The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-09

had not the heart to leave them alone down
stairs, in such an abject state. Madame
Legrand looks merry enough now, doesn't
she? And yet, heard her declare then that,
once on shore, she would die any number OF
deaths before she would set foot on vessel
againi''
She is not the first passenger by good
many have heard say that" and Mr.. Grants
weather and fair sailing reduce them to such
a state, one rather wonders what those same
people would be like in good storm, or bad
breakdown in mid-ocean."
His companion cast look over the faces
of the three sitting near. as though She were
mentally forecasting the probable effect on
each of her friends
Her eyes rested, perhaps, a moment the
longest upon Count Villefranche, who, seated
low camp-stool beside the ladies, was
reading out snatches from a French novel,
and moving them to much laughter by his
wit.
Then she looked up quickly into the first
mates face, and Shuddered little
IA storm!'' she said, as she turned aside.
II have never yet been IN one worth calling
a real storm It must be very awful, very
grand and beautiful; but yet
But yet you would prefer not to think of
one in connection with this voyage, l see
Well, think, SO fai as one can speak with
any certainty of such very variable things as
winds and. waves, that we have prospect
of as good "a run as have, ever experienced.
Everything promises fair, smooth voyage,
SO far"
"I hope you are a true prophet, Mr.. Grant"
said Hilda. Have you ever been in any
great danger yourself? I suppose you could
hardly have been at sea so long without some
unpleasant experiences?"
well, my first voyage was by far the
worst. I was only lad Of fifteen, but 1 was
wrecked before I had been out three weeks,
and spent couple Of days on a raft with
three of our men. until a friendly fshing-boa
picked us up and landed us on the French
coast. But, if you want to hear nautical ad
ventures, you should apply to the captain;
he's been in many during his nearly half
century at sea. He's fine old specimen of
sailor, is Captain Septimus Lane.
and, I suppose, some day, you will be
captain of a vessel like this, too?" asked Hill
da, looking across the blue shimmering waves
and apparently not noticing how very per-
sonal her question was.
"Well, yes; that is the end most seamen
have in view when they work hard to rise in
their profession. have the pleasure of hold
ing captains certificate at this moment, but
1 have not the chance of using it yet-per-
haps, even, may have to wait some years. for
vacancies are few in the service, and promo
ton comes slowly"
Hilda opened her eyes wide.
II never thought Of having to wait.
So we may have the additional security Of
knowing that, in case Of Captain Lane being
disabled, we have in you fully qualified
commander, who would carry us home in
safety?" she said, jestingly.
But he, evidently, was not testing, as he
said, quietly
'I would try to do So" and he looked down
into her eyes.
She flushed a little as she turned aside.
and said, quickly
II suppose you always wanted to be
sailor? They say sailors must be born. NOT
made"
II can't quite remember the time when 7
did not want to run off and board the first
boat came to! fear I was rather a pickle
in my early years, and so were Jim. and
Teddy, and Tom, also. You see, there were 80
many Of us at home-seven boys and three
girls-and we big boys had rather a fight to
make our way in the world. There were no
silver spoons found in our mouths, and no
fairy godmother presided over our numerous
christenings, over some other peoples"
and Raymond Grant glanced over at Nell az
he spoke, oblvious of the sudden smile in
his listeners eyes. my father was doctor
in large country practice and had started
life with very little fortune except good old
Scotch name, some very blue blood and .
fair amount Of family pride. Hard work and
a family of ten soon knocked all the non
sense out of him. he used to saw himself.
and he was only too pleased to let his bovss
take up any career they had fancy to IN
dulge in, providing it was not too expensive
a one.
81 cannot even imagine what it is like tn n.
one of a large family said Hilda, musinrlv