Evening star., 1929-06-30


was lunching with friend of mine;
~ a Jolly fellow full of bright ideas and
pleasant conversation. His bright IDEA
at the moment was to have me work my way
back to America. Luxuriating over kummel
and derni-tasse, he enjoyed the prospect OF
hard work-for me.
Think of the experience and the fun you'll
haye," said my friend. Not only that, out
you will be few hundred dollars ahead Wnen
you land"
THAT'S all very well, old man." replied,
ssbut it isn't easy for a non-union man to get
a lob. Then too, there are the disconforts,
and a hundred other phases that have TO De
taken into consideration"
Forget it! Forget it!" he said, and then
with a smile, Leave it to me. can arrange
it. I have a friend who is the skipper OF
freighter This is his first trip out here and
he is due in, the latter part of next week II
flx it. win you go?"
I put away thoughts OF possible winners OF
the Melbourne Cup and sat there, half Sc
riously thinking the matter over. The orches-
ira. as If understanding the question in my
mind, and wanting to help, began playing
california, Here Come"
There's my answer" said
BULLY for your said my friend. And so.
nine days later, caught evening train in
Melbourne and arrived in Geelong an hour
later Hailing an old hanson, drove down
to the wharf, where the ship was berthed. My
friend had been good as his word. He
had arranged everything and that morning l
signed the ships articles. as a wiper In the
Black Gang
hadn't the slightest idea what kind of work
I was expected to do and, in my usual trusting
way, accepted everything as a matter OF course.
MY entrance papers, passport, income tax, ana
farewels had all been attended to, so it was
with an easy mind that paid the cabby and
counted my baggage, as he hauled 1t down from
the roof of the rickety old vehicle
EXCEPT for light at the head of the COM
panionway the ship was in darkness Its
massive gray side lowered above me like a
mountain. Everything seemed cold and de-
serted and as stood there alone, surrounded
by my trunks and satcheis. felt like the zoe
about to enter the enemy camp. The tapping
of the waves against the piles. and the whis-
Ting Of the wind, were poor comfort.
lit cigarette and reached in my pocket
for the letter to the chief engineer that my
friend had given me.
"Ahoy there!" I called, and waited for an
answer. Things were as quiet as the grave OF
the dead.
ANY one aboard?" shouted again, this time
sufhciently loud to awaken even the most peace
ful sleeper.
what do yer want?" came a tired voice from
somewhere above me.
''I wonder If you'd give me a hand to get
some of my gear aboard" asked. directing my
inquiry to a shadowy form that had just ap-
peared against the railing.
who the blazes are you?" was the polite
response.
1.-The new wiper" 1 replied, a little put out
by his tone. who the blazes are you?"
THE night watchman."
"Well If q couple of shillings means any
thing to you, come down and earn it,
"An right, buddie" And he stumbled down
the slender and almost perpendicular plank
that served as a gangway.
WITH the aid Of rope, we soon hauled my
W things up the ships side and aboard
gave him the two shillings and told him to
have an extra one for me.
ITS the chief engineer about?" asked.
"Yes, he's in his cabin. III go and get
him"
sat down on my trunk lit another cigarette
and wondered.
Here he is, Chief"
"Are you the new wiper?"
eyes. SIR replied, and handed him the
letter.
He read it with the aid Of his fiashlight
then carefully folding It up. put 1t in his
pocket.
"I think II were you, I'd put up at q hotel
tonight" he suggested. 'TEese fellows are q