Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-23

It was the last night In port; the snip
was going to sea in the early morning,
and for once was ready and willing for her
to do so. The days of my four-year apprentice
ship would soon be over The three -and-a-
half years that lay behind me were none too
pleasant to look back upon She was hungry
ship, and ever since joined her for my first
voyage she had been in the West Coast grain
trade, making regular passage with general cargo
around Cape Horn in June, July or August, and
returning to some European port in the latter
part of the Northern Winter. had had my
dose of it, and was eagerly looking forward to
the end of one more passage that might leave
her and go UP for my second mates certificate.
was annoyed to see the youngster come
into the half deck for had hoped to have the
little room to myself for this last voyage. The
apprentice with whom had hitherto shared 1t
had finished his four years and left her.
The newcomer was slight, rather tall and
lanky, with dark eyes and straight black hair.
His expression was very open and eager. boy
Of about II, he looked soft event for first voy-
ager. His delicate face was pink and clear, his
hands white. He looked shy. One could easily see
that he was "gentleman's son." And, Of
course, he was dressed in the customary spank
ing rig of an unsophisticated and unsuspecting
green sea apprentice double-breasted blue
serge suit with two rows of big brass buttons,
an anchor on each of them. smart new
badge cap" topped him of-a round blue
cloth cap with a shiny black leather peak and
gold chin stay, the company's house flag in the
loop of the stay I could have easily guessed
what he afterward told me; he supposed this
was to be the rig that he would wear at sea-
A LONGSHORE porter arrived with the kids
belongings, and watched from the cor
ner of my eye as he went to arranging them.
When he had made up his bed in the bottom
bunk with linen sheets, linen pillowcase and
two or three fancy blankets, he strung up some
photographs on the bulkhead about it-father,
mother and a good-looking sister. That done,
he looked about the half deck with evident
satisfaction. But when he caught my eye
and 1 asked, why don't you hang your
self?" he gazed at me blankly, though not
sure that he heard Alright.
MY names Chatters," said I. Whats
yours?"
Gillian, sir" he answered. Then remember
ing that I had objected to Sir he added,
Gillian. beg your pardon"
laughed. People on windjammers don't 60
around begging pardons.
you'd better roll UP those fancy sheets and
stick 'em In the bottom of your sea chest"
said. you'll find you can sleep without 'em.
He looked very surprised and glanced at my
own bunk with its rough old blankets thrown
back, and wisp Of straw protruding from the
edge of my ancient donkey breakfast" mat
treSs.
Preparing to turn in, I took of my worn
appTenttce unuOTm anu lalO IL away III my sea
chest, where it would remain until needed
it to go ashore, in in Frisco. The morrow would
be q long day, and advised the kid to roll
I'm. The last saw Of him before fell asleep
he was carefully folding his brass-bound suit
and laying 1t out on the table.
When awoke the night Waterman was
lighting our lamp. Day was just beginning to
break. 1t was cold, and snuggled down for n
last few winks. The new chum turned out and
peered about the half deck as though seeking