Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1903-08-27
DINNER ON
THE GRIP
BY A. WALLIE
Cop, right, 1903. by r. c. Mcclure


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Captain Alexander Mather of the
steam coaster Grip was hurrying along
Cardiff street dockward 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-
ly 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. / want to go there at once"
The hint was obvious enough, but
Mather did not choose to follow it up.
'Take the train, then," he replied. Pas
sengers amt in my line"
$50 l would" = the young man ap-
peared disposed to be persistent
! have lot of heavy baggage here, and
wish it to accompany me to my yacht,
which is lying off Gowes. 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 skippers pocket.
"WeIl.'' 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.
''That will be all right, captain he re-
turned ''Come in here a minute and
let us talk it over"
Fhe place thus indicated was an ad-
jacent 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. l should have sent them
on ahead of me but for. some stupid de-
lay, and now if l lose sight of them
heaven knows how long l may be kept
waiting for them"
sAyhat's your yachts nameg de-
manded Mather:
The stranger took out bis cardcase.
ffYoq are bit suspicious" he said
pleasantly enough. ''but We'll have ev=
erything fair and square," He handed
over card as he spoke, and on 1t 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 a couple of hours. If they are
not too heavy and you have them
alongside within that time / might
manage"
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.
sIf you'll throw in the price of a new
hat for myself, SIR he responded
quickly, well call it q deal"
'sGoodH' Rentore produced his purse.
"Here's half of it now, and couple of
soyereigns 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 man of the valet type.
There's the stuff the latter grum-
bled to the skipper, land 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.
'She'll carry you, my son." he retort-
ed sarcastically.
The servant scowled T 'ope So"
lie 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
aAh," be 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?'
"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.
Ncr 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 1--WE
taken the liberty of making myself at
home got my man to overlook your
cook and have bit of dinner ready for
you"
In response to this invitation the sail
or passed below to encounter scene
such as the dingy saloon of the tramp
had not seen since her long past trial
| trip, If then The table was set with
crystal on spotless linen. silver and
| flowers garnished 1t, and the swinging
tray above sparkled with bottles full
| of such wines as the captain had sell
dom seen nearer than across bar
counter
II told you I'd make myself comfort
able" Rent0re laughed at the others
|amazement. 'sThe hotel people put
some of this up for me, but your cook
did the rest, so sit down and do him
| Justice"
Captain Mather was sufficient of
philosopher to accept the gifts the
gods thus sent He sat down as re-
quested, and If his handling of his
| knife and fork left something to be
desired his appreciation of the meal
was none the less patent. Moreover,
his host saw to it that his glass was
frequently replenished, so that as the
cheese came on the table the skipper
went under it.
Perkins, ordered Rentore, s'get the
steward to help you to take Captain
Mather to his room; he does not seem
I