Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-02-13


E ner Mayo's news spread
.4uyS quickly, and people gathered
at the postoffice, the stores and the bill.
lard room to discuss 1t. Some Of the
men, notably Cy Warner and Rufe
Smith, local representatives Of the big
Boston dailies. hurried of to the life
saving station to get the facts at first
hand. Others came down to talk with
Captain Jerry and Elsie, when Daniel
plodded through the gate, drawing the
buggy containing Josiah, Mrs. Snow
and Captain Err.
For u man who had been described
as "half dead" Captain Err looked very
we'll, indeed. Jerry ran to help him
from the carriage, but he jumped out
himself and then assisted the house
keeper to alight with an air Of proud
proprietorship. He was welcomed to
the house like q returned prodigal, and
Captain Jerry shook his well hand un-
til the arm belonging to 1t seemed like
" to become as stiff and sore as the
other. While this handshaking was
going ON Captain Err was embarrass-
ed. He did not look his friend in the
face, and most Of his conversation
was addressed to Elsie.
As soon as he had warmed his hands
and told the story Of the wreck and
rescue he said: GERRY, come up to my
room a minute, won't you? I've got
somethin' I want to say"
Vaguely wondering what the private
conversation might be. Jerry followed
his friend upstairs. When they We're
In the room Captain Fri closed the
door and faced his companion. He
was confused and stammered u little
as he said, Jerry, Ive-I've got some
thin to say to you bout Mrs. Snow"
Then it was Captain Jerry's turn to
be confused.
"Now, Err" he protested. "'taint
tair to keep pesterin' me like this. /
know l amt said nothin' to her yit.
but I'm goin' to- had q week, any
how, and 1t amt haf over. Let me
alone till my time is up. can't you"
81 was Jest goin' to tell you that you
won't have to ask. I've been talkin' to
her myself, and"-
The sacrifice sprang out Of his chair
"Eri Hedge" he exclaimed indignant
", 81 thought you was friend Of
mine! give you my word I'd do 1t In
u week, and the least you could have
done, seems to me. would have been to
wait and give me the chance. What
did she say?" he asked suddenly.
"She said yes to what I asked her."
was the reply, with half smile.
Upon Captain Jcrry's face settled the
look Of one who accepts the melan-
choly inevitable. He sat down again.
'I s'posed she would" he said, with
sigh. "She's known me for quite a
spell now. and she's had chance to
see what kind of man I be. Well.
what else did you do? Amt settled the
weddin' day, have you!" This With
marked sarcasm.
Not yit. Jerry, you've made mis-
take. didn't ask her for you"
Didn't ask her-didn't- What are
you talkin' bout them"
Il asked her for myself. She's goin'
to marry me-"
The Sacrificc-a sacrifice no longer
sat silent, but curious changes Of ex-
preston were passing over his face
surprise, amazement, relief and now
Sort Of grieved resignation.
II feel small enough bout the way
I've treated you, Jerry" continued
Captain Fri. II didn't mean to-but
there, it's done, and all can do Is say
I'm sorry and that meant to give you
your chance. l shan't blame you If
you git mad, not bit, but / hope you
won't"
Captain Jerry sighed. When he spoke
1t was in q tone Of sublime forgive
ness.
"Erl," he said, II amt mad. I won't
say my feelin's amt hurt, cause
'cause-well, never mind. II a wife
and home amt for me, why, l ought
to be glad that you're goin' to have
'em. wish you both luck and good
v'yage. Now, don't talk to me for q
few minutes. Let me git sort Of used
to It,"
So they shook hands, and Captain
Fri, with q troubled look at his friend,
went out. After he had gone CAPITA Il
.Jerrv got no and danced three steps Of