The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-09-24


ant who had been sent with
dry goods for Marjory. Eben. and Jim.
MarJory withdrew at once and Eben
and Jim made shift 70 change their
clothes in the room adjoining the one
where the captain, Bonner and the two
Tben knew that the doors were guard
ed and he whispered a word into Jim s
ear for fear the poor fellow should try
While they changed their clothes they
listened to a lively debate in the next
room. II was interesting 20 Eben, be
cause X was mostly about him. lie
understood from the conversation that
TIE captain had already told the own
ers the whole story of the errauc
needle, the theft OF his watch and ali.
Rogers and Mr.. Bonner, who were
standing up for Eben and arguing that
he should have chance TO prove who
was guilty.
The owners wanted him arrested
and tried at once. They had lost
money and they wanted TO have some
kind OF justice.
II was a rather peculiar position in
which to place a man. To think that
Eben should have 10 stand by and
listen to the argument so closely con-
But ne took il well. listened TO both
sides as though he were a referee. and
tried TO figure out the result.
Feeling somewhat better in dry
room and seated himself near the group
OF men who were deciding his fate.
Several times one of the owners turned
and stared At him as though mis- pres
ence was not wanted. but Eben knew
nowhere else to go. except in the other
room. where Jim sat in detected state.
Let me see, said one of the owners.
taking up "A pencil and beginning 20
scratch on a piece or paper. What are
the charges against this man, Nash2'
First, cheating at cards, second,
winning the pool. third, knocking down
Picketzo in his cabin replied the cap
tain After that. the charge OF fixing
the needle. then mis- disappearance In
the bOat with the murdered man, which
jim confession has explained. Then
his jumping overheard when he was
coming in, II you want TO call that an
attempt At escape.
"Boshi Nv daughter says Picketzo
pushed MIN over" cried Bonner.
Well" unused one Of the owners
"rDost everything he has been accused
OF has been proved against somebody
mo-" said the captain He is still
accused Of being a professional gambler
eno OF making the ship sail in circles
for spite Al my Furnishing him for being
caught as gambler.
They threshed the subject out fol
some time and could not seem to reach
ar agreement concerning Eben's case.
Let's decide what TO do with the
stCwaway.' said one OF the owners
suddenly. We can leave the boys case
for while.
There's only one thing TO do with tho
stowaway. He has admitted killing the
man and he'll have 10 stay here and
stand trial said the captain.
But how about the knowledge ne
has Of Hicke and Picketzo. That viii
be worth a good deal 10 us? We haven't
had that story from him yet.
~True. He may help US. Wen get
sort OF decision answered Captain
Rogers
They argued back and forth for some
time. bat came 10 no decision.
Il think we'll have % try another
room. We cannot agree while within
hearing Of the accused men" said one
Of the owners.
I'VE. can send out Mr.. Nash and Jim
No. the rooms here are ~Earded
leave them here and well 20 out
Come along, Mr.. Bonner" answered rho
ship owner who did most Of the talk
So tie quartet fIed ont OF the room
and Eben was left alone with Jim.
II was not very pleasant 10 be peHned
up with this fellow who had confessed
murder. but somehow Eben seemed "a
find a surprising amount Of sympathy
for him The man had been driven to
the deed by starvation and II had been
partly IN self-DrOtection.. too.
Jim" said Ebeu suddenly. tell me
what YOU know about Hicke and Pick
etzo won't vou2
jim looked up At Eben: his ewes were
distrustful He had realized again that
his tongue had lei him into trouble.
Cant YOU tell me something about
fhem7" urged Fhen. trying 20 get past
the fellows silence.
Nope / amt taikin' now. bv I'D
vice ~ counsoi" said jim with an At
tempt ar a smile.
At that moment the door opened and
Mariory Bonner entered he room. clad
IN drv garments
Eben jumped 70 hls feet and rushed
forward 70 meet her Then he remeU-
ber-d Jim and contented himself witt
shaking her hand