The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-15
CHAPTER XVII.
The Senator and the Securities.

On the hurricane deck Of the Cam
pania, as the leviathan liner thrust her
huge bulk towards the landing stage
thru the lesser fry of the teeming Mer-
gray frock coat and a broad-brimmed
soft white hat, stood talking to the
purser. Senator Leonidas Sherman was
accounted the handsomest man at Wash
ington, and in his broad, well-chiseled,
cleans haven face was reflected that
honesty and shrewd alertness which had
caused his selection for his present
trust.
II don't want the box out before the
last moment, Mr.. Seaton, and if you
can conveniently keep the bullion room
locked till you had it over l should
be oblged,' the senator was saying.
The brass-buttoned official gave
ready assent to the distinguished pas
senger's request.
HI'd rather you had your job than
me, SIR" he added, seriously. "The
equivalent Of three million sterling in
little leather thing like that, and to
have to cart it up to London all by
your lone self-wih;y, it's enough to
make one shudder:'
simply, with an unconscious gesture to
his hip pocket. II have a bit of q
reputation to live up to, you know. If
1t g to be shooting, my early training
has taught me to draw first; and if it s
to be confidence men-W,ell, it's some
years since l was born.'
The purser nodded and went about
his duties while Sherman leaned over
the forward rail and watched the shore,
looming larger now every moment.
The senator was no backWoOds ebay
seed' A man of culture and much
travel, he possessed far more than a
guidebook knowledge Of every. Euro
II Ia
mistake of Understanding London as
hitching- ground for crime. Till his
precious charge was deposited in the
Bank Of England and he had fingered
the receipt he was prepared for emer-
gencies. The gold shipment which his
government had negotiated against the
bNa he vas mad been onfhs
more-ample time for the maturing Of
predatory schemes.
Aided by the company's tug, the
great steamer sided up to the landing
stage, and as soon as the gangway:
were opened the usual stream Of pas
way on board. Tho hurricane decl
lowered high above the level Of thu
quay, and Senator Sherman, not ex
pecting anyone to meet him., retained
his post Of vantage at the rail, looking
down with amused interest at the EN-
bracings and hand shakings. He hat
no need to hurry, for it was too lat
reach the bank before it closed TO
the day, and he preferred to let tn
ship clear before he claimed the box O.
bonds from the purser.
Suddenly he heard his name spoke1
inquiringly at his elbow, and wheelin,
smartly round he found himself look
ing into the harassed eyes Of well
w a few
minutes before, pass on board from tn
landing stage. He had specially notice
him from limp which impeded hi
progress across the crowded gangway
eyes, my name is Sherman. but
haven the pleasure Of KNOWN
yours,' said the senator shortly. Their
was a difident air about this tired
looking individual-a something tina
might be shyness or might be guile
that put him on his guard Could it b
that one Of the 'confdence-men,
about whom he had just spoken 50 light
ly, was going to practice on him er
even the securities were out Of the pu1
ser's custody9 He wondered what tai
would be unfolded for his entrapmen
IT am the duke Of Beaumanoir,' tn
stranger replied after nerous glanc
round. "I don't suppose you ever hear
of me. There wouldn't have been tim
for letter from your people to reac
"You know my wife and daughters
the senator asked, sharply. The tale
was developing on the grand scale,
told himself.
'I have the privilege of KNOWN
Mrs. and Miss Sherman replied tt
duke. flushing under the keen scrutin
to which he was being subjected. +"
have also the honor Of being their hos
They are staying. together with the
friends the Sadgroves, at my place
Hertfordshire. IL came down
meet you in the hope Of inducing "
to Join them there
Very good Of you. May ask no