Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-06-14

OF tlmber, every DOIt ana SeIZlHS. Nv
taciturn old fellow followed his employ
er without vouchsafing word of praise
Of his own hantiwork. He did not even
deign to point cut what had been DONE
but followed with his head bent forward
his knotted fingers clasped behind ms
back. AS it happened there was no neeu
to draw attention to such details ior
here again Tyu-s displayed the unerrlhs
powers of his Singular memory. No tiny
alteration escaped him. There seemed to
be in his mind minute inventory OF the
ship, for without effort he recalled the
exact state of everything at an earlier
period, vaguely designated as before
went away"
When the inspection was finished the
two men walked slowly aft, and, stand
ing there beside the high, old-fashloned
wheel, they gazed forward.
II believe" said Tyars. at length, that
l have found the man l want-my first
mate"
Aye" said the old fellow, in a nom
committal voice.
"A royal navy man."
There was the faintest whistle audible
in the stiffness of the deserted dock.
Tyars looked down at his companion,
whose gaze was steadily riveted on the
foretop- gallant mast. The whistle was
not repeated, but the straightforward
sailor disdained to alter the form of his
twisted lips.
Il had" continued Tyars, calmly, "an-
other very good man-cook and steward
but he died of yellow fever"
Peters turned slowly and contemplate
ed his employers face before answering.
"Ay."
This fellow was just the sort of chap
I want. Plenty of hard work in him,
and always cheerful. Sortsof man to die
laughing, which, in fact, he did. The
last sound that passed his lips was
laugh"
AS they were standing there, Peters,
the younger, emerged from the small GAL
ley amidships bearing a tin filled with
potato peelings. which he proceeded to
throw overheard. Seeing this, the proud
father eyed his employer keenly, and
moved from one sturdy leg to the other.
He clasped and unclasped his hands. At
last be threw up his head boldly.
"Hnd the lad?" he said, with some
abruptness.
Tyars looked critically at the youth
and made no answer. His face hardened
in some indescribable way, and from the
movement of mustache and beard, it SEEM
ed as if he were biting his lip.
There's plenty O work in him, an
he's cheerful" almost pleaded the man.
Tyars shook his head firmly. Had
Miss Winter seen his face then, she
would have admitted readily enough that
he was a man with purpose.
''IIe is too young, Peters"
The carpented shufiled awkwardly, his
lips close pressed.
Have We thowt on it?" he inquired.
Tyars nodded.
''I'd give five years O. my life to have
the lad wi u.s. he muttered.
Cant do it, Peters,"
"Then l Wilma go without him." said
Peters, suddenly. He thrust his hands
into his trousers pockets and stood look
ing down at his own misshapen boots.
The faintest shadow of smile flick
cred through Tyars' eyes. He turned and
ooked at his companion. Without the
slightest attempt at overbearancc, he
said pleasantly:
"Yes, you will, and some day you will
hank God that the boy was left behind"
Peters shrugged his shoulders and
made no answer. For the first time in
ais life he had met will equal to his
,wn in stubbornness, in purpose. And it
vas perhaps easier to give in to it be-
,ause in method it differed so entirely
rom his own. 1t Is possible that in the
mere matter of strength Peters was
mental match for his employer, but Ty.
,rs had the inestimable advantage OF ed
lcation.
The little boat was urged to the shore
n the usual jerky manner, while the
clumsy, red-faced sailor stood watching
rom the deck He noted how Tyars was
:alking to the boy, who laughed at times
IN a CHEEKY way.
"Ay," muttered Peters, with a short,
almost bitter laugh, there's some that
IS born to command"
AS Tyars passed out Of one gate Of
he London and st. Katherines Dock,
ady entered the premises by another.
They passed each other unconsciously
within a few yards. Had either been a
moment earlier or a moment later they
would have met.
The imposing gate-keeper touched his
nat respectfully to the lady, who was
Miss Agnes Winter.
CTo be continued,