The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-20
THE DAILY STAR
The Fisherman's Daughter.

III appearance Dy years Vi exposure vs. Il
fisherman on the rugged coast of New
England; but there was manliness and
honesty in his face that commanded
respect, in spite of his rough dress.
His name was James Brainard, and the
cause of his quarrel may be briefly told
John Hallan was the keeper of the
lighthouse, which was located on the
point of the rocky little cape that partly
shut in the little bay on which the fish
'ng village was built
He was a morose, savage kind of man,
and was hated OF feared by everybody
who knew him.
He had no relative in the world, and
he lived a misanthropic life, alone in the
lonesome old lighthouse, where he
attended faithfully to the simple duties
If the position.
He was miserly, too, and had, by means
honest and dishonest, managed to &C.
cumulate considerable property.
His last shrewd financial operation was
the buying of mortgage against James
Brainard's little cottage, in which the
honest fisherman and his only daughter
Nell lived.
That and his fshing-smack were the
results of whole life Of unremitted toll;
but some unforeseen contingency had ne
,essitated the mortgaging of the cottage,
md now John Hallan threatened to sell
IT,
The bare idea was exasperating to
Brainard, and quarrel led to the ex-
'ited exclamation recorded above.
You'd best be careful" replied the
'ighthouse-keeper, Show YOU insult me.
You're in nay power and"
But a blow from the fist of the en-
ragcd fisherman sent the speaker fiat
lpon the sandy beach, and the threat
vas left unfinished.
There" remarked Brainard, as he
armed away, "let that be lesson to you
not to threaten honest men"
With tnat he went his way to the
humble home whose loss seemed immin-
ant, and was met on the threshold with a
smile and kiss from his daughter Nell,
NbuXom girl OF about sixteen years.
Between the tive there was the most
IUltNtl NtN SVlIAACilCC, Lth'A JlS IllLlWl VI
.he mortgage was fully discussed.
For more than an hour, the father and
laughter canyassed ways and means
whereby the threatened danger might be
werted
They we'll new John Hallan's revenge
full disposition, and that the knock-down
incident shut off all hope of leniency in
'hat quarter,
II have it'' suddenly exclaimed Nell,
Frightening With sudden idea.
''Have what, NeilT
"A way TO get out of our bother,
father. just listen to my notion. You
eemember Mr.. Moulton, don't yon?"
"fes, and the way you jumped in af-
Ter his little gal when she tumblcd off
bhe dock over at the tavern where .hey
boarded last summer"
'Oh, and didn't Mr.. Moulton thank
ne, and try to make me take some
money! But 1 wouldn't because felt
90 proud, and that's the truth"
That's all true, Nell. But what's it
cot to do with paying the mortgage9
"A deal to do with it, father. Pll
write to Mr.. Morlton, tell him about it,
md ask him to lend us the money
mind, father, only lend ito pay off
ne mortgage. He'd do it. and be glad
# the chance. Then we can work d lit
Tie harder to make it up, and snap our
fingers at old John HaHan.'
This plan, indeed, seemed practicable,
aud it was at once tested,
The letter was written, after diligent
fort, by Nell, whose orthography and
typography were about on par.
Three days brought an answer, in the
oerson Of Mr. Mouiton himself.
He was only too glad of the oppor-
tunity TO aid the sayior of his daughters
life, and John Hallan's claim was
promptly paid.
Brainard, however, insisted upon Civ
ing note for the amount, and thus the
after was settled.
This debts paid" returned the miser;
sbut we've an account to settle yet"
Weeks passed, and the fisherman and
lis daughter, grateful fer their good for
-one, were aga.l contented and happy.
The former toiled away in his fishing
mack, and the latter attended to the
hopsehold duties at the cottage.
Father" said Nell, az he was about
leaving one morning, II wouldn't go out
ide the buy to-day"
"Why~
Because | thfnk there's going to be q
storm"
"Oh, don't be afraid, the smack is as
light az a drum, and III run if I see any
.,ad signs"
BE careful, won't your
"Yes, Nell"
The day passed pleasantly until nearly
night, when Nelps predicted storm broke
,uddenly and furiousiy.
Inky clouds suddenly darkened the
sky, rain fell in foods, and the wind blew
a gale.
Nell, accustomed as she was TO rough
Weather, WAS terribly alarmed for her
+sther's safety.
She knew that his tishing-smack was
the stanchest little craft in the village,
md that he was one Of the most ex-
perienced Of sailors, but her heart failed
As darkness came Oh and he did not ar.
rive