ALL AT SEA

Evening Star, Issue 19664, 17 September 1927, Page 18

ALL AT SEA

THE CHRONICLES OF AH AMATEUR SAILOR WE EVACUATE HEW YORK [Written by J.8.T., for the ‘Evening Star.’] America may bo the land of wealth and an abundance of work, but after two full days searching for any kind of jobs which would bo of material benefit to our empty pockets, M‘Nainara, Pymn, and I came to the conclusion that the country’s labor market was practically as bad as any other which was suffering under the depression of wintry conditions. Seemingly the dish-washing advertisements which wore appearing consistently in the local paiiers wore either commercial fairy tales or else wo were numbered among those unfortunates who applied for situations just too late. As the days passed by the situation became positively alarming, for without financial refreshment we could not soo bow we were to retain our coin-' forable “digs” in the Bronx. A visit to Hell’s Kitchen quickly annihilated any thought of a retreat into the cheaper lodgings of that sordid neighborhood.

As M'Namara whimsically put it: “Sing Sing, in preference, would do us.” Indeed, bad it not been for the restraint Pym and f exercised on our companion I honestly believe that the Australian would have tried to emulate ono of 0. Henry’s heroes, who spared no pains to commit a crime which would help him to qualify for the penitentiary. As a result of such a drastic suggestion our trio immediately went into serious council, and, alter a lengthy discussion, it was eventually decided that wo should make a break for Detroit with the object of throwing ourselves on the mercies of_ Henry Ford, concerning whoso reputation as an employer wo bad heard all sorts of rosy talcs. It was only a few hours to Detroit on one of the flying American express trains, but we considered that wo would find it easier to board a freighter, which, after all, might furnish us with warmer and more . comfortable travelling accommodation than the running boards of a fast mail. Everything was in readiness for the getaway—except one factor. We had not yet returned *to Brooklyn for the spare clothing which, wo had deposited with the quayside suit cleaner. Although we hesitated to take the risk involved in the reclaiming of our habiliments wo wore forced to the final decision that, on account of the cold weather, the risk would have to bo ignored. Accordingly, ono morning wo set out for Brooklyn by the underground from the bridge, and after being rattled along some distance in a “trolley” car from Borough Hall wo found ourselves back on the scene of our landing in America. To claim our clothing was a matter of but a few minutes. However, T did not like the surreptitious glances which the two seedy-looking store attendants gave ns, t fancied that for a Few dollars they would give ns away. In the rush of returning to the Bronx all misgivings were forgotten, and it was not until wo were in the throes of packing for the journey to Detroit that an unusual incursion of the flats’ apology for a boll-hop caused us lo look at ono another meaningly. “ Visitors outside for youse,” announced that individual as be toyed with his wad of' chewing gnnu “T guess do bulls has smelt a rat. Watch a gonna do? Fly do fire escape or kowtow ’em in?” “Cops!” ejaculated M'Namara. “Cobbers’, the game is up,” bo went on. reverting, in Ids excitement, to tbo Australian vernacular. “The matter’s settled for ns. Wo’ll bo booted into Canada and then shipped back to ‘ Fuzed.’ ” “Can’t say FJi lose any sleep over it,” said BUT Pym. “.Show the gentle-' men in, Jack.” Tint 'the gentlemen didn’t need any showing in. A few minutes later we were in the custody of two plainclothes men and three'policemen. The details of the capture, although not unduly morbid, can quite well be passed over. It seemed that after our visit to the suit cleaner’s in Brooklyn one of the bauds clogged us home, and wo were “sold” to the police. Well, why worry. We wore not “booted” into Canada. On thc_ contrary, we were treated quite leniently under the circumstances, and escorted that same night to Boston per fast mall. The ride in_ tbo “fly-by-night” was thoroughly enjoyed by ns all, and I must confess that, although there was certain punishment ahead, tbo

prospect of rejoining the _ Canadian Eoamer was by no means disagreeable. At length wo were delivered at the ship, which was still unloading her large cargo'of wool. Mock cheers and goodnatured banter greeted our arrival, and an immediate “ conference ” with the captain resulted in our being logged for tho number of days wo had been absent. Also wo had to pay indirectly tho wages of the seamen who had temporarily filled our places. Having assured the captain that we had no intentions of “jumping” the ship again on the cold Atlantic side of the continent. and that our next objective was San Francisco, he laughingly replied that what wo did on a future voyage had nothing to do with him. He forthwith granted us shore leave. Good fellows, thest Canadians. Not a bit officious or vindictive. Perhaps tho most pleasant part of our welcome homo was tho exuberant embrace of good old Alphonse, who took us one by one, drew us into his protuberant bosom, and kissed us on each cheek. “Mediants,” he admonished sternly, after lie had expressed his more affectionate feelings, “if I wore not so please to see you I would spank you something terrible. But Alphonse has a good heart. He wool forgeeve, oui.” * * * * - Two days in Boston did not give us much chance to lay in a very large store of information concerning the city and its people, but there aro several characteristics of the place which stand out vividly in ray memory. Numbered among them is tho comparatively quiet atmosphere of the city due, no doubt, to tho citizens’ love of culture, stability, and peace. One has only to recall the frenzied hustle of tho New Yorkers to realise the'contrast. To be sure, there is plenty of inn to be had in Boston, but (and hero it can bo likened unto Dunedin) ono has to he in the know to be able to take advantage of the good times offering. Qwing lo the proximtiy of. the famous Harvard University, Boston holds a high position in tho athotic sport world. Running, boxing, ice hockey, ami that murderous game of American football aro wcll_ patronised both by competitors and their supporters. As regards football, it appears that when two teams line up against each other the intention is to stage a friendly massacre. Only solid padding and protective armor frustrates the plans. Ice hockey is bcwildcringly fast—perhaps the fastest game in the world. Very often big matches are held by night in an arena made brilliant by a vast constellation of electric lights. The speed of tho game, tho flashing of the skates, and the colors of tho players’ uniforms all combine to make the scene a spectacular one, worth going a long way to see. A remarkable feature of the waterfront at Boston is tbo fleet of captured rum runners which have apportioned to them a goodly lino of dock. It seemed that in the days following the Volstead Act they had plied a profitable trade between the West Indies and tho coast of America. The bulk of our wool having been discharged at this port, wc cast off again on the Inst stage of our voyage, the run to Halifax. (To be'concluded.)