Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-01-24
MY LAST SWIM AT SEA.
Hair-Breadth Escape from the
Jaws OF Shark.

Jaws OF Shark
/ can not recollect ever learning 10
swim. swan naturally, and In boy
hood was almost as much at home In
ms out OF the watcr. Diving, an art in
general only acquired by long prac-
tice, was to me easy from the begin
ming. My skill in aquatic sports
passed into a proverb. and now that
years have passed and / have reached
middle life, the renown OF my boy
hoods feats cling to me yet in my ma
tive place.
But | am a swimmer no more; the
love that was so strong has given
place TO such loathing hate and
horror OF the water that when think
ofita cold shudder comes over me until
the tide of thought is turned. An ad-
venture in tropical waters was the
cause OF this.
II happened thus: l was on my SOC
ond voyage. The ship lay becalmed
amid the Molucca islands on the pas
sage for China. 1t was near midday
in tho forenoon watch. The SUMS
hottest rays were pouring down upon
the deck with scorching violence, and
vainly did | seek for some cool spot
where momentary comfort. at least
could be found. The painting, half
nude forms OF the crew were spread
out beneath the shade of a canvas
drawn over the forecastle capstan,
which they tried to persuade them
selves yielded some shelter from the
heat. Above, not cloud could be
seen in the broad blue expanse Of the
sky, which seemed a heated caldron
turned above us. Against 1t the state
ly spars and heavy white sails swayed
with the roll OF the ship in royal idle
ness and majesty.
Too hot to work or 10 read, uneasy.
praying for breeze which It seemed
would never come. lounged about the
deck vainly seeking relief from my dis
comfort. Gazing over the side down in
TO the deep blue waste beneath, my eye
sought some object by which TO note
the vessels progress, however slow II
might be, but nothing could see save
water, dark and unfathomable. The
RbAohAa A0HRNN14 rAAN VI InG H0lD
shone brightly out upon the surface for
few feet, and as gazed upon its
quivering beauty, and remarked how
very still we lay. tho thoughtstruck me:
"What chance for a swimr What
relief from all this broiling, swelter-
ing, oven-like heat
To think was TO act turned TO the
boys.
Here Johni Billyi JIMMY Let's
go in swimming. Never was such n
chancer' cried /. springing down from
the rail. lets sling the ladder over
from the fore-chains so we can get up
the side easily. and we'll have a good
time; she isn't moving a bit; come,
bear a hand, and let's see who'll be
overheard first"
The ships officers made no objection.
and / was quickly Joined by four or
five Of my shipmates. each as anxious
as myself for something 10 vary the
monotony. The fore-hatch ladder was
quickly slung and lashed TO the side,
lnd we stripped to go in. The rest OF
che crew had gathered upon the top
gallant forecastle to watch ur antics.
Only one old fellow. an inveterate
growler known as " Briton,'' eau
toned us as he took his seat near the
rail:
You young rascals had better keep |
out Of the water or the sharks II |
gobble up some OF you There's plen-
~ OF 'em round for all you don't see
sem."
"oh, you're always croalring, you
web-footed old barnacle-backm cried |
Billy Dioton. mounting the rail and
poisiag himself for plunge. 1--WE
never can do any thing but you must
throw cold water on IT,
"Oh. go ahead go ahead don't
care what you do; you're not obliged
TO take my advice, but II you we're
son OF mine you'd not go overheard In
these waters" growled Briton.
well, as I'm not your son, and rs
you don't care what do. here goesl"
said Billy, and suiting the action TO
the word. he sprang lightly TO the rail.
glanced In mid-air for an inctant and
the next was buried fathoms deep in
the liquid blue Rising quickly to the
surface with shake Of his curly head
10 clear his sight OF the water which
dripped from his hair. he gave an en-
couraging cheer TO the rest and struck
boldly out from the vessels side.
Emboidened by his confidence, sew
eral more began taking OF their clothes
&, join the merry band who we're soon
9imbling about under the bow or
splashlng water up at the lookers-on
above. Twas delayed through having
20 pat some guys 70 the ladder, until
some seven or eight had gone over tho
aide. TheET shouts and laughter and
the fear that l was losing half the fun
haslened my movements. as throwing
MY clothing into my bunk ] ran out
and c|anbered into tho fore-chains for
q oivo. A. paused a moment 10 take
bren'h md cool my porspirlng body
slightly before eoinS II. looked down