Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-12-04
CHAPTER II.
AT SEA!

AT SEA
The deck of a coast steamer. There was
the SNUG and hearty Captain, not dimly
conscious of the effect OF brass buttons and
gold lace on the travelling fair, for gallant
man is your Captain bold, even if be never
| does get out of sight of land. There was
country produce littering the decks, on its
way to the hold, and assisted thereto by
the consequential snorting of donkey
| engine, and there was the fragrant drum
mer from Front street scattering ambro-
sial odors from three pocket handkerchiefs.
Scattering groups of friends stood around,
some of them bound for the city for a
weeks business and pleasure combined,
and some about to take their first plunge
in the broad and trackless ocean of life,
amongst whom may be included our
Charlie, who was standing with his father
near the side of the vessel. The latter
had come down to see his son off and say
those last words, which somehow would
not get themselves said gave under the
pressure of the starting bells.
" Charlie, my boy" said the father, his
hand resting lovingly on his sons shoulder,
g don't let few hundred dollars bother
you, if you see chance for start, as I
may say. I've got 'em handy"
"All right, father"
Z" Draw on me for thousand dollars if
you want 'em. You know 1 kin spare
EN-"
81 hope SO, father"
The boy dared not trust his feelings to
seek an outlet in many words. Like others
of his race be was sturdy in self-repression,
and was charY of the expression of his
higher emotions.
And Charlie, my boy. my son, if you
find EN- too rough on you up thar don't be
afraid to Gene back to the old place.
Me n your mother won't forgit you--and
you'll be welcome.
81 know it, father" said Charlie, with
fullness about the throat and break in
his voice that were almost too much for his
manhood.
The old man respected his son more than
ever since his assertion of independence,
but he grieved at his departure. Our feel
ings slumber until awakened by loss.
But here's Captain Ssornoway. Hes
an old friend and a good man. Captain,
le'me make you acquainted with my son,
He's bound for the city"
"Going to seek your fortune, my boy,
Ell 2" with that ELUSIVE, unctuous, good
natured air of copious patronage with
which successful middle age is won't 10
anoint the head of untried youth.
"Well, I suppose it amounts to that, >
said Charlie. little gruftiY, for, in truth,
he did not relish the amounting process
aforesaid.
"Well, when you getesettled, come up
some evening and call on the folks at my
little crib, on Mission street, No. loco,
and, if can do anything for you here,
don't be bashful about asking for it. Your
father and are old pards."
Gan right, old man. said Charlie,
dimly conscious that be was bashful, but
not the more on that account liking any
reference to it. and wondering if he had
any more pet corns for this genial elephant
to tread upon. Just then, however, the
Captain was called away to be the reposi-
tory of the plentiful parting injunctiOns
OF an old lady who wanted to confde to
his care her niece, Miss Gertie Blake, who
was on her way back to Oakland.
"And, Captain, I hope you will take
great care of her, and don't let her get sea-
sick.
"No, madam, not if have TO stop the
shin, said the gallant Captain, bowling and