The Forrest City times., 1891-04-03
CHAPTER VII
"MEEMAID AuoY !"

CHAPTER VII
 MERMAID AuoYr' Donkey engines rattling bales of goods from quays aboard ships, or uicc versa; bar rels, boxes, hampers, all flying in the air and alightlng safely in their places amidst Babel of tongues and great smell of tar. That was the port of Leith. The bantam-like Mermaid nestled at its moorings, but panting and puff.ng as proud- ly as its neighbors, trying to make itself ap- pear as big as possible, and continually as- Serting Its claim to equal consideration with any of tho huge rivals which lay to right and left of 1t. The bantam was noted amongst the people of the port for its neat ness and sea-worthiness, and for the push ing character of its commander Goods put on board the Mermaid wers considered as safe as if they had been placed in the hands of the persons to whom they were consign- ed. Thus the credit of Duncan Murray stood high, and he valued it more than his life-truly more than his life, for it was no mere phrase with him, 1t was fact He valued that credit more than his life more even than his daughters life, and that meant everything human he cared about; 1t included the Mermaid. It had come to be a saying, "as safe as thougl 1t was with Duncan Murray and that was as much to him as if he had been made Lord II gh Ad- miral of the Fleet
 The fact was remarkable that in tho whole course of his trading he had never lost the smallest package intrusted to his care and as years went on the pride of this fact grew in its proportions In his breast un- til 1t seemed as if one failure would have killed him.
 Annie, with her sailors hat and pea-jacket on, stood on the hurricane dock overlooking the hustle on board and on the quays. Her father was moving about everywhere; now scolding. now encouraging, now lending . hand to move some pile.
 At length everything was on board. and only two people were waiting to complete the equipment of the Mermaid for her trip.
 Where Is Mr. Ross?" asked Annie, after long consideration with herself.
 "Hell in us on the road; he asked mo to let him % out last night and said, ay, If he would meet us in time. Nae fear O him."
 She had no need 10 ask where was Mir. Cargill for a cab drove along tho wharves as far as it could. and that gentleman ap- peared in faultlessly fashionable vulgar check tweed tourist suit He had only . small handbag to carry, for his por,man. teau had been put on board the previous night.
 His figure was grotes ue; imagine a stout man s.x feet In height, with heavy jaws and sleepy eyes. dressed likc a lad of fifteen! This wps Mr. Carsill. who had an unbound. ed faith in the elegance of his figure and the skill of his tailor
 Annie laughed at the sight of him, and the captain felt disposed to bid him put some claes on as quick as he could. But recognising in all this the height of aristo- cratic fashion. he held his tongue and mar yelled. Captain Duncan would have been great toady if opportunity had offered; for he had vast reverence for .he ''nobeeli. ty," and deep respect for anything which even remotely represented it. So, with all his absurd airs, 'Jeems" Cargill impressed the old man as being something out of the common-just as poor old Bell Cargil was impressed. and consequently permitted her money to flow at his command. He salutcd his hosts, but they were too much occupied to give him particular atten- ton, and he had grace enough to recognize that fact. He applied himself to the ar rangcmcnt of his berth. fitting up in 1t all the newest contrivances for securing com. fort at sea Having done this he went on deck.
 The boat was just casting of. He looked around; Captain Duncan was doing every- thing and Bob Ross was not there! Are you going to do without your pilot~' he said to tho akippsr as he approached him.
 T hae nae time to speak to anybody the noo," was the sharp response. as Captain Duncan hurried to his post on the hurricane deck.
 Cargill quietly followed him, because Annie was there
 We shall have \ pleasant day" he said. with as much warmth as if there had been something very particular In the remark. Tt looks pleasant enough at present." ! she answered., smiling at the wea thrr rro- phet; but 1t isa west wind and thosc clclds wonder may bring us sucn rain ss w spoil the incest clothes" He observed tho smile and was uncon. sciaus of tho playful allusion 10 his gor- gsous rament
 An, you are weather-wise, Miss Murray. and ought not 10 have dared to say . word on the subject ought 10 have asked you to tell me how it was to be. But we may be happy tn the most un pleasant weather when ws are with those we like best in the world"
 What is the day to bs, fathers' she said, turning her head away impervious to this very broad compliment You'll na be fashed WI heavy seaA ony way" answered the captain, busy minding his own business and unconscious of what was going on. Cargill did feel that slight movement 0f her head and inattention to his words: for like all small natures he was content % long as attention was paid 10 him. but splteful alwaya and wrathfui sometimes. when he was treated with tho olightest neglect
 "Howsvsr. shs will coms roand." i" was Ais