Page:Silver Shoal Light.djvu/39

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FROM THE PERILS OF THE SEA
21

come and eat these crabs before their ardor cools. Don't you think you'd better light a fire, Jim? It's growing frigid."

"Perhaps I'd better," said Jim, who had gripped Joan's hand with a clasp that made her wince. "We've still some of the Thomas J. left. I'll burn a bit more to-night, as this is a special occasion."

"The Thomas J. was a schooner," explained Mrs. Pemberley, as they sat down. "She came ashore one winter night in a storm. The owners saved all they could, and we've been burning the rest, on and off, ever since. She was the Thomas J. Haskell in full. Why do tugs and schooners have such dismal names?"

"The Bella S. was another," said Pemberley; "Cap'n 'Bijah's famous craft. Have you heard the tale, Miss Kirkland?"

"A hint of it," said Joan.

"Well, you'll hear the whole yarn, if you continue your acquaintance with the Cap'n, so I won't spoil it for you," said Pemberley. "But those fishermen have the most wonderful names of all for their tubs—everything from the Parthenon to the June-Bug. There's one called the Adjo Grace, and I really saw a boat to-day