Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-11-09

particular who, standing just inside
the postoflce door, was buttoning his
overcoat AID putting on mis- gloves,
looked earnestly at the pair, but he,
too, said nothing.
Why, told him." said Captain Jer-
~, in reply to the question, how you
didn't like to have me go out of the
room when he was there. Course,
told him l didn't mean to do nothin'
out of the way Then he asked me
some more questions, and I answered
'em best could, and-weil, I guess
that's bout ALL"
Captain jeremiah Burgess!" ex-
claimed Elsie. Then she added, What
must he think of me?"
"Oh, I'll fix that" exclaimed the cap
tain. "Ill see him some time today,
and I'll tell him you didn't mean it.
Why, 1 declare! Yes, it's! There he
is now! Hi! Mr.. Hazeltine! Come
here minute"
A mischievous imp was certainly
directing Captain Jerrys movements.
Ralph had, almost for the first time
since he came to Orham, paid an early
morning visit to the Office in order to
send an important letter in the first
mail The slamming Of the door had
attra cted the captains attention and,
in response to the hail, Mr.. Hazeltine
crossed the road.
And then Captain Jerry felt his arm
clutched with grip that meant bust
ness, as Miss Preston whispered,
Don't you dare say one word to him
about It, Don't you dare!'
If Ralph had been surprised by the
request to join the couple, he was
more surprised by the reception he re-
ceived. Elsie's face was crimson, and
as for the captain, he looked like a
man who had suddenly been left stand
Ing alone in the middle of pond COW
cred with very thin ice.
did you want to speak with me,
captaln?' asked Ralph.
'Why-why, did," stammered poor
Captain Jerry, "but-but don't knows
do now" Then he realized that this
was not exactly complimentary, and
added, THAT Is, don't know-I don't
knows ELSIE, what was it l was
goin' to say to Mr.. Hazeltine?'
"I'm sure 1 don't know" she said
coldly.
"Well," went on the captain, intent
on making the explanation as plausible
as possible, we've missed you con-
sider'ble. We was sayin' we hoped
you wouldn't give us up altogether.
Amt that so, Elsie?"
Miss Preston's foot tapped the side
walk several times, but she answered,
though not etfusively:
"Mr. Hazeltine is always welcome, of
course" Then she added, turning
away: REALLY, Captain Jerry, must
hurry to school. l have great deal
Of work to do before 8 o'clock. Good
morning, Mr.. Hazeltinev"
The captain paused long enough to
say, well expect you now, so come"
and then hurried after her. He was
feeling very well satisfied with him
self.
That afternoon when Captain Fri re.
turned from the fishing grounds he
found Captain Jerry waiting for him
at the shanty. The Inundated match
maker sent Josiah up to the grocery
store on an errand and then told his
| friend Of the morning meeting.
When he had finished Captain Fri
| said:
"Oh, Jerry, Jerry! Your hearts big
as bucket, but f1shin's more in your
line than gittin' folks married to order
! is, I'm 'rraid. You stay here and un-
load them fish in the dory. There amt
! many of 'em, and Josiah III help when
he gifts back. I'm goin' out for a few
minutes"
He went down to the beach, climbed
into dory belonging to neighbor
and Captain Jerry saw him row away
in the direction of the cable station.
| That evening, after the dishes were
washed and the table cleared, there
| came a knock at the door. Mrs. Snow
opened it.
"Why, for goodness sake! Mr.. Hazel.
tine!" she exclaimed. Come right in
What stranger you arev'
Ralph entered, shook the snow, which
| Ind i11cf bao110 to foil Prom, h}c hot