The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-11-04
CHAPTER v.
BY TIE SHORE

There were bOnnreS along the Doach,
and swarms of boats passing, with
happy crowds aboard, between the ship
and the shore.
When the Wanderers cutter grated
On the sand, the people cheered the
pficers and crew as If they were old
friends.
And the Squire and the Doctor, with
CAPTAIN Denham and his officers were
there to meet them. And after intro
auctions that seemed unnec essary, and
salutations full Of honest heartiness,
procession was formed and all marched
TO Doctor Hodges house, which was
now illuminated from the door Of the
summer-kitchen to the highest OF the
little dormer windows, that looked like
single eyes set in the brows OF the
quaint gables.
Mrs. Hedges and Mrs. Condit, with
their blooming daughters, welcomed
the strangers in the wide hall that ran
directly through the comfortable old
building, and then led them into the low
parlor, the red hangings Of which had
not vet been removed for the summer.
Mrs. Hedges thought this was fortunate,
because the evening was cool, and then,
with a mothers pride in the beauty Of
her daughter, she thought the dark
crimson curtains reflected something OF
their warmth on Lea's cheeks.
But a greater master than ever gave
color to fabric had limned the hues of
youthful health on the cheeks OF Lea
Hedges and her friend, Ellen Condit;
and Captain Fox thought as he watched
them, without appearing to do so, that
their eyes were more brilliant and
beautiful than the gems which he and
his officers wore when on duty, to excite
the cupidity of their sailors.
The officers, with the frankness that
characterizes sailors the world over,
were soon talking as familiarly as il
they had been away together for years
on the same ship.
Captain Denham had heard OF Captain
Fox and the cruiser Wanderer, and he
was delighted to meet in America a
man he had supposed on the east coast
Of Africa.
Il must say that when I first sighted
the Wanderer," said Captain Denham,
that I supposed she was the Adven ture
Galley, which was sent from New York
some time ago to suppress the pirates.
Let me see, the Adventure Galley
was commanded by Captain William
Kidd" said Captain Fox, refectively.
Yes, he took command OF her in Ber-
muda, and there can be no doubt about
the loss of the ship. The Sea Hawk
went out to take her place"
And she did it well, Captain Den
ham. / heard of many OF your exploits
against the pirates in the West Indies
and l am glad of this opportunity to
meet you," said Captain Fox, whose
officers watched him for their cues.
But how did you happen in here,
Captain?" asked Captain Denham.
Il simply obeyed the orders received
in Jamaica. am to receive further in
structions from Colonel Graham, who
should have been here by this time"
Il pray he may not be in a hurry, for
know Of no place where you can spend
a few days more pleasantly" said Cap
tain Denham. This was the only con-
versation, which might be called at all
professional, that the young officers had
on this occasion.
Lea Hedges wac the soul OF animation
that evening, without being at all for
ward; and Lieutenant Frenauld es-
corted her to dinner, the Captain having
he honor of leading in Mrs. Condit,
.alph Denham and Mrs. Hedges
brought up the rear, and Ellen Condit
and Lieutenant Hedges preceded them,
evidently we'll pleased with the arrange
ment.
The dinner might be called provin cial
in it's arrangement and large-handed
abundance; certain it Is, no other part
OF the world could have afforded a
greater variety of life's good things, nor
could any cooks in the great capitals
surpass the black women, who, though
slaves themselves, were the complete
mistresses OF all the Hampton kitchens.
Shell fish from the Great South Bay,
blue fish from the Atlantic, wild fowl
from the Great Peconic Bay; wild tur-
kew. grouse and woodcock from the
neighboring forests; venison, better
than ever royal forest produced, early
vegetables, most grateful Of all food to
the sailors; preserved fruits and nuts,
imported and domestic; butter like fam
ciful gold ingots; these and many other
things came on in regular and seeming
ly endless courses; and the dishes
steamed amid masses Of flowers gath
CTeu lIOu Sdlueu duu hoiu' oAie N
fashioned wax candles OF many coIo-a
lit up the whole.
All We're on good terms before the
meal began, but during its progress the
| thin walls Of reserve melted away, and
when the banuu .t-for such we call it
was GUIDED all felt like old friends.
Wine AMI spiced rum we. passed
around in abundance, and Captain Fox
and his men appeared to drink as did