South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-04-11

W.EZZ36 8
ali we had 20 do was to nail on a
few patches. and IL would be ready
for the water. tie didn't tell as
that there are things called seams
on houseboats which open up when
the craft IS left out in the sun on
the shore. But that was probably
due TO absent mindedness.
We fixed our new dwelling up
nicely before 10 was launched. There
were FIVE rooms in IL, including a
kitchen. A bath was not necessary.
one ahoat that boat would be sur
rounded by the biggest bath in the
world.
When the man telephoned us that
81 was launched we told him TO tow
Il into a pretty little bay we knew
OF. and TO notify us when II was
there.
II looked very snug and coy
when we first viewed II. the blue
water tapping all about IL, and the
new striped awning Tapping in the
light breeze
The furniture was already
abroad. In a little boat that was
included in the sale we rowed
alongside and took possession
All the evening we sat out on the
front porch and pitied people who
had 20 live in stuffy houses. The
wind was just strong enough TO
keep the mosquitoes on shore.
where they belonged.
Sail boats darted in and out of
the bay Motor boats chugged past
us. bobbing on the waves. Outside
on the sound we could soc the big
white sound steamers passing. Pres
LEX
function and the stars came out
10 was idyllic.
Just at dusk 7 remembered that
Rad forgotten my tooth brush Ii
could take but a few minutes TO
get IT, I went out on the porch
and pulled at the rope by which
the rowboat was tethered.
The boat refused TO respond to
my pull looked at Il and saw
that IL was reposing on a mudfat.
I walked all around the porch.
The household itself was reposins
on a mudhat All about e. where
little earlier had been ripping
blue waves, there was nothing but
oozy. chocolate ColOred mud.
There Is a way TO cross water
and a way 10 fly. but there is no
way 70 navigate mud. When YOU
are mudbound. unless YOU have an
sirplane. you stay right where you
are.
But men lived for millions OF
wears without tooth brushes a few
hours reflected couldn't make
much difference TO me.
We went 70 bed still happy. save
for the SORROW the plight OF our
shore bound friends naturally gave
Us
AT about two in the morning
was Weakened by the tapping OF the
waves Drowsiiy admirinC their
soft music ] turned over 90 go 90
sleep again.
But there was something in their
tapping that didn't seem quite nat
uraI IL sounded too close aboard
got up and stepped on one of
them which continued tapping az
my left shin.
Others Tapped az my right shin.
Tapping waves outside a boat are
pleasant. Inside they are more OF
less supererogatory.
T climbed back into bed From
he other room heard terror
stricken cries. The boss and the
children wanted 20 know If they
should put on life preservers.
But that wasn't necessary The
waves Tapped upward tin they lifted
rhe mattresses gently from the
beds. then they began 20 subside BY
morning they had ali gone out
through the seams by which they
had entered. and we were saved.
The boat vas messy that day. but
habitable. I went ashore to see. the
man. but he had 20 another town
he was selling out his business and
our houseboat was the last article
he disposed Of
When he had sold 10 he went
came back that afternoon To-
take the family off till repairs could
be made.
had just got aboard when a
thunderstorm came mp II was not
q bad thunderstorm. but BE- sutficCd.
The awning held for while. then
arose like a sausage balloon and
left Us
Presently the anchor rope. which
must have been much older than
the houseboat ITSELF. parted
Propelled firmly oy the keen Off
shore wind We went out into the
hay As soon MS we slid off tho
mud the waves came in through
the seams for another visit
But We had survived them once.
50 they didn't worry us Outside
q here 10 was rough they made e.
little more trouble. The way they
knocked the tables and chairs about
v~as discoucertinE But we lodged
them nimbly tui We could SET out
side. where by means OF the ladder
We ciirn bed 10 the roof.
IL was a beautiful storm but we
didn't seem to enjoy H. 4 storm
t. like "a tiger. it is FAR more en-
tertaia'ng spectacle when you are
not va H.