Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-02-05


a serious disease, but the only way to
find out whether it's chronic or not Is
to experiment That's what I'm doing
now. The thing I'm at work on may
turn out to be sea story. So / 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" he
said. II used to have an idea that
novel writin' and picture paintin' was
poverty jobs for men with healthy ap-
petites, but I've changed my mind. l
don't knows you'll believe 1t, but I've
Just found out for fact that some
painters get $4,000 for one picture
for one, mind you! And a little mite
of a 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. should be salts.
fed with considerably less to begin
with. Are you living here in town"
"Well-wen, I don't know. I amt
exactly livin', and 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 a
final 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
steps were grouped three rough looking
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 q foreign lingo. As the captain
emerged rom the passage to the open
deck he heard Pearson reply In the
same language.
"What's the matter~ he asked.
Pearson answered without turning bis
head.
Drunken Sailors" he explained.
Part Of the crew here. They've been
uptown, got full and come back to
square a grudge they seem to have
against the steward. I'm telling them
they'd better give up and 60 ashore, If
they know when they're well off,"
The three fellows by the ladders foot
were consulting together. On the wharf
were half a dozen loungers, collected by
the prospect Of row.
IF I can hold them off for q few
minutes" went on Pearson, well be
all right. The wharf watchman has
gone for the police. Here, drop It
What are you up TOT"
One of the sailors had drawn knife.
The other two reached for their belts
behind, evidently intending to follow
suit. From the loafers on the wharf
came shouts of encouragement.
"Do the dude up, Pedro! Give him
what's comm to him."
The trio formed for rush. The
steward, with a shrin scream, fed to
the cabin. Pearson did not move. BE
even smiled. The next moment he was
pushed to one side, and Captain Elisha
stood at the top Of the steps.
"Herew he said sternly. "What's all
this?"
The three sailors, astonished at this
unexpected addition to their enemies
forces, hesitated. Pearson laid his hand
on the captains arm.
"Be careful" he said. They're dan
gerous."
Dangerous? Them? I've seen thei,