Evening star., 1896-03-14

watched the enemy narrowly and anxious
IF I've done anything wrong, ladies" !"
said the unhappy boatswain. Il am sorry
for 1t. l car cant say anything fairer than
that and I'll tell the cap'n myself exactly
how l came to do it. when he comes in.
"Pah-telltale,' said Susan
"Of course, If you are here to fetch
and carry" said Miss Poison with with
ering emphasis.
THE idea of a grown man telling tales"
said Chrissie. scornfully. Baby"
why, just now you We're all going to
boatswain.
The two elder women rose and regarded
him with looks Of .pitying disdain. Miss
a simple child Of nature. given to express
ing her mind freely, said "blockhead' with
conviction.
II see 'ow it is." said the boatswain, af-
ter Eliminating deeply. "Well I won't split,
ladies. I can see now you was all in it.,
and It was little job to get me out Of the
house."
What head he's got" said the irri-
thinks of it all? Nobody would think he
was so clever to look at him.
Still water runs deep" said the boat
opinion of himself.
"And pride goes before fall" said Chris
sic; remember that, Mr.. Tucker
Mr.. Tucker grinned, but remembering
H..
ed his superior officer that evening to re-
leve him frt m his duties. He stated that
the strain was slowly undermining a con-
stitution which was not so strong as an
pearances would warrant, and that his
knowledge of female human nature was la
mentally deficient on many important
points.
You're doing very WELL" said the can
| tain. who had no intention Of attending any
| more Decreases. every we'll, indeed. I am
proud of you"
J,,s&
boatswain. Besides. If anything happens.
you'll blame me for it."
Nothing, can hapI en-" declared the cap
| tain, confidently. I'VE shall make a start
man can trust with such delicate job,
| Tucker, and I shan't forget you"
| Very g.1od." said the other, dejectedly.
II obey orders, then"
! of the hodsehold making a great fuss Of
| Tucker, and thereby filling him with fore
bodings Of the worst possible nature. On
| the day after. when tho captain. having
In sole charge, his uneasiness could not be
| concealed.
'Tm going for a walk" said chrissie as
he sat by himself, working out dangerous
moves and the best means. of checking
them. Would you care to come with me,
| Tucker?"
Il wish you wouldn't put 1t that vav.
miss, said the bcatswain, reaching for his
| 'I want exercise" said Chrissie. .T've
been cooped up long enough"
| She set off at good pace up the tiRh
| street. attended by her faithful follower.
and passing through the small suburbs
struck out into the country beyond. After
| four miles the boatswain, who was no
walker, rem inded her that they had got to
go back
| PLENTY Of time" said Chrissie. I'VE
have got the day before us. Isn't it glori-
| GUS? Do you see that milestone, Tucker?
| I'll race you for it. Come along"
She was of on the instant, with the
boatswain who suspected treachery. after
| her.
"You can rum" she painted, thoughtfullv.
| as she came in second. wen have an.
other one presently. You don't know how
| good 1t Is for you. Tucker"
The boatswain grinned sourly and looked
at her from the corner Of his eye. The next
| three miles wore like a horrible nightmap d.
| his charge making a race in which the Ia
boring boatswain, despite his want of prac-
| tice, came In the winner for every mile
stone. The fourth race ended disastrously,
Chrissie limping the last ten yards and
| seating herself with Q very woebegone
| face, on the milestone.
| you did very well, MISS" said the boat
swain. who thought he could afford to be