The After House

"I thought, from your appearance, perhaps you had done something of

the sort." Oh, shades of my medical forebears, who had bequeathed

me, along with the library, what I had hoped was a professional

manner! "The butler is a poor sailor. If he fails us, you will

take his place."

She gave a curt little nod of dismissal, and I went down the

gangplank and along the wharf. I had secured what I went for; my

summer was provided for, and I was still seven dollars to the good.

I was exultant, but with my exultation was mixed a curious anger at

McWhirter, that he had advised me not to shave that morning.

My preparation took little time. Such of my wardrobe as was worth

saving, McWhirter took charge of. I sold the remainder of my books,

and in a sailor's outfitting-shop I purchased boots and slickers--

the sailors' oil skins. With my last money I bought a good revolver,

second-hand, and cartridges. I was glad later that I had bought the

revolver, and that I had taken with me the surgical instruments,

antiquated as they were, which, in their mahogany case, had

accompanied my grandfather through the Civil War, and had done, as

he was wont to chuckle, as much damage as a three-pounder. McWhirter

came to the wharf with me, and looked the Ella over with eyes of

proprietorship.

"Pretty snappy-looking boat," he said. "If the nigger gets sick,

give him some of my seasick remedy. And take care of yourself, boy."

He shook hands, his open face flushed with emotion. "Darned shame

to see you going like this. Don't eat too much, and don't fall in

love with any of the women. Good-bye."

He started away, and I turned toward the ship; but a moment later I

heard him calling me. He came back, rather breathless.

"Up in my neighborhood," he panted, "they say Turner is a devil.

Whatever happens, it's not your mix-in. Better--better tuck your

gun under your mattress and forget you've got it. You've got some

disposition yourself."

The Ella sailed the following day at ten o'clock. She carried

nineteen people, of whom five were the Turners and their guests.

The cabin was full of flowers and steamer-baskets.

Thirty-one days later she came into port again, a lifeboat covered

with canvas trailing at her stern.