The Saint Paul globe., 1900-05-07

spoke, and Julia, studying his face, no
ticed the subdued look and the calm
ness, and felt a little despairful for, poor
heart she was in love, and want-d the
captain to go raving mad, that Hardy
might get command and marry her at
Melbourne and bring her home. Oh God,
what joy for a heart so long joyless! a
home protector, a husband, on whose
breast she could lean, with her lips at
his ear in softest murmurings of wifely
confidence.
Eight bells! Make 1t the bell eghtp'
and the four double chimes rang gladly
along the decks and up aloft
Pass the word for the cabin, servant
said the captain, speaking and looking as
4coilectedly as the sanest of, skippars
might show in that, first command of
tacking, Ready about,''
IEhe man came aft in a hurry impelled
by the thirsty yearning of the forecastle
mob and in a couple or three minutes
ne was standing at the capstan just
abaft the mast with bucket on the
head" and a tot measure In his hand
The captain stood close to the man, and
the crew gathered around. The New
foundland stood at his masters side
Now, was to be seen the most glowing.
canvas in the panorama which unfolds
this ships adventure. The picture was
alive with Its crowd of faces and sea-
men watching the lips of their command
er, alive with the color and diversity of
their apparel, with the silent breathing
of the white breast soaring to the height
OF the fiery streak of bunting which
trembled in dog-vane from the main
royal truck. The sea was soft in caress
and note, and Julia thought of the way
side fountain to which she as well as
Hardy had listened in the night, when, in
the pause, she heard the fall of the show
er under the bow
MY lads" began the captain, and Har-
dy watched him with strained attention,
| believing that the crew would see it, this
is my birthday, and I am departing from
the custom of the sea in making a gen
eral holiday of it."
He grew pale and paler as he spoke,
| but his voice did not falter, and no
change was visible in his expression save
that light as of secret exultation bright
ened his eye and accentuated his pallor.
Il have always tried to make a good
master to my men, and to treat them like
men, and sailors, and not as dogs. which
other captains seem to find them
This was attended by a growl of appre-
| citation.
80, my lads" continued the captain,
as this is my birthday one and all of
you, the mates. and the lady last. but
not least, shall drink my health, and the
health of the little boy who has left his
| little drum behind him.:
May God bless you and him." said one
! of the men, for this proved to be one of
those touches of nature which made all
! those hearts akin.
Now serve ont=serve out, and hand
somely!"
The boatswain drank first. And again.
and again, and again the measure was
filled until all hands of the sailors. save
flalT
fiery draught, many with a smack and a
smile of relish. Then the wheel was re-
lieved, and another bumper was swallow
ed with a Many 'appy returns of the day.
SIR
Drink" !" said the captain to the attend
ant and the man drained a full dose
Sweeten the measure for the two
mates,' said the captain
This was quickly done And then
Hardy drank and then Candy. for both
had the throats of the sea, which seems
| lined with brass when its ten per cent
above proof. Your health. sir''-and-
your health, sir, and the mates took 1t
down.
Now. Miss Armstrong, you will drink
my health" said the captain, and with
the gallantry of an old beau he took her
by the hand and led her into the cabin.
She glanced at Hardy with smile be-
fore she vanished.
The men scattered as they went for
ward to get their dinner The captain
took wine glass from rack. and a
bottle from locker, and filed the glass
| with red wine.
Drink to me and to the boy am seek,
ing, and then tell me where he is,' he
exclaimed as he extended the glass. She
took it, and said with forced cheerfuIness
to humor him;
your health. Capt. Layard, and MANY
happy returns of this day, and my heart s
gratitude to you for the kindness to me.
And God will some day show you where
your child ISL
She drank halfthe contents of the glass.
His eyes sparl1ledl- and his face was gro
tesque with the workings of his dreadful
| exultatien.
'Oh, you mustfdrain it-you must drain
it, Miss Armstrong, or it'll be bad luck
and no pledge
She drank hesgiass empty, and put ii
i down upon the table. He gazed at her
with extraordinary intentness as though
| he listened to hear her words, then swift
/ ly entered the cabin, closed and bolted
the door, and. pulling out loaded re-
! volver from under the pillow in his bunk,