The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-09-21
CHAPTER /.

~ not to confess that
tsf / have since enjoyed
many days far excel
ing IN happiness that day, was the 10th
day OF June IN the year OF grace 1747.
For on that day, being my nineteenth
birthday, / was promoted, though SO
young 10 be mate or chief officer on
board my ship, the Lady OF Lynn,
Captain Jaggard then engaged In the
Lisbon trade.
! will tell you presently how | was so
fortunate as TO be apprenticed to so
fine a craft as the Lady OF Lynn. Just
now II is enough to set down that she
was the finest vessel I'm the little fleet
of ships belonging 10 my young mis-
tress, Molly Miller. ward OF Captain
Crowle. There were eight ships. all
her own-the Lady of Lynn, the ship In
which | served my apprenticeship; the
Jolly Miller, named after her father;
the Lovely Molly, after herself; the
Joseph and Jennifer, after her par
ents; the Pride OF Lynn, the Beauty
OF Lynn. the Glory OF Lynn and the
Honor OF Lynn-all OF which you may
take II you like rs named after their
owner. Molly owned them all
have TO tell you In this place why
one day I'm especial must ever be re-
membered by me as the most surpris-
ing and the happest that | had ever
known.
| was standing on the quarter deck
on duty when the boy came up the
companion, saying that the captain
wanted 10 speak 10 me. So ] followed,
little thinking OF what he had TO say,
expecting no more than some question
about log or cargo such rs the skipper
is always putting 20 his officers.
In the captains cabin, however,
found sitting nj the table not only Cap
tain Jaggard himself, but my old
friend and patron. Captain Crowle.
His jolly face was full of satisfaction
and good humor. 50 that ia gave one
pleasure only 70 look a him. But nc
sat upright and assumed the air u Dig
nifty which spoke Of the quarter deck. A
man who has walked that part OF the
ship In command doth never lose the
look OF authority.
John Pentecrosse," he began, II have
AGENT for you In order 10 inform you
nat on the recommendation of Captain
Jaggard here"-Captain Jaggard grave
ly inclined his head IN acqulescence-
land with the consent Of Miss Molly
Miller. sole proprietor OF this good ship,
the Lady OF Lynn, | have promoted
you TO the rank of chief officer"
SIR cried, overwhelmed for in
deed had no reason 10 expect this
promotion FOR another two or three
years. What can sayg
I'VE don't want you 70 say anything
jack my lad" The captain came
down from the quarter deck and be
came my old friend again Give me
your hand You're young, but there's
never a better sailor aGoat Is there,
Captain JaggardY
"None, Captain Crowle; none for Ills
years"
"For his years naturally Hes salt
through and through, isn't he. Captain
JaggardT"
"And through. Captain Crowle." My
skipper was n man OF grave aspect and
few words.
We'll. then. let rs drink the lads
health" And upon that the cabin boy
who needed no further order. divcd In
to the locker. produced bottle, opened
II and placed three glasses,
mo better Lisbon" said Captain
Jaggard, pouring Il out Goes even
10 the table Of the King, God bless
him."
"Now. gentlemen" Captain Crowle
pushed a glass 20 me-"iirst a glass to
Miss Molly, my little maid Jack,
r.xuye been her playfellow and you're
- Nv her servant"
T"I could ask nothing better. sir"
81 know-a good and jealous servant
Drink II Off, full glass, running over,
to Molly Miller"
We obeyed, nothing loath.
"And now, Captain Jaggard, here's
the health of your new mate, long to
serve under you, your right hand, your
eyes open when you are Off the deck,
your sailing master, the keeper OF your
log. Jack Pentecrosse. drink TO your
good luck"
That was the event which made this
day the happiest in my life. Another
event OF which thought little at the
time was more important still in the
after consequences This was the hui
initiation OF Samuel Semple.
In the evening as soon ms could get
ashore repaired, as I'm duty bound, TO
pay my respects TO my young mistress.
She was sitting In the summer house
N>sth some needlework. Beside her sat
hen good old black woman. Nlgra.
"Jackw She dropped her work and
jumped up to meet me. Il thought you
would come this evening Oh, are You
pleasedw
"You knew should come, Molly.
Why. have not to thank yon for my
Promotion
She gave me her hand with her sweet
fpnknoss and her smiling face.
~ would make YOU captain JACK but
ny guardian viii not hear % i All n
good time, though. I am only waiting