The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-08-06


 board the ship that was to take me out, and, having the evening to spare, with no one to see, knowing little and caring less whither my steps were leading me, was wandering aimlessly in the east end of London.
 | Drenched to the skin. and bewildered by the unutterable gloom, went stum- bling on till bright shaft of light ap- bearing betokened at any rate some res- idence. To my joy I found that it was shop of some sort, and on looking closer at the windows I saw tablet bearing the inscription, Chops and | steaks"
 I seated myself in the lightest and warmest place could find, and, order ing some refreshmept, glow of com | fort and satisfaction began to steal over my benumbed frame. I had barely be- | gun eating winch a boyish-lool4ng young fellow came in and seated him. self opposite me. I began to feel that he was regarding me intently, and two or three times I caught him looking at me, as I ate, with a look in his eyes that was not to be mistaken-he was enviously hungry.
 Well, my young friend" said in a hearty voice, you don't seem to be en- toying that bread and butter much. l Have a chop or steak with me. I am lonely, and shall be glad of your com pany. Anyway, youngster, don't be of fended"-for the red flush was covering brow and cheek-"it's offered with a good heart, and"
 Gratefully and truly accepted in the spirit in which it is offered" he answer ! ed holding out his hand.
 He had spoken with the palm of his hand open and upward, which, together with trick he had of pushing his left hand through his thick and clustering air, I found afterward invariably ac- companied his speech when at all ex- cited
 But what struck me more than any thing was the fact that when his coat sleeve fell back as he held up his hand there was revealed most beautiful piece of tattooing on his forearm. It was a copy, and an excellent copy, too, considering the colorings that had to be used, of that beautiful thorned head of Christ, which, painted on marble slab, is one of the chefs doeuvre of Antwerp cathedral. Underneath the head was the word "Mizpah.'
 I was so struck with his appearance, SC charmed with his animated counte- nance that asked him many questions | concerning himself, but here he became reticent and rose to go. I firmly caught fold of his hand and said, "Where are you sleeping -night?'
 70, forgot" he murmured confused ly. q have no money and"
 You are not going out again this bit ter night" I said still detaining him. Madam" I said to the proprietress, T shall want a bed here tonight. and so will my friend'
 "Yes, sir" she said, "but have only a room with two beds in it to spare to- night. Will that do?"
 70, yes,' began.
 "No, no, no,'' said my companion. 70, please no. Don't think about such al mean never mind; don't trouble"
 But was determined, and ascribing his painful confusion to probable defi- ciencies in his wardrobe, I said:
 ''All right, my boy; I shall be up for an hour yet to smoke my pipe and read the paper. You toddle up to bed and have breakfast with me in the morn- ing, and if you have nothing else to do walk with me to my ship and see me off,
 I held out my hand to him to say good night, when, to my surprise, he caught hold of it and kissed it, then, | giving me an indescribable look of grateful thankfulness, hurried off to bed
 I slept soundly till rap at the door warned me that it was time to get up. saw that my companion was already up, and, quickly dressing myself, found him downstairs, making himself useful by preparing huge plateful of butter ed toast
 We were about leaving, when the landlady came up hurriedly with blue paper in her hand and said with much excitement:
 Good gracious. I was nearly forget ting! Yesterday was the census day, and I have to return everybody who slept here last night. Will you two gentlemen please fill in your names?"
 I took the form and filled up my name, John Baxter, aged 26, single, D my companion, after momentary hesit- ation, writing, Louis Tremayne, aged 19, single"
 We both shook hands with our kind hostess and, after noting the name of the street and number of the shop, we proceeded to the docks. Tremayne came on board and did not leave me till the last bell sounded.
 NSG&&$$SSS$&&&Sea