The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1911-03-08

are always swabbing the decks, aren't
they, sir? I was once waiter there;
at least, I was called waiter because
I waited sometimes-for my wages
but 1 also cleaned the windows. did
a bit of scrubbin', ran errands, took
a turn at the cooking when the reg
lar cook was on the dazzle, which
was generally three days week
gin, unsweetened, was her particular
fancy-and filed up my spare time
nursin' the baby, and washin' the
other children. Now, how would it
be, sir, if we was to go down there
at once? We could get room for
you, and could help in the house,
in the little ways I've mentioned,
while we was lookin' for a ship"
You're a natural genius, Smith
ers," Ronald said adrniringly.
Eyes, sir" responded Smithers, but
doubtfully. There's only one thing,
sir" glancing at Ronald; you amt
dressed for the part. The sight Of
you in those swell clothes would give
Mrs. Podford a fit, and make her as
suspicious as p'liceman; for, though
the house is respectable enough, they
don't have swell visitors Of your sort,
sir, naturally enough" Z
"well, I haven't any other clothes y
said Ronald, with a shrug of the
shoulders.
"Lor' bless you, sir, there amt no
difficulty in that" said Smithers. I
could soon pervide you with rig
out suitable to the occasion. If you
don't mind roughin' it bit, sir. and
lookin' little less like a gentleman,
not to say nobfeman, why, come
along with me-"
"Willingly!" exclaimed Ronald,
with his keen relish of an adventure.
I'm your man, Smithers!''
mo, sir, Begin your pardon, that
would be reversin' the order of
things, as the horse said when his
master, who was took suddenly IL.
passing brewery, tried to harness
him gto the back of the cart"
They left the party. got the Under
ground, and in an incredibly short
time were carried to the farther end
of the town. Emerging from the
station, Ronald found himself in a
world as utterly strange to him as
Fiji would have been; but his guide.
mentor, and friend was evidently
quite familiar with the narrow crowd
ed streets through which he led Ron
aid, stopping at last outside ready
made clothes shop.
At the door stood the proprietor, a
fgentleman obviously a member OF
the Hebraic race, who at once darted
at them, exclaiming, In nasal and per-
suasive accents:
"wot yer lookin' for, kents? Ish
it a coat, a pair of knicksies, veskit
Shtep inside. I've got the best She
lection the Minories; I don't care
where next is. Come inshide;
just come and look; you amt obliged
to buy, mind yer; I'm only askin' vel
to step in and cast yer eye around
If the goods and the price don't shut
you, you step out again and no 'arm
done. I've got coat as was made
for either of you. I'll sell you 6
complete turnout fit for a Marks
Utterly disregarding this torrential
invitation, Smithers drew Ronald
aside.
Better let me tackle this likely mo
SIR he said. I'm up to their moves
and lodges
They entered the low-browed shop
the Jew, who had been literally dane.
| ing on the pavement with anxiety
lowering about them and still talking
! nineteen to the dozen. Smithers look.
ed about him in a casual fashion, and
| at last espying a suit such az Is worr
| by the mate of a merchant vessel, and
| which seemed about Ronald's size
| inquired the price. With feverisl
| eagerness the Jew tore at the sui
| and displayed it, expatiating on it!
| beauty and it's quality; and at length
replied to Smitherss question:; but
though the price seemed absurdly low
to Ronald, Smithers, with an indig
nant glance at the proprietor, mad,
for the door. The Jew bounced OF
him and caught him by the arm
screaming shrilly:
were are yer goin'? vhot's tn,
matter? Amt it good goods; amt
asked you low enough? Oh, Moses
And I nearly offered to give it t,
you. Veil, name yer own price, ant
I'll take it, if I lose by it!''
81 don't want to buy; want Il
Swop,' said Smithers. "This gentle
man will give you the suit he's wear
| ing for that rubbishy lot of yours. 1
you will chuck in ten bob and a cou
pie of collars and cap for me-"
IN