The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 21: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC, 405 ‘“You can go,’’ said Latimer, holding the door open. Jessop pulled his forelock and departed ; but as he passed Thorne the young man pressed a bank note into his hand. ‘Thank you, sir,’’ said the sailor. ‘‘ Your servant, cap’n.”’ Thorne paced the deck for a long time that night, his brain busy with plans for the search he was about toundertake. At last, as the city clocks tolled midnight, he was on the point of going below, when there was the rattle of carriage wheels on the street leading down to the dock. ‘The vehicle stopped and Thorne heard several voices in hilarious converse, He crossed to the shoreward rail A group of men were staggering down the wharf. One of their number was being shaken by the hand and clapped on the shoulder affectionately by his tipsy companions. ‘“You’re a good feller; drefful sorry to ha—hic—have you go,’’ stam- mered one youth, and, more demonstrative than the others, he threw his arms about the departiug individual’s neck. Thorne knew who it was. It was Carter Monckton.: He turned away in disgust as the fellow came stumbling aboard, : ‘‘ By by, old fel’,”? chorused the gang, and ee a wild whoop they went back to the wait! carriage. Thorne had reached the companionway, and there hesitated. Suppose Captain Latimer should see the fool come aboard in that state? Or suppose Sydney should hear him? He had no love for Carter Monckton, but he did not want the New England prejudices of the captain and his daughter to be aroused against the son of their employer. And, like enough, Monckton wouldn’t be able to find his stateroom without waking the whole ship’s com- pany. He stepped over to the intoxicated fellow and took him by the arm. “ This is a pretty state for you to come aboard in,”’ he said sternly, ‘‘ I'll get you into your cabin, but don’t make a row. ‘There’s a lady aboard,’’ ‘‘'You’re a good feller,’’ responded Monckton, who was in a good natured state of ad as ‘“"This is the Naida, ain’t it?’’ ‘* Of course.’ ‘Then I’ fi hice—all right,’’ he declared cheerfully, and allowed Thorne to lead him along. His cabin was next to the one Thorne occupied. The door was unlocked, so the latter got him inside and Perse him into a chair without arousing the steward. ‘““Why, it’s Thorne,’ exclaimed the intoxicated one, in surprise. “ Didn’t know ’twas you—’pon my word! You’re a better—hic—better fel- ler than I thought. Have a drink?’’ and he pulled a flask from his pocket ~ and offered it to him. Thorne looked down upon him contemptuously. ** You're a pretty fellow,’’ he said. ‘‘ You’ll be an addition to this ship’s company, I don’t doubt! Let me have that flask.”’ He seized the silver mounted bottle and opening the dead light, threw it into the water. ‘‘’'That’s the best place for ¢hat,’’ he said. Monckton arose with drunken gravity. 5} CoRmnicooolks