Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-07-18
THE FALSE GUARDIAN.

Just after the close of tia American
Revolution, james Tudor. ;. young ship
carpenter of Boston, sailed on board the
Orient. new aud staunch- built chip.
bound for Smyrna, at that time the
largest and wealthiest city of tine Lee
vaht.,
After the usual tedium aud 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 ac-
commodation OF that officer and the
supercargo, who were then preparing to
go on shore to report to the British Con-
sui, and pay their respects 10 Mr.. Tracy
the American Merchant, to whom they
bore letters of introduction and credit
from Gray, Tillbits & Co., the great i'm
porting house at home, thev perceived q
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
h"atman promptly assisted he lady on
board Somewhat wildly. but hesi.a-
tingly she inquired for the cs plain, who
in company with the supercargo. was
pointed OUT 10 0Gr.
She was young and pretty, in fact, al
most childlike, and seemed, from her
wild, scared look, to be laboring under
some deep anxiety or fear. She was
dressed III garments of the richest ma
terial, though seemingly thrown on in
haste and with the greatest negligence
She approached the captain, aud, i'll d
hurried nervous way, inquired if she
might be allowed to speak with him q
moment alone.
He answered in the affirmative. and,
drawing her aside, out of tie hearing OF
his companion, patiently prepared to
listen for the sudden appearance of the
strange young woman on board his ship
at so early an hour in the mo} ming had
greatly excited his curiosity.
Twill you excuse me-" she began,
timidly, "but are you single or mar
rieh man ?"
Captain Ward glanced at hequestien :
er curiously. Indeed, it was peculiar
question for young lady to ask of him,
a perfect stranger. But he eanswered her
with good breeding and poll teness Yes,
he WAS married man.
The young lady looked disappointed,
but presently recovered.
'Is there any gentleman Oh board your
ship who Is not married, and and whom
you think would be willing to marry a
rich young girl within an hour, and ask
no questions? I will say that she has
been deeply wronged and persecuted,
but is nevertheless highly respectable
and virtuous. though she car only claim
her property by clearly est.. blishing the
fact of a legal marriage"
"BOth of my mates are married." said
the captain, land the supercargo is en-
gagged to young lady ill Boston, to
whom / understand, he will be married
on our return. But hold" he said re-
fiectively. there is our carpenter, James
Tudor. fine looking, gentlemanly
young fellow as enc might wish to see,
and unmarried. In fact, lie is much
more of gentleman in his ways than
any of us, if we except Mr.. Owley yonder,
the esupercargo."
Can see him ?" inquired thestrange
young lady eagerly.
30, certainly, Miss, will summon
him directly.
And James Tudor, the sprightly and
handsome young carpenter, WAS sent
for, and came promptly aft, where Cap
tain Ward and his mysterious visitors
were standing.
1t was evident at glance that Tudor
had made, at first sight, favorable i'm
preston Oh the young lady.
Captain Ward therefore excused him
self to the young lsdy, and leaving her
alone wi, b Tudor, rejoined Owley, when
the two shortly took their seats in the
gig, and were pulled ashore By the four
seaman in waiting.
At the awkward introduction of the
captain, the carpenter touched his tar
paulin politely, and made Tow and
graceful bow, which went far toward
captivating the heart of the young lady.
"Dear, sir" she said, blushing and
trembling visibly, II have what may
appear a very unmaidenly proposal to
make. There is wealthy young lady,
in whose service and interest am now
employed, who cannot obtain possession
of her rights except by marriage, as a
proviso to that effect was unfortunately
embodied in her fathers will
Her uncle was appointed her guar
dian, and. taking advantage of the situ-
alton, has since attempted to make a
traffic of her hand, by marrying her to
a wretch whom she loathes, in consider
alton of his yielding to him one half of
the property which amounts. am told
to over fifty thousand pounds sterling.
1t is now the good wish of this young
lady to marry some one else. and thus
defeat her unprincipled guardian, who
has been to her, since her fathers death,
q most unmerciful tyrant. She is pretty
and amiable, and, I have every reason
to believe, would devoutly love her hus.
band. And now I come to the most
difficult part of my mission. Will you,
"a stranger from foreign shore. take pity
on her helpless condition and marry
her? The moment you are marie she
will make over 10. you her entire for
tune"
II will marry her," said James Tudor,
'if for nothing more than to spite her
tyrant. but L will not be so mercenary as
to exact her fortune for SO slight SER
vice"
"Come. then. my boat awaits you let
greatly overjoyed by his ready answer.
lyon need make no alteration in your