The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1918-05-17

how" he admitted, "but guess likely
it's cause my heads full of other
things just now. I'm puzzled most to
death to know what to get for Caro-
lines birthday. l 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 a 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 to
please, and his comments characteris-
tic. He finally selected a 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
evitable 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 10 o'clock and bore the
two away. Caroline assured her guard
ian, however, that they would return
In season for the evening meal.
The captain spent lonely but busy
hours until dinner time came. He
had done some scheming on his own
hook and, after a 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 indigestible
makeup. Superintending the icing of
this masterpiece occupied some time.
He then worried Edwards into a re-
spectful but stubborn fury by suggest
ing novelties in the way Of table ar
rangement. Another bestowal of small
change quelled the disturbance. Then
came by messenger a dozen American
Beauty Roses, with Mr.. Pearson's card
attached. These the captain decided
should be placed in the center of the
festive board. AS a 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 l warn you, all hands," he OBJ
served, that this is the last time. My
right fists got cramp in it this min
ute, and you couldn't open 1t again
with a cold chisel."
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 its
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 but
wait-and he waited.
Six-thirty was the usual dinner hour.
1t passed. Seven o'clock struck, then
s, 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, sir?''
twice, the second time being sent flying
with an order to go for'ard and keep
your matches closed" The nautical
phraseology was lost upon the butler,
but the tone and manner of delivery
were quite understandable.
Several times the captain rose from
his chair to telephone the Dunn house
and ask the reason for delay. Each
time he decided not to do so. No doubt
there were good reasons. Caroline and
her brother had been detained. Per.
haps the automobile had broken down
the things were always breaking
down just at the most inconvenient
times, perhaps Well, at any
rate, he would not phone just yet. He
would wait little longer.