The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-10-25

MISCHIEF IN TIE WIND.

: mony than the unnecessary question
Are we at hame, mistress"
On the present occasion. however, hear
: ing that her son was with her he shranE
back, and would have been glad to escap,
from his promised visit altog Their. Cargil
and he had never been friendly, although
there was no open enmity between them
But now he felt an almost uncomfortable
dislike to meet the man. At any rate there
was no need 70 meet him except when
necessary, and that necessity was to arise
soon enough.
Their relations to each other were now
clearly defined; they were both fighting for
the same prize-the one with his money, the
other with his love. Cargill, the dandy ele-
plant regarded Bob Ross, the pilot, with
contempt, that might easily develope into
hatred-if 1t had not already done so; Ross
regarded him with simple dislike and a de-
sire to avoid him.
There could be no pleasant encounters be-
tween two men holding such position to-
wards each other.
That was why Ross sent Dick to ask II he
were wanted, much to the surprise Of Bell,
who was unaccustomed to SUCH ceremonies.
"Cry to him to come up" was her quick
answer to Dick; 'he could haze come him
sell to speer." .....
Cargill for moment hesitated whether
or not he should leave; but, DESTROYS of dis
covering what his mother had wanted with
Ross, decided 10 remain.
He nodded with Emphatic placidity to
the visitor as he entered.
"How are You to-day, Mistress CargillP'
asked Ross-he was the only one who call
ed her Mistress Cargill; to everybody else
about the place she was still Bell, or Bell
Cargill.
"Brawlys, brawlys, thank ye for speering.
III sumo be up and ABBOTT moo. But I'm ma
gaun to fash you this afternoon, Bob, nor
the lawyers either. I'm gaun to taxi your
counsel, and let the thing be-"
I'm real glad to hear that, Mrs. Cargll.
You would have been sorry for it after
wards"
TIN ma sure O. that yet Hows'ever,
Jeems has done something at last; he's to
marry lass VII a tocher, and that's salts
feen' In kind o. way. But when get
about myself LII ken better what to dae.
For the time being there's nae need to fash
oursels. I'm obleeged to you, a the same,
and you were, right enough to say that he
would satisfee me yet"
What is all this about, mOther?" broke
in Cargill, who very much disliked being
called "Jeems" at all times, and especially
now.
Never you heed, Jeems. You may thank
your frien' Bob, that you didna ken a. ABBOTT
1t afore noo."
i am sure am extremely obliged to Mr.
RnCC for kindness bp hac hnnn UnpH
enough to do me, but
"Wll ye drap that, we fool, and speak
like an ord'nar body?" almost screamed
Bell.
But | should like you to explain" he
went on stOidiy.
"Then I'll ma explain naething till Pm
up. You marry skipper Duncan's dochter
and therell be nae need to explain. What
are ye gaun to be after next Bob?'
81 am to take the Mermaid to Peterhead
next" was the quiet answer, but not with
out secret feeling Of satisfaction that he
could give this rub to Cargill
1t was more than rub-it was blow
Cargills puffy cheeks and small, prOtuding,
dark eyes-fish's eycs-were incapable OF
expression; but they could show the signs
of bliousness, and at this moment they
looked very bilious. His voice, however,
expressed neither passion nor surprise as he
said
"Oh, you are to take the Mermaid on her
next trip" ......
"Ay 7 believe So But have to go now,
mistress, as you are ma needing me. Good
day, mistress--good day, Mr.. Cargill."
Glad to escape, he sprang down the stair
But he had not gone many steps when he
heard plethoric voice behind him.
II want to speak to you, Ross?"
1t was Cargll who had followed him in
stantly.
"I'm in rather hurry Mr.. Cargill as 1
ought to have been home two hours ago."
II can walk with you. The matter is one
Of great importance to you"
What is t?' inquired Ross, slackening
his pace, so that the other might with more
ease and dignity keep up with him.
THAT is to say, think ii OF great import
ance to you; possibly you may think other
wise"
What is 'tP"
II have friend who is the head Of firm
OF shipOwners, and he told me that they are
in want OF u man who should be himself
pilot, to take general charge Of all the ar
rangements with the pilots for their ships.
He would have permanent engagement at
a good salary, and it struck me that you
were the very man for the post"
II might be-" was the reply with sub
dued smile, which Cargill did not observe.
"You would be. Why should you waste
your time In such ferry boats as the MeT-
maid when you have such chance as this?
For you have only to say the word and l can
almost promise that you shall be the man
chosen" -
And when would be wantedp"
well rs | understand, you would have
to be at the Office in two or three days"
II doubt it cannot come my way"
"Why notp"
Because ! have to 80 with the Mer-
maid" ... SABA
"Oh, you can easily get out of that en-
gagement. will undertake to arrange 1t
for you"
Thank you, but promised to go and
am going. Moreover, / like TO manage my
own business
Then you refuscg'
II am not clear that that there is anything
to refuse except to break my word, and do
refuse to do that"