The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-09-06
THE NANCY BELL
nv FANNY ADAMS WILKES

:::.ss.sss
~ ACK of the barn, where the cherry-trees threw
IN cool shadows, lay the Nancy Bell" Propped
- upon blocks of wood, she pointed her jib-boom
toward the haystac her rudder toward the hen-house
and stood mmovabe in sea of weeds. The Nancy
Bell" was big broad sailboat that had been used to
carry passengers between Dunville and Port Maitland
She cast aside because people preferred to go to
the noisy little tug rather than them
selves uncertain winds and the stalwart Nancy Bell"
But the useful days of the Nancy BeP by no
means for children came and
stayed at the farmhouse and when they discovered
the big boat few days after their arrival they shrieked
with joy and scrambled into her without further
of time
I'm the captainp' shouted the oldest boy and the
other cried, I'm first ma---the rest of you can be
passengers"
"All aboardp bawed the captain, and took his place
at the rudder
Hurry up" called the first mate Cant you get
aboard! Climb on to the fence first and take hold
of the cherry-trees."
"Hep me get the baby up" painted small girl who
had grown red in the face in her efforts to lift up
'Wat moment Doris Now boost her and I'll
take hold of her hands and pull her in-therep
AN on?" inquired the captain. Let out the Sails
"Aye, aye, sir" Then puff of wind rusted in the
cherry-trees and the Nancy Bell" sailed away
Fine breeze. Captain" said the first mate.
Get ta bpSv al Fgh half II she So doesn't lie down Wen
center-board, ladies. Reef the sails a Bit Mate"
"How's that? All right Captain?" asked Ray pulling
at imaginary sails with great display of energy
."An right" grunted the captain, and munched Bit
of hay in perfect imitation of Mr. Dow who was cap
tain of the Lucy and took the summer boarders out
the lake.
aren't we almost there?" asked Doris swinging her
legs over the side of the boat
Almost"
"Wait moment" commanded the captain; well be
there in fy."
"out noao!" repeated the baby pounding the deck
with both fists.
Here we are" and with good deal of swagger the
captain made supposed landing at the supposed Dun
vile wharf When the passengers were all out the
captain began preparations for the return trip
cray and Charlie come on" called Doris suddenly
reappearing from behind teh hen-house. Dennis is
Just going the ferry and he says we can co.
"All right" And the ships crew swung themselves
ashore, and deserted the good bark Nancy"
The Port Maitland ferry was large scow. which
was worked by hand The ferryman turned a crank
and slowly laboriously the scow with its load moved
across the river. Dennis very fond of children
and when they reached the opposite shore he leaned
against the railing and opened the conversation ehgag
Il hear you're sailing the Nancy this season.
used to run her two years ago. Many passengers last
why yes" answered the would-be capain. Iouno- ,
ing beside Dennis. Business good so far this season"
Good, Good| I'm glad to hear it. | guess I'll
take run up on her tomorrow. if you let me know
"Have you any little children, Denniss" asked Doris,
coming close
Il,
strapping big boys. had little girl like YOU once
and lost her, and lost the only picture ever had
OF her. too. Wen. children. here comes team, and
guess we'd better be gettin' back quick. or your
rhotherl be wonderin' where you areh - !
The next day the children sailed again on the MAN
cy Belle -
to take a trip with us-Oh, Dennsp and in another
moment Dennis swinging himself aboard Il
was fortunate thing that Dennis arrived when he
did, because the captain and first mate presently fell
into a dispute
You're all right, Captain" said Dennis soothingiy
and SO are you, Mate. The back one is called the
the cockpit below, and this is the deck" Thus peace
was restored Soon after Dennis was obliged to leave
because wagon-load of people came along and called
20 To-, nin to terry them across The game dragged a
:, What are you doing down there. DorisP" asked
Charlie sharply
Oh, just poking around in these cracks with rrsty
hat-pin found"
WELL stop pokng, and sit up like lady if YOU
want to be passenger on this boat" But just then
"oh, goody Look what foundp and she held
UP small gold locket
Lets see it." cried the boys and pressed close to
Doris side.
Now don't you keep it, cause found il, and it's
for a girl anyhow"
! won't keep it; just want to see il it opens" And
as Charlie pressed the tiny spring the ocket few open
and disclosed the picture of little girl about Doris
age side of the locket and little locket of
brown hair on the other.
uSLeVe Y tBe picture or Dennis little GIRL said
Doris soen1nly. There he comes back on the ferry"
Dennis 7! she caroled; Dennis |" and few TO meet
him. her face rosy. aeht with happy excitement Look
look. Dennsi Isn't this your little girl?"
"lt--sure--s" said the man. and the big hand shook
little as it held the locket Where did you find ?"
he asked turning it over in dazed way
TN the boat" answered Doris, capering abo,ts
Aren't you glad found its"
Well JUST Brit the n1issusll be fair crazy
shell NE that pleased She never saw IT, bought
the locet for her two Apostle felt SO bad when
the little died. had the picture set in IT. and was
Eeeong i for her birthday and then on one Of the trips
lost it,"
Lets go RIGHT up to your house now and show II to