The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1906-08-16
Narrative Of John caIeeps~

Narrative Of John calseps~
On the 9th day OF September. in
The year 1900, I was a passenger on
one OF the famous Canadian ocean
liners. Had ! f~orcseen. however. the
strange happenings during the voy-
age, I should have postponed my
trip.
I always like a berth 10 myself. but
as the steamer had more than the
usual complement OF passengers. I
had TO share one with another person.
The -exiEencles of the situation gave
me the companiouship OF Dir. German
Grating.
I was just getting into my berth
and for various reasons / chose the
top one-when. TO my surprise, ! saw
my companion take a coil Of rope
from his pocket, which be placed on a
seat.
want you. Mr. Caleeps. 90 do me
q favor-to take this rope and firmly
secure me 90 the berth with it. so that
by no possibility whatever / can es
cape"
Don't be surprised az my request,
be continued The truth is, I am a
somuambul.st, and don't want 20
walk into the sea
His words having treasured me. 7
fastened him as securely as possible
I continued this every evening. al
ways releasing him Ga the morning.
Ore morning bee complained OF i'm
disposition. and asked me 90 send the
doctor 20 him
I could not find the doctor. but
happening TO meet the steWaTdess, ]
requested her 70 do so.
what did you say his name was
she asked. looking at me with as
touisbed y And does he occupy
your BERTH
Having gratinod her curiosity, she
continued. in a low voice.
You must not repeat what tell
you. but 81 I were you I'd change my
berth1
As I could not conceive any prac-
teal reason for her adviccI did not
see the necessity 0f acting on H. Al
all events. that night r tied the ropes
more firmly than eycr.
I am one OF those fortunate iudivid
uals who always sleep %soundly, but
ua this nieht a tumble of unpleasant
dreams now and again startled my
slumbors Suddenly my dreams grew
30 iusuGerablc as 90 completely over
power sleep. I awokc All was sull.
Tho Iirbt 90 the portfolio seemed 90
glare lgrIlly. and pay glance reach.
ing the berth where ! had fastened
my companion. found it empty. Tie
had broken loose from his mcshes
Just then nay ears were assaulted by
distan, mugled sounds OF Murder
murder Help hcip'" proceeding
from the deck above me.
DO an instant ] assembled the gang
way stairs. { rushed To- the deck.
Tho uleht was dark and silent In the
gloom I proceeded 90 where the voice
had issued. and go my horror ] saw
my companion drar-.ug the steward
css by main force along the deck.
etrIviug evidently 90 cas her into
the sea I caught hold OF the arm
~ tho wretch aud st-uFc Go wrust So
from the clasp OF the woman, bat I
did not succeed ! attempted again
and with an The rcsoluto force possi.
bic. A, that moment I saw "a fash
OF light I Felt a m|addoning blow.
and then ! must have grown inscusi.
Bile 90 everything
on recovering consciousness. !
found myself In my berth. attended
By the doctor and tho stowardess.
/ soon recovered from my injuries,
which were slight and aftcgward.
naturally. / asked her 10 give me
sonic particulars OF the mysterious
occurrence,
Read what will explain what seems
iuexplicable. she replied. handing
me the following Ms.