The Savannah morning news., 1901-02-24


however. that he should sail Immediately
after dinner was over.
That evening Capt. Zeke and Amos
sought the Englishman's motive in vain.
There was hidden deviltry they were
sure. but they were unable to lay a finger
on 1t.
Shortly before midnight, Ad Larrabee.
/ the second mate, slipped ashore with the
third mate. four boat steerers and six of
the hands who could handle harpoon.
They took with them the ships seine
and dozen whale irons fastened to
short wraps. Keeping the Betsy Ann be-
tween themselves and the brig, they ar
rived at the thick underground which
skirted the proposed picnic grounds The
seine was stretched out, and it's bottom
edge secured to convenient sap'ings. The
net was then 'flaked down clear for rum
ming, like the braces when lacking ship.
An end of each short warp. carrying a
harpoon. was bent to It's upper edge at
regular intervals. They then went into
camp for the night.
Al sunrise Capt. Zeke moored his ship
by slip rope to a big tree. got his an
Choir. loosed all sails and set his fore
and-aft canvas. The briggs cook and
steward were performing their ri es on the
beach. while the dinghy piled between
ship and shore with provisions.
At seven bells-half- 1.-THE boat
swain and his mates piped a merry chorus
and two boats dropped from the briggs
davits. The Betsy Ann followed suit. all
but the piping. Capt. Zeke had impresse l
four of his likeliest-appearing foremost
hands to impersonate those Of his off,
GERS who were on the jungle detail. and
In a few minutes the commanders and
nm he nd oot,
The naval officers-resp'endent in blue
and gold-welcomed their guests with pro-
fuse hospitality. The whaemen. though
clad in their best. made a sorry contrast
and not until they were seated al the i'm
provieed table. running gunwaes UNDER
with good things. did they regain their
equanimity.
There were yams. plantains and bread
fruit which had lain buried In the sand
with hot stones until the bursting Jackets
revealed the succulent wealth within. Pyr-
amids of luscious tropical fruits glowed
richly through a garnishment of green
leaves. and sweet flowers, while the necks
of bottles. both stout and slim. peered
cheerfully from brine-tubs, where they
had been placed to cool. The trade wind
whispered a merry tale to the overhang-
ing foliage. and there was peace on earth
and good will toward men,"
The whalers were seated on the land
ward side, while the briggs boats crew
lay about on the sand, conveniently near
their officers. At q signal from Capt
Armstrong, four sturdy bluejackets
emerged from the bush, bearing the
piece de resistance" the baked kangaroo
tail. The savory odor which preceded its
appearance had honed the waiting appe-
tites to the keen edge Of perfection.
Capt. Armstrong served his guests at
once. and they fell to with hearty good
will. The Eng'ishmen we're perfect hosts,
the food was toothsome, and the wines
were generous. AS his waistband tight
ened Capt Zeke's conscience pricked him.
Vie feared he had slandered an honorable
gentleman. AS the last sigh of repetion
auttered seward on the freshening
breeze. Capt. Armstrong asked them to
an their glasses and drink toast stand
ing.
"Mr. Rawlins." said he, when they we're
on their feet. II trust you have enjoyed
yourself at my table"
81 have. captain, and / wan, to say
right here
zone moment. please" interrupted
Armstrong, raising a dainty white hand
81 thank you gentlemen for your COM
pany at my birthday dinner And yet
IL "A a more important event TO you than
20 me. II r. more emphaucany birth
day 10 you than II n 10 me. for to-day
you will emerge from the greasy chrysa-
liz stage IN which you have heretofore
existed 20 boc0mo clearly and respectable
eoamen Ia the service Of King George.
Good bless him.
The Engilehmep uncovered ana drained
their glasses. Amos was saved the tfeas-
enable act ~ On elbow ioE and q savage
glance from hts captain. Ihs others