New-York tribune., 1901-09-01

came to The Rovers' Return. one the captain
or a small sailing vessel. suriy and red eyed
ana tull of Oaths, and with him his only pas
SenSer, a lean, bilious looking man of no set
tied occupation. The old woman Isabel Fer
guson, took sudden and violent dislike to this
lodger for no apparent reason. seeing that he
paid regularly and gave trouble. But she
called him spy, and remembered after
ward. she had been heard to say When that
man comes into the room it's time for TO go
out
The captain in his turn had settled with him
self that IL was point of honor in him
cort his passenger round the sights of the port.
Every day, therefore. while the vessel remained
in dock he and his friend would set out 10 see
the sights. and since these. to the sailor, meant
often the red lamps of the taverns their journey
would always end in one of the innumerable
places which entertain those engaged in or at
tached to maritime pursuits Once settled in
one of these places the captain would refuse TO
stir: and there he would sit so long as he had
money in his pocket. burning himself up with
rum. and calling the crowd who came and
went between the swinging doors live
deeply.
Then his companion freed from this old laan
of the sea, would wander about the port finding
his way always at nightfaIl to the place where
old David Ferguson watched by his fire. Seated
on a pile Of timber. he would observe the gloomy
looks of his companions and with commisara-
tion for their misfOrtunes would talk much of
America and freedom OF unequal marriage laws.
of the shackes of Englishmen. of eedOm again
and always of America. and once more Ameri a,
untI the circle OF outcasts' wh' had nothing 70
gain lose if empire fell would sit half
through the night IN pity Tor themselves and
their mismanaged country Happening 10 pass
one night. and seeing the close interest OF the
men. stayed for minute to listen The speaker
describing ideal State which existed in
America, but not until he named the State did
il occur to me what the after In
Utah were his words .Nhv, the fellows a
Mormon said I 10 myself: and Just then old
Ferguson who had been leaning out Of his shed
his eyes fixed the fire his mouth so con-
tracted that it seemed TO have disappeared al
together. his attitude expressing the closest at
tention. bent down to reach coal for his fire. at
the same time asking some question of the
Mormon which did not hear.
As old he likes 10 join replied the man
As | came away. old man left the circle and
joined me He's got deal 10 say for himself
that theer.' he observed.
IT'S none Of it worth much?' l asked
Eh. l don't know. | pay no attention l
ways. and then comes away and leaves him
To his talking But he's plenty to say
laughed and bade the old man goodnight and
went on home thinking no more Of the matter
For nearly two months. il seems. the yes
sci remained in dock undergoing repairs. and
at the end Of that time the bibulous captain
and his friend disappeared and we're never
heard OF again Ia my knowledge Their place
The Rovers' Return was filled at once 10y
other dodgers. and in short time almost every
one had forgotten them.
1t was about 4 month later that the singular
incident occurred which | am about 10 relate
10 you Returning To my house one night /
stood for moment or two at the top Of a street
looking down upon the river. which. with its
lights and signals had the appearance OF Il
vast Illumination Straight down the hill
dipped the double row Of street lamps display
ing a whrligig OF figures in the dark space be-
tween. In front ~ me. upon a blurred expanse
which / knew for the opposite bank of the
river. was a multitude Of tiny twinklins stars.
and stationary moving vaguely about on
the darkness like men searching with lanterns.
were the red lights of passing steamers ON
either side OF the river long rows OF lamps flung
a steady gIeam upon that liquid street; high
above them swung the enormous lantern OF the
tower, and far down the great waterway the
signal light flashed against the sky swiftly. me
chancally. showing the entrance TO ships In the