The Princeton union., 1900-12-06

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heir."
tain, and my friend ran in. Call in q
couple of hands with a ropes end and
seize this chap down. It's not safe to
let him range about the ship loose. But
first Of all hoist those papers out of
him. They're in the inner pocket"
Before they could touch me l made
one step to the open portfolio and with
quick movement threw the parcel out
into the sea.
''You desperate ruftian! I'll have the
ship stopped, boat lowered. Run up to
the bridge, Quartermaster"
'"They're heavy enough to sink, Cap
tain Sherborne, long before you could
get within mile of them, and you may
do what you like now. My minds per-
fectly easy"
Il shall confront you with the boss
who owns those papers,"
''That he never did, nor will any one
else now. But again I warn you to be
careful. If you bring us face to face.
there will be mischief done.''
''NO, for l shall have seized Won first.
made you SO fast you won't be able to
stir a finger or even look crooked, my
fine fellow"
''The boots on the other leg, captain.
The mischie~ will be done to me, and
tell you whatever happens will be LAID
on you. claim your protection. With
hold it at your PERIL
The skipper looked nonplused. No
doubt he was still inclined to think me
a lunatic. but l spoke so quietly and
collectedly that he was little shaken
in his first impression.
upon my soul I don't know what to
say or do. What dye advise, Mr.. Bof-
f1nge?' This to the purser
HE says he's Captain Wood. We
have reason to believe he's not, not
according to this"-the purser touched
a printed list Of passengers lying on
the table-"or if he is the other must
be an impostOr. Ask him. sir, what
proof he can give us that he is the real
Simon Pure. Can he refer to any one
on board who will bear out this mon
strous assertion" ?"
'That's a good idea, Bo6nge. Come,
my man, what do you say? Can you
do it?''
Easily if I choose. There are two
ladies who would bear me out, but
would rather not bring them into it.
am engaged to be married to one Of
them.''
The captain grinned. This was rath-
er against me-a fresh proof of lunacy.
"And a young fellow who is practi-
cally in my employ, although one Of
Saraband's people,
''The New York detective agency?
I've heard Of them."
''And he may not care to have you
know who he is.''
$50 that you can offer us no guaran-
tees Of your good faith, eh? Strikes
me you're in a sinking condition and
will soon be complete wreck" sneer-
ed the captain. "The whole thing Is
ugly-your loafing round where you
shouldn't, your unlawful possession of
the papers which you make away with
when tackled. your claiming another
mans name. I don't like it, and I'll
tell you what mean to do with you,
keep you close prisoner till we make
New York. There you can answer to
the proper authorities. Meanwhile I'll
stand the racket. l must look to the
name and credit of my ship"
"Where shall be imprisoned?"
''In spare cabin the purser will find
you. You shall have your meals and
all attention, but you'll stay below un-
der lock and key until Uncle Sam sends
on board to fetch you after we're
alongside the wharf"
81 protest and, as l have already
said, will hold you responsible. You
will be sorry
At this moment an urgent message
came down to the captain from the
bridge. The officer of the watch re,
ported that the large steamer that had
been overhauling the Chattahoochee
for the last few hours was now within
signaling distance. s,.s ...~,-.
Signals she wants to speak us, SIR"
said the fourth officer, who brought the
message. Cant make out her num-
ber, but she's a new man-of-war cruis-
er, British, and Mr.. Aston says she
must be steaming % knots an hour
"She's after those papers, Captain
Sherborne, unless I'm much mistaken