Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-17

|
| with a pencil and announced that he
could not see his way clear to con-
tributing more than $4,000 to any
fund.- He explained that money was
at so low rate of interest that it
was drug on the market
why, l have $4,0o0,000 right now
in the bank which is not drawing a
| cent of INTEREST,"" he exclaimed ut
is an awful loss to me! really cam
not spend more than $4,000 for this
| purpose. And to think that there is
no return for it; absolutely no re-
| turn!"
You would return" said Mr..
Kent.
1t was finally agreed to pledge a
sum of $5,ooo,0oo of which. Mr.. Nor
ton insisted on paying S1.5oO,000;
Mr.. Rockwell pledged S1,25o0O0; Mr..
Carmody, %750,0O0: Mr.. Kent, $780,
GEO; Mr.. Haven, $725.0Oo, and Mr..
Pence. s25,3oo. Mr.. Morton was dele
gated to conduct the negotiations
with Hestor, and if he failed he was
also to confer with Capt. Waters as
a last resort.
After a general discussion the
party separated, and at midnight
! quiet reigned on board the good
steam yacht the SHARK" She was
then blowing the Atlantic at 30
knot rate, at a point about 100 miles
southwest of Montauk light. At the
suggestion of Mr.. Haven it had been
agreed that in the future no open
resentment should be displayed
towards Hestor.
ut is better policy to dissemble,"
argued Mr.. Haven. 1--WE will gain
nothing by affronting him. More
over, if we appear resigned and I'M
concerned, we may throw him off
his guard. Personally 1 would like
to break his neck, but twill be bet
ter to appear cordial, even if we do
| not feel that way
| Sidney Hammond talked with Hes
tor until late in the night, but was
unable to influence him in any way.
He decided to abandon such efforts
for the time, and to await develop
ments. Mr.. Vincent wandered about
the boat, kept clear of Capt. Waters,
and made several Intellectual at
tempts to enter into conversation
| with the crew. He finally repaired
to Social hail." where he kept Bob
busy until midnight. 1t may have
been the swell of the sea, but he
had difficult navigation between the
+! buffet and his stateroom, and did
not awaken the following morning
until the sun was high in the
heavens.
1t was another beautiful day. The
sun was to the starboard of the
yacht. This showed course about
northeast. 1t was. evident that the
boat was somewhere off the New
England coast, and not headed for
any South Sea islands. Was it pos
sible that Hestor had repented of
his rash idea and was about to re-
turn2
Mr.. Kent was the first to appear
in Social Hail." Mr.. Haven soon
joined him, and in short time all of
the party were on deck.
Good morning, gentlemen"
Mr.. Hestor stood before them in
the full cruising uniform of a New
York yachtsman. He looked I'M
commonly well in it. He bowed
pleasantly, stepped up to Mr.. Nor
ton, extended his arm and shook
hands cordially with that gentle
man. He thus greeted the others
and seemed delighted at his recep-
ton
Il trust that you enjoyed good
nights rest" he said. All had done
so except Mr.. Pence, who said he
did not like the water.
"Oh, yor viii soon get used to it,"
responded Hestor. "Ah, here comes
Sidney. Good morning, Sidney.
Beautiful day, is it not? BY the way,
the boys and call him. You have
not been formally introduced to Mr..
| Vincent, have you? I will present
him at the breakfast table. ! will
admit that his advent was a bit in
formal. don't you know, but he is
here and we must treat him as one
of u.s."
Under the spur of Hestor's good
nature, and the understanding ar
rived at between the captives the
preceding evening, conversation be-
came general and spirited. Sidney
looked on in quiet a1nazement The
stirring events of the day before had
seemingly been forgotten, and the
entire party acted as if bent on
heartily enjoying much-anticipated
pleasure cruise. Mr.. Rockwell quiet
ly explained to Sidney what had been
agreed upon.
after breakfast" said Mr.. Hestor,
"such of you gentlemen as choose
| can change your business suits for
| yachting costumes. You will find
| them much more comfortable for
| lounging around. Mr. Pence will
| look like an old sea dog in the clothes
j have selected for him. | will have
them placed in your rooms, and if
they do not fit / have assorted sizes
from which to make selection. You
will find that | have anticipated
everything. All, here comes Mr.. Vim
cent! Good morning, sir! Glad to
| see You aboard the Yacht. Shake