The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-03-31

questions. but the captain had an an
swer ready for each one. He had
with him rough plan of the schoon-
ers RIG. Q photograph of her cabin, a
drawing Of her engine. These were
laid on the table. and they moved from
one to the other, the captain explain
inE. pointing and arguing. The pass
Ing OF time was forgotten entirely.
The Junior partner awoke from his
trance with'a start. And Just then, In
the sitting room below, the cuckoo
clock struck o.
Bradley turned white and then red.
Nine O'Clock! And the grand march
at the subscription ball was t. start
promptly AZ 8v' And Gus had looked
forward to this evening for over a
month!
IT Is doubtful II, even now, he could
tell much about his trip from the cop-
tain's room to the Baker cottage He
ran most Of the way. Over and over
again he reproached himself for his
forgetfulness. Gus had called him
heglectful and selfish once before.
What would she say now? He scarce
u dared knock on the dining room
door.
But whatever he may have expected
to hear when that door opened. whnt
he Cid hear was certainly a distinct
surprise. Grandmother Baker, her
head enveloped In a shawl. peeped out
and said:
"Gus said II you called to say that
she didn't wish to interfere with any.
thing 80 important as your business
matters. You see. Sam Hammond
stopped here about ha'f past eight and
said he'd seen you and Cap'n Ezry 90
into the Travellers Rest together. So
Gus went to the ball with him."
The subscription ball was nearly half
over when Bradley came up the stairs
OF the town hall. He tossed his ticket
In at the window and absentmlndedly
checked his overcoat and hat. Then
be stood In the doorway looking at the
dancers. For almost an hour he had
been walking up and down the side
walk opposite the hall. remorsefully
hating himself one minute and flercely
nursing his injured pride the next.
Twice he turned to 60 home. and each
time he turned back again.
The waltz quadrille was the particu.
lar dance then going on. Bradley
glanced over the crowded floor. He
caught sight Of Sam Hammond dane
Ing with one Of the Rogers girls. Op-
poslte them In the set. he noted vague
ly. were Captain Titcomb and Clara
Hopkins.
He spoke with Captain Titcomb but
once. That was during an interval be.
tween dances. when the captain, redhot
but smiling. came strolling toward him.
Hello. Bradw he exclaimed. Got
here. didn't your" Then. glanclng at
the young mans face. he added:
"Havln' a good timer Hope our stop.
PIN to talk didn't make any dlff'rence?"
The answer was noncommittal.
The subscription ball, extras and all.
came to ON end Mt 3 o'clock. BY this
time Bradley was once more repentant
and humble. When Gus came out OF
the cloakroom he went to meet her.
resolved to abase himself and plead
for forgiveness.
"Gus," he stammered. "Gus-I-I-
mayn't walk home with you? You
know r.
But as Bradley's anger had cooled.
his tancee's had arisen.
THANK yOu." she answered. and
every word was crusted with Ice.
''Mr Hammond was gentleman enough
to escort me here, and presume he
will see me home"
Eradlcy accompanied Miss Rogers to
the parental gate. 1t wasn't n hllar-
ous walk. The young lady said to her
older sister later oil:
Julia, honestly believe he didn't
speak one word from the time he left
the hall till he said good night. had
to talk for two. or should haye gone