The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-03-10
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ed. and the missing boy came in.
Bradley Nickerson. where've you
beenT' exclaimed Miss Tempy, run
ming to meet him. "we've been pretty
nigh worried to death. Why don't you
shut the door? WHO'S that out there?
Why-why, Cap'n ,Titcombw
whats thatYJ cried Miss Prlssy.
hurrying In. ""You don't mean
welll Good evenin'. ,Cap'n Titcomb.
Won't you step inT'
The captain accepted the invitation.
He was as much embarrassed as the
old maids. even more so than Miss
Prissy, who Immediately. after a
swift sidelsng glance Of disapproval at
her agitated sister. assumed an air Of
dignified calmness.
How dye do. Prissy3" stammered
the captain. ''Tempy, I hope you're we'll
Yes. I'm feelln' fair to middlin'. No,
thanks. amt goin' to stop long. It's
pretty late for calls. Fact Is, Brad
here's got somethln' to say. Heave
ahead. Brad"
The boy. too. was embarrassed, but
as the two looked at him expectantly
he ddgeted with button on his jacket
and said:
Miss Prissy, 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."
"Therer' exclaimed Miss Tempy. "I
was afraid Of that door. You remem-
ber said 90. 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 90 to high school. IL thought
first I'd come right In and tell you you
mustn't. But then thought you
Wouldn't believe 1 meant It or wouldn't
pay any attention to It II I did, 80
went outside to think II over by my
self. And then--then I 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 word.
You've got pretty fair kind of boy
here. II you want to know" he added.
with more than his usual enthusiasm
"Humr' was Miss Prissy's only COM
ment "Go on, Bradley"
"All told him was," said Bradley.
that I didn't think IL was right for me
to 80 to school and college when I
ought to be earning some money. I'm
going on seventeen now. and lots of
fellows know are going to work. I
don't b,Aeve I'd make a very good
minister" with a look Of appeal at
Miss Tempy. land I'd a good deal
rather 60 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 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. "Nothin' ID settled yet, so don't
worry"
so went to the cap'n," went ON
Bradley. "nnd asked him IL he'd take
me ON board his schooner. amt
sailor. but know a/lot about boats.
and don't get seas,Ek even when it's
mighty rough. Do I. Cap'p EzraY
"No," replied Captain Titcomb grave.
~. You manage to keep your cargo
from shiftin' pretty well for a green
hand"
And he said he'd take me as kind
OF cabin boy. Didn't you. cap'n7 And
learn me things and get me advanced
a. soon as I was At for II. And he'll
pay me wages, too. right away. There!
And I won't cost you q cent more.
Please let me Co."
The captain did not again visit the
Allen home, although next day Bradley
called on him at his room In the hotel.
Iney talked OF the proposed plan. OF
course, but Captain Titcomb did not
urge its acceptance. On the contrary.
he spoke very plainly Of the disagree
able features Of sailors calling and
limited that being aboard a vessel was
like being In jail. only" he said.
there's always chance for feller to
break out Of Jail"
AT the end Of tie interview he said:
Brad. l amt askin' any questions
bout what made you take this sudden
Mt. but I'd like to know this: DO the
Old maids know bout that Sampson
fund for sailors ehildreni They could
GIT over a hundred a year out Of that
u they applied for II. you understand p
II don't believe they'd take cent /:
IL was anything like charity" replied
the boy. Miss Prissy especial. She's
awful down on folks that she says are
living on charity"
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