Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1876-07-20
MMisetllzntons. q
Joe GrotUn's Passenger.
BY kATK PUTNAM osGooD.

BY kATE PUTNAM osGooD.
The day was drawing toward its close.
chill and raw. Lake Village was almost
always gusty, but just now the wind was
having its own way more than usual, and
any passer through the loug, bleak street,
happe ming to glance In at the windows OF
the little water-sde tavern. might we'll
hsye been tempted by the bright fire and
good company inside the bar.
They were the usual afternoon loafers,
with the exception of one small. wiry-look-
ing man, y stranger. who had stopped To
sake = glass OF something hot, and who. at
the moment, was evidently the centre of
the general interest.
But what is it you know, anyhow,
Stranger" asked one OF the group. Come.
now among friends"
Never you mind" answered the man
addressed. Il know enough TO shut up
John Sawyer pretty spell, If not to make
him swing, and l know how to tell II.
wheh the time comes, don't you be afraid
for that. The days getting on" he added,
/ abruptly, rising aud turning toward the
window. land your duck pond there don't
look over agreeable just now. Who's \
good bost.man hereabVutsf for, II fm
| split. can't swim"
I Joe Groton's your man." was the an
swer; "he couldn't tip over If he tried,
could JoeY'
why don't you wait till tomorrow.
| stranger, il you're afraid O. the weather:
and them clouds over there do look kinder
pesky," said the landlord OF the Lakeside
| House turning a practical eye on the gray
| mi"gling outlines ot lake and sky.
| We'll, tact is" said the other. "Tm
acquainted over IN Milham, and. II it's oil
| the same to y0u"-with q wink-"Fd rsth.
er be there than here; SO. II you'll hunt up
this Joe What's-his name, III be obliged
| The landlord, resentng the wink and the
implied insinuation, opened the door and
called out. rather sulkily, to some one in
the next room: MARCY, run down to the
water and tell Joe there's passenger
here"
In another minute the hOuse-doOr closed.
and q tall, slight figure. with shawl over
is head, might have been seen hurrying
down to the water.side.
Joe Groton. busy about his boat. heard
bis name called, aud. looking up, saw the
girl Marcy. The sharp wind had blown
out stray locks OF her crisp, black hair
from under the red shawl, but the hectic
in the cheeks, and the feverish brightness
In the dilisted eyes. were not all the winds
work. She came close to the young boat.
man. who raised himself up, facing her.
|
waiting up to the house," she laid her
hand on his arm. and glsnciUg cautiously
round before adding in n whisper, "Joe,
if once that man reaches the other side,
it's all up with iatner."
"Whai's that. Margy:" said the boat
man, looking w0nderingly At her.
al 5sll you heard it; he'll bring 1t home
to him, he says SO, he's come a-purpose
It's fathers chance clean gone II you take
him across"
"DO you mean I should refuse TO take
him AargyT' ..4
What good would that dor said thu
girl impstieHtly. kelley or some Of 'eu
would take him fast enough; what's tsth
er's life against faref No, its voW mus
take him Joe, aud then, II dsy thing hap
peas" sinking her voice to . meaning
whisper. "nObody but you and mes th'
WISER"
Joe started back. -..a-i
Mary, whats that you're thinking ?
Il II can't clip Ill" cried the girl passion
ately. twisting her 6ngers In the shawl
fringe so that Il snapped; "he's my father
| aud never was better but for the drink
you know yourself, everybody says so