The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1901-10-25

1T would be a most difficult task 10
attempt to convince any member
Of the company aboard the bark
Andrew Welch, that the youthful
and dimiultive cat belonging 10 hat
vessel does not possess a charmed lite.
since the thrilling experience OF Wed.
uesday night the feline is looked upon
by the crew and officers as a nine
time winner. and whenever her cat
ship essays the main deck the men
stand attention with open mouthed
wonderment
When Il comes to Unborn sagacity
the Andrew Welch's cat Is certainly
entitled 20 the longest blue ribbon on
the bargain counter. To her should
De attached all the stove-lid media
lions which have for years agone
adorned the brave. chIvalrous. and the
pure in heart
And this is why:
Wednesday evening orders we're Civ.
en- BIZ Captain Drew that the vessel
was 10 be thoroughly fumigated. The
crew were instructed 10 place all
matches. and securely batten them
down. Previous 10 this. all live
freight carried by the ship was re-
moved 20 the deck. The chickens in
tended 10 prove OF assistance in NIL
ing out the larder and the porkers
were taken 20 a place Of safety in the
forecastle The faithful cat was seen
frisking about the deck just previous
20 the closing OF the matches, hence
she was given no further considera-
tion Everything In readiness, strong
sulphur fumes were pumped into the
hold OF the bark The fumigation was
for the purpose OF ridding the vessel
OF her increasing brood Of rats. The
deadly fumes continued to pour into
the hold throughout the night. After
a period OF twelve hours. and at the
break Of day. the hatches were remov-
ed
Imagine the dumfounded surprise Of
the men at work on removing the COW
aring when the cat bounded out OF the
hold with lightening-like rapidity She
made for the forecastle head. and
calmly sat down and looked upon the
one via being complacency. mean
while performing her facile ablutions
amid silent rejoicing. The crew were
surprised and disappointed by turns.
II the cat lived through the fumiga-
ton. the rats were certainly not harm
ed. and the work was all for naught.
All the hatches were removed. and a
general inspection OF the hold was
instigated Rats bv the scores were
found dead. and laying on their backs.
To the puzzled crew the mystery OF
the cats salvation from a cruel death
deepened. The deceased rodents were
removed by the shovelful while all
hands marveled at pussy's immunity
from suffccation.
While pursuing their investigations
for the dead and dying rats. mate
observed a large molasses hogshead
over on the starboard side OF the yes
sells hold a minute examination of
the cask for rodents resulted In at
tracing the attention OF the seamen
TO the bunghole. He observed that
It's sticky edges were lined with
patches Of FUR. A closer view reveal
ed the fact that the hair was OF the
same color as that of the cat. A few
drops OF blood were noted upon the
rough surface Of the barrels outlet.
few Sherlock Holmes deductions
were Immediately brought into play.
> az a.. 49, "a ANMMl ctAANatANA
sulphur fumes was or the point OF be-
ing solved.
A general conference OF crew and |
iates followed. The cat was then in
'pected. From her neck portions of /
'ur had been tern. There were several |
scratches on the sides of her head |
whence blood issued Her paws and |
iead were covered with molasses.
rhe men aboard the Welch could ar
i've az only one logical conclusion.
hat pussy possessing extraordinary
and realizing that certain
Ieath awaited her by sulphur fumes
nless she found some means of es-
ape. was inspired with the idea OF
aserting her head in the bunghole OF
he m0iasses cask. and living on the
resh air therein contained. Upon the
peamg OF the hatches. pussy natural
= felt the '.esh air OF the morning.
pom her glossy hack. and knew that
er long period OF suffering was over.
hereupon making all haste to mount
o the deck above.