Nick Corrado 2023-04-24 21:30:12 -04:00 committed by Alex Cabal
parent a73b69debf
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<p>Keogh hoisted his umbrella and set off for the Henschels. Johnny put on his coat and hat. He picked up the brandy bottle, but set it down again without drinking, and marched bravely down to the beach.</p>
<p>In the shade of the customhouse walls he found <abbr>Mr.</abbr> Hemstetter and Rosine surrounded by a mass of gaping citizens. The customs officers were ducking and scraping, while the captain of the <i epub:type="se:name.vessel.ship">Andador</i> interpreted the business of the new arrivals. Rosine looked healthy and very much alive. She was gazing at the strange scenes around her with amused interest. There was a faint blush upon her round cheek as she greeted her old admirer. <abbr>Mr.</abbr> Hemstetter shook hands with Johnny in a very friendly way. He was an oldish, impractical man—one of the numerous class of erratic business men who are ever seeking a change.</p>
<p>“I am very glad to see you again, John—may I call you John?” he said. “Let me thank you for your kind answer to our postmasters letter of inquiry. He volunteered to write to you on my behalf. I was looking about for something different in the way of a business in which the profits would be a little livelier. I had noticed in the papers that this coast was receiving much attention from investors. I am extremely grateful for your advice. I sold out everything I possessed and put the proceeds in as fine a stock of shoes as could be bought in the North. You have a picturesque town here, John. I hope business will be as good as your letter justifies me in anticipating.”</p>
<p>Johnnys agony was abbreviated by the arrival of Keogh, who hurried up with the news that <abbr>Mrs.</abbr> Henshel woud be much pleased to place a couple of rooms at the service of <abbr>Mr.</abbr> Atwoods friends. So there <abbr>Mr.</abbr> Hemstetter and his daughter were at once conducted and left to recuperate from their voyage, while Johny went down to see that the cases of shoes were safely stored after they had been opened and examined at the customhouse.</p>
<p>Johnnys agony was abbreviated by the arrival of Keogh, who hurried up with the news that <abbr>Mrs.</abbr> Henschel woud be much pleased to place a couple of rooms at the service of <abbr>Mr.</abbr> Atwoods friends. So there <abbr>Mr.</abbr> Hemstetter and his daughter were at once conducted and left to recuperate from their voyage, while Johny went down to see that the cases of shoes were safely stored after they had been opened and examined at the customhouse.</p>
<p>That night the consul and Keogh held a desperate consultation on the breezy porch.</p>
<p>“Send em back home,” suggested Keogh, reading Johnnys thoughts.</p>
<p>“I would,” said the consul, after a little silence, “but Ive been lying to you, Billy.”</p>