The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-09-14
The Gunncr's Daughter.

That the custom of Hogging 'mitlship
men once prevailed in the British navy is
an indubitable fact. The offending ''rccfer"
was taken to the forward gun, tied over
the breccl, spread eagle fashion, and the
flagellation administered. This practice
never existed in the United States navy,
although we copied, in its earlier day,
much that was Objectionable from the
English service; such as rudeness to infer
iors mast-heading and even striking the
younger officers; but, [ am glad to say,
few instances of the latter outrage are on
record.
The s'yarn' which am about to spin is
OF rather an amusing nature, end relates TO
the personal experience of one of nv old
fellow ''middles," which was not very dit
fercnt from the pleasant practice alluded
to. a number of years ago-nevcr mind
how many, as at least one of the parties Is
still alive-while several 'midshipmen were
enjoying themselves socially at a tavern at
Norfolk, Va, one of them, Pat Nj,
took offensc at some remark by a little
lame fellow who was captains, or purser's
clerk, forget which, and threatened to
throw him down stairs.
so, no: you won't do that, Pat" said
Jack N.
''Yes will, too, replied the iratc REFER
making hostile demonstration.
''Stop, Pat" exclaimed Jack, who was
noble creature, as brave as he was gencr
GUS, "let me talk to you the act would do
you no credit, he is small and lame. Let
us take drink and pass it over"
"No, sir; will not. What business . f
yours is it anyhow? Perhaps you wish to
take his placc2' vocifcratcd Pat.
IL only wish to prevent you from dong
q vcly fl o ish and ungentlemanly act wi lch
you would be sorry for afterwards, said
Jack, calmly.
"No, sir" exclaimed Pat, growing hot
ter every minute. Il will throw him
down stairs, unless you wish to take his
place."
There was perceptible sncer in the
latter part of this remark whick aroused
the slumbering lion in Jack n.
Every well, sir, he said sternly, draw
ing himself up to his full height before the
other, '.let tho lame boy alone and consider
me in his place; now, heave ahead"
Pat was brave he proved 1t in the late
Confederate service during one of the
hardest fought battles of the war; but the
situation was changed; there was a great
difference between Tommy j and Jack
N. Still he was dcflcd and it bchooved
him TO act promptly.
mo, sir,' ho replied; 81 shall send you
q message"
"All right, old boy" was the cheerful
response.
OF course every one knew what this
meant. Seconds were quietly chosen and,
not to mar the festivities, further arrange
ments were deferred until the next day.
Blakely c., one of the most gcntlcmanly
officers of his day, was jacks second and
promptly at the hour next morning he was
with his principal, in private parlor of
the hotel to await Pats representative
After a considerable delay tile latter ar
rived and sent up his card. | have forgot.
ten his name, but he was man OF good
sense and proper feeling Blake received
him courteously, and instead of delivering
q challenge, he commenced by expressing
his own regret that so foolish quarrel
should have occurred. Ills overtures were
generously met halfway, and as neither