The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-10-25
4 MAIDEN FAIR.
by CHARLES GIBBoN,
CHAPTER III.
AT THE GATE.

ten minutes of his stay in the captains
room. He was In dream now that he go
out into the fresh air. Cargill going will
them-Cargll had been ut the cottage jss
before him--why, then it was all settled
and there was no hope for him.
What iend then, had prompted him te
say ne would BE- pilot OF the Mermaid on
this voyage? Why should ne be with them
when 1t would be only TO intensity his sense
of loss into hate, and-maybe, crime?
He should have said, No, no, no!-and he
had said yes" for the very reason which
should have compelled him to say no.
1t was not yet too late, He could find
some excuse: ne could feign ilmess-he
could drown himself. Anything rather than
90 on board that vessel and see them to-
gether knowing the man to be so unworthy.
He did believe that il he had thought Car
gill an honest man he could have said good
bye in sad resignation to the inevitable; he
could have steered them safely into port
with no chagrin, but only sorrow in his
heart.
As II was-he must escape from the en-
gagement He could not answer for him
self IL he fulfilled it.
As he was mechanically opening the gate
his arm was graSped by friendly hand.
stop minu'e, Mr.. Ross, have been
noticing that you are not well, can we do
anything for your
Not well! What a poor thing was 1t, then,
that the wreck of hope and future should
come to be mere question Of Gan we do
ANYTHING for youT' So much medicine so
much fresh air-and 10, hope is restored and
the fulure Is as bright as ever. That is the
current Woodland happy one-but to the
homely nature Of a man like Ross II brought
no balm He had ventured his all in single
boat and 1t had sunk.
He turned and saw Annie, the bright SYM
pathetic eyes fell upon him. Like most men
deeply in love he was most shy OF the being
he most loved. So he answered somewhat
ungraciously.
THAT Is true--I am not well but thank
you for coming to say kind word to me-"
II am very glad to have given you any
comfort. doubt you have been oyertax-
Ing yourself to-day"
He rested on the gate. The sweet voice
was echoing in his brain and he listened.
Then speaking to the voice he breathed the
name, annie"
She did not draw away from him. She
stood GREATNESS.
"Will you let me speak to y0uP" he said,
80 quietly now that he could scarcely realize
himself that he had been for moment in
dreamland.
IF it will do you any good TO be sure i
will" she answered with an endeavor to
speak quite frankly and easily; but the
voice faltered little.
"Onything like?"
"Of course"
The permission granted he appeared to
find difficulty In taking advantage Of II. SO
there was pause and the outcome OF 1t
was
Pm stupid gowk."
But ridiculous as the expression might be
~ other ears they were not so to those Of
Annie Murray, and she asked tremulously-
"What for"'
because care more for you than for
anybody or anything else, and-l have been
aye feared to tell you. Now 1t Is useless
telling You" 8H
He spoke almost fiercely as in the throes
OF strong mans agony; but with tho evil
dent effort to restrain his passion.
"You are not to speak any more" she
said, drawing a long breath; you are to
listen to me. You are young, and you can
go where you will find friends to comfort
and cheer yOu-"
$50 1t is said of all men," he muttered.
"My father is an old man." she went on,
'and has only me as his constant friend and
companion. Well, can you think Of it? |
said to myself long ago that would never
leave him until he sent me away. Well,
can you think Of it? The only time that l
ever wished might leave him was"
But there the blood came rushing to her
face and startled expression appeared in
her eyes as II she had caught herself In the
commission of some crime, and she became
silent. She, who had been calm In the midst
Of storm tremblcd.
"Well?' he asked, surprised by her sud
den stop and looking into her face for an
explanation.
We'll" she said, softly-an entire change
OF tone and manner-''there's nothing more
TO say except that am glad you are to be
the pilot Of the Mermaid on her next trip"
He took her hand gently and for a mo-
mcnt each looked into the others eyes.
Then
Now il is my turn to ask you to listen to
me-" he said slowly. whilst was com
ing down the path, ! made upmy mind that
l would not go. You shall decide me. Is
Cargill going by your wishP'
No"
"Do you wish me to g0?"
II dO-because father wishes It,"
She added the latter words quickly, as II
fearing that he should misunderstood the
import of her wish; and again they looked
into each others eyes In silence.
"Very WELL" he said, II will 60"
And then they said goodbye The under
standing between them was complete, al
thoughno word OF compact had been spoken.
She was to be faithful to her father, and he
was TO wait until the father spoke.
it!--ay, he would walt all his life.
And he had no doubt that after this trip OF
the Mermaid, a little conversation with
Captain Duncan would enable him to
arrange matters satisfactorily. With that
conviction lie went merrily on his way.
CHAPTER Nv.
A DuTIFUL SON.