The Washington herald., 1906-10-14

"Glad 10 know you, sir" broke in the
agent. Anything VT can do for you to-
/ day?"
Tn an able-bodied seaman. and I've
sailed first mate, too" replied Bill, while
hts proud bosom rose and fell.
You're in the wrong shop, my friend.
This is a steamship agency, and not a
shipping Office. If you want job. you
had best go down 10 the docks
Excuse me, but I know my business.
Do I look like a dudc?'
AZ he put this leading question, Mr..
Barnacic placed his right elbow on the
counter. with the hand draped over the
edge, crossed one leg in front OF the
other, with the toes resting on the floor.
sIanted his cap over one eye, and, stick
/ ing his left on his hipbOne, he settled
down 20 await the answer
The agent vcnturcd the opinion that
| Mr. Barnacle in no way resembied
dude.
There's a few foremost hands as does,
| Bill asserted, in satisfied tone. There
may be A. BIS as is dudes. but I've never
yet raised their sidelights. It's proper
/ mistake and I'm here to overhaul the
/ bilger w0t painted that scenery you's goJ
slowed there In your forward deadhght.
The agent stared mutely at Mr.. Bar
nacle who Strengthened up long enough
10 give his trousers another hitch.
THAT scenes all right, as scenes goes.
| but it amt shipshape. The artist knowed
| how to mix paint. and he's put IN as neat
/ q bit Of brine as ever I sailed on. but be S
away TO leeward in conception, if that S
what you call it, Now
oh you're alluding 10 that large oil
/ painting Of an ocean steamer in the win
dow" interrupted the agent. as 4 great
/ light broke in why in blaZes didn't you
/ say so at first?''
That's Just what I've been chewing
about tor the last ten minutes. and ] ain
/ done yet. The trouble with you is you
| ain't edicated in your business. II you
! had smeled bilge water as long
| Yes. that's very fine work" hastily
| remarked the agent, Cost as 800.
/ Mr.. Bdrnacle emitted a bubblng whistle
We'll, the fellow got TO windward OF
you CE that tack. The scenes no good
/ Did you ever count the sailors on the TO-
/ c'stle? There's twenty-three Of them-al
able bodie5-leaning on the rail, in Tegu-
/ Tar picture-book style, with go-ashore
clothes on, and smoking cigarettes. That
I makes me tired. and it's likewise a sIur."
"Of course. we are willing to apologize
/ ar. Barn
'Tain't your fault" said Bill with a
/ gracious wave Of his tarry nm. BLAME
I IL on the duck wot made the picture. by
rights. there should only be one seaman
/ on the fo'c'stIe-head keeping lookout IL, a
/ gum coat Half the others should be hav-
tmg their watch below. and the rest al
work in the tween decks. scraping rust
often the chain cable, OF whitewashlng tbs
/ bilges. Then the picture would be ship
| shape"
] Wen have IL altered next week" the
! agent said, with apparent sincerity.
Il hope you won't take no offense al
my remarks. but you see, the way it i,
| now the scene puts me and my mates for
! ward in a wrong light 10 the public, anC
/ thought I'd heaYe 10 and tell you about
it. No offense. / hope.
None whatever, Mr.. Barnacle. assu-,
you, and We are much obliged 30 you fOi
/ calling our attention 20 this cruel wrong
/ said the agent, as he smiled "A wide wide
smile.
/ When the art critic having wholly vim.
dicated able seaGIeu as a class, turned
and lUTched out Of the Office. the two
{ young men stood regarding each Other
as though dazed 10y the invoice Of wisdom
so ingenUously thrust upon them
rs he a friend OF yours" the agent
at length inquired.
Il know him slight-that is, We mel
once. in a merely informal manner. Isn't
he a bird?"
Nr. Blokc recalled the rib-steak banquet
at BUnn'S luxurious retreat, and blushed
/ dimly.
'WcH. he's an entertaining freak. and
no mistake"