Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-17

regulate his dealings with his own COM
r,ades. and another much more elastic, Tor
the great barbarian world outside.
We became a very unhappy family after
this discovery, for, of course, all mutual
confidence was lost, until it should appear
who the offender was No one was ex-
empt from suspicion; though the weight
of it was equally divided between Cali
fornia Tom and my demure friend, John
Merrill Each had his friends, who be-
lieved the other guilty. but while the boy
modestly refrained from saying anything
about it, Tom did not scruple to head his
own party. =.
Its easy enough to see who the thefis, y
! heard him say one night, as he occupied
the centre of a little knot of his cronles.
ats that sleek-faced little hypocrlte that IS
at the wheel now"
.sOf course it's said Darby. one OF the
"conrenials." I've always thought so
from the first of it, It's enough to con-
denim any fellow to know that he keeps
his donkey always locked"
.What right has one man to be allowed
to lock his donkey, anyhow" demanded
Tom, loud enough now for all to hear.
81 say, let's 60 and kick the lid open and
see what's in it,"
..Sit right down." said Frank Wight
man, from our side of the house; for Tom
had risen as if to carry his suggestion into
effect. Don't undertake anything of the
kind. John Merrill isn't here to speak for
himself, and no man shall break his chest
open while I'm by 20 prevent it."
Don't you want to find out who the thief
is p asked Derby.
"Of course do and don't think should
have to 90 far to do that. II there's to be
a general search of chests and hunks, I'm
ready to agree to it at any time and per-
haps the boy will be willing to open his,
in such case. But | say it shan't be
kicked open in his absence"
"It's plain enough that he is the guilty
one," said Tom, "when his chest IS the
only one locked, and"
II don't know about thatm retorted
Frank, with Il significant look. "A thief
may find other places for his plumber be-
sides in his chest. Indeed, ii he's an old
hand al it. he would be likely to"
This home thrust put an end to the dis,
eussion for the moment; for Tom. as well
rs Derby and the rest of his gang, were
afraid OF Wightman, who alone was a
match for any two of them. But when
John was relieved from the wheel, we
told him what had occurred, and how sus-
picon was thickening upon him. Frank
asked him, if he were willing to open his
chest and let us all have Il look at its con-
tents.
No. said he quickly. II am not will
ing
ssBut why not if you are innocent?"
81 cannot say why not, but | can assure
you that | know nothing about the stolen
- OF ho,. fal- INV we
for it, or, if general search Is deter
mined upon, open my chest by force, Tor
/ shall not consent to have it done"
II believe what you say, John" said
Frank, land so does Bill, here, that you
are entirely innocent. But there are
many who don't, and there will be still
more. if You don't satisfy them. Perhaps
il you would let me, alone, overhaul it,
or Bill, if that will suit you better, eh ?'
ssNo, | cannot show the contents Of it,
even to Bill If the matter is pressed
hard, | shall appeal to the old man for
protection-though don't know as that
would do any good"
"None at all" said Wightman and l,
both at once.
..What would he do do you think?"
Exercise his authority, and demand
y
has heard about the thefts, as you know
and heard him tell Mr. Baldwin that, if
another case was reported, he should make
a general search, and fog the thief if he
could be found"
The boy rested his face upon his hands
in thought. but made no answer.
Never mind john said Wrightman
don't fret about it. No harm shall come
tr. TN, catis tipI nF
truth, and ii you still decline to show your
things, you shant be forced to, at least by
ANYBODY in This end of the ship. But |
think this matter over. and perhaps to-
morrow You'll feel different about it, I've |
no idle curiosity myself. to want to know
your secret; but | would like to satisfy
others who haven't the same trustin your
integrity, that have"
That night in the middle watch, | was
awakened by a slight clicking noise, and
saw California Tom, by the dim light of
the hanging lamp, Stealthily opening
Johns chest with Il key. John himself
as well as all the rest of my watch, was
sleeping soundly but knew that he new
er left his key where it could be found.
1t was always about his person, night and
day. Tom must have found duplicate
|
and giye tie alarm to Wrightman and
others; hut on second thought, determin-
ed to wait moment and see the result
Tosn hal :. handle in one hand, which APP
peared - he a new flannel shirt, and as
the ioc4 Guw open at last, he lost no time
ip looking into the chest. but pushed in
the bundle. relocked it and Went on deck.
! considered the matter. ana determin-
Cd to tell Frank Wrightman; which did |
as soon as our watch turned out.
Don't tell John, were his first words ; |
II hope he won't open his chest and dis
cover it, for want to see what kind of "A
plot is Matching"
John Merrill had the morning mast
head, and went up to his post at daylight,
without having had occasion to look into
his chest Tom was up and stirring soon
afterwards-an unusual proceeding for
him in morning watch off duty-and
headed off Captain Soule as soon as he
made his appearance above deck.
CONCLUDED IN To-MoRRow's PAPER
BALDERS WIFE.