“The steering gear is a little rattled: a puff of wind blew a lock of Mate Fuzzie-Wuzzie’s hair into the wheels, and instantly the vessel swung round. The engine was stopped, and in the excitement that ensued, a case of champagne was almost lost overboard. We had to run backward for a mile and a-half to disengage Fuzzie’s hair from the machinery. Fuzzie has been reduced.” [Illustration] “Spike’s interest in the war has grown to be a matter of serious inconvenience to all on board. He has literally covered the yacht with Military and Naval cartoons. The boat will certainly have to be re-painted. This morning he came on deck with a drawing he did sometime during the night, which represents Uncle Sam admonishing Spain to stop kicking the “yaller dorg”—Cuba. It’s not half bad, but his claim of it’s being the best yet made on the war is a little strong. He has been so busy admiring it all day he has not thought to make any others—and we have had time to breathe.” [Illustration] “We came to anchor this evening near the wreck of the “Two Sisters,” in the vicinity of which—on the shore—was situated a dog-pound, containing some two hundred canines awaiting execution.... We enjoyed a night of delightful rest.” [Illustration] “The Skipper went out on his bicycle gig to take a survey of the harbor, but the roadway was running so high he found it difficult to make any headway, and had to return to the yacht.” [Illustration] “Curly has been pronounced unfit for the duties of an able-bodied seaman, and has been handed over to the Duke for treatment. It is suspected he is afflicted with some curious, and hitherto unknown, form of love. Yesterday the Duke administered a very carefully prepared shrimp salad, but it failed utterly to bring about the desired results. He’s still very pensive, and seems to wish to be alone. Grave symptoms indeed. Ever since our last visit ashore, when he was seen walking through the fields with a tall, willowy creature of undeniable attractiveness, he has been very dejected and apathetic. [Illustration] We shall try keel-hauling as a last resort,—but trust it will not be necessary.” [Illustration] “The last glimpse of the glorious old Bay, and the last day afloat. The cruise has been one of continuous delight, but we can not but regret the end has come, and we must tread the bricks of uninteresting streets instead of the swaying deck of the Rita. But, as Bill Weatherbones would say, “Wot’s de use? Man aint born to be happy,—an’ dats straight.” [Illustration: THE END] [Illustration: THE FOUR FEARS OF OUR GENERAL _SOUVENIRS of CHILDHOOD_] _Adapted from the French by Adele Bacon._ THE SECOND FEAR.