The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-08-25

Make a fine place in summer to set with spy
glass an watch the vessels goin' up an down
the Sound Don't knows an old sailor ashore
could find better job to top off WITH
"'Twouldnt be the same house." said
Henry with decision.
"No, jedge not" airily replied Captain
Amos. you see, | don't set no great store
on things just because they're old; but, then,
/ amt got no more sentiment than a COW"
Thought you had good deal, i" retorted
Henry with what seemed like an air of sus-
picion.
well, not about what don't belong to me"
exclaimed Captain Amos.
1t was with an air Of almost protecting ten
derness that he turned to greet Mrs. Ketchum
at that moment, as if the biblical injunction
concerning widows and orphans was already
in his mind She, on her part, gave him
smiling welcome.
"Its good of you to come in to see Henry
so soon," she told him. you're so cheerful,
l know you'll help him. Why, you quite
livened me up-just the few words we had to-
gether yesterday. | caught myself hun1min'
two or three times; it's been a long time since
I've felt like that
"Well, that's me-" acquiesced the captain.
"Ill have folks cheerful round me if | have to
bat EN- over the head to make 'em So" His
downward glance at that moment, however,
had the effect of recalling to himself weaker
side. He went on with touch Of confusion:
IF I'd "a knowed I was goin' to visit with
ladies, I'd "a spruced up bit. A man gets
careless livin' alone, with no one to take an
interest in him." He sighed deeply.
"Well, when folks gets on like us, guess
the heart counts more'n Clothes" warmly an
swered Mrs. Ketchum Everybody knows
you've got sympathy, and to spare"
Captain Amos shook his head dolefully.
Guess I'd be better off if l was cold
hearted" he said with bitterness. "Why, I
amt got even a cat to talk to. Blame if /
don't feel lonesomer ev'ry day 1 live"
EYES," agreed Mrs. Ketchum; "you're like
me, considerable of talker If I had to
NOPE round all day, with no one to say a
word to, seems S if l should fly. An
woman can't go round like man"
Amos, shaking his head. "These here out
siders you just meet on the street don't help
you none; they amt got no interest in you.
Just as ikelys not they get up an go off be-
fore you're half through. Now, my wife
want no talker, but she was interested an a
good listener, an guess don't need much
more'n that as a general thing, though like a
talker too"
ct does help" agreed Mrs. Ketchum;
"an' if you can talk over old times to-
gether-"
"That's it." broke in Captain Amos, with
pleased recognition of great truth. when
folks git on, the biggest part of you's behind
you, an your mind goes back. Well, guess
you an me are on firm ground there, Maria.
| remember you when you were knee-high
to grasshopper. Why, Henry here amt
known you longer"
"No,' she said, though you was some
older"
Some" acknowledged Captain Amos,
though little difference don't count after
fifty like it does before twenty, notice"
"No, it don't" she agreed; then she rose.
"Well, you must come in often, Amos. l
know you'll do Henry world o good. can
tell by myself"
Il will, will, the captain promised. Il
guess I was kind O. cut out for sick-com-
@e9gz -