New-York tribune., 1920-06-27

gineer or jumps off the platform to
greet the 'boys" who have come from
the old town to greet him. Some
times he kisses the little girl who
brings him flowers as a token of ap-
probation from his fellow citizens.
But usually these lapses are tenn
porary. After the camera men have
departed, or the election is over, the
overalls are laid aside and greatness
climbs back into the Pullman, re-
lieved that the ordeal is over.
Overalls His Uniform
In the case of William McFee the
overalls seem to be a permanent part
Of his equipment. When this article
is printed McFee probably will be
toiling, as usual, in the engine room
of the United Fruit Company steam
er Turrialba. 1t will doubtless be
very hot, seeing the vessel is due
on that date in the vicinity of trop-
ical waters, but this will have no de-
terrent effect on Assistant Engineer
McFee. He will be wearing very,
very soiled overalls indeed, and be
as absorbed in his work, far below
decks in that bewildering, stifingly
hot wilderness Of glistening steel,
polished brass and whirling mechan-
ism as if he had never known the
feel of pen or produced book that
sells as we'll as "Casuals of the Sea-"
wish l could describe McFee as he
actually is. Probably only a man
who "shakes as wicked a PEN as he
could do it. AS for me, it has always
been my ambition when the goddess
Good Fortune chases the raven off
the Intel to have a nice bungalow in
the "big woods" or a yacht with
plenty of servants to go cruising
with in foreign waters.
But McFee? AS the hart panteth
for the water brooks and the flowers
turn their faces to the sun, he has
weakness for hardship and the
ways of the humble. Remember the
dedication in verse of "Casuals of
the Sea-?
To those ,chc l,ue ard toll and loarlu
die,
Who pass beyond and leave no
lasting trace,
To those from, whom our queen Pros
perity
Hos turned aUay her fair and
tickle face:
To those fraI craft upon tho rest
less Sea
OF Human Life, soho strike the
rocks tencharted,
Who loom, sad phdntons, near US,
dreorily,
Storm-driven, r,4dderless, Nth
tin1bers started;
To those poor CasuoIs Of the .ody-
rorn earth,
The feckless 1Uastage Of ortr ct1,-
ming schemes,
This book is dedicate.
That gives you an insight as to
McFee and his passion for overalls.
The First Day in Port
The big. white hulled Turrialba
had just returned from Southern
waters, and had been at her pier in
the East River only q few hours
when l saw McFee. All the endless
litter and confusion Of a vessels
first day in port filled the freight
shed. Stevedores were carrying an
endless procession Of punches of
green bananas out Of the holds
Hand trucks "galled the kibe" Of the
unwary, and motor driven vehicle.
in charge Of impatient and, alas
profane drivers blocked the passage
ways. The heavy scents Of tropical
and sub-tropical products tinctured
the laden air.
A young fellow in Uniform pointed
out narrow passage on the main
deck, and, in response to knock, the
door Of an officers cabin swung
open, revealing McFee at his desk
lie had his coat off and was discuss
lng engine room gear with another
man wearing oil splotched jumpers
"The last time / was in port the
chief happened around just when 6
magazine photographer was taking
my picture, and ] should have beer
working" said McFee, when tht
visit was explained to him. II don''
want him TO think I'm like popular
actress. spending all my time having
ny picture taken and being inter
Viewed. But come in"
Not Typical Author
Tho man in jumpers left, leaving
us alone In the room. a rather tai
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