A SEASIDE ADVENTURE.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 58, 24 July 1906, Page 2

A SEASIDE ADVENTURE.

I am a pretty good long distance swimmer, and several years ago I arrived at. a town on the East Coast of Scotland resolved to have a few hours practice. The day was an ideal one for my purpose, and the sea was as smooth as glass.

while “taking” tho water I observed what appeared to me to be a buoy about half a mile distant. Acting upon a sudden impulse, I struck out, and, after a long swim, I reached the floating object.

It proved to be a largo barrel, with a flag placed upon a platform. As I stood gazing around me, a flash of fire followed by a cloud of smoke, near the town suddenly arrested my attention. Tho next moment a shell burst'over my head, the fragments tearing up the sea all around. At last the dreadful truth flashed across my mind. I was standing on a floating target ! I instantly plunged into the sea, and struck out for the shore Again I heard a loud explosion, and a cascade of water thundered down on my head. I managed to land safely at last, after an astonishing suspense, expecting every moment to bo struck, and then I learned that tho artillery militia had began their an-, nual training. .