The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1879-05-31

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Perhaps, after ALL" he said, cit is
only fair that l should explain matters.
The fact of the matter is, my watch has
been stolen"
Stolenp we exclaimed in q breath.
Undoubtedly" he answered; "but
pray you, captain, > here he turned to
me" pray you say not word about
it. The only thing that renders the
loss of consequence to me is the fact that
it once belonged to my poor mother. On
that account alone would not have lost
it for any amount of money. However,
it cannot be helped, and therefore it is
useless to cry over split milk, as the old
adage has it. My only request in the
matter is, my dear captain, that you will
leave the matter entirely in my hands,
and | think it very probable that / may
recover it. This request l am sure you
will oblige me by granting"
Certainly, my dear sir" | replied;
"but still"
Exactly, he interrupted, with one
of his pleasant smiles, "you would like
to take the matter in hand, and investi-
gate it to the utmost of your power; I
know that, my dear captain, full well;
Use, and leave the case entirely in my
hands"
How could l deny him his request?
You may readily imagine what con-
sternation this event gave rise to among
the other passengers. The three old
gentleman instantly proceeded to explain
that they possessed jewelry to the value
of at least $500, which they usually kept
locked up in a brown leather WI iting
case; but, unfortunately, at the present
time, the lock was out of order.
Mr.. Reginald Moore suggested safer
deposit for their valuables.
The young married couples announced
the fact of their owning at least e25O
worth of jewelry; and they, too, con-
suited Mr.. Moore as to the safest way for
secreting il.
The kind-hearted brother and sister
had, it appeared, more valuables in the
way of jewelry than any one on board,
since FL, 800 had never purchased what
they possessed.
The whole of that evening was occupied
in specializing as to the probable perpe-
traitor of the theft, and in condoling
with Mr.. Reginald Moore on his great
loss.
Every one turned in that night in an
uneasy state of mind, and it was with
establishment that they found themselves
in the morning, still in full possession of
their worldly goods. This improved
condition of affairs seemed to reassure
our passengers, who once again began to
look cheerful and at ease.
Reginald Moore's pleasant face wore
its wonted smile, and, as heretofore, he
enlivened and charmed us with his
vivacity and anecdotes. All day
through he worked on the model of the
Janet's Pride, still using the top of the
empty water cask for work table.
That light we retired to rest with mind
far more at ease than on the previous
one. Alas! what sense of anger and
distress came with the morning Every
passenger on board possessing jewelry had
been robbed during the night.
The three old gentlemen, the young
married couples, and the kind-hearted
brother and sister, found themselves
minus of every article of jewelry that
they had possessed. Even the grumbling
old gentleman had lost his gold snuff
box.
There was no keeping matters quiet
this time. The thief must be traced and
brought to justice. What was the wisest
method of procedure? What would Mr..
Moore suggest7
To this proposition we unanimously
agreed.
"This," he continued, "must be most
humiliating to the feelings of your crew,
captain, and therefore, in common fair
ness to them as our fellow-men, let me
also suggest that every passenger and
every passengers luggage be also thor
oughly searched"
A little hesitation on the part of one
or two of the passengers was demon
strated before acceding to this last pro-
posal, but our pleasant passenger soon
contrived to bring those who at first
demurred to his side of thinking.
"Of course" he said, there is not a
passenger on board who is not above sus-
picion, yet, in justice to the feelings of
the crew, it is in my humble opinion,
the least we can do"
This delicacy of feeling and this
thoughtfulness Oh the part of Reginald
Moore rendered him, if possible, more
admirable and praiseworthy in our eyes
than ever.
Many of the crew objected strongly to
this mode of procedure, but all were
compelled to submit. The old boatswain
was furious with indignation, and vowed
that if it cost him his life he would trace
the thief who had caused him to be
searched like common pickpocket.
Even the pleasant passenger failed to
soothe his sense of injury.
Well, thorough search was made by
myself, in company with the kind
hearted old gentleman and his sister.
Every ones traps" were ransacked
from top TO bottom without success.
Further search was useless. What
was to be done?
That night, all having been made snug,
and the passengers having turned in,
none of them, as you may imagine, in
very brilliant spirits, l went on deck, it
being what we call at sea "the captains
watch"
turned in about A. NJ, the second
officer then coming on duty. My cabin
was amidships and on deck, and from a
| window therein / could command a view
of the after-deck of the ship.
Somehow or other, / could not rest one
atom; so, dressing myself, determined
upon sitting up and smoking. drew
aside the blind of the window | have
mentioned, and looked out.
1t was Just the gray light of early
morning, and there was stiffish breeze
blowing. To my surprise, 1 beheld Mr..
Reginald Moore on deck.
| was about to open my cabin door
and invite Kim to join me in my rest
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