On entering, my attention was directed to a party of four men, evidently seamen, judging from their language, who were in the front part of the store engaged in a conversation that could easily have been heard a block away.
At last I felt sure I had cornered my man.
It has always been my belief that I was especially blessed with the knack of making friends with a stranger, and this talent, which is the only one I think I ever possessed, had certainly had ample opportunity in my varied life to develop into an art.
"Hello, mates!" I sang out, approaching the quartet with a smile—what wonders a smile will work when used right—"I'm looking for Archie Marine, fellows. Do you know where he is to-night?"
Immediately one of the men stepped forward.
"My name is Marine," he said, "What's up?"
He had a pleasant way of speaking, and it was soon apparent that he embodied all the good qualities which the two darkies on Front street bridge had invested him with.
"It's something important, Marine; come with me and I'll tell you."
Without a word the man turned his back upon the jolly companions with whom he had been lately carousing, and together we left the place.