Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-10-24
NO. 247.
Tales aud Sketthes.
THE TRIP OF THE "MARY ANN"
IcoNrINuED FROM YEsrERpAY.l

That night the captain, Gus and Dolly,
all went to the theatre together, while Joe
was left to take care of the boat. The
play was one of love and adventure, full
OF hair-breadth escapes and thrilling in
cidents. Dolly had never been to real
theatre before. and she was entirely car.
rid away by the brilliant scene.
"Oh." she cried with sigh Of intense
relief, as the curtain fell ON the happy f.
male, I'm so glad it came out right. !
was so afraid she was going to marry that
other mantle bad one. How happy
girl must be with such good and brave
loverr'
"lm not so sure about the good, ~
said Mr.. Stubbs, who rather prided him
self on being trife wicked "but as for
being "brave," don't think you have any
reason to complain about your lovers.
Dolly. know one, at least, who would
60 through more danger than the fellow
in the play for you"
do you ?" said Dolly. "Who can it
be--Jack Smith ?''
Jack Smith, indeed" said Sttbbs, con-
temptuously. II mean of course. your
humble servant" and he flourished his
cane fiercely around his head.
"Oh," said Dolly, "you?"
Eyes. One can't be q hero with moth
ing to fight; but just let me have an op-
portunity, and you will see !"
The opportunity for distinguishing him.
self in the cause of his lady-love, which
Mr.. Stubbs so ardently desired, came soon
er than he expected. 1t was nearly mid
night. and the streets were deserted; but
unmindful of the hour they walked leis-
urely along. until the captain, impatient
at the slowness of their pace, lett them
and went on and when they turned into
the narrow and dimlv lighted street that
led down to the dock he was out OF sight.
As they plunged into the darkness and
gloom out of the light of Broadway, Dol.
y shuddered and chung to her compan-
ions arm
Don't be afraid he said, to re.assure
her; 'am not here to protect you P"
Strange to say. this fact did not seem to
alay her fears. She only answered;
Let us hurry and catch papa"
In the meantime that ancient mariner.
unused to such late hours on shore, was
hurrying home TO his vessel, when par
ty of roughs sprang suddenly out from
dark alley-way, throwing a shawl over
his head, dragged him to the ground.
He was taken al! unawares, and was
down before he knew it; but struggled
hard. and shouted Justify for aid.
30, they are killing papa!" cried Dolly.
"Quck! Let us run and help him !"
"No; don't 60 there" said Stubs,
seizing her arm. You'll get hurt. Come
with me we can get to the boat by going
down the next street, and he dragged
her back.
"Let go of me, sir ?" she cried passion
ately. "If you are afraid to 60 and help
my father. am not ~ and she tore her
self free and ran towards the spot where
the captain was still struggling in the
hands of his assailants. Stubbs looked
after her moment, half inclined to fol-
low; but the thought of the daggers and
slung shots he might have to encounter,
was too much Cor his chivalry for, bully
and braggart as he was. he was an arrant
coward at heart. So, muttering to him.
self "She's too plucky for me! the best
thing can do is to get policeman" he
ran off in the opposite direction.
Dolly ran quickly toward her father.
and without stopping to think, she threw
her arms around one of the villains who
was bending over him; and so strong and
athletic was she. and SO unexpected the
attack, that she hurled him to the ground
like log. He sprang to his feet and
gazed in astonishment at her. "A gal. as
I'm shinnerr he exclaimed. "And a
devilish pretty one, too! Come. my beauty,
since hugging is your game you shall have
plenty OF it |" and he seized her around
the waist. Poor Dolly she had expended
all her strength in her first effort, and now
was almost powerless in this ruffians arms.
Her temporary courage and strength
were gone, and though she struggled still.
it was in a weak and womanly way. with
big tears in her eyes, and her heart throb-
bing as if it would break. 1t was without
much difficulty therefore, that the fellow
wrenched off her brooch and bracelets and
relieved her of her watch and chain; but
when, having secured this booty, he at
tempted to kiss her, she shrieked so loud
that Joe, who had been walking restless
ly up and down the boat all the evening,
heard, and with the fond intuition of love,
at once recognized the sound.
Good Heavensm he cried, "it's Dol
ly!' and seizing boat-hook, he darted
with the speed of an arrow toward the
stand. AS he reached the scene he saw
the captain stretched out on the ground.
with one ruffian holding him down and
another rifling his pockets, while third
was dragging poor Dolly, now entirely
helpless, into an alley-way.
Joe needed but this sight to infuriate
him. He sprang on the villain and with
one blow stretched him senseless at his
feet. Then, with the ferocity of young
tiger that has tasted blood, he turned up
on the captains assailants, and in less
time that it takes to tell it, the whole
scene was changed. The captain was up
and swearing like the jolly old tar that he
was, and shaking his fist at every oath in
the faces of the two rascals who lay with
broken heads at his feet; while Dolly,
trembling and painting like wounded
bird, had thrown herself into Joe's arms,
and was sobbing as if her heart would
break.
In a few minutes, policeman, who
probably had been lurking around the COR
ner until all was over, came up and
secured the thieves, and behind him came
MIR. Stubbs, who, going up to Dolly, with
refreshing GOODNESS, hoped she was not
hurt and taking hold OF her arm, he said,
81 will relieve you now, Joe. You had
better look after the captain"
But Dolly looked up Indignantly. and