Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1903-08-01
DINNER ON
THE GRIP
BY a. WALLXE
Copyright, 1903, by T. G. Mcclure

Cs.S.csc.S~o.cG..G.G..G.s>.-ts"c
Captain Alexander Mather of the
steam coaster Grip was hurrying along
Cardiff street backward to his vessel
when he was accosted By a youngish
man smartly attired in yachting cos
tune.
Captain Mather?" the stranger que
ried.
That's me- the sailor retorted gruff-
" enough, having all the dislike of his
class toward the average amateur sea-
man.
"You were pointed out to me as mas
ter Of boat just leaving for Southamp-
ton. 1 want to go there at once"
The hint was obvious enough, but
Mather did not choose to follow 1t up.
'NTake the train, them" he replied. Spas
sengers amt in my line"
$50 / would" = the young man ap-
peared disposed to be persistent-"but
/ have a lot of heavy baggage here, and
/ wish it to accompany me to my yacht
which is lying off Cowes. If you'll take
it and me I'll make it well worth your
while"
The captain hesitated. The Grip pos
sessed small accommodation for outsid-
ers, but a job like this might mean
something in the shippers pocket.
"Well,' he said, surveying the stran-
ger over again, "my ship amt liner,
you know, but just coastin' tramp
covered this blessed minute with coal
muck that won't come off her till she
starts washin' herself outside Lundy."
His new acquaintance seemed in no
way dismayed at this description.
E"That will be all right, captain" he re-
turned. "Come in here a minute and
let us talk 1t over"
The place thus indicated was an adj
jacent bar, where over suitable drinks
the yachtsman continued negotiations
'"There are about a dozen large wood
en- cases." he went on, with furnish
ings and my own outfit for long West
Indian cruise. I should have sent them
on ahead Of me but for some stupid de-
lay, and now If I lose sight Of them
heaven knows how long / may be kept
waiting for them"
whats your yachts nameY de-
manded Mather.
The stranger took out his cardcase.
''You are a bit suspicious" he said
pleasantly enough, "but We'll have ev
erything fair and square" He handed
over card as he spoke, and on it the
sailor read: "E. V. Rentore, S. Y. Sea-
Swift r. z. Y. CT
The first names were unknown to
Mather, but the last four cryptic let
tiers he was aware represented the title
of one of the most exclusive clubs in
the kingdom.
'Then, sir" he said with an obvious
change of manner, eff you want me to
take your things it will have to be ar
ranged quickly. I'll be haulin' out for
sea in a couple Of hours. II they are
not too heavy and you have them
alongside within that time l might
manage"
my man shall have the cases down
within the time you say-they are not
heavy, and your own crane WV easily
swing them on board. And as to terms
will EGO suit your
The sailor gasped. He had not ex-
pected nearly SO much.
eff you'll throw in the price of new
nat for myself, sir" he responded
quickly, well call it a deal"
"Goodr' Rentore produced his purse.
"Here's half of it now, and a couple of
sovereigns for yourself"
Thus the bargain was sealed, and
Mather, much elated at his fortune,
made his way down to the Grip. He
had not been long there when wagon
appeared, bearing the cases and es-
corted by a man Of the valet type.
"Ihcre's the stuff" the latter grum-
Dled to the skipper, "and what the
gov'nor wanted travelling with it in a
coal barge for I don't know. Is your
ship safe, captain"
Mather surveyed him scornfully.
"SLell carry you, M son. he retort-
ed sarcH stically.
The servant scowled. 81 'ope so,'
he replied with meaning Anyway
you'd best see the goods are kept right
side up-tley all marked for that"
Presently Rentore himself clambered
on board
"Ah," he remarked, smiling in the
pleasant way he had, Il see you have
my dunnage, captain. Are you going
to carry all the. cases on deck?"
Eyes, SIR" answered Mather '1'ne
weather is fine, and they'll be safe
Iashed'
The dock gates just then opening, the
captain took his post on the bridge,
while the passenger went below to see
his accommodation.
Nor did Mather set eyes on him
again until the Grip had opened out
the channel and in growing dusk
the light on Flatholm - commenc-
ing to twinkle far asterr hen he met
the skipper as the latter vas descend
ing from the bridge.
Come along, captain" he said. give