Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-12-12

Il II
not surprising that Captain
kSEpzls Eri didn't grasp the situation.
$&ttf3$8 Neither his two partners nor
himself had given much thought to the
granddaughter Of the sick man in the
upper room. The captain knew that
there was granddaughter; hence his
letter. But lie had heard John Baxter
speak of her US being In school some
where in Boston and had all along con-
eeived Of her as miss Of sixteen or
thereabout. No wonder that at first
he looked at the stylishly gowned
young woman, who stood before him
with one gloved hand extended. in u
puzzled, uncomprehending way.
Excuse me, ma'am," he said slow
", mechanically swallowing up the
proffered hand in his own mammoth
fist, "but don't knows jest caught
the name. Would you mind sayin' 1t
ag'in:'
elizabeth Preston" repeated the Wis
itor. Captain Baxter's granddaugh-
ter. You wrote, me that he was Ill,
you know, and T.
"What! roared the captain, delight
ed amazement lighting up his face like
sunrise. "YOu don't mean to tell
me you're 'Liz'beth Baxter's gal Elsie!
Well, well! l want to know! If this
don't beat all! Set down! Take your
things right off! I'm mighty glad to
see you!"
Captain Eris hand, with Miss Pres
toms hidden In it, was moving up and
down, as IL it worked by clockwork
arrangement. The young lady with
drew her fingers from the trap as soon
as she conveniently could, but 1t might
have been noticed that she glanced at
them when she had done so, as II to
make sure that the original shape re-
mained.
THANK you, Captain Hedge" she
said. "And now please tell me about
grandfather. How Is he? May / see
himT
The captains expression changed to
one of concern.
"Why, now, Miss Preston" he said,
"your grandpa is pretty sick. Oh, l
don't mean he's goin' to die right off or
anything like that" he added hastily.
II mean he's had stroke Of palsy or
somethin', and he amt got so yit that
he senses much of what goes on. Now,
don't want to frighten you, you know,
but really there's chance-a little
mite of q chance-that he won't know
you. Don't feel bad II he don't, now
will your
81 knew he must be very Ill from
your letter." said the girl simply. u
was afraid that he might not be living
when I reached here. They told me al
the station that he was at your house
and 80 l came. He has been very good
to me, and p
Her voice broke little, and she hesi
tated. Captain Fri was a picture OF
nervous distress.
Eyes, yes, I know" he said hastily
"Don't you worry now. He's better
The doctor salu ne was cohsiu ioo'J
better today, didn't he, Mr.. Hazeltine'
Why, what am l thlnkin' Of? Let M
make you known to Mr.. Hazeltine
next door neighbor of ours, right across
| the road" And he waved toward the
bay.
Ralph and Miss Preston shook hands
The electrician managed to utter some
sort of formality, but he couldn't have
told what 1t was. He was glad wher
the captain announced that If Mr.. Ha
| zeltine would excuse them he guessed
Miss Preston and he would step up
stairs and see John. The young LADY
took or her hat and jacket, and Cap
tain Eri lighted lamp, for 1t was al
most dark by this time. As Its ligh
shone upon the visitors face and hall
the crimson flush before mentioned cir
eumnavigated the electricians heat
once more, and his bump OF SELF es
teen received a finishing blow. Tha
any man supposed to possess two fair
" good eyes and workable brail