Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-04-08
DAILY SHORT STORY
THE DYNAMITE BOMB.

verse Win IDe captain OF d great SledIl-
er must go about it as formally as If
he wished for an interview with a
great man ashore. He makes his ap-
prOach through the purser. and unless
his business is of the greatest ilnpor-
lance he is not encouraged TO string it
out.
When ]. B. StilIman, Chicago, first
class passenger on the Cndine, asked
to see the captain when the ship was
400 miles on her westward course his
excuse that he had a letter to deliver
TO him was not deemed sufficient to
arouse the commander from his fore
noon nap. The purser took the letter
TO deliver two hours later.
Mr. Stillman had an interview with
the captain, however, and 1t was one
he was not likely to forget for years
He was playing cards in the smoking
saloon when he got word that the
great man wanted TO see him instanter.
The word was brought by the purser
and the chief officer, who We're ready
10 escort him 10 the captains state
room by force If necessary.
Sir, explain yourself about this let
ter said the captain as he held out
the missive given to the purser two
hours before
You mean how did it come into my
possession
That's it."
1T was handed to me at my hotel
just before l left TO come aboard. l
promised to hand it to you at once. but
in the hustle and confusion and being
naturally absentminded 1 forgot all
about it until a few hours ago. If
have caused you worry or damage 1
sincerely regret it,"
"Who gave you the letter."
a stranger. and yet he was a\man I
had seen several times. Indeed I'heard
him say that he intended to take this
steamer, and when he handed me the
letter L supposed it concerned that
business. Is there anything wrong,
captain"
There may be a good deal wrong,
sir was the grim reply. us there any
one aboard who can identify your
Yes, there's Brown of Philadelphia.
Warner OF Boston and Phillips of
Pittsburg. I've done business with all
of them. Do you take me for a card
sharp or conspirator?"
Give the gentlemen named my COM
pliments and ask them to favor me for
a moment" said the captain to the
purser and mate.
During the five minutes which elapsed
before the men returned he made no
remark to Stillman, and the man from
felt foolish and uncomfortable.
He was not a fugitive from justice,
and he had committed no breach of
discipline aboard the steamer, but all
signs indicated that he was IN for trou-
BILE.
Gentlemen, you know Mr.. Stillman,
do yOu?' was asked of the three par
ties named.
They answered in the affirmative and
soon satisfied the captain that he was
n man OF character.
Then l am in something of a fix" he
replied. II did not suspect Mr.. Still
man of being a villain, but / was rath-
Pr in hopes to hear that he was a prac-
teal joker. If 1t had turned out that
way my mind would have been re-
Iieved, and yet l should have had him
In irons for the rest of the voyage. This
letter states that dynamite bomb has
found its way into one of our coal
bunkers and that when it is fed into
the furnace we will become food for
the fishes
And do you believe the letter hoax
Or is 10 a warningP'
1T - a warning"
Il sree with you, and I must take
all OF you into my confidence. Not
lisp of the matter must get beyond
this room. We are helpless. Let the
crOwd know why we are so and a hun
bred of them would jump overheard.
Rhat bomb may be fed into one of the
furnaces while we talk or 1t may es-
APE the coal passers until, we reach
our dock In New York. Welhave sim
ply got to take our chances"
But the coal bunkers-whyNnot over
haul the coal bunkers?" asked Warner
and Phillips together.
why not search for the cork of a |
bottle on this broad |
'cean:" querled the captain, with a |
smile in which there was no humor. |
Perhaps none OF you gentlemen ever |
Jaw dynamite bomb OF the sort that |
We have been loaded with? Well, / |
nave. 1t is artfuIly concealed in a |
ump of coal. Unless we inspected |
ZACH lump in the bunkers by itself we
,Ould not find the bomb"
why not shovel every pound of coal /
nto the sea and lie by until picked up |
md lowed in p was asked.
The bomb would then go over with
he coal, and we should have only this
etter left. 1t would be called a hoax
We would be called fools and old wo-
men. 1t would be known as the hoax
# the century, and smart Alexis by
he dozen would perpetrate it again.
Ne shall keep right on. Not a hint
must reach another soul aboard.
will have the boats made as nearly
eady as I dare. and then we must
year smiling faces and trust to God"
The Cndine made a speedy and safe
oyage and entered her slip in New
Iork with all well and no excitement.