, 1919-04-17

abouts, provided a boat from the
steamer did not come on the scene be-
fore the launch and thus upset all his
calculations.
This would truly be sad; and would
necessitate planning a new way to
die. But even now his drowning
might be a reality in spite of all his
careful preparations.
Accordingly, to prove the judgment
of his third partner to steer a launch
on n course due south from their
lighthouse, George made two more
trips, throwing overheard at the exact
spot, timed from his own lighthouse
Mt the west end of the sound, n coun-
terbalanced bag which floated a small
electric light, Inc on each occasion his
partners were within n half mile of
the floating lamp. which they rescued
and returned to George at Bridgeport
on his way back to New York by rail.
The night for the real act arrived.
His partners left Bridgeport in their
launch upon receipt of Il wire.
On the steamboat George identified
himself ut the office to the purser,
and also at the bar. He seemed in
the best of spirits and made an APP
pointment to meet the bartender on
his next trip to New York, when he
would give him some valuable tips IN
the races.
George was so friendly that he made
the acquaintance of n stranger at the
bar, with whom he talked races. They
made an appointment to meet In
New York. After an exchange of
drinks the two strolled aft on the up
per deck.
He said that just now he needed the
air, for it was close, so he went and
sat on the side rail. A most careless
thing for anyone to do unless he
wishes to make n widow of an other
wise satisfied wife.
He was talking a little thick. Then
after looking at his watch once more
n habit people have who have drunk
too much-he returned the watch to
his pocket and then-then there was a
cry and a splash.
The deck, save for one or two, was
deserted, and in the commotion of n
man overheard it was minutes before
the steamboat was stopped and more
minutes before n small boat was low
cred, which was then n mile or more
away from the place of the accident.
After a search of a half mile astern
the boat returned, and the officers
used rude, impolite language to ex-
press their views upon a passenger
who will delay n boats schedule by
falling overheard.
The stranger was much excited, as
anu Stropaar notrrra1lu unn1d hp yyh6,
had not been let into the details Of
the drowning act.
For the rest, there were the usual
notices. The widow was notified; she
promptly had hysteria and could not
be seen thereafter, except by the
stranger, who two days after called
and extended genuine sympathy and
related all he knew of the sad acci-
dent. He spoke of the appointment
they had made, and he offered his
services, IL. needed in any way. They
were accepted to the extent of giving
his testimony to the insurance COM
pany.
George maintained a temporary res
idance in Bridgeport-not that Bridge
port is n first stop between here and
lHe HeTedlteT, Dut IL was just Nv" IN
venient. He communicated with his
widow through the third partner.
Finally, after a long delay, the com
pany agreed to settle. Then the third
partner evolved a new idea. The
widow must become his wife. His
wife? Why, she was the wife of
George!
George nothing. George is dead"
"Yes, but we know that George Is
not dead"
"True. but the law, represented by
the company, says he is dead. He is
legally dead, and you are his widow.
The company has agreed to pay. Now
this is your position-my wife and
forty thousand, or the wife of George
and exposure"
DO you mean"
Exactly" and the following day
they were quietly married in Jersey
City and returned to New York, where
as the widow she collected her insur-
ance of forty thousand.
Then, with her new husband, they
went to an uptown hotel. On the way
they discussed in low tones their
plans, and agreed to bank the money
the next day, he in the meantime to
hold the bag in which it was carried.
George could do nothing, he assured
her. He dare not V e turn up in
New York. She felt very sorry for
George, and cried-this time because
she had lost him.
"