Sharp County record., 1896-10-02
CHAPTER VI.
TIT WILL GO HARD THEN, BUT TWILL HAVE
YOUR HAND"

all preparations completed for the two
marriages which were to take place
the evening Of the ensuing day.
Mr.. Lloyd and Fannie were to come
down on the Sunshine, which had been
especially chartered to convey both
themselves and friends of the contract.
ing parties to Orton.
Clarence Hill was happy as lark, and
Fannie, who would soon be his bride,
was not less so.
Clara had not looked back since
plighting her troth to the banker, nor
would she have recalled her pledge
could she really have done so.
AS to the banker, he was very happy
in his quiet way; very proud OF the
! splendid girl who would so soon become
mistress of his home and heart. But
his mind was sometimes filled with mis-.
givings as he thought of the difference
between their ages, and he asked him.
self the question:
"Am doing this young girl an in.
justice in making her my wifeP Can
she be happy as the wife of man 50
many years her senior?"
Never did he question If he should be
happy. He doubted not his happiness
1t would lie in contributing to that Of
his fair young bride, and, knowing the
high character Of Clara, he was salts
fed thatshe would not marry where she
feared for the happiness of the future.
Abner Hill was well satisfied with tho
outlook for his son and daughter, and
his wife was pleased if only her children
were happy.
Clara had written letter that day
that she was very anxious Fannie should
receive before coming down the river
on the morrow, and at five o'clock she
had her pony saddled and brought to the
door, and she was soon mounted and
cantering in the direction of the land
ing, with the idea that she would be
able to intercept the Sunshine, which
she knew was down the river, and
! should be coming back at this time,
but to her dismay the Sunshine passed
up without halting, when she was yet
several hundred yards from the wharf.
Clara was about to turn back, when
she noticed the sails OF a schooner,
tapping almost idly in the air oppo-
site the wharf.
This schooner may suit my purpose"
she thought, as she hastened down.
Arrived at the landing she recognized
the Clara Belle, and, as the schooner
was but 40 or so yards out in the stream,
the form of Angus Bruce upon the deck.
There was no air stirring, and the
tide. being at low ebb, they were be-
calmed and making no headway. An
gus evidently recognized Clara as she
rode upon the dock, for he raised his
hat.
Clara hesltated about signaling him,
believing it not we'll that they should
meet again. "But this letter." she
thought, must reach Fannie, and this
may be my last opportunity must
signal the Clara Belle; Angus may send
the mate or one Of his sailors ashore"
She waved handkerchief, a boat was
+, lowered from the schooner and Angus
! descended into it, accompanied by two
sailors, who speedily pulled away for the
landing, and he was soon standing by
the side Of the girl he loved.
Clara had dismounted and was hold.
ing the rein of Club in one hand, and
her letter in the other.
Good evening. Miss Hill; It was q
pleasure to receive your signal"
Thanks, my brave rescuer; almost
feared to signal you, for fear should
detain you, but l was 80 anxious that
Fannie Lloyd should have this letter
tonight, or at early dawn tomorrow,
and the Sunshine escaped my vigilance
Il am truly glad it did, Miss Hill,
Please do not think me bold, but it
gives me an opportunity to look upon
your face once more, and as for signal
Ing, never hesitate to signal Angus
Bruce; 1t will not be trifles that keep
him from responding; besides, Miss
Hill, we are becalmed, and will gain no
headway for another hour, unless the
) breeze stiffens. At six o'clock the tide
will be running up, and, Us we have no
cargo aboard, we may reach Whining
ton, and Your letter the hands Of Miss
Lloyd, by II at most"
"Oh, captainl I shall thank you so
much"
mo thanks are required for any
thing can do for you, Miss Hill"
"But still, I thank you, captain, and
here is the letter FOR Miss Fannie"
Il myself will place It In her hands,,
said Angus, "but II there is an answer,
she had best send it by the Suushine,
Twill be detained to ship a cargo"
"rhere will be no reply, captain, ex-
cept IN person, for Fannie will be here
tomorrow night--know you not Of the
weddings?"
True, Miss Hill, I heard that your
brother, Clarence, and Miss Lloyd would
marry; Is 1t so soon?"
"Yes, captain, but did you hear OF
no other marriage that would occur at
the same time and place2"
mo, Miss Hill, have been but little
In the Cape Fear recently, Pray, who
else will wed?"
Captain, when you next see me, |
shall hoyo chnno,al n,y n,,,a .,iO