the penny ferry and went over to look at the Norwegian, now taking in her last sacks of grain at Darling's wharf. Tho' she was a jubillee-rig and her stump-to'gallant rig gave her a square-appearance her masts had a smart rake and what a beauty below! Her graceful grey-white hull had a fine sweep ending at the figure-head. As I stood at her bow surveying her, I thought that in spite of her commonplace and foreign-name, she was a ship any sailor-man would like to sail in. I walked along the quay to see her deck and then received a pleasant surprise. There on deck, supervising the stowage of the last few sacks of wheat was Mr. Mathieson, the man who was Chief Mate of the Barque SOM during the passage I made in her in 1920. In four years he was practically unchanged and still had the prominent nose and full-face as when I knew him. His peach-like complexion was another characteristic I remember from knowing him before. My voyage in the SOM had attracted me strongly to the man, for he was indeed an officer, a square-rig mate who could handle his ship and his men and sho' had a style about doing things. Immediately upon seeing him, I forgot what objections I had as to the name, the rig and flag, etc. and decided that here was my ship! So I jumped aboard and was not long in getting acquainted for he remembered me from four year back. Yes, they were shy two men. I'd better wait and see the skipper. Hung about the decks awhile, getting chummy with what I reck'd would soon be my shipmates and when the Skipper came aboard I up and at him. He'd pay ten pounds, he said, and I'm to meet him at Paul and Gray tomorrow morn at 9:00, then we'll to the Consul's and sign on. To close the deal he retains some of my discharges. I contentedly make my way back to Adelaide by train, happy in the thought that my fears of striking and missing the mark were now to be allayed; that I had gambled and won! At the hotel, I resolutely buckled down to writing several letters altho' my eyes resented the abuse. About 8:00 p.m. I crept under the bed-clothes and was soon unconscious. Feb. 27, 1925-Friday-As luck would
have it, I overslept! Whether my little Hamburg clock failed me or whether it had tried to waken me in vain I cannot say but certain it is that when I opened my eyes it was exactly nine o'clock, the time I was to meet the Skipper in Port Adelaide! I hustled as best I could and felt keenly the slowness of the train but all the time I knew if likely that the man would go about his business and perhaps not trouble about mine any more. This dismayed me some for thru' neglect and being asleep on the job, perhaps I had lost my chance. I did to the appointed place and was told that he waited some time and then went to Adelaide, leaving word that he'd be back later in the day. So there was nought for me to do but while away time which I did by sauntering about the streets and indulging in various refreshments. Espying the Museum and Library not far from the Customs House I thought here would be a good place to pass an hour. So I strolled in thru' the door and ascended a flight of stairs to the Museum, the Reading Room being below. The afternoon was warm and of a kind that induces sleepiness. I became interested in several ship models displayed on the landing when a young girl of perhaps eighteen hurriedly came up the steps as if earnestly seeking something. Like any masculine I turned my head and met her gaze, thinking as men unconsciously do in such cases, "Hmm, not bad, that; good-looking kid and a trim figure. " Then as unconsciously did it leave my mind as I found more ship models. Entering the main hall like any casual visitor I proceeded systematically to inspect the displays. How quiet, this place I thought and how deserted, none but the lass and myself. I shifted farther along and began by now to observe things unusual to me. The maid stood, studying the case directly opposite me and being easy to look at I had me another look, only to become startled by finding that she too was "having alook." A mere accident, thought I or at most, passing interest between the sexes. I turned about and resumed my inspection but my mind was troubled by now. Why, thought I, should this wisp of a lass so tenaciously insist upon gazing at the same specimens as I and there, even now, of what interest was the exhibit of rare
14