Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1893-07-08

Il,
peared, more valuables in the way of
jewslry than any one on board, since
FL, 500 had never purchased what they
possessed.
The whole evening was occupied in
speculating as to the probable perpe-
TRAITOR of the theft, and in condoling
with Mr.. May on his loss. Every one
turned in that night in an uneasy state
of mind, and it was with astonishment
that they found themselves in the
morning in full possession of their
worldly goods. This improved condi.
tion Of affairs seemed to reassure our
passengers, who at once again began to
look cheerful and at ease. Reginald
Mays face wore its wonted smile, and,
as heretofore, he charmed and en-
livened us with his vivacfty and anec-
dotes. All the day long he worked on
the model of the ship, still using the
top Of the empty water cask for work
table. That night We retired to rest
with minds far more at CASE than on
the previous one. Alas! What scene
of danger and distress came with the
morningl Every passenger on board
owning jewelry had been robbed during
the night. The three old gentlemen,
the young married couples. the kind.
hearted brother and sister found them
selves minus every article they possessed.
Even tho grumbling old gentleman
had lost his gold snuffbox. There
was no keeping matters quiet this time.
The thief must be traced and brought
to justice. What was the wisest method
Of procedure? What would Mr.. May
suggest7
Il would suggest, though reluctantly,
that every sailor and every sailors lug
gage be carefully searched" he said.
Il agree to see to that" I remarked.
This" he continued, must be most
humiliating to the feelings of your crew.
captain, and, therefore, in common fair
ness to them, as our fellow men, let me
suggest that every passengers luggage
be also thoroughly searched"
A little hesitation on the part of one
or two of the passengers was shown be-
fore acceding to the last proposal, but
our pleasant passenger soon contrived
to bring those who first demurred to his
way of thinking.
"Of course, there is not passenger on
board who is not above suspicion, {"
he said; yet, in justice to the feelings
OF the crew, it is the least we can do. "
This delicate feeling and thoughtful
ness on the part of Mr.. May rendered
him more pleasing in our eyes than
ever.
Well, thorough search was made
by myself and the kind-hearted old
gentleman and his sister. Every ones
traps were ransacked from top to bot
tom without success. Further search
was useless. What was to be done?
That night, all having been made
snug and every one having turned in, I
went on deck, it being what we call at
sea "the captains watch About 4
o'clock in the morning turned in, the
second officer then coming on duty.
My cabin was situated amidships on
deck, and from my window could see
to larboard and starboard, and from
stem to stern. Somehow I could not
rest, so, dressing myself, I determined
to sit up and smoke. drew aside my
curtains and looked out. It was the
gray light of the early morning, and
there was a stiffish breeze blowing. TO
my great surprise beheld Reginald
May on deck. I was about to open my
cabin door and invite him to join me
in my unrest, when the peculiar nature
of his proceedings riveted my atten.
ton. He looked timidly around, as If
afraid OF attracting observation. Then
suddenly, as if the coast was clear, he
walked rapidly toward the empty wa.
ter cask, on which he was accustomed
to manufacture his model of the sh D.
Once more glanoing cautiously about
him, he then applied his hands to the
cask. and. with q rapid movement.
lifted half the top bodily off. My
astonishment and excitement were in.
tense. Another hasty glance around,
and he put his hand down into the
cask, then quickly withdrew it, holding
in his grasp small bag, which he
rapidly concealed in the breast of his
coat. He again took hasty survey,
and was about making another dive
into the strange receptacle for hidden
goods when he suddenly withdrew,
having quickly replaced the lid on the
cask. In another moment the cause
OF his alarm was made apparent, as d
couple Of sailors passed him on theil
way to relieve the man on duty at the
wheel.
Whom all was again quiet, for an in.
stant he seemed determined to return
at once to the old cask, and no doubt
withdraw something more that the in
terruption had prevented his taking in
the first place, but, suddenly changing
his mind he went down the stairs that
led from the deck to the sleeping
cabins.
Scarcely had May disappeared wher
another figure, stealthily crossing the
deck, met my anxious observation. Il
was the boatswain. I saw him glance
toward the stairs down which May had
taken his departure. He then made
directly for the cask. 1t was now obvi
Gus to me that the old boatswain ha6
been watching the pleasant voyager
Just as the old sailor reached the watel
cask heavy green sea struck the shir
| to windward, necessitating the boat
swain's holding on by the ropes to keel
his footing, and precisely at the sam,
moment May appeared at the top o
the cabin stairs. The instant the shil
steadied herself the old boatswail
commenced his examination of tn,
water cask. For moment only MAJ
stood gazing at him with as evil