The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-10-28
CHAPTER z.

STHEY SAILED AWAY IN A GALLANT BARR
We'll, with the love Of such q girl as
Cousin Lea assured" said Valentine
Dayton, the morning following the
events narrated in the preceding chap
ter, "the battle is more than half won.
I am sure Uncle Nehemiah Hedges will
come round in time.
Il do not blame Doctor Hedges for re-
fusing me the hand Of his daughter; in
his position I think I might do the
same, said the captain.
Il ask your pardon, Ralph, but don't t
think you would. Genealogies may be
right in the old world, but in this land
fathers" said Valentine, with much
force.
You are right, perhaps; but before |
ask Lea to join me at the altar, shall
convince her father that there is moth
ing in my origin for which l, at least,
should blush. However, I am very
happy as it is It seems to me that the
fog through which have been feeling
my way and taking soundings for years
has lifted. and now all is plane sailing.
For the first time in my life I feel that
have reached the fullest stature of a
man-which can only be attained when
he is confident that he possesses the
love OF noble woman"
Captain Denham looked as he felt;
there was an expression Of peace and
strength in the handsome bronzed face
that was noticeable 10 his friend.
And Valentine Dayton was himself in
state bordering on ecstasy; for had
not Ellen Condit. with the consent Of
her parents, pledged him her hand. on
their way back from Doctor Hedges
the night before?
The young officers, during this con-
versation, were on their way to the Sea
Hawk, where the Captain was to make
his arrangements and issue his orders
before turning over the command OF the
ship to Lieutenant Hedges. -.
On reaching the deck they found
Lieutenant Frenauld on board, talking
earnestly with the officers OF the Sea
Hawk
With the Official manner which sailors
and soldiers can 50 readily assume or
lay aside, Frenauld touched his hat,
and, approaching Captain penham,
said:
Il am TIE bearer of letter, sir, froE
Captain Fox, who desires me to take
back your answer.
Captain Denham was inclined to like
Frenauld, and his dislike Of Fox-he
imagined-was caused by the feeling
that he was or mi2ht become a rival.
All fear of this being dissipated by Lea,
he felt, as is ever the case with gener-
Gus natures, of going to the other ex-
treme.
Frenauld remained back, smoking and
conversng with the officers Of the Sea
Hawk, who were gathered under an
awning on the quarter deck.
Before opening the letter, Ralph Den
ham, followed by Valentine Dayton,
went down 10 the cabin.
After glancing oveAthe note to make
sure that he could communicate it's con-
tents 10 his subordinate, without any
breach OF etiquette, he read as follows:
On BOARD II. NJ s CRUISER WANDERER, |
OFF SAG HARRoR. June 13, 1896. I
My DEAR CAPTAIN DENHAM: ] have
been informed ly some OF our friends
asho that you ale ordered to New York
at once. without your ship. Strangely
enough. tie same post brought me al Or
der. commanding me TO New YORK Bay
with nay Ship on or before the 10Th inst.
The trip by land is long and tedious.
while ! expect IN this weather 10 mike 1t
inside OF twelve hours on the Wanderer-
gong up tie sCund and through Iiurl
! Gate. or liz, II Gaze. Us it is now being
called.
Permit me TO say there Is cabin at your
service on board the Wanderer. and il you