New-York tribune., 1909-05-16

4 LOVE PASSAGE
BY W. w Jacobs.

fCopyright bv F5acheIle- johnson & Bacheer. Copy
right by Frederick a Stokes CoInpany)
The mate was leaning against the side Of the
schooner. idly watching a few relocated hnesmen
lounging on the Tower Quay Careful mariners
were getting their side lights and careless light
errnen were progressing by easy bumps from craft
70 craft their way the river tug, half bury
ing itself il its own swell, rushed painting by and
faint scream came from aboard an approaching
Ekiff II tossed in the wash
-:Jessica aloy-' bawled voice from the skif as
she came rapidly alongside.
The mate. reused from his reveTle. mechanically
caught the line made il fast. moying with aac-
Tity he SAN that the captains daughter was one
Of the occupants. Before he had got over his sur
prise she vas deck with her boxes and the cap
tain was paying of the watermen.
You've seen my daughter Hetty afore, haven't
you2" said the skipper She's coming with us
this trip. You'd better down and make up her
bed. Jack. in that spare hunk"
. "Ay. ay.' said the mate. dutifully, moving off
Thank YOU I'll 90 it myself" said the scandal
szed Hetty, stepping forward hastily
las you please" said the skipper, leading the way
below. Let's have a light on. Jack
The mate struck match on his boot and lit the
lamp
! There's q few things in there II want moving
said the skipper as he opened the Joor. Il don't
know where We're 70 keep the onions now, Jack
''We'u find place Tor en- said the mate conf
dently as he drew out q sack and placed it On the
table
decidedly as she pcered in Ugh, there's beetle.
Tghi"
IT'S quite dead" said the mate reassuringly.
rT1e never seen d live beetle on this ship
Il want TO go home" said the girl You've
no business TO make come when don't
want to-"
You should behave yourself then" said her
father maEisteEialy- What about sheets, Jack;
and pliers
The mate sat on the table and grasping his chin.
-fe fen 1rarrN
indignant face Of the passenger he lost the thread
Of his ideas.
shell have TO have some @ my things for the
present" said the skipper.
why not" said the mate, looking up again
g'why not let her have your stateroom?"
-''Cos want il myself replied the other calmly
The mate bushed for him, and the girl leaving
them 70 arrange matters as they pleased, the TWO
men. by borrowing here and contriving there made
I'D the bunk The girl was standing by the galley
when they went deck again. an object OF curious
and respectful admiration TO the crew, who had
come on board in tie mean time She stayed on
deck until the air began 10 blow fresher II the
wider reaches, and then with brief good night TO
her father retired below
she made up her mind 10 come with Us rather
Suddenly didn't she2" inquired the mate after she
had gone.
she didn't make I'd her mind at all" said the
skipper; I'VE did it for her, an the missus. It's
plan on our part
wants strengthening?" said the mate suggest
lively
We'll the fact is said the skipper. its like
this Jack: there's friend o mine, provision
dealer IN a large way o business, wants TO marry
my girl. and an the missus want him 10 marry
her. So O course, she wants to marry some one
else Me an 'er mother we put 'eads together
IHnd oeciaed for her 10 come away. When she's at
'orne. instead O. being out with Towson, direckly
Ger uothre's backs turned she's out with that
Soung sprfg Of a clerk
''o1ice looking young feller. spose?" said the
snate somewhat anxiOusly.
..eIot bit Of it said the other firmly. Looks
rs though he had never had good meal in his lfe.
Now my friend ToWson, he's all right; he's a man
@ about my hgger.''
She'll marry the clerk said the mate with CON
sicti7n.
Ell bet you she don't" sad the skipper. I'm
an artful nan, Jack. an / generally speaking get
nv own way 1 couldn't live with my rnssus peace
able Z Il wasn't for management
The mate smiled safely IN the darkness, the skip
pers management consisting chiefly OF slavish obedi-
ence.
I've got a cabinet fortygraph Of him for the
cabin Insntelpece, Jack" continued the willy
father. He gave 81 o purpose She'll see
that when she won't the clerk, an by-and- bye