The Press., 1919-06-05
On the Steamboat George identified

On the steamboat George Identified himself at. the office to the purser and also at the bar. He seemed in the best of spirits and made an ap- pointment to meet the bartender on his next trip to New York. when he would give him some valuable tips on the races.
 George was so friendly that he made the acquaintance of 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 1t was close. so he went and sat on the side rail. A most careless thing for anyone to do unless he wishes to make widow of an other wise satisfied wife.
 He was talking little thick. Then after looking at his watch once more a 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 man overheard it was minutes before the steamboat was stopped and more minutes before a small boat was low cred, which was then mile or more away from the place of the accident. After a search of a half mile astern the boat returned, and the officers
 To fn press their views upon a passenger who will delay boats schedule by falling overheard.
 The stranger was much excited, as any stranger naturally would be who 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, if needed in any way. They were accepted to the extent of giving his testimony to the insurance com pany.
 George maintained temporary res idence in BridgepOrt-not that Bridge port is first stop between here and the hereafter but it was just now con- venient He communicated with his widow through the third partner
 Finally, after 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"
 "rrue, 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 thsS 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 even turn up in New York. She felt very sorry for George, and cried-this time because she had lost him.
 They entered the hotel and she waited in the reception room while her new husband went to register his MT. and Mrs. He still carried the bag of money.
 While he was gone he developed two new ideas. both of which he put into immediate execution.
 He returned to inform her that he had just sent word to George that they were married, and then he ex- cused himself to go on another errand, leaving her thinking and blinking over this new announcement.
 His exit to the street by another door caused no cOmmOtion whatever. Nor could she complain to anyone about his remaining so long.
 The poor widow and poor bride waited, and if she were waiting for the return of the groom she would still be waiting. She did, however wait a long time, until her patience was exhausted. her nerve gone, alS" her money. her two husbands
 But what's the use?