Page 692 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

‘That’s a rich woman,’ said one of the clerks to his friend.
‘A widow, too! Chance for you, Tom,’ returned the other;
and, presently, from out the sacred presence came another
clerk with a request for ‘a draft on Sydney for three thou-
sand, less premium’, and bearing a cheque signed ‘Sarah
Carr’ for £200, which he ‘took’ in notes, and so returned
again.
From the bank she was taken to Green’s Shipping Office.
‘I want a cabin in the first ship for Sydney, please.’
The shipping-clerk looked at a board. ‘The Highflyer goes
in twelve days, madam, and there is one cabin vacant.’
‘I want to go at once—to-morrow or next day.’
He smiled. ‘I am afraid that is impossible,’ said he. Just
then one of the partners came out of his private room with
a telegram in his hand, and beckoned the shipping-clerk.
Sarah was about to depart for another office, when the clerk
came hastily back.
‘Just the thing for you, ma’am,’ said he. ‘We have got a
telegram from a gentleman who has a first cabin in the
Dido, to say that his wife has been taken ill, and he must
give up his berth.’
‘When does the Dido sail?’
‘To-morrow morning. She is at Plymouth, waiting for
the mails. If you go down to-night by the mail-train which
leaves at 9.30, you will be in plenty of time, and we will tele-
graph.’
‘I will take the cabin. How much?’
‘One hundred and thirty pounds, madam,’ said he.
She produced her notes. ‘Pray count it yourself. We have

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