The Osceola times., 1886-03-27
THREE STARS.
The Port They Played in Fixing q
Crime.

''Roll on, thou deep and dark-blue
ocean-rollr' shouted cheerful-look-
ing passenger. casting patronizing
glance at the billowy waste on whose
heaving bosom our good ship was toss
ed like plaything.
Roll and be hanged to it, if cnly it
wouldn't roll mer' grumbled |.
1t was my first experience with Nep-
tune, and we didn't get on well togeth-
er, To say the truth l was in no ami
able mood. had disagreed with the
steward about the quality of the steak
be had sent me for breakfast, and, fin
ally, had disagreed with my breakfast
itself, and then had parted company
with it.
While leaning over the tafirail at this
point, my feelings were narrowed by
the poetical passengers quotation.
You re sea sick,' he remarked.
81 see | am" | replied. gruffly, in
tending no pun, but slight criticism
on the self-obviousness of the state
ment.
I've a sovereign specific for the
malady,n said the stranger.
You're lucky mani" groaned |.
81 would be most happy to furnish
you with it," he replied. II have an
abundant supply of it with me-"
ANY thing! 'I-Tll take any thing
even arsenic, if it's only enough to put
me out of my misery" | said.
Come below" said he, taking my
arm.
When we had descended the stairs he
inquired:
"Wherc is your state room"
led the way to it,
Now lie down, and I'll fix you up
directly" he said.
| threw off my coat and boots and
mmbled into my berth.
The benevolent gentleman went out
and returned quickly with something
which he put into a glass with some
water and gave me TO drink. ! swal-
lowed ii without a question. The effect
was almost instantaneous. A gentle
languor stole over me, and then fol
lowed what little before | should have
hailed as the scene of all bliss, COM
plete unconsciousness. Whether it was
the effect of the medicine, or because
the weather - much obliged to the
weather if that was it-had changed,
know not. but when awoke found
myself. if not recovered, at least con-
yalcscent.
Next day gained my sea legs. and
felt no inconvenience. Mr.. Rollickson-
by which name learned to know my
Byronic bcnefactor-and myself grew
to be intimate friends. The truth is, he
had knack of making friends. He was
an mexhaustble talker. With men he
was an agreeable companion; with ladies
he was captivating, fascinating.
We had an exquisite young creature
on board, scarcely out of her teens, on
her way to Join an elderly maiden aunt
in an inland English town. said to have
testamentary designs upon her, which,
If carried out, would place her In the
front rank of matrimonial prizes. To
tEis young lady Mr.. Rollickson paid es-
pec,L court He read, talked and
quoted poetry to her till her pretty little
head wsu turned; and before the voy-
age was oSsr their engagement began
to be the talT Of the ship.
Stress of weather made the passage a
slow one. 1t was eiore than two weeks
after we lost sight ~ the highlands of
Nevcrsink before W. sauded at Liver
pool | had hardly set l.Ot on shore,
and hadn't had time to t)ngratulate
myself on the fact when ham, was laid
on my shoulder.
You must go with me-" said de-
tcrmined voice in my ear.
turned about quickly and found lay
self confronted by man who might
have sat for Dickens portrait of In
spector Bucket -.
THE fewer words here the better, ="
he said as | was about to speak. "Will
you come quietly, or shall ] summon
assistanceP'
demanded an explanation.
You shall have il in due time" was
the answer 'Do you intend to come
pcaceably or not?'
A short staff surmounted by crown.
produced by the speaker, convinced me
he had authority to enforce my obedi-
ence, and walked along by his side.
Your name is Roach" said thin,
sharp man into whose presence l.was
ushered.
ut is not" answered.
Probably you will also deny having
three stars tattooed on the back OF your
left arm, just below the elbowP' he
added. sardonically.
II do deny it; bear no such mark. :"
] said.
That is easily tested, was the reply.
Turn up his sleeve. Jarvis
The assistant obcyed.
81 think that we have the right man."
said the latter.
''Qnite sure of it, said the sharp
man, after glancng at the exposed
member.
| twisted my arm so as to get view
of the part in question, and was utterly
smazed to find the mark described by
the officer.
Ill never saw Il BEFORE" ] STAN.
mered. oonfuscdly.
''epeh . statement wiz 10 yen hu.