The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1914-01-22

groaned Josiah desperately. stand
up and answer him! II you don't well
founder sure"
The captain smiled grimly and shook
his head. lie had not taken his eyes
from the face Of the great Atkins since
the latter began speaking.
what" he replied. after that
| put asunder' sockdolagerf Man alive.
do you want me to add sabbath break
in to my other crimesw
The vote by ballot followed almost
Immediately. II was pltiful TO see the
erstwbile Whitaker majority melt
away. Alonzo Snow was triumphantly
elected. But a handful voted against
him.
Captain Cy. returning from the town
meeting TO the Whitaker place. felt
lonesome.
War was already declared. and the
reasons for IL mattered little. The
first skirmish might occur at any mo.
ment The situation was desperate
The captain squared his shoulders.
thrust forward his chin and walked
briskiy up the path to the door Of the
dining room. II was nearly o'clock.
but Bos'n had not yet gone.
Hello, shipmate." he hailed. Not
headed for school yet? Good. I callate
you needn't go this afternoon. I'm
thinkin' of hirin' a team and drlvin' to
Osta BILE. and ! didn't know but you'd
like TO go with me- Think you could
without that teacher woman havin'
you brought up aft for mutlnyT
Bos'n thought II over.
"Yes, SIR" she said. II guess so, IL
you wrote me an excuse. Id love to
go, Uncle Cy."
The captain removed his coat and
hat aud pulled a chair forward to the
table.
"Hellor' he exclaimed What's this
the mail?"
Bos'n smiled delightedly.
"Yes. SIR" she replied II knew you
was at the meeting. and so brought
II from the office Amt you gladT'
"Sure! Yes. indeed! Much obliged"
He smothered a groan and picked up
the mail.
"Hum." he mused-"the Breeze, q
circular and one letter. Hello! II isn't
possible that Well. wellw
The letter was in a long envelope
He hastily tore II open. At the inclo-
sure he glanced in evident excitement
Then his smile returned.
"Bos'n." he said after a moments
reflection. II guess you and me won't
have to go to Ostable after ALL" No
ticing the child's look Of disappoint.
ment, be added: But you needn't go to
school Maybe you'd better not. You
and nell take a tramp alongshore.
What do you say?"
"Oh. yes. Uncle Cy! Let's-shall
wer
why. don't see why not. Well
cruise in company as long as we can.
hey. little girl? The squalls likely to
strike afore night" he muttered, half
aloud. We'll enjoy the fine weather
till it's time to shorten SAIL"
They walked all that afternoon. Cap
tain Cy was even more kind and gentle
with his small companion than usual.
He told her stories which made her
laugh. pointed out spots in the pines
where he had played Indian when a
boy, carried her pig back" when she
grew tired and kissed her tenderly
when. at the back door Of the Whit.
taker place. he set her on her feet
again.
Shortly after their return Miss
Dawes came to inquire about Emily's
absence from school
Suddenly steps sounded on the walk.
there was a whispering outside, and
some one knocked on the dining room
door.
The situation was similar to that of
the evening when the board of strategy
called and John Smith" made his first
appearance. But now, oddly enough.
Captain Cy seemed much less troubled
He looked at Miss Dawes. and there
was a dancing twinkle In his eye.
as it, began the lady in an agi-
tated whisper
1.-The boardin' party, presume
likely"
But what can you doY"
"Stand by the repel. guess" was
the calm reply. IL told you that they
had most of the ammunition. but ours
amt all blank cartridges. You stay
below and listen to the broadsides."
They heard Georgianna cross the
dining room. There was a murmur of
voices at the door. The captain nod
ded.
Its them" he said "Well, here
goes. Now. don't you show yourself"
do you think am afraid? Indeed,
| shan't stay below as you call 1t!
shall let them seq
Captain Cy held up his hand.
Tin commodore OF this feet" he
said. "and. that bein' the case. expect
my crew to obey orders. There's moth
In you can do. and Why, yes. there
IS too. You can take care Of Bos'n.
Georgianna." TO. the housekeeper.
send Bos'n In here quick"
They're there" whispered Georgian
,a-"Mr Atkins and Tad and that
Thomas critter and lots more. And
.hey've come after her. What shall
we do?"