Connecticut western news., 1873-04-04
THE JACK OF HEARTS.

THE JACK OF HEARTS.
 The Jack of Hearts! Whenever hear these words my thoughts wander back to one sunny May-day, when Clara Bell came on board the bark of that name, of which craft was the proud com mander.
 It was my first voyage as captain, and we were bound for Santa Cruz via Porto Rico. The Clara Bell was not pas senger ship, but a regular West Indian sugar drogher, and I was much surpris- ed when the owners informed me that would have to- take charge of two ladies, who were to be landed at Porto Rico, As may be imagined, I did my best to make the cabin as pleasant looking as possible-bought canary, a melodeon, and dozen CT two of towering plants, and prepared my officers for the occa- sion. MT. Winke, my chief mate, had a weakness for extreme undress, and preferred dining without the incum- brances of coat and vest, while Bill Hoffman, the second mate, had pen chant for eating his meals standing in the stewards pantry, or on the break of the poop, exposed aI tresco to the hun gry gaze of the crew. With ladies on board, these eccentricities had to be abandoned; and when the time arrived for our passengers to embark, Mr. Winke and MT. William Hoffman, ar rayed in the tightest and most .uncom- fortabIe suits of navy blue, were at the gangway to receive them. Unfortunate ly but one lady made her appearance. l say this because had our charming passenger been accompanied by her aunt, as was first intended, should not have been so long deluded, blind, con- csited son of the sea.
 The lady was introduced by one of the owners, MT. John Shocks, of the firm of Bell, Shocks, < Alewife. He was thin, nervous New Englander, and after landing her upon the deck, said, Captain, low me to introduce you to Miss Clara Bellp' and then left the ship as though it were infected.
 Now my father, who is an old sea- captain, had come all the way from New Bedford to see me off, and was sitting in the cabin when Miss Bell tripped aft. l noticed that he seemed somewhat dis concerted, and when I had introduced my passenger to him, and sent for the colored stewardess whom I had shipped for the voyage, he motioned me to go on deck.
 The lady begged that I would not trouble about her, but attend to my father, adding, "You and I will have plenty of time to talk during the voy- age"
 Upon reaching the poop my father seated himself by the pinnacle, and thus addressed me: "Ned, you are about to make your first voyage as mas ter, and to take charge of lady passen. ger. Now mark my words: she will sci her cap at you. I don't mean to say that she isn't about as pretty as they make 'em, but, my son, keep your weath. CT eye open, or she'll fool you God bless you, -good-byp
 Then, with last warning shake o1 the head and tender grasp, my worthy father quilted the ship.
 In another hour we were running be- fore fresh breeze, and my passenger was-invisible.
 Two days passed, and on the thirc the stewardess addressed me, "De lady passenger wants to see you, cap tain p
 I told the gorgeous female, who wa. dressed in bright pink muslin gow1 trimmed with blue, that I would be a the lady's service in few moments and then prepared myself for the en counter. My passenger was sitting upo1 the sofa, and at the frst glance all m, resolutions vanished. I felt inclined tt throw myself at her feet, and make complete idiot of myself in action a. well as thought, but I didn't do it.
 Good-morning, Miss Bell p
 "Good-morning, captain" reaching out her pretty hand, and exhibiting oh such 8 perfect arm!
 l am afraid that I seemed very sheen ish. I know I felt so, and began t, look out off the stern port. The lad, was quite cool, and went on with he embroidery in most persevering man ner. At last stammered out,
 "Are you quite we'll now, Miss Bell i?
 Oh, dear me, yes, captain but have one favor to beg of you-pleas don't call me Mss Bell: all my friend call me Clara, and as you are to be m. guardian until we reach Porto Rico, w may as well be friends from the first You will kindly not call me miss!'
 An, I thought, you are setting you cap at me, just as my father predicted but then she did it so naively, and felt 50 fattered, that I threw paterna advice to the winds, and, figurativel speaking, stepped past " the point C caution" and was foundering anon the "rapids ere knew where was Before dinner-time I was-gone.
 "For whom are you making that o1 nament, Miss-pardon me-Clara ?' respectfully inquired, glancing towar sort of band which she was embroid ering.
 For n,y Jack, captain"
 "How old is he?" I insinuated.
 "Oh, dear, Jack says that he's quit 2 puppy yet" she replied. "He's Porto Rico poodlel'
 "Oh!" I gasped, beginning to conjul up rival-"a a dog ?"
 Yes, captain but why did you il qu1re In so grave manner ?"
 The words were on my lips, "Clara- but fancying that I detected sligl tinge of sarcasm in her voice, I merel replied, "Oh, I didn't mean any thing,
 "Tm glad of that" answered th lady, because I want you tc thorough understand me.
 She fixed her glorious eyes upon n as she spoke, and-I felt worse tha ever. saw it all at glance: sent { New York in order to finish her educ tien been eooped up in 8 genteel sen