The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1906-1907, 1907-09-20
THE SAILOR KING

William l., the uncle and Immediate
predecessor OF Queen Victoria, was
usually called the "saIIor king" and he
possessed In a remarkable degree the
open hearted, frank and generone spir-
II which chaFacteFizes the British tar.
The prince, being at home for the
Christmas gathering at Windsor cas-
tie. was taking a stroll in London by
himself, Q custom by no meana uncom-
mon with him. for no disliked being
followed by attendants. It CHANGED
that he made his way over London
bridge. which st that time had a series
Of narrow alcoves or recesses with
seats along the river or balustrade side
OF the pavement.
In these hooks beggars often con-
gregated. not only the regular pro-
fessional mendicant with his ready
whine and madeup tale Of distress,
but the really unfortunate. who were
certainly not cared for then as they
are now.
It was a bitter December day, and
the Ice cold wind pierced even the
comfortable wrappings OF the sailor
prince. chilling his young blood, but
II seemed to freeze the ragged crea-
lures whom he passed.
II may be that feeling the cold him
self caused him to look with awakened
interest nc the poor, when suddenly he
noticed a middle aged, weather beaten
Jack tar In a ragged Jacket and trou-
sers, red nighteap on his bead and
his old shoes tied on his feet by some
strands OF rope
He had neither shirt nor stockings,
and, though his skin seemed 70 have
been bronzed and dried by the rIgor
both OF heat and cold IN many difRer-
ent climates, he now appeared nearly
perishing with frost and hunger An
expression cleaned IN the eyes Of this
miserable object and the young prince
nc the same moment.
They knew each other, and as the
poor mans glance fell before the star
tied and benevolent gaze Of the royal
MILDLY the latter sang out in q true
sea breezy voice:
what. Rob Clewllnes. do I not hail
an old ahlpmate In your 10 be sure
/ do. and as prime a seaman as ever
trimmed a sail or served a gun. why,
what has battered your old hulk In this
way3''
The man was dumb with conflicting
emotions, but the tears started In hls
eyes. Tho MILDLY, also overcome,
stretched out his hand, which the other
did not venture to take.
Come. Bob" cried the prince, mo
subonhinatlon now. We are all equals
on llfe's quarter deck when a storm
comes and tears the rigging. Come,
tip Us your FIN, old boy. and. / say,
come along with me, and I'll see a bit
to the refltting OF your canvas. Come.
look sharp"
SO saying. the youth walked briskly
ON till he came 10 q shop near Well
close square Here. you. air. want
an out and OUT splck 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
eOh, very well" he answered and re-
tired with hob into his back room and
soon returned. bringing the seaman
comfortably clad and two changes OF
underllnen done up IN 4 bundle under
bis arm. Just a. Bob Clewllnes APP
peared a half naked boy passed the
shop door.
"Pitch your old toys 70 that younk-
er." said the prince. "Ono good turn
deserves another. Bob" And so as
the ahlvering lad thankfully gathered
up the ragged garb there were two
hearts made happier at the same mo-
ment.
"And now what's 10 payr' cried the
royal MILDLY.
Fifteen dollars. sir"
with genuine sailor lmpgtuoaity thu
generous youth had not calculated his
nnancea. and IN the allowance made to
Prince william Henry was never large
and he was by mo- means skillful In
managing Il be was for a moment per
plexed what to do until he thought Oe
hiB watch and said. "what win you
give me for thlsPs
ne dealer eyed Il suspiciously.
weighed It In his hand and then began
30 depEecate t.
TITS very pretty. but not heavy. Ies
TIE fashion maybe. bat we buy BY
woAght--lust the case h all IN ven
fara b give yOa so for the case air,
hut I'm Ike 10 lose By H.
IT, 50 AhnI, Nraa hnhn Nha aa,la