Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1907-05-28
CHAPTER V-CONTINUED)

"Why, l never" exclaimed Miss
Tempy. HE never went out an even
in before without sayin' anything to
me or you. What do you s'pose is the
matter?
you don't think he heard what we
said, do you?" anxiously asked her sis
ter II thought shut the door,
you did shut it, but, now you speak
Of it, seems to me I remember 1t was
not latched when come out jest now.
I hope he didn't hear. He's such a
sensitive boy, jest like all the Aliens"
The pepper tea" was prepared-a
double dose this time-and the sisters
sat slipping it, Miss Prissy with many
coughs and grimaces and Miss Tempy
with the appreciation of a connoisseur.
After moments silence she said:
"Prissy, do you know what I've
been think!n'? I've been thinkin'
what blessin' 'twould be if we had
Cap'n Titcomb to go to for advice
now"
"Humph! If I've thought that once
last year." was the decided answer.
1t was after 10 o'clock. and only
Bradley's absence had prevented the
ladies from going up to bed, when the
outside door Of the dining room open
ed, and the missing boy came in.
Bradley Nickerson. where've you
been?" exclaimed Miss Tempy, run
ming to meet him. "Wc've been pretty
nigh worried to death. Why don't you
shut the door? Who's that out there
Why-why, Cap'n Titcomb"'
whats that" cried Miss Prissy
hurrying in. you don't mean
Well! Good evenin' Cap'n Titcomb
Won't you step in?"
The captain accepted the invitation
He was as much embarrassed as the
old maids. even more so than Miss
Prissy, who Immediately after
swift side!-ng glance Of disapproval at
her agitated sister, assumed an air Of
dignified calmness.
"How dye do, Prissy" stammered
the captain. "Tempy, hope you're we'll.
Yes, I'm feelin' fair to middlin'. No.
thanks. l amt goin' to stop long. It's
pretty late for calls. Fact is. Brad
here's got somethin' to say. Heave
ahead, Brad"
The boy, too, was embarrassed, but
as the two looked at him expectantly
he fidgeted with a button on his jacket
and said:
Miss Prssy, didn't mean to listen,
but the door wasn't shut tight, and
couldn't help hearing what you and
Miss Tempy were saying little while
ago"
There exclaimed Miss Tempy. 81
was afraid of that door. You remem-
Der l said so, Prissy."
But Miss Prissy didn't answer. She
merely looked at Bradley.
II heard what you said" nervouSly
went on the boy, land when you told
about what you was going to do SOS
could 20 to high school, II thought
first I'd come right in and tell you you
mustn't. But then | thought you
wouldn't believe | meant it or wouldn't
pay any attention to it if l did SO !
went outside to think it over by my
self. And then-then l went right up
to see the cap'n.'
II hope" said Miss Prissy sternly,
that you didn't repeat our talk to
Cap'n Titcomb without tellin' us You
was goin' to-"
mo, no; he didn't" hastily broke in
the captain. HE didn't tell wo"d.
You've got a pretty fair kind of boy
here, if you want to know" he added,
with more than his usual enthusiasm
Hum was Miss PriSsy's only com
ment Go on, Bradley"
"All | told him was" said Bradley,
that didn't think it was right for me
to go to school and college when
ought to be earning some money. I'm
going on seventeen now. and lots of
fellows | know are going to work
don't b'lieve I'd make very good
minister" with a look Of appeal at
Miss Tempy, land I'd a good deal
rather go to sea. All our folks have
been to sea-my father and my grand
father Yes, and your father, too, You
know" The last as a happy inspira-
ton.
Don't you think that we know best
what began Miss Prissy, but the
captain again interrupted her
LET him spin his yarn, Prissy," he
said. "Nothn' is settled yet, so don't
worry"
$50 I went to the cap'n,' went on
Bradley, land asked him if he'd take
me on board his schooner. | amt
sailor, but | know II lot about boats,
and | don't get seasick even when it's
mighty rough, DO l, Capn Ezra?"
mo" replied Captain Titcomb grave
ly. "You manage TO keep your cargo
from shlftin' pretty well for a green
hand"
"And he said he'd take me rs II kind
Of cabin boy Didn't YOU, cap'n? And
learn me thiag5 and get ire advanced
as soon as ! was fit for it. Aud he'll
pay me wages, too, right away, Thprel
And | won't cost You a cent moro.
Please let me 60"
The capan dll not pgain visit The
Allen home although nest day rwlley
called on hha nc hs room In the hutel