The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-02-26

usclcsS W cry OVtI spit Hllk, dS Tic Olu
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 revuest' I am sure you
will oblige me by granting"
Certainly, my dear sir" I replied;
"but still''-
"Exactly," he interrupted, with one of
his pleasant smiles, ''you would like to
take the matter in hand and investigate
it to the utmost Of your power. know
that, my dear captain, full well; but
can trust you to keep your promise, and
leave the case entirely in my hands,
How could deny him his REQUEST.
You will readily imagine what con-
sternation this event gave rise to among
the other passengers. The three old
gentlemen Instantly proceeded to explain
that they possessed jewelry to the value
of at least three hundred pounds, which
they usually kept locked up in brown
leather writing case; but unfortunately,
at the present time, the lock was out of
order.
Mr.. Reginald Moore suggested a safer
deposit for their valuables.
The young married couples announced
the tact of their owning at least two
hundred and fifty pounds worth of
iewelry; and they, too, consulted Mr..
Moore as to the safest plan of secreting it.
The kind-hearted brother and sister
had, it appeared, more valuables in the
way of jewelry than any one on board,
since fifteen hundred pounds had never
purchased what they possessed.
The whole of the evening was occupied
III specializing as to the probable prepe-
traitor of the theft, and in condollng
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 possession of all
their worldly goods. This improved
condition of affairs seemed to reassure our
passengers. who once again began to look
cheerful and at ease.
Reginald Moores pleasant face wore
its wonted smile, and, as heretofore, he
enlivened and charmed US with his
vivacity and anecdote. All day through.
he worked at the model of the 'Janet's
PRIDE" still using the top of the empty
water-cask for workable. t ...sr+,r
That night we retired to rest with minds
far more at ease than on the previous
one. Alas! what a scene of anger and
distress came with the morning! Every
passenger on board possessing jewelry
had been robbed during the night
The three old gentlemen, tie young
married couples. and the kind-hearted
brother and sister, found themselves
minus 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 theft must be traced and
brought to Justice. What was the wisest
method of procedure? What would Mr..
Moore suggests
II would suggest, though most re1uct-
antly," said Mr.. Moore, "that every sailor
and every sailors luggage be carefully
searched.''
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 fellewmen, let me al
so suggest that every passenger and every
passengers luggage be also thoroughly
| searched"
A little hesitation on the part of one or
two OF the passengers was demonstrated
before acceding to this last proposal, but
| our pleasant passenger soon contrived tu
bring those who at first demurred to his
side of thinking.
"Or course he said, ''there is not q
passenger on board who is not above
suspicion, 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 on the part of Reginald
Moore, rendered him, if possible, more
admirable and praiseworthy in our eyes
than ever.
Many Of the crew objected strongly tc
this mode of procedure, but all were
compelled to submit. The old boat
swain 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 pick
pocket. Even the pleasant passenger
tailed 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, but without success.
Further search was useless. What was
to be done2
That night all having been snug, and
passengers having turned in, none of
them, as you may imagine, in very bril-
liant spirits, went on deck, it being
what we call at sea ''the captains watch"
turned in about four A. NJ, the second
officer then coming on duty. Ny 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, I determined
upon sitting up and smoking. I drew
aside the blind of the window l have
mentioned, and looked out.
1t was just the gray light of early
morning, and there was stifish breeze
blowing. To my surprise, beheld Mr..
Reginald Moore on deck.