The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1918-06-07

10 EtLuIu lOI LuG WCGh ShAu AhN sAS cA"
ter's birthday with no hesitation what
ever, and his letter Of acceptance was
so polite as to be almost humble.
Il He arrived on an early train Satur-
day morning. Caroline met him at the
station, and the Dunns' car conveyed
him to the latter's residence, where
they were to spend the day. The Dunns
and Caroline had been together almost
constantly since one evening when
Malcolm and his mother interrupted
the reading Of the novel. The former,
while protesting to be harassed by
business cares, sacrificed them to the
extent of devoting at least part or
each twenty-fouf hours to the young
lady's society. She was rarely allowed
to be alone with her uncle, a circum-
stance which troubled her much less
than It did him. He missed the even
ings which he had enjoyed so much.
and the next consultation over the adj
ventures of Parsons "Uncle Jim" and
his .Mary" seemed fat and uninterest'
ing without criticism and advice.
The author himself noticed the dif.
ference.
."Rotr' he exclaimed, throwing the
manuscript aside in dls1:EsA ITS rot
isn't 1t! II can't turn cut Letter stuff
than that I'd better quit. And thought
it was pretty decent. too. until to-
night"
Captain Elisha shook his head. 1T
don't seem quite so ,shipshape some
how" he admitted, "but guess likely
It's cause my heads full OF otis:
things just now. I'm puzzled most 10
death to know what to get for Caro-
lines birthday. want to get her
somethin' she'll like, and she's got
pretty nigh everything under the sun.
Say, Jim, you've been workin' too HARD
yourself. Why don't you take tomor'
row off and cruise around the stores
helpin' me pick out present. Come
ahead-do!'
They spent the next afternoon In
that "cruise," visiting department.
stores, jewelers. and art shops innumer
able. Captain Elisha was hard tt
please, and his comments characters
tic. He finally selected neck chain
set with tiny emeralds.
Captain Elisha planned to surprise
his niece with the gift at breakfast on
the morning of her birthday, but, AFTER
reflection, decided to postpone the pres
entation until dinner time. The In
eyitable Dunns had taken upon them
selves the duty Of caring for the girl
and her brother during the major part
OF the day. The yellow car appeared
at the door at 1C o'clock and bore the
two away.
The captain spent lonely but busy
hours until dinner time caIsae. He{
had done some scheming on his OWL
hook and. after long argument with
the cook, REINFORCED by small sum in
cash, had prevailed upon that naughty
domestic to fashion birthday cake OF
imposing exterior and 1ndigestlDle
makeup. experimenting the icing OF
this masterpiece occupied some time.
He then worried Edwards into re-
spectful but stubborn fury by suggest
ing novelties in the way OF table ar
rangement. Another bestowal OF small
change Quelled the disturbance. Ihen
came by messenger dozen American
Beauty Roses, with Mr.. Parsons card
attached. These the captain decided
should be placed in the center OF the
festive board AS centerpiece had
been previously provided, there was
more argument. The cook took the
buffers side in the debate, and the pair
yielded only when Captain Elisha again
dived into his pocket.
"But / warn you, all hands, he OBJ
served, "that this is the last time. MY
right fists got cramp in 1t this min
ute. and you couldn't open it again
with cold chiseI."
At last, however, everything was as
it should be, and he sat down In the
library to await the coming OF the
young people. The gold chain In It's
handsome leather case, the latter IN
closed in the jewelers. box, was care
fully laid beside Caroline's place at the
table. The dinner was ready, the cake,
candles and all-the captain had In
sisted upon twenty candles-was ready
also. There was nothing to do Dut
wait-and he waited.
Six-thirty was the usual dinner hour
1t passed. Seven o'clock struck, then
8. and still Captain Elisha sat alone In
the library. The cook sent word that
the dinner was ruined. Edwards re
spectfully asked "What shall / do, sirF
twice, the second time being sent flying
with an order to go for'ard and keep
your matches closedp The nautical
phraseology was lost upon the bttter,
but the tone and manner of delivery
were quite understandable.