The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-08-09

OGI 1IOIn Ilc WCSIWdIuf DOuAlN AOA AHS
Sound.
AS he left the bridge a figure came
bouncing down the gangplank, bald. ex-
cited and manifestiy from the far East.
Are you the captain?" If began rap
idly. "My name is Hatfield, from New
York. Same to you. sir! These are my
friends, also from New York" He in
dieated group on the wharf who gazed
curiously at the steamer.
We're Cooks tourists-just been up
to the Muir Glacier. Coming back we
stopped here and the Queen steamed off
and left US. Yes. sir! steamed right of
and left US. It's an outrage. They
knew very well we'd be back as soon
as we bought some curios. Why, they
only whisded four times for US. It's
awfulr
81 s'pose you want to go down with
me-" said the captain.
'ExactlyP agreed Mr.. Hatfield, Eek
actlyi We were in despair till you came
in sight. Fancy being cast away in this
place; not a decent hotel in the village.
Awful" He shuddered fearfuhy, and
gszed with disgust at the ragged little
town curling round the head of the mar
row ford.
'T don't see how ! can take you. Mr..
Fits here has the only stateroom that
would accommodate the ladies'"
Hatfield avidly seized the possessor of
the room. He noted that the mans
clothes were rough and of that ubiqui-
tous bilious tint associated with the
Maclinaw. Therefore, he forced bank
note into his hand.
Now, my good man." he said con-
descendingly, eve want your cabin. We
couldn't stand this rough life, you know.
It's all right for you, but-my good
ness" He shrugged expressively.
Keep your money" said Fits. THE
ladies are welcome to my room, but I
suppose it's quite hardship for you
gentlemen to sleep on the floor. Ever
Try it,"
We'll, hardly. I don't believe I could
endure it. How ones clothes would
Iook" And he fed up the gangplank
to his companions.
A robust lady ral1ed the schooner with
her lorgnetts, and the miners along the
rail swithered under the fire.
Really quite an intelligent fellow"
she announced audibly, a: the conclu-
sion of Hatheld's report, and Fits
writhed under her curious stare II
trust you thanked him, Adelbert; these
people are so appreciative."
81 don't fancy travelling with those
rough persons at ALL" complained Mrs
Van Slyke. Thank heaven, it's only
for a few days. Dc you think we can
trust them"
Fits enteard his cabin disgustedly, |
emerging with a war-bag as they took
possession, and later when the Newport |
grunted and wheezed down the inlet, /
Hatfield approached him..
'Deuced good of you to give US your
room"
Fits nodded.
Been in Alaska long,"
yes"
What were you doing"
Mining"
Strike it rich?" he continued, hent
on conversation.
Pretty fair"
Mrs. Hatfield called her husband from
his curious probing of the unfamiliar
species.
"Adelbert, why do you persist in
mingling with these people? I'll warrant
that man eats with his knife, and has
grimy nails" The words reached Fits
quite plainly.
at isn't very elevating, my dear. but
they're such strange creatures" He re-
turned to his seat, resuming supercil-
iously:
3 "You were about to tell me how
much you made"
"Oh, was II" Fits, in turn, eyed his
companion curiously. Its this way. l
don't know how much I've made, cause
I don't know what can get for him." i
You meas for your claim?"
mo, my mammoth" Ia
81 beg your pardon" said Hatfield,
stitHy. Il
MY mammoth. / mined him" /,
Now, my good man, I know what a
mammoth is. He's kind of elephant,
or he was. They grew-animsls, ye'
know"
Sure! SureP agreed the stranger,
but / mined this one. Don't believe
it, Ell? Well, Pm giving it to you
straight" /;
He bent his countenance on Hatfield,
and lucent clarity Shone therefrom. In {
his speculative gaze lurled memories of
strange adventure, and the New Yorker
felt himself on the verge of interests
new and thrilling. II
Hold on, l want the others to hear
this. Van! Come over here, Agnes All 2
of you'll This man is going to tell us G