"
"WILL it," demanded Mrs. Blossom loudly; "WILL it? I don't think it
will. How dare you talk to me like that, Jim Harris? You ought to be
ashamed of yourself!"
"My name's Cap'n Harris," said the skipper stiffly.
"Well, CAPTAIN Harris," said Mrs. Blossom scornfully; "and what'll
happen if I don't do as you and that other shamefaced-looking man tell
me?"
"We hope it won't come to that," said Harris, with quiet dignity, as he
paused at the companion. "But the mate's in charge just now, and I warn
you he's a very severe man. Don't stand no nonsense, George."
With these brave words the skipper disappeared below, and the mate,
after one glance at the dauntless and imposing attitude of Mrs. Blossom,
walked to the side and became engrossed in a passing steamer. A hum of
wondering admiration arose from the crew, and the cook, thoroughly
satisfied with her victory, returned to the scene of her labours.
For the next twenty-four hours Mrs. Blossom reigned supreme, and
performed the cooking for the vessel, assisted by five ministering
seamen. The weather was fine, and the wind light, and the two officers
were at their wits' end to find jobs for the men.
"Why don't you put your foot down," grumbled the mate, as a burst of
happy laughter came from the direction of the galley.
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