The Little River news., 1920-02-14

travellng With me for her--her health. Wen want your cabin. captain"
 Pleased. I'm sure," lied the un- happy skipper.
 Amid an awed silence. the mighty Simpkins lowered himself into the wa termans skiff. casting many black looks behind. After his departure the crew continued to stand with open mouths, the mate smoked aggressive ly, and the captain announced that something must be done.
 That's easy to say," the mate sneered.
 And hard to do.' assented tho gloomy skipper.
 It was late in the afternoon when MT. Simpkins returned. accompanied by . massive lady who taxed the wa terman's skiff to the limit, and the diff. fculty of whose elevation to the deck of the Mary Smith inspired in pass ing riverman the suggestion of der. rick. An unexpectedly meek and hum. ble MT. Simpkins followed her, weighed down beneath . mountain of luggage.
 Elijah" said Mrs. Simpkins. well aboard. the deck is very dirty"
 Tt shall be washed, my dear" MT. Simpkins assured her, with an uncer- tain glance toward the skipper.
 Tt needs coat of paint, too." con tinued the critical Mrs. Simpkins; be sure and see to it the moment we reach Greenport."
 Without delay, my love-" assented her lord and master.
 T believe the boat smells" went on Mrs. Simpkins, snfffing.
 Perhaps 1t does," said the owner, ''but it shall be thoroughly overhauled the instant the new crew takes charge" He glanced meaningly at the skipper and the mate, lowering in the background.
 Are these the ruf1ians who assault ed yOu?" inquired the massive lady.
 Two of them." murmured the as- saulted one.
 Mrs. Simpkins gave fat but withe<- ing sheer. "Brutes!" she snapped.
 The humbled skipper came forward to put the cabin at the disposal of MT. and Mrs Simpkins. The mate and he. he explained, had arranged to bunk forward. Anything l can do" he began.
 But Mrs. Simpkins pushed her hus- band down the cOmpanion-way, and after a silence-compelling look in the shippers direction. followed.
 Late that evening the skipper and the mate sat smoking by the rail, while MT. Simpkins walked excitedly up and down the deck.
 This is my boat" he announced, "and I'm going to be master here. I'm running things. Tomorrow you all go. wouldn't have you aboard for mil. lions. I'll run things to suit myself. Ill-"
 "Elijah," came voice from the com panion-way.
 Yes. my dear," said Mr. Simpkins
 Its time you were in bed." contin- ued the voice.
 Yes, Maria" agreed MT. Simpkins. and disappeared below.
 Something must be done." an nounced the skipper tremendously.
 "So you've said . hundred times" remarked the mate.
 This is too good . berth to lose" went on the captain; wed all sui. fer by giving 1t up."
 "So we would," assented the mate.
 They smoked in silence for time. then the captain broke into uncon. trolled laughter.
 I've thought of joke," he said. T want the cook to hear it. He likes good joke. Go an call him, George"
 The mate obeyed. presently return. ing with the astonished cook.
 You know a good many young la dies in Greenport. cook" said the skip per.
 "A few" replied the cook modestly.
 "A lot" said the captain. "and nice ones. too. hear. just thought of a good joke. as l was telling the mate. Of course it never could happen. an can't imagine how it occurred to me. It's mystery-a mystery, but good joke. You know Simpkins is pillar of church an you know the sort of wife he's got. was thinkin'-it's too funny for words-hOw amusin' it would be if tomorrow mornin' at Greenport young lady come aboard one O the young ladies you know. for instance. cook-an' found that Simpkins was a old flame O hers. Wild to see him again, and all that. you know, We all like Simpy pretty well. even if he is goin' to kick us out, an if his wife wasn't round we'd do all in our power to quiet the girl an keep it from causin' Mrs. Simp- kins pain" We certainly would." said the mate. smiling.
 "Of course it's just a joke thought of," the captain continued: "it would never happen"
 Impossible" agreed the mate. The cook shifted uneasily.