Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1920-12-16

faint whisper seemed to pass through the
ranks One or two of the faces lit I'D suddenly
soughed off their assumed age and became young
and comely once more. 1t was Christmas eve
ana thoughts flew with lightning speed to long
forgotten homes, where Christmas had been a
festival of delight in those bygone days before
the hungry claimed them as its own.
You've got to thank my wife for that" went
on HapshOtt. "She's asked me to give you a
Christmas-a Christmas you'll have Make the
most of It, Therell be fresh mess served for
dinner tomorrow and there'll be grog for all
hands at eight bells. That's aIl-dismiss"
The men broke up, walked forward slowly,
then, as if moved by common impulse, they
back.
eve wish der lady for to dank" grunted Ger
man saiImaker, lingering his cap "Hey, boys,
vat you says? Aindt it rght?"
"Yes-ja-dots It, Hans" came the replies
Mrs Hapshott was aware of a strange compress
sion in her throat; her eyes smarted stiffen-
Ing of the crew followed by something faint
ly resembling cheer; then the men went forward
slouchingly Their tongues were busy and they
wondered
Still did they wonder Christmas day
when two bells having sounded aft, Mrs. Hap
shott appeared among them her arms piled high
with gifts From the commencement of the voy-
age her nimble hands had been busy with pins
and wool, and there was something for
them ALL warm caps that completely covered a
mans head and held him immune from frostbite
in the most rigorous weather; muffers, jerseys;
not one was forgotten Even the greasy cook,
of foul speech and unclean habits found
himself the possessor Of a sleeved wastcoat knit
ted out of the feeciest wool.
II hope you'll have a merry Christmas men,"
said Mrs. Hapshott and they cheered her-they
were gaining practice-until the idle yards
seemed to swing In answer.
Dinner time round, and steaming kits
were passed into the forecastle kits that con-
tanned savory joints from the pOrker killed over
night The men ate and were thankful but when
a monster plum pudding appeared they stared
with awe-struck eyes.
Don't thank me, thank the missus" said the
cook, who brought the duff in person. "She made
1t herself-last night; mixed the whole bloomin'
thing with her own hands, Amt 1t a 'onerY
1t was-a very giant among puddngs and as
toothsome as 1t was vast. Came, in the midst Of
the revels, call aft, where the steward stood at
the capstan with dipper in his hand. Each
man. presenting a pannikiD, received a tot of
sterling grog for Captain Hapshott had resolved
to do the thing we'll now he was embarked upon
1t; no half-water measures for him. Each man,
receiving his allowance, raised his drinking YES
sci in the direction of Mrs. Hapshott who was
watching them from above, and drank a silent
toast to her and to the memory of Chrlstmases
past.
So the wonderful day passed away and once
again night dropped down upon the sea.
Mrs Hapshott rose, slipped on her clothing and
went swiftly out on deck
"Hiram-what was that?" The skipper had
awakened and, missing her, had made for the
deck. The faint streaks In the sky showed him =
strange figure, clad in gaudy sleeping suit So =,
as sailors love- Mrs. Hapshott clutched at ? y =.
arm and held tightly. Va.
whats what?" He had been thinking what "
fool he would seem If the story were ever told
of the day now past, and his manner was ungra-
cious
"Thatr Her finger was outstretched and quv-
ering but all beyond was still dark.
"a sea bird-your nerves are on edge" he told
her.
Mrs. Hapshott drew herself to the taffrall and
leaned out, listening. The wind was wailing
again the ship had almost lost her way; she was
only crawling through the water to the accom-
panlment of Tapping canvas aloft
"Hlram, II wasn't birdl" The womans
voice was full of something to which her husband
could put no name.
at must have been-what else could It. be-
ass?"
ITO me II sounded llke--but no. that's foolish.
ness My mind is playing me tricks husband"
But she did not leave the rail- for fully, twenty
minutes, and then 1t was to step down the ladder