Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1897 — Reading the Signals, [ARTICLE]

Reading the Signals,

The captain of one of the big schooners that bring Ice from the Kennebec to Washington tells a story of an Irishman he shipped. Pat wanted to get from Washington to Norfolk, and had no money. His story excited the sympathy of the shipmaster, who finally agreed to let him work his passage. Pat was willing, but densely ignorant of all thLnge maritime, and no real sea duty fell to him until the vessel was sailing down Chesapeake Bay with a fair wind and plenty of searoom. The captain then told Pat to take a turn at lookout forward and instructed him to promptly report anything he might see. It was a clear night, and soon after the lookout took his position he sang out: “Ah, Captain.” “Well, Pat?” “There's something out here foreninst the boat.” “What is It?” said the Captain to test Pat’s seafaring knowledge, the lights of an approaching steamer being visible. “I raly couldn't say for shure, srar,” says Pat, “but I sushpeet It’s a drug store. There’s a red and grane light.” —Washington Star.