The Argosy — page 181: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Fack’s Neuece. 169 ‘Then may I ask what it is?” ** Douglas, Daisy Douglas,” she answered, as she moved away with a partner who had come to claim her. ‘Douglas !” repeated Captain Carr, with a look of intense surprise. ‘ How very odd!” And catching sight of Jack Kerr at that moment, he went up to him and said: ‘Look here, Kerr, why did you say your niece’s name was Gaskell ?” ‘* Because it is,” replied Jack. ‘‘ Who says it isn’t ?” * She does.” ‘Good gracious! Whatcan she mean? Why, my sister Mary married Archie Gaskell and went off with him to Australia, and last night that little girl turned up here and said she was my sister Mary’s daughter. And now—what can she mean? It’s some joke, Carr, depend upon it.” I don’t know what to think; but I don’t believe it is a joke. - She says her name is Douglas.” ‘* Nonsense! If she’s my sister Mary Gaskell’s daughter, how can her name be Douglas ?” ‘‘ Jack,” said Captain Carr, “I believe there’s some mistake. I have a sister Mary who is in America, and is Mrs. Douglas—and it’s my belief this is my niece, not yours. The moment I saw her I was reminded of someone I knew, and now I’ve got the clue. She’s the image of my sister Mary as I can remember her first when she married Douglas. They went to Australia directly after, and then to California, and I’ve heard from her at long intervals from America since then. She has one girl and two boys; and, by-the-way, I believe I’m god-father to one of the latter.” “Carr! Can it be possible? But I do believe you must be right ! My sister married when I was quite a boy, and went to Australia, and I never heard she had gone to America till my niece—or—your niece — confound it! I’m getting awfully mixed—told me so last night ; and your story tallies exactly with hers. She asked me if I didn’t think her like mamma, and I must say nothing could be more unlike my recollection of my sister. But this is ago! Who is to tell her? It’s very awkward, Carr ———” ‘Suppose we say nothing about it to-night, and get Mrs. Allarton to tell her to-morrow?” — *¢ Yes, yes,” cried Jack, much relieved. ‘But it zs awkward! By the way, your name isn’t Jack ?” ‘* No, it isn’t; but as Adolphus, the hideous name given me by my god-parents, was thought too long and ugly for home .use, my people always called .me ‘ Jack,’ and I suppose Mary still continues to think of and call me by it. Presently I am to dance with your— no—my niece, and I will try to find out all I can from her, so as to be sure there is no mistake #425 time.” Jack Kerr was decidedly uncomfortable at the turn things had COnmicloooel —_— SS (CO