Nothing is talked about here today except the strange coincidence. The
officials of the Board of Trade have been most exacting in seeing that every
compliance has been made with existing regulations. As the matter is to be a
`nine days wonder', they are evidently determined that there shall be no cause
of other complaint.
A good deal of interest was abroad concerning the dog which landed when the
ship struck, and more than a few of the members of 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 . . . 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