The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-10-27

P0ongd-P0onga. Shes not worth tup- pence on it if any kind of sea hcks up, and it's ripe for a nor'wester any moment now The crowd abandoned her completely. You know Malaita. and you know Poonga-Poonga. That's where they cut off the Scottish Chiefs and killed all hands. There was noth- ing to do but take to the boats. The Martha missed stays going in. and in- side i've minutes she was on the reef and in possession. The niggers swarm ed over her, and they just threw the crew into the boats. l talked with some of the men. They swear there were 200 canoes around her inside half an hour and 5000 bushmen on the beach. Said you couldn't see Malaita for the smoke of the signal fires. Any way, they cleared out for Tulagi."
 @But why didn't they fight" Shel- don asked. =
 'It was funny they didn't. but they got separated. You see. two-thirds of them were in the boats. without weap- ons, running anchors and never dream ing the natives would attack. They found out their mistake too late"
 "But what is Miss Lackland intend ing to do"
 { Captain Auckland grinned.
 She's going to try to get the Mar tha o6. should say. or else why did she pay 55 quid for her? And if she fails she'll try to get her money back by saving the gear spars. you know, and patent steering gear and winches. such things. At least that's what I'd do if was in her place. When sailed the little girl had char tered the Emily. Pm going recruit ing,' says Munster. He's the skipper and owner now. And how much will you net on the cruiser asks she. oh, 50 quid.' says he. Good says she. You bring your Emily along with me and you'll get 75.' You know that big ships anchor and chain piled up behind the coal sheds? She was just buying that when left. She's certainly a hustler. that little girl of yours''
 .'She is my partner" Sheldon cor rected.
 Well, she's a good one. that's all. and cool one. My word! A white woman on Malaita and at Poonga- Poonga of all places! On, forgot to tell you. She palayered Burnett Into lending her eight rifles for her men and three cases of dynamite. You'd laugh to see the way she makes that Guvutu gang stand around. And to sec them being polite and trying to npA hnt little girls wonder. a marvel. a-a-a catastrophe. That's what she is-a catastrophe. She's gone through Gu vutu and Tulagi like a hurricane Every last swine of them in love with her. except Rafr. He's sore over the Ruction, and he sprang his recruiting contract with Munster on her. And what does she do but thank him and read it over and point out that. while Munster was pledged to deliver all re- rruits to Morgan and Raff. there was no clause in the document forbidding him from chartering the Emily.
 There's your contract says she. passing it back And a very good con- hact it Is. The next time you draw 3le up insert clause that will fit emergencies like the present one.' And Lord. Lord. she had him too!
 But there's the breeze. and I'm off. Eoodby, old man. Hope the little girl succeeds. The Martha's whacking fine boat, and she'd take the place of the Tessie.sn
 The next morning Sheldon came in from the plantation to breakfast to find lhe mission ketch Apostle at anchor. her crew swimming two mares and a lilly ashore.
 Miss LackIand sent them," said Welshmere. the missionary doctor. stepping ashore and shaking hands with him. There's also box of sad ales on board. And this letter from her. Ard the skipper of the Flibberty Eibbe;
 The next moment and before be could greet him Oleson stepped from the boat and began.
 She's stolen the Flibberty. MT. Shel- non- Run clean away with her. She's wild one. She gave me the fever. Brought it on by shock. And got me drunk as we'll"
 Dr. Welshraere laughed heartily,
 Nevertheless she is not an unmit1- gated evil. your Miss Lackland. She's sworn three men of their drink or, to the same purpose. shut of their whis- Ky. You know them-Brahms. Curtis and Fowler. She shipped them on the Flibberty Gibbet along with her."
 She's the skipper of the Flibberty now," Oleson broke in. And she'Il wreck her as sure as God didn't make the Solomons.''
 Dr. Welshmere tried to look shocked, but laughed again.
 "She has quite a way with her." hs said. Il tried to back out of bringing the horses over. Said 1 couldn't charge freight. that the Apostle was under yacht license. that was go- Ing around by Savo and the upper end of Guadaicanar. But 1t was no use. Bother the charge said she You take the horses like good man. and when float the Martha I'll re- turn the service some day"
 "And bother your orders,' said she to me-" Oleson cried. '''I'm your boss now said she. and you take your orders from me- Look at the load of ivory nuts. said. Bother lhorn, aafd she sI'm pIa vim for aoyno-