The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-09-19
A MERMAID NEMESIS.
Ry D. M. HENDERsON, JR

l BY D. M. HENDERSON, JR. | Copyright, 1905, By Daily Story. Pub. Col
 The apple of the Widow Stubb's led youngster. Perceiving this, Peter Blowsy and Silas Bliggs, captain and mate. respectively, of the 'salmouth Siren," view with each other in mak- ing much of, him. Over the bar of her tavern. The Mariners Rest" the widow remarked to the two that she was worried about sam's health. quickly that 1t was a shame to see such a bright. handsome face looking so peakish. The mate.i outdone, ener- getically nodded his sympathy with , this view. The captain following up his advantage. recommended certain tonic. Then the mate was seized by a great idea.
 What this dear little feller needs | is an ocean trip"' he said, impress | sively "Tll take him on our next un', Captain Blowsy wiilin', and I'll give him fathers care and bring him back with roses in his eheeksE Delighted ter hev him!' the cap tain immediately responded, skipping his knee to show his appreciation of the plan, although he scowled darkly at his mate when that gentleman's back was towards him. Mrs. Stubbs, after hesitating long, consented. and the many warm glances she bestowed upon Silas convinced him that he had made a ten-strike.
 | As was their custom, the rival suit ors met in the widows parlor upon the Sunday evening following. Their vessel was to set sail the next morn \ ing, so each was anxious to unbur- den his heart to his hostess. When the clocks hands neared eleven, Silas. seeing that the captain had deter mined to sit him out, arose. With a malicious glance at his rival, he ex- cused himself for not staying later. Since Samuel--who he was to assume charge of that evening-was used to retiring early, he announced, he meant him while In his care to continue in the wise habit his good mother had taught him. As the willy mate had counted upon, the opportunity came while he was waiting at the door for the boy. Mrs. Stubbs was quite over come when he stammered his petition. | a condition which, while lamentable at the time, gave Silas blissful mem- ories to carry with him, since dur | ing the moment of collapse the wid- ow's plump form reposed in his arms. Recovering, she told Silas coyly that the memory of her dear Stubbs had not allowed her to contemplate a suc- cessor to him, but that she felt in-
 
 such a person, and that she would | try to see whether Stubb's place in her heart might not be shared by an- other.
 Silas. who had not expected a more favorable answer at that time, bade her adieu contentdly, feeling that the captains persuasive powers could earn him no potter answer than the one he secured, and that if he could retain possession of his trump card I-Sam-he would have nothing to fear from the captain upon their re- turn. The surly greeting he received from that gentleman the next morning went to confirm his belief.
 The "Salmouth Siren" sailed. and after an uneventful voyage reached her destination and discharged her car go. AS they were about to weigh an- ohor for the return trip a boat rowed hastily out to the ship. A rough ushered into the cabin. The curious silas took his stand a few feet away from the open cabin skyiight.
 The stranger was speaking. My boats off Blimley Cove" were the first words Silas heard.
 l "A days trip this side O Salmouth! Then you can look for us about the first O next week." the captain re- piled. -
 Y don't want ter run again the law" said the stranger dubitably.
 Rot" came from the captain. Follow my directions an you'll come out all right The night after we reaches Blimley Cove comes ashore with the mate and the kid. You fol- | Ter us The mate an I goes in fer drink at some 1ongshore tavern, leavin' the kid outside. the company inside not being fit fer one of his in nercense to sociate with. The place picks out ter leave him is a lonely un', so you comes along an nips him. You keeps him on your boat till l | tells you when an whar, ter land him. When you brings him ashore happens along, unttin' for the lost sammy! We has a leettle set-to an