The Opelousas courier., 1903-01-24
So @ o.
His Unique Proposal Was Understood
When She Had Learned the
Code.

ADerQeen, walked DriSkly up the Hall
street of Lerwick, his feet wide apart
as though there was need to balance
himself.
The Eda had encountered a head
wind and very dirty weather coming
up the channel, and it takes the smart
est sailor q month or two on land tc
realize that cobble stones and pave
ments do not roll.
Half way up the street he turned Of
and stopped before n Of the small
gray stone houses. A woman sat with
her back to the window knitting q
white shawl with marvellous rapidity.
Will Allen watched her for a lew
minutes. Her fair hair, knotted neat
ly, her broad back and nimble fingers
had a cheerful, friendly sort Of look
to the casual passerby, but an express
sion Of doubt crept into Wills bronzed
face.
"Ill never say it," he muttered, IT'D
best go straight up to mothers"
He was turning back into the main
street, when a small boy, swinging his
satchel on the way home from school,
accosted him.
Why, it's Will Allen back again!
That's grand! Have you brought me
anything this time, VIII? Jeanne,
jeanne, here's Will Allen backl"
jeanne looked up from her knitting
as the boy dragged the half-reluctanr
Will into the little kitchen.
why, WILL" she said, "how's all
with you? 1 saw the Eda was safe
in Aberdeen, but we did not expect
you here just yet! Your mother must
be pleased to have you back"
VIII made no reply beyond an in
articulate sound, which might mean
yes or no.. He sat and so1emnly stared
with his clear sailor eyes at Jeanne
Is she put away her work and made
SIEuo, CIV
ing him various pieces of Lerwick
neWs-of the births and deaths and
marriages which had taken place since
his departure ten months ago. It was
on the tip of his tongue to say, You're
still single, Jeanie?" But there the
words stayed.
Man" he said solemnly that night
20 a reflection of his handsome. wind
~roughened face in the small glass in
Ills mothers parlor. didn't I tell you
you'd never say it,"
The Eda made a quick run south
IN her next voyage. During the dog
watch n evening, when nothing was
ioing, and the youngest apprentice
could be trusted with a wheel that re-
Iuired no turning, the mate picked I'D
he book containing the code of sig
aals which the captain had left o.
the deck and idly turned the leaves.
Suddenly the boy at the wheel was
startled by seeing the usually impas-
i've first officer throw down the book
and beat his leg. with a look of glee.
Man. man, thatll do IT," he x
claimed aloud. Then his professional
Instincts aroused by a puff of wind on
his cheek, he babe the boy keep awake.
and went for'ard.
jeanne was half expecting him a few
months later when the step. well
known, though rarely heard, sounded
with more decision than usual on the
iagstones outside. The Eda had been
i've weeks in Aberdeen and 1t was
time the mate had his holiday.
Come right I'M" she called. "I.ye
IN order to finish tonight, SO sit down
and tell me all the news"
But. Of course, 1t was Jeanne herself
supplied the news as her quick
myers finished the delicate web of fine
WOOL, which was ft to adorn the
shoulders.
VIII sat and looked at her In sill
'nce as usual. but a broad smile o n
lis q c was not SO familiar, and once
n twice ne passed his great rough
lands over his mouth ais though soma.
hing that might otherwise burst out
be suppressed.
1t was easier to chuckle over to him.
eli, though, than to utter. and habit
vas SO strong that Will had said
night" and left the house with
giving vent to his feelings. with
great effort, however. he thrust his
cad In at the door again.
3 g, Jeanie?" he said-"B @ CT"
leaving her thoroughly mystiaed.
e turned up the street.
He met her the next morning ont
1arketing. carried her basket, and
'alked home by her side without q {
ORD. On the doorstep. instead of !
iddir her good day. he gave utter. i
nee asain to the mystic letters: 4
"B @ G, Jeanie??" 6
What ever do you mean with yonr 1
9. VIII Allen? 1t puzzled me all &
st night. D @ stands for bark, but '
@ beats me" )
WI looked exceedingly foolish. and {
away. :
What could he mean? @ q didnf /
'eil anything-could not be the begin. b
Of q word. What did the letters +
can?
That VIII Allen loved her was i !
after OF no doubt; that he would tell i
so seemed unlikely. and Jeanis. /,
Jamie sci en- her hands, and the 3
gMtA S - $3.50 @