The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-08-24

HCNcI uShcu. I1C was DOSSCSoCd VIII
the insane idea that she was tramp
steamer. just arriving. The question
Of her probable tonnage bothered him.
I'm sure 1 can't guess whether she
is of two or ten thousand TOMS" he
muttered, desperately.
But putting this detail aside for a
moment the lad lodged his way across
the street, In and out among the reck-
lessly driven teams, entered the freight
shed, very much out of breath, and
waited for the craft to make her land
ing. This was accomplished in short
order, and scarcely had the gang plank
touched the wharf before Jimmy was
running up 1t. very nearly bowling
over a portly individual who was about
to commence the descent.
"Well, young man." began the latter.
trihe brusquely, as he staggered
back from the shock Of the encounter.
"what are you trying to dot Knock
me"
"Please, sir--er-captain-e my
haste, but are you tramp?-er-that
is, your vessel, mean-is she a tramp
Steamship interrupted the excited
youth.
"HeyY snorted the other. wonder
ingly.
Because. II she Is, can offer you a
fiSe charter" went on the guileless
Jimmy, shat is-er-if your boat does
not run much over two thousand tons"
"Bless me! The boy must be crazy"
exclaimed the portly individual.
"If I'm right in my guess that this
vessel is a two-thousand-ton tramp
steamer, and / do hope I am. you
really must give our firm the chance
of chartering her." ratified on the en-
thusiastic youth.
what Is the name Of your firm?"
queried the other, commencing to be
interested by the lads combination OF
ignorance and earnestness.
| Greenland & Co., one Of the Oldest
and best in our line" declared Jimmy.
proudly.
"And what share may you have In
| INC MIL QuSoaionCu eno SAuSAAS
| man.
"Me? Oh, I'm only junior clerk,
the lowest In the Office. / suppose
really ought to be called the errand
boy, but Mr.. Waldron-"
IF the office boy OF the concern runs
around hunting up steamships for
charter. wonder what duties the head
of the firm reserves for himselfy" com
mented the portly Individual. much
amused.
"But you have not answered my
question yet" put in Jimmy. fearing
that he was not making good i'm
preston. II don't mind telling YOU
that it is a very important matter fol
us. Unless we make this charter by
tomorrow morning we shall lose ouI
biggest customer"
Dear me, dear u.s." cried the ether
"that's too bad!-after all your eler
tons, too"
Then you're not two-thousand-toi
tramp steamer" queried the boy. will
| a falling infection in his voice.
"No, only a 100000 steam yacht,
replied the portly individual, gravely
"but like your spirit, and I'll tell yol
what we might do. We might hell
you to find what you're looking for"
Jimmy was overcome by the friendly
tones of the other, and stood abashed
but secretly hopeful.
captain Patterson" called thu
other, reckoning grizzled old sailo
to his side; "this young man Is IL
search of an incoming tramp steame
of about 1000 tons. that may be opei
for charter. See If you can help hin
out. / won't need the yacht again til
late tomorrow"
AYE, aye. sir" replied the mariner
touching his cap with foreinger. ant
speaking as IL such an order was notn
ing out of the common way.
"And, by the bye, young man." salt
the portly individual, interruptini
Jimmy's torrent Of thanks, and turn
ing to descend the gang plank; "yo'
would better send telegram to you
people. 90 that they won't be worries
should you be absent over night.
And away he went to a waiting car
with an attendant valet and two sail
ors loaded down with small luggage
After having followed the suggestion
of the thoughtful yacht owner Jimm'
returned aboard, the gang plank wa
taken In, hawsers cast or, and the III
tie steamship departed upon her od
mission, steaming directly down tn
great New York Bay. and into tn
open sea.
Il
/ On the following morning the senio
partner of Greenland & Co. Shove
some anxiety in his face as he entere
the Office.
"Where's Evansw he demanded
, looking over at the unoccupied desk.
mot here yet. sir" chirped Ralp
. Connor.
..sick. I guess" growled the ONO
, manager.
~Wsl well ! hops net sstpzat