The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-09-14
JOHN TAGGERT'S TRIAL.
BY MRS, AMELIA e. BARR.

Twenty five years ago this summer, 1
gpent some delightful months in that
most picturesque and charming of re-
treats-the Isle of Man, with my head
quarters # Castletown.
During the summer months, when the
herring fishery was at its height, Castle
town pier in the early hours of the morn
ing was q most picturesque place, with
its boats, and masses of cleaning fish,
and queer fshermen-and fsherwomer
too, for that matter-Irish and Scotch
and Welsh and English and Manx.
Bat towering, like Saul, head and
shoulders above the crowd, 1 noticed al
ways a young Manxman, vino seemed to
be an authority on all subjects of sale.
He wore the common Gress of blue fian-
mel, cut in the usual quaint, uDgraceful
form, but no form of dress could have
spoiled figure moulded in natures no
blest proportions. His bare, brown
throat supported head and face strlk-
ingly handsome, though it was evident
from its glowing, shronzed tint, that it
had been set against the suns and winds
of heaven for many year.
We soon found out that this man was
universally respected, and eagerly sought
| after, not only by his own class, but by
leisurely visitors, to whom his knowledge
Of the sea and of the coast, and of every
point of interest within days pleasur-
ing, was invaluable.
He seemed, however, to particularly
attach himself to a young Engllshman,
called Philip Saville, who spent some OF
his time sketching, riding and dining
with the officers of the garrison; but the
most of it in an open boat out at sea-
Indeed, people soon began to notice
that Philip Saville and the fisherman,
John Taggert, were never very long
apart. $3.50
The summer passed, and autumn with
its occasional stormy days was upon us.
Still Savillc fingered, people said, solely
because he could not bear to part with
John Taggert. I had, however, some
doubts whether John was the only
charm for twice when I had been gath
ering blackberries in Ballabeg woods,
had come upon Saville and beautiful
peasant girl, named Mary Boyd, belong
ing to the little hamlet on the sands. 4
few days after my second meeting o
them, I received an invitation to attent
Manx fsherman's wedding to be givel
in the great barn of Gwynne estate TO
the brides people had been retainers o
, the Gwynnes for centuries, and the mas
ter of Gwynne and oil his family were t.
dance at the bridal. Many of the offi
GERS and visitors of the city were guests
and among the rest Philip Savi,le-
! His glance, on entering the big barn
y sought until it found Mary, and then
followed her every movement. 1t seen
ed to specially annoy Philip that job
Taccert was on the most familiar term
: with her, and after while, as Joh
9, passed him, he said in querulor
ID voice
l. ssI should think, John, you would /
tired trotting round after that little 81
YOU have done nothing else for thre
Re hours"
he b, John answered pleasantly
1d ssAnd what for would I be tired
he he three hours, when it is all the days
nv life mean to trot after her g
Philips face darkened visibly, but
of made no answer. Soon after, hoWeve
ed I missed him, and looking through Il
'lsSi room I saw Mary was also ahsent.
tn was a lovely September night, with fl
yellow moon, and as many of the Wis
ors had left the barn for stroll on t
II firm, dry sands, took friends al
+ and Joined them. We had not walk
nj nj far when we met Philip and Mary hal
N: N: in hand and when John Taggert mls
f ed his love and his friend, he walked
:, the barn door, and instantly saw the
sauntering together on the moon
sands.
i Tt did not take him many minutes
rs, reach them.
On. 'sMary," he said, in angry vol
Won come home with me at once,
I'll"
ssJohn, if you threaten me, I'll ne'
n' come with You again.
"Yon can please yourself, Mary 30.
it's not John Taggert, though he IS ye
promised husband, that will ask
Nh twice. :,
. And with furious look at Phil
sc which Philip answered by provokl
little laugh, John went back to til: W
ding guests.
But all his gayity was gone; he wo
a neither dance nor sing, and long BET
p" the festivities were over, he left. AS
went home he glanced towards the san
lers ray Philip and Mary we're together. PHI
net net held her hand, and stopped his !.
ton proud head to listen to what she
and saving. John glanced but moment
m1S st1S this bitter sight, then, with a mute
lvet threat, not pleasant to hear, he took
6 80 other way. Unfortunately, several
ss Die heard the words, and they were
.55 .,Ioa to b;a oon,lempati
.as teTWaruS ItC7tiioei ~ Ai'N
Leo A party of Rock-Cod fishers came
Al one morning, bringing with them I
- ip's private row boat, which they
:. found floating couple OF miles ou
c harbor. His line and a couple of he
Hs were in the boat, and the oars were 10
not far away, but there was no t ac'
a, Do.x,,io haooD To iuO