Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1920-12-17

suddenly.
sloughed on their assumed age, and became young
and comelg once more. II was Christmas eve.
and thoughts hew with lightning speed TO long
forgotten homes, where Christmas had been a
festival Of delight In those bygone days before
the hungry sea claimed them as its own.
You've got 20 thank my wife for that" went
on Hapshotr. "She's asked me to give You a
Chr1stmas-a Christmas you'll have Make the
most q II. There1l be a fresh mess served for
dinner tomorrow. and therell be grog for all
hands at eight BELLS That's all-dismlss"
The men broke up, walked forward slowly,
then as III moved by q common impulse, they
came back.
I'VE Wish der lady for to dank," grunted Ger
man sailmaker. lingering his cap. Hey, boys.
vat you saysf Aind't It rghtf
'sYes-Ja-dot's H. Hans" came the replies
Mrs. Hapshott was aware Of a strange compress
sion 10 her throat; her eyes smarted. stiffen-
Ing OF the crew was followed by something faint
" resembling cheer; then the men went forward
slouchingly. Their tongues were busy and they
wondered
still more did they woader 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 frostblte
In the most rigorous weather; mufaers Jerseys:
net one was forgotten. Even the greasy cock a
man OF foul speech and unclean habits, found
himself the possessor Of q sIeeFed waistcoat knit.
ted out OF the Aeeciest wool
st hope you'll have . merry Christmas men
said Mrs. Hapshott. and they cheered her-they
were gaining prHctee--until the idle Yards
seemed to swing in answer.
Dinner time came round. and steaming Kits
were passed into the forecastle kits that con-
km&rva Anfv Fr1
night The men ate and were thankful but when
6 monster plum pudding appeared they stared
with awe-struck eyes.
'Don't thank me. thank the missus.Y said the
cook who brought the dun IN person. "She made
Il heFseh-last night: mixed the wh0le bioomIr'
thing with her own hands, Amt It 'onerYs
X was--a very giant among puddinss ana al
toothsouae as Il was vast. Came Ia the midst of
the revela, coll aft where the steward stood at
the Apstan with dipper In his hand Each
man, presenting pannlkin received tot or
sterling gros. for Captain Hapshott had resolved
to do the thing well now he was embarked upon
=; no half-water measures for him. Zach 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 Christmases
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-wnat was thatg' The skipper had
awakened and, missing her. had made cor the
deck. The faint streaks in the sky showed him
strange Agure, clad in CANDY sleeping suit such
as sailors love- Mrs. Hapshott clutched at bis
arm and held tightly.
whats whatT he had been thinking what
fool he would seem II the story were ever told
Of the day now past, and ais manner was ungTa-
clops
"Thatir Her finger was outstretched and quiv-
ering. but al beyond was stili dark.
"a sea bIrd--your nerves are ON edge" ne told
her. s.
Mrs, Hapahott drew herself to the tafrrali and
leaned cut, listening. The wind was waiting
again; the ship had almost lost her way; she vas
only crawling through the water to the accom-
paniment Of mapping canvas aloft.
%Hiram, Il wasn't sea birdi" The wOman's
voice was fun Of something to which her husband
could put no name.
III must have besn-what eiss could 1t be-
lass7"
'sTo me e sounded uke-buk no. that's foolish
ness. Ny mind is playing me tricks husband
But she aid not leave the rail for tally twenty
minutes ana then Il was to step down the ladder