Cheyenne transporter. [volume] (Darlington, Indian Terr.) 1879-1886, 1883-07-28


ashore, as also were the cook and stew
ard All of them had families in the
vicinity, with whom they were spending
this, their last night, before sailing.
"Well, there's no help for it," finally
remarked the Captain, with sigh, as,
slipping into the cabin, he hastily
changed his coat and brushed his hair,
$50. johnny, YOU must look out for the
ship u little while I'll call at Horizons
on my way to the depot and have them
send down a nigt watchman right away.
Until the watchmpn comes down, don
let any stranger aboard. | shall prob
ably be home on the morning boat.
Goodnight" And swinging himself
on to the wharf, Capt. Seers rapidly
made his way up town, while Johnny,
with rather disappointed look, began
to pace the main deck in true nauti-
cal style.
A repulsive looking man who bore
The marks OF n tramp-and a sailor
tramp at that--rose up from behind
lumber pile near the edge of the wharf,
and shook his left clinched fist in the
direction taken by Captain Seers. His
left fist, for the reason that his right
arm was missing Just above thc elbow.
81 thought it were you, Cap'n Seers,
when heard your voice, whilst was
layin' round here yesterday" he
growled savagely. Then, turning, lie
looked thoughtfully up at the ships
side. Nobody in sight" he muttered,
"the watchman not likely to get here
tor good half hour at best, and only
slip of boy aboard, while like as not
old Seers has left some money or wally-
ables layin' round his state room to be
! had jest for the takin' of 'em. It's
wuth runnin' bit of q resk for any
way" And with another glance up
the deserted wharf. the tramp began
climbing the side ladder, using the
stump of his right arm with consider
able skill to help him in his ascent.
Hearing the steps, Johnny turned
toward the gangway. A greasy slouch
hat, whose tattered brim partly shaded
the wicked looking face of its owner,
met his gaze.
"0h, look here now, say, we don t
allow any strangers on board" said
Johnny, with very decided shake of
the head, as he stopped short in his
walk.
You'll low the watchman what
Cap'n Seers had sent down from
Hort'ns' aboard, though won't We, SON
ny?" was the cool reply. And without
awaiting further remoustrance the in
truder drew himself over the rail and
stepped down on deck.
"Why, yes, l suppose So" answered
johnny, slowly and rather doubtfully.
'Doyou know my father-Cap'n Seers,
| meanP'
"Why, Yes" returned the man with
an unpleasant smile. II was to sea
once with yer pa in the OF ship Van
guard. 1t was he who cut off this
here arm, OWN to an accident that
happened to me that v'y'ge,' he con-
tinued, touching the stump with very
dirty forefnger.
This interested Johnny at once, and
he was about asking the particulars,
when, rather to his surprise, the sup
posed watchman turned on his heel
and quietly went INTO the cabin.
Hi say theren' cried Johnny,
rushing after him, my father don't
allow"
But poor Johnny's speech was
brought to a sudden end. For, as he
entered the cabin, he was caught by q
strong arm and dragged toward the
open door of the stewards pantry.
"rm goin' to put you in solitary
confinement for spell sonny" grim
ly remarked his captor, as Johnny
vainly kicked and struggled.
All at once there came TO the
frightened boys mind the remembrance
of his powerful friend, Jack, whom he
had last seen on the quarter. Jack