The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-09-26
about New York. said the steward.
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oughly, and he followed them about ey-
erywhere, from the stern to the bridge,
up and down deck, and into the narrow
corridors of the cabins, trying all the
time to enter into conversation with them.
They, however, did not seem anxious
to meet his advances. Each time that
the captain, with his hat in his hand, ap-
preached them and commenced in his
most affable manner, Excuse me, gem
tlemen, but do you happen to know
they turned around quickly, pretending
not to hear, and walked off, leaving him
standing there.
''They certainly have odd manners"
said the captain to himself, and then he
consoled himself with the idea that, after
all, every country had its own customs.
The two Americans, in their turn puz-
zled by the eccentricities of this man,
who followed them about everywhere,
questioned the steward, and as he was
fond of joke he drew upon his imagi-
nation for their benefit.
"You know there has been q great
diamond robbery in PARISH he said con-
fidentially. "Well, that man is Ernest,
the celebrated detective. He is on the
track of the thieves and to avoid sus-
picion has disguised himself like that"
The two Americans looked at each
other and soon afterward went down
into their cabin and shut themselves in.
They did not appear again on deck,
not even when the ship sighted New
York, and all the passengers We're ad-
miring the panorama. On landing, Cap
tain Cogolin looked out for them, but in
vain. They had slipped away amid the
confusion.
1.-THE embassy, sir. Can you tell me
the way to the embassy"
1t was the captain, who after wander
ing about all day in network of streets
and avenues, all exactly alike and all
mercilessly numbered, was trying for
the hundredth time to get some infor-
nation.
How in heavens name shall l ever
make these hurrying, crowding, English
speaking savages understand" he ex-
claimed at last in despair. why in all
the round world couldn't my Uncle Peter
have taken himself somewhere else to
die?"
Suddenly the captain caught sight of
a face he knew. Yes, it certainly was
one of the Americans with whom he had
travelled. There could be no installing
him, although he had changed his
clothes and his hair and beard were
cropped close.
"Sir!-sir!'
The other one hears and makes off
But no, this time he shall not escape.
and the captain follows him.
The American has long legs, but the
captain has strong ones.
What he says below his breath.
"this fellow knows New York like A B
G, and he won't just tell me where to
find the embassy"
The American cannot escape, he skins
round corners, and he lodges down
streets, but the captain keeps up behind
him.
The chase goes on until at last the
American is incapable of running an.
other step. and he takes refuge in res
taurant. The captain follows him and
says, breathlcssly:
Excuse me, sir, but can you tell
me-
The American turns pale, pushes O
chair to the captain, and says in excel
lent French:
Hush! let's have no fuss and no use
less scandal. Sit down here minute in
this corner"
"Good!' thought the captain, "he's 6
queer stick, but he's getting more rea
| sonable."
The American continued:
II know what you've come to New
York for. Now, the question is, Can We
come to an understandings.
"Why, certainly we can. Certainly
we cam" exclaimed the captain, rubbing
his hands. ut seems to me straightfor
ward people can always come to an un
derstanding."
Hang the straightforwardness bu
let's come to business" said the Ameri
can desperately SIN this pocketbool
there are 90, 900 in bank notes. If you'll
say the word, they are yours, and 81 ,00(
more shall be brought to you tonigh
when the Brittany weighs anchor Is i
understood that you start with the Brit
tany?"
why, certainly, certainly, on thos
sterins," said the captain, who was NOR
and more bewildered at every word ut
tered by the American.
He tried i'll vain to understand it all
but it was and ever remained hope
less mystery to him. He pocketed TIN
money and then found his way to TIN
docks and made inquiries about tn
Brittany. He secured his passage, ant
sure enough the money promised hin
was brought to the boat that night, ant
Captain Cogolin was not sorry to set sail
for he had had enough of New York.
And SO the captain returned to tn