The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-01-12

1t made the Captain uneasy. He was a
etnbby sea-dog with weather-wise wrinkles
et the corners of his eyes, and was out
there for his mornings parade. 1t was his
custom 10 pace back and forth across this
marrow plateau of ships floor much after
the fashion of hyena in cage.
And the histories he gathered there, the
romances he was third party to, the varied
human character he studied kept alive the
spark of ideality in his practical brain.
Little scraps of dialogue wore keys that
opened many doors to him-the Bluc-Beard
closet, the maiden's boudoir, the slattern's
kitchen, the counting room, the hospital,
the legislative hall.
He could do all his duty and hear besides
1t puzzled him to know what this young
lady had discovered that kep. her so long in
one position.
He was relieved when a stalwart, white
flannel suited young man hove In sight, evil
deptly in search of her.
"Ah, good morning, Miss Ciarice."
She sprang into an erect attitude like the
letting go of bent whalebone.
@Good morning." she replied, blushing.
"You are an early riser. What are you
doipgl"
She laughed. Her face was fine ma
hogany brown from the red of the young
I'm looking TO see how much water she
drays."
''Thon pray do look as Christian should,
and not hang over betwixt sky and sea in
that suicidal fashion"
"But I'm short-sighted, yon know, and be
sides Pm making near study of color in
the water"
He laughed, as if he were accustomed to
find her amusing.
"Suppose we have the Captainiower you
to the lake, where you won't have to peer
30 distressingly. Eli, Captain2"
The Captain paid no attention. She
smiled good naturedly.
"Hes as dignifed as an iron lion. I've
kept u swarm OF words about his ears ever
since we started, but he never seems to
hear. think he's deaf"
"AlmoSt any man would be glad to be
that has so many women asking him ques-
tions."
She again leaned over the rail. The water.
plashed softly against the bow. as the pro-
peller was urged on by her industrious en-
gine.
See she has a bono in her teeth" said
Carice; then abruptly changing the sub
ject. "How blue is this lake to you"
"How blue! Well, as-your dress. Now
give me yours"
"AS indigo"
"'1hat is u washerwoman's similc."
yLook at the paths on the water. AS far
as you can see are the silver roads crossing
and re.crossing. What makes theml"
"We'll ask the Captain. Captain" as that
officer careened by on his starboard tack,
.'I suppose it is the variable wind that
stripes the water with those broad bands,
isn't III"
A crlsty gutteral emerged from behind
the Captains cigar.
''What is il sign OFF,
Another laryngeal uncertainty for reply.
"Do you have much fog this time of year,
Captain"
He was close alongside and had to answer:
'Yes, good deal this year. That's fog"
pointing over his shoulder Mt q smoky cloud
that was advancing upon them, like ghost
risen from the water
A cabin boy came to him for an order and
bc withdrew for moment.
Instantly tone and manner changed in the
young people. All their banter had been
mcre pretence-a trick of the tongue ia both
TO divert suspicion. Tell-taie whisper and
STOLEN glance would have been CONNER
ctH tags labelling them lovers, while badi-
mage meant mere acquaintance.
"Clarice, waited out here until mid
night"
"But Paul, could not come"
aDid not knowl"
"Aunt Emily suspected me, and Cousin
Rosamond was as wide awake as an owl,
Neither would go to bed"
~ wanted 10 talk this over. / have q
plan. / can't and won't bear this strain on
my heart any longer. i am used up--des-
perate."
The Captain had resumed his pacing again,
but they did not notice him.
sand too, Paul. am perfectly unhappy. j
hate being watched and dictated TO- and oh
hate deceit l am getting TO be like a
hunted fox-I can play any kind of u Gun
ming trick
"Emancipate yourself at once Clarice.
Listen TO ne"
"What shall doi won't promise TO do
it'll am 30 distress ed-but will listen. / |
Ayili try
'Therp's nardly time to tell you now. But
promise me. Clarice, IL there is a single |
Chance during the day--if the old ladies |
have to take "A nap or are seasick-that you |
Yiil find me out. You see, IL will take time |
You are 80 difficult TO persuade"
ayes, promise"
81 know what Internal dragons they are,
and how they hate me. Aud that Odious
o. Lord Do-Noddy--he Is forever at your
hcfis dpn't soc how you can endure him.
You abnor nim, am surety