New-York tribune., 1909-06-27

It's the only friend I've got said Lee. sprawl
ing gracefully the matches and repenlshing his
glass. Look here. Are you for bargain?
What do you mean?' inquired the girl.
Give a kiss. Htle spithre. and I won't take
another drop tonight" said the mate ten
derly. Come, I won't tell
You may drink yourself to death before I'll do
that" said the girl. striving to speak calmly.
Don't talk that nonsense TO me again"
She stopped she spoke and made sudden
grab at the bottle. but the mate too quick
for her. and snatching 1t jeeringy. dared her to
come for it.
Come on. come and fight for It," said he; hit
me If you like, don't mind your little fist won't
hurt
No answer being vouchsa fed to this invitation. he
applied himself his only friend again. while the
girl now thoroughly frightened. steered in silence
Better the sidelights out said she length.
Plenty time" said Lee.
Take the helm. then. while I do it," said the
girl biting her lips
The fellow and came toward her. and.
She made way for him. threw his arm round her
waist and tried to detain her. heart beating
quickly, she walked forward. and. not without
hesitating glance at the drunken figure a the
wheel descended into the foc'sle for the lamps
The next moment with a gasping little cry. she
sank down a locker as the dark figure of a man
rose and stood by her.
Don't be frightened IT said quietly
jack said the girl
That's me-" said the figure. You didn't expect
TO see did you? l thought perhaps YOU didn't
know what was good for you. 1 slowed myself
away last night. and here I am
Have you heard what that fellow has been say
ing TO me?' demanded Miss Cringls. with a spice
OF the old temper leavening her voice once more.
Every word" said the mate cheerfully.
why didn't you come up and stand by me?' in
quired the girl hotly
The mate hung his head.
oh said the girl. and her were those of
acute Disappointment. you're afraid
I'm sal n,
Why didn't you come up. then instead of skulk-
Ing down here?" inquired the girl.
The mate scratched the back Of his neck and
smiled. but weakly. Well II thousht"- ne
began. and stopped
You thouRht'- prompted Miss CrfngIe coIdIv
p I thought a little fright would do you good
said the mate speaking quickly and that IL would
make you appreciate me a little more when l did
come"
'Ahoy! Maggie! Maggier' came the voice of
the graceless varlet who steering
I'm Maggie him. said the mate grinding his
teeth. Why, what the why you're crying
I'm not" sob6ed Miss Cringe scornfulIy I'm
in temper that's all
I'm knock his head on" said the mate: you
stay down here
Mag gie!' came the voice again. Mag HuIlo!"
Were you calling me. my Iad?'' said the mate
with dangerous poltenass. as he stepped aft Amt
you afraid Of straining that sweet voice O. yours?
Leave go o. that tlller."
The other let so. ana the mates fist took him
heavily in the face and sent him sprawIing on the
deck. He with a scream of rage and rushed
his opponent. bur the mates temper which hal
suffered badIy through his treatment Of the last
few days. up. and he sent him heavily down
again.
There's little dark dngy hole forward said
the mate. after waiting time for him to rise
again. Just the place for you to 80 and think