San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-05-19
CHAPTER VIII.


But from that moment Cargil's bearing
towards Ross altered strangely. He became
quite friendly-nOt patrOniSing-in talking
TO him, and he praised him in the cabin. So
cleverly did he manage this that Ross said
TO himself, We'll he is not SO spiteful as l
thought he was" and Amir'S eyes bright
ened whilst she said to herself, ''Well, there
is some good in him after all. | never
thought he could say kind word about
Bob For although she spoke of Mr.. Ross,
that person was in her thoughts plain Bob.
In fact they were all getting on in such
pleasant way that Captain Duncan began to
think that Cargill had succeeded in winning
the lass; and he said to his daughter when
they were alone together
80, you're to tax a man after app
Ppm ma wantin' man." she said very
decisiyely, knowing to whom her father
referred.
GAY, ay," was the jocular observation, rye
say that, but never ken'd lass that didna
want man unless she had one already"
Annie turned away her head, making no
reply. But she was thinking much. What
was she to do If her father insisted on this
marriage with CarglI? He had said that he
would not insist; but she knew how obsti-
nate he was once he had got an idea fixed
in his head. Kind he was, and fond of her
as father could be of daughter; but in
his anxiety to see her "a grand Teddy" as
he called it, the conviction might be borne
In upon him that he was proving his affec-
ton most by forcing her TO do what he
judged best for her future.
Had Annie seen the curious grin on her
fathers ruddy face as he made his little
joke, perhaps she would not have been so
uneasy. She had not seen II, but remem-
bered what she had told him-that she would
take no man without his goodwill and
would not take one against her own. She
would hold to that.
She went towards Ross, who was at the
wheel. He smiled as she approached, but
there was no answering smile on her face.
She passed him without word and stood
with her back towards him gazing at the
long track the little steamer had made.
Ross, grasping his wheel firmly, glanced
round in surprise; but it was only for an in
slant, for he had to turn his face quickly to
the course before him. He could speak,
however, although he could not look, for
the coast of huge rocks is one Of the most
dangerous known to mariners. The Mer-
maid was very slow vessel, although a
sure one, and to save time, the weather be-
ing fine, they were hugging the shore, and
constant watchfulnesS was requisite on the
part Of the pilot
is there anything wrong?" he asked
anxiously.
She answered, also without changing her
position
II am feared there is something wrong"
Can you tell me what it is-can l help
you in it?"
She stood silent for while, the wind
whistling around them and the engines pant
ing as the Mermaid tOied her way along.
At length, Annie
do you mind that day we were at the
gate?'
II shall never forget It,"
do you mind that when l was saying
there was only one time when l wished l
might leave father, did not tell you what
that time wasp
II mind every word you said, for every
word was like gold to me-"
II am going to tell you now"
Her voice faltered little as she spoke,
and he listened with his heart humping
against his side. Then came the low sweet
voice like a whisper of the wind
at was when / thought of Won" .
To be Continued