Newport weekly independent., 1903-10-09
A Double -Barreled
 -Ruse=============
Copyright, 1908, by Daily Story Pub. Col
By J. c. PL LUMBER

 HAPT. PRAY gazed placidly around I from the bridge of the tramp steam CT Grimsby, moored alongside the huge elevator, when Mir. Hogg, chief officer, accosted him.
 Smiley is in trouble, sir" he said.
 Capt. Pray drowned. Out with it" said he.
 You see," began Mir. Hogg, Smiley used to run on the Pillman boats, and on one of his trips to Baltimore he meets young lady. One thing led to another, and the first thing Smiley knows he is engaged to be married to her. Then he leaves the Pillman line and goes on the Grimsby in the Black sea trade, and never expecting to come to Baltimore again, he gets engaged to a girl in Birkenhead"
 That's nothing" remarked the cap tain, disappointedly; 'all sailors Go that"
 MT. Hogg continued: Smiley had quarrel with the second engineer of the Pillman boat, and he knowing all about the Baltimore engagement, writes the girl of the Birkenhead woman and also says Smiley is coming to Baltimore on the Grimsby."
 Well" snapped the captain, as Mir Hogg paused.
 When the pilot came aboard at the capes he hands Smiley letter from the Baltimore girl raking him fore and aft, and saying she would have him ar rested for breach of promise as soon as the ship moored."
 Capt. Pray glared at his chief officer.
 Where am l going to get chief en- gineer if Smiley is put in jail?" he roared, "and the Grimsby barely time to load and save her charter"
 'I've thought of that" said MT. Hogg, sadly, "but some years ago Smiley did me favor, and he expects me to get him out of this bally bad mess"
 If it wasn't for detaining the steam CT, I'd let him get out of it in his own bloody way growled the captain, but something must be done. Hal" He slapped the rail sharply. Il have it. I'm good at these things! l have 1t, Hogg."
 MT. Hogg gazed admiringly at his commander.
 Smiley must fall sick" announced the captain, briefly.
 Sick" calculated MT Hogg.
 Not real sick, you swab," snapped the captain, but make believe sick. Lay in his bunk and groan. Shed never haul off sick man to jail"
 MT. Smiley was not enthusiastic at the plan, but Capt Pray waxed eloquent.
 You'll lay in jail until you rot, Smiley" said the captain. You haven't the money to pay the lawyers who'll swarm around you like tugs about a stranded steamer"
 How long must stay in my bunk?" asked MT. Smiley.
 Until the Grimsby pulls out O dock" replied the captain, firmly. With gloomy forebodings of evil MT Smiley turned in.
 Now, Hogg," exclaimed the captain, "you go to the girls house and tell her Smiley is confined to his bunk. Don't lie. I'm chapel member, and I won't have any lying done, Tell her it may be smallpox or yellow fever. Stick to something Hogg, but don't lie"
 You've a great head, sir remarked MT. Hogg. I'll work it all right"
 ''When you come to the catching part put on all steam, Hogg," advised the captain. We don't want her coming to the steamer, but be careful not to lie"
 'Tll be careful, sir" said MT. Hogg, winking his eye, and he departed on his diplomatic errand.
 Captain Pray then walked on tip toe to Smiley's bunk.
 How are you feeling, my poor fel- low" he asked, in subdued tones
 I'm all right, sir" replied the ihva- lid, sulkily.
 "Sh!" said the captain; don't talk. I'll get you some beef tea"
 This here is only make-belief sick ness, sir" expostulated the engineer, uneasily.
 See here, Smiley" said the captain, sternly.- ''this whole thing is done for your benefit. It's kind of deception Mir Hogg and I are playing, and want to keep as close to the truth as can, for I'm chapel member and Mrs Hogg is a religious woman. We'll have to make this sick business as near to truth as we gan"
 MT. Smiley sighed
 "After you've taken your beef tea I'll