Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-02-06

down. his feet not touching the docl
before the upper end OF the plank was
hoisted clear of the ships side.
lie sprang lightly aside to escape til,
swaying edge OF the chute and In do
Ing 50 almost bumped into Aunt Mol
ly. who was making a brave endeavol
not to look disappointed.
The black bulk moved slowly pas
the open section Of the shed, but AunI
Molly did not see 1t now. She wal
busy watching Amy and Dick.
Nesbit, after single glance at tn,
frownlng girl. devoted his converse
tlon TO Aunt Molly. with whom he was
q favorlte.
did you get afraid Of seasickness
at the last moments" he demanded
gayly. II didn't even know that you
were thinking OF going abroad or
should have sent some flowers"
Aunt Molly glanced triumphantly al
Amy, but that crimson checked young
woman gave no sign that she had
heard the disclaimer.
II came precious close TO taking the
trip myself" continued Dick. "Yor
know what a pest Fred Bentley al
ways is when there IL wedding. He
always wants to decorate the trunk
and do all those things that aggravats
the bridal pair.
when 1t came to getting married
himself he was scared stiff. for he
knew of q dozen chaps who had II In
for him. He married Belle very quiet
ly last night and came aboard this
morning before daylight. Some re
porter asked Ben. Houghton about 1t
and we found that Fred was locked II
his stateroom.
''Trimmins. the purser on this ship
10 a jolly sort Of chap. I've crossed
with him three times, and / know hin
very well. The boys got me to hustl,
down here with lot of junk In sui
case gave Trimmins some money (,
tip Fred's cabin and saloon stewards
and Fred's going to get daily him
from his victims. I was so busy ex
planning that Trimmins had fairly tt
fire me down the gangplank."
'And you were not sailing yourself?'
asked Aunt Molly.
II only wish that could--to see the
fun" declared Dick. with twinkling
eyes. IF It hadn't been that caught
big case last night think I should
have done 80. I bet Fred's sorry by
this time tomorrow that he ever heard
Of white ribbons and old shoes as deco
rations for trunks and hacks"
Amy was watching the steamer
swinging into midstream with the aid
Of two bustling little tugs, but from
the corner Of her eye Aunt Molly saw
that the girl heard.
And. speaking Of hacks" ran or
Dick. ''shall I get you one?"
Without waiting for an answer ht
tore Off up the dock to retain one oil
the few waiting hacks, then hurried
back to escort Aunt Molly and the
trunks.
1t was not until he had helped Aunt
Molly into the cab and had turned to
show a similar courtesy to Amy that
she spoke.
81 thought that Mrs. Brooke told you
we were leaving on this steamer and
that you were following me-" she said
hurriedly. Il am sorry that was SC
silly. and yet am glad. because
know now that 1t was just because
was tired and silly that broke the en-
gagement. Will you come over tonight,
n!ck-and bring back the ring?"
"Will II" he echoed jubilantly. 81
should say that l would. And. do you
know. am almost sorry that put up
that job on Fred"
Don't be afraid" treasured Amy
smilingly. THAT case will be over and
we'll be on our own honeymoon before
he gets back to play tricks on us. II
you had not played the trick should
have sailed, and YOU
would not be the happiest man In
town." completed Dick. II guess Fred
was of some use. after ALL"