by BobA. Troutt
PARTY!" he yelled out.
As Slim danced around, the ghosts looked at one another and yelled, "LET'S BOOGIE!"
The light came on and lit up the old pirate ship as Slim and Hard-times danced with their new friends. Four ghosts dressed in sailor suits popped up; it was the Boo's Brothers. They started singing and dancing. The night rolled on as they danced, laughed and partied. It was a night to remember. Gradually, the sun appeared as the ship sailed into Hemlock Bay. The party slowly died down when the ship started sinking.
"Come on Hard-times!" yelled Slim.
They jumped from the ship and swam to shore. When they reached the shore, they watched as the ship gradually disappeared into the deep blue water. The flashing bright light from the lighthouse went dark.
"Can you believe that, Hard-times?" asked Slim.
Totally fatigued, Slim collapsed and fell asleep. It had all finally caught up with him. However, it wasn't long before Slim was awakened by someone yelling.
A-hoy, a-hoy!" they yelled.
Slim raised up and looked out from the lifeboat. He saw a big ship coming up beside them.
"Are you alright, sir!" yelled the captain.
"I'm fair," cried Slim as the crew helped him and Hard-times aboard the ship.
"Do you know how long we have been out here?" Slim as the captain.
"I don't know," replied the captain. "But, I'd say it's been awhile."
"Captain," asked Slim, "what day is it?"
"Well, let's see," said the Captain. "Oh, yes, it's Saturday the 14th," he stated. "Why do you ask?"
Slim looked out across the sea and then turned to the Captain.
"There's a lighthouse out there not far from here," explained Slim.
"Oh, yes," said the Captain. "You must be talking about the lighthouse of Hemlock Bay. It hasn't been working for hundreds of years. It's nothing but a stone ruin," said the Captain.
Slim paused for a moment and thought. Ah heck. He wouldn't believe me anyway. Yep, it's just a stone ruin. Hard-times eased over to Slim and lay at his feet without making a sound. Is it but a legend or is it true?
