Los Angeles herald., 1905-08-06

p
s.Jovel" he exclaimed TO the four
unresponsive walls Of his room, what
a fool I wasl" And forthwith he be-
gan to hustle into his clothes with the
energy of a belated schoolboy. The
truth was, he had set the alarm as
usual, but had neglected to turn the
indicator back, so that instead Of ris-
ing at six o'clock, as he had Intent ed
here he was barely awake at seven,
booked to catch the liner which was to
sail promptly at eight from distant
pier.
Breakfast was not to be thought Of.
He rang his bell and ordered a cup of
coffee, which he drank in the intervals
Of dressing and singing things helter-
skelter into his dress suit case. His
steamer trunk was, fortunately,
packed, so, summoning an auto cab.
he found himself just twenty minutes
from the time he raised his head from
his pillow speeding toward his destina-
tion at record breaking pace.
"Send all your bills to Courtleigh.
Durant G. Co." he told them at the
hotel office. II haven't time to settle
now" And the young millionaire, ac-
customed to dealing with all money
matters in this off-hand fashion, con-
cerned himself only with the slim prob
ability of reaching his steamer.
The chauffeur, catching the name
Courtleigh, warmed to his work, and.
threading the city by means of short
cuts known only to the initiated, gained
the pier just in time to see the great
vessel clear the dock and, guided by
snorting tug on either side Of her,
swing out into the river.
Roger sprang from the cab, taking in
the situation at a glance. 1t was I'M
perative that he should reach the liner,
and money was no object. He turned
to the ubiquitous small urchin even
now at his elbow and thrust his hand
into his pocket. A pleasant jingle glad
dened the ears of this interested lis
tener.
Find something that goes on water
to CARRY me out there" he said, point
ing to the steamer. ST must sail on the
Zenobia, and I can pay for good ser
vice. Get me what you can, only be
quick about it."
The chauffeur still fingered, after
setting down his luggage.
"Oh, that's all right said Roger,
sjust go to Courtleigh, Durant & Co. I
haven't time to hunt for my check
book; it's in my trunk somewhere.
Wait minute-here's my card. Yes,
no; there now! my wallets in my dress
suit case. Well, never mind, I'm Mr..
Roger Courtleigh. They'll make it
square at the bank. They know me ut
the hotel, so you won't be out of pocket.
All. there's the kid. What did you
find, sonny?"
"a coal barge. sir; they'll take you
on. They're a-goin' to pass her by"
''Whew!" Roger whistled, and made
a face; a coal barge was scarcely an
elegant mode of conveyance.
"Better'n nothin'," said the boy, with
a grin.
"Quite right" said Roger, taking
cheer from this philosophy. Lead on,
Macduff."
"Macgowan, sir. beggin' your par
don," said the boy.
Roger laughed. "All right, Macgow-
an, you take the suit case and I'll
shoulder the trunk. Where's the
barge?"
Scents don't carry trunks-gimme,"
and before Roger could prevent it the
small trunk seemed to be running away
with the small boy, lodging in and out
among trucks and bystanders, while
Roger followed as best he could with
the dress suit case.
Arrived at the barge, he found it
loaded to the brim. His trunk was
hoisted atop of the coal plateau and
the owner was invited to take his seat
thereon, with his suit case on his
knees, an additional courtesy being
extended by the spreading of sail
cloth over that portion of anthracite
which might come in contact with his
immaculate trousers. And so en-
tHIOHeu III sldIeb ne Sdlleu III pursuit
of the zenobia.
They hailed the vessel when, after a
hard chase, they came alongside, and
Roger, stating his case as briefly as he
could, demanded an interview with the
captain. That official made his appear
ance after some delay, but did not seem
predisposed in Rogers favor. The po-
sition of this heir to millions atop of a
coal barge was peculiar, and to say the
least scarcely credible. The captain
hinted as much.
Here Roger lost his temper. "I de-
mand to be taken on board instantly.
and you'll be sorry If you refuse to
comply" he called. my credentials
are in my trunk, together with the re-
ceipt for my passage. am Roger
Courtleigh of New York. I'm on my
way to Henley TO join the American
crew there. and I'm booked to sail on
the zenobia. You'll find my name on
your list"
His excited tone drew several pas
sengers to the deck rail, and while the