The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-08-21

almost. He started by being an Indian
and goin off on is own with two other
kids When e wanted to turn canni-
bal. the other two objected and gave
i'm in charge. After that he did bit O.
bargling, and it cost is old man no end
o money to hush it up"
well, what did you want him for?''
grumbled the mate
''I'm goin to knock the nonsense out
of him." said the skipper softly as the
boat grazed the side. Just step for'ard
and let the hands know what's expect
/ ed of 'em. When we get to sea, it
won't natter
The mate moved off grumbling as the
small fare stood on the thwarts and
scrambled up over the side. The wa
terman passed up the chest and, drop
ping the coppers into his pocket, push
ed off again without word
well, you've got here all right,
Ralph" said the skipper what do
you think of herr"
"She's a rakish looking craft" said
the boy, looking round the dingy old
tub with much satisfaction, "but
where's your arms?''
'Hushw said the skipper and laid his
finger on his nose.
"Oh, all right" said the youth testify,
''but you might tell me-"
You shall know all in good time"
said the skipper patiently, turning to
the crew, who came shutting up, mask
ing broad grins with dirty palms.
Here's new shipmate for you, my
lads. He's small, but he's the right
! stuff"
| The newcomer drew himself UP and
regarded the crew with some dissatis-
1 faction. For desperadoes they looked
far too good tempered and prone to
iev1fy
whats the matter with you, Jem
Smithers?" inquired the skipper, scowl-
ing at huge fair haired man who was
laughing discordantly.
Il was thinkin o. the last party 1 kill
ed, SIR" said Jem with sudden gravity.
II alters laugh when l think 'ow he
! squealed,"
"You laugh too much" said the other
sternly as he laid a hand on Ralph's
shoulder. Take lesson from this fine
Teller. He doesn't laugh. He acts.
Take i'm down below an show him lis
bunk"
will you please to follow me, sir ~
said Smithers, leading the way below.
II dessay you'll find it bit stuffy, bu,
that's owing to Bill Dobbs. A reglel
old sea dog is Bill, always sleeps in lie
clothes and never washes.'
II don't think the worse Of him fol
that" said Ralph, regarding the fer.
menting Dobbs kindly.
You'd best keep civil tongue in
your ed, my lad. said Dobbs shortly.
'Never mind 'im." said smithers
cheerfully. Nobody takes any notice
O. old Dobbs You can 1T i'm il you
like. won't let him hurt you.'
II don't want to start by quarreling,'
said Ralph seriously.
YOU'RE afraid" said Jem tauntingly
you'll never make one of us. 1T i'm
won't let i'm 'urt you.''
Thus aroused, the boy, first directing
Dobbs' attention to his stomach by 8
curious duck of his head, much admir-
ed as feint in his neighborhood
struck him in the face. The next mo
ment the forecastle was in an uproal
and Ralph PROSTATE on Dobbs' knees
frantically reminding Jem of his prom
Use.
CAN right, won't let i'm 'urt you,'
said Jem consolingly.
"But he is hurting me-" yelled the
boy. He is hurting me now"
1 well, wait till get i'm ashore sale
Jem. Ellis old woman won't know hin
when I've done with him."
The boys reply to this was torren
of shrill abuse, principally directed tt
Jem's facial shortcomings.
Nov, don't get rude" said the sea
man, grinning
"Squint eyesw cried Ralph -fercely.
when you've done with that 'er,
young gentleman. Dobbs," said Jen
with exquisite politeness. 81 SHOULD
like to ave i'm for little bit to teacl
i'm manners"
"'E don't want to CO." said Dobbs
grinning. as Ralph chung to him. ''H,
knows who's kind to him.
wait till get chance at you,
sobbed Ralph as Jem took him ava,
from Dobbs.
Lord lumme." said .Jem. regardin,
him in astonishment. why. he's &C
~ locally cryn. I've seen good man,
pirates in my time, Bill, but this is
new Sort
Leave the boy alone" said the cook
a fat, good natured man. Here, com
ere, old man. They don't mean n
arm"
Glad to escape, Ralph made his wa,
over to the cook, grinding his teetl
with shame as the cook took him be
tween his knees and mopped his eye
with something which he called
handkerchief
You'll be all right" he said kindly
you'll be as good pirate as any of u
before you've finished"
!, Wait till the first engagement, that