Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1906-06-28
SHEPHERDSTOWN w. VA. THURSDAY JUNE 28. 1906

to it," said Hoskins modestly. "a
brave man and pretty woman are
two of the finest sights in creation
! They ought always to be together"
There was something in his tone
that made her blush, and though she
agreed with him, she took the first
opportunity of clearing of to another
part of the deck.
Shortly afterwards we put to sea-
For the next few days We had the best
weather, and everything went smooth
ly. | could see one or two things
that set me thinking. The first was
that the old man was making himself
uncommonly attentive to Miss Sand
ford. The second was that Mr.. Hay,
in quiet and timid sort of way, was
thinking a good deal of her, Too. For
my part, thought the girl fancied
Hay rather than Hoskins and though
she couldn't avoid the cold man" and
could not help listening to his sea
yarns, l could see her eyes turning
forwards towards the waist, where
Hay was putting in his time looking
at the lion.
One afternoon the skipper was sit
ting beside Miss Sandford on the poop
deck, when Hay came up the COM
panion and made his way towards
them.
There's something l want to tell
you, Captain" he said. It's getting
on my mind and making me quite un-
comfortable. The man whose business
it is to look after the lion isn't doing
his work properly. The animal ism t
getting enough food. 1t is developing
savage nature. And yesterday,
when l went to see the man about it,
l found him intoxicated. l really
think you should interfere"
Of course, the "old man" should
have interfered. But be didn't like
being told his duty by the little Pro-
fessor, especially when the girl was
about, so he just sneered.
81 suppose you're afraid of the beast
escaping?" he said.
Il should certainly regard it as un-
fortunate" tho little mau replied.
You see, a drunken man might be
careless about the fastenings. 1 must
really insist upon your speaking to
him"
''He's not one of my crew." said
Hoskins. 81 have enough to do to
look after them. If any of them get
drunk, they'll hear of it. But this
chap is passenger, even if he is only
a steerage one. He can do as he likes
with his spare time. If you're so
darned frightened about the beast.
you'd better look to the fastenings
yourself.
Excuse me-" said the Professor
stifly, that is not my business. The
animal does not belong to me. have
done what l believe to be my duty
and can say no more.
he turned away without even a
glance at the girl.
THAT man" said Hoskins, looking
after him, sis frightened of his own
shadow. Let me give you bit of
fatherly advice, Miss Sandford. When
you are looking for man to marry,
never select coward. A girl like
you wants someone who will protect
her in times of danger ; someone she
can rely on and look up to-"
I'm not thinking of getting mar.
ried," she said shyly. "But when l
do, I'll bear your advice in mind, Cap
tain"
That's it, said Hoskins. Think
over it carefully. And as for getting
married, I'd be glad if you'd think
over that too"
She started with frightened look.
"Oh, Captain i she said. please
don't"
Miss Sandford T. be said, "Hilda
haven't you word for poor old sea-
man who worships the very ground
you tread on? Think over it. None
but the brave deserve the fair, you
know"
you mustn't speak like this, she
exclaimed, rising as though she were
distressed. You are older than am
and l don't know that you are brave
man. l have only your word for it.
Please don't speak to me about this
again"
The "old mar" saw that he bad
gone too far. "Waitl" he said, "don
be frightened. promise not to say