Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1893-04-29
NOT HIS SWEETHEART.

cleaned at the quay end made Its
shadow even less enviable.
He was fine, handsome young fell
low, somewhat shabbily dressed, and as
he walked he carelessly took stock of
his surroundings.
Near the bottom of the row a win
dow was open, and, by a geranium that
was in a pot, the first and only flower
he had seen, girl was leaning lightly
on her elbow Her soft, hazel eyes
were fixed on the opposite doorway.
Here woman with a red face, and
brandishing broom in her hand, was
barring the entrance against herculean
man in glistening oily frock.
Il ak YOU agin, John Wade" shouted
he of the oily, 'if you're a-going to
sea?'
An l tell you agin, skipper" re-
piled dogged voice from the interior,
II amt a-going to sea.
Then" cried the giant, wildly, what
am [ to do? Here the vessel ready to
sail an you a-skulking. But, as sure as
my name is Bill Thompson, I'll perlice
ye."
He looked so big and helpless in his
muddle that the girl at the window,
who seemed used to such scenes.
smiled. Looking up at her and seeing
for the first time that she was in deep
mourning, the young man smiled also.
Then a thought appeared to strike him.
Am 1 any use?" he said to the
wearer of the oily. II want a job. "
The skipper looked at him doubt
fully; he thought he was joking.
IF you're ready an willin', my lad,
he said, you're of use. But if you
amt. you amt. Dye want berth.
Il want everything" answered the
Young man, in low tone. I'm home
less and penniless. But I'm lands
man"
THAT amt q bit of consequence.
What dye say? Will ye go? 1t is for
eight weeks"
Il don't care if it's for eight years.
There's nothing to stop me here"
Come on, then" cried the delighted
fisherman. "But, stop. Who's goin'
to take your pay card What's your
name, my lad ?"
John Smith," was the answer, and
his hesitation escaped the skipper.
"Well, Smity, for fear of accidents,
some one had better take your money.
Who'll ye leave it with %
The young man again looked up at
the window at the sweet, pure face
above him. The gaze of the rough sea
giant beside him followed his glance
"Oh, see !" he exclaimed F.; "youre
going to ask it, miss. Well, you know
where to go. Old Tom Price is the
owner an the name of the vessel the
Saucy Lass. Come on, Smith, no more
hankyin'; your sweetheart 'ull take your
money!" and he seized the newly ship
ped by the arm.
At the word "sweetheart' the cheeks
of the girl at the window grew as red
as the geranium by her elbow. In u
startled manner she leaned over the sill.
No. no" she cried in confusion, Il
do not know the gentleman. H.
But already Smith, with the hand of
the skipper on his arm, had been hur-
ried out of earshot, and before she
could reach the door the two had van-
ished down the road.
Eight weeks later the young man,
brouzed and hearty. stood on Yarmouth
quay. His rig had given place to de-
cent suit of clothes, and he seemed
pondering which way to go. At last
he wandered on to the seashore. Deep
in thought, he strolled by the edge of
the white crested breakers till he came
to the Danes. Finding spot where
pale blue violets lay among the sea-
grass, he flung himself down and pulled
out an envelope.
wrapped in piece of note paper, and
Oh this was written katherine Perry"
The amount was the sum due on his
pay card. He had been to the house,
but found her gone. Yet here was his
money left by her in this form.
He lay in the sun and tried to solve
this mystery, but no solution came, and
with the murmur of the sea in his ears
lie romantically kissed the order.
Then he rose and walked back.
On his homeward way he stopped to
buy morning paper. They were but
inst in, and the shopman was sorting
them, Suddenly he caught his breath.
His gaze was riveted on an ADVERTISE
that read thus:
George Neal is earnestly requested to com
municate with Messrs. Furness and Wapp
solicitors, Lincoln Inn Fields, when he will
hear of something to his advantage. Any one
knowing of the whereabouts of the said George
y al, and communicating the same to the
auoTe firm, will be suitably rewarded"
At noon that day John Smith hal
shaken the dust of Yarmouth from his
feet and was on his way to Lond IN.
Arrived there he hailed a cab and was
driven to the solicitors office.
As he bursS into the office carefully
dressed old gentleman stepped forward
to greet him. This he did by almost
shaking his arm off.
Why, my dear George, how glad I
am to see you!" he cried. I'VE have
been advertising for you all over the
country. How is it you haven t seen
our advertisement before?"
Il have been at sea-in a fishing
smack" replied the visitor.
Establishing smack gasped the
lawyer. You, George?"
lii a few words the young fellow told
his story. The old solicitor listened
with much interest; then his face
grew grave.
80 you have not heard the news,
my boy?" he said.
What news. sir?"
"YnOr ,1no1a 10 daad 1"