Ships of Strife

Ships of Strife by pulp writer Captain A.E. Dingle is part of the Wildside Pulp Classics series.<P>Plainly the second mate bore important news. Long Rube came over the side like a monkey and beckoned Forrester to the rail. The two mates stood in low-voiced conversation for a brief moment then Bower tumbled down into his boat again and pulled for shore.<P>To the surprise of Blake Forrester sent a hail forward for him.<P>How much fo'c's'le talk have you heard Dude? asked the big mate when the two stood together at the rail. You got some idee what we're after?<P>Some admitted Blake eyeing the man keenly. Not much.<P>All right. Howard's the skipper o' the John Foster yonder. He's got a girl aboard. The girl is after the wreck of a ship sunk some'eres between here and Australia. Steelfist is after it too see? But we don't know where the wreck lays an' prob'ly the crew o' the Foster does - they'll know where they're bound for anyhow.<P>Blake nodded quietly.<P>The Ol' Man is goin' to come aboard later. Crew's goin' ashore. You an' me go ashore tonight see? We got a scheme on what'll work. But you talk turkey right now Dude. Do you stick with us or not? You're no liar an' I owe you a good turn anyhow; say yes or no and either way goes as she lays with me.<P>I say yes returned Blake his gray eyes steady.<P>Good for you bully! Then don't go ashore with the boys that's all.