The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-01-07
Select Storg.
Caught in his Own Trap.

Caught in his Own Trap.
.Confeund the boy what does he mean2
Does he think m going to be father to
him. and not be obeyed as a father? Does
he think | am going to give him my money
to spend in business and take only ingratl-
fude in return? What can the young dog
be thinking of? Plague the youngster
What business has he to go and fall in love
with poor piece Of trash ? III fix him
I'h-but here comes the rascal, the spurner
of my counsels
As Captain Jerry Pleman thus spoke he
sank into a great stuffed chair, and looked
daggers; and twice he stamped his dumpy
foot yehemently to keep up his stern pur-
pose. He was a stout-buiit, red checked
bachelor, Just five and forty. Most Of his
life he had spent at sea, and had lately set
tied down ashore with an immense fortune
for the purpose Of enjoying the rest Of his
aavs latter his own heart, as he expressed
it. His pate was just large enough to carry
his Jolly face high up over his brow, but
vet he had good quantity of dark curls
clustering about his short, fat neck. The
only near relative he had in the lower world
was Jack Kendall anonly child of his only
sister jerry Pleman had loved his sister
fspdly. and whea she died--she was q
widow then--she left prayer upon record
that her brother would care for her orphan
boy. And Uncle Jerry had done il faith
fully. For ten years he had provided for
his nephew. keeping him at one Of the best
schools for while, and then paying his
way through college. But now that he had
settled down in home, he bad Jack come
and live with him.
sAh. Won are here, are yeu?" growled
the uncle, hooking up with dagger hike
expression.
Jack Kendall was D, somewhat taller
than his uncle, but with the same family
look. He was a handsome, good natured-
generous, affectionate fellow, and loved his
Uncle Jerry with his whole soul
s.Yes. unele, / am here, he replied,
taking a seat. ''and know you are glad to
see me
YES, / am glad, for have something
to say to YOU" the bachelor resumed, look
ing more daggers. Have you seen that
baggage again p
Baggage, uncle ?
Baggage, sir | said baggage Have
You seen her
Her, uncIe2 Baggage Her. Why.
what do you mean
s.You know very well what mean. l
near that piece Of poverty-that hanger
an-that-that baggage -that--that girl I
ssOh, you mean Lizzie Brown The
girl that
thinks to catch you, and thus catch my
money
nIt is hardly fair to say that, uncle, see
ing that | made all the advances myself.
Nonsense don't you suppose | know
I say she set the trap for ye But won
have it, film to be father to ye, you
must obey me. Now, I've got you good
chance. / want you to marry Susan Gar
land"
.'But she's widow, uncle.
80 much the better She'll know how
to make home for We.
aAnd she's older than ] by dozen
years
all the better for that.
aBut i can't love her.
slCan't love herr cried the uncle, look
inc an immense member Of sharp pointed
daggers. Cant love the woman who wa'
the wife of the most faithful friend | evel
had Let me tell you that when the Ga
zelle was cast on the rocks at Barnegat
Bill Garland saved my life and lost his own
He died in these arms, sir, and the last
words he ever said to me were, BE kind
10 INV poor Snsan. and / will be kind t,
her the captain added, wiping big teal
from his cheek I'm give her HUSBAND
Ia graeeless husband, perhaps-but wh'
shall have money enough to keep her abov'
want. You shall marry her, SIR.
aBut suppose should refuse
..Refuse? Refuse your uncle Yol
dare not do it. SIR IN turn you out o
doors in an instant I'll see you starv'
before III give you another penny III
take away all I ever did give you Z
.'Ah, YOU couldn't dc that uncle Tn
education / have gained under your noble
generous patronage is a mine OF wealth o
which you cannot rob me; and | would no
to day exchange it for all the wealth yot
ever possessed. can live by my own wits
Aha you threaten me, do you Yo'
mean to rebel, do you? You mean to dis
obey me outright 2
ssYou do not understand me, uncle
You surely wonld not force me to belle m,
own heart If you could but know Lizzi'
Brown
.4,fzzie Fiddlesticksi don't want +
know herls / know Susan Garland, am
that is enough. I've bad this plan hxe,
ever since came home | promised BIZ
I'd take care of her, and | must do 1t ant
how can / do ii If you don't let me hav
her for a niece
why not have her for.a wife? aske
Jack, very quietly.
Wife 2-me? Why, you yonng rascal
what do YOU mean? Me-mary ID
YOU think / am crazy | am old enoug
10 be her father.
aOnly seventeen years older, uncle
Just enough to give you character as
husband"
sSilenee, villain Would you have m
make fool of myself just as | am settlin
] down for quiet and comfortg Don't 70
dare mention such thing again sha
20 and see Susan tomorrow, and shall te
her you win have her. Thz-'s enough.
won't hear any more. By thebig fish, I
keep my promise.