The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1896-11-23
SWEET MISS LATIMER

however, insisted on my taking a years
leave.
Twas fortunate enough to get cabin to
myself on board the Winchester. The
purscr, Watson, had met at some mess
dinners in Calcutta, and he promised to
make things as pleasant as possible The
captain, whose name was, we'll say, John
Smith, looked like one of the regular navy
He wore uniform and sword and was
very severe of aspect and stiff In bearing
We soldiers were seated at table in ac-
cortlance with our rank, and, rs had only
just got my captaincy, l was pretty well
down toward the foot or pursers end This
did not at first feel inclined to regret, as
the prospect appeared that we should be
little more free and easy than were the
fogies up at the top.
But when 1 had got fairly settled into
my place, looked toward the captain and
Immediately began to deplore my insig
nificance Seated on his right was the
prettiest girl had ever seen.
AS soon as dinner was over got hold
of my friend Watson and inquired the
name of the young lady.
"She's Miss Latimer, he said. "Came
out with us on this voyage, 1 suppose, only
for her health since she's going right back.
Understand she's an orphan and got some
money. Shall l introduce your"
There was something about Miss Lati
mer-Rese was her name-which was ir-
resstibly attractive to me- She was awful
ly kind to me-used always to be afraid
that / d overexert myself and was constant
ly making me tell her of my experiences
Day after day slipped away in an ecstasy
of happiness tempered with occasional
qualms of doubt. hesitated to put my
fate to the test, for, if by any chance she
should refuse me-and despite my belief
that my affection was returned, such an
event was barely possible-it would be very
unpleasant to meet her every day for at
least two months.
Well finally made confidant of Wat
son. He cut the Gordian knot at once
ASK the lady," he said, "and if she con
sents get the captain to marry you as soon
as she's agreeable. "
"But is that legal?' 1 inquired.
Perfectly. 1t will be duly entered in
the ships log, just the same as birth
The captain is ex officio clergyman, magis-
trate, registrar and sometimes doctor. "
should have at once proceeded to act
on his advice, but it occurred to me that
it might he rs well to sound the captain
and see if he would be willing to perform
L
everything sure before put my fate to the
test.
So the next morning 1 sent message
by his boy, asking if he could spare me q
few minutes The boy speedily returned
with request that l would follow him to
the captains cabin.
l found the great man sitting at bis tn
bic looking over chart Somehow or 9TH
er he Appeared to me to be unusually for
midable.
Good morning Captain Hamilton,
he said as lie waved me to take IA seat
"Can l DO anything for you?"
"Wcll, captain, it's rather delicate
matter, but l wanted to ask you some
thing about your powers on board"
"They are absolute, SIR he answered
l little sternly. "Why do you ASK Do you
want some one put in irons for insulting
you?'
"Not exactly, captain. The letters that
would like to use are of different kind
the matrimonial ones"
whats that you say? So you have lost
your heart to che Of my passengers? Pray,
which is itg''
"Well captain" 1 answered, Il know ]
can trust you not to let this thing go any
further at present. 1t is Miss Latimer. ~
did not quite like tie look that came
over his face. Is it possible 1 thought,
that this old sea dog is little bit gone in
that quarter himself?
"HaVe you spoken to the lady on the
subject of your hopcs?"
mot yet, captain.
"Has she given you any encouragement
to think that the love you say you feel is
returned by her?'
"No, cal tain. But she has been very
kind to me and has talked to me great
deal and seemed to like to have me talk to
her. -
"And ON these faint grounds you base
your hopesf"
didn't ut all like the tone in which he
made that remark, and was about to re-
ply little haughtily. 1 suppose he saw
the expression ON my face, and he stopped
me from speaking by holding up his hand.
Don't say any more, Captain Hamil-
ton. l ought to have stopped you before.
l couldn't possibly marry you to the lady. F"
"Why not, Captain Smith," / asked
rather warmly.
Because, sir, couldn't very we'll marry
you TO my own wife. "
"Whatl" almost shrieked.
"My wife, - he answered firmly. 81 am
sorry you should be placed in SO unpleasant
position. 1t is partly my fault, but much
more that Of your own youth and rashness.
You are an officer and gentleman and
will respect the secret am Obliged to con.
Gde TO you.
Il was married. said the captain,
"when was last home to Miss Latimer,
who was left an orphan under unusually
sad circumstances and surroundings. She
dreaded to be left in England alone. The
owners of this line do not allow their cap
tains to have their wives with them even
as passengers. We therefore decided to
keep our marriage n secret, and my wife
booked as passenger under her maiden
| name. Not soul ON board except your
self knows the truth. l trust you to keep
it sacred, for l don't want to retire yet Tor
a voyage or two"
l can't tell If the captain ever confided
to his wife what took place in the cabin,
but L sometimes fancied | could see in her
face when her eyes fell on me an express