The state herald., 1895-10-04

SA
INTERNATIONAL PRESS ASS0CiA7i0M
CHAPTER XIV.-(CoNTINuED.,
His way now led towards the river
side regions, and cleansing whit OF
tar was to be detected In the stagnant
autumn air. Men with the blue Jersey
and peaked cap of the boatman. or the
white duck OF the lockers, began to re-
place the corduroys and fustian Of the
laborers. Shops with nautical instru-
ments In the windows, rope and paint
sellers, and slop shops with long rows
of ollsklns dangling from hooks. all
proclaimed the neighborhood OF the
docks. The Admiral quickened his pace
and Strengthened his figure as his sur
roundings became more nautical. until
at last. peeping between two high,
dingy wharfs, he caught glimpse OF
the mud-colored waters of the Thames.
and of the brlstle OF masts and tunnels
which rose from Its broad bosom. TO
the right lay a quiet street. with many
brass plates upon either side. and wire
blinds in all the windows. The Ad-
miral walked slowly down 1t until The
Saint Lawrence Shipping Company
caught his eye. He crossed the road
pushed open the door. and found him
self in a low-ceilinged Office. with
long counter at one end and a great
number OF wooden sections OF ships
stuck upon boards andHplastered all
over the walls.
us Mr.. Henry in?" asked the Admiral.
mo. SIR" answered an elderly man
from high seat in the corner. He has
not come into town to-day. i can man
age any business you may wish seen to-
You don't happen TO have n first or
second officers place vacant. do your
The manager looked with dubious
eye at his singular applicant.
DO you hold certiticates?' he asked.
II hold every nautical certificate
there is"
Then you won't do for u.s."
why not?"
"Your age. SIR"
IL give you my word that can see as
in every way"
II don't doubt It."
why should my age be a bar. then?'
well. must put 1t plainly. II man
OF your age. holding certificates, mas
not got past second officers berth,
there must be n black mark against him
somewhere. ubH hHO" Nb"t - '''
drink or temper, or want OF Judgment.
but something there must be-
81 assure you there is nothing. but i
find myself stranded. and so have to
turn to the old business again"
"oh. that's it," said the manager,
with suspicion In his eye. How long
were you in your last blllet?'
''Fifty-one years
"whatr'
yes. sir. one-and-hfty years"
In the same employy'
Yes
why, you must have begun as
child
II was twelve when Joined"
1T must be a strangely managed
business" said the manager. which al
lows men TO leave II who have served
for fifty Yeas. and who are still as good
as ever. Whom did you server
1.-THE Queen. Heaven bless herr
"oh, you were In the Royal navy.
What rating did you hoidT
81 am Admiral OF the Fleet
The manager started. and sprang
down from his high stool.
My name is Admiral Hay Denver.
There Is my card. And here are the
records OF my service. don't. you I'M
ders,and. want to push another man
from his billet: but II you should chance
to have "A berth open. should be very
glad OF It. know the navigation from
the Cod Banks right up to Montreal n
great deal better than know the streets
of London
The nstonished manager glanced over
the blue papers which his visitor had
handed him. Won't you take chair.
Admlrai?" said he.
Thank you, Blu, should be Obliged
II you would drop my title now. told
you because you asked me. but I've left
the quarter deck. and am plain Mr.. Hay
Denver now"
May / ask" said the manager, "arc
you the same Denver who commanded
at one time on the North American sta
tIon?'
81 did"
Then II was you who got one OF our
boats, the Comus. on the rocks In the
Bay OF Fundy7 The directors voted
you three hundred Huineas as salvage.
and you refused them"
1T was an offer which should not have
been made said the Admiral sternly.
well. II reflects credit upon you that
you should think no. II Mr.. Henry were
here am sure that he would arrange
this matter for you at once. As II II.
shall lay It before the directors to-day.
and am sure tina, they VIII be proud
TO have you In our employment. and.
hope. In some more suitable position
thnn that which you suggest"
II am very much obliged TO you. SIR
said the Admiral. and started on again.
well pleased. upon his homeward Jour
ncy.