Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-21
CHAPTER XIV.
A Noble Offer.

CdAF1EH AAV.
A Noble Offer.
Harold's favorite spot for lonely thought
was the cable tank on the top Of the aft
wheelhouse. In this peaceful corner
with the wind whstling above and around
him. and the sea in the foamy track OF
the vessels wake seeming to rise level
and then TO fall away behind him as the
waves passed under the ship. his thoughts
ran freely and in dreadful sympathy with
the turmoil of wind and wave.
How unfair it all was! Why had he
been singled out for such misery? What
CLEAN of hope or comfort was left to his
miserable life since he had heard the
words of Stephen; those dreadful words.
which had shattered in an instant all the
cherished hopes of his life Too we'll he
remembered the tone and look of scorn
with which the horrible truths had been
conveyed to HMM his Utmost soul he
accepted them as truths: Stephens soul
had framed them and Stephens lips had
sent them forth.
From his position crouching behind the
screen he did not see the approaching
ished when he saw his head rising above
the edge of the tank. as he climbed the
straight Jacobs ladder behind the wheel
house. The elder man paused as he saw
him and said. In an apologize way:
will you forgive my intruding on your
privacy? l wanted to speak to you alone
and as | saw you come here while ago
thought II would be good opportu-
nifty Harold was rising as he spoke.
by all means No forgiveness is
needed; this place is common property.
But all the same. l am honored in your
seeking me-" The poor fellow. wished to
be genial. but despite his efforts there
was strange Formally in the expression
of his words. The elder man understood
and said. as he hurried forward and sank
beside him:
Pray don't stir. Why. what a coy
corner this is. L don't believe at this
moment there is such peace in the ship"
Once again the bitterness of Harold
heart broke out in sudden words:
II hope not, There is no soul on board
to whom could wish such evil.'' The old
man said. as he laid his hand softly on
the others shoulder:
God help you. my poor boy. if such
pain is in your heart! If you feel that I
obtrude on you l earnestly ask you to
forgive me; but think that the years be-
tween your age and mine, as well as my
feeling toward the great obligation which
/ owe you, will plead for excuse. There
is something l would like to say to you.
sir: but I suppose 1 must not without
your permission. May 1 have ito"
IF you wish, sir. l can at least hear
it."
az thank you. I assure you 1 am
nervous about my salf-imposed task. and
ask that you will hear me patiently.
without comment or objection till l have
delivered myself of my task!' He was so
manifestly disturbed that all Harold s
natural kindness and courtesy rose to his
aid:
Go on. sir I shall listen patiently
and i shall try to understand. to sympa-
thZe from your point of view. if 1 cam
not from my own" The old man bowed
and went on:
II could not but notice that you have
some great grief bearing upon you, and
from one thing or another 1 have come
TO the conclusion that you are leaving
your native land because Of it, Here
Harold. Weakened to amazement by the
readiness with which his secret had been
OWNED. said. quickly, rather as an ex-
clamatiOn than Interrogation:
How on earth did you know that"
'Sir. at your age and with your
strength life should be joy. and yet you
are sad. Companionship should be a
pleasure. and yet you prefer solitude
That you are brave and unselfish ! know:
have reason. thank God! to know it.
That you are kindly and tolerant is ap-
parent from your bearing to my little
child this morning. as we'll as your good
ness of last night. the remembrance Of
which her mother and I will bear to our
i
all these years without having had trOu-
bic in my own heart. and although the
happiness of late years has made it dim.
my gratitude to you who are so sad
brings it all back TO me-" He bowed.
and Harold, wishing to avoid speaking of
his sorrow. said
You are quite right so far as 1 have a
sorrow. and it is because of 1t 1 have
turned my back on home Let it rest at
that His companion bowed gravely and
went on:
Il take it that you are going to begin
life afresh in the new country. In such
case | have proposition to make. I
have large business: business so large
that am unable to manage it all myself.
i was intending that when / arrived at
home ! would set about finding a partner.
, The man ] want is not an ordinary man.
He must have brains and strength and
daring. He paused Harold felt what
was coming. but realized. as he jumped
at the conclusion. that it would not do
for him to take it for granted that he
was the man sought. He waited; Mr..
StOnehOuSe went on:
''As to brains. ! am prepared to take
the existence of such on my own judg
i ment. i have been reading men, and in
this aspect specially, all my life. The
man l have thought of has brains I
am satisfied of that. without proof.
have proof of the other qualities" He
paused again; as Harold said nothing he
continued in manner i'll at ease:
My difficulty is to make the proposal
to the man l want. 1t is so difficult to
talk business to man to whom you are
under great obligation: to whom you
owe everything. He might take friend
Iy overture ill.," There was but one thing
to be said. and harold said it. His heart
warmed to the kindly old man. and he
, wished to spare him pain: even if he
could not accept his propositions:
He couldn't lake 1t i'll; unless he was
an awful bounder."
lit was you l thought off,
Il thought SO much. sir!' said Harold,
after pause, land thank you earnestly
| and honestly. But it is impossible
"Oh. my dear sir" said the other.
chaerined as well as surprised Think
again. 1t is really worth your while
| to think of ii. no matter what your ulti-
mate decision may be-!
| Harold shook his head. There was a
| long silence. At last he spoke:
| II am very truly and sincerely grateful,
| to you for your trust. But the fact is I
| cannot go anywhere among people OF
| course you understand that / am speak
| ing in confidence; to you alone and TO
none other?''
| ''AhSolutply'' said Mr. Sfonehousa