the S. P.C.A., which is very strong in Whitby, have tried to
befriend the animal. To the general disappointment, however, it was
not to be found. It seems to have disappeared entirely from the
town. It may be that it was frightened and made its way on to the
moors, where it is still hiding in terror.
There are some who look with dread on such a possibility, lest
later on it should in itself become a danger, for it is evidently a
fierce brute. Early this morning a large dog, a half-bred mastiff
belonging to a coal merchant close to Tate Hill Pier, was found
dead in the roadway opposite its master's yard. It had been
fighting, and manifestly had had a savage opponent, for its throat
was torn away, and its belly was slit open as if with a savage
claw.
Later.—By the kindness of the Board of Trade inspector, I have
been permitted to look over the log book of the Demeter, which was
in order up to within three days, but contained nothing of special
interest except as to facts of missing men. The greatest interest,
however, is with regard to the paper found in the bottle, which was
today produced at the inquest. And a more strange narrative than
the two between them unfold it has not been my lot to come
across.
As there is no motive for concealment, I am permitted to use
them, and accordingly send you a transcript, simply omitting
technical details of seamanship and supercargo. It almost seems as
though the captain had been seized with some kind of mania before
he had got well into blue water, and that this had developed
persistently throughout the voyage. Of course my statement must be
taken cum grano, since I am writing from the dictation of a clerk
of the Russian consul, who kindly translated for me, time being
short.
LOG OF THE "DEMETER" Varna to Whitby
Written 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall keep
accurate note henceforth till we land.
On 6 July we finished taking in cargo, silver sand and boxes of
earth. At noon set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five hands …earth. At noon set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five hands …
two mates, cook, and myself, (captain).
On 11 July at dawn entered Bosphorus. Boarded by Turkish Customs
officers. Backsheesh. All correct. Under way at 4 p. m.
On 12 July through Dardanelles. More Customs officers and
flagboat of guarding squadron. Backsheesh again. Work of officers
thorough, but quick. Want us off soon. At dark passed into
Archipelago.
On 13 July passed Cape Matapan. Crew dissatisfied about
something. Seemed scared, but would not speak out.
On 14 July was somewhat anxious about crew. Men all steady
fellows, who sailed with me before. Mate could not make out what
was wrong. They only told him there was SOME- THING, and crossed
themselves. Mate lost temper with one of them that day and struck
him. Expected fierce quarrel, but all was quiet.
On 16 July mate reported in the morning that one of the crew,
Petrofsky, was missing. Could not account for it. Took larboard
watch eight bells last night, was relieved by Amramoff, but did not
go to bunk. Men more downcast than ever. All said they expected
something of the kind, but would not say more than there was
SOMETHING aboard. Mate getting very impatient with them. Feared
some trouble ahead.
On 17 July, yesterday, one of the men, Olgaren, came to my
cabin, and in an awestruck way confided to me that he thought there
was a strange man aboard the ship. He said that in his watch he had
been sheltering behind the deckhouse, as there was a rain storm,
when he saw a tall, thin man, who was not like any of the crew,
come up the companionway, and go along the deck forward and
disappear. He followed cautiously, but when he got to bows found no
one, and the hatchways were all closed. He was in a panic of
superstitious fear, and I am afraid the panic may spread. To allay
it, I shall today search the entire ship carefully from stem to
stern.
Later in the day I got together the whole crew, and told them,
as they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we wouldas they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we would
search from stem to stern. First mate angry, said it was folly, and
to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the men, said he
would engage to keep them out of trouble with the handspike. I let
him take the helm, while the rest began a thorough search, all
keeping abreast, with lanterns. We left no corner unsearched. As
there were only the big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners
where a man could hide. Men much relieved when search over, and
went back to work cheerfully. First mate scowled, but said
nothing.
22 July.—Rough weather last three days, and all hands busy with
sails, no time to be frightened. Men seem to have forgotten their
dread. Mate cheerful again, and all on good terms. Praised men for
work in bad weather. Passed Gibraltar and out through Straits. All
well.
24 July.—There seems some doom over this ship. Already a hand
short, and entering the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead, and
yet last night another man lost, disappeared. Like the first, he
came off his watch and was not seen again. Men all in a panic of
fear, sent a round robin, asking to have double watch, as they fear
to be alone. Mate angry. Fear there will be some trouble, as either
he or the men will do some violence.
28 July.—Four days in hell, knocking about in a sort of
malestrom, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for any one. Men all
worn out. Hardly know how to set a watch, since no one fit to go
on. Second mate volunteered to steer and watch, and let men snatch
a few hours sleep. Wind abating, seas still terrific, but feel them
less, as ship is steadier.
29 July.—Another tragedy. Had single watch tonight, as crew too
tired to double. When morning watch came on deck could find no one
except steersman. Raised outcry, and all came on deck. Thorough
search, but no one found. Are now without second mate, and crew in
a panic. Mate and I agreed to go armed henceforth and wait for any
sign of cause.
30 July.—Last night. Rejoiced we are nearing England. Weather