Читать онлайн
The White Rose of Memphis
The White Rose of Memphis
PUBLISHERS’ PREFACE
For thirty-one years, this book has met popular favor, and a sale of one hundred and sixty thousand copies. Its sale now is steadily increasing, notwithstanding the worn condition of the plates.
This 35th edition, now printed from new plates, is offered, believing it will outlive its fifty-six years of copyright.
But few works of fiction are accredited with such favor, or with such extensive circulation.
CHAPTER I
“SPEAK it out, captain; I know by your looks you have something to say, and I am full of curiosity to hear it.”
“Very true, my dear fellow; I have at last hit on a scheme which I think will prove very profitable, and will be glad to take you in as an equal partner.”
“Glad to hear it; I am ready for anything to make an honest living.”
“I have chartered the best boat on the river, and mean to put her to work on the line between here and New Orleans, and shall of course be her commander, and would be glad to have you take charge of the office, and we will divide profits.”
“I am truly grateful, captain, for the manifestation of confidence contained in your offer, and will gladly undertake the business.”
“Very good; then we may consider it settled so far. The next thing to be done is to get up a handsome advertisement, and meantime the boat must be re-painted, re-furnished and overhauled generally.”
“Give the necessary instructions as to these things, captain, and draw on me for my share of the expenses. By the by, what boat have you chartered?”
“The ‘Star of the West;’ but I will have her name changed, as I do not like that one. What shall her new name be?”
“I leave that to you, and trust you will select a pretty name; there is nothing like having a pretty name for a pretty boat. Shakespeare was decidedly mistaken when he thought that there was nothing in a name.”
“I agree with you there, Sam, and insist that you shall select the name.”