258 BIG GAME SHOOTING IN ALASKA chap. 



probably have some difficulty in obtaining a guide so late in 

 the season, more particularly as Lord Elphinstone and Mr. 

 Vander Byl had left Seattle two days previously on the 

 ss. Excelsior, which was due to arrive at Saldovia before 

 the Nome City. Mr. Niedieck discovered that the Excelsior 

 was bound to call at many small places along the coast, and 

 that she might be delayed some time at Valdez. The 

 Nome City was also scheduled to call at Valdez, but it was 

 possible that by avoiding this port and running direct to 

 Saldovia she might just beat the Excelsior. This was clearly 

 a matter where the almighty dollar might be useful. So, 

 approaching the captain on the subject and explaining the 

 case, Mr, Niedieck suggested the possibility of the iVow^ City 

 running direct to Saldovia without stopping at Valdez. The 

 skipper stated that it was out of the question, since he carried 

 passengers and cargo for Valdez. Mr. Niedieck (to use the 

 words of the American Press), "knowing that money talks, 

 merely said, ' How much ? ' The captain retired to consider 

 the question, and returning, said it could be arranged for 

 $1000. Placing the money on the table, Mr. Niedieck said, 

 ' Go ahead.' " A full description of his triumphal landing at 

 Saldovia was then given, and the account of how the ship's 

 crew struggled to unload his cases of champagne, and other 

 luxuries, was well dished up for the American taste. He had 

 at least the satisfaction of beating the Excelsior by several 

 hours, but the amusing part of the whole thing was (and this 

 the American Press missed) that Lord Elphinstone and Mr. 

 Vander Byl were only getting off the Excelsior at Saldovia, 

 and then going on to Kenai, where they had already arranged 

 to get guides and natives. 



When eventually I did meet Mr. Niedieck and we became 

 great friends, this episode led to so much unlimited chaff that 



