The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-05-14
A CONSPIRACY.

long voyage to find himself Widower and
sacrificed his fondness for seafaring life
to the needs of his only daughter Lucy and
mad settled in a thriving coast city, where
he could live comfortably upon the modest
fortune he has accumulated.
1t was rather slow in dawning upon the
captains mind that Lucy might some day
like to marry. That Lucy could cherish a
genuine interest in young man occurred
to him. until a son Of one of his former
shipmates proposed for Lucy's hand
The sutton, Jack Darrow, was himself a
sailor and the old captain had found great
comfort in his calls. In fact the ancient
mariner had entertained the notion that
Jack called to see him, and it was quite a
shock when Jack, finding the captain alone
one evening, made his purpose clear.
Have ye signalled her, Jack?" he asked
Haven't hoisted rag" replied the young
sailor, sheepishly, IF it's all right Cap. YOU
speak to her. She'll do anything you say'
Dunno, dunno returned the captain, du-
biously. But I'll hcave the lead, Jack, and
let you know if the channels clear"
That satisfied Jack, and true to his word
the captain "heaved the lead" that very
night.
Lucy" he said, "Jack Darrow wants to
splice with ye."
Cant be done, papa she answered at
once. Jacks a good fellow. but 1 don't
love him.
''All's WE'LL he said, after moment Pm
not asking We to love him, Lucy. You shan't
marry anybody We don't love-
knew you'd say so, papa, just know
you won't object to my marrying the man
do love-
Eth? Steady there! Do We mean you've
got somebody in mind?"
Lucy blushed and looked at the floor ,
Who is he?" asked the captain, anxiously
It's Henry Whitman, papa. He asked me
this evening""
What. that dude?"
"Papa?"
Lucy's eyes blazed as she addressed her
ashs 8sg gh 55fssa 2 e h than t she had
moment and then went to her room
T ne fffaaptaln drew epng breath, sank into
a chair and fumbled for his pipe. Under it's
soothing influence he, became comforted.
Whitman dressed styishly, but that might
not be against him. He could afford his APP
parent extravaganza, for he was clerk in a .
bank. Everybody spoke we'll of him, too.
Poor Jack Darrow
After time the captain knocked the ashes
from his pipe, and going to Lucy's room
spoke to her through the closed door.
It's all right, little girl he said, in shak-
ing voice. If you want young Whitman you
shall have him. and God bless We both"
Whereupon Lucy arose, went to the door,
opened it and threw her arms around her
fathers neck.
Next day Capt. Hanson reported his sound
ings to Jack, and told him plainly that he'd
have to sheer off.
Jack did not manifest his i'll will then, but
O. little later he devised a way to wreak
CHANGED to learn that Whitman was to take
Lucy to a theater certain evening It
began to rain that afternoon, depressing
ctaseless drizZle This was Jacks oppor-
tunity and he arranged a plot with great
care. He found three loyal friends to whom
he confded the situation and his purpose
and they agreed to look after details.
The curtain rises upon their little drama
at exactly 7:15 o'clock in the evening Scene,
the front steps of Capt. Hansen's house A
cold drizzle continues throughout. The first
coEspirator enters, trips I'D the stems and
pulls the bell. After a slight pause the door
opens and the old captain appears looking
out into the wet.
rs Miss Hanson at homer" inquiries the
cor sCirator
Yes" replies the CAPTAIN irving to recoe
nize the visitor, will you walk in?"
Thanks, no. is the reply. II just called
to say that it is 9 veIy uncomfortable night
moist and windy, and she really ought not
to think of going out Good evening" and
the first conspirator trots down leaving the
captain in open -nouthed amazement
Offended but too surprised to do or saw
any thing, he slams the door and retires
Five or six minutes pass and conspirator
No. comes stridng confidently along
mounts the high stoop and rings the bell
rs Miss Hanson at homer" asks the visitor
of the old gentleman.
Eyes, she is responds the captain What
do you want?"
TITS a very dirty night" remarks the con-
sp:rator, with enraging frankness land she
really ought not to venture OUT
big seas and great gales!" roars the cap
tain in tremendous rage; you get out of
here!" And he makes dash at the self-ap-
pointed adviser, but the latter is on his
guard and skips down the steps unframed
Ten minutes are then allowed to elapse be-
fore the third conspirator appears on the
scene. He, too, trots UP the high stoop and
rings the bell, but, having rung, he pru-