Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1893-08-03
CHAPTER vi.

CAPTAIN FOX RETURNS THE COMPLIMENT.
Captain Fox and MIR. Frenauld made
most favorable impression on the gen.
erous, hospitable islanders. Even the
reticence Of the officers was looked on
as On evidence Of that modesty which ia
popularity supposed to accompany great
bravery and decided merit.
Most gallant and accomplished gen.
tiemen. said DR.. Hedges, when, e few
days after the arrival OF the ships, he
was discussing the merits of the stran-
gers: tell You again, neither the
mother land nor the colonies need to
lear, so long as their shores are de-
Tended by sailors who are ut once pat.
riots and gentlemen"
Squire Condlt, before replying. tapped
his silver snuff box, touched a spilng,
and the lid few open, and then handing
1t to the doctor, who took pinch and
bowed as he raised it to his nose-just
as men bow when about to drink wine
he took pinch himself. This done. he
initiated the doctor by taking out Ie
handkerchief, that looked like good
sized flag. and they inclined their heads
toward each other and blow buyle
blasts OF great vigor and resonance into
the hankerchiefs.
Il agree with you. my dear Doctor"
said the squire, replacing the handker.
chief in one Of the side-pOckets OF his
velveteen coat. The officers of tho
Wandtrer are gentlemen tried and true,
OF that there cannot be the slightest
doubt; and am right glad to welcome
them here. But l cannot see that in any
OF the essential requirements Of gentil-
ity or seamanship, or even in those ex-
terror qualifications that rejoice the
eyes OF women, and which men are
pleased to behold, that they surpass our
own people, the officers and crew of tho
Sea Hawk"
well said, Squire Condit," said the
doctor, taking out his snuffbox and pre-
senting it in turn. Perhaps one who
has brother and a nephew among the Of.
ficers OF the Sea Hawk Is not competent
to judge impartially between the merits
Of these sailors; but would not fear,
were they foes opposed to each other
which may heaven forbid-as to the re-
suit of the contest"
Nor would l." replied the squire,
helping himself to a pinch Of snuff from
the doctors box, and preparing for an.
other blast by taking out his handker.
chief. Ralph Denham is as dear to me
as if he were flesh Of my flesh and bone
OF my lone. 1t is not for mo to say
what the Condits are or have been, and,
pray, ever will be; but, though l know
not kalph's antecedents. am sure If they
ever are known that they will prove to
be quite as good as mine, or yours, or
any one else's in the provinces.
Il think, my dear Squire, that you
made a mistake in not giving him your
own name, when that stranger first
placed him in your charge"
Il could not; the boy was too old
then, and would have remembered, re-
piled the squire.
How old was he?"
"A little over five, the stranger said"
And that was twenty years ago?
"Twenty-one years ago-let me see;
blessed first OF June. All, now recall;
my wife spoke Of it this morning, and
told me that we always celebrated the
event like birthday. Captain Fox has
invited us aboard his ship this evening,
SO, a ter all, Ralph's arrival, as we call
it. will be made much of. OF course,
your family will be there, Do ctor?" said
the squire, stamping his feet as il pre-
pairing to move on.
Yes; Mrs. Hedges and Lea are great
admirers of the new corners; and then,
you know, Valentine Dayton and my
brother can't we'll refuse. Sailors,
though informal in their ways with
landsmen, are said to be very rigid with
each other.
DR.. Hedges mounted his pony, and
rode Off TO visit his patients on the
other side of he bay, and Squire Condit
walked hriskly to the eastward, where
he had large farm and many h ands to
oversee.
TO BE CONTINUED