The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1908-10-28

| un? he demanded.
Il 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 l
don't care" replied the old man. ION
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 sign Of i'm about, and the life
belt wot hangs on the galley as gone,
too. Wot am I to do?"
well, they was very old cloes,"
said Bill, sdothingly, IAN you amt a
bad figger, not for your time o. life,
Thomas"
Don't be a 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
EMMY. II never card of man larfing
like that COS he'd lorst is cloes."
I'm not lar6ing at that" said
Thomas, regaining his composure by
a great effort. I'm larfing 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 lamenta.
lions and profanity. Even the spare
suits in the mems chests had gone;
and Bill, a 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, expect, so as we
sha'n't be able to go arter 'im.f' said
Thomas. II 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. I'm an the mate 'ad a 20 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
hem at disadvantage. Ashore,
,eW 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,
ed the way down to interview the
skipper. The clock licked on the
and heavy snoring pro-
eeded both from the mates bunk and
he stateroom. On the door of the
after the cook knocked gently; then
e turned the handle and peeped in.
The skipper, raising heavy head.
ct in matted hair and disordered
glared at him fiercely.
What dye want?" he roared
IF you please, sir" began the
Ook.
Get out" roared the skipper, re.
overing his voice.
I'VE came to tell you," interposed
ill, "as 'ow-"
Get out" roared the skipper again.
How dare you come to my stateroom, {
nd like this, too
All our clothes ave gone and SO
s the sojer chap" said Bill.
Serve you damned well right for
ting him CO." cried the skipper, an :,
lily. Hurry up, George, and get r,
ongside," he called to the mate, ;,
veil catch him yet. Clear out, you ~ ~
you-ballet girls" -
GEORGE" he said, in an odd voice. :
"Well?" was the reply. T.,
Il hope you're not forgetting your. ~,
II and playing larks," said the skip. ii
n, with severity. -.
Larks?' repeated the mate, as the
armed crew fled silently on deck and
BOD listening open-mouthed at the
mpanion. "Of course amt. You q,
mt mean to tell me-" n,
All my clothes have gone. every ca
tch I've GOT replied the skipper. ii,
sperately. as the mate sprang out.
shall have to borrow some of yours. H
catch that Internal" M
You're quite welcome" said the
tie, bitterly, "only somebody has tn
rrowed 'em already. That's what wi
mes of sleeping too heavy" ne
rhe Norman sailed bashfully into
rbor half an hour later, the uni
ms of its crew evoking severe COM
mt from the people on the ouav
the same time, Mr.. Harry Bliss
king along the road some ten miles o.
tant, was trying to decide upon his
ure career his present calling of 4
lpwrecked sailor" being somewhat Co
hazardous even for his bc!a .p!ru IA