The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1918-10-08
British Destroyer Rushes to Res
cue After Transport Starts
for France.
BIG CROWD IS DISAPPOINTED
Being a True Tale Of Admiration for
an American Sailor Superstition
Transport Captain to
the Rescue.

up the steep gangway In an unendlng
file. For q month and more these
drafts, numbering several thousands,
had been expected. with the result that
the entire town was en- fete and on tip
toes to receive them.
AS they swung down the streets be-
meath q sky of bunting, one long COM
pact crowd hemmed them In on either
side, cheering and waving small flags
from pavement to rooftop. Never was
there such a sight. And yet, despite
the exulting hurrahs, there was a CO.
ordinate and general expectation that
the climax was yet to come; a climax
for which was reserved the loudest
shout of the strongest lung. In short,
Admiral Sims wes the coping stone for
popular enthusiasm, and he had not
yet appeared.
The END of the line of troops was
seen by those or the roofs and at the
windows; 1t cleared the open space
outside the docks and disappeared be-
hind the gates; still no Admiral Sims.
Then, by some extraordinary law, APP
~preciated only by those who are versed
In the psychology of crowds, placid,
though angry disappointment possessed
every one. Admiral Sims was a "wash
out"
More Stripes Than Navy Boards.
The fact vas there had been a mis-
understanding, and 1t occurred in this
way When the troops first landed the
mayors daughter presented "A small
tabby kitten-as a mascot-to the com
handing officer. 1t was a fascinating
ball of fluff, with large dreamy blue
eyes and claws that drew blood from
every one who petted 1t. 1t was the
progeny of q tabby sire; 1t had as
many stripes as the whole navy board
combined. Accordingly some wit chris
tened 1t admiral Sims" Within ar
hour OF the presentation every mar
was talking Of the admiral and the
good luck the blue-eyed kitten carried
with Ii.
Rumor Of Its coming preceded IT
but by the time the news reached the
port of embarkation 1t was the real
Admiral Sims that was accompanying
the troops. Hence the disappoint
ment when Americas hero did MOI
appear.
Now admiral Sims" Travelled In c
wicker basket that was carried by o
trustworthy corporal, who. while wait
ing on the jetty, placed his precious
load ON the ground. Suddenly the or
der was given to embark, and In the
excitement OF the moment the basket
was forgotten. Away went the trans
port amid cheers and flags and only
when the riot Of JOY had ceased was
the admiral" missed.
What was to be done? To land liz
France was to court disaster. Accord.
ingly the matter was referred to the
general, who at ono approached the
captain of the ship. All sailors are su.
perstitious. and particularly where
cats are concerned. The skipper thor.
oughly sympathized. Yes, he woulo
arrange matters somehow and he did
Destroyer Rushes to Rescue.
1t was dusk. A mile or so outside
the harbor one could just see the long
gray forms Of three or four d~estroyers
they were the escort. Here was his
chance. In a twinkling he made the
following signal to the o. c.: admiral
Sims left on quay. Can you EMBARK"
Such an honor no commander In his
majesty's feet vas likely to refuse
Within a few minutes, therefore, a de
stroyer was tearing toward the harbor
to embark Americas greatest sailor
AS she neared her destination she
''blinked" a signal to the port author
ity: Returning for Admiral Sims
please inform"
Another ten. minutes, with the sea
washing over her bow, her siren boot
ing. and the crew at quarters, the de-
stroyer fetched up alongside, ready to
receive her honored charge. Then, to
the establishment OF all, a deckhand
hurried to the landing stage and held
out a basket. where's the admiral?"
shouted the commander. Inside this
ERE" was the reply, and without an
other word the basket. with the kitten
half hanging out, a handed on
board.
Imagine the commanders feelings !!
They were expressed In exact ratio as
he put his helm hard aport and cur
ried or to rejoin the escort. His fury
was like unto a monsoon. Nevertheless.
he ran alongside the transport and
transhipped his cargo. for duty is duty.
And now IL you ask him whether he
knows Admiral Sims he will tell you
that he once met him that he was the
best shipmate he had ever known;
that he talked very little,
smoked, slept most Of the day and
drank nothing hut milk.
Few things annoy the commander
than If you reply. RATS"