The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-15
CAST OF CHARACTERS
CHAPTER VI

Old Oliver Dart did not always sit in his study. Often his withered legs took him through the streets on long walks-sometimes down tc the water front where, looking al ships and sailors, he was pleasur- ably reminded of the time when his warehouse used to ship tea to the colonies.
 It was not to remind himself of other days, however, that he set out for the river this morning He went on an errand regarding one Jerry Whitfield, American sea- man, who had visited him in his study last night.
 "A bully!" he muttered. "An upstart! An enemy to England!'
 An hour later old Dart, who knew his river front, was seated in a mean tavern that smelled of the sea and bad rum. The clothes he wore Che had borrowed them from his porter) did not betray him as man of property and so he could sit unnoticed in a cor ner, pretending to sip grog while studying his fellow men. When he finally spied large man with a torn ear and a broken nose, carelessly mended, he beckoned to him.
 When the man arrived he said to him, Sit with me, friend. I'll buy you grog!" and he drew up a stool invitingly.
 After the second glass of hot watered rum had been downed by his new acquaintance, Oliver Dart tested his shrewd guess. I'll wager you're the best man the press gangs got! With your mus cles, now, and your chest"
 The torn-eared one did not deny his calling. In fact, he clarified it.. Never a man I've been set on 'as ever got away from me- he stated with professional pride.
 "Ah!" said Oliver Dart. Just as I thought Listen, my friend. I've a little assignment for you. At ths Unicorn and Grown Tavern there's an American seaman named Jeremiah Whitfield"
 His voice dropped to whisper; but the 'pressman, accustomed to getting his instructions in just such cautious manner, turned his torn ear attentively and left off drinking grog.
 "A poun' in advance for me" he pronounced when old Dart had finished, "an' a poun' to pay the woman for Ger part"
 "Too much! You'll get your pay from the ships captain, too, you robber."
 "The money comes down from the Admirals, sir, I grant ye. A tidy little quid to pay for every deserter that's caught. But by the time it gets down to usin the press-gangs, sir, it's d ribbled sornethin' awrful. An us havln' the work an the peril!"
 Old Dart grugling brought out the two pounds, being care- ful to show it was all he had on his aged person, except a shilling or two to pay the bartender. Get at it tonight" he ordered. These tricky Yankees have a way of slipping through the fingers. And remember! Let it be plainly seen at the tavern that Whitfield's had speech with a pretty girl before going out Not too flashy," he advised thoughtfully. Something neat and rather tasty would do the trick"
 T understand, sir. There's fine-looking barmaid at the Sheat of Wheat, edge of town. Used to be actress. She plays a role now and then to 'elp swell is Majesty's Navy an Ter own pocK- etbook She as Ter 'usband's consent. Very regular it is, an respectable.
 Old Oliver Dart walked home by way of the commons, feeling spright ly and gay, as one does when one has accomplished neat piece or business. He saw a girl with her bonnet hanging down her back by it's ribbons, throwing stick for a little mongrel dog to retrieve. She reminded him of Polly Chelsey, but