Read Online Tooner Schooner by Mary Lasswell - Free Book Online

“I’m iss-cared the icebox will start playin’ ‘Dixie’ every time I open the door.”
    “That’s how it is with them Hi Fi’s,” Oscar said. “Mr. Cobb was impressed with Jasper’s muriels.”
    “Miss Tinkham invited him,” Mrs. Rasmussen said, “even if he did give such a stingy little few words about Tooner Schooner’s boat in his paper.”
    “A wonderful maiden-type lady,” Oscar said, “but if you get out of line, she can sure kick you in the chins with her dignity.”
    “Cut the music off,” Jasper said. “They’re having such a damn good time, running in and out of the different houses, it’s going to be tough getting them to the table.”
    “I think everybody has a kind of hangover from childhood, wanting to live in something like a gypsy caravan,” Miss Tinkham said.
    “Sure. Look at trailers.”
     
    “Must be twenty minutes past,” Captain Dowdy laughed. “Nobody’s sayin’ a word.”
    “How can they? Got their mushers full!” Mrs. Feeley was gumming away happily at a bit of backbone of lamb.
    Darleen and her husband sat happily at one end of the table. Next to them Daphne and her widower were deep in conversation.
    “You’d never think they was married, so nice to each other they are,” Mrs. Rasmussen whispered. “An’ Pierpont! He was the baddest little boy I ever seen in my life.”
    The lad in the naval cadet’s uniform was attractive in a thin, elfin way.
    “Long as they’re lettin’ him fly a plane, it’s good he’s on our side! Nothin’ in God’s world can change them devilish green eyes o’ his.” Mrs. Feeley reached around for a fresh beer. “But he’s a credit to her, when you think o’ the way we found both of ’em.”
    “What do you know about that Myrna bein’ in movies? Dancin’ an’ singin’ like crazy!” Oscar laughed.
    “They were a sorry-lookin’ bunch, all right. Mr. Cobb looks forlorn,” Miss Tinkham said. “Excuse me.”
    “I’m thinkin’,” Mrs. Feeley said to Oscar. “I’ll feel better when you’re paid back for Bus Town. I bet you ain’t charged in your work.”
    “Certainly not.” Jasper was indignant. “All we had was a job, eight hours of forgetfulness, till you let us have a home.”
    “Just see this!” Miss Tinkham came up excitedly waving a sheet of newspaper. “Faith, the substance of things hoped for!” She staggered a wee bit and Mr. Cobb kindly put out his hand to steady her. He champed contentedly on his pipe.
    “What is it?” Mrs. Rasmussen leaned over as Miss Tinkham spread the paper on the table.
    “It’s a tear-sheet from the Sunday edition of the paper,” Cobb said. “It was the least I could do, with the captain here and all of you having made the cruises on the schooner so pleasant.”
    “By God, it’s You!” Mrs. Feeley banged Mrs. Rasmussen on the back. The photographs illustrating the full-page spread were excellent. Mrs. Rasmussen sat at the wheel with her chef’s cap at a raffish angle. Behind her stood Captain Dowdy, smiling cordially.
    “Can I keep it?” Mrs. Rasmussen said.
    “Get you all you want,” Cobb said.
    “Lookit Miss Tinkham!” Mrs. Feeley discovered another familiar face. “An’ who is that hag got up to scare little children?” She peered at the picture. “Dearest Mother! It’s me!”
    Elisha Dowdy stuck out his hand and gripped Cobb’s shoulder.
    “I’m beholden. A whole page in the Sunday paper! Thing like that could give the boat a good name.”
    “You are practically a nationwide figure this very moment,” Miss Tinkham cried happily. “It’s too moving…This beautiful write-up can have the most far-reaching effect! The most unexpected results!”
    “It was handsome of you.” Mrs. Rasmussen shook hands with Mr. Cobb. “I’ll fix you a box to take home.”
    “Be right back.” The captain excused himself. “Goin’ up street to pick up a few Sunday papers!”
    “Don’t run off! We ain’t opened the presents yet!” Mrs. Feeley