Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/95

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CHAPTER VIII


AN UNWELCOME SHIPMATE


"You!" gasped Larry. For the moment he could scarcely speak.

For reply Olan Oleson stared at him in what was meant to be total surprise. But the Norwegian had seen and recognized Larry before, and now he was merely acting a part previously determined upon.

"What are you doing here?" continued the youth, slamming the chest shut and shoving it out of sight.

"I am a sailor here," answered Oleson. "You sailor, too?" The last words with great innocence.

"You're a sailor here! Do you belong on the Columbia? I didn't see you here before."

"I just come before we sail. My name Olan Oleson. What your name?"

And the Norwegian held out his brown and dirty hand.

"Why, you—you rascal!" burst from Larry's lips. "You want me to shake hands? Don't you

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