The Forrest City times., 1891-03-20
A MAIDEN FAIR.
BY CHARLES GrBBox.
CHAPTER II. CONTINUED

CHAPTER II. CONTINUED
 Tn spite of this well-known declaration there were men who would have been glad to make him forego his VOW so far as the lady was concerned; only, she seemed to bo as much disposed to observe it as her father. At any rate, no one had yet obtained her favor; and there seemed no likelihood of that favor being easily won.
 To herself there was the simple fact that her life was happy one and therc was no need of change. Even if one should ap- pear possessed of that strange power which draws maiden away from father, mother. and kindred to trust her whole life to him, she believed that she could resist it, until her father said-"Go, and take my blessing with you"
 Here Is Mir. Ross, father" said Annie, as she entered the room, and added with some surprlse-"MA Carglll has gone?"
 "Ay; did you not sec him?-he wanted to sec you. How are you, Bob? I'm want tin you to come wi us as far as Peterhead. Can you manage it?"
 The captain was burly little man with . very ruddy face-shrewd, sharp, and yet not ill-natured.
 "Wheny' was the prompt query.
 "Next week, on Tuesday maybe. but on Wednesday sure"
 Ross looked at Annie--his eyes turned to her involuntarlly, asking tho question, was she going too? But she looked down at the table examining some forms which her father had thrust towards her whilst he was speaking.
 I'm not sure. But what should you need me fov?-you know tho roads better than me"
 The captains quick pale eyes looked up rt him sharply, and he said good-na,urcd- ly-
 "Tm perfectly aware O that Bob, but next to myself think you ken them best"
 'TThank you captain"
 And as l am to have friend wi me, dnna want to hae mair fash myser nor is just necessary. That's the reason why l want you wi us, though what you are sae particular about kenniny for, canna make out. What's wrang wi yep
 That was question not easily answered, for the man himself did not know precisely. He felt that there was great deal wrong with him; but as he found it difficult to dis cover an explanation for It in his own mind, 1t was impossible to translate 1t In words to the understanding of another. So, he an swered vaguely
 Nothing, captain, except that would like bit rest"
 "Rest!-you that fetched aff they three billies frae the smack this morning. and was able to walk out here as if naething had happcned-you to talk about rest when you are gaun aboard the Mermaid i-hoots man, that's na your reason" What is that about the smack, father?' broke in Annie. with eyes brightening as she remembered the explanation Ross had given for being late.
 "A daft thing--that fool-fellow gaed out in the teeth O q gale because he saw a smack capseezed-"
 Did you save thcme' she asked of Ross 1; but the father replied "Oo, ay, he brought hame three O them but he might hae made the loss O his ain crew as weel as that O the smack. It was cleverly done as am told, all the same; but you should mind that life in the hand is worth twa in the wraek. But that's na the question; are you to come wi me or no? Cargill Is coming"
 Annie by flush of the cheeks and . movement of the hand-instantly checked as If she would take that of Ross, appeared to think that the saving of the men was very much the question.
 | The father did not observe the movement and Ross was entirely occupied with the announcement that Cargill was going to | Peterhead on board the Mermaid. I'll 90 wi you, captain, hc said quietly and any one hearing him speak would have thought that he was merely closing an ordi. nary bargain. But through his mind wal passing the panorama of Cargill, all the way along the coast courting Annie. That's plain word, and think you ought to hae spoken 1t sooner, for it's au easy job to you, and you'll be among fTien's | Take dram on the head o't"