Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1893-05-11
CHAPTER vi.

CAPTAIN FOX nETuRhS THE COMPLIMENT
Captain Fox and Mr.. Frenauld made
most favorable impression on the gem
erous, hospltable islanders. Even the
retlcence OF the officers was looked on
as an evidence OF that modesty which Is
popularity supposed to accompany great
bravery and decided merit.
Most gallant and accomplished gem
tlemen, said DR.. Hedges, when, few
days after the arrival OF the ships, he
was discussing the merits of tho stran-
gers; Il tell you again, neither the
mother land nor the colonies need to
fear, so long as their shores are de-
Tended by sailors who are ut once pat
riots and gentlemen"
Squire Condit, before replying, tapped
his silver snuff-box, touched a spring
and the lid few open, and then handing
it to the doctor who took pinch and
bowed as he raised 1t to his nose-iust
as men bow when about TO drink wine
he took pinch himself. This done, he
initiated the doctor by taking out red
handkerchief, that looked like good
sized flag, and they inclined their heads
toward each other and blew bugle
DluSLo VI kltbb NlbOl ollh lV9OhhhNN iAiAN
the hankerchiefs
II 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
Wanderer are gentlemen tried and true,
of that there cannot be the slightest
doubt; and am right glad to welcome
them here. But 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 the
Sea Hawk.
well said Squire Condit, said the
| doctor, taking out his snuffbox and pre-
sentlng 1t in turn. Perhaps one who
has a brother and nephew among the Of
flcers OF the Sea Hawk is not competent
to Judge impartlally between the merits
Of these sailors; but would not fear,
we're 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 n 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 IL he were flesh of my flesh and bone
of my bone. 1t Is not for me to say
what the Condits are or have been, and
pray, ever will be; but, though | know
not Ralph's antecedents, | am sure II they
ever are known that they will prove tc
be quite as good as mine, or yours, OIL
any one else's in the provinces.
Al think, my dear Squire, that you
made a mistake in not giving him YOU
own name, when that stranger frs
placed him in your charge"
Il could not; the boy was too ole
then, and would have remembered, re-
piled the squire.
How old was her"
"A little over five, the stranger said.
"And that was twenty years ago2
"Twenty-one years ago-let me see;
why it is twenty-one years ago this
blessed first of June. All, now l 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, after all, Ralph's arrival, as we call
it, will be made much of. OF course
your family will be there, Doctor" said
the squire, stamping his feet as if 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 well refuse. Sailors
though informal in their ways will
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 the bay, and Squire Condt
walked briskly to the eastward, where
he had large farm and many h ands tC
oversee.
Ito RE CONTINnHDl