Leo said that he could distinguish with his field-glass
Colonel Harris and Gertrude, and tears again came into Mrs. Harris's
eyes.
European steamers always leave on time, waiting for neither prince nor
peasant. A carriage with foaming horses drove in upon the pier as the tug
pulled the steamer out upon the Hudson. Its single occupant was an
English government agent bearing a special message from the British
embassador at Washington to Downing Street, London.
"Now what's to be done?" the British agent sharply inquired.
"Two pounds, sir, and we will put you and your luggage aboard," shouted
an English sailor.
"Agreed," said the agent, and to the surprise of everybody on the pier,
two robust sailors pulled as for their lives, and each won a sovereign,
as they put the belated agent on board the "Majestic."
This race for a passage caught the eye of Mrs. Harris. At first she
thought that the little boat might contain her husband, but as the
English agent came up the ship's ladder, she grasped Alfonso's arm, and
said, "Here, my son, take my hand and help me quickly to the boat; I will
go back to Mr. Harris."
"No! No!" said Alfonso, "Look, mother, the little boat is already
returning to the dock.
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