Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-29
10

gave him the v c. and his discharge Sir Because
why? Because soldier wi one arm amt any more
good than a sailor wi one leg dye So they tried
to discharge Dick; but-Lord love you-they couldn't,
Sir. Because Why Because Dick soldier bred
and born and as much soldier today as ever he was
-ah and always will be- until he goes marching aloft,
like poor Tom Bowling until one General of all the
armies and Admiral of all the fleets sailed shall
call the last roll Sir AT this present moment,
Sir continued the sailor, lighting his pipe with live
coal from the fire, my messmate IS sitting to the lee
ward o the plum tree outside polishing of his jack
boots as don't need polishing, and Furnishing OF his
spurs don't need Furnishing. And because why?
Because he goes guard tonight according to custom
"On guard repeated Bellew. I'm afraid | don't
understand.
"Of course YOU don't Sir" chuckled Peterdav well
then, tonight he marches awayin full regmentals, Sir
to mount guard And where, do you SUPPOSE Why,
Ill tell vou,-under Miss Prscillas window. He gets
there the clock is striking eleven and there he stays
a marching to and fro, until twelve O'Clock. Which
does him world o good Sir, and noways displeases
Miss Priscilla. Because why? Because she don't know
nothing whatever about it.
Hereupon Peterday and, crossing to a battered
seamans chest in the corner, came back with three or
four tin whistles which he handed to Beew, who laid
aside his pipe and having selected one tentatively
up and down the scale, while Peerday listened atten
tive Of ear and beaning of face.
"Sir said he what do you say to Annie Laurie as
a start-shal we give EN- Annie Laurie9 Very good.
Ready? Co."
Thus George Belew, American citizen and million
aire, pped away a tin whistle with all the gusto
in the world introducing little trills and fourishes
here and there that fairly the oneegged sailors
heart.
They had already given EN-" three or four selec-
TONS each OF which had been vocferousy encored by
Peterday Bellew and had just finished imprisoned
rendering of the "Suwanee River, when the Sergeant
appeared with his boots beneath his arm.
SHIPMATE,7 cried Peterlay fourishing his whistle,
did We ever hear tin whistle better played or mel
lower in tone?"
"Meller is the only word for it, Comrade. and your
playing, Sirs is artistic though doleful. Praps you
wouldn't mind giving something brighter, rafting
Some talk of Alexander and of Hercules
if it wouldn't be troubling you too much?"
Forthwith they burst forth into The British Grena
ders, and never did tin whistles render the famous
old with more fire and dash As the stirring
notes rang out the Sergeant standing on the hearth
seemed to grow taller, his broad chest expanded his
eyes gowed flush crept up into his cheek and the
whole thrilled to the music as he had done many
time and oft years gone by. As the last notes died
away, he glanced down at the empty sleeve pinned
his breast shook his head and thanking them in
very gruff voice indeed turned his heel and busted
himself at his little cupboard Peterday and
set jug together with three glasses upon the table also
spoons and lemon, keeping his weather eye meanwhile
upon the kettle, which last condescending to boil obig
ingly he raped three times with his wooden leg.
''Right-o Shipmate!' he cried, very much though
he had been haing the maintop; whereupon the Ser
gent emerged from between the clohespress and the
dresser with black bottle in his hand which he passed
Peterday, who about brewing what he called
forum o grog, the SAVIOR Of which filled the place
with right pleasant fragrance. And when the glasses
soemnly rose.
"Nr Beew and Comrade, said he, lifting his glass,
IL give you-NIiss Priscila!"
God bless her!" said Peterday.
"Amen!' added Beew.
So the toast drunk. The glasses were emptied,
relled, and empted again. this time slowly, and,
the clock striking nine Bellew rose to take his leave
Seeing which, the Sergeant got his hat and stick and
volunteered to accompany him little way. So,
when Bellew had shaken the sailors honest hand they
set out together.
SERGEANT,' said Bellew, after they had walked
some distance, Il have a message for YOU
"For me- SIR