reduced power setting had done significant damage to the main bearing,
and now there was noticeable vibration, jarring even Golden Dawn's
massive hull.
I have to get the pump stripped down or we'll burn her clear out, the
Chief faced up to Duncan Alexander at last.
Then you'll have to shut down and not just a couple of hours either, It
will take two days to fit new bearing shells at sea. The Chief was pale
and his lips trembled, for he knew of this man's reputation. The
engineer knew that he discarded those who crossed him, and he had the
reputation of a special vindictiveness to hound a man until he was
broken. The Chief was afraid, but his concern for the ship was just
strong enough.
Duncan Alexander changed direction. What was the cause of the pump
failure in the first place? Why wasn't it noticed earlier? It looks
like a case of negligence to me. Stung at last, the Chief blurted out,
If there had been a back-up pump on this ship, we could have switched to
secondary system and done proper maintenance. Duncan Alexander flushed
and turned away. The modifications he had personally ordered to Golden
DaWn's design had excluded most of the duplicated back-up systems;
anything that kept down the cost of construction had been ordered.
How long do you need? He stopped in the centre of the owner's stateroom
and glared at his engineer, Four hours/the Scot replied promptly.
You've got exactly four hours, he said grimly. if you haven't finished
by then you will live to regret it. I swear that to you.
While the engineer stopped his engines, stripped, repaired and
reassembled the lubrication pump, Duncan was on the bridge with the
Master, We've lost time, too much time, he said. I want that made up.
It will mean pushing over best economic speed/ Captain Randle warned
carefully.
Captain Randle, the value of our cargo is 85 dollars a ton. We have on
board one million tons. I want the time made up. Duncan brushed his
objection aside. We have a deadline to meet in Galveston roads. This
ship, this whole concept of carrying crude is on trial, Captain. I
don't have to keep reminding you of that. The hell with the costs, I
want to meet the deadline. Yes, Mr. Alexander/ Randle nodded. We'll
make up the time. Three and a half hours later, the Chief Engineer came
up to the bridge.
Well? Duncan turned on him fiercely as he stepped out of the elevator.
The pump is repaired, but What is it, man? I've got a feeling.
We ran her too long. I've got a nasty feeling about that bearing. It
wouldn't be clever to run her over 5o% of power, not until it's been
taken down and inspected I'm ordering revolutions for 25 knots, Randle
told him uneasily.
I wouldn't do that, man, the Chief shook his head mournfully.
Your station is in the engine room/ Duncan dismissed him brusquely,
nodded to Randle to order resumption of sailing, and went out to his
customary place on the open wing of the bridge. He looked back over the
high round stern as the white turbulence of the great propeller boiled
out from under the counter and then settled in a long slick wake that
soon reached back to the horizon. Duncan stood out in the wind until
