The Lady of the Barge The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 1.

A river barge skipper finds his quiet evening turned into a lively debate when a visiting schooner’s mate drops by, sparking a heated exchange over faith that borders on the absurd. As the sun fades, the two men—brother‑in‑law and rival alike—continue their banter, each trying to out‑wit the other while the river’s gentle flow offers a tranquil backdrop to their stubbornness. Their conversation is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a young woman, a guest the skipper never expected to entertain on his cramped vessel.

The newcomer, full of curiosity, explores the barge’s clever, space‑saving accommodations, turning ordinary fittings into sources of amusement. The skipper, unaccustomed to such hospitality, worries about the practicalities of hosting a passenger, while his mate eagerly plays the gracious host. Their attempts to serve a simple supper become a comical dance of propriety and surprise, setting the stage for a story that blends humor, river life, and the quirks of human interaction.