The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-06-09
Sixth Page


sitting behind the tiny bar in tall Windsor chair.
eyed him with some heat
MY feelingSl never change" said the boatswain
NOT mine either" said the landlady, sharply.
It's strange thing, Mr.. Benn, but you always ask
me 10 marry you after the third mug
It's only to ge> my courage up" pleaded the boat
swain: Next time I'll do it afore ave drop;
thatll prove to you I'm in earnest"
he stepped outside and closed the door before the
iandlady could make selection from the MANY re-
torts That crowded to her lips. After the cool bar
with its smell of damp sawdist the road seemed hot
ana dusty; but the boatswain prey to gloom nat
ural 10 man whose hand had been refused five times
IN fortnight, walked on unheeding. His steps
Jagged, but his brain active.
He walked for two miles deep in thouobt and tber
coming to shady bank took seat upon an inviting
piece OF turf and lit his pipe. The heat and the
drowsy mum OF bees made him nod; his pine hung
from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes closed.
ne opened them at the sound of approaching foot
steps ana feeling in his pocket for matches gazed
lazliy at the intruder He saw tall man carving
small bundle over his shoulder, and in the erect
carriage the keen eyes, and bronzed face had tt's
diincuty in detecting the old soldier
Inc stranger stopped he reached the seated boat
swain and eyed him pleasantly
lot pipe O. baccy, mater he inquired.
Inc Doatswain handed him the small metal box in
which he kept that luxury. ="
r lobster, amt your he said, affably.
The tall man nodded. "Was" he replied Snow
I'm my own commander in chief"
iadding itr suggested the boatswain, taking the
box from him and reflling his pipe.
Inc other nodded, and with the air of one disposed
10 conversation dropped his bundle in the ditch and
remarked r' " 0' "e
Mr. Benn nodded, and for while smoked on in
silence. A dim idea which had been in his mind for
some time began to clarity. He stole glance at his
conpanlon-a man OF about thirty-eight, clear eyes,
with humorous wrinkles at the corners a heavy mus
tache, and cheerful expression more than t;nged
with recklessness ' '''s0"
Amt over and above fond O. work." suOgested
the ooatswain when he had finished his inspection.
;. love IT,, said the other, blowing cloud of smoke
IN the air. but we can't have ali we want in tb;s
world; it wouldn't be good for u.s."
Then he ratified his pocket. ''e''''
, would art quid be any good to your" he in.
Look here" began the soldier; "iust because
asked you for a pipe o baccy-"
mo oiense said the other. quickly T meant if
The soldier nodded and took his pipe from his
mouth Gardening and windOwsY" he hazarded
with shrug of his shoulders
The boatswain shook his head
ocrubblng pr'aps" said the soldier, with a SIGH
OF resignation" Last house scrubbed out T did
so thoroughly they accused me of pouchng the
And you didn't" quered the boatswain, eyeinu
him keenly ''''"e
The soldier rose and knocking the ashes out of his
pipe gazed at him darkly. 81 can't give it back to
YOU" he said, slowly, because I've smoked some Of
~, and cant pay you for it because I've only got
Mopenee, and that | want for myself. So long,
matey, and next time poor wretch asks you for a
pipe, be civil"
Il never see such a man for taking offense in All
my born days." expostuated the boatswain. 81 'ad
my reasons for that remark, mate. Good reasons
The soldier grunted and, STOPPING, picked up his
bundle. W "''
=, u spoke of arf a sovereign just now" continued
.ne cpatswain' impressvey, 'and when tell you
t"at offer it to you to do bit o. burgling. you'll
honesty" VI ''"'
Burgllngr gasped the astonished soldier. "Hon.
esy! Struth; are you drunk or am II"
meaning said the boatswain waving the imputa.
burglar" r"" " NC
We're both drunk, that's what it u.s." said the
other, resignedly.
=. The boatswain fdgeted 'If you don't agree NUNS
hand. N' ''''~''s 'u' Ills
NUNS the word" said the sold;er t.L;,. :.