The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-14
Three Men On a Barge


 stifing of his pride for Nike to return to Pier six, but once hif mind was made up he didn't waste time with regrets. Where Dan wal concerned, nothing was too hard Tommy was also prepared C eek crow. So grim was his de- termination he almost knocked Mike in the water when the two jumped to the deck of the Molly. Mrs. La Porte had been through SO much. this week that nothing sur prised her.
 q suppose you want to see Mir. I.a Porte" she said appolgetically looking out the hatchway. She gave an equally 1mpersc1al nod to each man.
 Bat turned . choleric red when he saw his visitors. Dropping the society page, which he had been studying in detail, he jumped tc his feet.
 "And now what do the two Oi you want2"
 T don't know about this young fellow" said Mike, "but if I could sit I might explain my case bet ter"
 At the temper in Bats voice Mike scowled, but he kept himself under control. He wasn't going tC lose his temper if he could helr 1t. He knew from experience that was no way to put through deal Taking the chair Mrs. La Porte put forward, he sat down.
 "You go ahead" he remarked to Tommy. "I'll talk later" He had learned, too, that it wal better to let the other fellows gel their ideas out first.
 Wary as a cat of strange ground Bat stared suspiciously at the pair
 Did you come together or sepa- rately?" he inquired curiously.
 "Separaely," answered Mikt promptly, resting his hat on a sheli while he loosened his coat. At sound of the voices, Marie had stepped in from her alcove 1nstinctively, she smiled at Mike She liked his face. T take 1t. you're Marie Li Porte" He rose from the chair I'm Dams father. My boy Ina! spoken of you" There was ; twinkle in his eyes. Doubtfully. Bat stepped aside tt let Marie pass. He wasn't goini to let any man outdo him in man. nerE.
 "Marie's got sense as well al rearin'," he said. "The first sh, got from her mother and me. Th' second from Our Lady of thu Rosary School down on the Bat, tery. We're proud of our girl" h. declared, almost deflantly.
 Mike didn't argue the point Nodding affably, he gave his chail to Marie and reached for another
 Mrs. La Porte stirred uneasily Tommy Ryan hadn't said 6 word She felt, with these three men il one small cabin, that she and Mari' were sitting on volcano. She didn' like 1t.
 Nervously, she glanced abou' thankful the place was in order The books were neatly stacked ol the stand near the radio, the cur tains had been freshly washed arl' she had mopped the floor Q noon. She fidgeted ct sound Q her husbands voice.
 "Well, Thomas Ryan, what hav you to say?"
 Tommy flushed red, twirled hi cap in his hand and looked at thu floor.
 "I'd rather not say 1t now, witt so many here."
 Bat snapped his thumb, enjoy. ing Tommy's embarrassment. "Ee! 1t something 50 very private?" The boy leaped to his feet. No Bat, I guess 1t isn't. Everybod, 1 down here knows how feel about Marie. You keep the poor gir. down so, she doesn't know hel own mind." His chest filled out and his chin set at a cock angle If she did, she'd marry me-" Bat rose slowly from his chair You're telling me, her father. what is good for my daughter His fist frightened.
 Mrs. La Porte and Marie caught