The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-01-24


was called the Jarl Hakon. But just
then my wits were scattered. They
began, however, to disentangle them
selves, and thoughts of Charlie, Ben.
and the rest crowded upon me. Where
were they? Where was the lame girl,
and whore the Jemima?
IL was useless to question, so rose
up and with rather unsteady step
walked across the deck and found my
way to the Captains cabin.
On one side lay Ben, with pain in
every line OF his face; in the Captains
berth, looking absolutely dead, wa
Mamie; stretched out on rug lay my
brother. He, however, managed to
moan out Bravo" when he saw me.
went to the girls side and felt her
pulse. Then, where's the Captain p
said L TO Ben's careless mate, Donald,
who was standing close by, the picture
Fof helpless distress.
Here" came IA ready answer from
mellow voice behind me.
l turned. There stood portly,
gray-headed man, with a trustworthy
face. He spoke English; this was
worth something just then.
Have you wife--a lady on board
sir, who will carry out my instructions
respecting this patient?"
"Are you then n physician
Il am member of the College OF
Surgeons, and am anxious to do my
best in this emergency"
Il am heartily glad, sir. A lady--no;
there is not one on board. But there
is a man who would lay down his life
for this child. He is burly, but docile !;
let him be her nurse"
"Oh, her father? But he is in sorry
plight himself fear l shall find some
broken bones when / have time to look
Mt him"
No, not her father-her husband"
1 glanced at Ben.
Il knaw," said he there's rect
bright siller linin' to cor clood, thank
| God.
Bring him in" quoth /.
He came, young fellow having a
splendid physique and six feet two of
| height, the very man who had leaped
from the side of the Jarl Hallon to our
rescue.
/ stretched out my arm in front of the
berth as warming or barrier. But Tam
had tact and caution. He stood mutely
looking down on his ghostly young
wife; then, i'll response to n touch on
his arm, he bent his head to take my
orders.
While Mamie remained unconscious
he was to keep his post quietly using
the prescribed remedies; the moment
she showed signs of consciousness he
was to vanish.
turned to Ben, who / found had a
broken arm. "Splints," said L to
Charlie, who was on MS feet by this
time. Go to the Captain for thin
wood, and tools to shape it, also linen
for bandages-a sheet will do. Now,
Ben, you are Briton, / know: will
you trust me to set that bone?"
Trust ye? Ay, sir; / ne'er vince at
sic like. I'd be poorly off an it werena
set
That business was got through, and
Ben had scarcely uttered moan from
first TO last, but cold perspiration stood
on his forehead; and | was just dis
patching Donald for strong cup of tea
to revive him when-a sudden knock on
my arm.
/ turned sharply. BEG pardon,
sir, " whispered Tam, as his great bulk
rolled and stumbled into dark corner
beyond me.
But Mamie's eyes were wide open
the whiteness had gone from her face !;
her breath came thick and fast; she
even tried to raise herself on her
elbow
Father father! Yes foun my
Tam"
Quaking with fear lest the remedy
should be worse than the disease, |
motioned Tam out from his hiding
place.
/ saw the girls face flush violently; l
saw her throw mp her arms to clasp her
husbands neck; L saw the young giant
turn white and weak with emotion then
away dartcd |, never halting till
reached the stern. Tyro as | was, |
would rather have set half dozen more
bones than have stood out that meet
ing.
The Captain was there, and very soon
we got into conversation. Here is the
substance of what he told me.
The Jarl Hakon was doing pine
trade between Bergen and Aberdeen.
On her last homeward voyage she had
picked up Tam and another seaman,
who were beating hopelessly about in q
small boat, half dead with thirst and
exhaustion. Tam's fine frame had bat
tied through, and he was working his
way back TO Scotland; but his compan-
ion in peril had succumed and was laid
in Norwegian grave.
Mamie walked without her crutch be.
fore l left Clanhead; and Ben's bone
was doing famously. l was i'll high
spirits at my success as surgeon on my
own account. / had gained friends,
too, stanch and leal. Said Tam at
parting:
yes glen me a bonny wife for a sick
ly one, an III ne'er thank we enoo', sir. p"
"All right. Tam: you saved my life
when you leaped from the Jarl HGkon,
yon know, SO we're more than quits.
And look here, Lad, If you ever want a
friend, send TO me-
Sac / will, sir: and suld yc Ger need
an act a. rect within an faithful service
yell send to me.
That compact was an honest one, and
it will stand.-CdssePs Magazine.