initial commit of ebook 22588HEADmain

7 files changed, 4996 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/22588-8.txt b/22588-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1ab1e30
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22588-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2490 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, From Lower Deck to Pulpit, by Henry Cowling
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: From Lower Deck to Pulpit
+
+
+Author: Henry Cowling
+
+
+
+Release Date: September 12, 2007  [eBook #22588]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM LOWER DECK TO PULPIT***
+
+
+E-text prepared by David Scott, the author's great-grandson
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+   Unusual spelling and punctuation has been transcribed as in the
+   original book.
+
+   The reader will encounter "(V12)" at various places in the text.
+   Its meaning is inapparent, but it appears in the original book
+   and was not changed.
+
+
+
+
+
+FROM LOWER DECK TO PULPIT
+
+by
+
+REV. HENRY COWLING
+
+With Portrait and Illustrations
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London
+S.W. Partridge & Co. 8 and 9 Paternoster Row
+1902
+
+
+
+Preface
+
+This little book is not written on my own initiative. I have not so
+much as given a hint of my 'naval days,' either from the pulpit or in
+conversation. But my friends have condemned me for being so reserved
+about the matter, and for a long time have, with persistent
+entreaties, been urging me to tell the story of my life. That they
+may now be satisfied, and that I may be left quiet, and, above all,
+that it may prove a blessing to all who read it, is the sincere
+desire of
+
+THE AUTHOR
+
+Contents
+
+   CHAPTER I.
+      EARLY DAYS,                      9
+
+   CHAPTER II.
+      JOINING THE NAVY,               21
+
+   CHAPTER III.
+      LEAVING FOR SEA,                37
+
+   CHAPTER IV
+      THREE YEARS ON H.M.S. 'EMERALD' 42
+
+   CHAPTER V.
+      HOMEWARD BOUND,                 78
+
+   CHAPTER VI.
+      LEAVING THE NAVY,               91
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+EARLY DAYS.
+
+Kingsand, though but a village in size, has a history of its own.
+Situated about five miles from Plymouth, on the Cornish coast, and
+being a fishing port, the inhabitants are on intimate terms with the
+sea. In the summer months one may observe many an indication of this
+relationship or intimacy'. Youngsters run about the beach and the
+village barefooted, most of them wearing the orthodox blue jersey,
+whilst young women, and even older ones, love to sit on the rocks
+near the sea and work away with their sewing or knitting, and, I must
+not forget to add, with their tongues also. Strange and startling are
+the stories one may hear which have been handed down from one
+generation to another concerning the smuggling days of long, long
+ago--and yet not so long ago, for even at this time of day my mother
+often narrates hair breadth escapes of smugglers which happened in
+her girlhood. In this village I was born on the 9th of April 1874. In
+visiting Kingsand from time to time, I have often stood and gazed at
+the old house in which I was born--not that any recollections in
+connection with it survive in my memory, for when I was only five
+weeks old, my father, who was in the navy, received an appointment as
+a gunnery instructor in the Royal Naval Reserve battery in the far
+north.
+
+Sometimes my mother indulges in a retrospect, and I love to hear her
+tell of that May morning when, she bade 'farewell' to her loved ones
+and dear old Kingsand, and how, wrapping me in a large shawl, she
+proceeded to Cremyll, a distance of three miles, from whence we were
+transported across the harbour to Plymouth in the ferry boat. Then
+came the long and tedious journey to Maryport. Sweet mother! how
+pathetic to me it all now seems.
+
+We resided at Maryport two years, during which time my eldest sister
+was born. Often would my mother carry me into the battery, and at the
+sight of the large guns, and the queer looking helmets hanging on the
+walls, my little smile would be converted into vehement crying. How
+little I dreamed then of my familiarity with them in after years! But
+I must not anticipate.
+
+After completing our stay here, my parents returned to Kingsand, but
+only for a brief period. It was at, this period that I met with my
+first accident. Crawling away from the front door I made all possible
+speed to a large tank of water close by. In looking upon it from an
+elevated bank of ground, I overbalanced myself and fell headlong into
+it. When rescued, my nose was bleeding profusely. It was a lesson to
+me, for during the few subsequent weeks we remained in Kingsand I
+remembered my 'dive,' and gave the tank a wide margin.
+
+We soon removed to Millbrook, a large village situated a mile and a
+half from Kingsand. In those days the quay at Millbrook was
+picturesque with groups of watermen who gained an honest livelihood
+by ferrying passengers to Devonport and back. But former things have
+passed away; and now two sets of steamers, well adapted for shallow
+water (for the landing-piers at Millbrook are governed by the ebb,
+and flood tide), have almost entirely dispensed with passenger-boats,
+and the trip from Millbrook to Devonport, or vice versa, costs the
+modest sum of one penny. People on the town side of the harbour take
+advantage of this, for on public holidays thousands of towns-people
+may be seen wending their way through the main streets of Millbrook,
+bound for the famous Whitsands, there to spend the day on the
+seashore.
+
+Never let anyone despise Millbrook, for, socially speaking, it may be
+regarded as an adjunct of Devonport. There is an interchange of
+passengers every day, and several hundred yardmen, who work in His
+Majesty's naval dockyard, together with many naval men, leave
+Millbrook every morning. Added to these, there are housewives, and
+their name is legion, who cross the harbour on Saturdays for the
+purpose of shopping, for they are cute enough to realise that their
+steamer fare can be cleared on two pounds of sugar-that is to say,
+the same article would cost a penny extra at home. In addition, then,
+to the profits gained on other articles which they purchase--for
+their baskets are of no mean size--the pleasant cruise across the
+harbour costs practically nothing. As a result of this steamer
+traffic, trade has dwindled considerably in Millbrook.
+
+I speak of Millbrook as an adjunct of Devonport. Perhaps some will
+object to this, as both places are located in separate counties, the
+former in Cornwall, the latter in Devon; others, who may be somewhat
+narrow in thought, may think this view of mine reduces Devonport in
+the scale of townships. However, as the ties between the two places
+are so strong that even water cannot separate them, I hope to be
+forgiven if my estimation of the village as an adjunct be incorrect.
+
+The village itself is a pleasant place and lovely to behold. Like a
+nest built in the heart of a thick tree, so Millbrook lies within the
+heart of a beautiful valley. It is bounded by the Maker Heights on
+the right, and the high cliffs on the left and in the bend. Hard by
+are Mount Edgcumbe Park, and the Hamoaze in full view. Enough: I will
+say no more as to the description of it, lest my readers may think me
+vain. But I cannot refrain from asking in this connection: Who would
+not be proud of being a Millbrooker?
+
+My conscious experience of life began in Millbrook. Well do I
+remember the morning when with a company of other little boys I was
+marched away from the girls' school where I had hitherto been as a
+young scholar, to the boys'. Then followed the long and tedious years
+of school-life. Did I like my school-days at Millbrook? To this
+question I must give an emphatic No. One day my companion and I
+showed this dislike in a very practical manner. It was the custom
+to take our books to school in the morning, and to bring them away at
+the expiration of the day's teaching. On the day in question we
+departed from this rule by bringing away our books at noon, our
+object being to spend the afternoon in taking a walk on the country
+road. When the bell rang at 2 p.m. for the purpose of resuming work,
+we made off in an opposite direction to the school. We considered it
+would not be wise to carry our slates and books in our hand, and
+therefore by way of protection, we stuffed them under our waistcoats.
+This gave us the appearance of an abnormal size, and a curious shape,
+at least I thought so; for everyone we met looked upon us with an air
+of suspicion. I have often wondered since, whether or not this
+suspicion grew out of experience in the life of many whom we passed
+that day-whether or not they really knew what we were doing.
+Certainly we did not know what we were doing, for we entered the
+village at 3.30 p.m. (school-time was over at 4 p.m.) half an hour
+too soon. "How is it you are out of school so early?" asked our
+respective mothers. What a dilemma we were in! Suffice it to say,
+that my mother said "she was not sure but what she should report this
+matter to my father." Did she? No; ere my father returned at even, I
+resorted to a happy way I had of rendering house-hold assistance,
+such as putting coal on the fire, etc., which I knew would go a long
+way to dull the memory of my afternoon's walk in my mother's mind. In
+the evening when father came home he asked the question as was his
+wont: "How has Henry been to-day?" "As good as gold," replied mother.
+
+What about my companion? How fared it with him? He is able to inform
+you best on that point, for he learned by experience on that occasion
+the awful sting of a leather strap. Never since in his lifetime has
+he been half an hour before time. Who can tell the injury a leather
+strap may do!
+
+From my very earliest days the desire to become a preacher was ever
+present with me, which desire became intensified as the years sped
+by. As a strong manifestation of this fact, I was often found in the
+garden addressing the cabbages, which in my youthful fancy
+represented the congregation, and on Sunday evenings when my parents
+were at chapel, a habit of mine was to rear a chair upside down
+against the wall, get within the bars of my chair-pulpit, and address
+my two sisters.
+
+Strange to say, running parallel to this habit of preaching was a
+fond love for the water, and it may be said in a literal sense that I
+was as fond of it as a duck. I am told that when an infant under the
+care of any person other than my mother, nothing in the world would
+quiet me except a bowl of water and a sponge to play with. Naturally
+this liking developed, as you will see. Separated by a thick wall
+from the Millbrook lake is a large mill-pond, which, when emptied of
+water, is very muddy. How we, as schoolboys, delighted to roll in
+this mud (for what is dirty to a school-boy?) and then jump over the
+other side of the wall and swim in the wake of the paddle-wheel
+steamer! On one occasion, the Vicar, who from the vicarage could
+watch our habits, observed that during the day I had bathed nine
+times, which thing, he gave my parents to understand, was very
+weakening. "Twice a day," said he, "is often enough." I think so too,
+now, but did not then.
+
+On Saturdays a party of us boys would wend our way to the Whitsands
+for the purpose of bathing in the open sea. This we regarded as
+something totally different from that of our daily bathings in the
+lake; and in point of fact it was, for the water was purer and
+fresher, and soft golden sands took the place of mud strewed with
+broken pieces of glass and other refuse. Oh! how we loved to rush
+headlong through the giant waves which came bounding in from seaward.
+How much better was this than learning a proposition of Euclid! The
+boy who swam furthest out to sea was looked upon as the hero of the
+hour, indeed through the whole week, until Saturday came again, when
+some other boy would endeavour to swim beyond the limit of the
+previous week. In this way we instituted a competition between
+ourselves in the art of swimming.
+
+One Saturday the scene changed, for after the delight of bathing came
+misery; after joy came pain. It is ever so. The shadow is always with
+the light. After dressing ourselves, we made a hasty retreat over the
+rocks, as it had now begun to rain, when lo! my foot was caught in a
+crevice. I wriggled it to and fro, with the hope of extricating it,
+but in vain. The other boys were now a long distance In front, and
+there with my foot jammed between the rocks was I, like a rabbit
+caught in the gin, shouting "Mother! Mother!" though she were four
+miles away. If ever I needed a trumpet voice, it was then. At length
+by the help of a friend who came to relieve me, I was set at liberty.
+For many years after this incident, my ankle-bone remained swollen--a
+memento of that Saturday afternoon.
+
+But I must pass on. I was now nine years of age and organist in the
+Wesleyan Sunday School, having for the past two years studied music
+under my father. Added to this, I formed part of the Wesleyan church
+choir. Sunday therefore to me was a very busy day, made exceptionally
+so, as apart from church and school work, the intervals were filled
+up with music and singing at home, in which all the family joined.
+Our house was indeed a house of song.
+
+It was now determined by my parents that I be sent to a Devonport
+school, as I had passed out of the seven standards in the school at
+home. Accordingly a contract was entered into between the
+schoolmaster and my father, forms were duly filled in, and I was to
+begin my schooling on the following Monday. This I looked forward to
+with the utmost pleasure: one reason being, and not the least, that
+it meant two trips in the steamer every day; but judge of my grief
+when on the Sunday it became apparent that I had the measles. So the
+next morning, Instead of going off in the steamer to school, I was
+kept in bed, and for seven weeks was confined at home.
+
+When well enough to go out again, I, with two other boys, decided to
+join the Navy (I was now twelve years old). We sauntered along the
+road until we reached the pier, and there, right before us, stood the
+leviathan training ship--H.M.S. 'Impregnable.' My little heart
+quailed within me at the very sight of her, a great fear overshadowed
+me, and I lost no time in returning to Millbrook. On my return
+journey I was half sorrowful and yet half glad that I did not go on
+board--a strange feeling. The two other boys, who were many years my
+senior, did not pass the medical examination, and consequently were
+rejected for the service.
+
+Steps were taken again with a view to my schooling at Devonport; this
+time I went, and these school-days I recall with pleasure, though
+they were fraught with a powerful temptation, which I shall presently
+describe. I have a vivid recollection of the first day. Steaming up
+the lake at very low water, and being somewhat foggy, our boat stuck
+on the mud. Worst of all, it was ebb tide, and here we had to wait
+for the return of the in flowing tide. We schoolboys gathered
+together in the engine-room and did our home-lessons. In a few hours
+we floated and very soon reached the landing place, and we arrived at
+home about midnight. That was the first and last time I ever did my
+lessons afloat, or rather on the mud.
+
+The object my parents had in sending me across the harbour to school
+was that I might receive an efficient training to enable me to pass
+the Dock-yard Civil Service examination which, by the way, is locally
+considered the highest distinction a boy can attain, providing he be
+qualified to pass the examiner. No romance is connected with these
+days, save that on one occasion my companion asked me to accompany
+him to Devonport Park to watch a football match instead of attending
+school in the afternoon. Remembering the leather strap to which I
+have already referred, and thinking that with this new schoolmaster I
+might have a second taste of what my poor friend received on that
+memorable day, though not with a strap, yet with something just as
+sweet, I considered it wise not to visit the park.
+
+But this boy used much persuasion, and in a short time we stood in
+the park watching the game, which proved not so interesting as he had
+anticipated. "Shall we go to school?" he asked. "We shall have time
+to get there before it opens." "No," I replied; "you have persuaded me
+to come here, and now I shall stay." We both did. I never played
+truant again after this day. Did the schoolmaster become acquainted
+with this breach of discipline? No; or I am afraid he would not have
+given me such a testimonial as I now hold in my possession.
+
+At this juncture I became a member of the drum and fife band, under
+the supervision of the Millbrook Band of Hope Committee. Never shall
+I forget our bandmaster. He was a strict disciplinarian. No looseness
+was allowed in our playing; thoroughness was stamped on every tune we
+played. On practice nights he took each of the boys aside, and one by
+one each had to play the music as set--every note must be clear and
+distinct. Occasionally our band would march through the village, the
+drum major with his staff leading.
+
+Those days of memory, so near and yet so far!
+
+Then came the Sunday when he was lowered in the dark, cold grave, and
+we solemnly played whilst encircled around it--
+
+"Goodnight, beloved, not farewell!"
+
+He went home to Music-Land, where they praise Him day and night.
+
+One day we shall all meet again, and together with him we will tune
+our song to harps of gold.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+JOINING THE NAVY
+
+Now about the temptation already hinted at, and all that followed in
+its train. The steamer in which I crossed the harbour twice daily,
+passed quite close to the 'Impregnable,' and thus gave me ample
+opportunity to scan her vast dimensions, and to gaze in wonder at her
+tall masts. But best of all was to see the sailor-boys on the
+forecastle, in the rigging, and manning the boats which were fastened
+to her lower booms. At the sight of all this my little life seemed to
+be thrilled, and oh, how I longed to become a sailor boy! I would
+give all the gold in the Mint did I possess it, in exchange for the
+realisation of my yearning desire. How nice to pull the ropes, to
+climb the rigging, but, above all, to wear a sailor's uniform.
+Thoughts such as these haunted my mind constantly, and this daily
+allurement only helped to swell the number.
+
+Full well I knew my parents would not consent my joining the navy.
+Still, one day I ventured to broach the subject to my mother, who
+replied "That she could not bear to hear of such a thing." The
+craving still grew, and my parents, clearly understanding the bend of
+my inclination, made a compromise, steeped in love. This was it:
+"Seeing you have such a desire for the sea, we have been praying much
+about the matter, and after due consideration, conclude it will be
+far better for you to join the service as a young man, not as a poor,
+helpless boy. You shall have the trade of a shipwright--(the same,
+trade as the one I should have been apprenticed to in the dockyard,
+had I desired to pas the necessary qualification, but as a matter of
+fact, this desire for the sea swallowed up every other)--and when out
+of your time you will be in a different position to enter!" All this
+my uncle, who himself had been in the navy, corroborated by saying:
+"I should not put a dog before the mast--poor boys are huffed and
+cuffed shamefully; but when a young man has a trade, and then joins,
+his treatment, by reason of his manhood and trade, is totally
+different."
+
+After all this advice my enthusiasm cooled down, only to reappear in
+a short time with greater fervour. In the meantime, I was apprenticed
+to a shipbuilding trade, and although seven years was the required
+time to learn it, I gathered it all up in one week. Wonderful!
+wonderful! for in that short time I was taught how to fill up a hole
+with putty, and this is the extent of my practical knowledge of a
+shipwright's task to-day. Do you mean that you only stayed a week?
+you ask. That is all. And my mother had kept, until within a few
+months ago, the little white smock-frock, which I wore in my work, as
+a reminder in calico of my shipbuilding days.
+
+During this week I met with still further enticements to become a
+sailor boy. The building yard being in close proximity to the
+'Impregnable', I could hear the brass band every morning, and what is
+so enticing as music? Then, again, hundreds of boys came ashore in
+large pinnaces, landing within a few yards from me, each carrying a
+rifle. This was more than I could bear by way of temptation, and
+impressing my parents how very much I should abhor seven years in the
+shipbuilding yard, intimating that nothing would satisfy me but to be
+a sailor-boy, they, within the course of a few weeks, very
+reluctantly yielded to my burning request.
+
+Having passed all necessary requirements, I joined the navy on my
+fourteenth birthday. It was Monday morning, and after eating my
+breakfast, I rose and wished my mother and sisters 'good-bye.' Sorrow
+filled their hearts and tears their eyes--not so much because I was
+leaving home for a long time, as I should see them again before the
+week expired, but even this parting was considered long, for hitherto
+I had not slept one night away from home. I say not so much because
+of this fact, as that they were doubtful as to whether I was taking
+the right step or not. My parents impressed upon me that even now it
+was not too late to change my mind, even though my papers were all
+signed. I can remember how eagerly my mother pleaded to burn them,
+coaxing me to sit down and have another cup of tea, and to forget all
+about the navy in the drinking of it.
+
+Truth to tell my enthusiasm was fast dwindling away, but enough was
+left at that moment to wish another 'farewell,' and to pass down the
+street With my father who walked with me to the pier and watched the
+boat bear me to the ship "Would to God I had never left home on that
+morning," was an expression often on my lips during my career in the
+navy. My mother's tears had been shed on the fire of my passion--it
+was now becoming quenched, but not until it was too late did it
+become extinguished--that is, when I had boarded the ship and given
+up my papers to the authorities.
+
+So my readers will understand that it was with a heavy heart, yea and
+with a great deal of reluctancy, that I entered the navy--that
+despite the great flame of enthusiasm that had been burning in my
+young life, it dwindled away almost to the point of being
+extinguished on this memorable morning; yet something within urged me
+quietly on and on till that which was done could not be undone.
+
+I was now sent to H.M.S 'Circe,' the outfitting ship for young
+recruits, to get my uniform. On reaching the top of the companion
+ladder a ship's corporal (i.e. a naval policeman) approached me and
+asked, "Had I any money or jewellery?" If so, it must be kept in his
+custody until such time as I should be prepared to join the
+mother-ship, the 'Impregnable.' I handed him the eight pence which
+I carried in my pocket. After being ordered to read from a board
+certain rules and digest them, then came the bath, followed by the
+dinner, which latter consisted of a piece of fat pork (called 'dobs,'
+I afterward learned, in the training-ship) and a thick piece of
+bread, neither of which tempted my appetite.
+
+I ate nothing that day, and when a fortnight later my civilian's suit
+was sent home, the sausage rolls which I carried on board with me
+were discovered in my pocket. I cannot hope to describe the feelings
+through which I passed on this first day. My poor little heart nearly
+broke--it was my first lesson in the school of sorrowful tears. "Oh
+that I had listened to my parents' advice this morning," was what I
+whispered to myself a hundred times before closing my eyes in sleep
+that night.
+
+The day wore away slowly--oh, so slowly! I became homesick, and ran
+from one port-hole to the other watching the Millbrook steamers pass
+to and fro, endeavouring thereby to persuade myself into the belief
+that after all I was in touch with home. This gave me a kind of
+satisfaction, as it seemed to sever my thoughts, or rather to loose
+them, from the floating cage, and link them and my love to home, yea,
+and even to the passing steamers.
+
+Just as when a traveller in a foreign land meets with a friend of his
+native town, and is filled with delight and fond memories of the
+home-land by such an event, in like manner did I regard those
+steamers--they were connecting links uniting my heart to my home.
+Nor is this comparison overdrawn, for my readers must bear in mind
+that I was only a little boy. And how very natural homesickness was,
+amidst such strange surroundings, and, with no liberty, only they who
+have passed through a similar experience know.
+
+Then came the hour for 'turning in.' As I lay in the hammock that
+night I could not but contrast this birthday with my last. The last
+represented sunshine, joy, merry laughter and freedom; this, darkness
+sorrow, tears and confinement. The tears began to flow, and I wept
+myself to sleep.
+
+More than once during my subsequent visits to Devonport have I stood
+on Mutton Cove pier gazing intently on groups of boys gathered
+thereon waiting for the ship's boat to bear them over to the
+'Impregnable' with a view of joining the navy. Standing there, my
+sympathy has gone out toward them as a flood and I have prayed that
+their first night's experience afloat might not be a repetition of
+mine.
+
+The three days on this outfitting ship were spent in marking my name
+on the clothes which constituted my kit, pumping water for the
+cooks' galley, helping to scrub the decks and wringing out swabs. On
+the Thursday, I, with other novices, was sent to the 'Impregnable' to
+commence my training in seamanship and gunnery. Every Thursday half
+a day's leave is given to the boys, and we were granted this
+privilege. How glad and thankful I felt! After landing, I hastened
+home with all possible speed. The sight of me in my uniform overcame
+my mother's feelings, and oh! how bitterly she wept, and how often
+did she ask me that afternoon whether I thought I should like the
+service or not.
+
+I comforted her as best as I could upon wishing her 'good-bye' by
+saying I should be ashore again on the following Sunday, and with a
+heart as heavy as lead I trudged back to the ship.
+
+Let me at this point give my readers an outline of the routine on the
+training-ship. 'All hands' rise at 5 a.m., lash up their hammocks and
+carry them to the upper deck for storage. One half of the boys of the
+watch take a bath and are inspected before dressing by the
+instructors. All the other boys in the ship scrub decks. Breakfast is
+piped at 7 a.m. At 8 a.m. the topgallant mast is hoisted, and the
+upper yards are crossed. Eight bells are struck, the national anthem
+is played, and the yards are ordered to be swayed across' at one and
+the same time. There is discipline! Decks are swept, the mess deck
+receiving special attention, the cooks of the messes (and every boy
+has to take his week in rotation) polish the utensils, so that they
+shine as bright as silver, and the watch on deck coils the ropes and
+polishes the brass work. At 8.45 the bugler sounds the 'general
+assembly.' Each watch falls in for inspection on its respective side
+of the deck--that is, the starboard watch on the right side, the port
+watch on the left. This being done, the band assembles on the poop,
+and the officers' call is sounded, in response to which they troop up
+from quarterdeck hatchways. "Attention!" shouts the instructor, at
+the same time saluting the inspecting officer. Every boy stands as
+erect as possible Then begins the inspection. Nothing escapes the eye
+these officers. Woe betide the boy whose duck suit is not spotlessly
+clean, or who has a button off his trousers, or whose suit is in need
+of a few stitches. He is severely reprimanded--the instructor makes
+a note of it in his book; and should this be repeated, the boy is put
+in the Commander's report and receives six cuts with the cane.
+
+Each officer reports to the Commander when he has inspected his
+division of boys, and then the bell is tolled for morning prayers,
+which are said by the chaplain. All Roman Catholics are weeded out of
+the two watches, and are marched forward under the forecastle during
+prayer-time.
+
+Now, should it be Monday morning, sail drill is engaged in until
+noon, but only on this day, whilst on other mornings one watch
+attends school, and the other, gunnery and seamanship classes. The
+advanced gunnery classes receive their training ashore in the drill
+field. Seamanship classes are held on the lower deck, and every boy
+has to pass out of one instruction before being admitted to the
+other. In these lower-deck instructions the first is the lashing up
+of the hammock and in the laying out of the kit in the uniform
+manner; then follow the 'bends and hitches' class, the reading of the
+semaphore, knots and splices, and so on. I may Say that boat sailing
+and swimming and heaving the lead are also included under the
+seamanship course.
+
+To most of the local boys, swimming exercise was as play, and
+accordingly they received V.G. (very good) on the instructor's class
+book on passing-out day. To pass out, the boy must be an efficient
+swimmer, and able to swim in a duck suit a considerable distance.
+Boys on the other hand who had been brought up as strangers to the
+sea, regard this instruction with much fear, and it becomes a terror
+to them. All these exercises passed through, which in most cases
+require a year, the boy then receives the rate of a first class boy
+as distinguished from a second class.
+
+But to return to the routine. At 11.30 a.m. school and instructions
+are ended, the bugle call for drill aloft is sounded, and then there
+is a mighty tumult. Hundreds of boys are running along the decks and
+up the ladders, and as though they were not smart enough, ship's
+corporals make use of their canes very freely. At 11.45, in the
+midst of drill, the bugler sounds: 'Cooks.' Cooks of messes repair to
+the galley, fetch the dinner and lay it out under the supervision of
+the caterer of the mess, who is generally a senior boy. At 12 a.m.
+dinner is 'piped,' and every boy sits at the table according to his
+seniority--that is to say, if one has been in the ship six months,
+sitting next to him would be the boy who had joined the mess after
+him in the order of time. It will thus be readily seen that every boy
+has his own seat at the mess-table. But lest partiality should creep
+in amongst the boys in the messes so that A would have a far better
+dinner than B; and poor C all bone on his plate, or, as they say,
+"two spuds and a joner," this order is very often reversed, and this
+means that the caterer finds himself at the end of the stool with the
+dinner of the youngest boy before him to eat, and it also means that
+this last recruit in the mess finds himself possessor of the
+caterer's plate of dinner.
+
+At 1 p.m. instructions are resumed, and concluded at 3.30 p.m. The
+boatswain's mate then pipes, "Hands shift in night clothing." The
+uniform of the day is then taken off, and each boy wears a blue
+serge suit. At the call of the bugle the boys fall in on the upper
+deck with the clothes for washing. These are inspected by the
+instructors for the purpose of seeing that each boy has stops in his
+clothes--that is, two sets of string in each garment for hanging on
+the line. This inspection of stops being over, then follows the
+shrill cry, "Hands scrub and wash clothes."
+
+I cannot hope to describe the scamper there is at this moment for the
+tubs of water, and the reason for it is this--that the tubs are
+limited, perhaps three allowed to each mess of twenty boys, and
+considering the washing has to be done in a short time, the reader
+will understand the cause of this dreadful war. And it happens every
+day with the exception of Thursdays and Saturdays, when no washing is
+done. The articles for washing on the various days are as follows--
+Monday, a duck suit; Tuesday, a day shirt, night shirt and flannel;
+Wednesday, a duck suit; Friday, hammock or bedcover. Clothes being
+hung up, the upper deck is washed down and tea is 'piped.' After this
+meal the boys have an hour or so to themselves--the schoolroom is
+opened for reading and draught-playing, etc.
+
+At 7.45 the pipe is sounded: "Stand by for hammocks." All run (for no
+walking is allowed in the service when responding to duty's call) to
+the upper deck, where each boy gets his hammock, carries it below
+deck, and hangs it on the hammock hooks. The bugle call, "Turn in,"
+is sounded an hour later, followed in five minutes with the bugle
+note: "Still." Not a sound is heard, for it is prayer-time. After
+prayers, which every boy is supposed to say in his hammock, the
+officer in command, with other subordinates, goes the 'rounds' to see
+that all is safe for the night. Thus ends the day's routine on the
+training ship. Very often, however, there is a departure from it,
+which takes place at noon, the occasion being the punishment
+of a boy or boys. All the crew assemble on the quarterdeck, the
+offender midships. The Commander reads the charge, which concludes
+usually:--"I hereby judge him to receive twelve strokes with the
+cane." The poor boy is lashed arms and legs to a wooden horse, the
+master-at-arms counting the strokes as the ship's corporal lays them
+on. The cane with which he punishes the boy is a very stout one, each
+end being covered with wax-string, and is reversed every fourth
+stroke. This caning is a punishment, and is meted out to boys who are
+caught smoking, to boys who may be untidy or to those who break their
+leave a short time. The other punishment is that of the birch--again
+the boy is lashed to the horse, and this time no garment intervenes.
+The ship's doctor stands by with water in case of fainting, as
+generally the boy receives twenty-four strokes. To witness such a
+proceeding was to make me tremble. Here and there the ends of the
+birch would be scattered, and the blood flowing freely. Of course the
+birch is not in such frequent demand as the cane; only the boy who is
+insolent to his instructor, or who breaks a day's leave, or worse
+still, if he be committed for theft, is birched. In the case of the
+thief he has to wear a badge with the word 'T H I E F' printed in
+large, black letters on it, in front and behind for six months or
+even longer. During this time he is cut off from the company of
+other boys, and partakes of his food in the 'thieves' mess.
+
+Now before leaving this subject, I may tell my readers that all local
+boys are styles 'Cossacks'; consequently I was one. The Cossacks
+were allowed to have a night's leave every alternate Saturday,
+provided the parents of the boy wrote a request to the Commander for
+it. The Cossacks generally brought aboard with them from their homes
+a large handkerchief full of good things, and they were met by the
+non-Cossacks in the gang-way ladder with this expression:--"Tally
+you your tack and plush," which being interpreted, is: "Let me have
+your allowance of bread and tea." It was understood that all Cossacks
+would have their tea ashore, and therefore would not require the
+naval tea when returning on board. Hence readers will now understand
+why it is the boys who hail from London and the provinces grow so
+stout in the training ship--it is because they eat, in addition to
+their own allowance, the Cossacks' share.
+
+Boys who were noted for being smart and clean wore a gold badge as a
+token of the same. The advantages reaped from this badge were two in
+number (V12): an extra half day's leave on Saturday, and one penny a
+week additional pay. There were two other sets of boys who were
+entitled to the first of these privileges (V12): the advanced
+scholars in school, and members of the drum and fife band.
+Accordingly, on Saturdays during the dinner-hour the boatswain's
+mate would pipe: "Leave for badge-boy, advanced class, and drum and
+fife band;" As I was a badge boy, and an advanced scholar, and a
+flute-player, I nestled under the wing of this threefold privilege,
+and used to think in my boyish pride, Who indeed has more right to go
+ashore than I?
+
+Before any boy is supposed to be ready for sea, he has to undergo in
+addition to the 'Impregnable' studies, a course of gunnery, and from
+ten to twelve weeks on a training brig. I underwent my gunnery course
+in H.M.S. 'Foudroyant,' one of Nelson's flagships, which lay at that
+time in close proximity to the 'Impregnable,' and I returned every
+evening to the mother-ship. The two brigs which trained her boys were
+the 'Nautilus' and the 'Pilot.' I was drafted to the latter for three
+months. Speaking generally, daily sea trips were taken--that is to
+say, that after making sail and slipping the buoy, we would leave
+Plymouth Sound for the Channel, drill all day, and return to our
+mooring in the evening, weary and fatigued, although, even then, we
+had to scrub and wash clothes. On two occasions we took longer trips,
+first to Dartmouth, and then to Portsmouth. Fearful was the weather
+we experienced sailing to the latter port--fearful, I mean, to my
+boyish experience, though I must say that even an old salt was heard
+to pronounce it "a very stormy voyage."
+
+I met with an accident on board the 'Pilot.' One night whilst at
+anchor I was ordered to row the dinghy ashore. It was very wet and
+dark, and in the act of climbing down the painter which attached the
+boat to the boom, it was so slippery that I lost my grip and fell.
+My shoeless feet came in contact with the boat's crutch (an
+instrument with two arms into which the oar fits); my right foot bled
+profusely, as one of these arms had pierced the flesh deeply. I
+managed to get on board to the sick berth, and after the steward's
+treatment it ceased bleeding. Whilst in the act of lashing up my
+hammock the next morning I fell to the deck, so weak had I become by
+the loss of so much blood on the previous night.
+
+The discipline on board this brig, as on the 'Impregnable,' was rigid
+in the extreme. On the upper deck at drill time would stand the
+ship's corporal with his cane, and woe betide any boy who was not
+putting his weight on the rope, or who was not doubling along the
+deck. It may be of interest to remark here, that neither in the
+'Impregnable' nor the 'Pilot' did I know the queer experience of
+being lashed to the horse. This was due not so much because I did not
+deserve it, as that I was fortunate enough to escape detection. To
+appreciate the above remark the reader must realise the trivial
+offences for which a poor boy is caned, and in the light of this
+reflection he will wonder that any sailor boy should be a stranger to
+the cane during his training.
+
+Through all my naval career I was a sufferer to sea-sickness, which
+began on this brig. No sooner had we passed the Plymouth Breakwater
+Lighthouse, when the brig would begin rolling, and I would repair to
+the lee-scupper. In connection with this part of my story I must not
+omit to say a kind word for the captain. When many of us poor boys
+lay strewn along the deck like stricken sheep, he, in passing from
+the forecastle to poop, would not disturb us. This in itself may not
+appear much, but in reality it was a great kindness, and one over
+which I love to ponder. It was the act of a gentleman, to say the
+least of it, and I cannot but believe that sympathy prompted it, and
+in this sense it was Christlike. "Inasmuch," said the great Storm
+Walker who quieted storm-tossed Galilee "as ye do it unto one of the
+least of these My little ones, ye do it unto Me."
+
+Very near the line of punishment did I approach when on this brig.
+Working one day on the foretopsail yard, my knife, which by some
+means had become detached from my lanyard, fell on the forecastle.
+Fortunately it struck no one, and I was reprimanded only.
+
+The course of training being completed, I was sent back to the
+'Impregnable' on draft for sea. Within a few days an order was
+received stating that a large company of boys were required for the
+North American and West Indian Station, and I was numbered amongst
+them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+LEAVING FOR SEA
+
+A few days prior to our departure, Miss Weston kindly invited the
+draft ashore to her Sailors' Rest to tea, and presented each of us
+with a Bible, and gave us all a tender farewell. Never will time
+erase from my mind the memory of the parting with my loved ones; it
+pains me now even as I dwell upon it. It was Sunday afternoon, and
+two days prior to my sailing for Bermuda, when the heartrending
+parting took place. Love can never say its last 'good-bye,' and
+especially is this true of a mother's love. What thoughts were
+passing through her mind that Sunday afternoon? God knows fully.
+But surely they were tinged with this reflection: Would she ever see
+me again? A shadow deep and dark had recently fallen across the home.
+During my 'Foudroyant' days a messenger came on board with the sad
+news that my dear sister had been almost burnt to death. I will not
+dwell on the sadness of the awful tragedy, save to remark that she
+died through the cause of the terrible burns three days after the
+accident. The effect this had upon my mother is almost beyond
+expression. Her nerves were shattered and she became a physical
+wreck, and to this day she has never recovered from the shock. Judge
+then, her sorrow on the Sunday afternoon, when I was bidding
+'farewell,' and within a short time of that overwhelming experience.
+I was now going thousands of miles away for three years, severed
+from paternal counsel and maternal affection, and on this occasion
+she was drinking the dregs of her cup of grief. Again, amidst
+choking sobs and scalding tears, I uttered the last 'good-bye.' The
+time had come for leaving, and I must depart. With two Sunday School
+scholars, one on either side (for I had been to my Sunday School in
+the afternoon for the last time), loaded with large parcels of food,
+we passed down the street. How easy to write it down--how
+heartbreaking the experience!
+
+The great troopship's anchor was weighed on the Tuesday evening at 5
+p.m., and we proceeded to sea. It was the month of October, and ere
+the evening shadows had stretched upon land and sea, I had gazed upon
+Maker church tower, at whose base my dear sister lay interred, until
+my eyes were strained. At last it disappeared from view, and the
+'Himalaya' was far, far at sea.
+
+She made a good passage to Madeira, arriving there on the following
+Sunday morning, and after coaling, we proceeded on the evening of the
+same day to Bermuda. In the first watch of the night the cry was
+heard: "Man overboard! Away lifeboat!" The lifebelt was let slip
+immediately by the sentinel, the engines were reversed, and the
+lifeboat with its crew lowered quickly from the davits. The lifeboat
+was one of an improved pattern, fitted with accessories, such as two
+calcium lights which burn for thirty minutes, and a whistle, the
+latter being useful to the drowning man in a fog or in darkness to
+indicate his-whereabouts.
+
+Fortunately the poor man had seized the lifebelt. It was a dark
+night, but astern the crew of the lifeboat could observe the calcium
+lights burning. The boat's head was put in that direction, and in a
+short time the sailor was rescued and rowed back to the ship. Did
+this seaman accidentally fall from the rigging, or lose his grasp in
+any manner? No; it is the same old story. Drink was the cause of the
+accident. He had indulged himself in Madeira wine, which befooled him
+to such a degree that he deliberately threw himself overboard, the
+ship steaming eighteen knots an hour at the time. He was confined in
+a cell the remainder of the voyage, and on arrival at Bermuda was
+sentenced to a court-martial.
+
+My spare time on the outward voyage was occupied in reading 'Daniel
+Quorm,' one of Mark Guy Pearse's books, and in attending religious
+meetings in the evening in the sail-maker's room. There were several
+relief crews on board for the various ships of the station; hence
+there were many Christians, and these evening gatherings were blessed
+by God, and made profitable to all. We had on board one whose
+destination was the prison at Bermuda, not to become a prisoner, by
+the way, but a warder. This man, at 4 a.m. every morning, would
+ferret out all the boys in the ship, sending them to the upper deck
+to undergo a salt water bath, which to us all, at that untimely hour,
+was a very trying ordeal.
+
+Nine days after our departure from Madeira, we sighted Bermuda. So
+calm had been the voyage that I was not troubled by sickness. A dusky
+pilot came on board, and conned the ship onward through the Narrows,
+and within a few hours we were securely fastened in the camber at the
+dockyard. Then came the dispersion. Many ships of the fleet whose
+commission was now drawing nigh to a close, were flying their
+paying-off pennant, the crews of which were full of gladness at the
+'Himalaya's' arrival, with reliefs, and, moreover, she was their
+homeward-bound ship. We boys were despatched to H.M.S. 'Terror,' a
+receiving ship at Bermuda. Here we were kept three weeks, during
+which time the other ships of the fleet steamed in from sea. One day
+the 'Emerald' hove in sight. All took an especial interest in this
+ship, as we had learned she was the worst ship in the fleet for
+boys--quite a 'waker-up.' Certain it was that some of us would be
+told off for her.
+
+The dreaded morning came at last, and on the quarterdeck of the
+'Terror' we assembled to await our destiny. "Boys whose names I now
+mention," said the officer, "will join the 'Bellerophon,' the
+flagship of the fleet." Then followed a long list of names.
+These 'Bellerophon' boys realised at the time it was better to be
+fortunate than rich. In proceeding, the officer said:--"Eight boys
+will join the 'Emerald.'" There was a silence that could be felt at
+this expression, and all, excepting those who had been told off,
+looked downcast and fearful. "Their names are," he continued,
+"so-and-so, so-and-so . . . . and Cowling." "And the lot fell upon
+Jonah."
+
+It took me many hours to recover from this blow, but the whole of us
+received the sympathy of all the other boys, who regarded us as
+embryo martyrs. Next day we eight were taken on board the 'Emerald'
+in her steam-launch, which came to fetch us. On boarding the ship, I,
+in looking round to observe what kind of man it was who wielded the
+cane, fell headlong down the hatchway with my bag of clothes. This I
+thought was an admirable introduction.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THREE YEARS ON H.M.S. 'EMERALD'
+
+I was ordered to join mess No. 7, to which belonged twenty seamen of
+different ratings. According to naval etiquette, the boy, together
+with a different seaman each day, who is termed cook of the mess, has
+to prepare the dinner, fetch the victuals, clean the utensils and
+take the dinner of any absentee to the galley to keep warm. In
+addition to these domestic duties, he has his work in the watch to
+which he belongs.
+
+The First West Indian Cruise
+
+Refitting work was finished, and in the month of January 1890 we left
+Bermuda for the West Indies. This was my first sea trip on the
+'Emerald,' as I had joined her a few days prior to Christmas 1889. We
+visited most of the islands in the Indies, and, on the whole, it was
+an eventful cruise. It would be a transgression of space on my part
+to enter into all the details of it, such as narrating occasions when
+we were caught in sudden squalls and how our gallant ship acted
+under stress of weather, though on one occasion a large cutter was
+washed away from the davits. However, I will narrate in brief one or
+two incidents. One night whilst lying at anchor off Dominica, the
+searchlight was used by way of practice. It was directed toward
+shore, and whilst traversing it from right to left, the beams of
+light enveloped a negro on the beach, who stood bewildered,
+transfixed. After a moment's hesitation he bounded away like a hare,
+the rays of light still following him, caused by manoeuvring the
+instrument on board. Breathless he halted, and then in a most
+terrified manner he turned about and ran in the opposite direction.
+For a minute the searchlight was not moved, and the man was in the
+safety of darkness. Judge of his dismay when again the light was
+played upon him, whilst he was resting from his rapid wanderings up
+and down the beach. Needless to say, it had the same effect. Little
+did the negro dream what fun he was causing amongst the bluejackets
+on our forecastle. Really, it was a shame to torment him so.
+
+At another island I went ashore with a party of seamen, and entered a
+plantation, where we freely helped ourselves to bunches of bananas,
+cocoanuts and other fruit. We were under the impression that fruit of
+this kind was common property, even as blackberries are in this our
+own land, and this explains the weight of our heavy burdens on our
+return journey. But this impression was soon to be banished from our
+mind, for presently we came in contact with a gentleman, who,
+understanding whence we had come, put a price on all our fruit. The
+burdens in consequence became considerably lightened. I had to
+satisfy myself with a few cocoanuts which cost a penny each, and was
+compelled to leave behind my much loved bananas.
+
+At Barbadoes each watch was granted forty-eight hours' leave. In
+company with others I landed to visit the sugar-cane plantations.
+These canes were being cut down by the thousand, and carted to the
+mill, where between two immense rollers the juice was extracted. Our
+guide passed round to each of us a cup of this juice to taste. He
+then instructed us as to the different processes by which sugar is
+made, and gave us the opportunity to see the large tanks in which it
+was stowed. In these huge tanks was to be found sugar from the
+highest degree of refinement down to the lowest degree of
+inferiority. But the sight which struck me most of all was the
+treacle-pit. I might enlarge upon the last sentence, but I forbear.
+
+In one harbour there was a sailing match, the competition being
+between the boats of the fleet. The second cutter of our ship, of
+which I was one of the crew, entered for the race. With the halyards,
+the sail was hoisted to the uppermost point, and the sheets pulled
+taut aft. With a fresh breeze away we scudded. The boat, was soon on
+her beam ends, taking in large quantities of water, which we bailed
+out with our caps; still, this did not matter, as she was bounding
+through the water like a wild thing. Crash! Crash! Went the mast, and
+the boat was nearly capsized. The midshipman who steered her had
+endeavoured to weather a schooner lying at anchor, but failed,
+colliding with her jib-boom. The mast was lashed in a temporary
+manner, and we proceeded, but not far, when a sudden gust of wind
+disabled us. We were signalled back to the ship and disqualified for
+further racing.
+
+The cruise being over, we returned to Bermuda with the fleet, and
+after taking in stores, left for the Newfoundland fisheries. Two
+other ships accompanied the 'Emerald' (V12)--the 'Pelican' and
+'Buzzard.' On this cruise, our captain being senior to the other two,
+we stood in the relationship of flagship to them, and flew the
+Commodore's flag until such time as we should again meet the
+Admiral's ship, when it would be struck.
+
+Before making any observations upon some incidents of this cruise, I
+will give the reader in barest outline a sketch of life on board a
+naval sea-going ship. At sea each man gets four and six hours' rest
+each alternate night--that is, if he keeps the first watch of the
+night, 8 to 12 p.m., his resting hours are from 12 to 4. At 4 he has
+to rise again and scrub decks, whereas if he is in his hammock from 8
+to 12, then he keeps the middle watch, returning to his rest at 4.
+Let us imagine the ship at sea. It is midnight. The bell is struck.
+Immediately is heard a deep bass voice to and fro the lower deck--
+"All the starboard watch! Heave out! heave out! heave out! Show a leg!
+show a leg! All the starboard Watch! Show a leg!" which means "Turn
+out of your hammock." At five minutes past midnight, a tinkle of a
+bell is heard, followed by the same deep voice calling "Watch to
+muster!" Every seaman has to run to the quarterdeck, and on the
+midshipman calling his name, has to give in his number. This being
+done the boatswain's mate pipes, "Sea-boats' crew and relieves fall
+in."
+
+In answer to this call the crew of the lifeboat and certain men of
+the watch who have special duties to perform, called 'tricks,' during
+the next four hours, present themselves before the quarter-master,
+who, being satisfied that the correct number there, dismisses them.
+Two look-out men are required for each hour of the watch, four for
+steering, the weather and lee helmsman being relieved every two
+hours, eight for the chains. The uniform time for heaving the lead,
+by which is ascertained the depth of water, is one hour, but as
+circumstances alter cases, it was found necessary on our fishery
+cruises to reduce the time one-half. So intense was the cold that
+each man upon entering the chain would bathe his hands in warm
+grease, provided for the purpose of enabling him to heave the lead.
+Here is a little story in connection with this 'trick.' Two men
+agreed one night to toss up a penny and to decide thereby as to which
+of them should do the full hour, in order that one of them might be
+relieved from his work--for, be it said, unless there are yards to
+trim, or sails to furl or set, the watch on deck can lie down to
+rest, but under no circumstance is any seaman allowed to go below
+until the four hours are expired. However, after a little parleying,
+they came to the conclusion that each would do his own 'trick.'
+Accordingly one did his duty, and was awaiting, to be relieved by the
+other, but not a trace of him could be discovered for some time,
+until at length he was found sleeping behind a large gun. This man
+then told his mate, by way of explanation, that he had had a dream in
+which he dreamt they both tossed up and he had won, and that
+therefore the one wanting relief was to do the hour's trick.
+
+When daylight dawns the 'look-out' is transferred from the topgallant
+forecastle to the forecross trees, or, if sail is set, to the
+foretopsail yard. Many an hour have I spent, from time to time, on
+the topsail yard, often sick and giddy, when the ship has been
+rolling and dipping. Thoughts of home would gather in my mind, and
+there aloft, where no human eye could see, have I cried aloud, giving
+vent to my pent-up feelings. Sick, I say, yes, and bareheaded, using
+my cap for a sanitary purpose, rather than get into trouble by being
+sick overt the sails.
+
+At 9 a.m. is the inspection of uniform, followed by prayers. Should
+it be Tuesday or Thursday, rifles and cutlasses are inspected, and
+each man is supposed to wear his boots. This to many is hateful. In
+my watch was a man named Timothy Hennesy, who on 'small-arm' days
+would bind with spun-yarn his big toe, thereby giving the inspecting
+officer the impression he had hurt it, and was in consequence excused
+from wearing his boots.
+
+Following this inspection, one watch goes below to make or mend their
+clothes, and the other remains on deck until noon. Dinner is piped,
+but it is not very tempting to one's appetite. Salt pork or beef with
+preserved potatoes form the menu. Spending the greater part of the
+three years at sea, our share of salt food was abundant, and in order
+to prevent scurvy, lime-juice was distributed.
+
+After this meal the watches change again, the forenoon watch below
+going on deck until 4 p.m., the other remaining below.
+
+I once endeavoured to make me a flannel. The stitches I must confess,
+were long and irregular; but worse than that, when attaching the
+sleeves to the main part, I misplaced end for end, so that when I
+came to try on this novel garment the wide part hung in bights around
+my wrist, the narrow part fitting tightly round my arm. So much for
+my reversed sleeves. No more sowing engaged my time in the watch
+below.
+
+At 4 p.m. tea is piped. It consists of a basin of tea minus milk, and
+a small allowance of hard biscuit. Food being so scanty in the navy,
+the sailors apply this appellation to their mess, 'The Drum,' thus
+signifying that as far as food is concerned the mess is as empty as a
+drum. "Which drum do you belong to?" they ask.
+
+Half an hour being allowed for tea, then another inspection of the
+crew in night clothing takes place. Sail drill is then engaged in for
+a couple of hours, and the routine of the day is brought to an end by
+the washing of clothes.
+
+At twilight the look-out man is called down from the mast-head, and
+takes up his position on the forecastle, the bow lights being lit at
+the same time. Hammocks are hung up at 7.30 p.m., and supper is
+indulged in, which the messes buy at the canteen, none being provided
+by the Admiralty.
+
+The life of a sailor boy is a very unpleasant one in a seagoing ship.
+Early in the morning he has to take his hammock on deck to undergo
+the inspection of the ship's corporal, who, before the boy is allowed
+to stow it, satisfies himself it is lashed up in the uniform manner.
+Then follows the inspection of knees and elbows, and should any boy
+not be clean, the others are deputed to scrub him. Next comes the
+climbing of the mast-head. These are but three of the many
+inconveniences he has to suffer until such time as he is rated O.D.
+or ordinary seaman.
+
+Every one knows that discipline and cleanliness go hand in hand on
+board our men-of-war. In fact the latter is carried to an absurd
+extreme. From four to six in the early morning, it is almost
+impossible watch below to snatch a little sleep, as immediately over
+their heads are men scrubbing, or holystoning the upper deck. I fail
+to see that "cleanliness is next to godliness" under such
+circumstances.
+
+Saturday is essentially a cleaning day, and nothing is overlooked.
+Decks are made as white and clean as possible, cables are
+whitewashed, guns are burnished; in short, everything appears brand
+new. The captain's inspection takes place every Sunday morning. So
+particular was our captain that he would never hesitate to descend
+into magazines to inspect every little corner, although the whitewash
+on the sides of these small rooms rubbed against his uniform at each
+movement.
+
+It was ever a great load removed from the mind of the petty officer
+who had charge of flats and certain parts of the deck when his
+inspection was over. But if fault had been found great was their
+fear.
+
+The payment of the crew, as in all ships, took place on the first day
+of each month. "Hands to muster for payment, soap and tobacco!" would
+shout the boatswain's mate. Any man was at liberty to forego the last
+two items, or the whole three for that matter. As a rule, however,
+most of the crew took up their money and bar of soap--two very
+needful requisites, the non-smokers preferring their two shillings in
+lieu of the two pounds of tobacco the value of which was deducted
+from the next month's payment.
+
+The First Newfoundland Cruise
+
+Now for the first fishery cruise. Halifax was our next port of call
+after leaving Bermuda. Halifax seemed dear to us after we had paid
+our first visit there, the reason being rather a curious one.
+Bum-boat men were wont to visit the ships with large quantities of
+sausages, which were quickly bought up, being regarded as a luxury. I
+have seen the cook's galley crowded with seamen frying these
+sausages, and on several occasions a sentry was placed to prevent a
+crush. Halifax! Sausages! The two names were synonymous to our crew,
+and even to-day I cannot partake of sausages without my thoughts
+wandering off to Halifax. Who can tell the laws of mental
+association! It was here that I first saw the present Prince of
+Wales, who then was in command of the gun-boat 'Thrush.' Ere leaving
+this port each man of the three fishery ships was served out with a
+pair of sea-boots and warm underclothing, in preparation for the
+intense cold we should feel on the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts.
+I understand the Canadian Government were responsible for this,
+kindly distribution. We left for St. John's, Newfoundland, and this
+port was our headquarters for the next few months. In cruising around
+the island from time to time, the most awe-inspiring sights were the
+ice-bergs and ice-fields which we passed day by day. Forteau Bay, the
+place where the gun-boat 'Lily' was wrecked, was pointed out to me.
+Sad to relate, we lost a shipmate on this voyage. Scudding along one
+morning under a fair wind with all sail set, and the crew cleaning
+guns, suddenly there arose the cry "Man overboard! Away lifeboat!"
+The order was "Heave to!" The poor fellow, however, had sunk beneath
+the sea almost instantly. The water being so bitterly cold it was
+supposed the cramp seized him. He, at the time of the accident, was
+outside the ship cleaning the muzzle of a gun, when she gave a lurch
+which overbalanced him into the sea. No frivolity was there that day,
+or for the ensuing week, amongst the crew. The unhappy event had a
+moral effect upon us all, and a deep solemnity prevailed.
+
+Leaving the fisheries, bound for Bermuda, we called at Halifax to
+return loan-stores, such as our boots and warm clothing. Arriving at
+Bermuda, our ship was put in the floating dock and overhauled
+preparatory to our second visit to the West Indies. Here again we
+spent our second Christmas. Just a word about it. Christmas day in
+the navy is recognised as the day of days. Even the ordinary routine
+is reversed, so that instead of the seamen pumping water, and
+sweeping decks, and similar duties, the petty officers do it. Then, I
+may say, nothing is overlooked in the way of choice victuals. Each
+man, as Christmas approaches, contributes to the caterer of his mess,
+so that no luxury may be lacking on Christmas day. Added to this, the
+canteen allowed each man six shillings, and this of course meant
+several pounds to each mess. Stint is a foreign word to most naval
+men, and Christmas-tide is a demonstration of this fact.
+
+Messes emulate each other as to decorations. Many crafty and
+dexterous men are there in all our ships who take a delight in this
+kind of work: they also vie with each other as to the quality of
+their plum puddings. Time would fail to tell you the ingredients with
+which they are made. This I know, that if one 'duff' should contain
+an extra ingredient to any other, that same 'duff' is pronounced the
+best. The number of ingredients, then, forms the standard of judgment
+for naval plum puddings.
+
+On this occasion a Dutch ship was lying near to the 'Emerald.' Most
+of the crew paid a visit on board, and having an abundance of good
+things, we welcomed them to enjoy them with us. To be sure no
+objection was raised on their part. Having thoroughly enjoyed their
+dinner, they exclaimed in broken English: "Good Engish Navy, we
+should dike to be in you navy to have food dike dis--we git no good
+dhings dike dese." Poor souls! evidently they understood we had at
+all times a similar mid-day meal, but this belief would have been
+contradicted by experience had they sat to dinner with us within
+three days. The Dutch sailors grew fond of us, and we of them, and
+this bond of social friendship was created on Christmas day, which I
+think was rather unique, as it fulfilled the spirit of the words:--
+
+"Peace on earth, goodwill to men."
+
+On the fisheries the captain had met with an accident, and was
+granted six weeks' leave at Bermuda. It being noised abroad that both
+he and his lady were coming on board at Christmas to inspect the
+decorations, special interest therefore was taken in the same, and
+the decorators excelled themselves in their art, far beyond the limit
+of the previous year's display. No pains were spared, no time
+begrudged to make everything as beauteous as possible. I have a
+secret notion that although the captain had not been on board for
+several weeks, being an invalid ashore, that such lovely decorations
+were not altogether a manifestation of sympathy on the part of the
+crew toward him, but rather the motive power, or the cause, of which
+the decorations were the effect, lay in the fact that his lady was
+accompanying him. That explains it. A word to the wise is sufficient.
+
+The idlers' mess (all tradesmen in the navy are termed idlers with
+the exception of carpenters) made an artificial fountain. It was
+surrounded with huge stones and dripping moss, and several spouts
+were in full play. It was most certainly a work of skill.
+
+All hands were on the watch for the approach of the steam launch
+bearing the two distinguished visitors. Presently she hove in sight,
+and also another from the 'Bellerophon' bringing the Admiral of the
+Fleet. In a short time the three were inspecting the lower deck. In
+each mess stood the cook, holding on a plate a piece of plum pudding
+for them to taste. As they entered each compartment pop-guns were
+fired as a salute.
+
+Over one mess were inscribed these words:--
+
+"Sir Baldwin's proved a noble man
+ Around the coast of Newfoundland,
+ And we hope the Queen will make him K.C.B."
+
+When the inspection was over the boatswain's mate piped--"Clear lower
+deck: hands cheer Captain and his lady," and ere the two had reached
+the upper deck, the drum and fife band played
+
+"For he's a jolly good fellow."
+
+Three cheers for the captain and his lady were heartily shouted by
+the crew. So overcome by these expressions of loyalty was the captain
+that he gave orders to the master-at-arms to inform the ship's
+company that words failed him to give an adequate reply.
+
+The Second West Indian Cruise
+
+On the 4th of the next month we departed for our second West Indian
+cruise with the fleet. I may here remark that we had three men on
+board who bore the names of Shrodnisky, Taglabeau, and Dobrisky,
+their nationality being Russian, French, and Dutch respectively. The
+former had the honour of being the ship's organist, but for some
+reason now resigned. The chaplain understanding I could play, sent
+for me, and asked if I would accept the post of organist and commence
+the duty on the following Sunday. I was very glad and thankful of
+such an opportunity presented to me, and replied in the affirmative,
+not entirely because it meant fivepence a day extra to my service
+pay, though of course this was a consideration, but mainly for the
+reason that it would afford me privileges for musical culture.
+
+The Sunday came, and I must have played the instrument
+satisfactorily, as at the conclusion of the service the captain
+congratulated me, intimating also that free access to his cabin, in
+which the organ was kept, should be afforded me whenever he was
+staying ashore at any port on the station. I thanked him, and seized
+such opportunities as they presented themselves for the purpose of
+practising.
+
+It may be of interest to remark that when church was 'rigged,'
+capstan bars supported by a bucket at each end constituted the
+extempore pew.
+
+I have often wished that such arrangements might be made in some
+places of worship. It would ensure a wide-awake congregation, for the
+seats would then be three inches in width without a back.
+
+On this second visit to the West-Indies we had many poor Sundays--
+poor, I mean, from a sailor's point of view. The organ was often
+lashed, and I had enough to do to keep my balance, the crew on such
+occasions clinging to fixtures such as hatchways and stanchions with
+one hand, and holding the hymn-book in the other, singing heartily:--
+
+"Eternal Father! strong to save,
+ Whose arm hath bound the restless wave."
+
+But some may ask, Had the desire to become a preacher diminished? Not
+at all; it was always present with me, and truth to tell, I was ever
+informing those around me, and even civilian friends ashore, that on
+reaching England I should enter the ministry, though at that time of
+day I knew not how my freedom was to be brought about. But confident
+I was that this passion for preaching was not implanted within me to
+be quenched by adverse circumstances, and often would this verse
+appeal to me forcibly: "O rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him,
+and He shall give thee thy heart's desire."
+
+Sometimes a religious meeting was held in the cell flat, conducted by
+the chaplain and a lieutenant, and my attendance at these meetings
+helped me to form a slight acquaintance with the latter. On Sunday
+afternoon he sent for me, saying that in the evening he was going
+ashore to take the service in a large church, and asked if I would
+accompany him and address the congregation. I went to my mess, and
+there in quietude--for on Sunday afternoons sailors indulge in a
+nap, and it was invariably so on the 'Emerald,' some asleep on the
+lockers, others under the mess-table, the ditty box of each man being
+the pillow--I prepared my discourse. The church was crowded that
+evening, and following the lieutenant's address, a hymn was sung, and
+it was singing! I have heard none like it since. I now preached to
+this multitude, and how attentive they were! That was many years ago,
+and I like to think that my first sermon was preached to a negro
+audience in the West Indies at the age of sixteen. The subject was
+Joseph as a type of Christ.
+
+On this second West Indian cruise the ships of the fleet took part in
+a sailing match from St. Lucia to Jamaica, the 'Bellerophon'
+departing a day or two in advance of the other ships. When clear of
+St. Lucia the screws were lifted, as no steaming was allowed, though
+I think the flagship used both steam and sail. Be that as it may, no
+other ship did. This match was a great competition, each commander
+doing his utmost to trim the sails to the best advantage. The
+'Pelican's' commander ordered all the heavy shot to be brought astern
+of his vessel, and all manner of schemes were resorted to to increase
+the speed. On the fifth day at sea we sighted the 'Bellerophon' on
+the horizon, and in a few hours overhauled her, thus gaining the
+position of the leading ship, which was maintained until we reached
+Jamaica. As the 'Emerald' passed her that day the brass band
+assembled on the poop to play "See the Conquering Hero comes." The
+last ship to pass her was the 'Canada,' the band playing--"Where have
+you been all the day?" which undoubtedly they thought very
+appropriate. The second best ship in the fleet for sailing was the
+'Pelican,' and for days she kept very close to the 'Emerald,' but
+never overtook her.
+
+As I now write, there hangs before me on the wall a picture
+illustrating this race, bearing this inscription:--
+
+H.M.S. 'Emerald'--12 guns.
+
+From St. Lucia to Jamaica, January 19, 1891. The fleet racing, the
+'Emerald' beating every other ship. Band of Admiral's ship playing--
+"See the Conquering Hero comes."
+
+At length the fleet reached Jamaica. Two ships (V12), the
+'Bellerophon' and 'Thrush,' proceeded up Kingston harbour, and on the
+night upon which the Great Exhibition was opened--and I think Prince
+George, the commander of the 'Thrush,' opened it--all the fleet was
+decorated aloft with incandescent lights--a truly grand sight. Two
+Russian ships were present, and their decorations surpassed our
+English display. One of them had the initial P shining between the
+foremast and mainmast, and G between the main mast and mizenmast.
+This was in honour of Prince George.
+
+Just another incident in connection with this cruise. Our ship lay
+anchored off Curaçoa, and one morning whilst hoisting the
+foretopgallant mast, the mast' rope entwined round the foot of a
+seaman, causing him to fall from the topsail yard to the topgallant
+forecastle. He lived but a short time afterward. A coffin was made
+and covered in blue cloth--the custom of the service--and we followed
+him ashore to the grave. There was in harbour at the same time a
+Dutch ship--in fact, the very ship whose crew we had invited on board
+at Bermuda on Christmas day. The Dutchmen landed, bringing on shore
+with them three beautiful wreaths, thus manifesting their sympathy
+and respect. At the graveside many of them begged to be allowed to
+throw in the grave a shovelful of earth, a still further proof, I
+take it, of their kindly feeling toward the 'Emerald's' crew in their
+loss of a shipmate.
+
+The fleet returned to headquarters. We prepared for the fishery
+cruise, believing it to be our last. The flag-ship had now received
+orders to leave for England as soon as the 'Blake' should arrive. One
+morning it was reported that the flag-ship's relief was coming up the
+Narrows. We had heard of this wonderful ship, of her heavy armament,
+and the electric lighting system on all her decks. What wonder, then,
+that we were anxious to behold her? As she drew nearer every eye was
+upon her, with the exception, however, of one man, who evidently took
+no interest in her arrival. He and I were together in a boat, and
+whilst I was gazing on the 'Blake,' he leaned over the side of the
+boat, and seized something that was floating along. He pulled it out
+of the water, and threw it on my foot. In less than a minute I was in
+an agony of pain, my foot swelled and burned with fiery heat, and I
+jumped about like a madman. I was taken to the sick berth, and the
+doctor treated it with oil and flour, which gave me a little ease.
+
+Now this, that my companion threw on my foot, was a fish known as a
+Portuguese man-of-war--at least, that is the name by which naval men
+know it. When floating on the water it resembles a glass bottle, but
+under the surface it has long fangs several inches in length, and it
+was these which stung me. He was very sorry that he did such a stupid
+act, but I suppose having read or heard about this class of fish, he
+thought he would put to an experimental test the power of its sting,
+and chose my foot for that purpose.
+
+The Second Newfoundland Cruise.
+
+The 'Bellerophon' left for Plymouth the day after. Whilst all the
+crews cheered her from aloft she steamed amongst the ships, her band
+playing meantime 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Home Sweet Home.' There was
+more than one on the 'Emerald' who desired to be on the flag-ship
+that day. We left Bermuda shortly after the 'Bellerophon' for another
+fishery cruise, calling at the Port of Sausages for warm clothing--
+yes, and for more sausages. At this time I was rated an O.D., which
+meant that I was regarded as a man. The dish-cloth was hung up in the
+mess as an outward and visible sign that we had parted company--for I
+may say until a boy is rated ordinary seaman, he is a slave to
+domestic work in his mess. Another change was made with this rating--
+I was transferred from the quarter-deck part of the ship to a
+flying-jib stower. A word of explanation here. The flying-boom is the
+furthermost pole projecting from the ship's bow, and the sail which
+is furled upon it is called the flying jib. Many narrow escapes had I
+on the flying-boom, having to cling to it for dear life when the ship
+dipped in the trough of the sea, causing me to be drenched through
+and through; then like a fearless bird she would rise quickly toward
+the sky, only to descend just as rapidly in the hollow of the next
+oncoming wave. Giddy, sick, and faint have I furled with my mate the
+flying jib, pinched with the cold and wet. It is impossible for me to
+put down on paper what the bitterness of my life then was--it cannot
+be reduced to writing. Often I found relief by stealing away to the
+topgallant forecastle, and on the wash-deck locker lay with my face
+buried in my arms and sob, praying to God to deliver me.
+
+A very monotonous cruise was this one. Anticipating as much, I bought
+a melodeon at Halifax, and in my evening watch below would play some
+of Sankey's hymns. The men were only too glad to sing, and presently
+the whole mess deck would ring with bright and hearty singing. This
+was as a tonic to me then, and is now, for nothing, to my mind, is so
+inspiring as music accompanied with powerful song.
+
+What was our surprise one day when steaming into St. John's harbour
+to find the city devastated by fire, which in some parts was still
+smouldering! It appeared that the fire had broken out a day or two
+previous to our arrival, and that it swept through the city in a
+maddening rush, accelerated by the high winds, and the dearth of
+water whereby to extinguish it. The heat, whilst the fire was raging,
+was so intense that all craft in the harbour had to put to sea in
+order to escape their sails being singed. Rich men's safes were taken
+to the water and cast in, and our divers were given the task of
+finding them again subsequently. We had looked forward to forty-eight
+hours' leave, but it was out of the question now. The Governor of the
+colony being absent from the capital, our captain took pre-eminence,
+and placed the inhabitants under martial law. Public houses were
+closed, and we patrolled the city night and day with blank and ball
+cartridges, for it was thought a panic might ensue, or worse still,
+that evil-disposed persons might set fire to the other side of the
+harbour, where were stored thousands of tons of cod-liver oil. A
+strict watch was kept afloat also, our steam-launch patrolling the
+harbour all night with an armed crew.
+
+What about the dangerous ruins--should they be left standing? A party
+of bluejackets went ashore with charges of dynamite to blow them
+down. In the execution of their duty one of them found a part of the
+silver communion plate which belonged to the English cathedral buried
+in the debris. He brought it on board, and a skilled tradesman
+converted it into various articles. I bought a ring which was made
+out of it, but unfortunately lost it overboard. As to places of
+worship, I think the only two which remained intact were the barracks
+of the Salvation Army. As a relic of that great fire, I have in my
+possession the stamp with which the books and papers in the Atheneum
+reading room were marked.
+
+There were landed from our ship quantities of stores, such as canvas
+to shelter the homeless people, and barrels of salt provisions as
+their victuals. The inhabitants after a while becoming somewhat
+reconciled to their misfortune, we left St. John's to see it no more,
+or so we then understood. We sailed for Bermuda, calling on the way
+at Halifax. "Just another cruise to the West Indies, boys, and then
+to dear old England," was the comforting assurance with which we
+often hailed one another. As on two previous occasions, so now again,
+we spent our Christmas at Bermuda with the fleet. The decorations on
+this our third Christmas-tide were not to be compared with the
+preceding year--a significant sign that there had been more scope for
+harmonious feeling between officers and men during the last twelve
+months. "Never mind, lads, we shall spend next Christmas at home,"
+was the word of consolation passed from one mess to another.
+
+It was customary when the fleet was thus assembled to hold
+battalion-days--that is to say, that all the various crews would land
+with their rifles and cutlasses, and a field gun from each ship.
+Headed by the flag-ship's band, we would be marched to a plain, and
+there engage in infantry drill as a battalion. Meantime the guns'
+crews were competing with each other as to their qualifications for
+smartness. The guns would be taken to pieces, unlimbered, and
+scattered on the ground, and the wheels of the gun-carriage wheeled
+away a considerable distance. On the order being given to "Limber up,
+and fire!" the crew which mounted its gun and fired the first shot
+earned the laurels. On one occasion the gun's crew of the
+'Bellerophon' gained the honour, but unfortunately, through the
+neglect of one to serve the vent, the poor fellow lost his right arm,
+which was blown into atoms. I am pleased to add that every man and
+officer in the fleet freely gave him a day's payment, which in its
+totality amounted to nearly a thousand pounds.
+
+It was during this stay at Bermuda that I was nearly shot dead. With
+others, I had landed to do my annual firing, which is required of
+every man in the navy. We had to fire ten shots from each firing
+point, which were separated a hundred yards apart from each other.
+There were six firing points, and therefore the limit for firing at
+the target was six hundred yards. I had fired my ten shots from the
+first point, and now had receded to the two hundred yards range. We
+fired in couples. I had made eight bull's eyes on the target, which
+delighted me, and after discharging my tenth shot my shipmate had
+still to fire his. He held the rifle in the firing position, and was
+in the act of pulling the trigger, when I passed within two inches of
+his muzzle. I just cleared it when the bullet was fired. It would
+have been my fault wholly and solely had an accident happened, as I
+ought to have dropped to the rear, instead of passing to the front.
+How can I doubt Providence in the light of this incident? It was God
+who made the trigger hard to pull that day, and I am positive that
+had it been an easy pull-off, the bullet would have passed through my
+head, as my mate fired from the kneeling position.
+
+At Halifax all men who had no tunic were ordered to get one. A tailor
+came on board and took the measurement of such men, taking on shore
+the cloth to make the tunics. Twenty-six shillings were deducted from
+my payment, this being the price of my tunic, as I belonged to the
+class who were deficient of this article of uniform. Strange to say,
+a notice was hung up on the board a few weeks later, stating that
+tunics would henceforth be abolished in Her Majesty's navy. Then
+followed abundant complaint. "This is a hoax," said one. "Better far
+had we spent the twenty-six shillings in sausages," remarked another.
+At the time this notice appeared, I had not even tried on my tunic,
+and by way of comfort, it was pointed out by the officials that the
+tunics might be exchanged for fruit in the West Indies. This did not
+appeal very strongly to any.
+
+For a long time a pet goat was kept on board. (By the way, I may say
+it was more of a pest than a pet.) It was the most curious animal
+that ever I had seen. It took a walk around the lower deck almost
+every night, making a dreadful noise which, of course, proved the
+means of awaking many sailors. The mess deck in the morning was
+usually strewn with boots and shoes, and the general cry was--"Where
+are my shoes?" for you may be sure that he who threw such weapons at
+the goat would not throw his own. Hence, if a man were looking for
+his shoes in the morning, it was a sure sign that he had not been
+annoyed by the goat's lower-deck visit during the night, or in other
+words, that he was a very sound sleeper.
+
+To the carpenters, however, the goat was useful, as it had a habit of
+eating the shavings which fell from their benches. That, to my mind,
+was the one redeeming feature of this goat.
+
+While we were at Bermuda it died. Scores of men went to its funeral.
+We managed to get a trolly and laid 'Billy' upon it. The procession
+was formed, and away we marched through the dockyard. Some of us were
+glad that we should see its face no more, others were rather
+sorrowful, and expressed their sorrow by wrapping around the goat
+their tunics. Never was a goat buried with such honours. I cannot
+tell you how many new tunics were buried with it, but there were
+many, and when it is remembered that the cost of each was twenty-six
+shillings one is right in concluding it was rather an expensive
+funeral.
+
+The Third West Indian Cruise.
+
+Away to the West Indies for the third and last time. We caught a
+large shark during this trip. Laying at anchor one afternoon in water
+which was infested by this class of fish, suddenly someone shouted,
+"There's a shark caught astern!" All hands hurried aft on the poop to
+see this sight. The bait, consisting of a large piece of pork, had
+invited this monster, which was now writhing in pain in the water.
+The gunnery instructor shot it, and with a jigger we hauled it
+aboard. It was then cut open, and a dexterous marine took out its
+back-bone, which he cleaned and varnished, and passing a steel rod
+through the various parts made an admirable walking-stick.
+
+Rowing ashore in the cutter one morning I espied on the landing steps
+of the pier at Jamaica a large octopus. It had been left high and
+dry, and was therefore "like a fish out of water." Understanding it
+was a deadly enemy, I seized a long boat-hook, with which I pierced
+it to death; then drawing near, I examined it thoroughly, and counted
+its suckers.
+
+I was at this time put in charge of the small-arm magazine, and
+whenever the ship was in mock-action--usually on Friday mornings--it
+was my duty to descend into the magazine, and hook on boxes of
+ammunition, which were pulled up by marines to the lower deck.
+Carriers would then run away to the upper deck with them, from which
+place they would be hoisted aloft, for the sharp-shooters in the fore
+and main tops. The duty of the men aloft in the time of war would be
+to shoot the officers on board the enemy's ships.
+
+Occasionally the bugle would sound 'Action' by night. No specified
+night was set apart for this evolution, hence it always came as a
+surprise. "Coming events cast their shadow before," but this is not
+applicable to 'Action' by night at sea; it is left entirely to the
+captain's pleasure. The response to the bugle call is a sight never
+to be forgotten. Every man dresses hurriedly--no, that is the wrong
+word, for I have known them in their haste put the leg of their
+trousers over their head in mistake for their jumpers, and others,
+including myself, put their feet through the sleeves of the jumper,
+mistaking them for trousers. And what wonder such errors are made,
+when at sea no light is allowed on the lower deck by night, and all
+is like sevenfold darkness! Each man has to put three hitches around
+his hammock--seven are the uniform number--but the enemy is in sight,
+therefore three hitches have to suffice to keep blanket and bedding
+together. The hammock is then unhooked, and if the bluejacket belongs
+to the former part of the ship, he has to bear it away for storage on
+the topgallant forecastle; if to the after-part, he carries it away
+to the poop. The reason for the hammocks being stowed on these two
+places, is to provide a breakwater for the enemy's shots.
+
+Every man rushes away to his respective station. Sharpshooters seize
+their rifles and climb the rigging; captains of broadside guns and
+guns' crews repair to their guns and cast off the securing chains;
+magazine men with a lantern descend the magazines. One who had never
+seen this sight would find it difficult to believe with what rapidity
+the movement is carried out. Two minutes after the bugle has sounded,
+some such order as this is given from the officers' bridge. "Enemy
+off the port bow! make ready with shrapnell shell. Distance three
+thousand yards. Elevation twenty degrees." The gun loaded, the
+breech-block closed, every captain of his gun stands to the rear with
+the lanyard in his hand awaiting the order "Fire!" which when given,
+the gun is fired, sponged and reloaded. The order might then be
+given--"Prepare to ram," in which case the sights are made ready for
+eight hundred yards, and the guns are fired by electricity, the guns'
+crews lying down under cover of their respective guns. Other drills
+are engaged in, until the bugle sounds:--"Cease firing," "Return
+stores." The men after obeying this command take their hammocks below
+deck, and providing they belong to the watch below, 'turn in' and
+resume their sleep; if to the watch on duty, they repair to the upper
+deck.
+
+One night whilst engaged in action an ammunition box fell upon my
+hand, taking off four finger-nails. This is only one of the accidents
+which happen at sea when the ship rolls heavily.
+
+As a ship's company our character would compare favourably with that
+of any other crew on the station. There were only eight desertions,
+and one court-martial case in three years. The 'Emerald' was anchored
+off Dominica. One evening an order was received to prepare for sea
+immediately, and proceed to St. Lucia to undergo the Admiral's
+inspection the next morning. The capstan was rigged, the anchor
+weighed, and soon we were at sea, and every man as busy as a bee. The
+main yard was lowered and scrubbed, decks received special attention;
+in fact, we were cleaning all night. In the morning we took up our
+anchorage at St. Lucia. "All hands" were rushing about their work
+like madmen. There was no help for it, so short had been the
+Admiral's notice of his inspection. One bluejacket was whitewashing
+the inboard part of the cable. The boatswain, believing he was not
+doing it as quickly as he might, passed a deprecating remark. The
+sailor in an instant seized a broom which lay near, and lifted it
+to strike the boatswain, but hesitated, and laid it down. He was
+put under arrest then and there, the charge against him being
+"Attempting to strike a superior officer." The boatswain demanded a
+court-martial, which was held later at Jamaica, the court passing a
+sentence of eighteen months' imprisonment upon the doomed man. This
+poor fellow in former years had been a heavy drinker, but during our
+commission had not taken a drop of liquor--not even his daily
+allowance of rum. It was understood that ere he left England he had
+promised a dying sister that he would not touch intoxicants again,
+and hitherto was faithful to his vow. He received the sympathy of the
+captain, officers and crew. As his pay would henceforth be stopped,
+though he were supporting a widowed mother, this sympathy took a
+practical form. A subscription list was opened, and all subscribed.
+In this way his poor mother received her half-pay as formerly, the
+captain sending it home monthly.
+
+As a matter of fact he had served a previous term of imprisonment,
+which was much in his disfavour, and he knew full well this would be
+taken into consideration by the court. With this thought weighing
+upon his mind, and whilst waiting his turn to appear before his
+judges, he wept like a child--he who was always so brave, courageous
+and manly. This is a touching instance--an instance of a poor soul
+striving to do right, striving to be faithful, amid daily temptation,
+to a sister who had gone before, yet because in a moment of weakness
+he was overtaken in a fault, he was treated in such a harsh and cruel
+manner. Certainly discipline must be maintained in the service, and
+had the matter been settled by the captain, his punishment would have
+been very lenient in comparison with that meted out by the court. But
+the boatswain demanded a court-martial. I will not dilate on his
+action, but remember the Master's words--"Blessed are the merciful,
+for they shall obtain mercy."
+
+Concerning minor punishments, they were meted out almost daily, such
+as fourteen days in a cell, seven days IOA or IOB. To be confined in
+a cell is the penalty for returning on board ship intoxicated, or for
+breaking several days' leave. For prudential reasons the knife and
+lanyard of a seaman is taken away when the sentence of cell
+confinement is passed. In his cell he has to pick a pound of oakum
+daily, which is weighed every night by the ship's corporal, and his
+food consists of bread and water, and for the greater part of the
+confinement he is deprived of his bedding. Let me give an amusing
+incident in connection with cell punishment. We had shipped at St.
+John's a young man as an assistant to the captain's cook. Departing
+from the naval rule of discipline, he received seven days' cell
+seclusion. One night when the doctor went his usual round asking each
+prisoner if all were well, this poor fellow replied: "No, sir, I have
+not enough to eat; I should like a pound of cheese from the canteen."
+Needless to add he obtained no cheese, and his very request indicates
+how greatly he lacked knowledge concerning naval discipline, but he
+learned it in the school of experience.
+
+I mentioned seven days IOA. Now, although I passed through my
+training days without being beaten by many stripes, I was not so
+fortunate in the 'Emerald,' though my punishment is but a pin-prick,
+hardly worth mentioning, but I do so in order to point out that I was
+no superior being. Strange man indeed would he be who, on such a ship
+as the 'Emerald,' never stood as a defaulter on the quarterdeck. Yes,
+I once received seven days IOA, which being interpreted means--That
+the bluejacket's rum is, stopped; that he is not allowed to smoke;
+that he only gets thirty minutes to dinner, and has to eat it with
+other IOA men off a piece of canvas spread out on the upper deck, and
+the other half of the dinner hour he has to whitewash spare cells:
+moreover, that he has to rise at 4 a.m. mornings and scrub decks--all
+this included in IOA. My readers will readily notice that the first
+clause is a means of strengthening the temperance cause, and
+non-smokers will see no punishment in the second clause, whilst those
+who are fond of picnics will consider the third clause a pleasure,
+but the pinch is felt in the fact that during IOA one's leave
+is cancelled. Now, IOB is similar to IOA with one or two slight
+modifications.
+
+Although I was not a smoker I once spat on the deck, and was marked
+doing so by the first lieutenant. He ordered me to patrol the deck in
+my spare time with a cutlass, and to capture the first man who
+repeated the sin, Next day I discovered a transgressor and took him
+aft to the officer of the day, before whom he confessed and was
+ordered to relieve me of the cutlass. The sin was a general one, I
+take it, if judged by the number of men to whom the sword was
+transferred.
+
+The Third Newfoundland Cruise.
+
+The last southern cruise was drawing to an end, and many were the
+conjectures as to which place we should depart for England, but the
+general belief was that it would be Bermuda. When arriving here, at
+the conclusion of the cruise, we heard news which faded the brightest
+hope and caused much murmuring. It was to the effect that we had to
+sail to the fisheries once more. Away to Halifax for another share of
+warm clothing' and at this port complaining ceased, and I will let
+you into a secret--the sausages proved the remedy. Who could grumble
+when living upon such dainties?
+
+On reaching St. John's we saw great improvements in the city. During
+our absence wooden buildings had been erected, and the appearance of
+a devastated place had vanished. I will write of two incidents which
+occurred--the first being pleasant, the second unpleasant. Our ship
+had moored one evening in a creek on the west of Newfoundland. It was
+a notorious place for salmon. A large net was put across the creek at
+its narrowest width, and on hauling it into the boat ninety salmon
+were caught. These were distributed to the messes, who all enjoyed
+the salmon dinner, being a pleasant change from salt meat.
+
+Sailing in the second cutter with a high wind blowing and having 'put
+about,' I noticed the lee-main-stay was not made fast, but was
+dangling outside the boat. I rose from the bottom of the cutter and
+stretched out my hand to seize it, when instantly the lee gunwale
+dipped under water and so did I, with the exception of my right leg,
+which was jammed crossways in the rowlock. In this position I was
+carried along for a distance of forty yards, and when the squall had
+passed over, the boat's crew pulled me in. When naval cutters are
+under sail the rowlock fittings are filled up with a piece of wood,
+which corresponds to the fitting. Someone had neglected to slip this
+piece of wood into the rowlock which held me by the foot. Thank God
+for that neglect; it was a kindly Providence, for it saved my life
+from drowning.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND
+
+Homeward Bound! All our stores which we borrowed from Halifax were
+transferred to the 'Pelican' for her to return. We left St. John's
+harbour one Sunday evening en route to Plymouth. The crews of the
+'Buzzard' and 'Pelican' hailed us 'farewell' as we slowly steamed
+away from our moorings, and crowds of people gathered on the wharfs
+to witness our departure. The paying-off pennant was streaming far
+astern, and every heart felt glad to see it. It was a sign of
+something beyond expression. Just one more look at the city, a
+hastening glance at our two companion ships, and we had cleared the
+harbour. In an hour the land was lost to view, and we were in a dense
+fog, ploughing the deep, bound for Old England. The wind proving
+favourable, plain sail was made, and for the next five days we made
+rapid headway. On the sixth day the wind veered round to the opposite
+quarter, and in consequence sails were furled, and our speed
+decreased. However, we were able to make sail again on the ninth day.
+
+What was my intense joy when on the morning of the eleventh day the
+man on the look-out shouted "Eddystone Lighthouse off the port bow,
+sir!" This delightful cry had almost the same effect as if the
+boatswain's mate had piped, "Clear lower deck," as nearly all hands
+rushed on deck. Breakfast was piped shortly afterwards, but only a
+scanty number went below to partake of it. I stood entranced with the
+old familiar scenes which were now becoming more and more visible; in
+fact, I cannot tell what feelings took possession of me. I have often
+since felt that the three years' separation from home and loved ones
+were compensated by the joy of home-coming.
+
+Yes, there was Maker Tower--the last object I beheld when leaving
+Plymouth in the 'Himalaya' three years before. Nearer and nearer we
+sailed until all the surroundings became distinct. Rame Head was
+passed, then Penlee Point, and now the Breakwater Lighthouse loomed
+in sight.
+
+"Clear lower deck! Hands shorten and furl sail!" was the order. "Come
+along, lads, it is the last time," said some sympathetic voices.
+
+The guns were made ready for saluting the Admiral and the Port. Then,
+having anchored, the salute was fired, the port guard-ship replying.
+A dense fog now settled down on Plymouth Sound, much to my
+disappointment, for I was on the look-out for my father's approach.
+Soon there was a cluster at boats round the ship, which had conveyed
+from the shore all manner of commercial men--Jews with watches for
+sale, and tailors with their patterns--for no bluejacket would be
+without his private suit--and others with articles of food. Only a
+limited number, however, were allowed on board.
+
+My uncle, who resided at Kingsand, had noticed our early arrival in
+the Sound. He had been requested by my mother to keep a sharp
+look-out for the 'Emerald.' She had given him money to purchase some
+food to bring afloat to me. He fulfilled his request with the
+greatest satisfaction, for an hour after we had anchored, he was on
+board, with a basket of provisions, enquiring for me. I gave him a
+hearty welcome, all the more so on account of the basket he bore, as
+I had foregone my biscuit and cocoa that morning and had had nothing
+to eat. I will just add that the contents of his basket were eagerly
+devoured by me and my mess-mates.
+
+My father, so it afterward proved, had been on the Hoe every morning
+recently, to see if the 'Emerald' had arrived, but on account of the
+fog this morning he did not walk there, knowing that such a fog would
+hide the Sound from view, so he contented himself with making
+enquiries, and was told that no ship had come from sea. As the day
+wore on he chanced to be in a shop in Plymouth, when one of the
+stewards of the 'Emerald' entered it, to purchase. That was enough!
+He flew away, bringing with him a large box of the best provisions
+that money could buy--it had been packed a whole week in readiness
+for my home-coming, so as there should be no delay when the ship
+arrived. A waterman rowed him down the Sound. In my heart I knew
+there was some mistake, as otherwise my father would have been one
+of the first to board the ship.
+
+However, about 3 p.m. someone called down the hatchway for me.
+Instantly I bounded away to the gangway, there to greet my father,
+who was now on board. We spent an hour together, and at 4 p.m. all
+visitors were 'piped' out of the ship. The coal was shipped--for we
+had been coaling all day.
+
+The boats were hoisted, and the anchor weighed. Being a member of the
+drum and fife band on the 'Emerald,' whose work was to play marches
+while the capstan was being manned, I must say that our march on this
+occasion was out of place. A gallop would have been suitable. With
+four men on each capstan bar, it was nothing less than a maddening
+whirl, whilst the cry sounded--
+
+"Heave ho! The last time my hearties."
+
+We left Plymouth for Portsmouth to payoff. One of the Portsmouth
+outfitters had made it his business to come to Plymouth, and to take
+the return passage in our ship. Truly he was a highly favoured man.
+Nor was he idle, for he was measuring men for suits of clothes the
+most of the night. I suppose he did not mind such night-work. We
+sighted Portsmouth in the morning, and after doing the customary
+steam trials, proceeded up harbour. Here, as at Plymouth, there were
+all classes of business men waiting in boats to besiege the ship.
+Most of them met with disappointment, as only a few were allowed on
+board. This matter was the cause of complaint being made in an
+evening paper, which said: "No such restriction was ever manifested
+by any other ship coming home from a foreign station," and after
+dwelling on the treatment which had been shown to many who had come
+alongside the 'Emerald,' the paragraph concluded with words to this
+effect:--"That the 'Emerald's' commission had been far from being a
+happy one," words which contained a great deal of truth.
+
+In the course of a few days we made fast alongside the jetty, and
+returned stores. This taking a month, then came paying-off day. This
+day is generally associated with the idea of a nice sum of money, but
+it was far from being so in my case as you shall see. My father had
+asked me at Plymouth if I should have sufficient money to pay my
+railway fare from Portsmouth to Devonport. Anticipating I should
+receive enough for this purpose ort paying-off day, I replied in the
+affirmative. But during the month at Portsmouth it gradually dawned
+upon me that my money due would amount to but a very little.
+Accordingly, I wrote home, informing my parents of the same,
+requesting them to send me three pounds.
+
+Having no curios with me save a folding looking-glass which I bought
+at Cape Breton Island, and a figured handkerchief from the Jamaica
+exhibition, I went ashore one evening at Portsmouth and bought a few
+little presents to carry home to my relatives in order that they
+should possess something to regard as a token of the 'Emerald's'
+home-coming. I did not inform them they were bought at Portsmouth,
+and for a time they were prized as presents brought home from foreign
+parts. I gave my father a walking-stick, but I rather think that he
+from the first knew it was a native of England. Anyhow, the joke has
+been discovered since, and has caused much laughter from time to time
+in the home circle.
+
+Three days before the dispersion the chaplain sent for me. On going
+aft to his cabin, he said, "Cowling, you may have the harmonium." I
+thanked him heartily for this present. Not desiring to take it home
+with me, I sold it to a local musician for seventeen shillings, with
+which I bought a reefer jacket to wear home. At last the happy day
+came. The captain, with his officers grouped on the quarterdeck, and
+the paymaster with his staff, began the work of payment. On the
+seaman's name being called, he stepped toward the pay-table and gave
+his number on the ship's book; then receiving the money due to him
+walked out of the gangway. It was now my turn, and although some of
+the men received from sixty to eighty, and one a hundred pounds,
+mine was the modest sum of three shillings and sixpence, despite the
+fact that I had been receiving eightpence a day in addition to most
+of them--five pence as the organist, and threepence for being a
+flute-player.
+
+How do I account for the contrast? In this way. Some men did the
+washing of others, charging threepence per piece, and a shilling for
+scrubbing a hammock, and others owned a sewing-machine with which in
+spare time they made uniform suits. Washing and sewing men were bent
+upon having a good pay-day. These two classes of men would seldom buy
+any article from the canteen. I should not say they were niggardly or
+selfish--their course probably was governed by self-denial, or it may
+be that their future marriage day was the solution of their conduct.
+As for myself, I never could eat with relish any service food,
+consequently most of my wages was spent in canteen food, and the
+remainder on shore. Therefore on paying-off day I received my few
+shillings as contentedly as those did who were the recipients of many
+pounds, for I had utilised my money in one way, and they were about
+to do so in another. That is all.
+
+Little groups of men gathered on the wharf to wish each other
+'good-bye,' as it was not likely they would ever meet again. I often
+think of Collins, who belonged to the same section of the starboard
+watch as I. He was a very witty fellow. He was asked one day where
+his messmate Jack Frost was? In reply he answered, "He is on the
+fore-yard shooting sparrows for the sick." This was amusing,
+considering at the time we were in a heavy gale far out at sea. On
+another occasion a civilian at Halifax asked him, "What do you
+sailors get to eat at sea?" "We live on wind and chew daylight," was
+his answer.
+
+When outside the dockyard gates I made off to a restaurant for
+refreshment, and then caught the train for Devonport, reaching it at
+8 p.m. My father and a friend were on the platform to meet me. We
+took a cab to the quay, from which a waterman rowed us across the
+harbour. Then a journey of another three miles in a carriage, and I
+was at home, sweet home. My mother and sisters, who had been on the
+tiptoe of expectation for the last hour, now bounded out of the room
+as the front door was opened, and I cannot describe what transpired
+in the lobby for the next few minutes. The tears of joy being wiped
+away, we all sat down to supper, my companion--he who tasted the
+leather strap in our school days--being invited to swell the number,
+and to complete the welcome home. Supper ended, I was made the
+recipient of various gifts from my parents and sisters. Amongst other
+things which my mother gave me was a jersey which she had knitted--
+every stitch of it. It happened one day that my sister took the work
+in hand and did a little in the making of it, but when my mother
+discovered this transgression, she lovingly unravelled the stitches,
+for she said "she desired to make it all herself." Such is a mother's
+love! Every winter since I have worn the jersey, and even now am
+wearing it on this cold December day as I pen these lines.
+
+Six weeks' leave were granted me for my absence of three years, which
+is the naval scale--that is a fortnight for each year, and I carried
+in my pocket the liberty ticket. Let me tell you what is written on
+it: The bearer's name, his height; the complexion of his hair, the
+colour of his eyes, his visible marks (if any) and the nature
+thereof, also a statement to the effect that he is free from arrest
+up to a given date which is specified--if not on board his ship at
+the authorised hour on that date he is regarded as a leave-breaker
+and punished accordingly.
+
+The six happy weeks passed away all too quickly, and I returned to
+the Royal Naval Barracks, or, as is understood in naval circles
+H.M.S. 'Vivid' From here, I was drafted to the gunnery college,
+H.M.S. 'Cambridge.' It was on this ship that I first saw our present
+King, he having come on board to inspect the guns' crews at drill,
+accompanied by his brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, who at the time
+was Commander-in-Chief of Devonport. After passing through a course
+of gunnery, which lasted eighteen months, I was sent back to the
+'Vivid.' Being entirely out of touch with a seaman's life, I
+requested to "see the captain" with a view of changing my rating to
+that of a ship's writer. He granted my appeal conditionally, which
+meant, that if I were in harbour when the next examination took
+place, I should be allowed to sit, but if away on a foreign station,
+of course it would be impossible. To qualify myself in order to
+succeed in passing this examination I received private tuition when
+ashore, for which I paid very dearly. Meantime an order was received
+by the officials to send a draft of bluejackets to Portsmouth to
+bring to Devonport H.M.S. 'Rupert.' We went to Portsmouth by train.
+Whilst engaged in taking ammunition on board, a box of heavy
+cartridge fell on my right foot, and took off the tip of a toe.
+
+I was barefooted, as it was a wet day. Being carried to the sick
+berth, my foot was treated and bound, and I was ordered to my
+hammock. On arrival at Devonport, the sick-berth steward took me to
+the hospital in the naval barracks, where I lay in bed six weeks. You
+will perceive that my right foot has been unfortunate. It was the
+right foot which was jammed in the crevice of the rocks the right
+foot upon which the Portuguese man-of-war was flung, and now again
+the right foot which received the fall from the ammunition box.
+
+Time wore away, and I was in a state of expectation as to what date
+the examination would take place. To my bitter disappointment I was
+told there was to be none that year. Then I began to fear lest before
+the next I should be sent away to sea, and thus lose my opportunity
+to enter. Again I was drafted to the 'Cambridge,' as one of her
+ship's company, and I still resumed my scholastic tuition ashore. A
+thrill of dread used to seize me when observing the ship's corporal
+walking along the deck bearing a slate, as it was an indication that
+someone was to be called upon to prepare for sea. Is it I? was the
+thought which filled my mind. However, the year had nearly passed
+away, and I was deeply anxious over the forthcoming examination.
+"Surely there will be one this year, as there was none last." Such
+was my reasoning.
+
+One day at the conclusion of my lesson, my tutor said he had very,
+unpleasant news to break to me. It was this:--That an examination
+would be held for civilians only, and that an order had been received
+stating that no seaman should be allowed to change his rating. Oh, I
+thought, was ever any disappointment so vexatious as mine? I left his
+house with a wounded spirit, and, having crossed the harbour, walked
+toward home, a journey of three miles, weeping bitterly and praying
+nearly all the way. The very heavens above seemed to me as brass, and
+my horizon appeared dark as the blackness of night; not a streak of
+light could I find. For two years I had been studying and working
+hard to qualify for this examination, and had spent most of my
+earnings in tuition, and now the issue was that in spite of my utter
+dislike to a naval life as a sailor, I must still pursue it.
+
+The memory of that awful journey comes to mi mind very forcibly at
+times, and when I hear or know of any sore disappointment occurring
+in one's life, I fervently pray to God that such disappointment may
+be immersed in the waters of kindly help and sympathy. May the Christ
+of Gethsemane comfort all wounded hearts, all crushed spirits, and
+make sorrow the seed of a new hope, even as He did in my life.
+
+On reaching home that evening my parents observed that I had been
+weeping, and on asking the cause, the pent-up grief again burst
+forth. Gradually I became calm, and conveyed to them the news which I
+had received from my tutor, the naval schoolmaster. They both agreed
+there and then, that by God's help I should be released from my
+unbearable life, and that steps should be taken immediately to that
+end.
+
+Shortly after I came home from sea I attended the Congregational
+Church at Cawsand, and here, under the influence of my pastor's
+preaching, made a decision for Christ. He soon put me in harness in
+church work, and for more than two years I studied theology under
+him, he kindly coming to my home every Monday evening to help me in
+that direction. Occasionally he set me an examination paper, and
+assisted me educationally in every way. This course of theological
+study began while I was yet in the navy, and often when boat-keeper
+at the lower boom of the 'Cambridge' have I spent hours in study. To
+test my preaching abilities, the Rev. Stephen Stroud, for such was my
+pastor's name, would take me into his church, where in a pew he would
+sit as a listening critic, while I preached from the pulpit.
+
+The next day I went to him and intimated my parents' decision in
+consequence of my vexation, and that they wished to purchase my
+discharge if possible, whereupon he gave me a letter to take to the
+commander of the ship. In the course of a few days I stood before him
+on the quarterdeck, and made known my desire to quit the service,
+and my detestation of a sailor's life. He did not thwart me in
+any way, but said the request would have to be brought before the
+Commander-in-Chief of the port, and the Admiralty.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+LEAVING THE NAVY
+
+Nearly three weeks had passed--oh, what an anxious time it was! Was
+there another sorrow in store for me? God forbid. Well, one day at
+noon, just as I had reached the ship in the staff gig, to which boat
+I belonged, the quartermaster rushed to the gangway and shouted--
+"Cowling, you are wanted on the quarterdeck immediately." I lost no
+time in getting there. In another minute I stood face to face with
+the captain, who informed me that the Admiralty had granted my
+discharge. "Right-about-turn! Quick march," was the order of the
+master-at-arms, but, believe me, it was more of a run than a march.
+My messmates were forehead awaiting the result, and as I approached
+them a dozen voices shouted--"How goes it?" "All's well," I replied.
+"You are fortunate," said they. Dinner was now piped, but I wanted
+none--my desire was to get on terra firma as speedily as possible. I
+pulled my bag from the rack, turned it upside down on the deck,
+distributing all the clothes contained therein, to the value of
+fifteen pounds. Then I wished my messmates 'good-bye' and went ashore
+in a gig, feeling like a bird released from a cage. Thus ended my
+naval career, extending to a period of seven years and nine days. I
+keep in my study an envelope containing my discharge paper and the
+receipt for same, which cost eighteen pounds. In reading it, as I
+sometimes do, my thoughts are carried backward to the day of
+liberation.
+
+My messmates had decided to present me with a beautiful Bible, which
+I never received, for this reason. Scarcely a week had passed from
+the day I stepped on shore a free man, when an order was sent from
+headquarters for a large draft of seamen to be sent to different
+parts of the world. Nearly all my former mates were numbered amongst
+the draft. Consequently they were scattered far apart, and no steps
+could be taken to carry out their intention. The kind feeling which
+prompted it I appreciate and accept, as showing what they would have
+done had the opportunity been forthcoming.
+
+Even in the weeding out of the 'Cambridge' this large company of men,
+I observe God's providence at work in my own life, for doubtless I
+should have been included in the draft, having been in harbour three
+years, which is considered a long stay. My discharge was granted me
+in the nick of time. "He doeth all things well."
+
+I found employment on shore in Plymouth as a contractor's clerk, and
+devoted more time to religious studies, for I now felt that as the
+greatest obstacle in my path had been removed, God would surely open
+my way to enter His service. He did. By the recommendation of my
+pastor I was admitted into Cliff College, Derbyshire, completing my
+training in London.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+Though for six years I had nearly become a Baptist, that is, a
+Congregationalist, I now stepped over the line, having studied the
+New Testament with an unbiassed mind, to get at the real truth of
+Scriptural baptism. Being convinced that immersion was the Scriptural
+mode, I forthwith became baptised in Bow Street Baptist Church,
+London.
+
+Shortly afterwards, I was invited to the pastorate of a Baptist
+Church in New Whittington, Derbyshire, where I laboured for a brief
+period, and at which place I first met the young lady who is now my
+wife. In the autumn of 1899 I accepted the call to my present
+pastorate, that of the Ashwater district of Baptist Churches.
+Understanding that under the new regulations existing which precludes
+Cliff College students from being recognised as fully accredited
+ministers, I set to work to overcome the difficulty by passing the
+two Baptist Union examinations.
+
+Such, then, in brief are a few outstanding incidents of my life, and
+such is the road I have travelled to enter the ministry--a hard road
+and painful, bedewed with tears, and strewed with withered leaves of
+disappointment and weary watchings, but I am bound to confess that it
+was the path marked out for me. No better training was ever afforded
+any minister, and to-day I can thank God for it all. What is the
+great truth which my career teaches me? This: that "God is in the
+heart of things, and all is well." That He is in every human life,
+directing, controlling, and superintending it. That nothing happens
+by chance, and that it is He alone who can transform the wilderness
+of blighted hope into a paradise of joy; can convert the vale of
+tears into the sunny path that leads upward to His throne--He alone
+who can chase away the darkness of night and bring in the sunshine of
+morning. Unto His name be all the glory!
+
+I cannot but hope that should any darkened life read this little
+sketch, that such an one may be inspired and comforted by so doing,
+believing that He who gently cleared my way, granting me the
+fulfilment of my heart's desire, will in like manner repeat His
+loving-kindness in that one's life.
+
+"Lead, kindly light, . . . .
+
+      .      .      .      .      .
+
+Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
+The distant scene; one step enough for me."
+
+
+
+PRINTED BY NEILL AND CO., LTD., EDINBURGH.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM LOWER DECK TO PULPIT***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 22588-8.txt or 22588-8.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/5/8/22588
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/22588-8.zip b/22588-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a2b5a6b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22588-8.zip
diff --git a/22588.txt b/22588.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eae78be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22588.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2490 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, From Lower Deck to Pulpit, by Henry Cowling
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: From Lower Deck to Pulpit
+
+
+Author: Henry Cowling
+
+
+
+Release Date: September 12, 2007  [eBook #22588]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM LOWER DECK TO PULPIT***
+
+
+E-text prepared by David Scott, the author's great-grandson
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+   Unusual spelling and punctuation has been transcribed as in the
+   original book.
+
+   The reader will encounter "(V12)" at various places in the text.
+   Its meaning is inapparent, but it appears in the original book
+   and was not changed.
+
+
+
+
+
+FROM LOWER DECK TO PULPIT
+
+by
+
+REV. HENRY COWLING
+
+With Portrait and Illustrations
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London
+S.W. Partridge & Co. 8 and 9 Paternoster Row
+1902
+
+
+
+Preface
+
+This little book is not written on my own initiative. I have not so
+much as given a hint of my 'naval days,' either from the pulpit or in
+conversation. But my friends have condemned me for being so reserved
+about the matter, and for a long time have, with persistent
+entreaties, been urging me to tell the story of my life. That they
+may now be satisfied, and that I may be left quiet, and, above all,
+that it may prove a blessing to all who read it, is the sincere
+desire of
+
+THE AUTHOR
+
+Contents
+
+   CHAPTER I.
+      EARLY DAYS,                      9
+
+   CHAPTER II.
+      JOINING THE NAVY,               21
+
+   CHAPTER III.
+      LEAVING FOR SEA,                37
+
+   CHAPTER IV
+      THREE YEARS ON H.M.S. 'EMERALD' 42
+
+   CHAPTER V.
+      HOMEWARD BOUND,                 78
+
+   CHAPTER VI.
+      LEAVING THE NAVY,               91
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+EARLY DAYS.
+
+Kingsand, though but a village in size, has a history of its own.
+Situated about five miles from Plymouth, on the Cornish coast, and
+being a fishing port, the inhabitants are on intimate terms with the
+sea. In the summer months one may observe many an indication of this
+relationship or intimacy'. Youngsters run about the beach and the
+village barefooted, most of them wearing the orthodox blue jersey,
+whilst young women, and even older ones, love to sit on the rocks
+near the sea and work away with their sewing or knitting, and, I must
+not forget to add, with their tongues also. Strange and startling are
+the stories one may hear which have been handed down from one
+generation to another concerning the smuggling days of long, long
+ago--and yet not so long ago, for even at this time of day my mother
+often narrates hair breadth escapes of smugglers which happened in
+her girlhood. In this village I was born on the 9th of April 1874. In
+visiting Kingsand from time to time, I have often stood and gazed at
+the old house in which I was born--not that any recollections in
+connection with it survive in my memory, for when I was only five
+weeks old, my father, who was in the navy, received an appointment as
+a gunnery instructor in the Royal Naval Reserve battery in the far
+north.
+
+Sometimes my mother indulges in a retrospect, and I love to hear her
+tell of that May morning when, she bade 'farewell' to her loved ones
+and dear old Kingsand, and how, wrapping me in a large shawl, she
+proceeded to Cremyll, a distance of three miles, from whence we were
+transported across the harbour to Plymouth in the ferry boat. Then
+came the long and tedious journey to Maryport. Sweet mother! how
+pathetic to me it all now seems.
+
+We resided at Maryport two years, during which time my eldest sister
+was born. Often would my mother carry me into the battery, and at the
+sight of the large guns, and the queer looking helmets hanging on the
+walls, my little smile would be converted into vehement crying. How
+little I dreamed then of my familiarity with them in after years! But
+I must not anticipate.
+
+After completing our stay here, my parents returned to Kingsand, but
+only for a brief period. It was at, this period that I met with my
+first accident. Crawling away from the front door I made all possible
+speed to a large tank of water close by. In looking upon it from an
+elevated bank of ground, I overbalanced myself and fell headlong into
+it. When rescued, my nose was bleeding profusely. It was a lesson to
+me, for during the few subsequent weeks we remained in Kingsand I
+remembered my 'dive,' and gave the tank a wide margin.
+
+We soon removed to Millbrook, a large village situated a mile and a
+half from Kingsand. In those days the quay at Millbrook was
+picturesque with groups of watermen who gained an honest livelihood
+by ferrying passengers to Devonport and back. But former things have
+passed away; and now two sets of steamers, well adapted for shallow
+water (for the landing-piers at Millbrook are governed by the ebb,
+and flood tide), have almost entirely dispensed with passenger-boats,
+and the trip from Millbrook to Devonport, or vice versa, costs the
+modest sum of one penny. People on the town side of the harbour take
+advantage of this, for on public holidays thousands of towns-people
+may be seen wending their way through the main streets of Millbrook,
+bound for the famous Whitsands, there to spend the day on the
+seashore.
+
+Never let anyone despise Millbrook, for, socially speaking, it may be
+regarded as an adjunct of Devonport. There is an interchange of
+passengers every day, and several hundred yardmen, who work in His
+Majesty's naval dockyard, together with many naval men, leave
+Millbrook every morning. Added to these, there are housewives, and
+their name is legion, who cross the harbour on Saturdays for the
+purpose of shopping, for they are cute enough to realise that their
+steamer fare can be cleared on two pounds of sugar-that is to say,
+the same article would cost a penny extra at home. In addition, then,
+to the profits gained on other articles which they purchase--for
+their baskets are of no mean size--the pleasant cruise across the
+harbour costs practically nothing. As a result of this steamer
+traffic, trade has dwindled considerably in Millbrook.
+
+I speak of Millbrook as an adjunct of Devonport. Perhaps some will
+object to this, as both places are located in separate counties, the
+former in Cornwall, the latter in Devon; others, who may be somewhat
+narrow in thought, may think this view of mine reduces Devonport in
+the scale of townships. However, as the ties between the two places
+are so strong that even water cannot separate them, I hope to be
+forgiven if my estimation of the village as an adjunct be incorrect.
+
+The village itself is a pleasant place and lovely to behold. Like a
+nest built in the heart of a thick tree, so Millbrook lies within the
+heart of a beautiful valley. It is bounded by the Maker Heights on
+the right, and the high cliffs on the left and in the bend. Hard by
+are Mount Edgcumbe Park, and the Hamoaze in full view. Enough: I will
+say no more as to the description of it, lest my readers may think me
+vain. But I cannot refrain from asking in this connection: Who would
+not be proud of being a Millbrooker?
+
+My conscious experience of life began in Millbrook. Well do I
+remember the morning when with a company of other little boys I was
+marched away from the girls' school where I had hitherto been as a
+young scholar, to the boys'. Then followed the long and tedious years
+of school-life. Did I like my school-days at Millbrook? To this
+question I must give an emphatic No. One day my companion and I
+showed this dislike in a very practical manner. It was the custom
+to take our books to school in the morning, and to bring them away at
+the expiration of the day's teaching. On the day in question we
+departed from this rule by bringing away our books at noon, our
+object being to spend the afternoon in taking a walk on the country
+road. When the bell rang at 2 p.m. for the purpose of resuming work,
+we made off in an opposite direction to the school. We considered it
+would not be wise to carry our slates and books in our hand, and
+therefore by way of protection, we stuffed them under our waistcoats.
+This gave us the appearance of an abnormal size, and a curious shape,
+at least I thought so; for everyone we met looked upon us with an air
+of suspicion. I have often wondered since, whether or not this
+suspicion grew out of experience in the life of many whom we passed
+that day-whether or not they really knew what we were doing.
+Certainly we did not know what we were doing, for we entered the
+village at 3.30 p.m. (school-time was over at 4 p.m.) half an hour
+too soon. "How is it you are out of school so early?" asked our
+respective mothers. What a dilemma we were in! Suffice it to say,
+that my mother said "she was not sure but what she should report this
+matter to my father." Did she? No; ere my father returned at even, I
+resorted to a happy way I had of rendering house-hold assistance,
+such as putting coal on the fire, etc., which I knew would go a long
+way to dull the memory of my afternoon's walk in my mother's mind. In
+the evening when father came home he asked the question as was his
+wont: "How has Henry been to-day?" "As good as gold," replied mother.
+
+What about my companion? How fared it with him? He is able to inform
+you best on that point, for he learned by experience on that occasion
+the awful sting of a leather strap. Never since in his lifetime has
+he been half an hour before time. Who can tell the injury a leather
+strap may do!
+
+From my very earliest days the desire to become a preacher was ever
+present with me, which desire became intensified as the years sped
+by. As a strong manifestation of this fact, I was often found in the
+garden addressing the cabbages, which in my youthful fancy
+represented the congregation, and on Sunday evenings when my parents
+were at chapel, a habit of mine was to rear a chair upside down
+against the wall, get within the bars of my chair-pulpit, and address
+my two sisters.
+
+Strange to say, running parallel to this habit of preaching was a
+fond love for the water, and it may be said in a literal sense that I
+was as fond of it as a duck. I am told that when an infant under the
+care of any person other than my mother, nothing in the world would
+quiet me except a bowl of water and a sponge to play with. Naturally
+this liking developed, as you will see. Separated by a thick wall
+from the Millbrook lake is a large mill-pond, which, when emptied of
+water, is very muddy. How we, as schoolboys, delighted to roll in
+this mud (for what is dirty to a school-boy?) and then jump over the
+other side of the wall and swim in the wake of the paddle-wheel
+steamer! On one occasion, the Vicar, who from the vicarage could
+watch our habits, observed that during the day I had bathed nine
+times, which thing, he gave my parents to understand, was very
+weakening. "Twice a day," said he, "is often enough." I think so too,
+now, but did not then.
+
+On Saturdays a party of us boys would wend our way to the Whitsands
+for the purpose of bathing in the open sea. This we regarded as
+something totally different from that of our daily bathings in the
+lake; and in point of fact it was, for the water was purer and
+fresher, and soft golden sands took the place of mud strewed with
+broken pieces of glass and other refuse. Oh! how we loved to rush
+headlong through the giant waves which came bounding in from seaward.
+How much better was this than learning a proposition of Euclid! The
+boy who swam furthest out to sea was looked upon as the hero of the
+hour, indeed through the whole week, until Saturday came again, when
+some other boy would endeavour to swim beyond the limit of the
+previous week. In this way we instituted a competition between
+ourselves in the art of swimming.
+
+One Saturday the scene changed, for after the delight of bathing came
+misery; after joy came pain. It is ever so. The shadow is always with
+the light. After dressing ourselves, we made a hasty retreat over the
+rocks, as it had now begun to rain, when lo! my foot was caught in a
+crevice. I wriggled it to and fro, with the hope of extricating it,
+but in vain. The other boys were now a long distance In front, and
+there with my foot jammed between the rocks was I, like a rabbit
+caught in the gin, shouting "Mother! Mother!" though she were four
+miles away. If ever I needed a trumpet voice, it was then. At length
+by the help of a friend who came to relieve me, I was set at liberty.
+For many years after this incident, my ankle-bone remained swollen--a
+memento of that Saturday afternoon.
+
+But I must pass on. I was now nine years of age and organist in the
+Wesleyan Sunday School, having for the past two years studied music
+under my father. Added to this, I formed part of the Wesleyan church
+choir. Sunday therefore to me was a very busy day, made exceptionally
+so, as apart from church and school work, the intervals were filled
+up with music and singing at home, in which all the family joined.
+Our house was indeed a house of song.
+
+It was now determined by my parents that I be sent to a Devonport
+school, as I had passed out of the seven standards in the school at
+home. Accordingly a contract was entered into between the
+schoolmaster and my father, forms were duly filled in, and I was to
+begin my schooling on the following Monday. This I looked forward to
+with the utmost pleasure: one reason being, and not the least, that
+it meant two trips in the steamer every day; but judge of my grief
+when on the Sunday it became apparent that I had the measles. So the
+next morning, Instead of going off in the steamer to school, I was
+kept in bed, and for seven weeks was confined at home.
+
+When well enough to go out again, I, with two other boys, decided to
+join the Navy (I was now twelve years old). We sauntered along the
+road until we reached the pier, and there, right before us, stood the
+leviathan training ship--H.M.S. 'Impregnable.' My little heart
+quailed within me at the very sight of her, a great fear overshadowed
+me, and I lost no time in returning to Millbrook. On my return
+journey I was half sorrowful and yet half glad that I did not go on
+board--a strange feeling. The two other boys, who were many years my
+senior, did not pass the medical examination, and consequently were
+rejected for the service.
+
+Steps were taken again with a view to my schooling at Devonport; this
+time I went, and these school-days I recall with pleasure, though
+they were fraught with a powerful temptation, which I shall presently
+describe. I have a vivid recollection of the first day. Steaming up
+the lake at very low water, and being somewhat foggy, our boat stuck
+on the mud. Worst of all, it was ebb tide, and here we had to wait
+for the return of the in flowing tide. We schoolboys gathered
+together in the engine-room and did our home-lessons. In a few hours
+we floated and very soon reached the landing place, and we arrived at
+home about midnight. That was the first and last time I ever did my
+lessons afloat, or rather on the mud.
+
+The object my parents had in sending me across the harbour to school
+was that I might receive an efficient training to enable me to pass
+the Dock-yard Civil Service examination which, by the way, is locally
+considered the highest distinction a boy can attain, providing he be
+qualified to pass the examiner. No romance is connected with these
+days, save that on one occasion my companion asked me to accompany
+him to Devonport Park to watch a football match instead of attending
+school in the afternoon. Remembering the leather strap to which I
+have already referred, and thinking that with this new schoolmaster I
+might have a second taste of what my poor friend received on that
+memorable day, though not with a strap, yet with something just as
+sweet, I considered it wise not to visit the park.
+
+But this boy used much persuasion, and in a short time we stood in
+the park watching the game, which proved not so interesting as he had
+anticipated. "Shall we go to school?" he asked. "We shall have time
+to get there before it opens." "No," I replied; "you have persuaded me
+to come here, and now I shall stay." We both did. I never played
+truant again after this day. Did the schoolmaster become acquainted
+with this breach of discipline? No; or I am afraid he would not have
+given me such a testimonial as I now hold in my possession.
+
+At this juncture I became a member of the drum and fife band, under
+the supervision of the Millbrook Band of Hope Committee. Never shall
+I forget our bandmaster. He was a strict disciplinarian. No looseness
+was allowed in our playing; thoroughness was stamped on every tune we
+played. On practice nights he took each of the boys aside, and one by
+one each had to play the music as set--every note must be clear and
+distinct. Occasionally our band would march through the village, the
+drum major with his staff leading.
+
+Those days of memory, so near and yet so far!
+
+Then came the Sunday when he was lowered in the dark, cold grave, and
+we solemnly played whilst encircled around it--
+
+"Goodnight, beloved, not farewell!"
+
+He went home to Music-Land, where they praise Him day and night.
+
+One day we shall all meet again, and together with him we will tune
+our song to harps of gold.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+JOINING THE NAVY
+
+Now about the temptation already hinted at, and all that followed in
+its train. The steamer in which I crossed the harbour twice daily,
+passed quite close to the 'Impregnable,' and thus gave me ample
+opportunity to scan her vast dimensions, and to gaze in wonder at her
+tall masts. But best of all was to see the sailor-boys on the
+forecastle, in the rigging, and manning the boats which were fastened
+to her lower booms. At the sight of all this my little life seemed to
+be thrilled, and oh, how I longed to become a sailor boy! I would
+give all the gold in the Mint did I possess it, in exchange for the
+realisation of my yearning desire. How nice to pull the ropes, to
+climb the rigging, but, above all, to wear a sailor's uniform.
+Thoughts such as these haunted my mind constantly, and this daily
+allurement only helped to swell the number.
+
+Full well I knew my parents would not consent my joining the navy.
+Still, one day I ventured to broach the subject to my mother, who
+replied "That she could not bear to hear of such a thing." The
+craving still grew, and my parents, clearly understanding the bend of
+my inclination, made a compromise, steeped in love. This was it:
+"Seeing you have such a desire for the sea, we have been praying much
+about the matter, and after due consideration, conclude it will be
+far better for you to join the service as a young man, not as a poor,
+helpless boy. You shall have the trade of a shipwright--(the same,
+trade as the one I should have been apprenticed to in the dockyard,
+had I desired to pas the necessary qualification, but as a matter of
+fact, this desire for the sea swallowed up every other)--and when out
+of your time you will be in a different position to enter!" All this
+my uncle, who himself had been in the navy, corroborated by saying:
+"I should not put a dog before the mast--poor boys are huffed and
+cuffed shamefully; but when a young man has a trade, and then joins,
+his treatment, by reason of his manhood and trade, is totally
+different."
+
+After all this advice my enthusiasm cooled down, only to reappear in
+a short time with greater fervour. In the meantime, I was apprenticed
+to a shipbuilding trade, and although seven years was the required
+time to learn it, I gathered it all up in one week. Wonderful!
+wonderful! for in that short time I was taught how to fill up a hole
+with putty, and this is the extent of my practical knowledge of a
+shipwright's task to-day. Do you mean that you only stayed a week?
+you ask. That is all. And my mother had kept, until within a few
+months ago, the little white smock-frock, which I wore in my work, as
+a reminder in calico of my shipbuilding days.
+
+During this week I met with still further enticements to become a
+sailor boy. The building yard being in close proximity to the
+'Impregnable', I could hear the brass band every morning, and what is
+so enticing as music? Then, again, hundreds of boys came ashore in
+large pinnaces, landing within a few yards from me, each carrying a
+rifle. This was more than I could bear by way of temptation, and
+impressing my parents how very much I should abhor seven years in the
+shipbuilding yard, intimating that nothing would satisfy me but to be
+a sailor-boy, they, within the course of a few weeks, very
+reluctantly yielded to my burning request.
+
+Having passed all necessary requirements, I joined the navy on my
+fourteenth birthday. It was Monday morning, and after eating my
+breakfast, I rose and wished my mother and sisters 'good-bye.' Sorrow
+filled their hearts and tears their eyes--not so much because I was
+leaving home for a long time, as I should see them again before the
+week expired, but even this parting was considered long, for hitherto
+I had not slept one night away from home. I say not so much because
+of this fact, as that they were doubtful as to whether I was taking
+the right step or not. My parents impressed upon me that even now it
+was not too late to change my mind, even though my papers were all
+signed. I can remember how eagerly my mother pleaded to burn them,
+coaxing me to sit down and have another cup of tea, and to forget all
+about the navy in the drinking of it.
+
+Truth to tell my enthusiasm was fast dwindling away, but enough was
+left at that moment to wish another 'farewell,' and to pass down the
+street With my father who walked with me to the pier and watched the
+boat bear me to the ship "Would to God I had never left home on that
+morning," was an expression often on my lips during my career in the
+navy. My mother's tears had been shed on the fire of my passion--it
+was now becoming quenched, but not until it was too late did it
+become extinguished--that is, when I had boarded the ship and given
+up my papers to the authorities.
+
+So my readers will understand that it was with a heavy heart, yea and
+with a great deal of reluctancy, that I entered the navy--that
+despite the great flame of enthusiasm that had been burning in my
+young life, it dwindled away almost to the point of being
+extinguished on this memorable morning; yet something within urged me
+quietly on and on till that which was done could not be undone.
+
+I was now sent to H.M.S 'Circe,' the outfitting ship for young
+recruits, to get my uniform. On reaching the top of the companion
+ladder a ship's corporal (i.e. a naval policeman) approached me and
+asked, "Had I any money or jewellery?" If so, it must be kept in his
+custody until such time as I should be prepared to join the
+mother-ship, the 'Impregnable.' I handed him the eight pence which
+I carried in my pocket. After being ordered to read from a board
+certain rules and digest them, then came the bath, followed by the
+dinner, which latter consisted of a piece of fat pork (called 'dobs,'
+I afterward learned, in the training-ship) and a thick piece of
+bread, neither of which tempted my appetite.
+
+I ate nothing that day, and when a fortnight later my civilian's suit
+was sent home, the sausage rolls which I carried on board with me
+were discovered in my pocket. I cannot hope to describe the feelings
+through which I passed on this first day. My poor little heart nearly
+broke--it was my first lesson in the school of sorrowful tears. "Oh
+that I had listened to my parents' advice this morning," was what I
+whispered to myself a hundred times before closing my eyes in sleep
+that night.
+
+The day wore away slowly--oh, so slowly! I became homesick, and ran
+from one port-hole to the other watching the Millbrook steamers pass
+to and fro, endeavouring thereby to persuade myself into the belief
+that after all I was in touch with home. This gave me a kind of
+satisfaction, as it seemed to sever my thoughts, or rather to loose
+them, from the floating cage, and link them and my love to home, yea,
+and even to the passing steamers.
+
+Just as when a traveller in a foreign land meets with a friend of his
+native town, and is filled with delight and fond memories of the
+home-land by such an event, in like manner did I regard those
+steamers--they were connecting links uniting my heart to my home.
+Nor is this comparison overdrawn, for my readers must bear in mind
+that I was only a little boy. And how very natural homesickness was,
+amidst such strange surroundings, and, with no liberty, only they who
+have passed through a similar experience know.
+
+Then came the hour for 'turning in.' As I lay in the hammock that
+night I could not but contrast this birthday with my last. The last
+represented sunshine, joy, merry laughter and freedom; this, darkness
+sorrow, tears and confinement. The tears began to flow, and I wept
+myself to sleep.
+
+More than once during my subsequent visits to Devonport have I stood
+on Mutton Cove pier gazing intently on groups of boys gathered
+thereon waiting for the ship's boat to bear them over to the
+'Impregnable' with a view of joining the navy. Standing there, my
+sympathy has gone out toward them as a flood and I have prayed that
+their first night's experience afloat might not be a repetition of
+mine.
+
+The three days on this outfitting ship were spent in marking my name
+on the clothes which constituted my kit, pumping water for the
+cooks' galley, helping to scrub the decks and wringing out swabs. On
+the Thursday, I, with other novices, was sent to the 'Impregnable' to
+commence my training in seamanship and gunnery. Every Thursday half
+a day's leave is given to the boys, and we were granted this
+privilege. How glad and thankful I felt! After landing, I hastened
+home with all possible speed. The sight of me in my uniform overcame
+my mother's feelings, and oh! how bitterly she wept, and how often
+did she ask me that afternoon whether I thought I should like the
+service or not.
+
+I comforted her as best as I could upon wishing her 'good-bye' by
+saying I should be ashore again on the following Sunday, and with a
+heart as heavy as lead I trudged back to the ship.
+
+Let me at this point give my readers an outline of the routine on the
+training-ship. 'All hands' rise at 5 a.m., lash up their hammocks and
+carry them to the upper deck for storage. One half of the boys of the
+watch take a bath and are inspected before dressing by the
+instructors. All the other boys in the ship scrub decks. Breakfast is
+piped at 7 a.m. At 8 a.m. the topgallant mast is hoisted, and the
+upper yards are crossed. Eight bells are struck, the national anthem
+is played, and the yards are ordered to be swayed across' at one and
+the same time. There is discipline! Decks are swept, the mess deck
+receiving special attention, the cooks of the messes (and every boy
+has to take his week in rotation) polish the utensils, so that they
+shine as bright as silver, and the watch on deck coils the ropes and
+polishes the brass work. At 8.45 the bugler sounds the 'general
+assembly.' Each watch falls in for inspection on its respective side
+of the deck--that is, the starboard watch on the right side, the port
+watch on the left. This being done, the band assembles on the poop,
+and the officers' call is sounded, in response to which they troop up
+from quarterdeck hatchways. "Attention!" shouts the instructor, at
+the same time saluting the inspecting officer. Every boy stands as
+erect as possible Then begins the inspection. Nothing escapes the eye
+these officers. Woe betide the boy whose duck suit is not spotlessly
+clean, or who has a button off his trousers, or whose suit is in need
+of a few stitches. He is severely reprimanded--the instructor makes
+a note of it in his book; and should this be repeated, the boy is put
+in the Commander's report and receives six cuts with the cane.
+
+Each officer reports to the Commander when he has inspected his
+division of boys, and then the bell is tolled for morning prayers,
+which are said by the chaplain. All Roman Catholics are weeded out of
+the two watches, and are marched forward under the forecastle during
+prayer-time.
+
+Now, should it be Monday morning, sail drill is engaged in until
+noon, but only on this day, whilst on other mornings one watch
+attends school, and the other, gunnery and seamanship classes. The
+advanced gunnery classes receive their training ashore in the drill
+field. Seamanship classes are held on the lower deck, and every boy
+has to pass out of one instruction before being admitted to the
+other. In these lower-deck instructions the first is the lashing up
+of the hammock and in the laying out of the kit in the uniform
+manner; then follow the 'bends and hitches' class, the reading of the
+semaphore, knots and splices, and so on. I may Say that boat sailing
+and swimming and heaving the lead are also included under the
+seamanship course.
+
+To most of the local boys, swimming exercise was as play, and
+accordingly they received V.G. (very good) on the instructor's class
+book on passing-out day. To pass out, the boy must be an efficient
+swimmer, and able to swim in a duck suit a considerable distance.
+Boys on the other hand who had been brought up as strangers to the
+sea, regard this instruction with much fear, and it becomes a terror
+to them. All these exercises passed through, which in most cases
+require a year, the boy then receives the rate of a first class boy
+as distinguished from a second class.
+
+But to return to the routine. At 11.30 a.m. school and instructions
+are ended, the bugle call for drill aloft is sounded, and then there
+is a mighty tumult. Hundreds of boys are running along the decks and
+up the ladders, and as though they were not smart enough, ship's
+corporals make use of their canes very freely. At 11.45, in the
+midst of drill, the bugler sounds: 'Cooks.' Cooks of messes repair to
+the galley, fetch the dinner and lay it out under the supervision of
+the caterer of the mess, who is generally a senior boy. At 12 a.m.
+dinner is 'piped,' and every boy sits at the table according to his
+seniority--that is to say, if one has been in the ship six months,
+sitting next to him would be the boy who had joined the mess after
+him in the order of time. It will thus be readily seen that every boy
+has his own seat at the mess-table. But lest partiality should creep
+in amongst the boys in the messes so that A would have a far better
+dinner than B; and poor C all bone on his plate, or, as they say,
+"two spuds and a joner," this order is very often reversed, and this
+means that the caterer finds himself at the end of the stool with the
+dinner of the youngest boy before him to eat, and it also means that
+this last recruit in the mess finds himself possessor of the
+caterer's plate of dinner.
+
+At 1 p.m. instructions are resumed, and concluded at 3.30 p.m. The
+boatswain's mate then pipes, "Hands shift in night clothing." The
+uniform of the day is then taken off, and each boy wears a blue
+serge suit. At the call of the bugle the boys fall in on the upper
+deck with the clothes for washing. These are inspected by the
+instructors for the purpose of seeing that each boy has stops in his
+clothes--that is, two sets of string in each garment for hanging on
+the line. This inspection of stops being over, then follows the
+shrill cry, "Hands scrub and wash clothes."
+
+I cannot hope to describe the scamper there is at this moment for the
+tubs of water, and the reason for it is this--that the tubs are
+limited, perhaps three allowed to each mess of twenty boys, and
+considering the washing has to be done in a short time, the reader
+will understand the cause of this dreadful war. And it happens every
+day with the exception of Thursdays and Saturdays, when no washing is
+done. The articles for washing on the various days are as follows--
+Monday, a duck suit; Tuesday, a day shirt, night shirt and flannel;
+Wednesday, a duck suit; Friday, hammock or bedcover. Clothes being
+hung up, the upper deck is washed down and tea is 'piped.' After this
+meal the boys have an hour or so to themselves--the schoolroom is
+opened for reading and draught-playing, etc.
+
+At 7.45 the pipe is sounded: "Stand by for hammocks." All run (for no
+walking is allowed in the service when responding to duty's call) to
+the upper deck, where each boy gets his hammock, carries it below
+deck, and hangs it on the hammock hooks. The bugle call, "Turn in,"
+is sounded an hour later, followed in five minutes with the bugle
+note: "Still." Not a sound is heard, for it is prayer-time. After
+prayers, which every boy is supposed to say in his hammock, the
+officer in command, with other subordinates, goes the 'rounds' to see
+that all is safe for the night. Thus ends the day's routine on the
+training ship. Very often, however, there is a departure from it,
+which takes place at noon, the occasion being the punishment
+of a boy or boys. All the crew assemble on the quarterdeck, the
+offender midships. The Commander reads the charge, which concludes
+usually:--"I hereby judge him to receive twelve strokes with the
+cane." The poor boy is lashed arms and legs to a wooden horse, the
+master-at-arms counting the strokes as the ship's corporal lays them
+on. The cane with which he punishes the boy is a very stout one, each
+end being covered with wax-string, and is reversed every fourth
+stroke. This caning is a punishment, and is meted out to boys who are
+caught smoking, to boys who may be untidy or to those who break their
+leave a short time. The other punishment is that of the birch--again
+the boy is lashed to the horse, and this time no garment intervenes.
+The ship's doctor stands by with water in case of fainting, as
+generally the boy receives twenty-four strokes. To witness such a
+proceeding was to make me tremble. Here and there the ends of the
+birch would be scattered, and the blood flowing freely. Of course the
+birch is not in such frequent demand as the cane; only the boy who is
+insolent to his instructor, or who breaks a day's leave, or worse
+still, if he be committed for theft, is birched. In the case of the
+thief he has to wear a badge with the word 'T H I E F' printed in
+large, black letters on it, in front and behind for six months or
+even longer. During this time he is cut off from the company of
+other boys, and partakes of his food in the 'thieves' mess.
+
+Now before leaving this subject, I may tell my readers that all local
+boys are styles 'Cossacks'; consequently I was one. The Cossacks
+were allowed to have a night's leave every alternate Saturday,
+provided the parents of the boy wrote a request to the Commander for
+it. The Cossacks generally brought aboard with them from their homes
+a large handkerchief full of good things, and they were met by the
+non-Cossacks in the gang-way ladder with this expression:--"Tally
+you your tack and plush," which being interpreted, is: "Let me have
+your allowance of bread and tea." It was understood that all Cossacks
+would have their tea ashore, and therefore would not require the
+naval tea when returning on board. Hence readers will now understand
+why it is the boys who hail from London and the provinces grow so
+stout in the training ship--it is because they eat, in addition to
+their own allowance, the Cossacks' share.
+
+Boys who were noted for being smart and clean wore a gold badge as a
+token of the same. The advantages reaped from this badge were two in
+number (V12): an extra half day's leave on Saturday, and one penny a
+week additional pay. There were two other sets of boys who were
+entitled to the first of these privileges (V12): the advanced
+scholars in school, and members of the drum and fife band.
+Accordingly, on Saturdays during the dinner-hour the boatswain's
+mate would pipe: "Leave for badge-boy, advanced class, and drum and
+fife band;" As I was a badge boy, and an advanced scholar, and a
+flute-player, I nestled under the wing of this threefold privilege,
+and used to think in my boyish pride, Who indeed has more right to go
+ashore than I?
+
+Before any boy is supposed to be ready for sea, he has to undergo in
+addition to the 'Impregnable' studies, a course of gunnery, and from
+ten to twelve weeks on a training brig. I underwent my gunnery course
+in H.M.S. 'Foudroyant,' one of Nelson's flagships, which lay at that
+time in close proximity to the 'Impregnable,' and I returned every
+evening to the mother-ship. The two brigs which trained her boys were
+the 'Nautilus' and the 'Pilot.' I was drafted to the latter for three
+months. Speaking generally, daily sea trips were taken--that is to
+say, that after making sail and slipping the buoy, we would leave
+Plymouth Sound for the Channel, drill all day, and return to our
+mooring in the evening, weary and fatigued, although, even then, we
+had to scrub and wash clothes. On two occasions we took longer trips,
+first to Dartmouth, and then to Portsmouth. Fearful was the weather
+we experienced sailing to the latter port--fearful, I mean, to my
+boyish experience, though I must say that even an old salt was heard
+to pronounce it "a very stormy voyage."
+
+I met with an accident on board the 'Pilot.' One night whilst at
+anchor I was ordered to row the dinghy ashore. It was very wet and
+dark, and in the act of climbing down the painter which attached the
+boat to the boom, it was so slippery that I lost my grip and fell.
+My shoeless feet came in contact with the boat's crutch (an
+instrument with two arms into which the oar fits); my right foot bled
+profusely, as one of these arms had pierced the flesh deeply. I
+managed to get on board to the sick berth, and after the steward's
+treatment it ceased bleeding. Whilst in the act of lashing up my
+hammock the next morning I fell to the deck, so weak had I become by
+the loss of so much blood on the previous night.
+
+The discipline on board this brig, as on the 'Impregnable,' was rigid
+in the extreme. On the upper deck at drill time would stand the
+ship's corporal with his cane, and woe betide any boy who was not
+putting his weight on the rope, or who was not doubling along the
+deck. It may be of interest to remark here, that neither in the
+'Impregnable' nor the 'Pilot' did I know the queer experience of
+being lashed to the horse. This was due not so much because I did not
+deserve it, as that I was fortunate enough to escape detection. To
+appreciate the above remark the reader must realise the trivial
+offences for which a poor boy is caned, and in the light of this
+reflection he will wonder that any sailor boy should be a stranger to
+the cane during his training.
+
+Through all my naval career I was a sufferer to sea-sickness, which
+began on this brig. No sooner had we passed the Plymouth Breakwater
+Lighthouse, when the brig would begin rolling, and I would repair to
+the lee-scupper. In connection with this part of my story I must not
+omit to say a kind word for the captain. When many of us poor boys
+lay strewn along the deck like stricken sheep, he, in passing from
+the forecastle to poop, would not disturb us. This in itself may not
+appear much, but in reality it was a great kindness, and one over
+which I love to ponder. It was the act of a gentleman, to say the
+least of it, and I cannot but believe that sympathy prompted it, and
+in this sense it was Christlike. "Inasmuch," said the great Storm
+Walker who quieted storm-tossed Galilee "as ye do it unto one of the
+least of these My little ones, ye do it unto Me."
+
+Very near the line of punishment did I approach when on this brig.
+Working one day on the foretopsail yard, my knife, which by some
+means had become detached from my lanyard, fell on the forecastle.
+Fortunately it struck no one, and I was reprimanded only.
+
+The course of training being completed, I was sent back to the
+'Impregnable' on draft for sea. Within a few days an order was
+received stating that a large company of boys were required for the
+North American and West Indian Station, and I was numbered amongst
+them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+LEAVING FOR SEA
+
+A few days prior to our departure, Miss Weston kindly invited the
+draft ashore to her Sailors' Rest to tea, and presented each of us
+with a Bible, and gave us all a tender farewell. Never will time
+erase from my mind the memory of the parting with my loved ones; it
+pains me now even as I dwell upon it. It was Sunday afternoon, and
+two days prior to my sailing for Bermuda, when the heartrending
+parting took place. Love can never say its last 'good-bye,' and
+especially is this true of a mother's love. What thoughts were
+passing through her mind that Sunday afternoon? God knows fully.
+But surely they were tinged with this reflection: Would she ever see
+me again? A shadow deep and dark had recently fallen across the home.
+During my 'Foudroyant' days a messenger came on board with the sad
+news that my dear sister had been almost burnt to death. I will not
+dwell on the sadness of the awful tragedy, save to remark that she
+died through the cause of the terrible burns three days after the
+accident. The effect this had upon my mother is almost beyond
+expression. Her nerves were shattered and she became a physical
+wreck, and to this day she has never recovered from the shock. Judge
+then, her sorrow on the Sunday afternoon, when I was bidding
+'farewell,' and within a short time of that overwhelming experience.
+I was now going thousands of miles away for three years, severed
+from paternal counsel and maternal affection, and on this occasion
+she was drinking the dregs of her cup of grief. Again, amidst
+choking sobs and scalding tears, I uttered the last 'good-bye.' The
+time had come for leaving, and I must depart. With two Sunday School
+scholars, one on either side (for I had been to my Sunday School in
+the afternoon for the last time), loaded with large parcels of food,
+we passed down the street. How easy to write it down--how
+heartbreaking the experience!
+
+The great troopship's anchor was weighed on the Tuesday evening at 5
+p.m., and we proceeded to sea. It was the month of October, and ere
+the evening shadows had stretched upon land and sea, I had gazed upon
+Maker church tower, at whose base my dear sister lay interred, until
+my eyes were strained. At last it disappeared from view, and the
+'Himalaya' was far, far at sea.
+
+She made a good passage to Madeira, arriving there on the following
+Sunday morning, and after coaling, we proceeded on the evening of the
+same day to Bermuda. In the first watch of the night the cry was
+heard: "Man overboard! Away lifeboat!" The lifebelt was let slip
+immediately by the sentinel, the engines were reversed, and the
+lifeboat with its crew lowered quickly from the davits. The lifeboat
+was one of an improved pattern, fitted with accessories, such as two
+calcium lights which burn for thirty minutes, and a whistle, the
+latter being useful to the drowning man in a fog or in darkness to
+indicate his-whereabouts.
+
+Fortunately the poor man had seized the lifebelt. It was a dark
+night, but astern the crew of the lifeboat could observe the calcium
+lights burning. The boat's head was put in that direction, and in a
+short time the sailor was rescued and rowed back to the ship. Did
+this seaman accidentally fall from the rigging, or lose his grasp in
+any manner? No; it is the same old story. Drink was the cause of the
+accident. He had indulged himself in Madeira wine, which befooled him
+to such a degree that he deliberately threw himself overboard, the
+ship steaming eighteen knots an hour at the time. He was confined in
+a cell the remainder of the voyage, and on arrival at Bermuda was
+sentenced to a court-martial.
+
+My spare time on the outward voyage was occupied in reading 'Daniel
+Quorm,' one of Mark Guy Pearse's books, and in attending religious
+meetings in the evening in the sail-maker's room. There were several
+relief crews on board for the various ships of the station; hence
+there were many Christians, and these evening gatherings were blessed
+by God, and made profitable to all. We had on board one whose
+destination was the prison at Bermuda, not to become a prisoner, by
+the way, but a warder. This man, at 4 a.m. every morning, would
+ferret out all the boys in the ship, sending them to the upper deck
+to undergo a salt water bath, which to us all, at that untimely hour,
+was a very trying ordeal.
+
+Nine days after our departure from Madeira, we sighted Bermuda. So
+calm had been the voyage that I was not troubled by sickness. A dusky
+pilot came on board, and conned the ship onward through the Narrows,
+and within a few hours we were securely fastened in the camber at the
+dockyard. Then came the dispersion. Many ships of the fleet whose
+commission was now drawing nigh to a close, were flying their
+paying-off pennant, the crews of which were full of gladness at the
+'Himalaya's' arrival, with reliefs, and, moreover, she was their
+homeward-bound ship. We boys were despatched to H.M.S. 'Terror,' a
+receiving ship at Bermuda. Here we were kept three weeks, during
+which time the other ships of the fleet steamed in from sea. One day
+the 'Emerald' hove in sight. All took an especial interest in this
+ship, as we had learned she was the worst ship in the fleet for
+boys--quite a 'waker-up.' Certain it was that some of us would be
+told off for her.
+
+The dreaded morning came at last, and on the quarterdeck of the
+'Terror' we assembled to await our destiny. "Boys whose names I now
+mention," said the officer, "will join the 'Bellerophon,' the
+flagship of the fleet." Then followed a long list of names.
+These 'Bellerophon' boys realised at the time it was better to be
+fortunate than rich. In proceeding, the officer said:--"Eight boys
+will join the 'Emerald.'" There was a silence that could be felt at
+this expression, and all, excepting those who had been told off,
+looked downcast and fearful. "Their names are," he continued,
+"so-and-so, so-and-so . . . . and Cowling." "And the lot fell upon
+Jonah."
+
+It took me many hours to recover from this blow, but the whole of us
+received the sympathy of all the other boys, who regarded us as
+embryo martyrs. Next day we eight were taken on board the 'Emerald'
+in her steam-launch, which came to fetch us. On boarding the ship, I,
+in looking round to observe what kind of man it was who wielded the
+cane, fell headlong down the hatchway with my bag of clothes. This I
+thought was an admirable introduction.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THREE YEARS ON H.M.S. 'EMERALD'
+
+I was ordered to join mess No. 7, to which belonged twenty seamen of
+different ratings. According to naval etiquette, the boy, together
+with a different seaman each day, who is termed cook of the mess, has
+to prepare the dinner, fetch the victuals, clean the utensils and
+take the dinner of any absentee to the galley to keep warm. In
+addition to these domestic duties, he has his work in the watch to
+which he belongs.
+
+The First West Indian Cruise
+
+Refitting work was finished, and in the month of January 1890 we left
+Bermuda for the West Indies. This was my first sea trip on the
+'Emerald,' as I had joined her a few days prior to Christmas 1889. We
+visited most of the islands in the Indies, and, on the whole, it was
+an eventful cruise. It would be a transgression of space on my part
+to enter into all the details of it, such as narrating occasions when
+we were caught in sudden squalls and how our gallant ship acted
+under stress of weather, though on one occasion a large cutter was
+washed away from the davits. However, I will narrate in brief one or
+two incidents. One night whilst lying at anchor off Dominica, the
+searchlight was used by way of practice. It was directed toward
+shore, and whilst traversing it from right to left, the beams of
+light enveloped a negro on the beach, who stood bewildered,
+transfixed. After a moment's hesitation he bounded away like a hare,
+the rays of light still following him, caused by manoeuvring the
+instrument on board. Breathless he halted, and then in a most
+terrified manner he turned about and ran in the opposite direction.
+For a minute the searchlight was not moved, and the man was in the
+safety of darkness. Judge of his dismay when again the light was
+played upon him, whilst he was resting from his rapid wanderings up
+and down the beach. Needless to say, it had the same effect. Little
+did the negro dream what fun he was causing amongst the bluejackets
+on our forecastle. Really, it was a shame to torment him so.
+
+At another island I went ashore with a party of seamen, and entered a
+plantation, where we freely helped ourselves to bunches of bananas,
+cocoanuts and other fruit. We were under the impression that fruit of
+this kind was common property, even as blackberries are in this our
+own land, and this explains the weight of our heavy burdens on our
+return journey. But this impression was soon to be banished from our
+mind, for presently we came in contact with a gentleman, who,
+understanding whence we had come, put a price on all our fruit. The
+burdens in consequence became considerably lightened. I had to
+satisfy myself with a few cocoanuts which cost a penny each, and was
+compelled to leave behind my much loved bananas.
+
+At Barbadoes each watch was granted forty-eight hours' leave. In
+company with others I landed to visit the sugar-cane plantations.
+These canes were being cut down by the thousand, and carted to the
+mill, where between two immense rollers the juice was extracted. Our
+guide passed round to each of us a cup of this juice to taste. He
+then instructed us as to the different processes by which sugar is
+made, and gave us the opportunity to see the large tanks in which it
+was stowed. In these huge tanks was to be found sugar from the
+highest degree of refinement down to the lowest degree of
+inferiority. But the sight which struck me most of all was the
+treacle-pit. I might enlarge upon the last sentence, but I forbear.
+
+In one harbour there was a sailing match, the competition being
+between the boats of the fleet. The second cutter of our ship, of
+which I was one of the crew, entered for the race. With the halyards,
+the sail was hoisted to the uppermost point, and the sheets pulled
+taut aft. With a fresh breeze away we scudded. The boat, was soon on
+her beam ends, taking in large quantities of water, which we bailed
+out with our caps; still, this did not matter, as she was bounding
+through the water like a wild thing. Crash! Crash! Went the mast, and
+the boat was nearly capsized. The midshipman who steered her had
+endeavoured to weather a schooner lying at anchor, but failed,
+colliding with her jib-boom. The mast was lashed in a temporary
+manner, and we proceeded, but not far, when a sudden gust of wind
+disabled us. We were signalled back to the ship and disqualified for
+further racing.
+
+The cruise being over, we returned to Bermuda with the fleet, and
+after taking in stores, left for the Newfoundland fisheries. Two
+other ships accompanied the 'Emerald' (V12)--the 'Pelican' and
+'Buzzard.' On this cruise, our captain being senior to the other two,
+we stood in the relationship of flagship to them, and flew the
+Commodore's flag until such time as we should again meet the
+Admiral's ship, when it would be struck.
+
+Before making any observations upon some incidents of this cruise, I
+will give the reader in barest outline a sketch of life on board a
+naval sea-going ship. At sea each man gets four and six hours' rest
+each alternate night--that is, if he keeps the first watch of the
+night, 8 to 12 p.m., his resting hours are from 12 to 4. At 4 he has
+to rise again and scrub decks, whereas if he is in his hammock from 8
+to 12, then he keeps the middle watch, returning to his rest at 4.
+Let us imagine the ship at sea. It is midnight. The bell is struck.
+Immediately is heard a deep bass voice to and fro the lower deck--
+"All the starboard watch! Heave out! heave out! heave out! Show a leg!
+show a leg! All the starboard Watch! Show a leg!" which means "Turn
+out of your hammock." At five minutes past midnight, a tinkle of a
+bell is heard, followed by the same deep voice calling "Watch to
+muster!" Every seaman has to run to the quarterdeck, and on the
+midshipman calling his name, has to give in his number. This being
+done the boatswain's mate pipes, "Sea-boats' crew and relieves fall
+in."
+
+In answer to this call the crew of the lifeboat and certain men of
+the watch who have special duties to perform, called 'tricks,' during
+the next four hours, present themselves before the quarter-master,
+who, being satisfied that the correct number there, dismisses them.
+Two look-out men are required for each hour of the watch, four for
+steering, the weather and lee helmsman being relieved every two
+hours, eight for the chains. The uniform time for heaving the lead,
+by which is ascertained the depth of water, is one hour, but as
+circumstances alter cases, it was found necessary on our fishery
+cruises to reduce the time one-half. So intense was the cold that
+each man upon entering the chain would bathe his hands in warm
+grease, provided for the purpose of enabling him to heave the lead.
+Here is a little story in connection with this 'trick.' Two men
+agreed one night to toss up a penny and to decide thereby as to which
+of them should do the full hour, in order that one of them might be
+relieved from his work--for, be it said, unless there are yards to
+trim, or sails to furl or set, the watch on deck can lie down to
+rest, but under no circumstance is any seaman allowed to go below
+until the four hours are expired. However, after a little parleying,
+they came to the conclusion that each would do his own 'trick.'
+Accordingly one did his duty, and was awaiting, to be relieved by the
+other, but not a trace of him could be discovered for some time,
+until at length he was found sleeping behind a large gun. This man
+then told his mate, by way of explanation, that he had had a dream in
+which he dreamt they both tossed up and he had won, and that
+therefore the one wanting relief was to do the hour's trick.
+
+When daylight dawns the 'look-out' is transferred from the topgallant
+forecastle to the forecross trees, or, if sail is set, to the
+foretopsail yard. Many an hour have I spent, from time to time, on
+the topsail yard, often sick and giddy, when the ship has been
+rolling and dipping. Thoughts of home would gather in my mind, and
+there aloft, where no human eye could see, have I cried aloud, giving
+vent to my pent-up feelings. Sick, I say, yes, and bareheaded, using
+my cap for a sanitary purpose, rather than get into trouble by being
+sick overt the sails.
+
+At 9 a.m. is the inspection of uniform, followed by prayers. Should
+it be Tuesday or Thursday, rifles and cutlasses are inspected, and
+each man is supposed to wear his boots. This to many is hateful. In
+my watch was a man named Timothy Hennesy, who on 'small-arm' days
+would bind with spun-yarn his big toe, thereby giving the inspecting
+officer the impression he had hurt it, and was in consequence excused
+from wearing his boots.
+
+Following this inspection, one watch goes below to make or mend their
+clothes, and the other remains on deck until noon. Dinner is piped,
+but it is not very tempting to one's appetite. Salt pork or beef with
+preserved potatoes form the menu. Spending the greater part of the
+three years at sea, our share of salt food was abundant, and in order
+to prevent scurvy, lime-juice was distributed.
+
+After this meal the watches change again, the forenoon watch below
+going on deck until 4 p.m., the other remaining below.
+
+I once endeavoured to make me a flannel. The stitches I must confess,
+were long and irregular; but worse than that, when attaching the
+sleeves to the main part, I misplaced end for end, so that when I
+came to try on this novel garment the wide part hung in bights around
+my wrist, the narrow part fitting tightly round my arm. So much for
+my reversed sleeves. No more sowing engaged my time in the watch
+below.
+
+At 4 p.m. tea is piped. It consists of a basin of tea minus milk, and
+a small allowance of hard biscuit. Food being so scanty in the navy,
+the sailors apply this appellation to their mess, 'The Drum,' thus
+signifying that as far as food is concerned the mess is as empty as a
+drum. "Which drum do you belong to?" they ask.
+
+Half an hour being allowed for tea, then another inspection of the
+crew in night clothing takes place. Sail drill is then engaged in for
+a couple of hours, and the routine of the day is brought to an end by
+the washing of clothes.
+
+At twilight the look-out man is called down from the mast-head, and
+takes up his position on the forecastle, the bow lights being lit at
+the same time. Hammocks are hung up at 7.30 p.m., and supper is
+indulged in, which the messes buy at the canteen, none being provided
+by the Admiralty.
+
+The life of a sailor boy is a very unpleasant one in a seagoing ship.
+Early in the morning he has to take his hammock on deck to undergo
+the inspection of the ship's corporal, who, before the boy is allowed
+to stow it, satisfies himself it is lashed up in the uniform manner.
+Then follows the inspection of knees and elbows, and should any boy
+not be clean, the others are deputed to scrub him. Next comes the
+climbing of the mast-head. These are but three of the many
+inconveniences he has to suffer until such time as he is rated O.D.
+or ordinary seaman.
+
+Every one knows that discipline and cleanliness go hand in hand on
+board our men-of-war. In fact the latter is carried to an absurd
+extreme. From four to six in the early morning, it is almost
+impossible watch below to snatch a little sleep, as immediately over
+their heads are men scrubbing, or holystoning the upper deck. I fail
+to see that "cleanliness is next to godliness" under such
+circumstances.
+
+Saturday is essentially a cleaning day, and nothing is overlooked.
+Decks are made as white and clean as possible, cables are
+whitewashed, guns are burnished; in short, everything appears brand
+new. The captain's inspection takes place every Sunday morning. So
+particular was our captain that he would never hesitate to descend
+into magazines to inspect every little corner, although the whitewash
+on the sides of these small rooms rubbed against his uniform at each
+movement.
+
+It was ever a great load removed from the mind of the petty officer
+who had charge of flats and certain parts of the deck when his
+inspection was over. But if fault had been found great was their
+fear.
+
+The payment of the crew, as in all ships, took place on the first day
+of each month. "Hands to muster for payment, soap and tobacco!" would
+shout the boatswain's mate. Any man was at liberty to forego the last
+two items, or the whole three for that matter. As a rule, however,
+most of the crew took up their money and bar of soap--two very
+needful requisites, the non-smokers preferring their two shillings in
+lieu of the two pounds of tobacco the value of which was deducted
+from the next month's payment.
+
+The First Newfoundland Cruise
+
+Now for the first fishery cruise. Halifax was our next port of call
+after leaving Bermuda. Halifax seemed dear to us after we had paid
+our first visit there, the reason being rather a curious one.
+Bum-boat men were wont to visit the ships with large quantities of
+sausages, which were quickly bought up, being regarded as a luxury. I
+have seen the cook's galley crowded with seamen frying these
+sausages, and on several occasions a sentry was placed to prevent a
+crush. Halifax! Sausages! The two names were synonymous to our crew,
+and even to-day I cannot partake of sausages without my thoughts
+wandering off to Halifax. Who can tell the laws of mental
+association! It was here that I first saw the present Prince of
+Wales, who then was in command of the gun-boat 'Thrush.' Ere leaving
+this port each man of the three fishery ships was served out with a
+pair of sea-boots and warm underclothing, in preparation for the
+intense cold we should feel on the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts.
+I understand the Canadian Government were responsible for this,
+kindly distribution. We left for St. John's, Newfoundland, and this
+port was our headquarters for the next few months. In cruising around
+the island from time to time, the most awe-inspiring sights were the
+ice-bergs and ice-fields which we passed day by day. Forteau Bay, the
+place where the gun-boat 'Lily' was wrecked, was pointed out to me.
+Sad to relate, we lost a shipmate on this voyage. Scudding along one
+morning under a fair wind with all sail set, and the crew cleaning
+guns, suddenly there arose the cry "Man overboard! Away lifeboat!"
+The order was "Heave to!" The poor fellow, however, had sunk beneath
+the sea almost instantly. The water being so bitterly cold it was
+supposed the cramp seized him. He, at the time of the accident, was
+outside the ship cleaning the muzzle of a gun, when she gave a lurch
+which overbalanced him into the sea. No frivolity was there that day,
+or for the ensuing week, amongst the crew. The unhappy event had a
+moral effect upon us all, and a deep solemnity prevailed.
+
+Leaving the fisheries, bound for Bermuda, we called at Halifax to
+return loan-stores, such as our boots and warm clothing. Arriving at
+Bermuda, our ship was put in the floating dock and overhauled
+preparatory to our second visit to the West Indies. Here again we
+spent our second Christmas. Just a word about it. Christmas day in
+the navy is recognised as the day of days. Even the ordinary routine
+is reversed, so that instead of the seamen pumping water, and
+sweeping decks, and similar duties, the petty officers do it. Then, I
+may say, nothing is overlooked in the way of choice victuals. Each
+man, as Christmas approaches, contributes to the caterer of his mess,
+so that no luxury may be lacking on Christmas day. Added to this, the
+canteen allowed each man six shillings, and this of course meant
+several pounds to each mess. Stint is a foreign word to most naval
+men, and Christmas-tide is a demonstration of this fact.
+
+Messes emulate each other as to decorations. Many crafty and
+dexterous men are there in all our ships who take a delight in this
+kind of work: they also vie with each other as to the quality of
+their plum puddings. Time would fail to tell you the ingredients with
+which they are made. This I know, that if one 'duff' should contain
+an extra ingredient to any other, that same 'duff' is pronounced the
+best. The number of ingredients, then, forms the standard of judgment
+for naval plum puddings.
+
+On this occasion a Dutch ship was lying near to the 'Emerald.' Most
+of the crew paid a visit on board, and having an abundance of good
+things, we welcomed them to enjoy them with us. To be sure no
+objection was raised on their part. Having thoroughly enjoyed their
+dinner, they exclaimed in broken English: "Good Engish Navy, we
+should dike to be in you navy to have food dike dis--we git no good
+dhings dike dese." Poor souls! evidently they understood we had at
+all times a similar mid-day meal, but this belief would have been
+contradicted by experience had they sat to dinner with us within
+three days. The Dutch sailors grew fond of us, and we of them, and
+this bond of social friendship was created on Christmas day, which I
+think was rather unique, as it fulfilled the spirit of the words:--
+
+"Peace on earth, goodwill to men."
+
+On the fisheries the captain had met with an accident, and was
+granted six weeks' leave at Bermuda. It being noised abroad that both
+he and his lady were coming on board at Christmas to inspect the
+decorations, special interest therefore was taken in the same, and
+the decorators excelled themselves in their art, far beyond the limit
+of the previous year's display. No pains were spared, no time
+begrudged to make everything as beauteous as possible. I have a
+secret notion that although the captain had not been on board for
+several weeks, being an invalid ashore, that such lovely decorations
+were not altogether a manifestation of sympathy on the part of the
+crew toward him, but rather the motive power, or the cause, of which
+the decorations were the effect, lay in the fact that his lady was
+accompanying him. That explains it. A word to the wise is sufficient.
+
+The idlers' mess (all tradesmen in the navy are termed idlers with
+the exception of carpenters) made an artificial fountain. It was
+surrounded with huge stones and dripping moss, and several spouts
+were in full play. It was most certainly a work of skill.
+
+All hands were on the watch for the approach of the steam launch
+bearing the two distinguished visitors. Presently she hove in sight,
+and also another from the 'Bellerophon' bringing the Admiral of the
+Fleet. In a short time the three were inspecting the lower deck. In
+each mess stood the cook, holding on a plate a piece of plum pudding
+for them to taste. As they entered each compartment pop-guns were
+fired as a salute.
+
+Over one mess were inscribed these words:--
+
+"Sir Baldwin's proved a noble man
+ Around the coast of Newfoundland,
+ And we hope the Queen will make him K.C.B."
+
+When the inspection was over the boatswain's mate piped--"Clear lower
+deck: hands cheer Captain and his lady," and ere the two had reached
+the upper deck, the drum and fife band played
+
+"For he's a jolly good fellow."
+
+Three cheers for the captain and his lady were heartily shouted by
+the crew. So overcome by these expressions of loyalty was the captain
+that he gave orders to the master-at-arms to inform the ship's
+company that words failed him to give an adequate reply.
+
+The Second West Indian Cruise
+
+On the 4th of the next month we departed for our second West Indian
+cruise with the fleet. I may here remark that we had three men on
+board who bore the names of Shrodnisky, Taglabeau, and Dobrisky,
+their nationality being Russian, French, and Dutch respectively. The
+former had the honour of being the ship's organist, but for some
+reason now resigned. The chaplain understanding I could play, sent
+for me, and asked if I would accept the post of organist and commence
+the duty on the following Sunday. I was very glad and thankful of
+such an opportunity presented to me, and replied in the affirmative,
+not entirely because it meant fivepence a day extra to my service
+pay, though of course this was a consideration, but mainly for the
+reason that it would afford me privileges for musical culture.
+
+The Sunday came, and I must have played the instrument
+satisfactorily, as at the conclusion of the service the captain
+congratulated me, intimating also that free access to his cabin, in
+which the organ was kept, should be afforded me whenever he was
+staying ashore at any port on the station. I thanked him, and seized
+such opportunities as they presented themselves for the purpose of
+practising.
+
+It may be of interest to remark that when church was 'rigged,'
+capstan bars supported by a bucket at each end constituted the
+extempore pew.
+
+I have often wished that such arrangements might be made in some
+places of worship. It would ensure a wide-awake congregation, for the
+seats would then be three inches in width without a back.
+
+On this second visit to the West-Indies we had many poor Sundays--
+poor, I mean, from a sailor's point of view. The organ was often
+lashed, and I had enough to do to keep my balance, the crew on such
+occasions clinging to fixtures such as hatchways and stanchions with
+one hand, and holding the hymn-book in the other, singing heartily:--
+
+"Eternal Father! strong to save,
+ Whose arm hath bound the restless wave."
+
+But some may ask, Had the desire to become a preacher diminished? Not
+at all; it was always present with me, and truth to tell, I was ever
+informing those around me, and even civilian friends ashore, that on
+reaching England I should enter the ministry, though at that time of
+day I knew not how my freedom was to be brought about. But confident
+I was that this passion for preaching was not implanted within me to
+be quenched by adverse circumstances, and often would this verse
+appeal to me forcibly: "O rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him,
+and He shall give thee thy heart's desire."
+
+Sometimes a religious meeting was held in the cell flat, conducted by
+the chaplain and a lieutenant, and my attendance at these meetings
+helped me to form a slight acquaintance with the latter. On Sunday
+afternoon he sent for me, saying that in the evening he was going
+ashore to take the service in a large church, and asked if I would
+accompany him and address the congregation. I went to my mess, and
+there in quietude--for on Sunday afternoons sailors indulge in a
+nap, and it was invariably so on the 'Emerald,' some asleep on the
+lockers, others under the mess-table, the ditty box of each man being
+the pillow--I prepared my discourse. The church was crowded that
+evening, and following the lieutenant's address, a hymn was sung, and
+it was singing! I have heard none like it since. I now preached to
+this multitude, and how attentive they were! That was many years ago,
+and I like to think that my first sermon was preached to a negro
+audience in the West Indies at the age of sixteen. The subject was
+Joseph as a type of Christ.
+
+On this second West Indian cruise the ships of the fleet took part in
+a sailing match from St. Lucia to Jamaica, the 'Bellerophon'
+departing a day or two in advance of the other ships. When clear of
+St. Lucia the screws were lifted, as no steaming was allowed, though
+I think the flagship used both steam and sail. Be that as it may, no
+other ship did. This match was a great competition, each commander
+doing his utmost to trim the sails to the best advantage. The
+'Pelican's' commander ordered all the heavy shot to be brought astern
+of his vessel, and all manner of schemes were resorted to to increase
+the speed. On the fifth day at sea we sighted the 'Bellerophon' on
+the horizon, and in a few hours overhauled her, thus gaining the
+position of the leading ship, which was maintained until we reached
+Jamaica. As the 'Emerald' passed her that day the brass band
+assembled on the poop to play "See the Conquering Hero comes." The
+last ship to pass her was the 'Canada,' the band playing--"Where have
+you been all the day?" which undoubtedly they thought very
+appropriate. The second best ship in the fleet for sailing was the
+'Pelican,' and for days she kept very close to the 'Emerald,' but
+never overtook her.
+
+As I now write, there hangs before me on the wall a picture
+illustrating this race, bearing this inscription:--
+
+H.M.S. 'Emerald'--12 guns.
+
+From St. Lucia to Jamaica, January 19, 1891. The fleet racing, the
+'Emerald' beating every other ship. Band of Admiral's ship playing--
+"See the Conquering Hero comes."
+
+At length the fleet reached Jamaica. Two ships (V12), the
+'Bellerophon' and 'Thrush,' proceeded up Kingston harbour, and on the
+night upon which the Great Exhibition was opened--and I think Prince
+George, the commander of the 'Thrush,' opened it--all the fleet was
+decorated aloft with incandescent lights--a truly grand sight. Two
+Russian ships were present, and their decorations surpassed our
+English display. One of them had the initial P shining between the
+foremast and mainmast, and G between the main mast and mizenmast.
+This was in honour of Prince George.
+
+Just another incident in connection with this cruise. Our ship lay
+anchored off Curacoa, and one morning whilst hoisting the
+foretopgallant mast, the mast' rope entwined round the foot of a
+seaman, causing him to fall from the topsail yard to the topgallant
+forecastle. He lived but a short time afterward. A coffin was made
+and covered in blue cloth--the custom of the service--and we followed
+him ashore to the grave. There was in harbour at the same time a
+Dutch ship--in fact, the very ship whose crew we had invited on board
+at Bermuda on Christmas day. The Dutchmen landed, bringing on shore
+with them three beautiful wreaths, thus manifesting their sympathy
+and respect. At the graveside many of them begged to be allowed to
+throw in the grave a shovelful of earth, a still further proof, I
+take it, of their kindly feeling toward the 'Emerald's' crew in their
+loss of a shipmate.
+
+The fleet returned to headquarters. We prepared for the fishery
+cruise, believing it to be our last. The flag-ship had now received
+orders to leave for England as soon as the 'Blake' should arrive. One
+morning it was reported that the flag-ship's relief was coming up the
+Narrows. We had heard of this wonderful ship, of her heavy armament,
+and the electric lighting system on all her decks. What wonder, then,
+that we were anxious to behold her? As she drew nearer every eye was
+upon her, with the exception, however, of one man, who evidently took
+no interest in her arrival. He and I were together in a boat, and
+whilst I was gazing on the 'Blake,' he leaned over the side of the
+boat, and seized something that was floating along. He pulled it out
+of the water, and threw it on my foot. In less than a minute I was in
+an agony of pain, my foot swelled and burned with fiery heat, and I
+jumped about like a madman. I was taken to the sick berth, and the
+doctor treated it with oil and flour, which gave me a little ease.
+
+Now this, that my companion threw on my foot, was a fish known as a
+Portuguese man-of-war--at least, that is the name by which naval men
+know it. When floating on the water it resembles a glass bottle, but
+under the surface it has long fangs several inches in length, and it
+was these which stung me. He was very sorry that he did such a stupid
+act, but I suppose having read or heard about this class of fish, he
+thought he would put to an experimental test the power of its sting,
+and chose my foot for that purpose.
+
+The Second Newfoundland Cruise.
+
+The 'Bellerophon' left for Plymouth the day after. Whilst all the
+crews cheered her from aloft she steamed amongst the ships, her band
+playing meantime 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Home Sweet Home.' There was
+more than one on the 'Emerald' who desired to be on the flag-ship
+that day. We left Bermuda shortly after the 'Bellerophon' for another
+fishery cruise, calling at the Port of Sausages for warm clothing--
+yes, and for more sausages. At this time I was rated an O.D., which
+meant that I was regarded as a man. The dish-cloth was hung up in the
+mess as an outward and visible sign that we had parted company--for I
+may say until a boy is rated ordinary seaman, he is a slave to
+domestic work in his mess. Another change was made with this rating--
+I was transferred from the quarter-deck part of the ship to a
+flying-jib stower. A word of explanation here. The flying-boom is the
+furthermost pole projecting from the ship's bow, and the sail which
+is furled upon it is called the flying jib. Many narrow escapes had I
+on the flying-boom, having to cling to it for dear life when the ship
+dipped in the trough of the sea, causing me to be drenched through
+and through; then like a fearless bird she would rise quickly toward
+the sky, only to descend just as rapidly in the hollow of the next
+oncoming wave. Giddy, sick, and faint have I furled with my mate the
+flying jib, pinched with the cold and wet. It is impossible for me to
+put down on paper what the bitterness of my life then was--it cannot
+be reduced to writing. Often I found relief by stealing away to the
+topgallant forecastle, and on the wash-deck locker lay with my face
+buried in my arms and sob, praying to God to deliver me.
+
+A very monotonous cruise was this one. Anticipating as much, I bought
+a melodeon at Halifax, and in my evening watch below would play some
+of Sankey's hymns. The men were only too glad to sing, and presently
+the whole mess deck would ring with bright and hearty singing. This
+was as a tonic to me then, and is now, for nothing, to my mind, is so
+inspiring as music accompanied with powerful song.
+
+What was our surprise one day when steaming into St. John's harbour
+to find the city devastated by fire, which in some parts was still
+smouldering! It appeared that the fire had broken out a day or two
+previous to our arrival, and that it swept through the city in a
+maddening rush, accelerated by the high winds, and the dearth of
+water whereby to extinguish it. The heat, whilst the fire was raging,
+was so intense that all craft in the harbour had to put to sea in
+order to escape their sails being singed. Rich men's safes were taken
+to the water and cast in, and our divers were given the task of
+finding them again subsequently. We had looked forward to forty-eight
+hours' leave, but it was out of the question now. The Governor of the
+colony being absent from the capital, our captain took pre-eminence,
+and placed the inhabitants under martial law. Public houses were
+closed, and we patrolled the city night and day with blank and ball
+cartridges, for it was thought a panic might ensue, or worse still,
+that evil-disposed persons might set fire to the other side of the
+harbour, where were stored thousands of tons of cod-liver oil. A
+strict watch was kept afloat also, our steam-launch patrolling the
+harbour all night with an armed crew.
+
+What about the dangerous ruins--should they be left standing? A party
+of bluejackets went ashore with charges of dynamite to blow them
+down. In the execution of their duty one of them found a part of the
+silver communion plate which belonged to the English cathedral buried
+in the debris. He brought it on board, and a skilled tradesman
+converted it into various articles. I bought a ring which was made
+out of it, but unfortunately lost it overboard. As to places of
+worship, I think the only two which remained intact were the barracks
+of the Salvation Army. As a relic of that great fire, I have in my
+possession the stamp with which the books and papers in the Atheneum
+reading room were marked.
+
+There were landed from our ship quantities of stores, such as canvas
+to shelter the homeless people, and barrels of salt provisions as
+their victuals. The inhabitants after a while becoming somewhat
+reconciled to their misfortune, we left St. John's to see it no more,
+or so we then understood. We sailed for Bermuda, calling on the way
+at Halifax. "Just another cruise to the West Indies, boys, and then
+to dear old England," was the comforting assurance with which we
+often hailed one another. As on two previous occasions, so now again,
+we spent our Christmas at Bermuda with the fleet. The decorations on
+this our third Christmas-tide were not to be compared with the
+preceding year--a significant sign that there had been more scope for
+harmonious feeling between officers and men during the last twelve
+months. "Never mind, lads, we shall spend next Christmas at home,"
+was the word of consolation passed from one mess to another.
+
+It was customary when the fleet was thus assembled to hold
+battalion-days--that is to say, that all the various crews would land
+with their rifles and cutlasses, and a field gun from each ship.
+Headed by the flag-ship's band, we would be marched to a plain, and
+there engage in infantry drill as a battalion. Meantime the guns'
+crews were competing with each other as to their qualifications for
+smartness. The guns would be taken to pieces, unlimbered, and
+scattered on the ground, and the wheels of the gun-carriage wheeled
+away a considerable distance. On the order being given to "Limber up,
+and fire!" the crew which mounted its gun and fired the first shot
+earned the laurels. On one occasion the gun's crew of the
+'Bellerophon' gained the honour, but unfortunately, through the
+neglect of one to serve the vent, the poor fellow lost his right arm,
+which was blown into atoms. I am pleased to add that every man and
+officer in the fleet freely gave him a day's payment, which in its
+totality amounted to nearly a thousand pounds.
+
+It was during this stay at Bermuda that I was nearly shot dead. With
+others, I had landed to do my annual firing, which is required of
+every man in the navy. We had to fire ten shots from each firing
+point, which were separated a hundred yards apart from each other.
+There were six firing points, and therefore the limit for firing at
+the target was six hundred yards. I had fired my ten shots from the
+first point, and now had receded to the two hundred yards range. We
+fired in couples. I had made eight bull's eyes on the target, which
+delighted me, and after discharging my tenth shot my shipmate had
+still to fire his. He held the rifle in the firing position, and was
+in the act of pulling the trigger, when I passed within two inches of
+his muzzle. I just cleared it when the bullet was fired. It would
+have been my fault wholly and solely had an accident happened, as I
+ought to have dropped to the rear, instead of passing to the front.
+How can I doubt Providence in the light of this incident? It was God
+who made the trigger hard to pull that day, and I am positive that
+had it been an easy pull-off, the bullet would have passed through my
+head, as my mate fired from the kneeling position.
+
+At Halifax all men who had no tunic were ordered to get one. A tailor
+came on board and took the measurement of such men, taking on shore
+the cloth to make the tunics. Twenty-six shillings were deducted from
+my payment, this being the price of my tunic, as I belonged to the
+class who were deficient of this article of uniform. Strange to say,
+a notice was hung up on the board a few weeks later, stating that
+tunics would henceforth be abolished in Her Majesty's navy. Then
+followed abundant complaint. "This is a hoax," said one. "Better far
+had we spent the twenty-six shillings in sausages," remarked another.
+At the time this notice appeared, I had not even tried on my tunic,
+and by way of comfort, it was pointed out by the officials that the
+tunics might be exchanged for fruit in the West Indies. This did not
+appeal very strongly to any.
+
+For a long time a pet goat was kept on board. (By the way, I may say
+it was more of a pest than a pet.) It was the most curious animal
+that ever I had seen. It took a walk around the lower deck almost
+every night, making a dreadful noise which, of course, proved the
+means of awaking many sailors. The mess deck in the morning was
+usually strewn with boots and shoes, and the general cry was--"Where
+are my shoes?" for you may be sure that he who threw such weapons at
+the goat would not throw his own. Hence, if a man were looking for
+his shoes in the morning, it was a sure sign that he had not been
+annoyed by the goat's lower-deck visit during the night, or in other
+words, that he was a very sound sleeper.
+
+To the carpenters, however, the goat was useful, as it had a habit of
+eating the shavings which fell from their benches. That, to my mind,
+was the one redeeming feature of this goat.
+
+While we were at Bermuda it died. Scores of men went to its funeral.
+We managed to get a trolly and laid 'Billy' upon it. The procession
+was formed, and away we marched through the dockyard. Some of us were
+glad that we should see its face no more, others were rather
+sorrowful, and expressed their sorrow by wrapping around the goat
+their tunics. Never was a goat buried with such honours. I cannot
+tell you how many new tunics were buried with it, but there were
+many, and when it is remembered that the cost of each was twenty-six
+shillings one is right in concluding it was rather an expensive
+funeral.
+
+The Third West Indian Cruise.
+
+Away to the West Indies for the third and last time. We caught a
+large shark during this trip. Laying at anchor one afternoon in water
+which was infested by this class of fish, suddenly someone shouted,
+"There's a shark caught astern!" All hands hurried aft on the poop to
+see this sight. The bait, consisting of a large piece of pork, had
+invited this monster, which was now writhing in pain in the water.
+The gunnery instructor shot it, and with a jigger we hauled it
+aboard. It was then cut open, and a dexterous marine took out its
+back-bone, which he cleaned and varnished, and passing a steel rod
+through the various parts made an admirable walking-stick.
+
+Rowing ashore in the cutter one morning I espied on the landing steps
+of the pier at Jamaica a large octopus. It had been left high and
+dry, and was therefore "like a fish out of water." Understanding it
+was a deadly enemy, I seized a long boat-hook, with which I pierced
+it to death; then drawing near, I examined it thoroughly, and counted
+its suckers.
+
+I was at this time put in charge of the small-arm magazine, and
+whenever the ship was in mock-action--usually on Friday mornings--it
+was my duty to descend into the magazine, and hook on boxes of
+ammunition, which were pulled up by marines to the lower deck.
+Carriers would then run away to the upper deck with them, from which
+place they would be hoisted aloft, for the sharp-shooters in the fore
+and main tops. The duty of the men aloft in the time of war would be
+to shoot the officers on board the enemy's ships.
+
+Occasionally the bugle would sound 'Action' by night. No specified
+night was set apart for this evolution, hence it always came as a
+surprise. "Coming events cast their shadow before," but this is not
+applicable to 'Action' by night at sea; it is left entirely to the
+captain's pleasure. The response to the bugle call is a sight never
+to be forgotten. Every man dresses hurriedly--no, that is the wrong
+word, for I have known them in their haste put the leg of their
+trousers over their head in mistake for their jumpers, and others,
+including myself, put their feet through the sleeves of the jumper,
+mistaking them for trousers. And what wonder such errors are made,
+when at sea no light is allowed on the lower deck by night, and all
+is like sevenfold darkness! Each man has to put three hitches around
+his hammock--seven are the uniform number--but the enemy is in sight,
+therefore three hitches have to suffice to keep blanket and bedding
+together. The hammock is then unhooked, and if the bluejacket belongs
+to the former part of the ship, he has to bear it away for storage on
+the topgallant forecastle; if to the after-part, he carries it away
+to the poop. The reason for the hammocks being stowed on these two
+places, is to provide a breakwater for the enemy's shots.
+
+Every man rushes away to his respective station. Sharpshooters seize
+their rifles and climb the rigging; captains of broadside guns and
+guns' crews repair to their guns and cast off the securing chains;
+magazine men with a lantern descend the magazines. One who had never
+seen this sight would find it difficult to believe with what rapidity
+the movement is carried out. Two minutes after the bugle has sounded,
+some such order as this is given from the officers' bridge. "Enemy
+off the port bow! make ready with shrapnell shell. Distance three
+thousand yards. Elevation twenty degrees." The gun loaded, the
+breech-block closed, every captain of his gun stands to the rear with
+the lanyard in his hand awaiting the order "Fire!" which when given,
+the gun is fired, sponged and reloaded. The order might then be
+given--"Prepare to ram," in which case the sights are made ready for
+eight hundred yards, and the guns are fired by electricity, the guns'
+crews lying down under cover of their respective guns. Other drills
+are engaged in, until the bugle sounds:--"Cease firing," "Return
+stores." The men after obeying this command take their hammocks below
+deck, and providing they belong to the watch below, 'turn in' and
+resume their sleep; if to the watch on duty, they repair to the upper
+deck.
+
+One night whilst engaged in action an ammunition box fell upon my
+hand, taking off four finger-nails. This is only one of the accidents
+which happen at sea when the ship rolls heavily.
+
+As a ship's company our character would compare favourably with that
+of any other crew on the station. There were only eight desertions,
+and one court-martial case in three years. The 'Emerald' was anchored
+off Dominica. One evening an order was received to prepare for sea
+immediately, and proceed to St. Lucia to undergo the Admiral's
+inspection the next morning. The capstan was rigged, the anchor
+weighed, and soon we were at sea, and every man as busy as a bee. The
+main yard was lowered and scrubbed, decks received special attention;
+in fact, we were cleaning all night. In the morning we took up our
+anchorage at St. Lucia. "All hands" were rushing about their work
+like madmen. There was no help for it, so short had been the
+Admiral's notice of his inspection. One bluejacket was whitewashing
+the inboard part of the cable. The boatswain, believing he was not
+doing it as quickly as he might, passed a deprecating remark. The
+sailor in an instant seized a broom which lay near, and lifted it
+to strike the boatswain, but hesitated, and laid it down. He was
+put under arrest then and there, the charge against him being
+"Attempting to strike a superior officer." The boatswain demanded a
+court-martial, which was held later at Jamaica, the court passing a
+sentence of eighteen months' imprisonment upon the doomed man. This
+poor fellow in former years had been a heavy drinker, but during our
+commission had not taken a drop of liquor--not even his daily
+allowance of rum. It was understood that ere he left England he had
+promised a dying sister that he would not touch intoxicants again,
+and hitherto was faithful to his vow. He received the sympathy of the
+captain, officers and crew. As his pay would henceforth be stopped,
+though he were supporting a widowed mother, this sympathy took a
+practical form. A subscription list was opened, and all subscribed.
+In this way his poor mother received her half-pay as formerly, the
+captain sending it home monthly.
+
+As a matter of fact he had served a previous term of imprisonment,
+which was much in his disfavour, and he knew full well this would be
+taken into consideration by the court. With this thought weighing
+upon his mind, and whilst waiting his turn to appear before his
+judges, he wept like a child--he who was always so brave, courageous
+and manly. This is a touching instance--an instance of a poor soul
+striving to do right, striving to be faithful, amid daily temptation,
+to a sister who had gone before, yet because in a moment of weakness
+he was overtaken in a fault, he was treated in such a harsh and cruel
+manner. Certainly discipline must be maintained in the service, and
+had the matter been settled by the captain, his punishment would have
+been very lenient in comparison with that meted out by the court. But
+the boatswain demanded a court-martial. I will not dilate on his
+action, but remember the Master's words--"Blessed are the merciful,
+for they shall obtain mercy."
+
+Concerning minor punishments, they were meted out almost daily, such
+as fourteen days in a cell, seven days IOA or IOB. To be confined in
+a cell is the penalty for returning on board ship intoxicated, or for
+breaking several days' leave. For prudential reasons the knife and
+lanyard of a seaman is taken away when the sentence of cell
+confinement is passed. In his cell he has to pick a pound of oakum
+daily, which is weighed every night by the ship's corporal, and his
+food consists of bread and water, and for the greater part of the
+confinement he is deprived of his bedding. Let me give an amusing
+incident in connection with cell punishment. We had shipped at St.
+John's a young man as an assistant to the captain's cook. Departing
+from the naval rule of discipline, he received seven days' cell
+seclusion. One night when the doctor went his usual round asking each
+prisoner if all were well, this poor fellow replied: "No, sir, I have
+not enough to eat; I should like a pound of cheese from the canteen."
+Needless to add he obtained no cheese, and his very request indicates
+how greatly he lacked knowledge concerning naval discipline, but he
+learned it in the school of experience.
+
+I mentioned seven days IOA. Now, although I passed through my
+training days without being beaten by many stripes, I was not so
+fortunate in the 'Emerald,' though my punishment is but a pin-prick,
+hardly worth mentioning, but I do so in order to point out that I was
+no superior being. Strange man indeed would he be who, on such a ship
+as the 'Emerald,' never stood as a defaulter on the quarterdeck. Yes,
+I once received seven days IOA, which being interpreted means--That
+the bluejacket's rum is, stopped; that he is not allowed to smoke;
+that he only gets thirty minutes to dinner, and has to eat it with
+other IOA men off a piece of canvas spread out on the upper deck, and
+the other half of the dinner hour he has to whitewash spare cells:
+moreover, that he has to rise at 4 a.m. mornings and scrub decks--all
+this included in IOA. My readers will readily notice that the first
+clause is a means of strengthening the temperance cause, and
+non-smokers will see no punishment in the second clause, whilst those
+who are fond of picnics will consider the third clause a pleasure,
+but the pinch is felt in the fact that during IOA one's leave
+is cancelled. Now, IOB is similar to IOA with one or two slight
+modifications.
+
+Although I was not a smoker I once spat on the deck, and was marked
+doing so by the first lieutenant. He ordered me to patrol the deck in
+my spare time with a cutlass, and to capture the first man who
+repeated the sin, Next day I discovered a transgressor and took him
+aft to the officer of the day, before whom he confessed and was
+ordered to relieve me of the cutlass. The sin was a general one, I
+take it, if judged by the number of men to whom the sword was
+transferred.
+
+The Third Newfoundland Cruise.
+
+The last southern cruise was drawing to an end, and many were the
+conjectures as to which place we should depart for England, but the
+general belief was that it would be Bermuda. When arriving here, at
+the conclusion of the cruise, we heard news which faded the brightest
+hope and caused much murmuring. It was to the effect that we had to
+sail to the fisheries once more. Away to Halifax for another share of
+warm clothing' and at this port complaining ceased, and I will let
+you into a secret--the sausages proved the remedy. Who could grumble
+when living upon such dainties?
+
+On reaching St. John's we saw great improvements in the city. During
+our absence wooden buildings had been erected, and the appearance of
+a devastated place had vanished. I will write of two incidents which
+occurred--the first being pleasant, the second unpleasant. Our ship
+had moored one evening in a creek on the west of Newfoundland. It was
+a notorious place for salmon. A large net was put across the creek at
+its narrowest width, and on hauling it into the boat ninety salmon
+were caught. These were distributed to the messes, who all enjoyed
+the salmon dinner, being a pleasant change from salt meat.
+
+Sailing in the second cutter with a high wind blowing and having 'put
+about,' I noticed the lee-main-stay was not made fast, but was
+dangling outside the boat. I rose from the bottom of the cutter and
+stretched out my hand to seize it, when instantly the lee gunwale
+dipped under water and so did I, with the exception of my right leg,
+which was jammed crossways in the rowlock. In this position I was
+carried along for a distance of forty yards, and when the squall had
+passed over, the boat's crew pulled me in. When naval cutters are
+under sail the rowlock fittings are filled up with a piece of wood,
+which corresponds to the fitting. Someone had neglected to slip this
+piece of wood into the rowlock which held me by the foot. Thank God
+for that neglect; it was a kindly Providence, for it saved my life
+from drowning.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND
+
+Homeward Bound! All our stores which we borrowed from Halifax were
+transferred to the 'Pelican' for her to return. We left St. John's
+harbour one Sunday evening en route to Plymouth. The crews of the
+'Buzzard' and 'Pelican' hailed us 'farewell' as we slowly steamed
+away from our moorings, and crowds of people gathered on the wharfs
+to witness our departure. The paying-off pennant was streaming far
+astern, and every heart felt glad to see it. It was a sign of
+something beyond expression. Just one more look at the city, a
+hastening glance at our two companion ships, and we had cleared the
+harbour. In an hour the land was lost to view, and we were in a dense
+fog, ploughing the deep, bound for Old England. The wind proving
+favourable, plain sail was made, and for the next five days we made
+rapid headway. On the sixth day the wind veered round to the opposite
+quarter, and in consequence sails were furled, and our speed
+decreased. However, we were able to make sail again on the ninth day.
+
+What was my intense joy when on the morning of the eleventh day the
+man on the look-out shouted "Eddystone Lighthouse off the port bow,
+sir!" This delightful cry had almost the same effect as if the
+boatswain's mate had piped, "Clear lower deck," as nearly all hands
+rushed on deck. Breakfast was piped shortly afterwards, but only a
+scanty number went below to partake of it. I stood entranced with the
+old familiar scenes which were now becoming more and more visible; in
+fact, I cannot tell what feelings took possession of me. I have often
+since felt that the three years' separation from home and loved ones
+were compensated by the joy of home-coming.
+
+Yes, there was Maker Tower--the last object I beheld when leaving
+Plymouth in the 'Himalaya' three years before. Nearer and nearer we
+sailed until all the surroundings became distinct. Rame Head was
+passed, then Penlee Point, and now the Breakwater Lighthouse loomed
+in sight.
+
+"Clear lower deck! Hands shorten and furl sail!" was the order. "Come
+along, lads, it is the last time," said some sympathetic voices.
+
+The guns were made ready for saluting the Admiral and the Port. Then,
+having anchored, the salute was fired, the port guard-ship replying.
+A dense fog now settled down on Plymouth Sound, much to my
+disappointment, for I was on the look-out for my father's approach.
+Soon there was a cluster at boats round the ship, which had conveyed
+from the shore all manner of commercial men--Jews with watches for
+sale, and tailors with their patterns--for no bluejacket would be
+without his private suit--and others with articles of food. Only a
+limited number, however, were allowed on board.
+
+My uncle, who resided at Kingsand, had noticed our early arrival in
+the Sound. He had been requested by my mother to keep a sharp
+look-out for the 'Emerald.' She had given him money to purchase some
+food to bring afloat to me. He fulfilled his request with the
+greatest satisfaction, for an hour after we had anchored, he was on
+board, with a basket of provisions, enquiring for me. I gave him a
+hearty welcome, all the more so on account of the basket he bore, as
+I had foregone my biscuit and cocoa that morning and had had nothing
+to eat. I will just add that the contents of his basket were eagerly
+devoured by me and my mess-mates.
+
+My father, so it afterward proved, had been on the Hoe every morning
+recently, to see if the 'Emerald' had arrived, but on account of the
+fog this morning he did not walk there, knowing that such a fog would
+hide the Sound from view, so he contented himself with making
+enquiries, and was told that no ship had come from sea. As the day
+wore on he chanced to be in a shop in Plymouth, when one of the
+stewards of the 'Emerald' entered it, to purchase. That was enough!
+He flew away, bringing with him a large box of the best provisions
+that money could buy--it had been packed a whole week in readiness
+for my home-coming, so as there should be no delay when the ship
+arrived. A waterman rowed him down the Sound. In my heart I knew
+there was some mistake, as otherwise my father would have been one
+of the first to board the ship.
+
+However, about 3 p.m. someone called down the hatchway for me.
+Instantly I bounded away to the gangway, there to greet my father,
+who was now on board. We spent an hour together, and at 4 p.m. all
+visitors were 'piped' out of the ship. The coal was shipped--for we
+had been coaling all day.
+
+The boats were hoisted, and the anchor weighed. Being a member of the
+drum and fife band on the 'Emerald,' whose work was to play marches
+while the capstan was being manned, I must say that our march on this
+occasion was out of place. A gallop would have been suitable. With
+four men on each capstan bar, it was nothing less than a maddening
+whirl, whilst the cry sounded--
+
+"Heave ho! The last time my hearties."
+
+We left Plymouth for Portsmouth to payoff. One of the Portsmouth
+outfitters had made it his business to come to Plymouth, and to take
+the return passage in our ship. Truly he was a highly favoured man.
+Nor was he idle, for he was measuring men for suits of clothes the
+most of the night. I suppose he did not mind such night-work. We
+sighted Portsmouth in the morning, and after doing the customary
+steam trials, proceeded up harbour. Here, as at Plymouth, there were
+all classes of business men waiting in boats to besiege the ship.
+Most of them met with disappointment, as only a few were allowed on
+board. This matter was the cause of complaint being made in an
+evening paper, which said: "No such restriction was ever manifested
+by any other ship coming home from a foreign station," and after
+dwelling on the treatment which had been shown to many who had come
+alongside the 'Emerald,' the paragraph concluded with words to this
+effect:--"That the 'Emerald's' commission had been far from being a
+happy one," words which contained a great deal of truth.
+
+In the course of a few days we made fast alongside the jetty, and
+returned stores. This taking a month, then came paying-off day. This
+day is generally associated with the idea of a nice sum of money, but
+it was far from being so in my case as you shall see. My father had
+asked me at Plymouth if I should have sufficient money to pay my
+railway fare from Portsmouth to Devonport. Anticipating I should
+receive enough for this purpose ort paying-off day, I replied in the
+affirmative. But during the month at Portsmouth it gradually dawned
+upon me that my money due would amount to but a very little.
+Accordingly, I wrote home, informing my parents of the same,
+requesting them to send me three pounds.
+
+Having no curios with me save a folding looking-glass which I bought
+at Cape Breton Island, and a figured handkerchief from the Jamaica
+exhibition, I went ashore one evening at Portsmouth and bought a few
+little presents to carry home to my relatives in order that they
+should possess something to regard as a token of the 'Emerald's'
+home-coming. I did not inform them they were bought at Portsmouth,
+and for a time they were prized as presents brought home from foreign
+parts. I gave my father a walking-stick, but I rather think that he
+from the first knew it was a native of England. Anyhow, the joke has
+been discovered since, and has caused much laughter from time to time
+in the home circle.
+
+Three days before the dispersion the chaplain sent for me. On going
+aft to his cabin, he said, "Cowling, you may have the harmonium." I
+thanked him heartily for this present. Not desiring to take it home
+with me, I sold it to a local musician for seventeen shillings, with
+which I bought a reefer jacket to wear home. At last the happy day
+came. The captain, with his officers grouped on the quarterdeck, and
+the paymaster with his staff, began the work of payment. On the
+seaman's name being called, he stepped toward the pay-table and gave
+his number on the ship's book; then receiving the money due to him
+walked out of the gangway. It was now my turn, and although some of
+the men received from sixty to eighty, and one a hundred pounds,
+mine was the modest sum of three shillings and sixpence, despite the
+fact that I had been receiving eightpence a day in addition to most
+of them--five pence as the organist, and threepence for being a
+flute-player.
+
+How do I account for the contrast? In this way. Some men did the
+washing of others, charging threepence per piece, and a shilling for
+scrubbing a hammock, and others owned a sewing-machine with which in
+spare time they made uniform suits. Washing and sewing men were bent
+upon having a good pay-day. These two classes of men would seldom buy
+any article from the canteen. I should not say they were niggardly or
+selfish--their course probably was governed by self-denial, or it may
+be that their future marriage day was the solution of their conduct.
+As for myself, I never could eat with relish any service food,
+consequently most of my wages was spent in canteen food, and the
+remainder on shore. Therefore on paying-off day I received my few
+shillings as contentedly as those did who were the recipients of many
+pounds, for I had utilised my money in one way, and they were about
+to do so in another. That is all.
+
+Little groups of men gathered on the wharf to wish each other
+'good-bye,' as it was not likely they would ever meet again. I often
+think of Collins, who belonged to the same section of the starboard
+watch as I. He was a very witty fellow. He was asked one day where
+his messmate Jack Frost was? In reply he answered, "He is on the
+fore-yard shooting sparrows for the sick." This was amusing,
+considering at the time we were in a heavy gale far out at sea. On
+another occasion a civilian at Halifax asked him, "What do you
+sailors get to eat at sea?" "We live on wind and chew daylight," was
+his answer.
+
+When outside the dockyard gates I made off to a restaurant for
+refreshment, and then caught the train for Devonport, reaching it at
+8 p.m. My father and a friend were on the platform to meet me. We
+took a cab to the quay, from which a waterman rowed us across the
+harbour. Then a journey of another three miles in a carriage, and I
+was at home, sweet home. My mother and sisters, who had been on the
+tiptoe of expectation for the last hour, now bounded out of the room
+as the front door was opened, and I cannot describe what transpired
+in the lobby for the next few minutes. The tears of joy being wiped
+away, we all sat down to supper, my companion--he who tasted the
+leather strap in our school days--being invited to swell the number,
+and to complete the welcome home. Supper ended, I was made the
+recipient of various gifts from my parents and sisters. Amongst other
+things which my mother gave me was a jersey which she had knitted--
+every stitch of it. It happened one day that my sister took the work
+in hand and did a little in the making of it, but when my mother
+discovered this transgression, she lovingly unravelled the stitches,
+for she said "she desired to make it all herself." Such is a mother's
+love! Every winter since I have worn the jersey, and even now am
+wearing it on this cold December day as I pen these lines.
+
+Six weeks' leave were granted me for my absence of three years, which
+is the naval scale--that is a fortnight for each year, and I carried
+in my pocket the liberty ticket. Let me tell you what is written on
+it: The bearer's name, his height; the complexion of his hair, the
+colour of his eyes, his visible marks (if any) and the nature
+thereof, also a statement to the effect that he is free from arrest
+up to a given date which is specified--if not on board his ship at
+the authorised hour on that date he is regarded as a leave-breaker
+and punished accordingly.
+
+The six happy weeks passed away all too quickly, and I returned to
+the Royal Naval Barracks, or, as is understood in naval circles
+H.M.S. 'Vivid' From here, I was drafted to the gunnery college,
+H.M.S. 'Cambridge.' It was on this ship that I first saw our present
+King, he having come on board to inspect the guns' crews at drill,
+accompanied by his brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, who at the time
+was Commander-in-Chief of Devonport. After passing through a course
+of gunnery, which lasted eighteen months, I was sent back to the
+'Vivid.' Being entirely out of touch with a seaman's life, I
+requested to "see the captain" with a view of changing my rating to
+that of a ship's writer. He granted my appeal conditionally, which
+meant, that if I were in harbour when the next examination took
+place, I should be allowed to sit, but if away on a foreign station,
+of course it would be impossible. To qualify myself in order to
+succeed in passing this examination I received private tuition when
+ashore, for which I paid very dearly. Meantime an order was received
+by the officials to send a draft of bluejackets to Portsmouth to
+bring to Devonport H.M.S. 'Rupert.' We went to Portsmouth by train.
+Whilst engaged in taking ammunition on board, a box of heavy
+cartridge fell on my right foot, and took off the tip of a toe.
+
+I was barefooted, as it was a wet day. Being carried to the sick
+berth, my foot was treated and bound, and I was ordered to my
+hammock. On arrival at Devonport, the sick-berth steward took me to
+the hospital in the naval barracks, where I lay in bed six weeks. You
+will perceive that my right foot has been unfortunate. It was the
+right foot which was jammed in the crevice of the rocks the right
+foot upon which the Portuguese man-of-war was flung, and now again
+the right foot which received the fall from the ammunition box.
+
+Time wore away, and I was in a state of expectation as to what date
+the examination would take place. To my bitter disappointment I was
+told there was to be none that year. Then I began to fear lest before
+the next I should be sent away to sea, and thus lose my opportunity
+to enter. Again I was drafted to the 'Cambridge,' as one of her
+ship's company, and I still resumed my scholastic tuition ashore. A
+thrill of dread used to seize me when observing the ship's corporal
+walking along the deck bearing a slate, as it was an indication that
+someone was to be called upon to prepare for sea. Is it I? was the
+thought which filled my mind. However, the year had nearly passed
+away, and I was deeply anxious over the forthcoming examination.
+"Surely there will be one this year, as there was none last." Such
+was my reasoning.
+
+One day at the conclusion of my lesson, my tutor said he had very,
+unpleasant news to break to me. It was this:--That an examination
+would be held for civilians only, and that an order had been received
+stating that no seaman should be allowed to change his rating. Oh, I
+thought, was ever any disappointment so vexatious as mine? I left his
+house with a wounded spirit, and, having crossed the harbour, walked
+toward home, a journey of three miles, weeping bitterly and praying
+nearly all the way. The very heavens above seemed to me as brass, and
+my horizon appeared dark as the blackness of night; not a streak of
+light could I find. For two years I had been studying and working
+hard to qualify for this examination, and had spent most of my
+earnings in tuition, and now the issue was that in spite of my utter
+dislike to a naval life as a sailor, I must still pursue it.
+
+The memory of that awful journey comes to mi mind very forcibly at
+times, and when I hear or know of any sore disappointment occurring
+in one's life, I fervently pray to God that such disappointment may
+be immersed in the waters of kindly help and sympathy. May the Christ
+of Gethsemane comfort all wounded hearts, all crushed spirits, and
+make sorrow the seed of a new hope, even as He did in my life.
+
+On reaching home that evening my parents observed that I had been
+weeping, and on asking the cause, the pent-up grief again burst
+forth. Gradually I became calm, and conveyed to them the news which I
+had received from my tutor, the naval schoolmaster. They both agreed
+there and then, that by God's help I should be released from my
+unbearable life, and that steps should be taken immediately to that
+end.
+
+Shortly after I came home from sea I attended the Congregational
+Church at Cawsand, and here, under the influence of my pastor's
+preaching, made a decision for Christ. He soon put me in harness in
+church work, and for more than two years I studied theology under
+him, he kindly coming to my home every Monday evening to help me in
+that direction. Occasionally he set me an examination paper, and
+assisted me educationally in every way. This course of theological
+study began while I was yet in the navy, and often when boat-keeper
+at the lower boom of the 'Cambridge' have I spent hours in study. To
+test my preaching abilities, the Rev. Stephen Stroud, for such was my
+pastor's name, would take me into his church, where in a pew he would
+sit as a listening critic, while I preached from the pulpit.
+
+The next day I went to him and intimated my parents' decision in
+consequence of my vexation, and that they wished to purchase my
+discharge if possible, whereupon he gave me a letter to take to the
+commander of the ship. In the course of a few days I stood before him
+on the quarterdeck, and made known my desire to quit the service,
+and my detestation of a sailor's life. He did not thwart me in
+any way, but said the request would have to be brought before the
+Commander-in-Chief of the port, and the Admiralty.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+LEAVING THE NAVY
+
+Nearly three weeks had passed--oh, what an anxious time it was! Was
+there another sorrow in store for me? God forbid. Well, one day at
+noon, just as I had reached the ship in the staff gig, to which boat
+I belonged, the quartermaster rushed to the gangway and shouted--
+"Cowling, you are wanted on the quarterdeck immediately." I lost no
+time in getting there. In another minute I stood face to face with
+the captain, who informed me that the Admiralty had granted my
+discharge. "Right-about-turn! Quick march," was the order of the
+master-at-arms, but, believe me, it was more of a run than a march.
+My messmates were forehead awaiting the result, and as I approached
+them a dozen voices shouted--"How goes it?" "All's well," I replied.
+"You are fortunate," said they. Dinner was now piped, but I wanted
+none--my desire was to get on terra firma as speedily as possible. I
+pulled my bag from the rack, turned it upside down on the deck,
+distributing all the clothes contained therein, to the value of
+fifteen pounds. Then I wished my messmates 'good-bye' and went ashore
+in a gig, feeling like a bird released from a cage. Thus ended my
+naval career, extending to a period of seven years and nine days. I
+keep in my study an envelope containing my discharge paper and the
+receipt for same, which cost eighteen pounds. In reading it, as I
+sometimes do, my thoughts are carried backward to the day of
+liberation.
+
+My messmates had decided to present me with a beautiful Bible, which
+I never received, for this reason. Scarcely a week had passed from
+the day I stepped on shore a free man, when an order was sent from
+headquarters for a large draft of seamen to be sent to different
+parts of the world. Nearly all my former mates were numbered amongst
+the draft. Consequently they were scattered far apart, and no steps
+could be taken to carry out their intention. The kind feeling which
+prompted it I appreciate and accept, as showing what they would have
+done had the opportunity been forthcoming.
+
+Even in the weeding out of the 'Cambridge' this large company of men,
+I observe God's providence at work in my own life, for doubtless I
+should have been included in the draft, having been in harbour three
+years, which is considered a long stay. My discharge was granted me
+in the nick of time. "He doeth all things well."
+
+I found employment on shore in Plymouth as a contractor's clerk, and
+devoted more time to religious studies, for I now felt that as the
+greatest obstacle in my path had been removed, God would surely open
+my way to enter His service. He did. By the recommendation of my
+pastor I was admitted into Cliff College, Derbyshire, completing my
+training in London.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+Though for six years I had nearly become a Baptist, that is, a
+Congregationalist, I now stepped over the line, having studied the
+New Testament with an unbiassed mind, to get at the real truth of
+Scriptural baptism. Being convinced that immersion was the Scriptural
+mode, I forthwith became baptised in Bow Street Baptist Church,
+London.
+
+Shortly afterwards, I was invited to the pastorate of a Baptist
+Church in New Whittington, Derbyshire, where I laboured for a brief
+period, and at which place I first met the young lady who is now my
+wife. In the autumn of 1899 I accepted the call to my present
+pastorate, that of the Ashwater district of Baptist Churches.
+Understanding that under the new regulations existing which precludes
+Cliff College students from being recognised as fully accredited
+ministers, I set to work to overcome the difficulty by passing the
+two Baptist Union examinations.
+
+Such, then, in brief are a few outstanding incidents of my life, and
+such is the road I have travelled to enter the ministry--a hard road
+and painful, bedewed with tears, and strewed with withered leaves of
+disappointment and weary watchings, but I am bound to confess that it
+was the path marked out for me. No better training was ever afforded
+any minister, and to-day I can thank God for it all. What is the
+great truth which my career teaches me? This: that "God is in the
+heart of things, and all is well." That He is in every human life,
+directing, controlling, and superintending it. That nothing happens
+by chance, and that it is He alone who can transform the wilderness
+of blighted hope into a paradise of joy; can convert the vale of
+tears into the sunny path that leads upward to His throne--He alone
+who can chase away the darkness of night and bring in the sunshine of
+morning. Unto His name be all the glory!
+
+I cannot but hope that should any darkened life read this little
+sketch, that such an one may be inspired and comforted by so doing,
+believing that He who gently cleared my way, granting me the
+fulfilment of my heart's desire, will in like manner repeat His
+loving-kindness in that one's life.
+
+"Lead, kindly light, . . . .
+
+      .      .      .      .      .
+
+Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
+The distant scene; one step enough for me."
+
+
+
+PRINTED BY NEILL AND CO., LTD., EDINBURGH.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM LOWER DECK TO PULPIT***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 22588.txt or 22588.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/5/8/22588
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/22588.zip b/22588.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c10ca8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22588.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e0e4b5a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #22588 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22588)