The Virginia enterprise., 1908-10-30

the cook could speak: s'.it looked the
best. Now, has anybody got nice
see-gar?"
The skipper walked aft and disap-
peared below, while Private Bliss, still
fondling handspike. listened un.
moved to lengthy vituPeration which
Bill called a plain and honest opinion
| OF his behavior.
It became evident to him the fcl-
lowing afternoon that they were near
Ing Bystermouth. It was source of
disappointment to the crew that they
did not arrive until after ntghtfall
Private Bliss, despite his position, felt
glad as he smelt the land again, and
saw the twinkling lights.
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 a 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 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 groping g
| about the forecastle.
| "Wot's the matter with you, old
| 'un?" he demanded.
Il can't find my trousis," grumblei i
the old man.
Said Bill, frankly: "Where's that
blooming sojer?"
II don't know where e is, and I
don't care" replied the old man. "Oh
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.
Hes gone," he spluttered; there
amt a sign of i'm about, and the life.
telt wot hangs on the galley as gone.
too. Wot am l to do?'
We'll, they was very old cloes," ;"
said Bill, soothingly, "an' you amt a
bad tigger, not for your time O. life,
Thomas"
Don't be fool, Thomas said Bob,
| anxiously.
II can't help it," said the old man,
struggling Historically; its the best
| joke I've heard
Hes gone dotty," said Ted, SOL
cmnly. Il never 'eard of a man larflng
like that COS he'd lorst is cloes."
I'm not larfiing at that. said
Thomas, regaining his composure by
a great effort. I'm larf1ng 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 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 laraenta-
tions and profanity. Even the spare
suits in the mems chests had E.,ne;
and Bill prey to acute despair, sat
down, and in striking passage con,
signed the entire British army to per-
dition.
les 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.
Better be careful" cautioned the
cook. lin an the mate 'ad 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 a 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, "'e's 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
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.
Bill, las 'ow-"
Get out roared the skipper again
How dare you come to my stateroom
and like this. too
"All our clothes ave gone and sc
as the sojer chap said Bill.
Serve you damned we'll right fo1
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.
Il hope you're not forgetting your