Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-08-08
The Storu Teller.
DINNER ON THE GRIP.
BY A.:Wallie.

| by "A. :Wall1e.
Copyright, 1903, by T. c. Mcclure.
Captain Alexander Mather Of the
steam coaster Grip was hurrying along
Cardiff street dockward to his vessel
when he was accosted By youngish
man smartly attired in yachting cos
tune.
Captain MatherY the stranger que
ried.
That's me-" the sailor retorted gruf'
ly enough, having all the dislike OF Ills
class toward the average amateur sea-
man.
"You were pointed out to me as mas
ter of boat just leavi.g for Southamp'
ton. want to 60 there at once
The hint was obvious enough, but
Mather did not choose to follow 1t up
"Take the train. then," he replied. "Pas-
sengers amt in my line"
$50 I would" the young man ap-
peared disposed to be persistent-"but
I have lot of heavy baggage here, and
I wish 1t to accompany me to my yacht
which is lying off Cowes. If you'll take
it and me I'll make it we'll 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 a 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
''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 ad-
iacent bar, where over suitable drinks
the yachtsman continued negotiations.
"There are about dozen large wood
en- cases." he went on, with furnish
ings and my own outfit for long West
Indian cruise. 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"
"What's your yachts name" 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 a card as he spoke, and on It the
sailor read: "E. v. Rentore. s. Y. Sea-
Swift r. q. Y. c."
The first names were unknown to
Mather, but the last four cryptic let
ters 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, "if you want me to
take your things it will have to be ar
ranged quickly. I'll be haulin' out for
sea in q couple Of hours. If they are
not too heavy and you have them
alongside within that time I might
manage" IL
"My man shall have the cases down
within the time you say-they are not
heavy, and your own crane will easily
swing them on board. And as to terms
will EGO suit you?"
The sailor gasped. he had not ex-
pected nearly so much.
"If you'll throw in the price Of new
hat for myself, sir" he responded
quickly, "we'll call it DEAL"
"Good! Rentore produced his purse.
Here's half Of it now, and couple OF
sovereigns for yourself"
Thus the bargain was sealed, ano
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 q man Of the valet type.
There's the stuff" the latter grum-
bled to the skipper, land what the
gov'nor wanted travelling with 1t IN q
coal barge for don't know. Is your
ship safe, captain?"
Mather surveyed him scornfully'
"She'll carry you, my son." he retort'
ed sarcastically.
The servant scowled. 81 'ope so,"
he replied with meaning. Anyway
you'd best see the goods are kept right
side up-they're all marked for that"
Presently Rentore himself clambered
on board.
"Ah," he remarked, smiling in the
pleasant way he had, 81 see you have
my dunnage, captain. Are you going
to carry all the cases on deck"
"Yes, SIR" answered Mather. "The
weather is fine, and they'll be safe
lashed."
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 the growing dusk
the light on Flatholme was commenc'
ing to twinkle far astern. Then he met
the skipper as the latter was descend
ing from the bridge.
Come along captain" he said; Tve
taken the liberty Of making myself at
home-got my man to overlook your
cook and have q bit Of dinner ready for
you"
In response to this invitation the sail
or passed below to encounter scene
such us the dingy saloon of the tramp
had not seen since her long past trial
rip. If then. The table was set with
: | orrctnl ON SnntleSs linen. silver and