The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-03-03
Poor Jim Farlee.
BIZ ANSABEL DWIGHT.

q
city which was so strange to her.
Where should she gop
Who would give help and advice i
this terrible calamityP
She had read OF houses of refuge 70
friendless women. but she. littl
country wild bird, knew of no way t
find them.
How intent seemed the passers-by o.
their own business or pleasure!
How like mockery the burst of ga
dance music from a lighted hall!
How terrible the ribald jokes, ant
oaths, and coarse laughter further on
A week before, in far away countr,
village, she had stood by her father
death bed while the old, white-hairet
minister had. as he thought, joined he
in honorable marriage to the man o
her fathers choice.
This man, Walter Rodman, was al
acquaintance of year-lie had beer
associated with her father in business
and he seemed everything that wa
honorable and noble.
little Ruth-she was only seventeen
did not love him, she simply liked
him; but gave in at last to the combin-
ed entreaties of both men; and SO the
ceremony was performed, and the
father, satisfied now that his otherwise
friendless child was not without pro
tector, drifted over the dark river
whose waves break on a brighter
shore.
A forlorn little bride was she when
Walter Rodman brought her to the
great city.
She wondered drearily how he could
care anything for her.
He took her to his apartments in a
quiet family hotel. and there terrible
surprise awaited them in the shape OF
a woman, who calmly asserted that she
was the wife OF Walter Rodman.
Unmindful alike of Ruth's horror and
the mans anger, she produced her
proofs, marriage certificate dated
two years back, ring bearing his ini-
tials, some letters and his picture.
Rodman seemed utterly upset by her
charges and made no attempt to refute
them.
He made a dazed effort to detain
Ruth as she ran out Of the room. but
she was too quick for him, and was out
of the house into the noisy city streets.
with shame and horror burning in her
heart.
From sheer WEAKNESS her speed
slackened as she neared the outskirts
of the city.
There was no moon; the stars gilt
tered coldly in the dark vault above.
Ruth began to sob nervously.
To what a terrible pass had she come;
she, who had been so tenderly shell
tered all her innocent life.
The sound of merry whistle cut
through the air, and a dark, burly fig
ure doomed before her
A man was adv ancing with the pecu-
liar rolling swagger of sailor.
"Ahoy. therer' he'cried. the whistle
ceasing abruptly as he caught sight of
Ruth's slender figure.
you're little craft-where do you
hail fromp"
The trembling girl essayed to pass
him, but he detained her gently.
Don't be afraid of me, little lass.
I'm not dude in my manners, but I
wouldn't harm any innocent thing.
Come. now. tell Jim Farlee what your
trouble is. You're too young to be
about O. nights.
Ruth searched the mans face with
her tear-wet eyes.
He was sun-browned and rather fine
looking. He had crisp, curling brown
hair short thick beard on chin and
lips. and his dark eyes were merry and
honest.
Some instinct prompted Ruth to con-
fide in him which she did. falteringly
and with many tears.
Her listener rolled out hearty oath
at the end of her story, and then
added:
Don't mind my rough ways, little
IN. But blast me, if wouldn't larrep
that lubber if I could get hold of him.
You want honest workp Let me think
ARE you a good sailorp"
Ruth confessed that she had never
,een the salt water before that day.
"Well. well, Wen risk it! Pm mate
Of the Petrol, and we shall sail to- NOR
row morning If there's fair wind.
We carry passengers and merchandise
to Liverpool. The old man senr me
off to-day to look up a stewardess."
1.-The old man p" queried Ruth.
'Why yes. the cap'n you know.
Now, suppose you 60 with us as stew
ardessp"
would 1 be competent" she said
II am well and strong,
,ut know nothing of what would be
.equired.
you'll learn quick enough, I'll be
,ound. How about your rigging
clothes mean ?"
my trunk is at the Central depot;
md have the check for all the bag
rage in my pocket" she added. sud-
!enly. 'Mr. Rodman gave them to
ne while he went for cigar, and for
rot to take them again"
Good enough, my little un! Now.
ome with me; and be sure Jim Far
ee's your friend through fair and
tormy sailing"
He tucked her little cold hand into
lis arm. and led her back toward the
,ity, where he presently hailed hack.
They drove to the Central depot,
where Ruth secured her trunk and left
sodman's checks. Then they drove
Iown among the shipping, and when
Ter new friend lifted her out upon the
round, the little country girl saw the
lark waves of the city harbor stretch
ng before her.
The scent of the sea was in her nos