Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-08-16
The Sea Scourge
- GO
CHAPTER /.


1t was a cold, wet day in autumn,
and the sun, which had not been seen
since morning, was nearing its western
home of rest. Upon the road from Cam
bridge to Boston walked a man and two
children. The former was young-not
over ix-and-twenty-and habited in the
garb Of a seaman. He was short in
stature, and broad and heavy in his
build, with face Of bronzed hue, upon
which was stamped much intelligence
and wit. A careful observer would have
seen the index to quick. passionate dis
position in that face, and from the dark,
somber smile that sometimes played up
on it, he would have also concluded that
its possessor was not burdened with con-
scientious scruples where his own pur-
poses were at stake. Upon his shout
der he carried a small bundle. and upon
one corner Of the handkerchief which
served for portmanteau was printed
in small, black letters the name Mari
Laroon."
The children were a boy and girl.
The boy could not have been over five
years old, and he showed signs Of ex-
cessive fatigue. He was a bright look
ing little fellow, and possessed much
physical beauty. The girl was younger
still, and as she walked YEARLY along
beside her conductor, the tears ever and
anon started from her large blue eyes.
Her garb was plain and homely in the
extreme. but her other appearance did
not at all correspond with it. Her face
was very pale and delicate, her hair
long and glossy, and betrayed much pre-
vious care and dressing, while her hands
gave no token of acquaintance with dirt.
The boy had shed some tears, for the
traces of them were still to be seen upon
his plump cheeks; but he shed nope now,
for he had received blow for crying.
You're tired, aren't your said the
man, addressing the boy.
Yes, sir" returned the lad, looking
up and shuddering as he met the gaze of
his conductor.
well, never mind: we've only three
miles farther to go before we reach the
Cross-Hands Inn. You'll be glad to get
there, won't your"
yes, sir"
The words were spoken timidly, and
with evident reluctance.
And when you do get there. you'll
remember you ale my child, won't you?
But you aren't my father. Please
don't make me say So
You'd rather be whipped, eh2'
No, nop shrieked the boy, and as he
did so the little girl sprang forward
and threw her arms about his neck. and
burst into a passionate fit of weeplrg.
Mari Laroon removed the girl with
strong grip, and then looking the boy in
the eye, he said:
II am your father. ard you must know
- o.,1 IL Al vI-
father is?''
Hes dead, sir" sobbed the poor
child. MIR. Humphrey told me So"
He told you a lie, then. i left you
with him two years ago, and you are my
hoy. l was going away, and he said he
would take care of you till came back.
So when came back took you. Per
kaps he thought l was dead, though
Very likely he did. Now just remember
this, and if anybody asks your name,
tell 'em tits Paul Laroon. Mind, now.
l don't think you want me so kill you,
but / shall if You don't speak just as
L have told you"
The little fellows lips trembled, and
he would have burst into tears, but the
look of his master prevented him.
Mary" spoke I,aroon, very kindly,
you are tired, aren't youY
Yes, SIR lisped the child
Say, Yes, ppcle.'"
"Yes. untle," repeated she, as nearly
as she could.
MARY is your cousin, Paul And
now, my little Mary, you shall ride in
my arms while; and perhaps [ will
carry Paul. by and by, il he gets very
tired
So saying, the stout sailor lifted the
tiny form of the girl into his arms. 1t
was fairly da<k when they reached
little village, where stood the Cross
Hands Inn, at which place they stopped.
Laroon calling She landlord out. ordered
room provided with two beds "a it. and
thither he took his little charges. As it
was too cold to sit up, Laroon brought
the children up their supper and as soon
g. they had eaten it, he helped them TO
bed remarkinS as he did so that he was
going down below while, and that they
must be sure and make no noise.
When they were safely tucked up in
their nest, he gathered up the few dishes
and left the chamber. being careful to
lock the door after Elm and take away
the key.
1t was quite late when Laroon came
the children slept, lie proceeded to I'M
dress and get into the other bed, and
ere long his heavy, discordant snoring
mingled haeSh!y with the gentle breath
irgs of those who occupied the other
couch.
Away off in distant part of the State
there was Siarm and anguish. A man.
frantic and delirious, vas calling aloud
for his chil9-for his children-and call
ing in vain. Lanterns and torches were
flashing in every nook and corner where
children had been wont TO play, but no
children wee to lie found. The streams
were sounded and dragged, and the
woods and hedges were secured all
through, but the lost ones came not.
At midnight ths man was upon his
knees, crying alo4d for his children; but
his frantic prayer was in vain.