Tombstone epitaph., 1915-10-03
The New York banker was pleased

message 10 hIs friend Burns in New York The message was in cipher, and he slipped into the wireless office with il early next morning before many passengers were on deck The trip was pleasant. and Poe and Bowen were continually together eI- cept when Bowen stayed alone in his stateroom during periods of sea-sick- ness. Each night they drank together bottle of the pleasant Italian wine. and those on board who noticed them wondered why they were inseparable. The night before arriving in New York Belasco Bowen was particularly gay. all evidence of sea-sickness had passed. and he gave up the evening | to cementing his friendship with Christopher Poe, and suggesting de | lightful little excursions they could make in New York. Poe. too, was in good spirits. for he had received an answer to his elab, crate instructions to Burns. They met again after lunch next day. and New York was already in sight
 We're getting in beamed Bowen, sharing the bustling anticipation of | the whole ship. Seer he pointed to far-off speck. There's Quaran. tine, and it's only half an hour to dock from there"
 Land certainly looks good after all this time. Are you packed up? quericd Poe
 No. Going down to finish now, fl won't be difficult. Only a steamer trunk and two grips. l guess l can squeeze everything into them He excused himself and went below. while Poe leaned over the rail thought. l fully, watching the little rock island gradually growing bigger against the | horizon.
 Ten minutes later Belasco Bowen | reioined him
 Finished so soon?" queried Poe.
 Yes, got everything in but the last confounded bottle of that Barbera We should have drunk two last night. But had to get rid of mine. Ot. EO lulI III DtAll delayed by having to pay duty on a little bottle of wine"
 By George, you're right. They d be sure to stick me for it, and it would take an hour 10 go through all the red tape. Let's finish that bottle now. What do you say" asked Bowen evenly.
 Why not? There's the old Statue of Liberty looming up. let's drink to her" offered Christopher Poe propmtly.
 Belasco Bowen whisked through the saloon and down to his berth, return ing instantly with the bottle and a corkscrew.
 Steward" he called to a passing greyhound. get me couple of glasses. will you?'
 The boat was already slowing up for Quarantine, and those of tEe pas sengers who had finished their pack. see the doctor and Customs men come aboard by the narrow rope-ladder
 Lets get over on the other side out of this crush" suggested Bowen. They sauntered to the deserted side Of the ship, where the great Statue of Liberty stood in full view
 Belasco Bowen gazed of across the water, pointing out several small sail ing-craft dotting the waves and bob ping about like corks.
 Isn't it beautiful2' he cried.
 "Yes. but that life looks more TO- mantle than it is. See those two fel- lows down there, alone in the big dOry, handling those heavy oars; do you think they enjoy the jolly fishermen's life you read about?" queried Poe.
 The boat in question was headed out to sea, and the two fishermen jerked frantically at their oars to avoid pos siole collision with the great vessel.
 Before Belasco Bowen could reply, the servile steward stepped up with the glasses.
 Bowen ripped of the tin-foil cap on his bottle, slowly twisted the screw into the cork. pulled it out with an accustomed jerk and filled brimming glasses for Poe and himself. He placed the half-empty bottle in the scuppers where it would not tip over, and idly removed the cork from the screw as he smiled at Poe and pro posed:
 We'll drink to the dangers of the sea and the pleasure of safe home coming"
 He slipped the corkscrew into his pocket, absently tossed the cork over the rail. and raised his glass to touch the rim of Poe's.
 They drank, and Bowen refilled the glasses.
 And here's to the Goddess Of Liber- ty,' cried Poe. turning toward the gold g!ittering statue dimly outlined in the harbor. May every man who deserves liberty have 1t"
 That's funny toast" said Bowen awkwardly, glancing in slight confu- sion down into the water. where the two fishermen were drifting astern.
 T wonder how that figure of Lib- erty strikes . petty little smuggler bringing in valuable goods to defraud his co;intryv ulused poe staring