Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-03-18
THE CAPTAINS LOVE.

THE CAPTAINS LOVE.
No, I've never been shipwrecked
or been in collision all the time
I've been to sea-a matter now of
over 40 years. But I've carried some
queer passengers in my time. I'll
tell you about two who exercised q
powerful influence over me, but
whether for good or evil you shall
hear presently.
It was in the fall of 1879, Just
when on the eve of sailing, that an
old gentleman stepped on board and
hurriedly approached me. He was
a tall, spare man, with iron gray
. hair and had slight stoop at the
shoulders.
GOOD day, captain, said he. "I
only heard this morning that you
were sailing for England, and 1 has
tened down to ascertain if you could
find accommodation for myself and
daughter at so short notice.
Certainly" l replied in my
hearty way. II shall be only too
pleased to take you. AS it happens,
there are only three passengers
booked this trip, and they are Sec
ond lass, 30 you can have the sa-
lon" retty much to yourselves. -
sanked me effusively and dis
ed into the saloon. marvel
ais precipitancy and wondered
the daughter was to come
!, for she was not visible any
Q instructions to the appren-
have their luggage convey
~ %. 9oard, and myself superin-
ended the slowing away of their
.unks in the two best appointed
abins in the ship. While SO en-
aged I heard light football behind
le, and, turning round, 1 beheld
be fairest vision of loveliness that
yer frightened my saloon.
MY daughter-Captain Harnott, {"
aid Mr.. Brandon, introducing US.
was SO taken aback by her ex-
ling beauty that 1 awkwardly
ched my cap, and, with the wind
an taken out of my sails, STAN
red:
Glad to. see you, miss
he placed her soft, little white
d in my big, sun Drowned paw,
looking me squarely in the
out of her laughing blue eyes,
insure we shall be good friends,
ain, during the voyage"
espoke with a charming colo
accent, and from that moment
as her most devoted, humble
mt, slave, anything you like. I
head over ears in love with
tsight. You may smile; but,
ect, I was comparatively
man then.
wing them to arrange their
to their own satisfaction,
I'd the companion steps and
deck. 1t certainly occupied
considerable time, for nei-
her nor daughter appeared
until the ship was well out
"Heads" and the tug had
eturned to port.
That voyage I look back upon as
he happiest and saddest I ever
uade. Miss Brandon was splendid
ailor. In fair weather or foul she'd
Q on deck, delighting me with the
miration she expressed for my
ndsome three masted clipper and
childlike naivete Of her ques-
ls. used to pace the quarter
Z In the morning, impatient for
first appearance. On the dullest
rtiest day it was like ray Of
hine suddenly bursting forth
l q lowering sky to zee her
rge from the companion hatch,
ing as fresh as daisy and a
sand times more lovely.
course it was only natural that
mates should fall in love with
also, but she treated them with
ked indifference if not absolute
aess. Her smiles were all re.
ed for me, and she lavished
lupon me in no niggardly man.
ne was a piano in the saloon,
,ften j. le long evenings she
play for my sole de-
would sit on set
I'd gaze rapturously
he best Cook Stove o
r& Hansen have then