Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-04-03

week Captain Jim faced the empty
stand opposite his window. Then he
went down to the waterside street
and found there restitution. at once
pitlful and rcassuring.
ut isn't your love | am asking for.
dear" he said to her gently as at the
end Of half hour he found himself
holding her trembling fingers and
smoothing her hair. IL couldn't expect
that. But IL you will give me what is
left. the right to take care OF you and
yours. God knows It will be precious
trust"
He felt himself more than ever be-
fore TO be "Old Ben Bolt" as he said
this.
Captain Jim had no fine phrases, but
months of effort had made him u mar
vel Of self control. He stood quite
still, though every nerve was tense
with longing TO clasp the slim little
figure to his breast. In fact, he hardly
dared breathe when at last Kate drop
ped her head against his arm for ac-
quescence and broke into soft sob
bling. A guess at what was I'm his
heart. he told himself. would have
frightened her out OF his reach forever
The six weeks that followed were
mixture of paradise and purgatory to
him. II was hard. indeed. to play the
decorous. fatherly lover when his
whole soul cried out for the touch of
her lips on his and every swish of her
dress against him set his pulses throb-
bling. But he did II. and well.
His paradise proved fools. how
ever. Walking along the main street
one evening. with Kate on his arm.
Hank Raynor's unmistakable self pass.
ed the two almost at elbow touch.
There was livid scar along the ap-
partitions cheek. Kate did not see him.
but pang like death went through
"Old Ben Bolt" The sight Of that
handsome. devil-may-care face seemed
to sound his doom.
During the next four and twenty
hours Captain Jim worked out his bit
ter problem. Cost what II might tn
his own self respect. he would tell Kate
the truth as he knew 1t concerning
Hank Raynor He could do that IL
she had been his young sister. but in
honor he must free her from her prom
Use to himself.
He had thought of way out Of her
financial difficulties, but It was not
necessary she should know that yet
or, indeed, the cost to his own heart
of these last few months.
II have come to give you back what
asked that first night. Kate. but |
must tell you something 1t will be
hard for you to bear" he said to her
hoarsely as he stood In the little par.
Tor. whose very plainness had grown
dear to him.
died there. leaving white line around
her lips. "Old Ben Bolt" gripped the
back Of the chair In front OF him.
II suppose you have seen Raynor:"
he went on.
Hates color rushed back In rosy
food. Her eyes dropped for an in
slant; then. shy, but brave. they looked
straight into Captain Jim'S own.
Yes. have seen him and-his wife,"
she answered, with little laugh. HE
brought her from Philadelphia. lit
was good thing had found out be.
fore that-that l didn't care most for
him, after all. wasn't 1t. you dear old
Ben BoltY"
The room reeled round Captain Jim
Out Of its chaos Hates face grew
flushed and smiling still. but with sus.
piciously luminous eyes. Then did
this ben Bolt" give a great gasp as
the truth burst upon him. He took
two long strides with outstretched
arms, and second later Kate was
quite lost In the big. warm embrace
her dark hour had taught her was her
hea rt's frtfe havan