Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1884-10-04
DORIS THORNrk1N.

Ever your afTectionate,
DoRzs THORNTON.
"Ayef' muttered Charlie, when he
had read the letter over Cor the twen-
tieth time. "Whaf are we to 10? It's
of no use arguing with this sort of old
fellow; once he gets i notion into his
head. no power on earth can drive it
ont wish to goodness I'd never said
q vol about steam launches"
In the evening he went to bis club,
where he met with an old school-fellow.
Jack Raggles. Now, Jack Raggles.
although continually in difficulty him
self, was famous for his ingenuity in
getting other men out Of their troubles.
More than once Charlie had been
obliged to have recourse to him for ad
vice, and he had never regretted it.
This was far more serious case than
any preceding one, but Charlie was
simply desperate, and would have chung
to the maddest device suggested. as a
drowning man clutches to a straw.
So he got Jack Raggles into a quiet
corner, and there he laid the facts Of
the case before him.
We'll" said Jack, when Charlie had
concluded, lit certainly is an awkward
case, and it would be deuced hard lines
for you to have to chuck up all
thoughts Of marrying nice and pretty
girl like Miss Thornton fer such a
trife. But I've got fellows out Of far
worse holes before now, and daresay
| shan't fail this time
you are a good fellow, Jack, upon
my word you are said Charlie, enthn-
siastically: "but. by Jove. If you get
me out of this you'n be genius"
Jack was silent for a few moments
and pulled vigorously at his cigar. AT
length he said:
i say, Charlie, isn't the old man
regular maniac for fishingp"
Rather replied Charlie. "He
takes a holiday about three times a
week on purpose to fish. Hestarts off
after breakfast with big hamper and
sits in a punt until evening. Still,
now he's got this wretched steam
launch, expect he'll off with the old
love and on with the new. But what
has fishing to do with the subject in
hand?"
Never you mind just now" answer
ed his friend, 'but you find out from
Miss Thornton when her father next
intends to 60 out in his punt, and
where he's likely to be, and then send
me telegram TO Charges street, and
I'll tell you what to do"
Charlie had such implicit faith in
Jack Raggles' ingenuity chat he went
home that evening in a comparatively
happy frame of mind.
He wrote TO Doris the first thing the
next morning, and in the evening got
4 reply to the effect that Mr.. Thornton
was already making preparations for a
Ing days fishing upon the Wednesday
following. He photographed immediate
! " to Jack Raggles, and received the
following reply:
keep close to him, but out Of sight.
at about 8 o'clock in the evening"
Charlie wondered what on earth his
friends scheme could be, but resolved
| to obey instructions. He knew very
well that Mr.. Thornton's happy hunt
| ing ground vas secluded back water,
| famous for tench and perch, . couple
of hundred yards above the lawn OF his
house. Thither he repaired, steathily,
like a man bent upon an evil errand, at
about 5 o'clock, and took up position
upon rough riverside path, well-nigh
hidden from sight BY bushes and foliage,
| whence he could observe the enthu-
siastic old fisherman without being
seen himself. The old gentleman was
sitting ike wax figure in his punt,
with . large cigar in his mouth and
rod in hand, when Charlie arrived.
SO completely absorbed was Mr.. Thorn
| ton in his sport that regiment might