The Forrest City times., 1891-04-10
"can you tell mo what isis-can I help

| luH 0S tllc u Wttttb tOllcA IlcE way 8lOuxs At length, Annie
 Do you mind that day we were at the gate?'
 II shall never forget it."
 Do you mind that when was saying there was only one time when 1 wished might leave father, did not tell you what that time wasp
 T mind every word you said, for every word was like gold to me-"
 Il am going to tell you now." | Her voice faltered little as she spoke, and he listened with his heart humping against his side. Then came the low sweet voice like a whisper of the wind
 "lt was when 1 thought of you." His grasp frightened on the handle of the wheel as if to keep himself from forgetting all sense of duty and turning round to take her in his arms.
 q ken'd that Annie, and that was what made your words sac dear to me. Nothing can ever take the joy of that minute from mel hae felt it in my heart ever since, and it has comforted me whenever thought of the possibility that you might be given away to-somebody else" 1 There was again a long silence. They were full of the glory of their love and could not speak. Annie was the first to find voice. Il doubt my father is against us. He is taken up with that man, and his grand ways and his fortune and his promises, and I doubt he will never hearken to a word from you. That is what is wrong, and I'm sair troubled"
 But you will never give yourself to himp"
 "Neyer. That is what 1 came to tell you T shall never take him; but shall never take you either without fathers will And want to tell you more; that if I am ma to be yours, l shall never be anybody else's" Il am content. can bide my time, and 1t will come. Do not you fear"
 She scarcely heard the comforting words, for she had turned quickly and hurried away, half-aShamed of the confession and the pledge she had given.
 Ross felt as if he could have steered the Mermaid against the widest storm that ever blew. He was no mere man now, he was a giant with all giants strength. She had told him that her thoughts had been like his own long ago. She had pledged herself 10 him and the future was safe. Now he knew what he had to do. He had to satisfy her father and he would do it. There might be a little delay, but the time must come when Duncan Murray would own that he was worthy of his daughter. As for Car gill, chap Tiff he had any right feel ing in him at all he would suffer badly by the loss. Even if 1t were only his vanity which was hurt, he would suffer, So, for him there was nothing but kindly pity.
 But oh! the happiness that thrilled through the man as he stood at his post, guiding the little Mermaid safely to her port.
 Cargill, however, had no intention of be- ing loser in this game they were playing. He, too, could bide his time, and he felt as- sured that his time was nearer than that of Ross.
 It had been his purpose to make his pro- posal to Annie before they reached Peter head; but he had soon seen that the time was not fitting, and he did not mean to ask her to marry him until he was pret.y sure that her answer would be yes. And that time would be soon.
 It was getting dark when the heavily laden little steamer reached the rugged coast of Buchan, and the pilot knowing the dangers of the Dun Buy Rock and the Buffers, was keeping well off, but not so we'll off as one less acquainted with the coast would have done. So far. this had been the most rapid passage the slow Mermdid had achieved, and Ross had good reasons for desiring to make 1t remarkable one in it's career.
 When they were about opposite Sains Castle, the lights were up, and there was no one on deck except Ross and the lookout.
 The captain WAS below, resting in perfect confidence of his pilots skill, and Annie was engaged with some papers in the cabin.
 Cargill came on deck, lit cigar, and took short turn up and down as If surveying the darkenng outlines of the coast. He spoke a few words to the man on the look out, then he walked slowly aft to Ross, who, confident of his course in such calm sea, and feeling some sorrow for the man whose disappointment he expected to be so great, and who had become so friendly with him lately, had no objection to exchange word with him.
 Gold work this Ross, and confoundedly dull, isn't ito' he said good-naturedly.
 Neither cold nor dull, Mr. Cargill," was the cheery answer.
 'Ah, you like the work, I suppose, and that makes all the difference" Cargill seated himself on coil of rope as he spoke.
 "Of course like itor wouldn't be at it."
 II suppose you find ittroublesome enough at timesm'
 'That is to be expected-all work is troub- lesome at times.'
 You seem to be taking things easy, though. with all the perils of the deep be- fore you"
 "Whiles," answered Ross, laughing.
 Wish I could do that" and a cloud of smoke went up from the cigar.
 You have never known what it was to work for your living, and that's pity for any man."
 'Ah =. Do you smoke?'
 ''Nery seldom, and never at work"
 "That's q pity for you; because I have some splended cigars here-cost shilling each"
 Then l should not like to smoke one"
 You would if you knew what they were We'll, you won't refuse to have drink with meo If you do, shall think you are keep ing up old scores against me-
 He poured out dram from his flask as he spoke and held it up to Ross The latter hesitated, but remembering the trouble he was to cause this man, he said
 Tt is against all rules to drink when on duty; but seeing what there has been be- tween us is likely to be, won't refuse to drink your heath."
 He drank and Cargll slowly put the metal cup on the bottom of his flask again.
 Capital stuff that, can tell you. Got it myself from friend in Campbelton.'
 "Ay, it's strong" said Ross, gasping. II wish there had been some water with it''
 "Would you like some now? I'll send it to you"
 "Thank you, I'll be obliged to you"
 "All right" and Cargill moved off as if to fulfil his promise. He threw his cigar over-