Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-22

OOlnS on SIT! ne asked
Coin on? Of course l am. What in thunder
dye think I'm stan in here for?" demanded the
Captain.
the official good humoredly
- Better get in, John an don't argy with the
gentleman said Mrs Stump.
Her husband obeyed, grudgngly. The Inspector
examined his ticket, and Roysons S, and locked the
door.
Nice thing" grumbed Stump Il can't give
you a good-by hug now, Becky.
This was literally true The Captains breadth of
beam had never been contemplated by the designers
of Southeastern railway carriages. Even when the
door open he had to enter sdew1Se, and the
brass rail across the window rendered it physical
impossibility to thrust head and shoulders outside
The shrill whistle of guard was answered by a
colleague.
Take care of yourself John" said Becky.
No fear And mind you wait till the bus stops
tonight. The other evening"
RoySon learned what had befallen Mrs.
Stump that other evening. At the moment the
train began to move he saw man peepng into
the carriage as II looking tor some one He believed
it was the private inquiry agent whom he had
shaken off so effectively in Hyde Park. The gloom
of the station and the fact that the mans face
in shadow, made him doubtful; but the train
gathered speed the watcher on the platform nodded
to him and smiled derisively. Captain Stump had
quick eyes. He turned to Royson. ~.
" Beg pardon, mister; but is that friend of
yours?" he asked
:" No" said Dick.
We'll he was sgnalin somebody, an it wasn't
me-"
Then remarkng that the unknown craft looked
like curiously colored pirate the Captain squeezed
himself into seat. When the train ran into and
opened the carpetbag and drew forth ships com.
pass which he consulted. After few minutes
rapid travelling his doubts seemed to subside, and
he replaced the compass. Producing a cake of
tobacco, he cut off several shavings with ex-
ceedingly sharp knife, rolled them between his
broad palms, filled pipe, lit it, and whetted the
his actions wonderfully nimble for man of
his build. Any stranger who imagined that this
squat Hercules was slow and ponderous in move
ment would be woefuly mistaken if he based hos
tilities on that presumption.
Perhaps the Captain missed the companionship
of the stout woman he had parted from at Charing
of habit at any rate, after puff or two he spoke
Dye know wat time we're due at Dover?" he
asked.
Yes, at ten-ffty.''
We don't stop long there?"
No. The boat sails ten minutes later
Good! don't cotton on to these blessed trains.
Every time they jolt fancy we're on the rocks.
Give me ship, an the steady beat of the screw,
says l then know where am"
/ quite agree with you, Captain; but you must
put up with fair spell of railway humping before
you reach Marseilles.' -
Stump gave him questioning look Royson did
familiar. Yet his eyes cleaned like those of a
perplexed bull.
Marseilies," he growIed; but how do you know Inn
Captain"
1T is written on your bag
We'll, my mssus wrote that"
Moreover" went on Dick, determined to break
the ce I'm your second mate
Watt" reared Stump, leaning forward and
placing hand each knee, while his fiery glance
took in every detail of Royson's appearance. - You
-my-second- mater"
The words formed crescendo of contemptuous
analysis. But Dick faced the storm boldly.
Yes" he said. Il don't see any harm in stat
ing the fact, now that know who you are
Harm! Who said anything about harm! Wat
sort of sailor dye call yersef? Who ever heard of