Edited by Owen Seaman
footgear was necessitated. This, though generous in dimensions, was finally induced to remain in position on Betty's small feet, her own boots being, of course, retained.
The dinghy was launched and, after a little preliminary wading in the gum-boots, the crew embarked. Betty's future profession will, I am sure, be that of quick-change artist. In less than ten minutes she had risen from cabin-boy to skipper, _viā_ ordinary seaman, A.B., bo'sun and various grades of mate. My rank, which had at the outset been that of admiral, as speedily declined, until I was merely the donkey-engine greaser, whose duties appeared to include that of helmsman (Betty is not yet an adept with two sculls).
Our vessel also changed its character with lightning rapidity. It was in turn a ferry-boat--imitation of passengers descending the gangway by rhythmical patting of hand on thwart; a hospital ship chased by a submarine--cormorant's neck and head naturally mistaken for periscope; a destroyer attacking a submarine--said cormo