The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-10-15
CHAPTER III-Continued.

CHAPTER III-Continued.
Il am William Fox, Captain OF her
Majesty's cruiser Wanderer, and right
honored am 1, dear sir, to salute and
welcome you," replied the Captain,
grasping tho Squires hand.
And my FRIEND" said the Squire.
with another bow and wave OF his left
hand, as he turned TO the gentleman in
the bottles green coat, is DR.. Nehemiah
Hedges, late representative OF this
county in her Majesty's ProvinciahAs-
sembly, surgeon to the First Suffolk
Volunteers, and our chief physician at
this end of the island"
And may heaven long spare him to
keep health to the people and to reflect
honor on the crown" said Captain Fox,
giving both hands to the doctor, who,
being a very modest man, blushed at
the complimentary words OF his friend,
and the almost forgotten titles OF which
he found himself the possessor.
, Captain Fox presented his visitors to
the officers not on duty, and then all
adjourned to the cabin, where the lamps
were lit, and Don, under the directions
of Lieutenant Frenauld. had set out
crystal fiagons of wine, with q great ar
ray of such glasses as the provincial
gentlemen had never put eyes on be-
fore.
Gentlemen" said the Captain, when
all the glasses were filed, permit me
and my officers to drink to your long
life and continued prosperity, and to
welcome you with all heartiness on
board the Wanderer.
Il but seldom drink wine, and never
prescribe it," said Doctor Hedges, look
over his winegiass at the captain, mot
that I object to the fluid in moderate
quantities, but that it is go difficult to
find on this coast the pure vintage in
which our fathers delighted. drink to
YOU
The glasses were drained, and tho
captain FASTENED to say:
You cannot find that fault with tho
vino you have Just tasted, for 1t has
been twice around the world In tho
wood, and like sherry, burgundy Inn
proves by travel, and unlike some Of
ourselves. 1t grows better and purer as
the years pass over it.
"Ah, 1t Is rare wine, in truth, said
Squire Condit, emacking his lips, and
raising his glass to inhale the aroma.
But though our wines cannot be prais-
ed, we feel that our brandy Is not in
ferior, and Governor DUNCAN, who hon.
ored US with visit not long since, as
sured me that our spiced rum was su-
perior to anything Of the kind he had
ever tasted.
al hope to confirm the the governor S
Judgment before l sail hence, said the
captain.
night, said Yhe squire, with more enthu-
siasm than he ordinarily manifested,
To- or do q
felt that reserve was essential to sus-
tain the dignity Of his dual honors. Il
am the guardian-or rather I was the
guardIan-of Captain Ralph Denham,
whom have grown to look on as a son;
and Doctor Hedges is the brother Of the
first officer, and the uncle of the second
officer OF the Sea Hawk"
"Then let me congratulate you both,
taid the captain, again shaking hands
with his visitors, for though have not
the honor ef q personal acquaintance
with the officers OF the Sea Hawk, news
of their bravo exploits In the West In
dies has reached me at the other side o!
the worle, where the Wanderer has beer
cruising I'LL ordered to these waters.
You must come and dine with then
tonight" said the doctor. After din
ner at my house we adjourn to thu
squirss. where there will be music ant
dancing.
"A concession I make to the brave
sailors who have been SO long away,
exclaimed the squire. There will b
those who, on the morrow, will say
Deacon Goodwill Condit has done tina
for which he should be disciplined b.
the congregation. But should they d,
so, will reply, 4 danced not. and
was not my own master on the occa
sion.
IAN excuse that should exonerate yo'
with the most rigid" laughed Captain
Fox; adding as he waved his hand t.
Don, we must try one more glass be
fore you leave.
Both visitors protested that they ha'
had enough. :.
Then you will honor me by permit
ting me to send each Of you cask to
morrow.
The captain said this in a way tina
gave no chance for refusal, and then h
escorted the squire and doctor to tn
deck; and at his command the sailor
sprang into the rigging and cheered a
the little yawl bore the delighted oil
gentlemen away.