The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1920-12-23

A 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 Christmas eve.
forgotten homes, where Christmas had been
festival of delight in those bygone days before
the hungry claimed them its
you've got to thank my wife for that went
on Hapshott "She's asked to give you
Christmas-a Christmas you'll have. Make the
most of if. There'n be a fresh mess served for
dinner tomorrow. and theren be grog for all
hands at eight bells That's all-dismiss.'
The broke up, walked forward slowly
then, as if moved by common impulse, they
came back.
I've wish der lady for to dank" grunted a Ger
man sailmaker. lingering his cap. Hey, boys
vat you says? Aindt 1t right?"
"Yes-ja-dOt's it. Hans" the replies
Mrs. HapShOtt was aware Of a strange compress
sion in her throat; her eyes smarted. stiffen-
ing of the crew was followed by something faint
" resembling cheer; then the went forward
slOuchngly. Their tongues 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 something for
them all, caps that completely covered a
mans head and held him immune from frostbite
in the most rigorous weather; muf1erS, JERSEYS:
not forgotten Even the greasy cook a
of foul speech and unclean habits. found
himself the pOssessor of seeved waistcoat knit
ted out of the feeciest wool.
al hope you'll have a merry Christmas men,"
said Mrs. Hapshott and they cheered her-they
gaining practice-untiI 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
iohf Mo oTo6 ff,a
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
it herself-Iast night; mixed the whole bloornin'
thing with her own hands Amt It q 'onerT'
1t was-a very giant among puddings and as
toOthsOme 1t vast. Came, in the midst of
the revels call aft, where the steward stood at
the capstan with a dipper in his hand. Each
man, presenting a pannikin, received a tot of
sterling grog, for Captain HapshOtt had resolved
to do the thing well now he was embarked upon
it; 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 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 deck.
.sHiram-what was that?" The skipper had
awakened and, missing her. had made for the
deck The faint streaks In the sky showed him a
strange figure. clad in gaudy sleeping suit such
as sailors love. Mrs. Hapshott clutched at Dis
arm and held tightly.
whats what?" He had been thinking what
fool he would seem if the story told
Of the day now past and his manner was ungTa-
cious.
That" Her finger was outstretched and Quiv-
ering but all beyond still dark
"a sea bird-your nerves are edge" he told
her.
Mrs. Hapshott drew herself to the taffrail and
leaned out listening. The wind was wailing
again; the ship had almes: lost her way; she was
only crawling through the water to the accom-
paniment of Tapping canvas alOft.
Hiram, II wasn't q birdI' The woman's
voice was full OF something to which her husband
could put name.
cit must have been-what else could it be-
lassF'
ITO me it sounded Iike-but, no, that's foolish
ness. My mind is playing tricks. husband"
But she did not leave the rail- for fully twenty
minutes and then it was to step down the ladder