The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-11-11
CHAPTER XIII.
A Friend Drops From Heaven.

and said with a strange earn
something"
why. what is it?'' he asked care
iessly.
I'VE were followed all the way up
from the ferry
"Followed?''
Yes. man followed US: I'm posi-
tive of it" She rose. and going to the
window. looked out.
"Oh Matt there he is now she
cried Come quick
But Matt was too late: the man had
disappeared in the direction of
saloon.
Matt had Intended to so to Spood
& Hargreayes and. demanding an eA~
PLANTATION Of their outrageous conduct.
force them to Il settlement. His posi-
ton was unassailable If they could
show him no ring-and he knew they
did not have it-he could threaten
them with the police and press them
to the wall. But the unwisdom of
such course grew more and more APP
parent. 1t would be tantamount to
announcing his arrival to Mr.. Kay.
with unforeseeabIe dangers and con-
sequences.
Snood & Hargreaves were put by
as last resort. only to be braved in
the extremity of misfortune. Instead
Matt would make the round of the
business houses with which he had
formerly dealt on John Morris behalf
and borrow sufficient money. if he
could. for steerage passage in the
mail steamer to Samoa.
Chris accompanied him. 1t was a
clustering. windy day. bleak and
cherries. and it seemed to become
bleaker and more cherries still as
Matt was denied at one office after
another. He was the victim of by
gone zeal. of bygOne loyalty and hon
esty. However lightly he had spent
his own money. he had always been
hard bargainer where John Morris was
concerned. How remOrselessly that -
per cent for cash. now rose in judg-
ment against him-that Il can do bet
ter at Turner's" or whatever it was
to bring down the price
BY o'clock he had to confess him
self beaten. Except for ship chandler
at the foot Of Market street. the list Of
possible lenders was exhausted. But
he had never put much business in this
mans way. whose last name he had
some trouble in remembering. Yes
Coleman. that was it-Joe Coleman, a
jolly old Englishman as round as a
tub.
Coleman greeted him heartily-so
heartily that Matt was ashamed of the
surprise he was about to spring.
You'd better be careful. joe" he
said. with wretched effort at smile
I'm on my uppers. and every shake
of my hand may cost you So
well. wellr' exclaimed Coleman in
sham trepidat ton Here. sit down On
that barrel and have a cigar Bless
you. lad. it's like old times to see you
again.
Joe was common old fellow, but
his robust good will and sympathy
were very warming Putting at his ci-
gar and leaning against an anchor. he
told Matt Ito get on with his tale 0f
Woe"
Matt obeyed. but with reservations.
saying briefly that he had tried shore
life and failed and wanted to return to
the islands.
That's easy" said Coleman. NO
need to be so blue about it. I'm good
fer hundred dollars. | always liked
you. Rr0ught0n. and when | like :, man
il don't stop at the trousers pocket
Bless your handsome face. it don't
All you've to do is to catch the mail!
boat and make Il bee line for the CO.
coanutS and the girls.
Il have mine with me. Joe. I'm mar
ried."
oh, say" Coleman exclaimed. rub
bling his chin and looking worried
You've been going it. haven't you: 4
hundred dollars is about my limit.
couldn't go more than Il hundred, and
that's what they charge for single
passage to Samoa. Hold on. though.
have it. Ship steward or work your
way and let wiley be the passenger"
Coleman suddenly dashed to the
door and grabbed the arm of man
who had stopped for moment to
peer in. He was short. thick set
person of a seafarinS cut with the ap-
pearance of north German or u
Scandinavian and popping blue eyes
that danced with good humor He
was effusively introduced to Matt aS
Captain Schwartz of the schooner Is
meralda.
L fancied you had up with the mud
hook and cleared a month ago" cried
Coleman.
NO such luck" growled Captain
Schwartz in a strong German accent
Everybody behind: everybody hum
the time
Here's some more" said Coleman