Chapter 2
THE PAINTED SHIPThe Ella had been a coasting-vessel, carrying dressed lumber to
South America, and on her return trip bringing a miscellaneous
cargo—hides and wool, sugar from Pernambuco, whatever offered. The
firm of Turner and Sons owned the line of which the Ella was one of
the smallest vessels.
The gradual elimination of sailing ships and the substitution of
steamers in the coasting trade, left the Ella, with others, out of
commission. She was still seaworthy, rather fast, as such vessels
go, and steady. Marshall Turner, the oldest son of old Elias
Turner, the founder of the business, bought it in at a nominal sum,
with the intention of using it as a private yacht. And, since it
was a superstition of the house never to change the name of one of
its vessels, the s
