Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-02-28
CHAPTER M-(contlnued.1

The stout, gray-haired old physician
he had practiced in Trumet for near
ly thirty years-shook his head.
Not a single chance" he whispered.
He may possibly live till morning,
but l doubt II 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
It happened or anything. And he
wants us all. Whyl why, KeziahI are
you here? You can come in, too. l
know dad likes you and I guess
Wait a minute; I'll ask him" He
stepped back into the bedroom. Eyes"
he nodded, returning, you come, too.
He wants you"
The little room, Captain Eben's own,
was more like q shippers cabin than
a 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.
shes headed for home, guess,
doc" said Captain Eben. Bound for
home, and the harbor light broad
abeam, cal'late."
"0h, no! you'll make a good many
voyages yet"
Not in this hulk, 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. grill Well, your old
uncle's on his beam ends. amt he?"
Grace glanced fearfully at his face
When he spoke her name she shranE
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! therei" he protested. "You
mustn't cry. What are you cryin
about me for? I'm At and ready fol
the sea I'm goin' to sail" His eyei
wandered from his son to Mrs. Coffin
For an instant he seemed puzzled
Then he said:
'Evenin,' KeEiah. l don't know
why you're here, but"
Il heard that Grace was alone and
that you was sick. Eben. So l CONS
right down. to help II could"
Thank ye. You're a good-hearteC
woman, Keziah, even though you ain
seen the true light yet. And your,
housekeeper for that hired priest-a-
a." He paused, and a troubled lool
came over his face.
what is 1t, dad?" asked Nat.
IL Where's Oracle? She's here
amt she?"
"Yes, uncle, I'm here. Here am,
said the girl. His fingers CROPPED To-
her hand and seized 1t.
"Yes, yes, you're here" murmureC
Captain Eben. "I-I-for a minute o
so, IL had an awful dream about you
Oracle. / dreamed Never mind
Doc, answer me this now, true an,
honest, man to man: Can you kee
me here for just little spell longer
Can you? Tryl Ten minutes, say
Can your"
"Of course / can. Cap'n Hammond
what are you"
Delay, tell you. Yes, guess 'twa
a dream. 1t had to be, but twas 9
sort Of real that L How long hav
been this way?"
"Oh. little whilel Now just"
Hush! Don't pull your hand away
Oracle. Nat, give me yours. That
II Now l put them two hands tC
gether. See, doctor? See, Keziah?"
Don't, uncle, donti" pleaded Grac,
Don't worry about me. Think G
yourself, please"
"6-sh-sh! Don't put me of. Jus
listen. l want you to marry my boz
after I'm gone. want you to say 20
will-say il now, SOS l can hear 4
VIII you, Gracie?"
Grace would have withdrawn he
hand, but he would not let her. H
chung to II and to that Of his son wit
all his failing strength.
''Will you, Gracie?" he begged. at
the last thing I'm goin' to ask Of yo'