Page:In a Steamer Chair and Other Stories.djvu/266

254 the penalties accruing thereunto, to wit&mdash;a fine of not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisonment of not more than two years&mdash;or both, at the option of the judge before whom the party so accused is convicted."

"Great Heavens! is that really so?"

"Well, it isn't word for word, but that is the purport. Of course, if I had my books here, I why, you've doubtless heard of the case of the Pacific Steamship Company versus Cumberland. I was retained on behalf of the company. Now, all Cumberland did was to allow the man&mdash;he was sent up for two years&mdash;to carry his valise on board, but we proved the intent. Like a fool, he boasted of it, but the steamer brought back the man, and Cumberland got off with four thousand dollars and costs. Never got out of that scrape less than ten thousand dollars. Then again, the steamship Peruvian versus McNish; that is even more to the"

"See here, Cupples. Come with me to-night and see the man. If you heard him talk you would see the inhumanity"

"Tush. I'm not fool enough to mix up in such a matter; and look here, you'll have to work it pretty slick if you get yourself out. The man will be caught as sure as fate; then knowingly, or through fright, he'll incriminate you."