Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/46

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26
UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA

was over, and the workers had hied themselves to their homes, to the bathing-beach at Waikiki, or to some other place of amusement.

"Oh, had we some bright little isle of our own,
In the blue summer ocean, far off and alone,"

quoted the Rev. Martin Wells, and then, as if fearing he was getting too sentimental, he quickly changed the subject. "Larry, you drive like a veteran. Do you own a horse?"

"A horse? I? Hardly. Why, I'm—I'm—that is, I don't own much of anything in this world—just now," stammered the youth. "Steady, boys, steady; you've behaved well so far; don't spoil your record," he went on, to the team.

"Do your family live here? " went on the inquisitive man in black.

"No, sir, I have no family, only two brothers, who are miles and miles away from here. I am a sailor boy, but my boat is laid up for repairs, and so I'm knocking about earning a living as best I can."

"A sailor boy, eh?" put in Captain Ponsberry. "Why didn't you say so afore, youngster? A sailor boy, and stopped those bosses that way! Well, I never! Reckon you're a putty good hand afore the mast. What ship did you sail in?"