Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-01-24

otcn Otucr, were TWO OF the less cNi
pe-ienced swimmers. Further on to.
ward tho bow were three or four 9TH
ers more expert who were vying with
one another In feats and pranks; div
ting under each other, catching hold Of
feet and pulling some other down, and
ducking one another unawaros.
Away out some hundred yards or
more, Billy Diptou was leisurely swim
ming about rolling over and over por-
poise-fashion, floating and enjoying
himself hugely. As soon as he saw
me ready 10 dive he called TO mo 60
join him and see how handsome tho
ship looked from distance
"Stay where you are, Billy, and
see II can't fetch you before l riso," :"
/ cried, raising my hands above my
head for the plunge.
"All right" cried Bill. trcading
water, 81 shan't move. Come ahead. I"
Overheard ! went. several OF the
lJokers-on expressed their doubts as
10 any ones ability 10 swim so far
under water. and Watching my prog
ress the while A cheer greeted my
appearance at the surface whero l
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
cleanly did he enter the water that the
slightest possible ripple ruflled the
surface OF the deep as Il closed over
him. / waited with watchful eyes for
his temperance. expected 10 see
him rise between me and the ship, for
the distance was so great that II had
taxed my own powers, and thought |
had him beaten.
Even as was thinking this cheer
from the forecastle warned me that he
had come up, and turning my head
beheld him some FIVE or six yards be-
yond me, cheery smile upon his face
and his head cooked on one side as II
to say: BEAT that, my boyr
Without a word struck out to the
vessel again, not little vexed at be-
ing outdone, and determi aeI TO 60 so
far outside him next time as 10 deter
him II possible from trying again to
beat me.
Reaching the ship 1 clambered up
the side and took my place in the ip-
per chains ready for the plunge. The
captain and mate being doubtless as
hard pushed for amusement as we poor
fellows forward. were leaning over the
quarter-rail and watching our sport
with interest
" Go II, GusI' cried John Butler, as
he climbed out OF the water TO get a
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 a
long divel eh. Briton?" turning TO the
old sailor who had warned us against
going into the water.
"Yes returned he, ga 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 go
into the water in such a sharks para
disc as this. II / had my way I'd mast
head the whole bilin' of YOU"
go it, you old growl your retort-
ed John. IL suppose you never had
a swim in your life. and now you're
too old. You've got the rheumatism
yourself, and you don't want to see
anybody else enjoy themselves. Talk
about sharks when you're where they
are. We haven't seen one since we
got among the islands. and I'm blest
II think there are any hereabouts. 4"
Standing there in the chains, with
one hand upon the sheer-pole already
TO let go and plunge, 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
sailor had all the reason on his side.
The swimmers had begun 10 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: Pshawl Don't
show the white feather nowl There
are no sharks about. II won't take
three minutes to get outside where
Billy is, and swim back to the ship.
Then you needn't go in again.
Still i hesitated, while my ship
mates waited 10 see what would do.
Never mind" thought /; "let 'em
wait I'll stay on board the ship"
/ turned TO call Billy in. Before
could speak he sang out 10 me:
"Comc, Gus. I'm tired OF waitingl II
you're going TO give 1t up. say so, and
I'll come out I've been in long
enough"
That settled II. "Give 1t upP
Neverr' thought /. the whole current
OF my feelings changing at the tone OF
his banter. and, suiting the action TO
the thought. made ready to dive.
drew in my breath. and gathered for the
plunge. In another moment should
have been overheard. | was In the
very act Of springing, when the start
ling cry Of "A sharkl a sharkr' came
from the forecastle.
Come out OF the water, ALL Come
out Billy Hurry, there's no time to
losei" cried half a score Of voices
Most OF the few men still In the water
we're close beside the vessel They
crowded TO the ladder, and scrambled
up In great haste and excitement
For me the cry came just in time. l
grasped shroud and saved myself
from going overheard, though / had
already gained such headway that my
body swung clear Of the side before
could regain my footing In the chains.
Once secure, ] looked down for my
shipmates. too anxious for their safety