The times., 1897-06-27

skipper, meditating,
.tHe would he sure to be where there
are ships,- said the old lady; I'm GER
tain of it. You see he was captain Of n
ship himself good many years, aaa for
one thing he couldn't live away from the
water, and for another it's the only way
he has of getting living, poor man
unless he's gone TO sea again, which isn't
likely" -
.'Coasting trade, ] suppose said the
skipper, glancng at two or three small
craft which We're floating in oil round
the walls.
The old lady nodded. Those were his
ships she said, following his glance, but
the painters never could get the clouds
to please him. / shouldn't think there
was a man In all England harfor to
please with clouds than he was
What sort of looking man is he?''
inquired Wilson.
I'm get you portrait" said the old
lady, and she rose and left the room.
The girl FROM her seat in the window
The skipper, anxious to appear at his
ease, coughed gently three times, and
was on the very verge of remark =
head and became absorbed in some
thing outside. The skipper fell to re-
garding the clouds again with even mort
dsfavor than the missing captain himself
could have shown.
THAT was taken just before he dis
appeared" said the old lady entering the
room again and handing him photograph.
"You can keep that
The skipper took IL and gazed intently
at the likeness of sturdy. full-bearded
man of about sixty. Then he placed it
carefully in his breast-pocket and rose to
his feet.
And if should happen to drop across
him. he said slowly, what might his
name hc?''
..Gething." said the old lady, Capt
Gething II you should see him, and
woGld tell him that he has nothing to
fear, and that his wife and his daugh
ter Annis are dying tn see him. you will
have done what can never, never prop
erly thank you for
I'm do my best said the other, warm
ly "Good afternoon -
He shook hands with the old woman, anil
then, standing with his hands by his side,
looked doubtfully at Annis
Good afternoon she said, cheerfully.
Mrs Gething showed him TO the door.
ANY time you are at Gravesend, cap
tain, we shall be pleased to see you and
hear how you get on.'' she said as she let
him out
The captain thanked her, pauslng at the
gate to glance covertly at the window but
the girl was bending over her work again,
and he walked away rapidly.
Until he had reached his ship and was
sitting down To his beiatcd dinner he had
almost forgotten, In the joyful excitement
of having something To do for Miss Geth
ing, the fact that she was engaged To an
other man. As he remembered this he
pushed his plate from him. and, leaning
his head on his hand, gave way TO a fit OF
deep melancholy. lie took the photograph
from his pocket and gazing at it intentIy,
tried To discover a likeness between tile
father and daughter There was not suffl
cient to warrant him in besto wing q chaste
salute upon it,
What do you think O. that2'' he Inquired
handing IL over TO the mate, who had been
watching him curiously
Any friend o. yours2' inquired the mate.
cautiously
No said the other
We'll, don't think much Of him. said
the mate. Where d'yop getit?''
''It was given TO me-" said the skipper
Hes missing. and I've got to find him
If can. You might as well keep your
eyes open, too"
Where are you going to look for him?''
asked the mate.
'-Eyerywhere,' said the other I'm
told that he's likely 10 be in a seaport
town, and if yoUu be on the lookout
III take it a. "a favor
I'll do that, o course" said the mate
whats he been doing?"
Nothing that l know off, said the
skipper; but he's been missing some
five years, and / promised I'd do my
best to find him.
Friends are anxious, 1 s'pose?" said
the mate.
Yes said the other
81 always fiDd,' continued the mate,
that women are more anxious in these
sort o. cases than men,
More tender hearted" said the skipper
ut amt bad sort o. face. now / come
TO look att said the baffled mate. regard
ing 1t closely. "Seetas to me I've seen
somebody very much ike it-a girl, /
think-but can't say where
Bearded lady al a fair, 1 should think :"
said the skipper. bluffiy.
Conversation was interrupted By the ap-
pearance of Henry, who, seeing the photo
graph in the mates hand, at once began
putting the butter away. A glance told
hill that the mate was holding 1t upside
down. and conscience told him that this
was for his benefit He therefore rigidIy
ayerted his gaze while clearing tie table.
anl IL small mental ledger, which he
kept with scrupulous care, for items such
as these, made a debit entry in the mates
account
BOY" said the skipper suddenly.
Sir said Henry
You're fairly sharp youngster, I
think" said the skipper. Take hold G.
that photo there"
Henry's face suffused with great hy
he looked derisively at the mate, aud took
the photograph from him, listening in
tently to much the same Instructions as
had been previously given to the mate.
And you can take 1t for'ard," concluded
the skipper, land let the men see it."
"The men?" said Henry, in astonish-
ment.
Yes, the men: don't 1 speak psain:"
retorted the skipper.
Very plain, sir,'' said the boy; but
they'll only make a muddIe OF Il, SIR
Fancy fat Sam, and, the cook. and Dick!"
do as you're told" said the other, iras-
chilly.
90 course, SIR" said Henry; ''but
they'll only worry me with lot If cues
tioEs as to who e is an wot you want i'm