第 12 节
作者:美丽心点      更新:2022-04-08 21:02      字数:3481
  but the stage sailor is a good and kindly man; and we feel convinced
  he would not recommend the exercise if it were not conducive to piety
  and health。
  The stage sailor is good to his mother and dances the hornpipe
  beautifully。  We have never found a real sailor who could dance a
  hornpipe; though we have made extensive inquiries throughout the
  profession。  We were introduced to a ship's steward who offered to do
  us a cellar…flap for a pot of four…half; but that was not what we
  wanted。
  The stage sailor is gay and rollicking: the real sailors we have met
  have been; some of them; the most worthy and single…minded of men; but
  they have appeared sedate rather than gay; and they haven't rollicked
  much。
  The stage sailor seems to have an easy time of it when at sea。  The
  hardest work we have ever seen him do then has been folding up a rope
  or dusting the sides of the ship。
  But it is only in his very busy moments that he has to work to this
  extent; most of his time is occupied in chatting with the captain。
  By the way; speaking of the sea; few things are more remarkable in
  their behavior than a stage sea。  It must be difficult to navigate in
  a stage sea; the currents are so confusing。
  As for the waves; there is no knowing how to steer for them; they are
  so tricky。  At one moment they are all on the larboard; the sea on the
  other side of the vessel being perfectly calm; and the next instant
  they have crossed over and are all on the starboard; and before the
  captain can think how to meet this new dodge; the whole ocean has slid
  round and got itself into a heap at the back of him。
  Seamanship is useless against such very unprofessional conduct as
  this; and the vessel is wrecked。
  A wreck at (stage) sea is a truly awful sight。  The thunder and
  lightning never leave off for an instant; the crew run round and round
  the mast and scream; the heroine; carrying the stage child in her arms
  and with her back hair down; rushes about and gets in everybody's way。
  The comic man alone is calm!
  The next instant the bulwarks fall down flat on the deck and the mast
  goes straight up into the sky and disappears; then the water reaches
  the powder magazine and there is a terrific explosion。
  This is followed by a sound as of linen sheets being ripped up; and
  the passengers and crew hurry downstairs into the cabin; evidently
  with the idea of getting out of the way of the sea; which has climbed
  up and is now level with the deck。
  The next moment the vessel separates in the middle and goes off R。
  and L。; so as to make room for a small boat containing the heroine;
  the child; the comic man; and one sailor。
  The way small boats are managed at (stage) sea is even more wonderful
  than the way in which ships are sailed。
  To begin with; everybody sits sideways along the middle of the boat;
  all facing the starboard。  They do not attempt to row。  One man does
  all the work with one scull。  This scull he puts down through the
  water till it touches the bed of the ocean; and then he shoves。
  〃Deep…sea punting〃 would be the technical term for the method; we
  presume。
  In this way do they toilor rather; to speak correct{y; does the one
  man toilthrough the awful night; until with joy they see before them
  the light…house rocks。
  The light…house keeper comes out with a lantern。  The boat is run in
  among the breakers and all are saved。
  And then the band plays。
  THE END。