Page 57 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

The silence was broken by the tap of Jim’s cane, as he walked to the edge of the dock and looked thoughtfully down into the bay again. Looking at him standing there, silhouetted against the sea, reminded Eli of the day he had stepped off the ship nearly two years earlier. Jim didn’t even turn around as he quietly asked, “If you send her away, what would you do?” Eli walked up beside his old friend. “I don’t know. I have no real opportunity for marriage here. All the women are too old or too young. Maybe I was wrong in thinking God brought me here. I guess I would just go on down to Pennsylvania.” Jim turned to look at him. “The town wouldn’t be the same. No one would be here to preach, or teach reading and writing.” They stood there for some time, letting the stillness of the evening wash over them. Finally, Eli patted Jim on the shoulder. “I suppose I better work on my sermon for tomorrow. Good night, Victor.” Victor nodded. “Goodnight, Eli.” Then Victor turned to Jim. “Good night, Jim.” Jim looked up for just an instant. “Good night, Victor.” As the captain started to walk slowly back to his ship, Eli turned to Jim. “Coming, Jim?” Jim forced a weak smile, and his voice was quiet as he answered. “You go ahead. I’ll be right along.” Eli started to walk away. He turned back to look at Jim standing by the edge of the dock. He suddenly seemed very old. What was Jim thinking of all of this? Eli made his way back to Jim’s cabin, leaving Jim alone. 54