The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-07-15
THE FALSE GUARDIAN.

built ship. bound for Smyrna, at that
time the largest and wealthiest city
of the Levant.
After the usual tedium and want
of variety incidental to so long q
voyage, the Orient arrived safely al
that point and unshipped her anchor,
The next morning, just as the cap
tain's gig was being lowered for the
accommodations of that officer and the
supercargo, who were then preparing
to go on shore to report to the British
Consul. and pay their respects to Mr.
Tracy. the American Merciiant. y
whom they bore letters of introdpes,
I.tioHandcFcdit from Gray, ToTf6fs
& Co., the great importing house at
home, they perceived a small row
boat rapidly approaching the ship,
and containing two persons-a man
who was vigorously rowing, and one
solitary female figure.
When the boat came alongside, the
boatmen promptly assisted the lady
on hoard. Somewhat wildly. but
hesitatingly she inquired for the cap
tain, who in company with thesuper-
cargo. was pointed out to her.
She was young and pretty. in fact,
almost childlike, and seemed, from
her wild. scared look, to be laboring
under some deep anxiety or fear. She
was dressed in garments of the richest
material, though seemingly thrown
on in haste and with the greatest
negligence.
She approached the captain, and,
in flurried nervous way, inquired if
she might be allowed to speak with
him moment alone.
He answered in the affirmative,
and. drawing her aside, out of the
hearing of his companion, patiently
prepared to listen; for the sudden
appearance of the strange young wo-
man on board his ship at so early an
hour in the morning had greatly ex-
cited his curiosity.
"Will you excuse me-" she began,
timidly, "but are you single or a
married man?"
captain Ward glanced at the ques-
tioner curionsly. Indeed it was a
peculiar question for a young lady to
ask of him, perfect stranger. But
he answered her with good breeding
and politeness. Yes, he was mar.
ried man.
The young lady looked disappint.
en-, but presently recovered.
"Is there any gentleman on board
your ship who is not married, and
and whom you think would be will.
ing to marry a rich young girl within
an hour, and ask no questions? ]
will say that she has been deeply
wronged and prosecuted, but is never.
theless highly respectable and virtu.
Gus, though she can only claim her
property by clearly establishing the
fact of a legal marriage"
Both of my mates are married, :"
said the captain, land the supercargo
is engaged to a young lady in Boston,
to whom I understand. he will be
married on. our return. But hold"
he said refiectlyely, "there is our car
penter, James Tudor, a fine-looking,
gentlemanIy young fellow as one
might wish to see, and unmarrid. In
fact, he is much more Of a gentleman
in his ways than'any of us, if we ex.
cept Mr.. Owley. yonder, supercargo.
"Can L see linn ?" inquired the
strange young lady eagerly.
"Oh, certainly, Miss, I will sum.
mon him directly"
And James TUDOR, the sprig htly
and handsome young carpenter. was
sent for. and came promptly aft,
where Captain Ward and his myste.
riOus visitors were standing.
1t was evident at a glance that
Tudor had made, at first sight, 8
favorable impression on the young
lady.
Captain Ward therefore excused
himself to the young lady. and leav.
ing her alone with Tudor, rejoined
Owley, when the two shortly took
their seats in the gig, and were pulled
ashore by the four seamen in waiting
AT the awkward introduction oftht
captain, the carpenter touched hi
tarpaulin politely, and made a low
and graceful bow, which went fal
toward captivating the heart of the
young lady.
"Dear sir" she said, blushing anC
trembling vislbly, II have what may
appear a very unmaldenly propose
to make. 'There is a wealthy youns
lady, in whose service and interest
am now employed, who cannot OBJ
tain possession of her rights excep
by marriage, as proviso to tha
effect WAS SunfnrtilnafaIU nnn hodinsl In