mpion. Both, however, showed evidences
of rough usage: the only visible difference being that one had two eyes
badly damaged while the victor had but one. After it was over they
shook hands, swore allegiance to each other, walked back to their
respective vessels, had raw beef applied to the eyes that were
discoloured, tumbled into their hammocks and fell fast asleep.
Meanwhile a general meeting of apprentice lads from all the vessels in
port was mustered, so that the result of the dispute should be publicly
proclaimed; and in order that the occasion should be suitably
celebrated, it was suggested and approved by loud acclamation that
whereas there was every chance of the morrow being a sailing day, when
the little port would be emptied of all its shipping, it might be that
the parting would represent years, and perchance many of them would
never meet on earth again. The latter clause was announced with marked
solemnity. The orator proceeded to state that there had been enmities,
jealousies, perhaps unworthy statements made about the inferiority of
the collier boy, but the question had been settled by a brilliant
exhibition of physical science; both sides were well represented, and
both had shown that they were worthy champions of the noble art.

"Let me ask you then to call upon them both to join with us in becoming
friends, and in having on the last night in port a ripping
jollification. I propose," said the peacemaker, "that we have some
chanties, and that we start these aboard the vessel I belong to by
hoisting the topsail yards up."

The two heroes were roused, and cheerfully joined in what resolved
itself into a carnival of reckless mischief. The brains of the whole
company were excited, and they revelled in every form of scampishness.
The leaders gave orders as to the vessels that were to be visited and
have their yards crossed and their rig in other ways disfigured. This
being done, the spokesman informed them that they had spent a very
jolly night, and after hoisting the _Silverspray's_ topsails to the
mast head and furling the sails again, they were to disperse quietly
and go each to his own ship. The sails were loosened, a chanty man was
selected from among the southern-going seamen, and amid a chorus of
sweet song the yards were leisurely mast-headed. The music of many
voices had attracted a few people to the quay. A shout was raised that
the captain of the vessel was coming. The halyards dropped from each