The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-11-22

and if you still decline to show your things
you shan't be forced to- at least by ANYBODY
in this end of the ship. But think this
matter over, and perhaps tomorrow you'll
feel differently about it. I've no idle curl
osity, myself, to want to know your secret;
but would like to satisfy others, who
haven't the same trust in your integrity
that have"
That night in the middle watch, was
awakened by slight clicking noise, and
saw California Tom, by the dim light of
the hanging lamp, stealthily opening Johns
chest with key. John, himself, as well as
all the rest of my watch, was sleeping
soundly but knew that he never left his
key where it could be found. 1t was al
ways about his person, night and day.
dom must have found duplicate key to
fit the chest.
was about to speak and give the alarm
to Wightham and others but on second
thought, determined to wait moment and
see the result. Tom had bundle in one
hand, which appeared to be new flannel
SHIRT, and as the lock flew open at last, he
lost no time in looking into the chest, but
pushed in the bundle, relocked it and went
on deck.
considered the NATTER and determined
to tell Frank Wightman which l did as
soon as our watch turned out.
"Don't tell John," were his words "I
hope he wont open his chest and discover
II Tor want to see what kind of plot is
Matching"
John Merrill had the morning masthead,
and went up to his post at daylight, with
out having had occasion to look into his
chest. Tom was up and stirring soon af-
terwards-an unusual proceeding for him
IN morning watch off duty--and headed
OIL Captain Soule as soon as he made his
appearance above deck.
Presently the order was given to call all
hands, and muster them up. One of the
mates was sent into the forcastle to see that
no one fingered, and to have all the mems
wits and effects reused up to the light of
Gay. Ihe captain was evidently in tow
erlng rage, for he had passed lightly over
several previous reports of theft. hoping
the matter would be adjusted without his
interference. But Tom had lost q new
shirt during the night, and Captain Soule
had lost-his patience.
"I'll find it if it's inside the ship % said
he; "and I'll fog the man that stole it.''
Several chests and bags had been emp
tied OF their contents in the presence of us
all for John had been called down from
aloft, and stood, thoughtful and agitated
at my side. When the captain come to
the locked chest.
Whose is this ?" he demanded.
"Mine, sir" spoke up the lad.
90 Gi me your key !"
:" II you'll excuse me, sir, l would like to
speak word with you, by ourselves, sir
if you please"
But the captain was not in q humor to
listen to any remonstrance at that moment.
" Let me get through with this cursed
business before | talk with anybody 1t
doesn't look well, anyhow, that you keep
your chest locked up p
He swung back his heavy boot as he
spoke, and with a single kick under the
projecting edge of the lid it flew open.
There's my shirt - exclaimed Tom.
seizing the bundle that lay on top. He
shook it open, showed his marks and it
was at once identified beyond all dispute
" Enough said We're on the right
track, now," said Captain Soule. "Take
up this chest and carry it aft p And he
closed the lid with bang.
"Mr. Baldwin," he continued. "strip
John Merrill, back, and seize him up /! It's
a new thing for me to fog one of my men
"a thing never did-but I've sworn it in
this case, and I'll keep my word.'
The poor boy, overwhelmed with confu-
oloh, ooulu hdIuly llnu u word TO protest his
innocence, as the mate led him aft. But
Frank Wightman at this moment neared
the captain respectfully, and touched him
gently on the shoulder A word was spo-
ken the captain relaxed his angry brows
to listen to it, for Wightman was the best
man in the forcastle. The two walked aft
together, conversing earnestly. kept my
eye on them, till Frank made a signal,
which l understood, when | followed.
''Mr Derrick" said the captain to the
second mate, "keep everything as it stands,
with the chests forward. Don't allow a
man to touch thing, till further orders.''
He beckoned Wightman and myself to
come below. But as he did not counter
mand the orders he had given about seizing
John up, the mate, it seems, proceeded to
obey them. He prepared the settings, but
when he ordered the boy to remove his
shirt he met with unexpected resistance.
While was relating to Captain Soule, in
the forward cabin, what had seen during
the middle watch, there was scuffle over
our heads, and John Merrill, in frenzy OF
excitement, rushed down the stairs and
into the after cabin. "Hold on, Mr. Bald.