CHAPTER 7 - Cutting From "The Dailygraph", 8 August, part 9

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 SOMETHING, 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.