Ships Company | Page 8

Gibbs, were distributed broadcast; and anecdotes portraying a
singularly rare and beautiful character obtained an even wider
circulation. Too late Wapping realized the benevolent disposition and
the kindly but unobtrusive nature that had departed from it for ever.
Mr. Gibbs, from his retreat across the water, fully shared his friends'
enthusiasm, but an insane desire--engendered by vanity--to be present
at the function was a source of considerable trouble and annoyance to
them. When he offered to black his face and take part in the
entertainment as a nigger minstrel, Mr. Kidd had to be led outside and
kept there until such time as he could converse in English pure and

undefiled.
"Getting above 'imself, that's wot it is," said Mr. Brown, as they
wended their way home. "He's having too much money out of us to
spend; but it won't be for long now."
"He's having a lord's life of it, while we're slaving ourselves to death,"
grumbled Mr. Kidd. "I never see'im looking so fat and well. By rights
he oughtn't to 'ave the same share as wot we're going to 'ave; he ain't
doing none of the work."
His ill-humour lasted until the night of the "Lead," which, largely
owing to the presence of a sporting fishmonger who had done well at
the races that day, and some of his friends, realized a sum far beyond
the expectations of the hard-working promoters. The fishmonger led off
by placing a five-pound note in the plate, and the packed audience
breathed so hard that the plate-holder's responsibility began to weigh
upon his spirits. In all, a financial tribute of thirty-seven pounds three
and fourpence was paid to the memory of the late Mr. Gibbs.
"Over twelve quid apiece," said the delighted Mr. Kidd as he bade his
co-worker good night. "Sounds too good to be true."
The next day passed all too slowly, but work was over at last, and Mr.
Kidd led the way over London Bridge a yard or two ahead of the more
phlegmatic Mr. Brown. Mr. Gibbs was in his old corner at the
"Wheelwright's Arms," and, instead of going into ecstasies over the
sum realized, hinted darkly that it would have been larger if he had
been allowed to have had a hand in it.
"It'll 'ardly pay me for my trouble," he said, shaking his head. "It's very
dull over 'ere all alone by myself. By the time you two have 'ad your
share, besides taking wot I owe you, there'll be 'ardly anything left."
"I'll talk to you another time," said Mr. Kidd, regarding him fixedly.
"Wot you've got to do now is to come acrost the river with us."
"What for?" demanded Mr. Gibbs.

"We're going to break the joyful news to your old woman that you're
alive afore she starts spending money wot isn't hers," said Mr. Kidd.
"And we want you to be close by in case she don't believe us.
"Well, do it gentle, mind," said the fond husband. "We don't want 'er
screaming, or anything o' that sort. I know 'er better than wot you do,
and my advice to you is to go easy."
He walked along by the side of them, and, after some demur, consented,
as a further disguise, to put on a pair of spectacles, for which Mr.
Kidd's wife's mother had been hunting high and low since eight o'clock
that morning.
"You doddle about 'ere for ten minutes," said Mr. Kidd, as they reached
the Monument, "and then foller on. When you pass a lamp-post 'old
your handkerchief up to your face. And wait for us at the corner of your
road till we come for you."
He went off at a brisk pace with Mr. Brown, a pace moderated to one of
almost funeral solemnity as they approached the residence of Mrs.
Gibbs. To their relief she was alone, and after the usual amenities
thanked them warmly for all they had done for her.
"I'd do more than that for pore Joe," said Mr. Brown.
"They--they 'aven't found 'im yet?" said the widow.
Mr. Kidd shook his head. "My idea is they won't find 'im," he said,
slowly.
"Went down on the ebb tide," explained Mr. Brown; and spoilt Mr.
Kidd's opening.
"Wherever he is 'e's better off," said Mrs. Gibbs.
"No more trouble about being out o' work; no more worry; no more
pain. We've all got to go some day.
"Yes," began Mr. Kidd; "but--

"I'm sure I don't wish 'im back," said Mrs. Gibbs; "that would be
sinful."
"But 'ow if he wanted to come back?" said Mr. Kidd, playing for an
opening.
"And 'elp you spend that money," said Mr. Brown, ignoring the scowls
of his friend.
Mrs. Gibbs looked bewildered. "Spend the money?" she began.
"Suppose," said Mr. Kidd, "suppose