The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1888-10-25


sweetheart she had ever had. But
Demetrius loved his tender flower all the
more that he had been its discoverer.
As they walked back to the hotel he
said "And now ! must speak to your
aunt; do you think she will ob icctl"
MY auntl oh, no, my aunt will not
object. am sure, 'said Lydia.
In the evening when Demetrius ap-
preached Miss Hartley on the sub cct
she seemed considerably surprised
Lydia is so young-I never thought
that so soon -" the old lady STAN
mcred. "Jf course, Mr.. Green, YOU
have my consent, so far as I am con
cerncd but l am not Lydia's natural
guardian
"l thought she made her home with
you said Demetrus in some surprise.
$50 she does said Miss Hartley.
who is her guardian thenl'
'IIer father"
docs her father live with your"
mo. He comes to the house about
every week, when we are at home"
"Wsere can find him."
81 cannot tell you-I do not know"
said the old lady in some confusion
''1s it necessary that get his consent
to my marrying Lydia!'
Il think so. oh yes, indeed"
"Nliss Hartley said Demetrius, "if
there Is anything of painful nature
about your brother, do not ask you to
tell it to me. ! am going to marry your
niece, but | should perfcr to have her
fathers consent"
There is nothing painful Mr.. Green.
II is only that | can tell you absolutely
nothing. My brother is very peculiar
man. Some year ago he was a sea-cap-
tain OF some prominence. lie lost the
command of his vessel, or resigned 1t, |
do not know which, and since then |
have never learned what business he
went into. Generally he comes to see
US every week, but sometimes he doesn't
come for month"
docs he never write to you or your
niccel"
"No-yes, he did once. He sent
Lydia message about year ago, and
remember that Brooklyn Navy Yard
was on the letter. paper, but that may
not have meant anything"
al am much obliged to you for the
information; it probably means a great
deal to any one who wants to find him.
Is this all you can tell me2"
"That is all know"
Another week passed, week of great
happiness for Demetnus. and apparently
for Lydia, too. Demetrius had told her
that he was to go on the road again the
following Monday. He would be in
New York often before the fall, and, of
course, would always come over to
Brooklyn to see her. "In October | shall
be in the city for three weeks" he added,
''and then, if it suits you, is when I
should like our marriage to take place"
Lydia blushed, then smiled AID con-
sented.
ON Monday Demetrius bade adieu to
his betrothed, took the eaily train for
New York and reporting to his house
made up his route. Then he started for
Brooklyn, and reached the Navy Yard
shortly after noon. Going to headquar-
tcrs he inquired for Mr.. Hartley.
"Davd lIartleyl" was the response.
"Ies, is he herep
"No, he's OUT pointing to the water
"Can | communicate with him2 1t is
on matter of great Importance" said
Demctrius, looking at his watch ''and
will probably take but short time"
The official hesitated a moment then
rang a bell,
''.lohn, this gentleman wants to talk
to Hartley. Take him over"
The man led the way to the dock when
the two got into small boat, the man
taking the oars and pulling toward a tug
which lay about two hundred feet from
the dock. There were several men on
the tug.
(which of these gentlemen is MIR.
Hartley" asked Demetrius.
None replied one of the men,
laconically.
Il was told that I should find Mr..
Hartley here" he said.
''lf you can wait while, we'll have
him up" said the first speaker.
"upp Demetrius.
"Yes, out of the water; he's in the
wreck"
"Wreck-what wreckw
''The Mary Stevens, right under you,
sir"
Demetrius was appalled,. Was Lydia's
father drowned, and had he come here
only to carry back this dreadful news to
herf Three deep, reverberating strokes
came from far beneath him, which
sounded like death knelI. Demetrius
shuddered. Then catching sight of the
amused faces of the men, he thought it
some hideous joke.
"Gentlemen," he said, 81 must see
Mr. Hartley or communicate with him at
once on a matter of the utmost import
ance. You say that he is under the
water, yet am perfectly sure that he is
not dead. have to transact my business
and catch train at 9 o'clock, so should
be obliged to you if you will explain
this mystery at once"
Certainly, sir, said the man who had
answered him, "Mr. Hartley is. down in
the wreck, in the diving bell; if you
cannot wait until he comes up, wen send
down message for you.'
Demetrius breathed more freely, tore a
leaf from his memorandum hook and
| hastily wrote; "Demetrius GH,en with