The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-09-26

renamed ID state of torpid anguish fol some hours. Then light broke upon me. determined to place our situation before my mothers brother. Edward. A long arrangement had separated us. He disiiked my father; and dozsn years be- fore bitter quarrel had arisen between the two families Though living ID the same town, we did not even speak. My uncle was hard and opinionated man implacable in his aversion, and the mere thought of asking favor from him made me grow white to the lips. But some in. scrutable inspiration urged me to 20 to this man and to tell how we were situated and to ask him for help. l did mol breathe my intention, when left the house, to my mother and sisters; they would have protested that any humilia. ton would be preferable to begging aims from Uncle Edward.
 My inscrutable inspiration proved to be no illusion. Uncle Edward received me with austere reserve. 1t melted as went on telling my painful story; and at the end of 1t the hard man of the world was softened, as he had probably never been before. He was also alarmed for the reputation of his sister and her children. My statement that death, the work-house or the hospital would be the end for me, if things were not changed, quite dis turbed the proud old man. The upshot of our interview was that and Theodore should go to America, there to settle as farmers in the fruit-growing region of California. By such occupation l should have the best chance to>recover my health, and quick means of earning a livelihood for the family. While we boys were building up home, Uncle Edward would make the women folks a comfort- able allowance and when the home was ready, he would pay the cost of the voy- age for my mother and sisters. An in- definite time was all for the repay- ment of the moneys advanced by my un- cle. He thougat that in five or six years we should be able to square the obl,ga- tons against us, if Theodore and l were industrious and observant.
 Hence 1t had come to pass that my young brother and myself were passen- gers on famous Atlantic liner, and speeding with many hundreds of for tune-seekers to the land ot financial prom ise. Theodore had passed through the tribulations of parting with his usual cheetfulness, and so wrought up the hopes of my sisters that the poor girls were confidently expecting to join us in California in less than year. Even my mother caught the infection of her gallant boys assurances, and almost bade us goodbye with smile. Nor could re- sist the splendid audacity ot the lad, who declared himself the new Columbus, go- ing to discover new golden world, and all, all for his dear ones.
 Sitting in the chill sea-air, and de- pressed by the gigantic gloom rolling over the shrinking horizon, lost the buoyancy that had sustained me since we left Liverpool. The first symptoms of malaise were upon me, and I began to fear that l should have to pass through that painful ordeal which few escape on a hrst ocean voyage. The whiffs of kitchen odors that passed across my face from time to time added to the repug- nance felt to go below
 "Ahoyl Charley Al hands to the soup. plates" cried Theodore's merry voice behind me. "Come, old fellow :; you cannot remain here in the dismals while fairyland is just under your feet. we just been talking to the doctor about you; he's a splendid fellow, and will make you as sound as bell before we reach New York. He says you must eat and not think when you are at sea. quite agree with him. Come along, and you Il be obliged to agree, too. I'll bet you a new hat, to be settled in New York, that you never saw such a spread as there is in the saloon. Why, man, it beats any restaurant or hotel that 1 have been in And such a swell company Come, my dear Charley cannot dine, if you do not sit beside me-"
 Theodore had not exaggerated, for once, in his description of the saloon. was dazzled and bewildered by the glitter of glass and silver. and by the brilliant apparel and jewels of the ladies sitting under tue effulgence of the electric light. Theodore had become quite familiar with some of those sitting round our table, of which the ships doctor was president. We were hailed with smiles and mods and kind words. was constrained to look pleased, and to take the soup rec commended by the doctor, whe assured me that sea-sickness arose partly from dread of it and partly from fasting. Aou oiS 4u'tC itkht III yUuT OplulOu, doctorr," said loud and emphatic voice opposite; " sea-sickness arises simply from thinking of it."
 looked at the speaker. He was large, powerfully built man of forty or iorty-hve years, most fashionably dressed, and with an air of authority that quite impressed me.
 "Do you speak from experience?" asked, rather deferentially.
 do, he replied with emphasis. "You would scarcely believe it," he continued with curious smile, but my hrst voy- ages were martyrdoms. Why, sir, have been sick crossing the Hudson in a row. boati The first six days I spent on the Atlantic nearly killed me. If could have found back door out of the ship, would have run to my mothers home in Connecticut, can tell you, although was going to heir my uncle's estate in Enciand Ruf I moe lrI., n es.lxl.. kz..