The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-06-13
beyond measure II was evident that mat.

cooily took away the meat which the Cap
tain was accustomed to serve, sat down in
the Captains place, and calmly began to
serve the meat The Captain entered,
and without word turned away. But
there was burning spot upon his cheek
and a strange fire in his eye, We won
dered ut him, Was he a coward? The
Major snceriugly insinuated as much to
Ida, who flushed crimson. Captain Val
my sat at the table no more.
But the Major was not going to leave
him off SO easily as this He had other
things in store for him. lie talked more
loudly aud eontemptuously of the Captain.
He made sncering illusions to his stature,
and ironical remarks about his bravery.
Once he climbed ap the cradle while the
Captain was taking an observation below,
and threw some handiuls of oakum down
upon him. At another time he contrived
to upset pail Of water which stood upon
the quarterback, in such way that it
nearly all iellupon the Captain. lie turn
ed frightfully pale; we saw the gigantic
struggle which took place within and some
Of us tremblcd to see the fearful contest.
Yet he calmly whistlcd tune and walked
away.
He never came into the cabin now. lie
was insultcd so constantly by the Major
that he stayed away as much as possible.
For the rest of us, we had long ago con-
cluded that he was incapable of taking Of
fence, and, though sorry for him, we con-
sidcred him incapable of taking his own
part, and in fact, We considered it none
of our business.
Ida-the beautiful Ida, at length, turned
from him. Surprised, shocked a thousand
times at his want of manlincss, she was at
first cool with him, aud at length, no lon.
ger sought his company This seemed
the finishing touch to the Captain.
We had been out Il fortnight. One
morning the sun seemed beautiful and
calm, yet storm seemed brewing on the
skirts of the horizon, and dark suspicious
clouds hung threatening there.
Captain Valmy was calm, impcnotrable
as ever. He appeared as unmoved and
as pleasant as if nothing had occurred to
ruffle the harmony Of the scene. Ida stood
by the stern, looking out upon the sea
which surrounded them, us smooth as
glass. The Captain approached her:
"Thc water is very smooth to-day, Miss
Grevillc,' said he Are you not surprised
at it?n
Coldly and haughtily she turned upon
him. A thousand expressions showed
themselves in her face. She murmured a
few commonplace words and turned to 90.
At this moment Major Folsom came
toward them. lie rudely thrust himself
between the two, and planting his heavy
foot on that of the Captain, he offered his
arm to Miss Grcyillc and led her away.
The Captain bore the agonizing pain
without a word; his face remained calm,
aud merely light famed in his eye.
Calmly he watched them till they went
below.
" All hands TO take in to gallant sails, /"
he cried, and the sailors clambered in obe
dicncc.
In few minutes the Major appeared.
The Captain walked up as calmly as ever.
The Major looked surprised, Still Cap
tain Valmy looked unmoved. Walking
boldly up to the Major, before the latter
could walk away, he struck him stunning
blow on his face with the back of his
hand.
THAT'S in payment for insult, said he
quietly.
Had the heavens above him opened, the
Major could not have been more thunder
struck. He was utterly silent for full
minute, during which time his face work
ell strangely, and he foamed at the mouth.
Then with a tremendous oath he rushed
upon the captain We looked on with
batting breath. We were anxious for the
result. In moment our blood ran like
fire through every vein, and an exulting
shout rang from the few passengers who
were spectators Of the scene.
For the Captain, as calm aud placidly
as ever, threw himself in the most scientific
attitudes, and as the Major rushed at him,
he nimbly stretched out his foot, and with
practiced hand, give him lightuing-like
below between his eyes, knocking him down
and sending him rocling across the deck.
That's for stamping my foot, Major
said the Captain in a mocking tone.
The Major slowly rose. Meanwhile the
shout which We had given brought all the
passengers on the 'dcck. Ida and her
mother also came up.
Ill have ..a,,. LII 4