Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1920-01-10

the wheel.
well, never mind, probably he'll
come back" returned the skipper.
with unexpected cheerfulness; IAN
now we better all help with the break
fast"
Mr.. simpkins appeared for this meal
in no happy mood. He complained OF
the night noises on the river, and
threatened awful things to anyone
who disturbed his wife's early morn
ing sleep. The captains delicate sug-
gestion that he enjoy to the utmost
the brief respite nom that lady's sen-
dearing care, he received with the
scorn it deserved.
Soon after the morning meal the
captains anxious eyes discovered q
lady, rather decidedly dressed. con-
versing with the waterman and point
ing toward the Mary Smith. When
she entered the skin he called Mr..
Simpkins to the rail.
Rather pretty girl. that" he said
with secret malevolence.
Il never pay any attention to such
things" returned the other sourly.
The captain leaned closer, and nodd-
ed toward the companiOn-way. mot
even when she's asleep?" he asked.
you can never be sure" said Simp-
kins sadly. Then recollecting him
self, he added: How dare you talk
to me like that?"
Il believe, the girls coming here"
ventured the skipper.
One OF your friends, probably,
suggested Mr.. Simpkins; wants to
say how sorry she is you've lost your
ship"
Never saw her before said the
captain. IAN as for bein' one o. my
friends, it's impossible. She'd be Just
as likely to be friend o. yours"
The waterman made quick time
with his fair cargo, and as he came up
alongside the Mary Smith the mate
appeared and CALAMITY helped the
young lady aboard. She made
straight for the spot where the cap
tain and Mr.. Simpkins stood. The
former was inwardly rejoicing at
thought OF the fall awaiting his foe,
when he noticed, to his dismay, that
the girl was headed in his direction.
He attempted def side-step, but she
caught his hands I'M hers and smiled
sweetly into his eyes.
How sweet to see you once more"
said the cooks poorly coached friend,
in dulcet tones; they said you had
loft y,oa ROravar. h,1A 7 1rraVry hnfAar
Seem you brings back all the good
times we had together"
The girls crazy" muttered the UNI
prepared captain.
Very likely" sneered Mr.. Simp-
kins; that's your proper line, all
right. And you a married man, too.
don't remember encOuntering such
depravity before. How lucky found
you out in time"
where have you been all these
weeks?" inquired the girl; IT almost
cried my eyes out waitin' for you"
The captain endeavOred, by wink
and gesture, to acquaint the young
lady of her mistake, but his efforts
were in vain.
THE shows you took me to-" muir
INJURED the fair one; "and the pretty
locket you gave me on my birthday.
Remember"
Never saw you before" declared
the skipper.
Liar" growled Mr.. Simpkins.
The captain launched suddenly
conceived plan.
well, don't know as I'll deny it
any longer" he said. Il did know you,
an thought heap Of you. An was
good to you. Captain Roberts is not
a man to sl1imp money on the girl he
likes
He paused a moment for the fact of
his identity to soak in, and after a
study of the girls quickly changing
face, he gave an almost impercepti-
BILE nod toward Mr.. Simpkins. For
the first time the girl looked fairly at
that gentleman, and then gave a lit
tie scream and would have fallen had
not the captain, inwardly applauding
her acting, caught her in his arms.
What's the matter?" he inquired.
Fancy seeing him here" said the
girl, after all these years. was SO
pleased to see you. hadn't noticed
him before. You won't mind there
bein' another. captain-one who came
before / met your
mot at ALL" said the skipper heart
lily, especially il it's this gentleman"
1T is" said the fair one smiling
wanly: st was a few years ago. We
met--and loved. Oh, Simpkins! Simp-
kins!"
1.-The girls crazyl" cried the dis
mayed Mr. Simpkins.
"Of course" put in the skipper;
that's your line. You married, too;
an to such nice lady. I'm surprised
an shocked"
''He kept putting on the wedding
day" muttered the girl.
Naturally" said the captain.
What do you mean by that?"
asked the irate Simpkins.
"a