The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-09-29
TOM MARGATE'S PROMISE.

Tom, you rascal, what's this |
hear?''
And old Captain Margate, putting
and blowing with the exercise Of his
rapid walk, and the excitement under
which he was laboring, dropped into
chair just opposite his son Tom, and
looked sternly at him.
Come, out with it, you lubber !"
cried the old gentleman, impatiently.
Tom was gazing at him with q look of
mingled surprise and inquiry.
How should know what you have
heard p he asked coolly.
I'll show you, you rascal What
did | tell you no longer ago then yester-
day ?"
Let me see,n said Tom, assuming
an air of deep thought, which only
served to irritate the captain still more.
None O that, you brat ! You can't
fool me. And now, Tom Margate, I'll
tell you once for all, that you've got to
marry Nanny Redwing."
Tom smiled.
What if ! can't, father? p
You can, and you shall !" cried the
captain, bringing his feet down to the
darting pains through his rheumatic
legs, And what's more, Tom Margate,
if | ever hear Of your going to see that
Fanny Raymond again, | will disinherit
you will. will -
A panied look swept over Tom Mar
gates face, and a flush Of anger, but he
controlled himself.
Father, do not see why you have
such an aversion to Miss Raymond"
And you never will know, you ras-
cal y shouted the captin; yet he added,
in the same breath "She is poorer
than Jobs turkey, and always will be-
. Is that right and just, father ?"
. Is that right and just! of course it
is, you lubber, and you know it. Why,
you jackanapes, what could you do
with such wife? You would be in
the poor-house by next Christmas ~
~ should fear it more with Nanny
Redwing and her extravagant notions"
What's that-what's that, Tom, you
scullion? Take care, or I'll disinherit
you, any way y
Well, father, if it has come to this,
we may as we'll understand each other
at once for | certainly shall not give up
easily, and have reason to think the
same Of you. If | heard Alright, you
say that ! must not marry Fanny Ray
mond.',
Exactly, Tom
presume, you will give me short
time to think of it, father? 1t is very
unexpected"
1T amt no such thing, YOU But
I'll give you until night Not another
minute. Do you hear Tom ?"
1t will be sufficient, think. At
least, | will try to make it so.'
Now, Tom, you are talking sense. |
was afraid you would make a fool of
yourself"
No fear of that" replied Tom, with
roguish twinkle in his eye, which,
however, escaped the captains notice.
No; n Margate was never a fool yet.
And, Tom, you rogue, I'll tell you what
I've done. I've bought the Downer
farm"
And you'll give it to me, if | will
promise not to marry Fanny Ray
mond ?" asked Tom eagerly, interrupt
ing him.
Yes, you rogue; and I'll do more.
I've put little deposit of ten thousand
TO your credit"
. You are very kind, father. I'll
think of it to-day"
And Tom, when your old dad is
laid away, you shall have the rest. Now
clear out and see Fanny Raymond, and
tell her you're going to tie up at
another port. I'll have Nanny over here
to night, and we'll have the matter all
fixed up-wont we? You sly dog, you
thought to fool mech, Tom? There,
now clear out, and don't let me see
your face again until night. Ha! ha
ha ~
Tom Margate put on his hat, and
sauntered leisurly out of the house,
whistling merry tune. and the old
captain watched him out of sight.
The sly dog I'll show him who
commands this craft muttered the old
captain. Mutiny-eh? Ia! hal Ina r.
Captain Jack Margate was bluff old
nt A.