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Harte, Bret, 1836-1902

"Drift from Two Shores"

Toward
morning, in the midst of a prolonged howl from the captain, who was
finishing the "Starboard Watch, ahoy!" in three different keys,
Roger Catron's voice broke suddenly and sharply from his en-
wrappings:--
"Dry up, you d--d old fool, will you?"
Captain Dick stopped instantly. Rising to his feet, and looking
over the landscape, he took all nature into his confidence in one
inconceivably arch and crafty wink. "He's coming up to the wind,"
he said softly, rubbing his hands. "The pills is fetchin' him.
Steady now, boys, steady. Steady as she goes on her course," and
with another wink of ineffable wisdom, he entered the cabin and
locked the door.

Meanwhile, the best society of Sandy Bar was kind to the newly-made
widow. Without being definitely expressed, it was generally felt
that sympathy with her was now safe, and carried no moral
responsibility with it. Even practical and pecuniary aid, which
before had been withheld, lest it should be diverted from its
proper intent, and, perhaps through the weakness of the wife, made
to minister to the wickedness of the husband,--even that was now
openly suggested.


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