The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-01-24

1872
some ropes ends thrown over to them.
and actively spatterinR water upon
each other. we're two Of the less ex-
perienced swimmers. Further on to-
ward the bow were three or four 9TH
ers more expert who were wing with
one another in feats and pranks; div.
ing under each other. catching hold Of
feet and pulling some other down, and
ducking one another unawares.
Away out, some hundred yards or
more, Billy Option was leisurely swim
ming about, rolling over and over por-
poise-fashie 4, floating and enjoying
himself hugely. As soon Us he saw
me ready to dive no called to me to
join him and 500 how handsome the
ship looked from distance
"Stay where you are, Billy. and
see II l can't fetch you before l rise"
| cried, raising my hands above my
bead for the plunge.
''All right" cried Bill, trcading
water; Il shan't move. Come ahead. !"
Overheard ! went, several Of the
lookers-on expressed their doubts as
to any ones ability to swim so far
under water, and watching nv prog
ress the while. A cheer greeted my
appearance at the surface where /
rose beyond him. Crying to me that
he could beat that, Billy struck out
for the ship to prove his words.
He soon gained the chains and jok-
ingly calling to me that he believed /
had doubled the distance BY going
farther out, took In his breath and
shot overheard like an arrow. So
clearly did he enter the water that the
slightest possible ripple RULED the
surface Of the deep as it closed over
him. waited with watchful eyes for
his temperance. expected to see
him rise between me and the ship, for
the distance was SO great that 1t had
ts.xsd my own powers, and ! thought l
had him beaten.
Even as was thinking this cheer
from the forecastle warned me that he
had come up, and turning my head !
behold him some five or six yards be-
yond me, CHEEKY smile upon his face
snd his head cooked on one side as II
10 say: BEAT that my boy!'
Without word struck out to the
vessel again, not little vexed at be-
ing outdone. and determined to 60 SO
far outside him next time as to deter
him II possible from trying again to
beat me.
Reaching the ship / clambered up
the side and took my place in the up
per chains ready for the plunge. The
captain and mate being doubtless rs
hard pushed for amusement as we poor
fellows forward, were leaning over the
Quarter-rail and watching our sport
with interest.
Go it, Gus!" cried John Butler, az
he climbed out Of the water to get q
better view. Beat him this time SO
he won't want to try again" Then as
he surveyed the distance at which Billy
lay, he added: my stars, but that's .
long dive! eh, Briton?" turning to tho
old sailor who had warned us against
going into the water.
Ycs," returned he, "a deal too
long. II John Shark was to come
along now, what chance would Billy
have to get on board? The old man
must be loony to let you youngsters 60
into the water in such sharks para
disc as this. III had my way I'd mast
head the whole bilin' Of you"
go it. you old growl your rctort-
ed John. II suppose you never had
. swim in your life. and now you're
too old. You've got the rheumatism
yourself. and you don't want to SEQ
anybody else enjoy themselves. Talk
about sharks when you're where they
ara We haven't seen one since we
got among the islands, and I'm blcst
u ! think there are any hereabouts. !"
Standing there in the chains, with
one hand upon the sheer-pole already
to let go and plunge, l heard Briton's
remark and Johns reply. Something
in the old fellows manner struck me
more than the former warning had,
and as listened to Johns answer,
could not help feeling that the older
eailor had all the reason on his side.
The swimmers had begun to come on
board and dress. ! almost made up my
mind to stay on board, and yield the
palm Of diving to Billy.
But they were all watching me, and
pride whispered: "Pshaw! Don't
show the white feather now! There
are no sharks about. It won't take
three minutes to get outside where
Billy Is, and swim back to the ship.
Then you needn't 60 in again.
Still ! hcsitated, while my ship.
mates waited to see what would do.
Never mind" thought l; "let 'em
wait I'll stay on board tho ship"
turned to call Billy in. Before
could speak he sang out to me
"Comc, Gus, I'm tired Of waiting! il
you're going to give it up, say SO, and
I'll come out. I've been in long
enough"
That settled 1t. "Givc it upl
Neser!' thought /, the whole current
Of my feelings changing ut the tone o.
his banter. and, suiting the action Il
tho thought. I made ready to dive.
draw in my breath. and gathered for thu
plunge In another moment should
have been overheard. l was IN the
very act OF springing, when the start
ling cry Of "A shark! q sharkr' came
from the forecastlc.
Come out OF the water, all! Come
out, Billyl Hurry, there's no time Il
loser cried half o score Of voices
Most of the few men still in the wate
were close beside tho vessel. The,
crowded to the ladder, and scramble,
up in great haste and excitement
! For me the cry came just In time.
grasped shroud and saved mysel
from going overheard, though / ha,
already gained such Roadway that m.
body swung clear of the side before
could regain my footing in the chains