Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-12-09

selves and the brig, they arrived at the
thick underground which skirted the
proposed picnic ground. The seine was
stretched out and its bottom edge Sc
cured to convenient saplings. The net
was then faxed down clear for run.
ming, like the braces when lacking
ship. An end Of each short warp,
carrying harpoon, was bent to its
upper edge at regular intervals. They
then went into camp for the night.
At sunrise Captain Zeke moored his
ship by slip rope to a big tree, got
his anchor, loosed all sails and set his
fore and aft canvas. The briggs cook
and steward were performing their
rites on the beach, while the dingey
piled between ship and shore with pro-
visions.
At seven bells half past II = the
boatswain and his mates piped mer-.
ry chorus and two boats dropped from
the briggs davits. The Betsy Ann fol-
lowed suit, all but the piping. Captain
Zeke had impressed four of his like
Hest appearing foremost hands to i'm
personate those of his officers who
were on the jungle detail, and in few
minutes the commanders and their Off
GERS met on the beach. The naval off,
GERS, respondent in blue and gold, well
coined their guests with profuse hos
pitality. The wheelmen, though clad
In their best, made a sorry contrast,
and not until they were seated ut the
imprOvised table, running gunwales
under" with good things, did they re-
gain their equanimity.
There were yams, plantains and
breadfruit which had lain buried in
the sand with hot stones until the
bursting jackets revealed the succulent
wealth within. Pyramids of luscious
tropical fruits glowed richly through
a garnishment of green leaves and
sweet flowers, while the necks of bot
ties, both stout and slim, peered cheer
fully from brine tubs, where they had
been placed to cool. The trade wind
whispered n merry tale to the over
hanging foliage, and there was peace
on earth and good will toward men,"
The whalers were seated on the land
ward side, while the briggs boat's crew
lay about on the sand, conveniently
near their officers. At signal from
Captain Armstrong four sturdy blue
Jackets emerged from the bush, bear
ing the "piece de resistance" the baked
kangaroo tail. The savory odor which
preceded its appearance had honed the
waiting appetites to the keen edge OF
perfection.
Captain Armstrong served his guests
at once, and they fell to with hearty
good will. The Englishmen We're per
feet hosts. the food was toothsome and
/ the wines We're generous. AS his waist
band frightened Captain Zekes con
science pricked him. He feared he had
slandered IN honorable gentleman. As
the last sigh Of repletion fluttered sea
ward on the freshening breeze Captain
Armstrong asked them to fill theil
glasses and drink toast standing.
"Mr. Rawlins,' said he when they
were on their feet, 81 trust you have
enjoyed yourself at my table"
II have, captain, and want to say
| right here
"One moment, please" interrupted
Armstrong, raising a dainty white
hand. II thank you, gentlemen, fol
| your company at my birthday dinner
And, yet, 1t is a more important event
to you than to me. 1t is more emphatic
ally birthday to you than it is to me
for today you will emerge from the
greasy chrysalis stage in which yor
have heretofore existed to become
cleanly and respectable seamen in thu
service of King George, God bles
/ himr