The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-05-08
CHAPTER XI.-(Continued.)

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 I doubt if he lasts an hour. It's
his heart. I've expected it 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.
He's 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. l
know dad likes you and l 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 shippers cabin than
chamber on land. In the corner
stood the captains big boots and his
oilskins hung about them. His Sun
day cane was there also. And on the
bureau was worn, heavy Bible.
DR.. Parker brushed by the others
and bent over the bed.
well, cap'n," he said cheerily,
~how's she headed? How are you feel.
ing now?"
The 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
abeam, l callate."
"Oh, no! you'll make a good many
voyages yet"
Not in this hulk, I won't, doctor. /
hope I'll have a new command pretty
soon. I'm trustin' IN my owners and
guess they'll do the fair thing by me.
Halloo, Oracle, girl! Well, your old
uncle's on his beam ends, amt he?"
Grace glanced fearfully at his face.
When he spoke her name she shrank
back, as If 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. don't know
why you're here, but"
Il heard that Grace was alone and
that you was sick, Eben. So 1 come
right down, to help if I could"
Thank We. You're a good-hearted
woman, Keziah, even though you amt
seen the true light yet. And you're
housekeeper for that hired priest-a-
a." He paused, and troubled look
came over his face.
What is it. dad?" asked Nat.
Il Where's Oracle? She's here,
atn't she?"
Yes, uncle. I'm here. Here / am"
raid the girl. His fingers CROPPED for
her hasd and seized it.
LSSb yes, yOU IS mere, U1urmur0Q
Captain Eben. "I-I-for a minute or
so, II had an awful dream about you,
Oracle. l. dreamed Never mind.
Doc, answer me this now, true and
honest, man to man: Can you keep
me here for just a little spell longer?
Can you? Try! Ten minutes, say.
Can your"
"Of course can. Cap'n Hammond,
what are you"
Delay, tell you. Yes, guess twas
dream. 1t had to be, but twas so
sort Of real that + How long have
been this way?"
ooh, little while! Now just"
Hush! Don't pull your hand away,
Oracle. Nat, give me yours. That's
1t. Now 1 put them two hands to-
gether See, doctor? See, Keziah?"
Don't. uncle, don't!" pleaded Grace.
Don't worry about me. Think of
yourself, please"
"S-sh-sh! Don't put me off. Just
listen. | want you to marry my boy,
after Pm gone. want you to say you
will-say it now, SOS can hear it.
Will you, Gracie?"
Grace would have withdrawn her
hand, but he would not let her. He
chung to it and to that of his son with
all his failing strength.
"Wtll you, Oracle 2" he begged. tits