The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-01-26

own thoughts. just Gs had feared, tie
steamer had sailed upon my arrival in
Liverpool.
My next thought was to cable to New
York, giving description of the woman
and child and have the former arrested.
TIis would bring others into the case
wanted the honor and reward myself,
Besides, after careful reflection, 1 thought
might be on the wrong scent. The
personal description seemed to tally.
The two tickets, no babe in the wo-
mans charge and other circumstance s
led me to think that after all might be
mistaken,
The thought of defeat drove me to de-
vising every scheme for pursuit
A new idea popped into my head. 1
rushed to the Office of the Gnion line.
When does your first steamer sail?" l
inquired of the clerk.
Tomorrow afternoon"
whats her name?"
"The Alaska"
ALASKA, eh?"
Yes"
She's a quick one2"
Fastest vessel afuat.'
do you think she can reach New York
before the Inman's City of Richmond,
which sailed this morning?'
Il should think so-will probably dis
tance her by day"
That would make o difference of over
two days"
"What OF that barring accidentsP'
Thrusting my hand into my pocket, l
said; l want cabin passage to New
York.
"Your name, siT?"
james Burleigh, an Americ IN detec.
tive, anxious to cross the di,ch aud get
back home"
With somewhat contented spirit l
went to hotel and waited for the hour
of the Aaska's departure. l felt that l
was still in the race, but my competitor
having such start while l was left
practically at the post, 1 was not so COL
hdent of winning after all.
Anyway, was glad to sail for the land
of my birth. The novelty of having been
sent to England and the continent in
quest of some noted criminals who were
wanted in the States had worn away and
longed to see my friends once more.
Nothing of special note occurred dur
ing the passage across. The noble ves-
sci seemed MS feet as the wind. Day by
day l studied with ,agerness the log Of
the vessel to learn our rate of speed.
Good fortune favored us with fair weather
and sea.
Upon our arrival at Quarantine we
learned that the City of Richmond had
not reached perth fact, was not ex-
pected until the next day. l came II
to the city, engaged my rooms at the ho-
tel. and made what preparations were
needed for the execution of my plans.
Lest the steamer might arrive at night
1 stayed that night at Staten Island, ia
he near at band, The precaulion wa
unnecessary, as she did not arrive until
the next day.
Accompanied by the health officer and
others was soon on board and walked
through tire saloon cabin with the non
chalAnt air of person who had no 9th
er business than to hum a tune or twir
cane. There was the usual prerar
tory hustle for disembarking. My ey'
could not catch the object of my search
Perhaps she was in her staterOom.
would wait and see.
The vessel was rounding into her pier
but still no person who could by ANY
stretch of the Imagination be said to re
semble the one wanted.
rambled back aud forth and then 2
cended to the ait of the steamer. TheI
etood tall. shapely women, with he
back turned toward me. She was twir'
ing her sunshsde and seemed absorbed
iu gazing at the many sights that com
manded her view.
venturod to approach the rail. NJ
preseuse attracted her attention ST.
turned her face toward me; there wer
momeutary mutual glances. What
Y handsome face! What charming figure
Stepping pearer, ventured, in lh
most polite manner, to speak.
"Glad to get hack from your foreiei
= tour, presume. Miss ="
"Benson is my name"
"Iss Benson, took Won to hs a
American lady am an American re
T turning, after long absence. to my na
tive land"
II am so tired Of this ship. How 81,
I will be when step on shore again
won't be long now. will II, sir1"
'.But few minutes"
g 'Pshaw!I' made mistake" thouRt
I. This lady hasn't blonde hair. H'
ewes are more q steel grey than bl1'
Her costume is steel gray travelin
!, suit. Theu, she is alone"