I remembered nothing, thought of nothing, cared for nothing, save that countless humans were in danger about us, and that we were going to help them. Explosions followed one upon another, rocking the very ground beneath us. ”

“ He sat up rigidly, as if my words had been a needle in his flesh, and instinctively I recoiled.
"I will be a man," he returned huskily—"I will be a man. You'll help me, won't you? I've been a miserable coward all these years. ”

“ The captain laughed shortly. "You run across them all over. The woods are full of them. That makes me think of another fellow—John Warwick. Wonder I never came across him. Maybe I did, though, and didn't recognize him. He's on the islands."
"And what was his offense?" The stranger seemed interested. "Insurance deals?"
"No." The captain shook his head slowly, and appeared to be groping in the past for the memory. "No; he was a pilot. ”

“ I looked over at the captain, for his remark puzzled me.
"Why can't they go back?" I asked.
"They're afraid!" It was the stranger who spoke and answered me. He was leaning forward in his chair, but the shadow fell in such a way that I could not easily see his face.
Then the light broke in upon me. "I had forgotten. Of course, I understand what you mean now. I suppose there are any number of crooks, blackmailers, ex-bank presidents, and such, floating about the islands, eh? ”