The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1896-01-03


could have got at the money, and de-
termined TO put my theory to practi-
cal test.
L hurried down into the saloon, where
most of the passengers were congre-
gated. AS yet few OF them were aware
OF the robberies, for we had kept the
matter as secret as possible. l went
straight up to young American gen-
tleman who | knew had a great many
trinkets in his stateroom and was
rather careless too in the way he left
them lying about.
Don't show any SURPRISE" | vyhis-
pered, glancing around at the other oc-
cupants of the saloon, "but might ask
whether your stateroom is locke1?"
at is."
And the portfolio open?"
Il should say so! | don't want to find
the place as stuffy as the engine-room
when | go to turn in
"Well, just pass me your key; want
to try little experiment Wait till
I'm gone and then stroll up on deck.
Let yourself be seen-on the lower deck
particularly-but don't pay too close
attention to anyone you may notice
lettering there"
He fell in readily with my scheme.
/ went and shut myself in the state-
room, crouching down so that | could
Just keep an eye on the portfolio over
the top of the lower berth. | remained
in that cramped position until my limbs
fairly ached. and / was half inclined to
give it up as a bad job.
But suddenly, as | glanced up at the
portfolio, my blood ran cold, and in all
my life l never had such difficulty to
keep down yell. In the dim light |
saw long, thin hairy arm thrust in
through the opening. The next mo-
pAent small black hand had fastened
upon leather case lying close to the
window and withdrew it as quick as
thought almost.
l sprang to my feet and bolted out
side into the passage. l dashed up the
saloon stairs and made for the lower
deck. There, just about the spot where
L judged the stateroom to be situated.
! came face to face with the Brazilian.
De Castro. In spite of the heat he was
wearing his long cloak with the deep
cape, and had his eternal cigarette be-
tween his teeth. He looked at me with
an air of frank surprise, and / looked at
him with an air of profound suspicion.
Suddenly happy thought flashed
through my mind. | turned round and
sprang down the saloon stairs. running
full tilt against the chief stewart. who
was standing at the bottom.
'Get M a handful of nuts-ouick,"
/ cried
When he brought them ] hurried
back on deck. The Brazilian had moved
away little toward the stern. went
close up, stood right in front of him.
and then began deliberately to crack
the nuts.
He regarded me with plying sort of
look but | paid little attention to him
Presently l saw a corner of the cape
drawn aside and behind pair of small.
cleaning eyes fixed greedily upon me.
1t was enough. My suspicious were
confirmed. l flung the rest of the nuts
in the sea, and walking straight up to
De Castro, said:
Il must ask you to accompany me to
the captains cabin"
''Vot you mean?" he asked, drawing
back.
L was determined to stand no nom
sense, and straightway took him by
the shoulders. The moment | laid my
hands upon him heard vicious snarl
under his cape; it was pulled suddenly
aside and out flew monkey.
The little brute went at me tooth and
nail. | saw the CLEAN of knife, too.
in the BraZilian's hand, but l let him
have my fist straight between the eyes
before he could use it, and he measured
his length upon the deck
The quartermaster came running up
and the rascal was dragged off to the
captains cabin. When searched there
Mrs. Melhurst's diamonds, Mr.. Carter's
cigarette case and rings and a miscel-
laneous collection of other valuables
were found upon him. In his stateroom
we discovered a perforated box. appar-
emily intended for the use of the mon
key, who was evidently quite as accom-
plished as his master.-Cassell's Jour
nal.
Protective Measures.
us they any way | kin git receipt