Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 October 1893 — Getting Out of a Difficulty. [ARTICLE]

Getting Out of a Difficulty.

Captain Mcß , a canny Scot, was once in command of a troopship returning from India. On board he had as passengers three ladies, all wives of officers in her Majesty’s service. Now it fell out that the cabin allotted to them was fitted up to accommodate four, and consequently it contained four washbasins, one of which was far larger than the other three. lor the right to use this especial basin each lady put forth her claim, citing her husband’s position in the army. But the husbands, unfortunately, all proved to be of equal rank, so to clinch the matter the trio bearded the Captain in his cabin. “We will leave it entirely to you, Captain,” they said, “and abide by your decision. ” The Mcß cogitated duly and then declared solemnly, with the faintest twinkle in his gray eyes: “Leddies, as it is no’ a matter o’ rank, I think it wull be that the oldest amang ye suld have the beegest bowl.” With murmured taanks they filed out again, but that basin was never used during the voyage.