Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-02-03
selset gtor,1.
a FAITHFUL BOY.

fne aFrenton-m achant ship-lsy
snchored Oft Callao A heater looking
craft was never seen. Her tarrod rig
gins fairly shone in the Sunlight. and her
freshly painted ports looked as clean as
new chess board
One night, shortly after the vessel
came into port, her captain, Thomas Cum
mings, called his cabin boy to the quar-
ter-deck. The lad cheerful obeysd the
summons, for he was always ready TO per-
form his duty. He was a fne-looking
youngstcr, Of sixteen, with black curly
hair, bright blue eyes, and slender ao-
tive figure.
Here, Jack % said the skipper. as he
put letter into the boys band. I want
you to cali shore boat, and take this just
as soen as you can, to John, the Spaniard
You know where his place is, don't you ??
mo sir
well, then, all you have to do. is to
walk straight up the first street on your
right after you land, uati you come to q
long, low wooden building.a sort of grocery
store, near church. John, sfser rea ding
the letter, will give you a box of cheese.
which yon must bring aboard. as soon as
you can, as we shall get under way in a
few hours
-'Ay, ay, sir + answered Jack. Then
running toward. be jumped upon the bow
spirit, and hailed e shore boat which was
passing. The little vessel came alongside,
and, springing into it, the lad was soon
pulled to the landing.
He saw the street mentioned by the cap
tais, and. entering it, hurried along. He
had not p.ocecdad far, however, when
tall raaa, vhese face was half concealed
by the rim Of curious round cap, seized
him by the shoulder.
Which way. youngster, at this time Of
night
L am going after cheese far my captain.
answered the lad. He commands the War
|renton.'
oh, you are from Captain Cummings,
are your
Yes, cir.
I thought 80; and you were sent to-
John tie Spaniasd'
Well, | am John the Spaniard !; and
as my store is closed fer the night, you
will accompany me to my house, and !
will get you bog of cheese from my celler.
TIE led shock his head.
No, SIR be said, resolutely / was
told to 90 to the store, { shall go. al
ways obey orders
But the store is closed, I tell YOU
1 must see that for myself answered
Jack
The man laughed hoarsely.
You might3as well tell me lie.
am sory-sery sorry to be suspected il
this way he said, in grieved tone Q
voice
oh, I meant no offence said Jack
4 like to do exactly what I'm told to
that's ALL
So saying, be moved on.
You'll see for yourself that the store
is closed said the man. following him.
] He was right; Jack fonnd the stor,
closed
Now. then, I hope you're satisfied tha
I am John the Spaniard,' said his COM
panion. why do you doubt my word
| never saw boy act SO strangely
Because you don't speak broken Eng
| lish,' answered Jack, with his usual frank
ness. "A spaniard would not speak Eng
lish as well as you do
j Nonsense | have spent six years 0
my life in the Uuited States
i We'll, / must ses my captain before | g
any further in this matter, said the care
/ ful lad.
He knew that the town was full Of vag
abonds, cut throats and burglars and 8
was determined not to give stranger tn
letter entrusted to bis care. The man
voice had impressed him unfavorably from
the frst
Therefore he was turning away, wher
the fellow suddenly seized him by tn
back Of the neck, trippcd him up, snatch
ed the letter from his hand, and made
! off.