Page 17 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

Eli said. Jim pushed his way past Eli to Whitman and spoke as if in a whisper, but obviously loud enough for Eli to hear. “A husband would count as a relative. Isn’t that right, Whitman?” “Why, yes,” Whitman grinned, as both he and Jim eyed Eli. “Yes, a husband would work nicely.” It took Eli just a second, but he quickly realized what they were thinking. “Oh, no. If you think I’m going to just up and marry someone I don’t even know, you are dead wrong!” Whitman chuckled. “Well, as I see it, you have one of two choices. You can send her back, or you can marry her. Either way, she’s your responsibility.” Eli began to object. “Now, wait a minute! I didn’t order her, and I...” The captain interrupted. “Oh, one thing forgot. When marry, must send father Gratitude Dowry.” “Gratitude Dowry?” Eli asked. “How you say, tip.” “If she stays, I’m supposed to send her father a tip?” Eli asked. “Da. Very important custom. It tell how much you think she truly worth.” “And just how much is this ‘tip’?” Jim asked. “It depend. If not think good, you send dollar. If good, two or three dollar. Extremely good, perhaps four or five.” Jim looked over at Anya, the smell of the cows emanating from her. “I think a dollar should do it.” Whitman spoke to the captain. “What if he doesn’t 14