The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-09-26

OKy 0lNMEAfVL1S, AINNksoUlA, oh1O RIAL
ship sir" 1899
was Rodgers, scoxlng boy. "ve. what do
mean by coming gangway? Don't
you that's reserved for officers?"
Am I not officer, sir? queried the small mldship-
onicer? Great neavens calculated the man, bursting
time you officers now-why don't
take off your hat and salute, you young cub? ne
Come. come, Rodgers" interrupted a gentlemany
looking young man coming up thru the hatchway while
the cooquy being carried don't brighten the
Il am not afraid sir" said the boy Strengthening up
said the last Never be afraid OF
anything unless be the captain superior officers
What's your name?"
~. Boston, sir
"Boston? That's a queer name
.Its all ave. SIR said poor Ned who mys
terry of birth, commodore told him all he
knew he hung the ocket about his neck gave him the
babe him goodby except Of course my Chris
tan name which is Ned he added.
well, Mr.. Boston have been appointed to this
ship, have you? your warrant. am Mr. Bid
die, first officer of the Wasp
sYes, sir answered Ned. producing all his documents
n ~: 5sfs4.szsE<z@
"Why what's this" exclaimed Biddle. gancing them
A1r Rodgers, this is letter to Captain Jones' Will you
send midshipnan below with this letter.
Holcomb,'' called Rodgers to the midshpman
of the watch, take this letter.
"4And these orders too" interrupted Biddle.
Ito Captain Jones with compliments and tell him
that Boston has aboard and reports TOT
Mr Van cleave' added Bidde turning another mid
shpman much older than hero, Il pace Mr. Boston
Introduce him to the REFERS mess and
that he learns the ropes generally d"
GAY SIR said the lad, touching his cap Then turn
ing Come along with youngster he said brus
quely but not unkindy.
keep him on deck, cleave" SAID Bddle. The
captain might wish to him. BY the way, Mr. Boston
Il have chest sir, put thru one Of the
windowsport holes sir He hurrledy corrected
as it escaped him.
'Ports we generally SIR said Biddle; ports
Boston, continued, in the midst or general litter
ing modification the boys face who as
quite of his harmless little blum
der, added, IT'S mistake all liable to make
give you Don't be ashamed of your mistakes
they from careessness Keep your eyes ana
open and will soon be as
good the rest of us That is al. Poor ttle
youngste' Rodgers who standing watch as
Boston walked mdly forward in the wake OF ms iooy
guide. s ..z..4
q Hell have before he gets licked into
shape" answered the latter the do they
babies for? Why that boy cant be more
old and he small for MS age at
be at home in nursery He needs the dscipne
of a female, ship
george Rodgers said Bidde smiling eff didn't know
had the best heart in the world and ha you re-
ably going this under your own particular
wing, think badly of you''
"Jim' answered Rodgers, laughing in turn, what can
a man do? BY haven't forgotten when was a
the Storage and every yran; on
may rough, you because have the manners OF
those broke me n but { that n tte
Captain presents his compliments, Sir salo
Mdshpman Hocomb coming to the two OFFICERS ana
his cap would like to Mdshpnnan
Boston his cabin at sir.
.Mr. Ceave," called out Rodgers 'Take Mr. Bos-
ton into the cabin The captain him. Bo'sn
detail couple strike Mr. Bostons chest below
in steerage it the deck yonder by number
six gun the sarboard SIDE"
cay, ay said Boatswain McCiand, as Boston toi-
lowed the midshipman into the cabin.
He himself in small room in the presence or an
officer table His conductor stopped as ne
entered the cabin reported fidship-
man Boston, sir according to orders"
Very good, Mr. Van Cleave You may return on oech
and tell Mr.. Biddie to call hands to get under way
cay ay SIR said the boy, his eyes dancing with pleas
abe excitement anticipation of the cruise about
begin as he sauted Of the cabin, leaving
the fororn little with his commander very
imposing somewhat ercelooking with hooked nose
beetling brows, great shock of reddish hair
$50 you Master Boston are your? said the captain
clasping his resting his elbows the table
while staring the little fellow.
'sPlease, sir, yes sir" answered Ned
.TJn! You much like the little BABY i saw
last some dozen years said the captain RETROSPECT
tyely .sWel, sir, you born to be sailor pcke
. -ohri the sea ndI