The Mid-Straits Fare Dodge of 'Kaintuck'

Casting off, we headed across the Straits, but before getting out of sight a green boat was observed pulling off toward us for dear life and making signals for us to stop, which we did, and lay to until the mysterious green boat pulled alongside. It was soon discovered to be propelled by a couple of stout long-shoremen, and the helm was presided over with nonchalant dignity by a lanky, succulent individual, looking twenty-five years of age, rather rusty in appearance, in a straight-backed 'jim-swinger' coat, denims overalls and cowhide boots outside, and an antique sombrero, which in broad-rimmed umbrageousness was all that a sage-brush aquarium could desire. This gentleman, whom, for want of his real name—which we didn't ascertain—we will call 'Kaintuck,' proved to be an individual who had been observed to get on board, steerage, at Seattle, and managed to be out of the way when the boat left Townsend. He languidly signaled his desire to come aboard, which, with all deference, was complied with, and the green boat put back for the port.

But anon another discovery was made. When the regular time came to be made about mid-straits, Kaintuck notified the officer that he had neglected the little formula of procuring a ticket at Seattle and was not disposed to accede to what he considered the purser's extortionate demands. In vain, however, did he reason on the subject. The officers were dull and could view the matter only in a very practical light. Either he must pay the usual fare or go ashore. He proposed as a compromise to pay 50 percent of the whole amount. No go. At length, not to stand on trifles and to show his conciliating disposition, he would pay 65 percent and call it square. Strange to say, he could not effect an understanding on that basis. Finally (he didn't care to go back) he had left his purse behind, but would pay the full score when he reached 'Frisco. There were men down in 'Frisco who wouldn't begrudge fifty dollars rather than not have him come down this trip. Still his eloquence and logic produced no effect on our impracticable mariners. Evidently he was wasting his powers on inappreciative and prejudiced minds. They seemed indisposed to effect an accommodation on any kind of terms.

Kaintuck was marched to the gangway, and a boat swung down from the davits. Fortunately, the Eliza Anderson, passing up at the time, just in time. We signaled her and she came up, thus saving our return to Port Townsend, as an alternative of putting him down in the middle of the Straits or one of its islands. When directed to get into the boat he mildly but firmly insisted on his right to be put ashore. 'For,' said he, 'you hadn't ought to be so bumptious with a fellow anyhow. I'd a borrowed the money of you if you'd only a given me a little more time at Townsend.' Before his requirements in this regard could be complied with, another cause of delay arose. His baggage must be hoisted up and re-shipped too. This at length was all found, and comfortably embarked in the boat along with its owner. As he shoved off, sadly but not in wrath, Kaintuck waved compliments to the officer in charge and called out, 'Good-bye, Cap, be sure to call on me when you come out to Idaho.' Such incidents, though trivial enough per se, serve to divert the tedium of a sea voyage.