The Cunard Steamer
Early one morning a gentleman came into Jones & Porter's bookstore,
and selected some books, which he paid for. There were eighteen in all.
"Where shall we send them, sir?"
"Can you send them to the Cunard steamer at East Boston? I sail
for Europe today."
"Certainly, sir. When does the steamer start?"
"At twelve o'clock. Don't fail to have them there on time, as I shall
be greatly disappointed to miss them."
When the gentleman had left the store, Ben was summoned.
"Ben, do you know the Cunard Wharf in East Boston?" asked the
bookkeeper.
"I can easily find it."
"Here is a package of books to be carried there."
"All right, sir," said Ben.
"They are for Mr. James Parker. If you don't find him leave them
with the steward."
So Ben took the package, and made his way toward the East Boston
Ferry.
On board the boat he look around him, thinking it possible that he
might recognize some one of his fellow passengers. Considerably
to his surprise he noticed Mr. Archer, superintendent of the
factory at Milltown, whom he had not seen since the latter declined
to take him on again at the mill.
"I wonder what brings Mr. Archer here?"
His surprise, however, was only momentary. There was nothing
strange in the superintendent's having business at East Boston.
Ben noticed, however, that Mr. Archer wore a traveling-suit, and
carried a knapsack.
Ben would have liked to inquire if Squire Archer had seen his aunt
lately, if they had been on friendly terms; but he was very doubtful
how his advance would be received, and remained where he was.
The boat touched the pier and the passengers disembarked. Ben
was two or three rods behind the squire. Our hero inquired the
way to the steamer, and had no difficulty about obtaining the
necessary information. To his additional surprise Squire Archer
crossed the gangway only a little in advance of Ben.
"What can be the squire's business here?" thought Ben, in surprise.
Ben halted on deck, and looked around for some officer to whom
he could entrust the package. At this moment Squire Archer turned
and saw Ben for the first time. He started and changed color, as
Ben could see. For an instant he looked irresolute. Then he
approached Ben, and said roughly: "What brings you here?"
"I am here on business," answered Ben.
"On business! What business?"
"I have a package of books for one of the passengers."
"Oh, I see," said the mill superintendent, seeming to be relieved.
"You are working in a bookstore."
"Yes, sir."
"What firm is it?"
"Jones & Porter."
"Oh, yes, I know. I have often been in their store. How do you like
your place?"
Squire Archer's tone was quite genial and friendly, though there was
an uneasy expression on his face.
"Very well, sir."
"If you ever get out of a place, come to me."
"I thought you said my record was not good."
"So I did," said the superintendent; "but I was mistaken. I was
thinking of another boy at the time."
"I am glad to hear it, sir," he answered. "I felt disturbed about it
at the time."
"Of course. I believe you and Sam had a little difference."
"Yes, sir; but I don't think I was to blame."
"I don't care to inquire into that. You and Sam will laugh over it
when you become a little older."
Squire Archer had never seemed so kind and pleasant. Ben began
to think he had misjudged him.
"I would like to be friends with Sam," he said. "I shall be ready to
meet him half-way."
"I will tell him so to-night," said the superintendent.
"By the way, I suppose you are rather surprised to see me here.
You didn't think I was going to Europe?"
"No, sir, I didn't think that. I suppose you couldn't be spared at the
mill."
"Quite true, my boy. I can't be spared for so long. I wish I could. I
have long wanted to make a European tour; but I am tied down at
home by business. However, that doesn't explain why I am here."
"Don't tell me, sir, unless you like. It is none of my business."
"To be sure. In fact, there is a little secret about it; but I don't mind
telling you."
Ben felt more and more surprised. Was this the proud Squire
Archer, who carried his head so high?
"If there is a secret about it, perhaps you had better not tell me," said
Ben.
"Oh, I am quite willing to tell you; but you must not say anything
about it till after the steamer has sailed. The fact is, a man, who
owes the mill a large sum of money, it is suspected has taken
passage on board this steamer, with the intention of going to
Europe and evading the payment of his debt. I can't tell you his
name, as that might interfere with my plans. I am here to
intercept him, and prevent his departure."
"I hope you will succeed, Squire Archer," said Ben.
"Thank you, Ben. You see, therefore, that it is essential for me to
keep my presence here secret till the steamer sails. I will go
down-stairs now and watch."
Ben delivered his parcel, left the steamer, and did not mention that
he had met any one whom he knew. He felt bound to respect
Squire Archer's secret.
In the afternoon he was walking up Washington Street with the
bookkeeper, when the latter bought the Evening Transcript. He
glanced at the first page and then turned to Ben.
"Do you know Archer living in Milltown?"
"Certainly; he is the superintendent of the mill there."
"Well, here is a paragraph about him. It seems he has left the town,
with fifty thousand dollars belonging to the corporation. His flight
has made a great sensation. The police are on his track, and it is
thought that he will be arrested and brought back."
"I saw Squire Archer this morning, on the Cunard steamer. He told
me not to mention having seen him till after the steamer had started."
"Is it possible?" exclaimed young Porter.
"Yes; he said he was looking out for a man who owed money to the
mill, whom he suspected of taking secret passage for Europe."