Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-10-13
MY ODD EXPERIENCE.


thing to do. A few days ago, while trav-
cling from Newcastle to White Haven, !
was perusing my favorite paper when my
eyes fell on the following: ITO Authors
One guinea a column is paid for original
contributions.
/ had seen this notice every week, dating
from the first few weeks this noted jour
nal Of fact, fun and fiction" entered on
its remarkable career, but now it suggest
ed to me an idea. Why not, when travel
ing, devote my time to contributing to this
paperS
No sooner thought of than out came my
notebook, and travelled some miles further
In deep thought, endeavoring to find a sub
iect on which to base my story. At length
came to the conclusion that had got
column or two Of interesting matter, 80
commenced writing. After having half
filed my notebook and concluded the last
chapter of the tale closed my book just
as the train began TO come TO n standstill,
and heard the porters' voices crying out
"Whitehaven."
This being my destination for the pres
ent / emerged from the compartment, put
my luggage two sample bags in the left
luggage Office and went off In search Of
dig9ngs / had not proceeded far when /
noticed card In a window on which was
printed Apartments" | made inquiries
about the rooms, and was shown over them
by the landlady. The price being favor
able and her rooms comfortable engaged
them for fortnight. She seemed TO look
on me with suspicion, so tried TO assure
her Of my integrity and respectability by
remarking that was a commercial travel
er. She still seemed very dubious. and re
marked apologetically:
"You haven't much luggage, sir"
What little carry have left at the
station; and now, If you please, will take
some tea, Mrs. Smith," ! replied.
While she was preparing this meal took
out my book, and began 10 go over my lit
erary effort, when the landlady entered to
spread the table.
by the bye. sir, may make bold to ask
your nameW
oh replied half jokingly, assuming
tine name / had given 10 a character in my
story; Edwards is my name" | little
thought how much trouble should pass
through as the result Of AN assumed cog
nomen.
Having finished preparing tea, she with
drew and once more was alone Presently
! went for a stroll round the town and then
on to the pier. There / saw bill an
nouncing that the steamer Lady Find ran
twice weekly TO Belfast. | had otter
thought / should like 10 see Belfast, so
not being overburdened with business,
determined to go with the steamer on the
Thursday.
In the meantime ] did my business
during the day and spent my evenings IN
writing out my tale on several sheets Of
note paper preparatory to forwarding 1t u
the editor.
Thursday the day fixed for my trip u
the Emerald Isle, arrived. / got through
my business in good time, and as the Doa
did not leave until D. IN. thought
would have a game Of billiards at th'
station hotel, 50 thither | made my way
While watching a game remembered tina
| had not told my landlady Of my inten
lions, and looking at my watch found
had ten minutes in which TO go 70 m!
rooms, gather my papers and inform Mrs
Smith Of my excursion. / rushed TO IN.
rooms, and while | hastily gathered m,
scattered sheets Of the manuscript ex
planned 70 Mrs. Smith:
"Going to Belfast-must run-back Of
Monday Good dayP
When I arrived at the pier the vessel wa
already in motion, but ! got on board, an
soon the town of Whitehaven grew Les
and less distinct until IL gradually disaI
peared from sight.
Having settled down in the saloon, | b'
gan 70 wonder whatever my landlad
would think, for | had not paid her
farthing in my hurry and excitement, bu
had promised myself / would make it a
right on my return.
We landed at Belfast at o'clock O
Friday morning | took a room at ten
perance hotel and prepared myself for
look around the city. | had returned
my rooms TO tea in the evening when
knock came at the door.
The waiter informed me that two gei
tlemen wished TO see me, 30 ! told him I
show them in. Presently two tall gentl
men entered. Not recognizing them, how
ever. babe them be seated when one
them remarked:
II think you're Mr.. Edwards"
/ was puzzled for moment
''well, yes" replied, remembering m
tale: 81 am known by that name but 20
have the advantage II me. To what, ma
ask. do owe the honor Of this visitp
In reply one Of them handed me his car
ON which was printed, IF. =. b, d
tective, Belfast city police, Ireland"
"Well. fail to understand the nature
your visit even now"
"Oh, yes, Of course, we expected tina
but it IS no good be.ting around the bus
Mr. Edwards. wish TO ask you fe
questions"
Proceed, then" replied.
Your name Is Edwards. you admit"
'fWell-er-that Is a name ! used on Of
occasion"
ION Thursday evening you left Whit
haven't"
"Yes"
Were you, when in that town, lodgir
at the house Of Mrs. SmithP
Certainly was"
"Then you are the man we want, al
before state the offense with which y
are charged be careful what you say, as '
shall use it As evidence against you"
More mystifed than ever, and boilii
over with rage and Indignation, | thu
dered out:
"why the dickens don't you come 70 Z