"The voyage," said he, "has lately been so prolific in adventure, that
I scarcely know where to begin."
"Begin by saluting them all round," suggested Fritz.
"But, brother of mine, that is usually done at the end of the
letter," objected Jack.
"What then? you can repeat the salutations at the end, and you might
also, for that matter, put them in the middle as well."
"I have written lots of letters on board ship for my comrades,"
remarked Willis, "and I invariably commenced by saying--_I take a pen
in my hand to let you know I am well, hoping you are the same_."
"What else could you take in your hand for such a purpose, O Rono?"
inquired Jack.
"Sometimes, after this preamble, I added, '_but I am afraid_.'"
"I thought you old salts were never afraid of anything, short of the
Flying Dutchman."
"Yes; but the letters I put that in were for young lubbers, who,
instead of sending home half their pay, were writing for extra
supplies, and were naturally in great fear that their requests would
be refused."
"I scarcely think I shall adopt that style, Willis, even though it
were recognized by the navy regulations."
"Do you think the pigeon will find its way with the letter from here
to New Switzerland?" inquired Willis.
"I have no doubt about that," replied Fritz, "it naturally returns to
its nest and its affections.
Pages:
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358