One day in the vicinity of the
equator his hook was snapped by a dolphin, which he succeeded in
bringing to the deck. It was laid on the shady-side of the galley and
the sailors watched with great, curiosity the innumerable tints which
radiated from its body. This transition in color was considered by
the on-lookers as a visible evidence of the pain which it suffered.
Picking up an ax Paul quickly dispatched it. In passing the equator the
usual tom-foolery of receiving Neptune and baptizing those who had
never crossed the line before, was enjoyed with one slight exception.
The imitation of the god Neptune when coming out of the fore chains
over the bow, missed his footing and fell into the sea. Fortunately for
him the ship was becalmed at the time. With the aid of a line and a boat
hook which one of his mates fastened firmly to his collar, he was drawn
aboard. His appearance was certainly far from god-like. Paul often
enjoyed the conversation of sun old sailor named Joe Clark. He was a
misanthropist at the unjust inequality that existed in the conditions
of life, and often sung a verse of his own composition which gave him
intense satisfaction, as he chanted it while sewing sails or making
sennet. It consisted of a few lines, the import of which was, that no
matter how rich or gorgeous the outer apparel might be, all alike have
to eat, drink and die.
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