The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1899-12-14
MO, SIR, l can't do it. I'm very
IN sorry, but it is against orders"

IN sorry, but it is against orders"
But this is an exceptional case"
"Oh, yes, they are all exceptional
these cases. but just the same l have
been left in the lurch so often that /
positively decline to repeat the ex-
pertinent
But l will leave you my watch and
rings, and | assure you that l tell
nothing but the truth"
I'm not disputing your word, sir;
but | am forbidden to take such things,
and l say again. it can't be done. l have
my instructions. and shall be obliged
to put you in the steerage. You say
you have SIG. Well, give me that" The
money was handed over.
boy, show this man to the Storage
steward"
Such was the conversation [ over
heard between purser and passenger
aboard an Atlantic greyhound on our
first day out from New York. Natural
ly l glanced a second time at the hap
less passenger as without another word
he turned and walked with dignity
past me toward the steerage. 1t was
evident he had no intention of appeal
ing to the captain; nor would that re-
course have been likely to avail him,
for every year matters of this kind are
left more and more to the purser, his
superior officer being sufficiently occu
pied with the navigation of the ship
and the government of the crew.
The purser and | were old friends and
travelling companions; indeed, [ was at
that moment on my way to his familiar
little paneled and portrait-lined room
for a bit of a visit. Therefore, l felt
free to ask him what the row was.
"Oh, the same old game of no money;
came on board at the last moment in
response to cable; will pay when he
gets ashore, and so forth. Not much.
Been sold too often"
But, Kensnaw, that mans face in
spires me with great confidence. He
looks like a gentleman, and he bore
himself like a thoroughbred. Didn't
you notice it?"
YES, yes; but that's the dodge. ]
know 'em. Don't you waste good SYM
pathy on that fellow. The more gen
tlemanly looking, the greater rascals,
generally"
WELL" L said, tell me his name,
anyway"
ooh, certainly; King"
At length l arose and went on deck.
1t was a glorious afternoon. The ship
was bowling along at the rate OF 20
knots an hour, a fine breeze was blow
ing and the salt air acted like cham
payne upon my nerves and spirits.
Passing forward and over the bridge,
reached the forecastle deck. l was
really looking for King, but with no
definite plan regarding him. Sure
enough, there he was, seated on an
anchor-stock and staring ahead into
space. Stepping to his side, 1 said:
do you feel at home here, Mr..
King?"
The man turned, exclaiming with
wide-open eyes: Good heavens. Dc
you know me-"
NO" l answered; ''but somehow
want to-"
WELL" was the reply, you seem to
know my name, at all events. May
ask you to explain yourself? Are you
in the steerage, too?"
NO" said l; land if you won't think
me impertinent, L want to know why
you are"
King looked at me for few seconds
with strange expression, and then an.
swered: 'Pll swear I'm not here fol
amusement. Have you an object in ask
ing, or are you simply gratifying idle
curiosity?'
''Mr. King" said I, Il may be fool
and you may be an adventurer, but
don't believe so. / came out of sincere
interest. l heard your brief but point
ed conversation with the purser, and
can't get you off my mind. That there
is something peculiar in your position
is evident; that there is good explana
ton, believe. To show my good faitl
give you my card. Tell me what!
wrong"
Immediately his glance fell to thu
deck. He remained thus for half ;
minute or more, and when he raised hi!
great, brown, honest, manly eyes t.
mine there was just suspicion of mois
ture in them, although his only remarl
was: "Well, I'll be hanged if under
stand this sort of kindness" Then
after a few moments hesitation:
"Capt. Davis, am in false position
I am abundantly able to travel in tn,