"That seems a bit different from other saloons. And I fancy the sign tells the truth." With the words, he pointed6 to the gilt lettering over the door.
Roy turned and looked in the direction of the detective's pointing finger. "Clam7 Broth8 King," he read, and smiled appreciatively.
"Well, old man," he remarked, "it's a straightforward9 way of advertising10 a food, as well as a novel one. And from the labels on the bottles in the window, it might prove a good place for us to visit before we start on the return journey to the yacht."
"I really know the place," Van Dusen declared, "and it is excellent. About a year ago, I was in this city on an important case. It was through the assistance of The King that I was able to locate a most valuable witness. And the probability is that but for the sign I would have missed it. I've always been a perfect fiend for clam broth. After seeing the sign, I knew, of course, there must be something particular in that line inside, and so I wandered in. Well, I was served by The King. When I first entered, I reconnoitered by stepping up to the bar and ordering a drink. Before I had a chance to question the man who was serving me, a gentlemanly appearing fellow touched me on the arm, and asked me pleasantly if I wouldn't like a cup of clam broth. He said that The King had just made a fresh batch11, and that it was fine. I scrutinized12 the fellow closely. He had a kindly13, youthful face, and his bearing was agreeable. I answered him promptly14 that good clam broth was just what I wished to have. 'But,' I demanded, 'who the devil is The King? It's a new one on me, to have a king for a chef.'
"The man laughed and then replied:
"'Oh, The King! Why, he's only me!'
"To cut it short, a few minutes later the broth was served to me, along with some dainty wafers, and while I drank it The King and I made friends."
Van Dusen's tone changed abruptly15.
"But let's not loiter here on the outside any longer. Let us go into the presence of The King."
So it came about that Roy was duly presented to The King, and he was not disappointed in either that culinary monarch16 or the throne room. Perhaps his enthusiasm was the greater since he was sorely in need of food to nourish a mind and body exhausted17 by suffering.
The clam-broth King catered18 largely to the officers of ocean-going vessels20. There's hardly a master sailing the main who has touched at Norfolk or anchored in Hampton Roads during recent years that has not known Harry21 the clam-broth King, and has called him friend. To-day the usual number of storm-bound seafaring men of the better class were gathered around the miniature tables in the place. The King was very busy indeed, passing from group to group to see that none of his friends were neglected. He greeted Van Dusen with obvious pleasure and had a welcoming smile for the newcomer when he was introduced to Roy. A moment later Van Dusen and Roy were seated at one of the tables, each with a bowl of piping-hot clam broth before him.
But before the contents of the bowls had been wholly swallowed both Roy and the detective paused to listen with avid22 interest to the words of a mariner23 seated at an adjoining table. And this is what they heard:
"Yes, boys, it was some blow and believe me it is still a-kicking up good and plenty outside the Capes24. I missed the worst of it. My barometer26 had indicated that there was going to be some big doings long before the clouds begun to loom27. I was half a mind to haul to in the hook o' the Cape25 at Lookout28, but the sky seemed so clear and I was so near Hatteras that I made up my mind that we could get into the Roads by crowding the boilers29 a little. I'd a heap rather be laying up close to the King's clam broth than at that sorry, lonely, Lookout Bight. Don't understand me that I have got anything against that snug30 little harbor. I have every reason in the world not to have for she has saved my vessel19 and my carcass many's the time. The only thing is that it is such a desert place on land, not a house, not a human, with the exception of the light-keeper and his crew. When a skipper makes harbor he likes it to be where there are some shore pleasures on tap. I will venture that there was not less than half a dozen skippers put in there to get away from this blow and every last one whilst they knew the fact of that little nook o' safety being there had saved him and his ship, was just a-raring because he had not taken a chance rounding Hatteras and putting into Hampton Roads where he could run in here and gossip and inhale31 the fumes32 of King Harry's clam broth and feel the effects of his Scotch33, while this-here West India hurricane wore herself out.
"You know, boys, I wish that I was a yachtsman with a good roll to back it up. Why, do you know them fellers take lots of chances and it's very seldom that they lose their craft? Of course, I have navigated34 over more of the sea than you, having been coasters all your lives. And do you know there is hardly a port in the world where I haven't seen a pretty, trim American yacht lying at anchor or haven't passed them on the seven seas? And never have I found one in great distress—except for being out o' some particular kind of liquor. With we fellers it's different. We're always in some kind o' trouble, not to mention being constantly out o' all kinds o' liquors. And then we are scairt o' our lives, or run aground or burn up, and so lose our master's papers, which means our job."
The speaker paused to clear his throat noisily. Then he went on:
"Speaking along these lines reminds me of a little yacht we passed on the run up, off Ocracoke Inlet. She was a long ways off shore, headed in. But I guess she made the inside all right in spite of the waves running high and breaking and the strength of the wind increasing with every flaw. Her name was The Isabel. And it's my opinion the captain of that yacht ought to be in the crazy house or dead."
Somehow at the outset, the narrative35 had riveted36 the attention of Roy and Van Dusen. It was as if their intuitions warned them that something significant was to issue from the mariner's rambling37 remarks. The utterance38 of the yacht's name thrilled them both, and they stared at each other for a moment with startled eyes. Then they listened again with new intentness as the speaker continued his account:
"It was just after daylight. I had been on the bridge all through the night, for I was anxious over our position, should the hurricane break with full force. I knew from the glass that it was close on us. I was looking dead ahead. Suddenly out of the mist appeared a craft as white and trim as a swan. She would plunge39 forward on a giant wave, then disappear for a moment in the trough, to appear again right side up, and coming at full speed to meet the next one. She was driving so fast that often she would force herself through, rather than over, the oncoming waves. I just naturally kept expecting from second to second that that fool skipper, sending her along at such reckless speed, would bury her so deep that it would be impossible for her to shake off the tons of brine, and so float on top again. If the fool only had sense enough to slow her down, I thought to myself, that bit of a craft would almost go through hell itself without a scorch40. I realized that we were getting dangerously close, for I was going fast before the wind. So I quickly gave a passing-signal blast from our whistle, indicating that we would pass her on the port side. What do you suppose that fool at the wheel did then? Close as we were, and with no other reason that I could guess other than a desire to court death, he deliberately41 answered my signal with two blasts. They meant that he was going to starboard, almost diagonally across our bow. I saw it was too late to correct his error, so I simply had to accept his cross signal, and I did my best to avoid a collision. I was successful—no thanks to him. We missed The Isabel by a hair. As it was, I thought that in spite of all we could do the suction from our propellers42 would draw in and crush the smaller boat against our side. I fancy we missed it more through good luck and the grace of God than through good management. And now what do you think?
"That chap at the wheel, instead of appearing grateful and giving me three blasts in salute43, stuck his head and shoulders out of the pilot-house window and shook his fist at me. He yelled, too, and the wind brought the words down to me. 'You're only a dirty tramp, but you think you own the seas!' You boys know that that word 'tramp' for a good honest trading steamer always did get on my nerves. I admit I swore a little at the bunglesome cuss, but he was well to windward, so I might just as well have saved my breath.
"I honestly believe that that ornery fellow in the pilot house was crazy as a bed-bug. Stranger still, there wasn't another soul in sight aboard of her. I'm thinking I'll report the affair to the inspectors44. There's no doubt in my mind that The Isabel weathered the storm for the chap was headin' her straight as he could go for Ocracoke Inlet. As the yacht was of light draft she could easily get over the bar and into Pamlico Sound, where he could haul to under the lea of the sand dunes45. Down there that craft would ride out 'most anything that might come along."
The detective, with a gesture to Roy that he should remain in his seat, arose and crossed over to the Captain of the tramp steamer. He called the man aside, and frankly46 explained how he had overheard the narrative concerning the yacht Isabel. He admitted that this information was of vital importance to his friend and himself.
The Captain at once became intently interested. Doubtless he foresaw something in store for the yachtsman that would settle his own score against the fellow, the fellow who had reviled47 him.
"If you really want to come up with that critter," the mariner declared, "it would be the easiest thing in the world according to my mind, provided you have the right sort of a boat."
Van Dusen described his yacht.
"How much does this Hialdo of yours draw?" the swarthy-faced skipper demanded.
"She draws, fully48 stocked, just eight and a half feet aft," the detective answered. "And we could shift the gasoline so that she would get through on eight feet of water."
The captain nodded appreciatively.
"That fellow, the chances are, is right this minute at anchor somewhere in Pamlico Sound, or else he's cruising around on some of those connecting inland waters. The one and only place where he could get to sea again would be where he went in at Ocracoke, or else at Beaufort Inlet—though he might head for Norfolk by way of one of the two canal routes. You can bet your bottom dollar that, even as crazy as he is, he won't tackle the open sea just yet while this heavy swell49 is still on. It's my idea you got your man sure enough, for he's in a trap. The thing for you to do is to get aboard your craft, and then hot-foot it through the Dismal50 Swamp Canal for Ocracoke by way of Albemarle, Coratan and Pamlico Sounds.
"If you like," the Captain added with a touch of embarrassment51 lest he might seem officious, "I'll keep a sharp lookout on the other canal, so that he can't pass you while you're going through old Dismal. You might post the authorities at Elizabeth City to keep an eye open for the yacht, and to detain her if she shows up while you're rushing on at full speed for Ocracoke and Portsmouth. They're the little towns, one on each side of the Inlet. If you don't happen to find the outfit52 at either of these places, there ain't a particle of doubt according to my judgment53 that those folks can inform you of the direction taken by The Isabel when she sailed, for they keep mighty54 close tabs on every vessel that comes or goes through the Inlet. If you find she headed south on the inside, you'll know that loony is making for Beaufort Harbor with the idea of waiting there for the sea to calm down before venturing on the outside. Or maybe he hasn't any intention of going out at all. It seems to me he's more likely to be heading for some one of those tributaries55 to the Sound that are narrow and deep, with the shores covered by a regular jungle growth. Boats of any size seldom go into them—except once in a while one run by a drag-net fisherman. This crazy man could expect to hide there for weeks on a stretch without danger of being disturbed. If it's actually a case of kidnapping he's certainly shown himself as cunning as mad folks sometimes are."
The detective motioned to Roy to join him and the Captain. Then in a few crisp words he explained the situation as it was indicated by the mariner. Both he and Roy joined in expression of gratitude56 to the skipper, who gave his name as Jake White. Then the two, realizing the need of haste, said farewell, and made their way back to the wharf57 with what speed they might.
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1
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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commemorates
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| n.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的名词复数 )v.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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distinctiveness
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| 特殊[独特]性 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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clam
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| n.蛤，蛤肉 | |
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broth
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| n.原(汁)汤(鱼汤、肉汤、菜汤等) | |
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straightforward
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| adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的 | |
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advertising
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| n.广告业；广告活动 a.广告的；广告业务的 | |
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batch
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| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
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scrutinized
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| v.仔细检查，详审( scrutinize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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catered
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| 提供饮食及服务( cater的过去式和过去分词 )； 满足需要，适合 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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avid
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| adj.热心的；贪婪的；渴望的；劲头十足的 | |
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mariner
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| n.水手号不载人航天探测器，海员，航海者 | |
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capes
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| 碎谷； 斗篷( cape的名词复数 )； 披肩； 海角； 岬 | |
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cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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barometer
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| n.气压表，睛雨表，反应指标 | |
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loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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lookout
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| n.注意，前途，瞭望台 | |
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boilers
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| 锅炉，烧水器，水壶( boiler的名词复数 ) | |
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snug
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| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
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inhale
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| v.吸入(气体等)，吸(烟) | |
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fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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34
navigated
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| v.给（船舶、飞机等）引航，导航( navigate的过去式和过去分词 )；（从海上、空中等）横越；横渡；飞跃 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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rambling
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| adj.[建]凌乱的，杂乱的 | |
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utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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40
scorch
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| v.烧焦，烤焦；高速疾驶；n.烧焦处，焦痕 | |
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41
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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42
propellers
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| n.螺旋桨，推进器( propeller的名词复数 ) | |
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43
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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44
inspectors
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| n.检查员( inspector的名词复数 )；（英国公共汽车或火车上的）查票员；（警察）巡官；检阅官 | |
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45
dunes
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| 沙丘( dune的名词复数 ) | |
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46
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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47
reviled
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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48
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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49
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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50
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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51
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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52
outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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53
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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54
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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55
tributaries
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| n. 支流 | |
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56
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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wharf
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| n.码头，停泊处 | |
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