Blossom,
after a little shopping ashore, returned to the Gannet she found the
galley in the possession of one of the fattest cooks that ever broke
ship's biscuit.
"Hullo!" said she, realising the situation at a glance, "what are you
doing here?"
"Cooking," said the other gruffly. Then, catching sight of his
questioner, he smiled amorously and winked at her.
"Don't you wink at me," said Mrs. Blossom wrathfully. "Come out of that
galley."
"There's room for both," said the new cook persuasively. "Come in an'
put your 'ed on my shoulder."
Utterly unprepared for this mode of attack, Mrs. Blossom lost her nerve,
and, instead of storming the galley, as she had fully intended, drew
back and retired to the cabin, where she found a short note from the
skipper, enclosing her pay, and requesting her to take the train home.
After reading this she went ashore again, returning presently with a big
bundle, which she placed on the cabin table in front of Harris and the
mate, who had just begun tea.
"I'm not going home by train," said she, opening the bundle, which
contained a spirit kettle and provisions. "I'm going back with you; but
I am not going to be beholden to you for anything--I 'm going to board
myself."
After this declaration she made herself tea and sat down.
Pages:
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210