The National tribune., 1902-08-07

The fellow gave me an intelligent
glance, p0cketed his bourbon and marched
sedateiy forward, while l dove down TO
the ward room and in few moments was
completely metamorphosed into as genu-
inc an old shelback as ever broke bis
cult in a forecastle.
As made my appearance on deck
again the sentry glanced, with half
amused expression, at the immense sea
boots, Oiiskin coat, and sou'wester hat
which decorated my person; but his atten-
tion was conveniently called to something
on the opposite side of the deck, and the
next moment l was over the side and
standing on the lower step Of the accom-
modation ladder, effectually concealed
from any ON board, unless they were look
ing for me at that particular place.
A number Of small boats were plying
IN various directions, and one of these
passed so near that was enabled to speak
her without ,lDduly elevating my voice
The man hesitated for some moments, but
good nature. with perhaps the hope of a
fitting peeuniary reward. finally overcame
his prudence. He shot his little craft
alongside. l sprang in, and in an instant
was gliding shoreward.
The voyage was accomplished without
accident, and ere long set foot OH the
landing stage OF Liverpool. l gave the
boatman two pounds, which left ME with
NiSht, tAS soac pfpSCSuS VI
cruise in the Shenandoah.
With such feelings Of relief and thank
fulness as l am unable to describe, /
STROBE along up Lime street. in the di-
rection of the Washington Hotel, an inn
much freGuented by my eountrymen AS
/ approached it l saw Mr.. Adger, a cot
ton speculator from Charleston, with
whom had been well acquainted, stand
ing on the steps.
l went up to him and extended my
hand. He glanced curiously at my out
landIsh costume. hut evidently did not
recognize me, which was encouraging. CON
sidering the delicate position in which
was placed, and the possible necessity of
! resuming similar disguise at some fu-
ture occasion, but when 1 told him my
name he grasped my hand with such gen
uine warmth, and gave me such a cordial
welcome, that l felt l had indeed met
| countryman.
Mr.. Adger insisted upon my accompany
ing him to his own hotel, the Adelphi,
and | complied without much persuasion.
The clerks and attaches of that rather
| elegant establishment stared in blank
amazement when they saw Mr.. Adger
whom they well knew, enter the office
| yard arm and yard arm with what seemed
to be an old salt, fresh from the fore
castle, and their astonishment was in no
! wise abated when he demanded to have
me established in the room adjoining his
! own.
My friend. in the kindness and eeneros-
ity Of his heart, would have at once SUM-
| Piled all my needs from his own purse. but
l could not bring myself to trespass farther
on his bounty than to accept a hat which
L substituted for my sou'wester, and Il
pair of shoes to replace my sea boots.
Under my oilskins l wore a suit of citi-
zen clothes. so for the time being felt
md dnr no ne rfi ItaH
ing upon myself unwelcome scrutiny.
The next day l began to feei some
| compunctions Of conscience at the way
| in which had left the ship. 1t was true
l had neither flag nor country to claim
my service, but it seemed to me on re-
Election that it would have been more
manly to have remained with my brother
officers, and shared their fate. whatever
it might be- The more thought Of it the
stronger became the conviction, and about
1O o'clock l sailed forth from the Adel-
phi. firmly resolved to go on board again
and take my chances with the rest.
At the landing stage I encountered
Navy, and Mr. Robinson, formerly One
Of our agents. On learning of my escape
from and intended return to the Shenan-
doah, both gentlemen joined in urging me
to desist from my purpose. They argued,
and truly, that 1 could do nothing to aid
my companions. many Of whom had
doubtless, ere this, adopted similar means
Of getting out Of harms way. Both were
impressed with the notion that the ship's
company would be transferred to the
United States authorities, and recon-
mended me instead Of going on board
again to make straight wake for Paris.
1t required but few moments consid-
Grafton to see that this was the counsel
Of wisdom, and there did seem to be a
! question whether any code of honor would