The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1920-12-16

Inc new 1OIk banker was pleHSeu
70 find that his companion mad such
exact information, and as a result, be-
fore going to bed. Poe wrote a long
message to his friend Burns in New
YorE. The message was in cipher,
and he slipped into the wireless Office
with II early next morning before
many passengers were on deck.
The trip was pleasant, and Poe and
Bowen were continually together ex-
cept when Bowen stayed alone in his
stateroom during periods OF sea-sick-
ness. Each night they drank together
a 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 ne 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. "See?" he pointed
to a 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?'
queried Poe.
NO. Going down to finish now. it
won't be difficult. Only a steamer
trunk and two grips. ] guess | can
squeeze everything into them"
He excused himself and went below.
while Poe leaned over the rail thought
fully. watching the little rock island
gradually growing bigger against the
horizon.
Ten minutes later Belasco Bowen
rejoined him.
Finished so soon?" queried Poe.
Yes, got everything in but the last
COMPOUNDED bottle Of that Barbera.
We should have drunk two last night
But / had to get rid of mine, "
smiled Poe. There's no fun in being
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 1t, and 1t
would take an hour to 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
promptly.
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 a couple OF
glasses, will you?"
The boat was already slowing up
for Quarantine, and those Of the pas
sengers who had finished their pack
ing were crowding to the portrait to
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
bling about like corks.
Isn't it beautiful" he cried.
Yes. but that life looks more ro-
mantle than it is. See those two fell
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
sible collision with the great vessel.
Before Belasco Bowen could reply
the servile steward stepped up with
| the glasses.
Bowen ripped off 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:
, Well drink to the dangers of the
sea and the pleasure OF safe home
coming"
He slipped the corkscrew into hi:
pocket, absently tossed the cork ovel
the rail- and raised his glass to touch
the rim Of Poe's.
They drank, and Bowen retilled the
glasses.
And here's to the Goddess Of Liber
ty," cried Poe, turning toward th'
gold glittering statue dimly outlined
in the harbor. May every man whC
deserves liberty have it."
That's a funny toast" said Bower
awkwardly, glancing in slight confu
sion down into the water, where th'
two fishermen we're drifting astern.
Il wonder how that figure of Lib
erty strikes a petty little smuggle
bringing in valuable goods TO defrauC
his country" unused Poe, Starinj