The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-12-01
best things the captain does" said

"whatr'
waiting. When 1t comes to patience
and persistency he's got most Indians
beat dozen city blocks"
Don't you mind what Smith says,
Mrs. Brooks" grinned the captain.
~The years he's been working for me
he never showed any special signs OF
hurry or nervousness. How's your
husbandT'
"Fairly we'll. I think he seems a lit
tie worried over business"
"That so! What's the matterP"
"You see, in his new position he feels
his responsibility"
Williams looked surprised.
''Has he any special new responsible
ity~ he asked, his eyes wandering in
quiringly to Smith, who did some more
warning signaling unobserved by their
hostess.
"Well since you raised his salary,
captain, and gave him his extra work
naturally he's anxious to make good"
again prompted the superintendent
Anxious to make good? Well, he'll
have a chance, and soon at that"
Mrs. Brooks rose, hand outstretched,
and went to him, with a happy, CRATE
full smile.
"Now that it's out want to thank
you ever so much" she said.
''Thank meT
Eyes, for Joe's raise and that six
months back pay"
"He told you thatr'
"Sure he did," put In Smith.
HE has forbidden me to speak Of 1t
to either you or Jimsy," Emma told
him, "but since you nave mentioned
1t first can thank you, can't r.
He did not return a direct answer,
but rubbed his chin dubiously as he
said:
$50 raised his pay, ehT And dated
1t back six months"
"Of course you did," asseverated
Smith with emphasis. Don't let him
fool you, Emma"
"You don't know how happy it's
made us ALL" went on Mrs. Brooks
gratefully. 81 feel like a new woman,
and mother appreciates It,"
"Well, seems that I done all these
things
He stopped abruptly as the door
opened and his eyes rested on Brooks.
The latter's underjaw dropped, and
he turned livid with fear at the unex-
pected presence Of the captain. He
was, in fact, so startled that he nearly
collapsed.
"Ca-captain Williamsw he stammer
ed, advancing tremblingly toward him
"W-wiA you shake hands, captain?"
"Sure.' replied Williams in a firm
voice. "How are you, BrooksP"
"I-Tm all right, l guess"
"You know, Joe, you told me not tc
thank the captain. But he brought II
up-the raise and the money" said his
wife, still full of the subject and hel
gratitude.
mo, did, Joe." corrected Smith
"You see, the captain feels"-
. Brooks turned upon them, snarlins
like wolf at bay.
!: What are you trying to do-mak'
fun of me? Don't you think that's it,
! "Now, Brooks" interrupted the cap
J tain authoritatively, "you sure are nerv
GUS. Your wife has just been telling
mellow she enjoys your new in
come"
: Mrs. Brooks, startled and alarmed
gazed at her husband.
"Why, Joe, are you sick?" she de
manded.
mo, no! Maybe it's the heat" b
replied weakly, passing his tongu
over his dried lips.
= There was a moment Of general EN-
barrassment, during which Captaf
] Williams took stock Of the room.
"You are fixed up mighty snug here
j Mrs. Brooks" he commented, breakin
+ the awkward silence.
Eyes, it is pleasant" she answered
now seriously worried.
Williams rose. "Well, must go,
he remarked.
"Do you want me to go with you q!
' asked Joe.
"No; tomorrow morning will do
see you. You know my lonely littl
quarters amt more'n half block frol
< here, and like to hang out there"
! "The captain" added Smith. ''live
in a little south sea island nook move