The Little River news., 1920-02-14

The skipper awakened 70 the ,pie1S ant news that the cook had disap' peared. Went ashore early" was the refrain of the sleepy sailor man at the wheel.
 Well, never mind. probably hell come back" returned the skipper. with unexpected cheerfulness; an now we better all help with the break fast"
 MT. Simpkins appeared for this meal in no happy mood. He complained or 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 from that lady's en- dearing care, he received with the scorn 1t deserved.
 Soon after the morning meal the captains anxious eyes discovered . 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. T never pay any attention to such things" returned the other sourly.
 The captain leaned closer, and nodd- ed toward the companion-way. Not 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?"
 T believe the girls coming here, !" ventured the skipper.
 'One of your friends, probably, suggested MT. Simpkins: wants to say how sorry she is you've lost your ship"
 Never saw her before," said the captain, "an' as for bein' one O my friends, it's impossible. She'd be just as likely to be a 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 gallantly helped the young lady aboard She made straight for the spot where the cap tain and MT. 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 delft side-step, but she caught his hands in 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 left me forever; but I knew better. Seein you brings back all the good times we had together"
 The girls crazy" muttered the un- prepared captain.
 "Very likely" sneered Mir. Simp- kins: that's your proper limo. all right. And you 8 married man, too. I don't remember encountering such depravity before. How lucky l found you out in time."
 Where have you been all these weeks?" inquired the girl; T 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-" mur- mured the fair one; land the pretty locket you gave me on my birthday. Remember"
 Never saw you before." declared the skipper.
 Liar" growled MT. Simpkins.
 The captain launched . suddenly conceived plan.
 Well. don't know as I'll deny 1t any longer" he said. T did know you. an thought heap of you. An was good to you. Captain Roberts is not man to skimp money on the girl he likes."
 He paused a moment for the fact of his identity to soak in. and after 8 study of the girls quickly changing ble nod toward MT. Simpkins. For the first time the girl looked fairly at that gentleman, and then gave lit tie scream and would have fallen had not the captain. inwardly applauding her acting, caught her in his arms.
 Whats the matter?" he inquired
 Fancy seeing him here." said the girl, after all these years. I was so pleased to see you. hadn't noticed him before. You won't mind there bein' another. captain-one who came before l met you?"
 Not at all." said the skipper heart fly. especially if it's this gentleman"
 Tt is." said the fair one smiling wanly; 1t was few years ago. We met-and loved. Oh, Simpkins! Simp- kins!"
 The girls crazy!" cried the dis mayed MT. 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 of the wedding do hn fr1