The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-07-17
WHIIIAkFRS
 PLACE
By JOSEPH C. LINCOLN
Copyright. 1908. by D. Appleton 6 Co.

said. "Got some headache. Why, his name is-is-yes, 'tis Smith, come to think of it-John Smith. Funny you should guess right, wan'H1t? The captain was in the dining room when Bos'n appeared. "Good morning. Uncle Cyrus" she said. You've been waiting. haven't you? Am I late2 T didn't mean to be-"
 a"No, no! You ain,t ilate-early, if anything. Breakfast ain't quite ready yet Come here and set in my lap l want to talk to you.,'
 He took her on his4knee. She looked up into his face
 ssWhat,s the matter.~UneIe Cy?" she asked What makes, you4so sober ?"
 ssSober? If you a1Ht the oldest young one for eight years Fever saw! Why, I ain't sober. No, not Say, Bos'n, do you like your school as well as ever?"
 "Yes, sir. like it. better all the time"
 'sDo, hey? And thatf teacher woman go on likin' her?'
 The child nodded emphatically. 'sYes sir,'' she said s'And I haven't been kept after since that once.'
 sSho, shoI Course you ain't! So you think Bayports as nice as Con COEQ, OOf you
 ssOh. lots nicer! If mamma was only here I'd never want to be anywhere else. And not then, maybe. unless you was there too.'
 "Hum! Want to know! Say, Bos'n. how would you feel if you had to go somewhere else2'
 ITO live? Have we got to2 I'd feel dresdful, of course But if you've got to go, Uncle Cyrus, why''-
 "Me? Mo-; ain't got to go any where's. But twas you was thinlzin' of. Wouldn't want to leave the old man, heyT'
 gro leave you-oh, Uncle Cyrusr'
 She was staring at him now, and her chin was trembling
 ssUncle.'' she demanded. 'tyou ain't going to send me. away7 Haven't I been a good girl ?''
 sTbe captains lips4shut tight.
 sHelEoP' said a voice. The pair looked up. The man who had arrived on the previous night stood in the sit ting room doorway.
 EDiIy saw the stranger and slid from Captain Cy's knees. The captain rose.
 ssBos'n," he said. "this is Mr-er- Smith, who's goin' to make us lit tle visit want you to shake hands with him."
 The girl dutiful1y approached MT. Smith and extended her hand. He took it and held it in his own.
 els this the''- he began.
 Captain Cy bowed assent.
 ''Yes.' he said, his eyes fixed on the visitors face. ''Yes. Don't forget what you said last night g
 Smith shook his head.
 'sNo." he replied ''I ain't the kinA that forgets unless it pays pretty well. There's some things I've remembered for quite a few years.''
 He looked the child over from head to foot, and his brows-drew together in an ugly frown-
 tsSo this is her, heyY' he muttered n1usfngiy 'Humph! Well, I don't know as I'd have guessed it. Fayors the other side of the house more-the respectable side, should say. Still, theress little brand of the lost sheep, hey-enough to prove. property, huh? Mark of the beast. I s'pose the psalm singiR relations would call it. D-n 'em, I''-
 s.Steady!'' broke -in the captain. Mr. Smith started, seemed to remember where he was, and his manner changed.
 Come and see me, honey.'' he coaxed, drawing the girl toward him by the hand he was holding "Ain't you got a nice kiss for me this fine mornin'2 Don't be scared. won't bite"
 Bos'n looked shrinkingly at MT. Smiths uns1aven cheeks and then at Captain .Cy. The latteEs face was IT. merely nodded.
 So Emily kissed one of the bristling cheeks, The kiss was returned full upon the mouth She wiped her lips and darted away to her chair by the table.
 What's your hurryT' inquired the visitor Don't do it right? Been some time since kissed girl-a little one, anyhow" he added, winking at his host Never mind; we'll know each other better by and by"
 He looked on in wondering disgust as Bos'n said her grace
 ssWhat in bIazes!'' he burst out when the little blessing was finished. 'FWho put her up to that2 A leftover from the psalm singers, Is .tt?"
 ''I don't know answered the cap tain, speaking with, deliberation. "I do know that | like to have her do it and that she shall do it as longs she's at this table,
 "ohI she shall. hey7 Well. [ reck- on"-
 .'She shalI-as long as she's at this table. Is that real plain and under standable, or shall write 1t down F'
 There was an icy clearness in the captains tone which seemed to freeze further conversation on the part of MT. Smith He merely grunted and ate his breakfast in silence. He ate a great deal and ate it rapidly.
 Bos'n departed for school when the meal was over. Captain Cy helped her on with her coat and hood. Then. as he always did of late. he kissed her