The Delta independent., 1913-02-21
Horne. The girl was white and there

Horne. i ne Slrl was Wnlte ana tnere
we're dark circles under her eyes. The
doctor was very grave.
Keziah stepped forward and held
out both hands. Grace looked, recog-
nized her, and with cry ran toward
her Keziah took her in her arms and
soothed her as if she were a child.
well, well. dear" went on Mrs
Coffin hurriedly He will be better
soon. we'll hope. You mustn't give up
the ship, you know. Now you go and
lay down somewheres and I'll get my
things off and see what there is to do.
Some good strong tea might be good
for all hands. ! guess likely. Where's
Hannah Poundberry?"
She's gone to her Cousins to stay
all night. / suppose ] ought to send
for her, but l."
mo, no, you hadn't Nights well
send for a poll parro., the critter
would be just as much good and talk
less. III look out for things. me and
the doctor. Where's-where's Nat?'
He came in just after ! sent the
boy for the doctor. He's in there with
with him." indicating the bedroom.
Poor Natl"
Keziah looked longingly toward the
door.
Yes" she said slowly. Poor fel.
low, it's an awful shock to him. He
and his father are But there!. you
lay down on that lounge!"
Grace, protesting that she couldn't
sit down, she couldn't leave uncle, and
there were SO many things to do, was
at last persuaded by Keziah and the
doctor to rest for few moments n
the big rocker. Then Mrs. Coffin went
into the kitchen to prepare the tea
AS she went. she beckoned to DIR.
Parker. who Joined her a moment
later.
well. doctor?" she asked anxiously.
The stout. gray-haired old physician
he had practiced in Trumet for near
ly thirty years-shook his head.
mot single chance" he whispered.
"He may possibly live till morning.
but / doubt II he lasts an hour It's
his heart I've expected 1. at any
time"
Captain Nat was standing at the
door OF the bedroom. His face was
drawn and he had seemingly grown
years older since noon.
Hes come TO himself, doc" he
whispered. "He don't remember how
1t happened or anything. And he
wants us all. Why! why, Keziah, are
you here? You can come in. too.
know dad likes you and / guess
Wait a minute: I'll ask him." He
stepped back into the bedroom. YES"
he nodded. returning, you come, too
He wants you"
The little room. Captain Eben's own.
was more like a skipper's cabin than
a chamber on land. In the corner
stood the captains big boots and his
oilskins hung about them. His Sum
day cane was there also. And on the
bureau was a worn. heavy Bible.
DR.. Parker brushed by the others
and bent over the bed.
We'll, cap'n," he said cheerily.
"how's she headed? How are you feel
ing now7"
| Tho Old face on the pillow smiled
feebly.
-She's headed for home, guess.
doc" said Captain Eben. 'Bound for
home. and the harbor light broad
abcam. / callate."
OH, NO. yOu IL mdhe n Boou many
voyages yet"
Not in this hulk. won't, doctor.
hope I'll have new command pretty
soon. I'm trustin' in my owners and I
guess they'll do the fair thing by me.
Halloo. Oracle. girl! Well. your old
uncle's on his beam ends amt be?"
Grace glanced fearfully at his face.
When he spoke her name she shrank
back, as II she feared what he might
say. But he only smiled as. with the
tears streaming down her face. she
bent over and kissed him.
There! there!" he protested. you
mustn't cry. What are you cryin'
/ about me for? I'm fit and ready for
the sea I'm goin' to sail" His eyes
wandered from his son to Mrs. Coffin.
For an instant he seemed puzzled
Then he said:
'Evenin,' Keziah. I don't know
why you're here, but"
II heard that Grace was alone and