The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-07-29
derous mass of water that ciroled him

"Hallo-o-o.ol' shouted Uncle Percy,
putting both hands TO his mouth after the
manner Of speaking trumpet.
"Hallo-o-o-o came back faint sound,
faint, but still something more tangible
than the echoes sent back by the rocky
cliffs beyond-and in a minute or two, as
Uncle Percy strained his eyes and ears in
wild, breatheless expectation, little boat
swept lightly round the headland.
A little boat with Pennie in the prov
and Hugh Barton propelling it, by long,
vigorous strokes.
awe were just coming after you, sir, ="
said Hugh, as Uncle Percy bawled forth
an incomprehensiblo medley of welcome,
reproach and vituperation.
"Just coming after me l think It was
high time" roared the irate old gentleman.
Grow up nearer. / am not the Colossus
Of Rhodes, to span half the Atlantic
Ocean. Quick-I can feel the water
sphshing against me.
Hugh leaned lazily on his oars. PEN
ME sat there, serene and lovely as a sea-
nymph.
ado you want to get off, sir?" question
ed Mr. Barton.
"Of course do"
"I shall be most happy to assist you"
observed Mr.. Barton, with the utmost
courtesy "but I've little bargain to make
first"
"a bargain sir?" jerked forth Uncle
Percy. "What do you mean sir"
~ mean that you have had your turn
all along, sir, and that mine has come now.
Before | row up foot nearer, l must
have your unconditional promise to marry
your niece"
"Iwill never grant any such permission"
cried Uncle Percy, growing scarlet in his
indignation.
Hugh wheeled the head of the boat
round.
"Oh very well, sir, if you prefer to be
drowned, l havn't word to say.
"Drowned !" faltered Uncle Percy
"Stop a momentP Hold on You
would never allow ME to-Hallo-o-o.o
say"
For the boat was slowly moving of,
while a sudden wave, higher and stronger
than its brothers, sprinkled Uncle Percy's
feet with its salt spray.
"Come back roared Uncle Percy.
eyes or no--have l your permission ?
/ am determined to marry Pennie, and
she will not consent without"
"Yes-yes-yes !" shouted Uncle Per-
cy, each affirmative monosylable louder
than the last, jerked from him in mortal
terror of his life.
=" l am much obliged to you, sir" said
Hugh, politely. "Hold on, | will be
alongside directly.
He skillfully guided the boat close up
to the lower point Of rock, and Uncle
Percy stumbled rather than stepped into
it, dropping like huge rag doll upon the
seat.
AZ hope you're not very wet, uncle
dear" said Pennie, sweetly. "We hadn't
the least idea the tide was rising SO fast
when we went to get some Of those beau.
tiful star-fsh for my aquarium"
Pennie might have spoken the truth 10
far as regarded herself, but Uncle Percy
knew from the twinkle in Hugh Barton's
eye that he at least had not been so very
of all cognizance of the affair.
The homeward voyage was very silent
Pennie and Hugh were too happy to talk
Uncle Percy too miserable, what with wet
feet, acute twinges of rheumatism, aud
sharp consciousness Of defeat.
Charles Allston met them at the hotel,
but Charles Allston's day and generation
were over.
It's no use, Charley" said Uncl, Per.
cy, dolefully, "I've promised her to Hugh
Barton"
For Hugh had won the victory, and
Pennies slender forefnger already bore
the diamond which proclaimed to all the
world her happy engagement
Youth had outgeneraled age. Cupid
had won the day.