Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1904-08-03
CHAPTER XVII.

/ There were two entrances to the
channel, lying perhaps a half mile
apart. the first the better and more
practicable. and certainly, with the
frigate rapidly drawing near. the SAT-
er: They were almost abreast Of the
first one now. Bentley. who had been
observing him keenly. came up to him.
I'VE are almost abreast the first pass,
Mr.. Seymour" he said respectfully.
Seymour turned as II he had been
struck Was the decision already upon
km? He could not make II.
We've will try the second. Bent
ley"
sir" said the old man hesitating
and yet persisting. the frigate is COM
ing down fast: we may not he able to
make the second pass"
I'VE will try the second, neverthe-
less" said the young man imperatively.
But. Mr.. john
silence, sir. When have you ban
died words with me before?" shouted
Seymour In n passion of temper. Go
forward where you belong"
The old man looked at him steadily
when. sir? Why. ever since | took
you from your dead fathers arms near
a score of years ago. oh, sir, | know
what you feel, but you know what you
must do. It's not for me to tell You
your duty" said the old man, laying
heavy emphasis upon that talismanic
word duty" which seems to appeal
more powerfully to seamen than to any
other class OF men. Love is a mighty
thing. sir. know Il; yes, even l." he
went on with rude eloquence. ever
lsince took you when you were little
lad and swore to watch over you and
lcare for you and make a man of you
aye. and I've done II, too-and the love
of woman. they say, is stronger than
1.-THE love of man, though Of that know
nothing; but honor and duty are above
love, sir. and upon your honor and your
doing your duty our country depends.
Yes, love of woman, Mr.. Seymour. but
before that love Of country, and now"
said the old man mournfully, after
Twenty years of--of friendship, II
may say il, you order me forward like
n dog. But that's neither here nor
there II you only save the ship. Oh,
MIR. John, In five minutes more you
must decide. "See"-pointlng to the
lfrigate-''how she rises! Think of II.
Think OF II once more before you
leopard the safety of this ship for any
woman. Honor, sir. and duty-its laid
upon you; you must do it--they come
before everything"
Seymour looked at the old man ten
derby and then grasped him by the
hand. you are right, old friend. For
Igive my rough words. 1 will do IL. II
kills me. but will do 1.-THE country
hrst of all. o God, pity me and help
mel" he said.
Amen" said Bentley. his face work.
ing with grief. yet iron In its deter
limitation and resolution.
Seymour turned on his heel and
sprang aft, bringing his hand the while
fingers instinctively went to the pocket
of his waistcoat and sought the letter
he carried there. He took II out half
mechanically and glanced at the ia
miliar writing once more. when sud
den gust OF wind snatched Il out OF his
hand and blew II to the feet of Talbot.
my letter!" cried Seymour impul-
lsively.
The soldier courteously stopped and
picked IL up and glanced down at the
open scrap mechanically as he ex-
TENDED his hand toward Seymour; then
the next moment he cried:
why, it's from Katharlne!"
One unconscious inspection sufiiced
to put him in possession of the con-
tents. Where did you get this note,
lsir?" he exclaimed, his face flushing
with jealousy and sudden suspicion.
1T is mine, am the one she loves.
How came 1t In your possession" he
continued, in rising heat.
| Seymour, already unstrung by the
fearful strain he had gone through and
the frightful decision he would have
to make later on-nay, had made after
Bentley's words-was in no mood TO De
catechised.
II am not in the habit OF answering
such personal questions, sir. And !
recognize no right in you to so ques-
ton me-"
Right, sir! ! find letter in your
possession with words of love in ii
from my betrothed, note plainly
meant for me and which has been
withheld. How comes II SOP"
And repeat, sir, have nothing 10
lsay except TO demand the return OF my