Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-04-15

knock at the street door. and on its being
opened strange voice inquired in q
loud tone:
'Is Mr.. Willoughby Vanc at homer
His heart beat violently as Jane, enter.
ing the room, said;
"A gentleman wishes to speak with
you in tho library, SIR"
And she handed him card, inscribed
Captain Chokcr Black, One Thou.
sand and First Regiment, n. &. 5. N.
/ Y"
| will DO with him in moment" said
Willoughby; and he swallowed Il cou-
pie of glasses of sherry to nerve him fol
the interview.
Captain Choker Black. l believer
he said. rs he entered the library.
"Your servant, SIR" said the gallant
Captain. who, glass in eye, was busily
engaged in scrutinizing an engraving OF
III Baltic of Gettysburg. ''Your SER
want, sir. Have I the pleasure OF adj
Dire Jsing Mr.. Willoughby Vanc?"
Willoughby bowed.
Then, sir, of course you know the
business that has brought me herep'
Terribly nervous and scarcely know
ing what answer to make, our hero
bowed again.
"Comc, come, sir. don't be afraid to
speak out! My daughter has made
me her confidant, so let there be nc
reserve between us. Eva has told me
ALL"
| Here poor Willoughby blushed up to
the roots OF his hair.
"You see, know all abontit. You have
fallen desperately in love with the poor
girl; and although you have never cx-
changed three words together, you arc
already engaged to be married. Mighty
expeditions, upon my word! Ha! ha!
ha! Pray, excuse me for laughing,
but the idea is somewhat comicall Ha!
ha! hal"
As the Captain appeared TO be in n
very good humor, Willoughby's courage
began to rise.
Don't mention it, sir. You are her
father, and have right to do what you
please. But sincerely trust that you
have no objections to offer"
AZ? None! Believe me, l shall be
delighted to see my Eva comfortably
settled. But, bark yc, sir. Business is
business. am plain, blunt man, and
fifteen years sojourn with ones regi-
ment on the plains doesn't help to polish
one. First OF all, what are your pros
pects?"
And the Captain drew note book
out of his pocket and pro eeded to en-
anime our hero as if he was in a court
of justice.
"You are an only son, believer"
81 am"
Good" And down went the note in
tho pocket-book.
"Your agc?"
"Twenty-eigh next birthday"
"Twenty-cight! Good. Is your con-
stitution healthyP'
IL believe SO. have had the measles,
whooping-cough and humps"
disorders peculiar TO infancy.
Good" And the Captain scrubbed
away again.
care you engaged in any business or
profcssionp'
None"
''Then how on earth 10 you live?"
ION my private income, Captain
''Then all can say is you're an UNI
commonly lucky fellow TO be able to
subsist on that. l only wish l could.
What is your incomep"
about four thousand year."
"Is 1t in house property, shares in
limited companies, or in Govcrnmentsp p
II in public companies, should be
sorry to give two years purchase for
the lot. ;"
I'm the new four per cents
Good. / think may say very good.
What sort OF temper are youp"
"Well, that's rather difficult ques-
ton to answer" said Willoughby, smil-
ing for the first time.
Hang it, sir, not at allr' returned
tho Captain. "1f any one asked me
my temper, should say: 'Hasty, sir,
confoundedly hasty!' And Choker
Blacks proud of it, sir-proud of it!'
.'Say about the average" answered
Willoughby, timidly.
Temper average" said the Captain,
jotting it down. ~ think these are
about all the questions l have to ask
you. You know my daughter by
sight?"
IL have had the pleasure of seeing
her frcqucntly-from the window, sir. %
"And you think you could be happy
with herp"
think, Captain 1 am certain OF
it."
Every good. Now, bark ye, Mr..
Willoughby vanc. Marry her. treat
her well and be happy. Neglect her,
blight her toung affections by harsh
ness or cruelty, and hang me, sir, il
don't riddle you with bullets! Cad, sir
I'm man OF my word, and I'll dc
what say rs sure as my names Chokei
Black"
81 have no fear on that score, Cap
tain. Unite her TO me, and If life o.
devotion"
81 know all about that" said the
Captain. Keep your fine phrases fCl
the girls ears. Give me yolr hand
sir. I've taken fancy to your
"You Halter me, Captsin!"
"Hang it, sir, NO! Choker Blacl
never INDUCES in iattcry. Don't b,
afraid to grasp my hand, sir; IL is your,
as long as find you plan sailing ant
straightforward. But IL ever suspect
you of any artificc or deception, I'll
knock you down with IL. So now
hope wc perfectly understand each
other"
"One word MORE" said Willoughby
Am to understand that you con
sent to our unionp"
Certainly. You can be married to
morrow, II you please. Sir, the happi
ness Of my dear child is my first consid
GRAFTON. Cad, sir, am not brute -
not one Of those unnatural parents pco
plc read of In novels. Choker Black
may be firc-eater on tho field but. al
any rate. he knows how to treat his owl
flesh and blood"
Captain, you overwhelm me with
gratitude.
"Ssy no more about It. Clap OF