Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-05-21
IN THE NANCY BELL
Nv FANNY ADAMS WILKES

Nv FANNY ADAMS WILKES =
~ ACK of the barn, where the cherry-trees threw
"a cool shadows, lay the Nancy Bell" Propped
toward the hsysack her rudder toward the henhouse
and stood imrnovable in sea of weeds The Nancy
Bell" big broad sailboat that had been used 10
carry passengers between Dunvie and Port Maitland
She aside because people preferred to go TO
selves to uncertain winds and the staart Nancy Bell"
But the useful days of the Nancy Bell were by no
stayed at the farmhouse, and when they discovered
the big boat few days after their arrival they shreed
with JOY and scrambled into her without further waste
@Tn1 the captainiv shouted the Oldest boy. and the
other cried, I'm first ma--the rest of you can be
IAN aboardI" bawled the captain and took his place
at the rudder.
Hurry upl" called the first mate Cant you get
of the cherry-trees."
Help get the baby up" painted small girl who
had grown red in the face IN her efforts to lift up
"Wait moment Doris Now boost her and III
take hold of her hands and pull her in--therep
"Ail onS inquired the captain. Let out the sails,
faye, aye, sir" Then puff Of wind rustled in the
cheTTy-trees and the Nancy Bell" sailed away
Eyes, it's all right. If she doesn't lie down. wen
get to Dunvlle in half hour. Look out for the
eenter-board, ladies' Reef the sails bit; Mate"
at imaginary sails with great display of energy.
AN right" grunted the captain, and munched bit
tain of the Lucy, and took the summer boardeTs out
~Arcpt we almost tbereia asked Dors.,swlging her
legs over the side OF The boat z- ds'T -sslr
"out no.o, said the baby, and climbed litten-fashion
"Wat moment" commanded the captain; wen be
oOut nOgyi@ 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
Ray and Charlie come on" called Doris suddenly
reappearing from behind teh hen-house Dennis IS
Just going across the ferry and he says we can co.
All right" And the ships crew swung themselves
ashore and deserted the good bark Nancy"
was worked by hand The ferryrnan turned crank
and slowly, laboriousy. the scow with It's 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 engag
ii hear you're sailing the Nancy this season.
used to run her two years ago Many passengers last
Why. YES answered the would-be eapain. loung-
Good, Good" I'm glad to hear it guess In
take run up OF her tomorrow. if you let me know
when she starts"
Have you any little children Dennis7" asked Doris,
They're not very little any more I've got three
strapping big boys had little girl like you once.
and lost her and lost the only picture had
of her, too We'll. children. here comes team. and
notherIl be wondern' where you are
The day the children sailed again on the MAN
cy Bell"
to take a trip with us-Oh, Dennsr and in another
moment Dennis swinging himself aboard. II
fortunate thing that Dennis arrived when he
did because the captain and first presently fell
into a very dispute
you're all right. Captain" said Dennis soothingiy
"and you, Mate The back is called the
man-sel and that front spar the jib-boom. That's
the cockpit below, and this is the deck Thus peace
restored Soon after Dennis obliged TO leave
because wagon-load of people came along and called
to him to ferry them across The game dragged
little after that
What are you doing down there, DorisF" asked
Charlie, sharply
"oh, Just pokng around in these cracks with rusty
Wen, stop poIing, and sit up IKE a lady if you
want TO be passenger on this boat" But just then
Doris gave a cry.
"oh. goodyi Look what I foundr and she held
tip small gold ocket forrl &
= Lets it." cried the boys, and pressed close 20
Doris side. tft
@Now. don't you. keep it. cause found it. and It's
for a girl anyhow"
Il won't keep it just want TO IL it opens" And
as Charlie pressed the tiny spring the locet few open
and disclosed the picture of little girl about Doris
age side OF the lockct and little locleet OF
brown hair the other.
Il believe IT'S the picture OF Dennis little girl said
Doris solenny. There he comes back on the fcrrv"
"Dennisp she caroled; "Dennisr1 and few to met
him her face rosy alight with happy excitement Look
look, Dennis Isn't this your little grip
It-sure-is, said the man. and the big hand shook
little it held the oclcet Where did you hndit2"
he asked, turning it over~in dazed way.
I'm the boat" answered Doris capering abort
"Aren't you glad found III"
well. Just But the missusli-he fair cro7v
she'll be that pleased. She n=rer H. hourti
the se- fST be- I've yrs-- ses,sre ffit 50 bad wien
the little died. had the Iictlire set in f. and was
keeping for her birthday and fer an ~ N fi t~fns