The Press., 1891-04-09
THE CARPENTERS MATE

Twenty years ago I commanded one of their vessels, the Norseman, of the old Al lesworth line of Liverpool. She was in the East India trade at the time, and was about to make my first voyage as master. had been with her the previous voyage in the capacity of chief mate, and was more than pleased when the firm called me into their private office and offered me the com mand of the ship.
 I had just been married, and it is need less to say that I accepted the firms offer, at the same time arranging to have my wife accompany me on the voyage.
 II have a favor to ask of you. Capt. Thornton" said MT. Burlingame, the sen for partner, when we were alone, s'and rely upon your honor to keep the matter confidential"
 bowed, and MT. Burlingame went on:
 My daughter Evelyn has become infat- uated with one of my clerks, and he has had the assurance to ask her hand in mar riage. He has been dismissed from our employ, and I have seen nothing of him since. My daughter has taken the matter to heart, and I have decided to send her out with you on voyage, in the hope that the change of scene and the companionship of your wife and yourself may bring back the roses to her cheek. Anything you can do to assist in having her forget this wretched infatuation will be appreciated"
 l had little faith in my ability to cause Miss Evelyn to forget her lover; besides, as had just entered the married state my self, could hardly be expected to sympa- thize with plan for the separation of two loving hearts, but I promised to care for the shipowner's daughter as far sls was in my power, and the interview terminated
 The following morning my wife and went aboard the Norseman, which was ly- ing at anchor in the Mersey. At o'clock MT. Burlingame and his daughter came aboard. The latter was handsome young lady of 9 years, but her sweet face was pale and sad, and although she said noth- ing, it was evident that the thought of leaving home affected her deeply.
 Farewells were over, the anchor was aweigh and MT. Burlingame, after part ing grasp of the hand, and whispered ad- monition to 'take good care of Evelyn" steppeg aboard the tender and returned to shore We were lowed down the Mersey, crossed the bar, and dismissing our tug pilot, bore away for the Cape of Good Hope.
 After we were we'll under way all hands were called aft to choose watches As the crew filed by one of their number, 8 fine looking young fellow, attracted my atten- tien.
 HWho is that young man?" I asked, pointing him out to MT. Everson, my chief mate.
 Kenneth Gardner; he shipped as car penter's mate," was the reply.
 Just, as the crew ranged themselves in line, a little abaft the mainmast, the ladies came on deck and walked forward to where was standing.
 As turned to greet them was startled by scream from Miss Burlingame, and the next moment was holding her limp form in my arms. She was at once taken below and soon recovered consciousness, but could give no explanation of her faint ing fit.
 We were scarcely two weeks out before noticed great change in Miss Burlin- game. The roses had returned to her cheeks, and she seemed we'll pleased with her situation aboard the Norseman.
 She went all over the ship, sometimes accompanied by my wife, and sometimes alone. Several times noticed her in con versation with the carpenters mate, and, my curiosity being aroused. I walked for ward one day and got into conversation with him.