Previously, the B.C. Express pulls out from the dock.
"White flag on port side," yelled the boatswain. The captain waved his hand to acknowledge the message and turned the ship towards the shore. Close to twenty men were waiting to be picked up. The gang-plank was lowered and they were quickly taken on board. The men were railway workers, bound for South Fort George. The captain backed the ship onto the river and they were off once again.
As soon as Mr. Anders had dragged Jim Stocks, the purser, away from his dinner, he proceeded to solicit fares from the new passengers. The first man that Jim spoke to refused to pay.
" I'm not paying," said the fellow as cool as can be.
"Let's be reasonable," said Jim. "I can cash your cheque."
"I'm not paying." repeated the man. "I've laboured on this railway all year. I deserve a free fare. You can charge it to the Grand Trunk Pacific."
When the man still refused to pay his fare, Jim knew he was in a bit of a bind. He realized that if this railway worker succeeded in evading payment there would be no hope in collecting fares from the other men. Jim called up to the captain in the wheel-house and explained the situation. Without hesitation the captain turned the ship about and made an upstream landing. He then ordered the ship moored. As soon as the captain was on the foredeck Jim pointed out the man who had refused to pay.
Captain Baker repeated the purser's request and when the man answered that he had no intention of paying, Baker stated that he would permit no one to travel on his ship for free.
The captain called Mr. Hastings, Joe and another deck-hand and pointed out the man.
"Toss that stubborn gandee-dancer overboard!" barked the captain.
In the next episode, MAN OVERBOARD, The captain makes his point and later Joe is selected to go on a land-excursion with Mr. Munshaw.
