The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-12-29

of his behavior.
II became evident to him the fol-
lowing afternoon that they were near
inc Bystermouth 1t was a source OF
disaDnointment to the crew that they
did not arrive until after nightfalL
To the Joy of the men he partly
broke down in the forecaste that
night; and. in tropical language, sew.
erally 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 a pious resolution on the
Tart 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,
bearing a 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?'
81 don't know where e is, and I
don't care replied the old man. ION
deck, l s'pose."
old rfo nd obi
assembled 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 fool, Thomas said Bob.
anxiously
a can't help it." said the old man,
struggling Historically; its the best
joke I've heard"
He's gone dotty," said Ted, sol
EMMY. q never card of a man larfing
like that COS he'd lorst is cloes."
I'm not larfing at that" said
Thomas, regaining his composure by
a great effort. I'm larfng at a 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 striking passage con
signed the entire British army to per-
! dition.
Els taken one suit and chucked
the rest overheard, l expect, so as we
sha'n't be able to go arter i'm" said
Thomas. II expect he could swim arter
all, Bill"
Bill, still busy with the British army,
paid no heed.
We must go an tell the old man"
said Ted
Better be careful" cautioned the
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 disadvantage. Ashore. a
Few people were early astir.
You go down, Thomas, you're the
Oldest" said Bill
Il was thinking o Ted going" said
Thomas, les the youngest"
The cook, followed by the others.
led the way down to interview the
skipper The clock licked on the
mantelpiece, and heavy snoring pro
ceeded both from the mates bunk and
the stateroom. On the door of the
latter the cook knocked gently; then
ne turned the handle and peeped in.
The skipper, raising a heavy head.
set IN matted hair and disordered
whlskers, glared at him fiercely.
what dye want?" he reared.
If you please, sir" began the
cook.
Get out" roared the skipper. re-
covering his voice.
I'VE 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 go, cried the skinner an
grlly. Hurry up. George, and get
alongside he called to the mate
well catch him yet. Clear ont vo,,
-you-ballet girls"
George" he said, in an odd voice.
Well?' was the reply.
Il hope you're not forgetting vo,r.
self and playing larks," said the skin.
per. with severity.
"Larks" repeated the mate as the
alarmed crew fed silently ON deck and
stood listening open-mouthed at tbe