Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 31, Number 363, 17 February 1907 — Page 9

The Richmond Palladium, Sunday, February 17, 1907.

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Dy JOSEPH C. LINCOLN, Author of "C.p'ft Eri"

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Copyright. 1905, by A. S. Barnes

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bis Jot with TitcomO & Nickerson, Well, I cal'late he'll resign by mutual consint, as the Irishman did when hlni and hl3 boss, told each other. to so to blazes at the same time. I met one of the Metropolitan men when I was up to Boston, add' he told me bl3 folks fired Sam because he went on a

: The captain did cot answer Immediately. He was busy with the buckle that fastened the reins together. But the silence was only momentary. "Good enough!" he cried. "I'll have you there in a Jiffy." He sprang out," assisted the lady into the buggy and then turned the horse's

howlin' spree, so I guess this little Jip-uI into th road leadine m the hill

shindy was .bound -to cpma .sooner, or ; "Whv vou're coin the wrong way."

later. Kept pretty straight afore sence ! Mia Tsmnr ovr-lainied. "YnnVP nir

(Continued From Last Sunday.)

Ills b and upon her arm, tne iook ne nad Jus t given her, his air of assumed proprietorship above all, that new and tu Igar something in his manner, as If t he real soul of the man was sbowinjf for the first time filled her with disgust. She Hid not speak again until they reached the gate. Then she said, without looking at him, "Good night. He put his hand over hers on the latch. ; "Oh," say," he exclaimed, with e lau;:h, "tbls Isn't a square deal, Gus. Aren't you goln to ask me In?" She tried to snatch her hand away.

but ho held It fast and, leaning across the gate, threw his arm about her waist and drew her toward him. "There! he cried exultantly. "This In more like it This Is more like friends. Give us a kiss. You're too high and mighty to be the prettiest girl on the Cape. She struggled from his grasp and stood panting. "Oh," she whispered, with a shudder, as she realized the truth "oh, you've been drinking!" He laughed foolishly 'and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, what's one glass

between friends?" he said. "I stopped Into Web's a minute, and he set 'em up. First drink I've had since I left New York. Thought you was too senBible to have blue ribbon notions. Come; be more sociable, that's a good girt." - . ' ' She was afraid of him now not afraid of physical violence, but as she would have feared the contact with something loathsome and unclean. A sense of utter loneliness came over her.

She longed for protection and help. She thought of Bradley. He would bare helped her. She could have trusted him. But she had driven him out of her life, and this fellow "Go!" she cried. "Go!" Sam ceased to smile. Other girls fhad told him to go, but never In that way or with such quivering scorn. He began to realize that this was the end of his game. lie had lost the prize. But he made one more effort. "Oh, say," he cried, "don't get mad, Gus. I was only fooling. Don't be such an old maid. Come here." She turned on her heel and, without replying. , walked toward the house, j Hammond swore between his teeth, ' opened the gate, took- one step in her

direction and then stopped. He laughed a short, ugly laugh and nodded. "You mean it, do you?" he asked. "Want me to clear out, hey? Well, don't you fool yourself that I don't know; what ails you. You can't come the high moral game on me, my lady. You're whining after that sneaking Sunday school kid. Brad Nickerson, the fellow that didn't care enough about you to lift his hand, but stood still and let me walk off with his girl as if she was as common as dishwater. The whole town thinks you're going to marry me. What'll they say when I show 'em I'm doue with you?' He laughed again and put his hands la bis pockets. j "I'm going," he said. "I'm going all "right. You go to bed and dream about Brad. ' Dreams come true sometimes, they say. Maybe I'll dream about him too." j He pulled his bat over his eyes and ' (walked rapidly away. Gus watched him go. Then she went into the house, threw herself into a chair beside the .

table and laid her head upon her arms

head when the Diving Belle entered Orham harbor that evening. Alvin Bearse was at the helm, and he brought the schooner alongside the wharf. A half dozen men, the only members of the wrecking gang who returned to Orham at the end of the day's work, climbed over the stringplece and departed for their home3 in the village. Bearse remained on board when the vessel ran out to her moorings to help his employers make snug for the night.

A few minutes later Bradley stood

by the cabin door with a lantern in his j have, all but.

hand. Alrin and the captain were forward. Suddenly the Junior partner was aware that some one was standing beside him. . "Well, Cap'n Ez," he observed, "all ready to go ashore?" There was no n--wer. He looked up

Into the face of Sam nammond. The

diver wore.no overcoat. His stiff hat,! battered and muddy, was pushed back j on his head. His face under the tumbled, damp hair on the forehead was j flushed anrl soowlintr. and his half shut!

eyes had an ugly glimmer. Even in 1 su?ject- but he made UP h,s mlnd tbat

he's been t home, though,' ain't he?" Bradley "did not answer. Suddenly the captain ' slapped his thigh. "Good land!" he -exclaimed. "Brad, I've meant, to, tell you all day, and. forgot, it. . The. Diving Belle's insured. I went down to Obed's after I left your house last night and 'we fixed it up. Five thousand- dollars, and-it-went on at noon today leastways. I s'pose It did. lie was to telephone the Insurance folks this morni'n." "Good! I'm glad that's settled. It has worried me to think we weren't protected at all." "Well, I told you I'd do It, didn't I? The only hitch was about that dynamite. But I fixed that. Give Obed to understand we'd took it ashore. .We

I spoke to Peleg, and

he'll have It off in a day or so."

Bradley stopped short. "You don't mean to tell me it hasn't gone yet?" he exclaimed. "Why, if anything should happen to the schooner with that stuff aboard the policy wouldn't hold for a

minute. I've a good mind to go batik now and take it off myself." '"Oh, don't be an old woman I" cried the captain testily. "What do you think's goln to happen? I'll see to it

tomorrow. Come on home.1

the wrong way, Cap'n Ezra!" "Ob," replied the captain cheerfully, "that's all right! I thought we'd' go

round by the Neck road. It's prettier that way." But Miss Tempy would not consent.

She told Miss Prissy afterward, "I felt as though I'd the same as begged him ' for a ride as it was, and I swan if I

was goln' to let him go miles out of his way Jest for me."

"No," she protested. "Mo, cap'n, I won't hear of it. We'll go the shortest road or I shall git right out." -

She stood up as she said it. The cap

tain looked at her determined face. "Why, Tempy" he began.

"No, I shan't like it a bit, Cap'n Tit

comb, if you don't turn right round

and go the way you was goin'.'

The captain Jerked at the rein with almost unnecessary vigor. The turn was made In a hurry. They wheeled

back into the direct road to the Port

and moved swiftly along it. Captain

Titcomb did not say much, but as Miss Tempy talked continuously he had lit

tle opportunity.

"Mow nice the horse does go!" com

mented the lady. "You don't have to

cluck to him or nothin'. Father used

to find so much fault with our Dex-

tion was unmistakable. Hammond's behavior in his native village had heretofore been of the best so far as this particular vice was concerned. Bradley was dumfounded. "Hello, Sam!" he exclaimed. "Where'd you come from?" "Off the wharf," was the gruff answer. "Where'd you think, you fool?" It was evident that the fellow was spoiling for a fight. Bradley, however,

had no wish to quarrel with a drunken man, especially this one. "All right, all right," he said mechanically. "I didn't see' you come aboard; that's all. Want to see Cap'n Ez?" j "No, I don't want to see Cap'n Ez ' nor any other longshore thief but you. I want to go below and get my things." j "Your things?" j "Yes, my things my oilskins and the rest of my stuff. I wouldn't leave 'eni -aboard this rotten tub another minute for a million dollars." j "Oh, very well." Bradley swung :

open tne cabin door ana started to lead the way with the lantern. Hammond shoved him aside. "I'll go alone," he muttered. "You can't see without the lantern. You'll have to go with me or wait till tomorrow morning." " ' ' "Give me that lantern," snarled Sam, making a grab for it.

Bradley held it out of reach.

The Junior partner did not press the ter', sa'd be had tot .shovc oa ne ln

that he didn't know's 'twouldn't be

easier to haul the carryall himself.

But, then, father was so high spirited that nothin' less 'n a race horse would

do him. What's that waltin' on the

if he lived until the next morning that

dynamite should go ashore the minute the Diving Belle reached the Point. At the gate of the Traveler's Rest thev senaratpd. "Cnmlmt rnnnri tn th

house by and by. cap'n?" asked Brad-, er.,n fnt f ,Gins -dredge's? Ipv Why, I do b'lieve it's Clara!"

ley.

The captain's manner changed. I don't know," he answered ! gloomily. "I presume likely I may."

T

CHAPTER XVIII. ETERE was a mystery about the captain's visits to the big house.- Up to the beginning of that week he had called on

Tuesday and Friday evenings only and had remained until after 10 o'clock, joking, laughing and apparently enjoying himself. But now he came every night and seemed less talkative and more glum each time; also his calls grew shorter, and he went home as early as half past 8. The sisters did not know what to make of it. It was pleasant and encouraging to have him come so often, but why didn't he stay longer? Miss Tempy thought he must be worrying over the big contract. She asked Clara for her opinion, but Miss Hopkins seemed very indiffereat. She used to come into the sitting' room as soon as the work wot done to listen to Captain Titcomb's stories, but of late she had gone straight to her own

You're not fit to carry it," he said 1 room. The old maids did not urge her

shortly. '-"You meaiy mouthed sneak!" shouted Hammond. "I'm fit to fix you." ' " Bradley saw the blow coirn'pg. ne dropped the lantern and ducked. Nexl Instant Sam was upon him, screaming and cursing. They tripped over the swinging door and fell to the deck. Alvin and Captain Titcomb came run1 ning from the fo'eastle. "What in the nation?" cried the captain. "Here, quit that, you! Lei him alone. Brad!" Hammond yelled and fought as they dragged him to his feet. Finally, overpowered, he sobbed in maudlin fury. "There, that'll, do for you," observed

the captain, clapping a big hand over

his prisoner's mouth.

ain't he? Hold still, or, by the everIastin bookblocks, I'll heave you overboard! Where'd he come from?" "Must have come aboard when we

to remain. They liked to have the captain to themselves.

Sam plunged straight on throusrh the' stopped at the wharf," replied Brad-

mud and wet grass until he reached ,ey- "IIe was deaa pet on taking the the back door of the billiard room, lantern and going below after his oil-

Web Saunders came hurrying to see Bluns and stuff.

twno it was tnac naa KnocKea; only tne tried and true were admitted at that ' floor. "Hello, Sam!" he exclaimed, with a look of relief. "Why, what's the matter?" "Nothing," replied Hammond gruffly. Where's that Jug of yours, Web? I'm dying for another drink." After cautioning his visitor against speaking so loud Mr. Saunders indicated the whereabouts of the jug. Sam -poured out a liberal dose of the villainous cheap whisky and drank it forthwith. Then he poured out another. . He refused to go home that night, and Web put him to bed upon one of the settees In the little back room. And In that back room he stayed

throughout the next day, drinking frequently, In spite of his friend's protests, and growing more ugly with every drink. That next day, Friday, was wet and foggy, with occasional cold showers, but there was no wind worth men-

"0h vou'fe been drinking!" tioning, and the wreckers put in ten hours' of the hardest kind of work. The Freedom had moved perceptibly In the, sweep of the latest tides, and the partners were happy in consequence. It was dark, though a few stars were Uawins d'mlr throturh the mist over-

Sooner trust a blind cripple with a

lantern. Chuck his dunnage ashore tomorrer morn in. Now, then," turning to Hammond, "will you walk to the flory or shall we carry you? Shut up! You've cussed enough." He led the way to the side, holding Sam by the eoat collar. Bradley followed. "Oh!" exclaimed the skipper, stopping short. "Didn't shut that cabin door, did you. Brad? I've left that blasted key somewheres, and if that spring lock's snapped shut we'll be in a mess. No? Well, all right then." They got into the dory and Bradley took up the oars. Bearse sat on the bow thwart, while the captain reclined in the stern with Hammond, sprawling and muttering, between his knees. They had nearly reached the beach

when Sam gave a sudden spring and, with an oath, threw himself upon his

enemy. Bradley fell backward. The

dory heeled until the water lipped the

rail.

"You would, would you?" grunted

Captain Titcomb. "There!"

Seizing the struggling diver neck and

crop, he whirled him bodily over the

side.

"Now, then," panted the captain, "if

you can't ride like a man, walk!"

Sam went Into the cold water with a tremendous splash. It was not deep and he floundered to his feet, btft the shock sobered him a little. He waded to the shore. TuVning. he stretched out an arm with a shaking forefinger

at the end of it. His rage almost choked him. He tried twice before he managed to speak clearly. "I pay my debts," he gasped. "I pay my debts!" "I've heard difTrent," remarked the captain dryly. "But never mind, Sam; It's a good habit." Hammond did not heed him. "I pay my debts," he repeated. "Do you hear that. Brad Nickersou? You doughface! I've got your girl away from you already, and that Isn't the end. I pay my debts, and. Brad Mickerson, 111 pay you!" He stood for an instant pointing at the dory. Then he stepped back into the darkness. They heard his footsteps crunching the broken clam shells of the road. 'Seems to love you like a brother, don't he, Brad?" observed the captain as they were on their way uptown. "I Jedge from the drift of his entertainin remarks that haa decided Ut chuck on i

On- the . afternoon" of the previous Eunday Miss Tempy had taken a sudden notion to go over to the Methodist chapel and attend the Sabbath' schoolconcert. ' The chapel Was on the road to, Orham Port, a mile or more from the Allen home. Miss Prissy' was not' strong enough to go and, in fact, thought the walk too long for her delicate sister, but Miss Tempy, having made up her mind, went. She would bave been glad of Clara's company, but the young lady had already gone out. 'Miss Tempy had' just reached the

"Crazy tight fornel when she was surprised to see

Captain Titcomb driving toward her in a buggy. She recognized the horse and carriage as being the best owned by Lem Mullett, the livery stable keeper; also she noticed that the captain looked particularly well dressed spruced up, she told Miss Prissy afterward. "Cap'n!" she called. "Cap'n Ezra!' The captain was then almost directly opposite, but he did not seem to hear or see her. Instead he whipped up the horse and drove by faster than ever. . , " . . . "Dear me!" thought Miss Tempy. "He must be gittin' absentminded. Workin too hard, I guess. Cap'n Ez-ra!" It is doubtful if the captain would-' have heard even then, but Jonadab Wix.on was coming down the road, and he also began to shout. Hailed thus, fore and aft, the absentminded ' one was obliged to heave to, and when j Captain Jonadab pointed out Miss

Tempy he turned his horse and drove back to where she was standing. "Well, I do declare!" exclaimed the lady, smilingly conscious of a becoming new bonnet one of the reasons

for her desire to attend the concert. "I'm all out of breath callin after you. I don't know what folks will think!" The captain didn't appear to care very much what folks might think. He was polite as usual, but seemed to be a trille nervous and kept glancing up and down the road. Miss Tempy, unconscious of the nervousness, went gushingly on. "What a lovely horse!" she cried. "I declare, it must be a pleasure to ride behind him. I do so like to ride with a nice, gentle horse like that. Father used to take Prissy and me drivin with our Dexter when he was alive father was alive, I mean yes, and the horse, too, of course. I hope I haven't kept you. Was you goin to see Bradley?" . . "No, no," was the hasty answer. T

was jest jest drivin down the road a ways." Then, perhaps noticing that his friend was headed toward the village, he added: "I had a little errand down toward the Port. You're goin uptown, I see, else I'd ask you to jump in." "Why, how lovely!" exclaimed Miss Tempy. "I was goin to the Port, too down to the Methodist folks' concert. I only came this way 'cause I thought I'd stop at Mrs. Wingate's and see if

she wouldn't go with me. Prissy was afraid the walk there and back would be too long for me, and, truth to telL I was a little afraid of it myself. I

didn't, expect to ride, and with you, Cap'n Ezra! ItU be such a treat, be

cause I shall feel perfectly safe with totj dr,r.,TV

Captain Titcomb evidently did not see Miss Hopkins. At all events he looked the other way and chirruped

to the horse. But Miss .Tempy not

only saw, but intended to be seen.

"It is Clara." she declared. "I must

speak to her. Clara! Clara!"

The young lady, who had ; been Intently watching the approaching bug

gy, stepped to the edge of the side- ' walk and waited until the equipage drew up. She was dressed in her new gown and jacket and certainly looked very pretty. She nodded to the cap

tain, whose face was redder than

usual.

"How d'ye do. Clara? said Miss Tempy, trying Val not to be patroniz

ing. "I s'pose you're takin a walk. You look reel nice. Where are you goin'?" Mis Hopkins replied that she didn't know just where she should go.

"Well, I hope you'll have a pleasant after-noon wherever you go," gushed ; Miss empy. "The cap'n is takin me for a little drive. ' Isn't this a beautiful horse?" Here the captain made his first remark since the carriage stopped. It was to the effect that he was taking Miss Tempy down. to-the -Methodist ! chapel. She had Teen going that way, and it was a long walk.' .' "Oh," said Miss" Hopkins sweetly, "is that all? I thought" perhaps you were gtIng to take her over to Harniss. It seems as If I remembered you saying you expected to go there today. Good-

by. I hope youU have a nice time." On that evening" Captain Titcomb made the first of the short calls which were to continue during the week. Miss Tempy welcomed him enthusiastically, and her sister did' her best not to appear jealous. Clara did not come Into the sitting room at all, nor did she

do so during the following four evenings. Bradley did not mention the trouble aboard the Diving Belle when he reached home "Friday night. He was even "more silent than usual at the supper table. When the meal was over he suddenly exclaimed: "By George, Clara, I must beg your pardon! There was a letter for you in our box this morning, . and I, left it aboard the schooner I'll bring it home tomorrow." ' . Captain Titcomb came about 8. He seemed really cheerful when he first arrived, but soon relapsed Into the moody silence: that had characterized his visits that week. " "Clara out In the kitchen?" he asked after awhile. "I noticed the light was burnin." "No," replied Miss Tempy; "she's up in her room. She's left some bread to

"There." exclaimed Miss Prissy, I guess 'twas nothin but Tempy's imagination, as usual. She" The words died on her lips. There came a sound from the kitchen they all heard it a rattling sound and the faint squeak of a door. Bradley sprang to the coal hod and picked up the poker. It was the only apology for a weapon In sight. He started for the kitchen, but Miss Prissy seized, him by the jacket and Miss Tempy threw both arms around his neck. . "Don't you stir. Bradley Nlckerson." whispered the older sister. "Don't you stir a step! S'pose he had a revolver." Bradley tried to free himself, but it was hard work. He unclasped Miss Tempy's arms from his neck, but she Immediately seized him around the waist. It was a ridiculous situation, and suddenly he became aware of a cold wind blowing from the direction of the front hall.

"Is that front door open?" he whis

pered. . The horrified sisters turned to stare at the black tunnel of the hall, and then footfalls were heard on the walk, coming up the steps. Clara's voice became audible. She was speaking In agonized whispers. "Who" began Bradley. Clara appeared, clinging to the arm of Captain. Erl Hedge. Captain Eri looked puzzled, but he grinned when he saw the tableau in the dining room. He told the story the next morning to his messmates. Captain Perez and Captain Jerry, about as follows: "You see, I'd been up to lodge meetIn and stayed a little longer'n usual. I was comln home by the short cut, and Jest as I got abreast the old maids' house the front door bust open, and somethin comes prancin down the walk flutterln and flappin its arms like a hen tryin to fly. Thinks I,

'Has that speritu'list camp meetin. I went to last summer struck In? t " "But the critter swooped oat of tfc gate and bore down on me like a nawk

on a June bug. Then I see 'twas Clara Hopkins, scart pretty nigh to death. Oh, Cap'n Eri! says she. 'Oh, Cap'n Eri! " The same says I. 'What's the row?' 'Burglars T says she, makin fast to my arm. 'Burglars! "I had to laugh. I couldn't help It. 'Burglars at 10 o'clock? I says. 'Did they come to supper? "'But they're there" she says. 'Everybody heardem, Bradley and all. T couldn't ' b'lieve 'twas burglars even then, but I knew if Brad Nlckerson took any stock in it somethin' was

up. And the poor girl was tremblin

like Peleg Myrick's pup.

" 'All right, Clara,' says I. 'Let's go

In and shake hands with 'em.

"So In we went. When we struck

the dinin' room there was Brad in the

middle of the floor lookin pretty toler

water was drippin' ofT its chin. VTho ! t1 to sqre JO Da n wxm

was it? You'd never guess la a million yearsl t "I swan to man if it wan't Ez Titcomb! . Oh, It's the cap'n! squeaked Tempy and went down la a heap. 'IIoo-rash-oo'.' says Cap'n Ez, sort of opeuin the conversation. " 'Well." says I. 'For heaven's sakes says Brad. "But Prissy stepped for'ard and took command. She didn't looked scared any more; only kind of queer round the mouth and snappy round the eyes. "'Cap'n Tiicomb, says she. 'if you please, what were you hidin in that closet for? If you can stop sueezin long enough to answer, I should like' 'Sneeze!' hollers Ez, gittin ready for another explosion. 'Sneezer says

he kind of through his noe and wavin j his hand desp'rate. I guess maybe j you'd sneeze if you'd upsot the spice j box right into your face and eyes and j

had your mustache full of red pepper! "Seemed a likely sort of guess, when you come to think of It, but Prissy didn't pay no attention. " 'Why was you hid In that closet? says she. "Well, air, that was the fust time In my life that I ever see Ez Titcomb clean out of soundin's! I snum! Yoa could see he didn't know what to say.

and when Ez gits that way things must be conslder'ble mussed up. He fidgeted and stuttered and picked at his watch chain. "'Prissy, says he, and then he stopped. 'Prissy,' he says again and shut up like a clam. 'Prissy' "'Well? says Prissy in a sort of vinegar on ice voice. "Prissy, says Ez. ne looked at her and at Tempy and at Brad. As for Brad, there was a twinkle In his eye. Honest, ho looked almost as if he was havin consider'ble fun out of the show. '"I'rissy, says Ez once more; then he let everything go with a run and

hollers: 'Oh, thunder! What's the use? Clara, you know what I come here for. Why don't you tell 'em and be done with it? "Course we all looked at Clara then. She blushed up pretty red, but she answered prompt. " T s'pose you come here to see me, says she, 'though why you should hide I don't see. " ' 'Cause I couldn't see you no other way; that's why! I've tried hard enough to speak with you for the last

week, but you've cleared out every night 'fore I got the chance. I thought if I waited till you come to fix the bread I'd be here, and you'd have to see me and hear what I had to say. So I come In the back door and waited. Then I heard Prissy speak In the dinln room and well, I got rattled and hid In that da that everlastin- closet. That's the whole fool yarn! There! "Prissy looked as if she was goin to

ble foolish, -with Prissy moored to his sa3r something, but Clara cut in ahead

coattails and Tempy with a clove ot ner xes says sne, -Dur wnat you hitch round his waist All hands look- havn't explained are your actions last eLs'Drised to see me. but no more 'n I Sunday. When a man asks the lady

was to see them. 'What Is this? says he's engaged to to go out drivin with X. 'Living statues? oim and then calmly ups and takes

"Brad., he kind of grinned. Well, j somebody else, why

says he, 'the ladies thought they heard I 1 -rote you now it Happened,' says

tsz, pieadin like. 'I never got the letter,' says Clara. " 'One minute, If you please,' breaks In Prissy, calm, but chilly, like a January mornin. 'Let's understand this thing.. Cap'n Titcomb, are you and Clara engaged to be married? , "Ez' swallered once or twice and

some one in the kitchen, but I guess'

"Thought we heard eml busts out

Prissy. 'Why, you heard 'em your

self!"

"And now Brad, he held up his

hands, poker and all. 'All right, all

right! says he. 'Now that we're re-

enforced maybe we'd better go out and

Interview 'em. They might die of old i looked round as If he was bopin some-

age if we stay here much longsr.' body d heave a life line. But nobody

"So he winked to me and the fleet did. Then he shoves his fists in his

got under way. Me and Brad led off, pockets. and says, 'Why, yes, we we

like a couple of tuirs. and the women . are.

folks strung out behind, like coal barges, holdin' on to each other's wrappers and breathln' hard. "We opened the kitchen door and sailed in that is, Brad and I did. The coal barges got in a lump, so's to speak, in the doorway and stayed there. There was a lamp burnin side of a pan of dough on the table, but, jest as I expected, we was the only humans in sight. " 'Looks as if the burglars had got

" 'Well, I never. says Trlssy. "I didn't say nothin', neither did Brad, but I cal'late we both looked

s'prlsed. Tempy, . who'd been settin t on the floor ever sence Ez was mate- ! rialized, like one of the camp meetin j sperits,. out of that closet, spoke up oh

If she was talkin tn her sleep, and says she, 'And It was Clara he was comln' to see all this time." "'Well,' says Prissy. 'Well, I must

say. Cap n Titcomb, that I think It

tired of waitin' for us and got mad would have been more manly If you'd

and gone home,' says I. 'Don t know come and seen Clara instead of spend-

in' your evenin's with us and lettin us think' "'Come and see her! bellers Ez.

'Didn't I try to come to see her? But

what they broke into the kitchen for, anyhow. I've heard of a feller's steal-

In' a redhot stove, but' "Brad looked puzzled, sort of. 'I

sartinly heard something movin out every time I got to the kitchen door

nere, ne says, jjiost nkeiy 'twas a you or Tempy 'd take me in tow and stray cat, and It's hidin around some- head for the settin' room. I swan to wheres man I ain't had a chance to breathe, "But jest then comes a whistle a you watched me so!' squeaL I mean from the barges. "Temnv started to sav somethin. but

rise, and I guess she's comin down to Tempy's headlights were poppin out 1 Prissy was 'skipper jest then. 'Don't see it by and by. That's why she left of her head, and she was p'intin' a say any more. Tempy. she says. 'Now

snaky nnger at tne noor. mere was . that we know the cap'n Is goin' to mar-

oig muaay loorpnnts an over iu "Well, I own up I was set back two or

the lamp, I s'pose likely." As the big clock in the dining room struck 9 the captain rose, announced that he must be going and went. Bradley retired soon after, and the sisters followed his example. The old house grew still. Miss Prissy was dropping into a comfortable doze when she felt herself clutched violently by the back hair. "Ow!" she exclaimed, half awake. "Let go! What on earth" "S-s-sh-hr Miss Tempy breathed It frantically into her ear. "Don't speak I" ' T won't if you let go of my hair. What's the matter nightmare? I told you there was a limit, even to pepper tea." "Oh, do be still! There's robbers

downstairs. I heard 'em."

ry our' I gues she was goin' to say

I servant, but didn't hardly dast to 'our

three rows. Somebody had been there, young lady friend, says she, well

that was sartin. I've seen cats with

double paws, but no cats made them prints. ' "Humph! says I, and Brad agreed with me. "I was standin right in front of the door of the closet where the old maids kept their pots, and pans. And jest then inside that closet bust out the most outrageous racket ever you heard. Bifflty, bang, thump! And then a coughin and 6neezia like forty packs of thunder crackers. "I ain't a narvous man, gin'rally

speakin', but I got up and moved sud

treat him as her compny, not ours. Come, we ain't wanted here. "And. helpin Tempy up, she took her by the arm and sailed out, all canvas sot and colors flyin. "Ez, he looked consider'ble like the feller that stole the hen's eggs and forgot and set down on 'em. "Brad didn't speak. He Jest looked sort of mournful at 'the partner and shook his head slow. I ain't a mind reader, but I'll bet he was thinkin. same as I was, that, for a chap who had the name of bein' the slickest kind

of a ladies man, Ez Titcomb sartinly

den. I didn't exactly run,. but I kind had unset the calabash this time.

j oi giKiea over to tne smis. leastways

Miss Prissy groaningly sat up and listened. "It's Clara seein' to her bread," she said after a moment. "It ain't. Clara's in her room readin. I saw her through the crack In the door. And Bradleys In hi3 room. I beard him breathln. Please git up!" Miss Prissy said no more. She don

ned a wrapper and put on her slippers. Her sister was already similarly garb

ed. Then, Miss Prissy bearing the lamp, they tiptoed into the hall and on to the door of Bradley's room. "Bradley." cautiously whispered Miss Prissy, "Bradley, will you git up, please? Tempy thinks there's somebody downstairs." They heard Bradley chuckle sleepily. In a few moments he came out. dressed in jacket and trousers and blinking at the lamp. Clara, who had not gone to bed, had already joined them. The procession moved Bradley first, then- Miss Prissy with the lamp, then Miss" Tempy, who, as she said afterward, was "too scared- to go ahead and dasn't go last." Clara brought up the rear. They peered cautiously Into the dining room- Jt was emotr.. ,

I was backed up against it when I re

membered to take an observation. The women grabbed each other and

screeched. Brad, he turned sort of

yeller round the gills, but he was the

coolest one in the bunch. "The bangin' and barkln' and sneezIn In the closet kept right up to time. Whoever it was, he wasn't shirkin his work none to speak of. 'Come out of that! yells Brad, makin' a dive for the door. "Afore he could reach it that door flew open of Itself. Out comes somethin doubled up like a Jaekknife. It kind of pawed the air with its flippers and dove head first for the sink. I give It all the room It needed didn't want to be selfish. :" 'Hoo-rash-oo! remarks the thing as if it meant It too. Then it shoved Its head into the water' bucket. - "The whole congregation was consider'ble shook up. Nobody felt like risin and addressin the mourners. The critter at the water bucket splashed and gurgled for a minute- Then It turned round. Its head and face was all tT9k e& red and brawn, and the

"And we went out and left him alone with his best girl."

w

is

fx:

CHAPTER XIX. ELL, Clara," observed Captain Titcomb a few hours later, standing on the step by the back door and but

toning his peajacket, "I s'pose It had to come out some time, but I did hope

'twould come more soothln' like, as the feller said to the dentist. The thing that worried me most of all always exceptin yotrr givln' me the mitten, cs I'd begun to think you had was how we was goin to break It to the old maids. And now. It's kind of broke itself, as you might "say." Clara, standing in the doorway, with i shawl about her shoulders, smiled, fcut shook her head. "Yes," she said, "I ehould say it had. I guess the best thing I can do is to move back' home right away. They'll never forgive me for letting you fail in love-with me, Ezra, never in the world." "Oh, I don't know," replied the captain hopefully. "That's where Brad 11 tela out. lie can do more than any-

Prissy and Tempy. Land of lovet Is,

that I o'clock r "Yes. It is. Yoa must be going right away. I'd no Idea 'twas so late. The fog had entirely disappeared, and it was a clear, cold November night. The heavens were spattered thick with stars, and the horizon was dotted here and there with the sparks of lighthouses and lightships. Sleeping Orham lay still, and. the sort, hummed a restful lullaby. , "What was that?" asked Clara, pointing. "What was what?" J ; ; I thought I saw a queer light out on the water there. Yes; see, there It Is again." ,1 . , The captain put up bis band to, shade his eye from the rays of the htirp In the kitchen and looked In the direction tshe was, pointing. Out Be-,

yond the strip of water at the foot of the long hill behind the house, beyond the point that divided It from the bar' bor, a speck of light glowed for SA Instant, flickered and went out. "That's queer," be muttered, "Than off In the harbor,' right; by our moor In's." - . The speck of light reappeared, trreir larger, puffed .for an Instant Into aruddy flame that lit up the masts and. hull of a schooner lying at anchor. - "Lord A'mlghty! yelled' Captain Titcomb. "It's the Diving Bells cos fire!" And from the darkness In the dlrsc tion of the distant wharf cams a falnff shout, then another. The captain plunged headlong fort the back fence. "Call Brad bs abonV ed. "Quick!" ..Clara ran screaming into the houses and her companion vaulted the fsncs) and dashed down the hill. The dead grass beneath bis feet was wet sad slippery. Blackberry Tines caught him about the. ankles, and tangled damps of bayberry bashes tors hi clothes as he scrambled through them. Ones h fell head first into s sand pit, bat tbs)

sand was soft and he was not hurt. The Diving Bells was on fire! Tbs Diving Belle was burning upl His) brain repeated It over and over again,' Then came the thought of what bars loss would mean to Bradley and himself, and he groaned aloud. He reached the foot of tbs bill and plowed through the soft sand of tbs beach. The tide was low, and bs ran across the flats, splashing to bis knees in the channels. Am bs climbed tbs bank by the bridge he heard soms ons running before him over tbs looaa planks. He crossed the bridge snd panted tspv the second hilL As bs reached Its top the wind from the sea struck cold oa. bis sweating forehead and brought to his ears the sound of shouting. . Thers were lights In the upper windows of the houses be passed. Jonadab Wlxota thrust a tousled head from -tbs win dow of his bedroom and balled, fe'-ig what was the matter. Captain Titcomb could see the cluster of buildings at the landing plainly now and the masts of the catboats alongside the wharf. The water of the harbor was black except In ons spot. There the Diving Belle lay In a flickering halo of red light. Little Jets of flame were shooting up from her hull amidships. The smell of burning wood come on the wind. Lciu Mullett, the livery stable keeper, was just ahead, puffing and stum

bling in the middle of the narrow road. He seized the captain by the arm as the latter overtook him. "How'd how'd she git afire? bs gasped. Captain Titcomb did not answer. His eyes were fixed on the burning schooner, and he pushed Mr. Mullett out of the way and ran on, , Just as he reached the bend by Newcomb's fish house a huddle of men, some with overcoats and bats and others bareheaded and half dressed, rushed wildly around the corner of tbs building. The captain's shoulder struck, the foremost man a blow in the chest that knocked him backward. , "Ugh! Owl" grunted the man. Then he cried; "Hey? Is that you, Cap'n Ez?" The captain was fighting bis way, through. "Let me by T bs shouted. "Git out of my way!" Some obeyed, but others did not. There were confused cries of "Stop him!" "Don't let blm-gor Hs was seized by the arm. The crowd rlrtssd

about him. "Don't let me go!" roared tbs captain, striking right and left- -Who'll stop me? Are you crazy? Parker, by thunder, I'll Alvin Bearse, take your bands off me!" Bat Alvin held tight "Cap'n, Ex, bs pleaded, "listen! Listen jest a minute I You mustn't go off to her. Ira, bold his other arm." , Overpowered and held fast, tbs bewildered captain gazed at tbs faces surrounding him. "For tbs Lord's sake!" he cried. "Yon cowards! Are you goin' to let her born op without iiftin' a hand? What are yon standin here for? Why ain't you aboard your" ship, Alvin Bearse? Did yoa set be ' afire yourself? Let me go! I'll - He struggled frantically. "Cap'n Ea, pleaded Alvin, "listen to me. The dy

namite's aboard the dynamite! Captain Titcomb stopped struggling, The dynamite in the bold! ne had forgotten it entirely. That was why na boat3 had put out to the burning vessel. That was what they were running away from. "'Taln't safe to stay here!" shouted some one from the outskirts of the rao Idly growing crowd. "We'll be blowedt to slivers when she goes off. Git back to the hill!" , "Bluey .Bacheldor," yelled the captain, "you re a coward and always was! But ain't there no men fn this gang? Bearse! Sparrow! Ellis! Ars you goin to stand by and see me and Brad ruined? Who'll come with me and pitch the stuff overboard? We'll save her yet! Come onl" They were wavering, some of them, Bearse was a brave man; so was Ellis, The two looked at each other. "Come on, boys!" shouted the captain, getting one arm free and waving it. Then, as a new thought struck him: "What's. the matter with you? Dynamite don't blow up. in a fire. It burns like cord Co" on. you fools!" ,

(To be' Continued Next Sunday.)

'Phone or; write a car to the Palladium of the little piece of news your neighbor told you and get your nams in the nsws "tip contest far Cra