Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1889-03-13

! perienced swimmers. Further on to-
ward the bow were three or four 9TH
ers more expert, who were vying 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-fashion, floating and enjoying
himself hugely. As soon as he saw
ne ready to dive no called to me to
join him and see how handsome the
ship looked from distance.
"Stay where you are, Billy, and
see II can't fetch you before | rise, +"
I cried, raising my hands above my
head for the plunge.
IAN right" cried Bill, troading
water; 81 shan't move. Come ahead. I"
Overheard / went, several OF the
lookers-on expressed their doubts as
to any ones ability to swim so far
under water, and watching my prog
ress the while. A cheer greeted my
appearance at the surface where l
rose beyond him. Crying TO mo 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 i
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 ruflled 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 it had
taxed my own powers, and l 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 l
beheld him some five or six yards be-
yond me, CHEEKY smile upon his face
and his head cooked on one side as if
to say: BEAT that, my boyr
Without a word | struck out TO the
vessel again, not little vexed at be-
ing outdone, and determined to go 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. Tho
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.
F." Go II. Gust" cried John Butler, as
he climbed out OF the water TO got q
better view. BEAT him this time so
he won't want to try again" Then Us
he surveyed the distance at which Billy
lay, he added: "My stars, but that's n
long dive eli. Britenp" turning to tho
old sailor who had warned us against
going into tho water.
Yes" returned he, "a deal too
long. II John Shark was TO come
along now, what chance would Billy
have TO get on boardp The old man
must be loony TO let you youngsters go
into the water in such sharks para
disc as this. If had my way I'd mast
head the whole bilin' of you
go it, you old growl your retort-
ed John. II suppose you mover had
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. ="
Standing there in the chains, with
one hand upon the shecr-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 az listened 10 Johns answer, /
could not help feeling that the older
sailor had all the reason on his side
The swimmers had begun to come on
board and dress. / almost made up my
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. 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 ] hesitated. while my ship
mates waited to 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 to me:
"Comc, Gus, I'm tired of waiting! II
you're going to give it up, say so, and
I'll come out. I've been in long
enough"
That settled it. Give il upp
Never!' 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 i should
have been overheard. / was In the
very act Of springing, when the start
ling cry Of "A shark! a sharkr' came
from the forecastle.
"Come out of the water, all! Come
out, Billy! Hurry, there's no time to
lose! cried half u score of voices.
Most of the few men still in the water
were 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. ]
graspod n shroud and saved myself
from going overheard. though / had
already gained such Roadway that my
body swung clear of the side before ]
could regain my footing in the chains.
Once secure, looked down for my
shipmatcs, too anxious for their safety