Ralph D. Paine

“ The commotion was so startling that O'Shea bounded down from the bridge, and was confronted by a smooth-shaven, slender, elderly man, who flourished a false mustache and imperial in his fist as he indignantly cried:
"I say, this is all wrong, as sure as my name is Thompson! I never bargained with Mr. George Huntley to be kidnaped and taken to sea. I don't want to go, I tell you! These people tell me that this steamer is bound to some island or other thousands of miles from here. I stand on my rights as an Englishman! I demand that I be taken back to London at once!" ”

“ They were loyal subjects of the vanished monarch—his secretaries, artisans, foremen, laborers—who ardently desired an explanation. They become more and more insistent, and threatened to resort to violence unless the steamer instantly returned to London to find King Osmond.
O'Shea gave them his word that he would not proceed to sea without the missing sovereign, and during a brief lull in the excitement he thrust the bewildered Thompson, the masquerader, into the chart room, and pelted him with questions. The latter was positive that he had directed the cabman to drive to the Tyneshire Glen. ”

“ And O'Shea held his head between his hands. He sent for Johnny Kent, whose chin dropped when he beheld the miserable, crushed demeanor of the master of the Tarlington, who announced briefly:
"We're shy one king, Johnny. The deal was switched on us somehow. Our boss was left behind."
"Great sufferin' Caesar's ghost, Cap'n Mike!" gasped the other. "Say it slow. Spell it out. Make signs if you're so choked up that you can't talk plain." ”