PETERS THE PLOTTER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 11, 12 March 1892, Page 249

PETERS THE PLOTTER.

An old seaman named Peters, stationed on a cruiser in the North Atlantic squadron, was a man of rough exterior but of a warm heart. Its warmest corner was reserved for a certain young lieutenant on board the same ship, whom Peters worshipped with unswerving constancy. One day it happened that an unpractised landsman, while attending to some duty in the rigging, lost his footing and fell into the water. As he was unable to swim he would probably have been drowned had not an officer sprang after him ana gallantly held him up until assistance came. A letter from the Secretary of the Navy, commending in high terms this heroic action, was sent to the brave rescuer and read before the assembled ship’s company. Old Peters viewed the whole proceeding with a feeling of jealousy, and after brooding the matter for some days, he relieved himself in the following manner :—

• Mr Bradley,’ said he, gliding up to the object of his devotion, ‘ that there letter what the Secretary wrote, that’s a fine thing for a young man to have. You ought to have one, Mr Bradley.’ ‘ Why, yes, Peters,’ said young Bradley, with his pleasant smile, ‘ That letter is undoubtedly a thing for any fellow to be proud of ; but I’m afraid I don’t quite see my way to getting one like it.’ ‘ Mr Bradly,’ answered Peters, in a hoarse tone, inviting confidence, ‘ ter-morrow night, sir, I’ll be in the main chains, fusein’ with somethin’ or nother. P’raps I’ll axiden tally fall into the water. Such things have happened, as yer know yeiself, sir. Then, Mr Bradley, what’s to hinder ye from jumpin’after me, like your messmate there? I guess ye’d have as good a chance as him for one o’ them letters from the Secretary.’ ‘ There’s only one difficulty about the plan, Peters,’ said Bradley, preserving a grave countenance, but inwardly much amused, ‘ unfortunately, you see, I don’t know how to swim.’

‘ Sho—is that all, sir?’ returned Peters, undismayed That ain’t nothin.’ I’ll hold you up till the boat comes !’