The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-05-21

You may readily imagine what con-
stcrnation this event gave rise to
among the other passengers. The
three old gentlemen instantly pro-
ceeded to explain that they possessed
iewelry 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.. Moore suggested safer deposit
for their valuables.
The young married couples an
nounced the fact of their owning at
least two hundred and fifty pounds
worth of jewclry, and they. too, con-
suited Mr.. Moore as to the safest plan
for secreting it.
The kindhearted brother and sister
had. it appeared. more valuablcs in the
way Of jewelry than anyone on board.
since fifteen hundred pounds had never
purchased what they possessed.
The whole of the evening was occu-
pied in specializing as to the proba bic
perpetrator of the theft and in condol-
ing with Mr.. Reginald Moore on his
great loss.
Everyone turned in that night in an
uneasy state of mind, and it was with
establishment that they found them
selves in the morning 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 charmed and enlivened us with his
vivacity and anecdotes. All the day
long he worked on the model of the
"Janet's Pride" still using the top of
the empty water cask for a work table.
That night we retired to rest with
minds far more ut ease than on the pre-
vious 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, the young
married couples and the kindhearted
brother and sister found themselves
minus of every article of jewelry that
they 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 bought to justice. What was tho
wisest method of procedure? VIVA,
would Mr.. Moore suggest?
Il would suggest, though most re
luctantly, that every sailor and every
sailors luggage be carefully searched,
he said
To this proposition we unanimously
agreed.
This" Ire continued, must be mos
humiliating to the feelings of your
crew. captain; therefore, in com
mon fairness to them as our fellow
men, let me suggest that every passen.
ger and every passengers luggage be
also thoroughly searched"
| A little hesitation on the part of one
or two of the passengers was shown
| before acceding to the last proposal,
but our pleasant passenger soon con
trived to bring those who first de
INJURED to his way of thinking.
| ''Of course, there is not a passenger
on board who is not above suspicion.
he said: yet, in justice to the feelings
of the crew, it is, in my humble opinion
the least we can do"
This delicate feeling and thoughtful,
ness on the part of Reginald Moore
rendered him, if possible, more admira-
BILE and praiseworthy in our eyes than
ever.
Many of the crew objected strongly
to his 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.
utterly failed to soothe his deep sense
of injury.
Well thorough search was made b.,
myself and the lsindhearted old gentle
man and his sister. Everyone's trap
were ransacked from top to bottom
| without success
Further search was useless. VIVA
was to be done?
That night, all having been mad,
snug, and the passenger having turne,
:n-no:le of them, as You may imagine
in very brilliant spirits-I went OF
deck, it being what we call ut sea, 9TH
captains watch
About four o'clock in the morning
turned in, the sccoad officer then com
ing on duty. My cabin was situate,
amidships and on deck. and from
window wherein | cotrld command
view of the after-deck of the ship.
Somehow or other could not rest, 81
dressing myself determined to sit NJ
and smoke. l drew aside the curtain
of the window l have mentioned an,
looked out.
1t was just the gray light of tn
early morning, and there was a stitfisl
breeze blowing To my great surprise
beheld Mr.. Reginald Moore on deck.
I was about 10 open my cabin doc
and invite him to join me in my rest
lessness, when the peculiar nature o
his proceedings riveted my attention
lie looked around on all sides Us
afraid of attracting observation.
| Then, suddenly, as il assured tia