The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-10-22
CHAPTER vi.

CAPTAIN FOX RETURNS THE COMPLIMENT
CAPTAIN Fox and Mr.. Frenauld made
a most favorable impression on the gen.
erous, hospitable islanders. Even the
reticence Of the officers was looked on
as an evidence OF that modesty which Is
popularity supposed to accompany great
bravery and decided morit.
Most gallant and accomplished gen.
tlemen, said Dr. Hedges, when, few
days after the arrival OF the ships, ne
was discussing the merits OF the stran-
gers: Il tell you again, neither the
mother land nor tho colonies need to
fear, SO long as their shores are de-
tended by sailors who are at once pat
riots and gentlemen"
Squire Condit, before replying. tapped
his silver snuff-box, touched spring.
and the lid flew open, and then handing
1t to the doctor, who took pinch and
bowed as he raised it to his nose-just
as men bow when about to drink wine
he took a pinch himself. This done, he
initiated the doctor by taking out red
handkerchief, that looked like good
sized flag, and they inclined their heads
toward each other and blew bugle
blasts of great vigor and resonance into
the hankerchiefs.
Il agree with you. my dear Doctor,
said the squire, replacing the handker-
chief In ono Of the side-pockets OF his
velveteen coat. "Thc officers OF tho
Wanderer arc gentlemen tried and true,
of that there cannot be tho slightest
doubt; and I am right glad to welcome
them here. But cannot see that in any
Of the essential requirements OF gentil-
| ity or seamanship, or even In those ex-
terror qualifications that rejoice the
owes of women, and which Incu are
pleased to behold, that they surpass
own people, the officers and crew OF the
| Sea Hawk.
well said, Squire Condit, said the
| doctor, taking out his snuffbox and pre-
sentino 1t in turn. Perhaps one who
| has brother and nephew among the Of
| ficers OF the Sea Hawk Is not competent
| to Judge impartially between tho merits
of these sailors; but would not fear,
wero thoy foes opposed to each other
which may heaven forbid-as to tho ro-
| suit OF tho contest"
Nor would l." replied the squire,
helping himself to pinch OF snuff from
the doctors box, and preparing for an
| other blast by taking out his handker-
| chief. Ralph Denham Is as dear TO me
| as IL he were flesh OF my flesh and bone
| of my bone. 1t Is not for me to say
what the Condits are or have been. and,
pray, ever will be-; but, though l know
| not Ralph's antecedents, am sure II they
| over are known that they will provo TO
be quite as good as mine. or yours, or
| any one else's in the provinces.
| Il think, my dear Squire. that you
made mistake In no: giving him your
own name, when that stranger first
| placed him In your charge
II could not; the boy was too old
then, and would have remembered, re-
piled the squire.
How old was her
"A little over five. the stranger sald.
And that was twenty years ago?
"Twenty-one years a5o-let me see;
why 1t is twenty-one years ago thie
blessed first of June. All, now recall
my wife spoke Of it this morning. and
told me that we always celebrated the
event like birthday. Captain Fox hat
invited US aboard his ship this evening
SO, after all, Ralph's arrival, as we call
II. will be made much of. OF course
vour family will be there, Doctor" said
the squire, stamping his foet as II pre-
pairing to move on.
"Yes: Mrs. Hedges and Lea are groai
admirers of the new corners; anil then
you know, Valentine Dayton and m!
brother can't we'll refuse. Sailors
though informal In their ways witt
landsmen, are said to be very rigid will
each other.
DR.. Hedges mounted his pony, and
rode off, to visit his patients on tn
other side Of the bay, and Squire Condi'
walked briskly to the eastward, wher'
he had large farm and many b ands +
| oversee.
ITO he COsrINuEDI