Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1920-12-10

A faint whisper seemed to pass through the
ranks One two of the faces lit I'D 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 a
festival of delight in those bygone days before
the hungry claimed them as it's own.
you've got to thank my wife for that" went
on Hapshott. "Shes asked me to give you a
Chrismas-a Christmas you have Make the
most of it, There'n be fresh mess served for
dinner tomorrow, and therell be grog for all
hands at eight bells. That's a-dsmiss"
The men broke up, walked forward slowly
then, as if moved by a 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 it rght?'
"Yes-ja-dots 1t, Hans" came the replies
Mrs. HapshOtt aware of a strange compress
sion in her throat; her eyes smarted stiffen-
ing of the was followed by something faint
ly resembling a cheer; then the men went forward
slouchingly. 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 there was something for
them all, warm caps that completely covered a
mans head and held him immune from frostbte
in the most rigorous weather; muf1ers, jerseys;
not forgotten. Even the greasy cook
man Of foul speech and unCean habits, found
himself the possessor of a sleeyed wastcoat knit
ted out of the feeciest wool
Il hope you'll have a merry Christmas men,"
said Mrs. HapshOtt, and they cheered her-they
were gaining practice-until the idle yards
seemed to swing in answer.
Dinner time came round and steaming kits
were passed into the forecastle, kits that con-
tanned savory joints from the porker killed over
night. The men ate and 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
it herself-last night; mixed the whole bloomin'
thing with her own hands. Amt it a 'onerY
1t was-a very giant among buildings, and as
toothSome as it vast Came, in the midst of
the revels, a call aft where the steward stood at
the capstan with dpper in his hand. Each
man, presenting pannikin, received a tot Of
sterling grog, for Captain Hapshott had resolved
to do the thing well now he was embarked upon
it, no 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 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.
"Hiram-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 bis
arm and held tightly.
whats what?, He had been thinking what a
fool he would if the story were ever told
of the day past, and his manner was ungra-
cious ..' ,.
"Thatw Her finger was outstretched and quiz
ering but all beyond was still dark. .. 90
"a brd-your nerves are on edge" he told
her. . ..... . g'a-,H
Mrs. Hapshott drew herself to the taffral and
leaned out listening. The wind was walling
again the ship had almost lost her way; she was
only crawling through the water to the accom-
paniment of Tapping canvas aloft.
"Hiram, 1t wasn't a sea bird" The woman's
voice was full of something to which her husband
could put no name.
at must have been-what else could 1t be-
lassT
ITO me 1t sounded lke-but, no. that's foolish
ness. My mind is playing me tricks husband"
But she did not leave the rail for fully twenty
minutes, and then 1t was to step down the ladder