The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1930-03-28
CHAPTER v
A Millionaire's Holiday

BettingtOn was awakened in the
morning by a small boy who was the
bearer of coffee and rolls. He an
nounced that breakfast would be
served in the main saloon within the
hour.
"This is all | need said Bettington.
whats your name?"
"They call me 'Slivers,'" said the
boy, "but my real name Is Augustus"
When he had dressed and shaved
Bettington experienced the satisfac-
ton of a fastidiOus man in finding
himself once more in clean apparel.
On the quarter deck he found the
Boss, who smiled the even. ungradu-
ated smile of the night before To
day he was in neat blue and gold
uniform.
81 had better introduce you," he
said, ito Hallett and then to the rest.
1t is most important that the women
trust you. Hallett has already in
fected them with some distrust of
me-"
He led the way to the upper deck,
which was also the boat deck and
that on which the wireless room was.
Hallett was square built man and
capable sailor. He was embittered
at having no higher command than
this pleasure craft when his former
companions were masters Of ocean
going liners. He was Derpetually In a
state of annoyance at the curious
position occupied by Clements the
steward. Actually Railway, on whose
favor he was dependent, had decided
in several instances that Clements
must be Obeyed. 1t was bitter to a
man who had decided ideas on the I'M
portance Of his office.
"Well?" he snapped turning. to the
steward. "What is it?"
''This is Doctor Waite, Captain" he
answered.
"When did you come aboard?"
BettingtOn said what he had been
told. Hallett spoke bitterly about
shipboard etiquette and modern ways.
Then he turned abruptly away as his
nephew came up. This was pleas
ant-faced man of three-and-twenty,
who obviously shared his uncle's
opinion of Clements. The boy seemed
excited and worried
"What do you think Of the skipper?"
Clements asked.
"a hard man to handle" Bettington
returned, "as all obstinate men are"
Hes of no importance" Clements
said idly. did you notice how Sparks
seemed to be upset? Something has
happened to his wireless. He finds he
can't adjust it and has to call in the
electrician, who is one of my men, to
help him. l shall let it work for a
few days."
Again that calm assumption of alb
solute power from the little, slender
man in his absurd livery.
"When l decide that no messages
may be sent or received, Grammar
will get busy. Look, that's Railway"
Railway had come on deck to walk
himself into condition which would
permit him to enjoy an unnecessary
luncheon.
Cocktails" he commanded, as he
caught sight of Clements. He stopped
short when he saw the stranger
who's this?"
Doctor Waite" Clements answered.
"You wired me to ship a physician
aboard"
81 remember now," Railway an
swered. "Why haven't seen you be-
fore this?"
1.-THE doctor doesn't like to confess
to being bit seasick," Clements an
swered readily.
"Then cocktail will do him good"
Railway decided. "Bring four You
know my kind; just dash of alb
sinthe in Them"
When Clements had gone-and there
| seemed something strangely out of
| place in sending such a man on such
an errand-Radway turned to Bet
| tington.
81 eat too much and l drink too
much and my arteries are made up
| of calcium, they tell me. Like the
rest of them, you will preach temper
ance. You are not here for that. You
| are here to patch me up IL the need
| occurs"
Patching won't help you much"
Bettington remarked.
"If you're not up to the job, I'll tell
| Clements to ship some one who is"
Abruptly Railway turned on his heel.
He did not in the least mind If he had
left his physician angry. The anger
of foOls-and poor man was fool,
in his Opinion-had no weight. The
sea air was beginning to make him
hungry. This would mean rich
luncheon served as that artist, the fat
chef, alone knew how. A feeling Of
well-being pervaded him at the sight
of the cocktails. He told Clements to
| pass one to the doctor.
eve can't wait for the ladies'" said
Railway, and threw his drink down
with single movement. Il wish
could sip like you," he said to Betting
ton. "When l want thing want all
of it, instantly. AS the ladies don't
seem to be coming up, why let their
cocktails go to waste?"
] (TO BE CoHTINTTEDA