The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1920-12-24

faint whisper seemed to pass through the
ranks. One or two of the faces lit up suddenly,
sloughed off their assumed age, and became young
and comely once more. 1t was Christmas eve.
and thoughts flew with lightning speed to long
forgotten homes, where Christmas had been
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
Chrfstmas-a Christmas you'll have. Make the
most of 1t. ThereH be a fresh mess served for
dinner tomorrow, and there1l be grog for all
hands at eight bells. That's all--dismiss.'
The men broke up, walked forward slowly,
then, as If moved by common impulse, they
came back.
ave wish der lady for to dank," grunted Ger
man sailmaker, lingering his cap. "Hey, boys,
vat you says? Aindt 1t right?"
"Yes-ja-dots 1t, Hans" came the replies.
Mrs. Hapshott was aware of 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
souchingly. Their tongues were busy and they
wondered
Still more 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 now 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.; mufflers, Jerseys;
not one was forgotten. Even the greasy cook
man of foul speech and unclean habits found
himself the pOssessor of a sleeved waistcoat knit
ted out of the feeciest wool
81 hope you'll have a merry Christmas, men,"
said Mrs Hapshott, and they cheered her-they
gaining practice-until the idle yards
seemed to swing in answer.
tirpo
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 'oner?"
1t was-a very giant among puddings 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 pannkn, received tot of
sterling grog, for Captain Hapshott had resolved
to do the thing well he was embarked upon
it; no halfwater 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 Chrstmases
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
"Hlram-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 a gaudy sleeping suit such
as sailors love. Mrs. Hapshott clutched at Dis
arm and held tightly
whats whatr He had been thinking what
fool he would if the story told
of the day past and his manner ungra-
cious.
That I" Her finger outstretched and Quiv-
ering but all beyond still dark
"a sea bird-your nerves on edge" he told
her.
Mrs. Hapshott drew herself to the taffrail 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-
paniment of tapping canvas aloft.
"Hram, 1t wasn't a birdp' The woman's
voice full of something to which her husband
could put name.
at must have been--what else could 1t be-
lass?"
ITO me it sounded like-but, no, that's foolish
ness. My mind is playing tricks, husband"
But she did not leave the rail for fully twenty