Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/252

 here. There's a big base about twelve miles away where the British fleet is tucked up, and it's our stunt to see that no one slips in and 's' them when they're having tea. It isn't bad fun, but nothing ever happens. They talk about going up and shelling the German fleet out of its base, but I guess it's only talk. It's none of my business, but if I was Jellicoe I'd want more action. The Englishers are a fine lot and we get along with them top-hole. (I'm getting to talk like one fast!) But this is a bleak old corner of the world and we nearly freeze to death when we go out. I wish they'd change us to the Mediterranean this Winter. Send me a letter to the address below and tell me what you're doing these days. Did you see that New York had copped the pennant? Some team, old scout, some team! You remember Jimmy Sanford, on my crew? He's the one with a bald spot in the middle of his head. Well, Jimmy's from Chicago and he won't speak to anyone since he's learned that Chicago has lost the World's Championship. I'll be mighty glad when this shindy is over, old settler. Me for home the first chance I get. I'm sort of fed up on this 'submarinery.' 'I know now that dad was right!"'

Nelson answered the first time he went ashore, 227