Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1908-10-30

III became evident TO MIN the fOl-
lowing afternoon that they were near
ing Bystermouth. 1t was a source Of
disappointment to the crew that they
did not arrive until after nightfall
To the joy of the men he partly
broke down in the forecastle that
night; and, in tropical language, sew
orally blamed his parents, the school
board and the army for not having
taught him to swim. The last thing
that Bill heard, ere sleep closed his
lids, was pious resolution on the
Fart of Mr. Bliss to the effect that all
his children should be taught the art
of natation as soon as they were born.
Bill woke up just before six; and,
hearing complaining voice, thought
at first that his military friend was
still speaking. The voice got more
and more querulous with occasional
excursions into the profane, and the
seaman, rubbing his eyes, turned his
head and saw old Thomas cropping
about the forecastle.
"Wot's the matter with you, old
'un?" he demanded.
81 can't find my trousis," grumbled
the old man.
Said Bill, frankly: where's that
blooming sojer?"
II don't know where e is, and
don't care" replied the old man. "On
deck, s'pose."
The old man started, and hurriedly
ascended to the deck. He was alb
sent two or three minutes, and, when
he returned, CONSERVATION was writ
large upon his face.
He's gone" he spluttered; there
amt sign of i'm about, and the life
belt wot hangs on the galley as gone,
too. Wot am l to do?"
well, they was very old cloes,"
said Bill, soothingly, "an' you amt a
bad figger, not for your time O. life,
Thomas"
Don't be a fool, Thomas" said Bob,
anxiously.
81 can't help it," said the old man,
struggling Historically; "it's the best
joke I've heard"
He's gone dotty," said Ted, SOL
emnly. 81 never card of man larfing
I'm not larfiing at that" said
Thomas, regaining his composure by
a great effort. I'm larfing at joke
wot you don't know of yet"
A deadly chill struck at the hearts
of the listeners at these words, then
Bill, after a glance at the foot of his
bunk, where he usually kept his
clothes, sprang out and began hope
less search. The other men followed
suit, and the air rang with lamenta-
tions and profanity. Even the spare
suits in the mems chests had gone;
and Bill, prey to acute despair, sat
down, and in a striking passage con-
signed the entire British army to per-
dition.
"'E's taken one suit and chucked
the rest overheard, expect, so as we
sha'nt be able to go arter 'im," said
Thomas. Il expect he could swim arter
all, Bill"
Bill, still busy with the British army.
paid no heed.
I'VE must go an tell the old man."
said Ted.
cook. I'm an the mate 'ad a go at
the whisky last night, an you know
wot e is next morning"
The men went up slowly on deck.
The morning was fine, but the air,
chill with breeze from the land, had
them at a disadvantage. Ashore, a
few people were early astir.
You go down, Thomas, you're the
Oldest" said Bill.
81 was thinking O. Ted going" said
Thomas, "'e's the youngest"
The cook, followed by the others,
led the way down to interview the
skipper. The clock licked on the
oeeded both from the mates bunk and
the stateroom. On the door of the
latter the cook knocked gently; then
he turned the handle and peeped in.
The skipper, raising heavy head,
set in matted hair and disordered
whiskers, glared at him fiercely.
What dye want?" he roared.
''If you please, sir" began the
cook
Get out" roared the skipper, re-
covering his voice.
1--WE came to tell you," interposed
Bill, "as 'ow-"
Get out" roared the skipper again.
How dare you come to my stateroom,
and like this, too"
"All our clothes ave gone and so
as the sojer chap" said Bill.
Serve you damned well right for
letting him CO." cried the skipper, an
grily. Hurry up, George, and get
alongside" he called to the mate,
"well catch him yet. Clear out, you
-you-ballet girls"
"George?" he said, in an odd voice.
"Well?" was the reply.
81 hope you're not forgetting your
self and playing larks," said the skip
per, with severity.
"Larks?" repeated the mate, as the