New-York tribune., 1909-05-30

AN III spend the odd five shiliings you chaps
when git TO Limehouse."
q don't want your money said Joe; there's
a empty bunk he have: and mind. you take all
the responsibility won't have nothing to do
with it
Thanks Joe." said the old man. with a sigh
of relief: hes a nice young chap; you're sure 10
| take 10 him. I'll and give him the tip to come
aboard once"
He ran UP on deck again and whistled softly. and
! a figure. which had been hiding behind a pile OF
empties, came out and. after looking cautiously
around dropped noiselessly TO the schooners
| deck and followed its protector below.
Good evening. mates" said the Inesman, gaz-
ing curiously and anxiously round him as de-
posted a bundle on the table, and laid his swag
ger beside II.
What's your heght?" inquired Joe, abruptly.
Seven FOOT"
mo, only six foot four said the new arrival.
modestIy. I'm not proud Of it. It's much easier
for a small man to slip off than big one"
1T Icks me-" said Joe thoughtfuly, what they
want EN- backtfor-I should think they'd be glad
TO git rid o such"-he paused moment while
politeness struggled with feeling and added.
"slIunks."
.Praps I've a reason for being a skunk, p'raps
haven't retorted Private Smith, his face fell.
"This'n be your bunk interposed Dan hastily;
put your things IN there. and when you are in
yourself you'll be as comfortable oyster In its
she'll"
The visitor complied. and. first extracting from
the bundle some tins Of meat and a bottle OF
whiskey which he placed upon the table nervously
requested the honor Of the present company TO
supper With the exception OF Joe, who churltshly
climbed back into his bunk. the men complied all
agreeing that boys Of Bl!y's age should he reared
on strong teetotal principles.
Supper over, Private Smith and his protectors
retired to their couches, where the former lay in
much anxiety until in the morning, when they
got under way.
It's all right my lad" said Dan, after the
, watch had been set he came and stood by the
deserter's bunk; I've saved you've saved you
for twenty-five shillngs.'
Il wish It more said Private Smith politely
The old man sighed-and waited
''Tm quite cleaned out, though," continued the
| deserter, except fp-nce ha'penny. l shall have
| to risk going home N my uniform as It Is"
"Ah, you'll get there ali right said Dan cheer
| fully; and when YOU get home no doubt you've
! got friends ard if it TO you you'd like 10
! give a little more to them assisted you in the
/ hour of need, you won't he ungrateful, my lad,
/ know You amt the sort"
] With these words old Dan. patting him ahec-
tionately, retired and the soldier lay trying to
] sleep in his narrow quarters until he aroused
by a grip his
IF you want mouthful of fresh air you'd better
come on deck now" said the voice os Joe; its my
watch You get all the sleep you want in the
daytime"
Glad to escape from such stuTy quarters Private
Smith cIambered out Of his bunk and followed the
other on deck II was a fine clear night and the
schooner going along under light breeze; the
seaman took the wheel, and, turning his COM
panion, abruptly inquired what he meant by de-
serting and worrying them with six foot four of
underdone lobster.
ITS all through my girl" said Private Smith
meekly: first she Tilted me. and made me join the
army; now she's chucked the other fellow, and
wrote TO go. back"
An now ! s'pose the other chap II take your
place in the army" said Joe. why, a gal like
that could III a regiment, If she liked Pah!
They'll nab you. too, in that uniform. and you'll
get six months and have finish your time as
we'll
It's more than likely said the soldier gloomy.
I've got to tramp TO Manchester in these clothes.
as far as 1 can see"
What did you give old Dan all your money
for?' inquired Joe.
I only thinking of getting away first"
said Smith. and mad to take what offered"
We'll I'll do what l for YOU said the sea-
man. If you're IN love, you amt responsible for
your actions. I remember the first time got the
chuck. went into a public house bar, and smashed
all the glass and bottles 1 could get at 1 felt as
though I must do something. If you were only
shorter. I'd lend you clothes"
You're a brick" said the soldier gratefully
Il haven't got any money l could lend you
either" said Joe. q do have any, somehow
But clothes you must have"
He fell into deep thought, and cooked his eve
! aloft as though contemplating a cutting-out ex-
pedition the sails, while the soldier sitting on
the side of the ship, waited hopefully for a miracle
You'd better get below again" said Joe pres
! enty. There seems 10 be somebody moving be-
! low; and If the skipper sees you you're done
He's regular Tartar. and he's got a brother what's
a sergeant major in the army He'd give you I'D
| directly if he spotted YOU"