Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-05-10
CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.
Father. daughter, and brother Left
the New York. with Mr.. Breen In
civilians clothing and carrying
heavy satchel. The ship lay on the
inshore side OF the Cob dock. Just
around the corner from the Vermont,
and a straight sidewalk led from the
gang plank to the landing OF the
ferry scow, cabined craft which
pulled itself by means OF winch en-
CINE back and forth on stationary
chain. Dick Halpln hurried down
another walk which led from the
Vermont. and boarded the scow just
ahead of them. When they entered
and sat down amidships he was seat
ed in forward corner, with his back
turned squarely toward them but
his cap was slued on his head. and
the name of his ship on the ribbon
was readable.
There's one OF your men. for
ward" said George, az Mr. Breen,
with a sign OF relief. deposited the
satchel on the deck. The officer
glanced, nodded. and sat down be-
side Mabel. Other passengers-sail-
ors. marines. and workmen--crowd-
ed in, and Dick was nearly hidden
from view.
Does he have to shovel coal?"
asked Mabel In a low voice. us that
his duty"
who do you mean"
She leaned forward, looked at
Dicks broad back, and said, Dick
Halpin"
Why. yes--coaling ship--in his
turn--unless he gets rating. But
he hasn't had time for that. Was he
shovelling?
Didn't you see him? You point
ed right at him down in the boat.
He saw us. He must have thought
We were talking about
Didn't see him at all. "
You ordered him to sweep the
floor for us--down cellar. Do You
always speak TO him like that"
WAS that Halpin?' asked the en-
sign. with smile They're all
alike. sometimes. Certainly. We
can't take time to request them to do
anything. We tell them to-
She was silent; the noise Of the
chain going over the winch made
conversation difficult and when the
scow reached the landing they all
arose and crowded forward to step
ashore. Here. my lad" said Mr..
Breen. briskly, tapping Dick on the
shoulder. Going out? Carry this
grip for me to the gate-eh-Hal-
pin"
Dick turned with a flush on his
face that was almost black; but he
touched his cap and took the bag.
George smiled cheerfully. but Mr..
Breen seemed disturbed and embar-
raised. He stepped after Halpin
with a hand half extended for the
burden. but IL was too late; he was
on the landing float, and before the
ensign reached 1t, was swinging up
the walk as though anxious to escape
from them. Mr.. Breen paused and
looked at Mabel's face; but she
averted her eyes as she took her
fathers arm, and he walked to the
gate beside her brother. Outside,
Dick was waiting. No doubt his
training was strong upon him, yet
there was a suggestion In the way he
was swinging the bag Of desire to
hurl 1t from him, as he had once
thrown his schoolbooks. Mr.. Breen
approached and relieved him.
II didn't know you. Halpin," he
said. Believe me, ! had NO wish to
work you or humiliate you before
people you knew"
The unforgiving Dick turned a sui
len face away from him. then back.
wouldn't you like, SIR" he said
| in voice which. though high-pitched
and trembling, was but little louder
than the purr OF cat. that should
polish your shoes? There's still time
while ! wear this rig"
"Halpin, you are insolent.
Am |. sir? Perhaps. | happen
to be free-born American In tenn
porary servitude. Not for long. how
ever, though | may finish my time
In the brig. Let me suggest. MI
Breen. tact and wisdom on your part
when we meet after that"
He swung on his heel and strobe
down the street toward the Brooklyn
Bridge. Mr.. Breen, biting his lip. re-
turned TO his friends, and they
boarded the first car that came along
which. being delayed, did not make
good time; they mounted the steps
to the platform Just ahead Of Dick
who had walked the distance. and
as they seated themselves. Nabe
looked at the ensign with an express
sion that he did not understand. but
which brought him to her side
Your friend has given warning
he said, with troubled look at her
hxa II