Gilpin observer., 1918-10-31

sailed under q Cap'n Pearson from
there once. James Pearson his name
was"
He was my great-uncle. I was
named for him. Ny name Il James
Pearson also"
"WhatT Captain Elisha was hugely
delighted. "Mr. Pearson, shake hands.
I want to tell you that your Uncle
Jim was . seaman Of the kind you
dream about, but seldom meet. was
his second mate three wages. Ny
names Elisha Warren"
Mr.. Pearson shook hands and laugh.
ed good humoredly.
"Glad to meet you, Captain War
ren," he said. "And I'm glad you
knew Uncle Sam. As youngster he
was my idol. He could spin yarns that
were worth listening TO-"
II bet you! He'd seen things wuth
yarnin' about. So you aint sailor,
hey? Livin' in New York;"
The young man nodded. "Yes," he
said. Then, with a dry smile: ''If you
call occupying hall bedroom and eat
ing at third rate boarding house ia.
BILE living. However, it's my own fault.
I've been a newspaper man since l left
college. But threw up my job six
months ago. Since. then I've been free
lancing"
"Have, heyr The captain was too
polite to ask further questions, but he
had mot the slightest idea what 'free
lancing' might be. Pearson OWNED
hfu vnovr,1ov4<x, and
"I've had feeling" he said, ''that I
might write magazine articles and sto-
ries-yes, possibly . novel or two. It's
q serious disease, but the only way to
ind out whether it's chronic or not Il
to experiment. That's what I'm doing
now. The thing I'm at work on may
turn out to be sea story. 80 spend
some time around the wharves and
aboard the few sailing ships In port
picking up material"
Captain Elisha patted him On the
back.
"Now. don't you get discouraged" J" he
said II used to have IN idea that
novel writin' and picture paintin' was
poverty jobs for men with healthy ap-
petites, but I've changed my mind.
don't knows you'n believe it. but I've
Just found out for q fact that some
painters get $4,000 for one picture
for one. mind you! And little mite
Of q thing, too, that couldn't have cost
scarcely anything to paint. Maybe
novels sell for just as much. I don't
know"
His companion laughed heartily.
'I'm afraid not, captain" he said
"few, at any rate. 1 should be salts.
fed with considerably less to begin
with. Are you living here in town.
"Well-well, don't know. l amt
exactly Mvin', and I amt exactly board.
In. But, say. amt that the doctor
callin' your"
It was the steward, and there was an
anxious ring In his voice, Pearson ex-
cused himself and hurried out Of the
cabin. Captain Elisha fingered for
dnal look about. Then he followed
leisurely, becoming aware as he
reached the open air Of loud voices In
angry dialogue.
Entrances to the Empress of the
Oceans cabins were ON the main deck.
and also on the raised half deck at the
stern, near the wheel, the pinnacle and
officers corned beef tubs swinging in
their frames. From this upper deck
two flights Of steps led down to the
main deck below. At the top Of one
Of these flights stood young Pearson,
cool and alert Behind him half crouch.
ed the japanese steward, evidently very
much frightened. At the foot Of the
N nm
men, foreigners and sailors without
doubt, and partially intoxicated. The
three men were an ugly lot, and they
were all yelling and jabbering together
in foreign lingo. As the captain
emerged from the passage to the open
deck he heard Pearson reply in the
same language.
whats the matterT he asked.
Pearson answered without turning his
head.
Drunken Sailors" he explained.
Part Of the crew here. They've been
uptown, got full and come back to
square q grudge they seem to have
against the steward. I'm telling them
they'd better give mp and 60 ashore II
they know when they're well or"
The three fellows by the ladders foot
were consulting together. On the wharf
we're half dozen loungers, collected By
the prospect Of row.
III / can hold them OF for . few
minutes" went on Pearson, wen be
al right. The wharf watchman has
gone for the pelice. Here, drop I'll
What are you up tot"
One a the sailors had drawn q knife.
1hs other TIVE reached for thsif bslts