Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-17


counts of the pictur-
esque appearance of the natives as they
swan out to the steamer to dispose of shells
and other curios. Besides this, the mail
was to be dropped here to be taken up by
the next Australian steamer, on its way to
America. Probably no ball tossers have
never before applied themselves so diligently
to the task of writing letters, and an unusu-
ally largesmailbag was filled to the top
with the histories OF the trip. 1t was ex-
pected that the steamer would reach the
place during Sunday afternoon. but con-
trary winds held it back, until it became
manifest that the island would not be
reached until late in the night
The Sabbath day proved exceedingly
dull. During the forenoon religious service
was held, at which the benevolent looking
white-whiskered gentleman who oficiated
e1hilarated his hearers by reminding them
of the dangers which beset long sea voy-
age and the possibility OF their never again
seeing the faces of the friends they left be-
hind. The day was observed with the ut
most decorum, card playing being eschewed
entirely. The sea was rough, and the huge
splashes of spray that washed the deck COM
PEELED most of the passengers to remain in
doors.
A MIDNIGHT GREETING.
When it was finally learned that the ex-
change of mails would probably take place
about midnight, most of the players de-
cided to remain on deck. About 11:3O
o'clock the vessel sailed with startling
abruptness out of the dashng, turbulent
waves into almost calm water. The cold
breeze that had been sweeping over the ship
gave place, with equal suddenness, to a
zephyr-like breeze that had almost velvety
sortness as it purred on the bronzed cheeks
OF the athletes. Afar off in the dark night,
small light was seen to twinkle.
1t was from a vessel near shore
which was awaiting the arrival of
the steamer, whose captain had, with uner-
ring precision, sailed out of the great waste
OF the ocean to the small beacon that laid to 7
the leeward. The line of the mountainous
shore was just discernibe. After short
delay other lights appeared; then burning
blue light from the vessel illumined the
water nearby, and was Immediately re-
sponded to by similar luminous display
on shore. Another short DELAY followed;
then voice in the distance hallooed OUT
SIS Mooie's goods there?" and iu few mo-
ments small cat boat, manned by a white
man and two natives, made its appearance
for the merchandise, consigned to some
trader.
About the same time small light could |
be seen on the waters, now and then bob |
bling out of sight, as the boat was tossed up
and down by the waves. 1t was lifeboat |
which brought mail from shore and was to |
take in return the mail matter from aboard |
ship. 1t was rowed by five natives, big |
broad-cheSted fellows, dark-skinned and |
with not unpleasing countenance. A ladder |
was let down as it was made last near the |
cat-boat, and big fellow, whom the mate
called 'Pete" clambered on board. He was
about 6 feet tall and had an enormous mus
cular development of chest and arms, As
he entered the purser's Office he was asked |
would he take drink. He replied in the
affirmative and big goblet of gin was
poured out for him. He drank it in almost
one gulp. As he smacked his lips the
purser asked, "Will you have some water?"
Nav" was grunted out, with an emphasis
that caused every one to laugh.
HE DISGUISED ANSoN.
Captain Anson, who had been regarding
The native with Id-like-to-sign-you sortof
turned away disguised at the
as if he realized the difficulty
If making such an athlete amenable to strict
discipline.
Pete next took hold OF the big mailbag as
il it were feather. tossed it lightly over his
shoulder and went back to his boat. A mo-
Lot h. l1,
steamer and was soon lost to sight, as the
vessel weighed anchor and again sailed out
nto the rough waters OF the ocean.
The voyage from Tuituila to Auckland
vas quite unevenrful, excepting, pernaps.
he jump from Thursday to Saturday morn,
ng, when the steamer crossed the 1900
meridian, to make up for the time lost trav.
ling westward. The ball PLAYERS were
Ieeply interested, and devoted themselves TO
he study of the causes for changes in time
n way that will probably never character
re them again
A series OF entertainments were gotten up
n the social hall of the steamer for Willing
way evenings, the most interesting one of ,
Thich was the trial OF a so-called young En-
lish nobleman, who claimed to be Sir
ames Willoughby, of Willoughbvshire,
England, but was travelling under the ple
ian name of Smith. He had been dubbed
v the ball players Jimmy" and "Sir
immy," and was arrested on the charge of ,
raveling as an impostor in the United
tates, and for having intent to shoot
trough the whiskers OF an unpopular indi-
idual known al" His Whiskers. " Jimmy
ad devoted himself assiduOusly throughout
he trip to drinking whisky, and was, as a
ule, in chaotic, if not paralytic, condi-
ion.
MOCK COURTS VERDICT. .
The court was organized, with Major I
-eneral Strange, an English army officer, s
5 judge; Snortstop Ward as counsel for de-
,ndant; Colonel House, a character from
hicago, as prosecuting attorney, and Right {
elder Fogerty as court crier. The rights /
the fair sex were recognized by giving
lem place on the jury. The trial proved
grotesque affair, in which the court crier
himself the most important indl- J
idual. He was continually interrupting
lie proceedings by vociterous cries of l
Here-ye, here-ye," and on one occasion e
most made the dignity of the judge col |
pse by calling out from one end of the y
loon, while pretending to order drinks, j
What'u you have, Judge" Ward 1
lowed quite clear perception j
his duties, and his case {
as materially helped by the prosecuting G
torney, who was continually arguing and .
witnesses in favor of the
her side. But notwithstanding all this
I'd the unbiased charge OF the Judge, the A
ry brought in verdict of guilty, and
Jimmy" was ordered to pay a penalty of !.
ur quart bottles Of champagne, a punish
ent which the court-crier made it his busi- a
,ss to see was at once carried out. Ii
On another occasion the wicked man il
om Chicago accomplished the hitherto in Il
mparable feat Of actually putting out the G.
,hts by poor singing. He was perpetrat- e.
g the almost forgotten song Of "Lather Il
d Shave" and had reached the third b
rse when the electric lights went out and b