86 



FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK, 



Welcome Home. 



A ROMANCE IN A FISHERMAN'S LIFE. 



BY M. W. C. 



"You will not be angry, dear Janie, if I leave to-night? There's no way 

 out of it for me. I can go with a light enough heart if only you'll tell me 

 you do not mind." 



"Nay, I'll not be angry, David, only grieved, deeply grieved. I do mind, 

 for you know I had counted on your being here the 3d — " 



The sweet voice faltered here ; the blue eyes that had been so laughter- 

 clear and bright, an hour since, grew blurred with bitter tears under the 

 long curled hazel lashes. 



"The 3d — Wednesday — is the day we wedded six years ago, David; you 

 remember how often we have said we would spend that day together here in 

 our own home." 



"Ay, Janet > but you would not have me shirk a trust?" David Colburn's 

 clear soul looked through his shining eyes as he spoke these words. One 

 could see that his resolve was fixed : there would be no more faltering now 

 for him. "The fishing schooner Snow-Bird \t?iVGs port to-night ; her own- 

 ers do not believe the master, Bradley, to be trusty, and they want a man 

 on board who can lend a hand, thwart any evil designs on their property, 

 or even take command if need be. That man whom they select in confi- 

 dence is I. Now, Janet, shall I go? You say the word." 



