Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-09-01
rHE SAILOR KING

open hearted, frank and generous spir-
1t which characterizes the British tar.
The prince, being at home for the
Christmas gathering ut Windsor cas-
tie. was taking n stroll In London by
himself. n custom 10y no means uncom-
mon with him, for he dlsliked being
followed by attendants. 1t CHANGED
that he made HIS way over London
bridge. which at that time had series
or narrow alcoves or recesses with
seats along the river or balustrade side
of the pavement.
In these hooks beggars often con-
grcgated, not only the regular pro
fessionai mendicant with his ready
whine and madcup tale of distress,
but the really unfortunate, who wore
certainly not cared for then us they
are now.
1t was bitter December day, and
the lee cold wind pierced even the
comfortable wrapplngs OF the sailor
prince, chilling his young blood, but
1t seemed to freeze the ragged crca-
lures whom he passed.
1t may be that feeling the cold him
self caused him to look with awakened
interest at the poor, when suddenly he
noticed middle aged, weather beaten
Jnck tar In u ragged tacket and trou
sers, n red nightcap on his head and
his old shoes tied on his feet by some
strands OF rope.
lie had neither shirt nor stockings,
and. though his skin seemed to have
been bronzed and dried by the rigor
both of heat and cold in many diner
ent climates he now appeared nearly
pcrishing with frost and hunger. An
expression cleaned In the eyes of this
miserable object and the young prince
at the same moment.
They knew each other, and rs the
poor mans glance fell before the star
tied and benevolent gaze of the royal
MILDLY the Inter sang out in true
sea breezy voice:
What, Bob Clewlincs, do 1 not hail
an old shipmate in you? To be sure
do, and rs prime n seaman as ever
trimmed snil or served gun. Why,
what has battered your old hulk I'm this
wnyT"
The man was dumb with conflicting
emotions. but the tears started in his
eyes. The MILDLY, also overcome,
stretched out his hand. which the other
did not venture to take
Come, Dob" cried the prince, mo
subordinntion now. We nre NIL equals
on life's quarter deck when a storm
comes and tears the rigging. Come,
tip us your fin, old boy, and, l say,
come along with me. and I'll see bit
to the refittlng of your canvas. Come,
look sharp"
So saying, tho youth walked brlskly
on till he came to shop near Well
close square. Here, you, sir, want
an out and out spicls and span new
rigging for my mate here"
who's to pay?" said the cautious
trader.
why, I'll pay. to be sure" was the
reply.
"Oh. very we'll" he answered and re-
tired with Doi. into his bnck room and
soon returned, bringing the seaman
comfortably clad aud two changes of
IVY III u Duitulc uIlutl
his arm. Just rs Bob Clewllnes APP
peared half naked boy passed the
shop door.
"Pltch your old toys 10 that younk-
err" said the prince. zone good turn
deserves another. Bob" And so rs
the shlvcrIng lad thankfully gathered
up the ragged garb there We're two
hearts made happier at the same mo-
ment.
and now what's to pay?" cried tho
royal MILDLY.
Fifteen dollars. SIR"
With genuine sailor impetuoslty tho
generous youth had not calculated his
finances. and as the allowance made TO
Prince William Henry was never large
and he was by no means slilllful in
managing 1t he wns for moment per-
picked what to do until he thought of
his witch and said. "Whnt will you
give me for this"
The dealer eyed 1t susplclously.
weighed 1t In his hand and then began
TO deprecate It,
ITS very pretty, but not heavy. It's
the fashion maybe. but we buy by
weIght-just the case is all. I'll ven
ture 10 give you $50 for the case, sir.
but I'm like to lose by It."
let's see, then. you take the gold
case. and I'll keep the inside. 1t must
work like my mate for bit without
Its Jacket. but 1 must have $50. Do
as bid you, man. and lei me have the
money"
The dealer finally took the watch
and handed SIG change to the royal
MILDLY. who said:
Here, Bob. do You take the odd
change to keep your pocket warm till
you get aboard again"
BY this time poor Bob was crying
lll.A nl, LII,