The sons of Columbia and the sons of Britannia get on very well together. At the big club house at the Irish base, there are always little groups of British sailors to be seen, quiet, well-behaved fellows who watch everything with British dignity. Our bluejackets, however, are far more chummy with British soldiers than with Britons of their own calling. Navy blue and khaki are forever going down the street arm in arm. The tar is always keen to hear of the front. Tommy does the talking. After all, there is a difference in the vernacular. Witness this poem which I reprint from the August number of _Our Navy_. It is by a Navy man, Mr. R. P. Maulsley. The word Limey, here shortened to "Lima," means, used as a noun, a British sailorman; used as an adjective, British. The term had its origin in the ancient British custom of giving lime juice to ward off scurvy. THE LIMA AND THE YANKS By R. P. Maulsley It was nice and cozy in the "Pub," And blowing cold outside. By the fireplace sat two gobbies, America's joy and pride. When a Lima from a cruiser Thought their talk he'd like to hear, And sat down just behind them, With a half o' pint of beer. And o'er a flowing mug of ale, That held about a quart, He heard them swapping stories About their stay in port. "Say, this is sure some burg, Tho' it ain't the U.S.A., But did you pipe the classy Jane, That passed us on the quay? "She gave me some sweet smile, bo, And winked her pretty eye," "Get out, you big hay-maker, It was for me she meant to sigh." "G'wan you homely piece of cheese, You're talkin' thru' your hat, I'll betsha just ten plasters, It was me she was smiling at." "I'll take that up old-timer, Why, that's some easy dough, We'll have another round, And then we'll have to blow. "And if I lamp that broad, kid, And she cottons to me quick, I'll buy her everything in town, And make that ten look sick." They arose and left the Lima, A gasping in some chairs, And as they left the room, He heard them on the stairs. "Like candy from a baby, I'll take your coin this day, And have a high old time and-- Say, how did you get that way?" The Lima emptied his tankard, And caught the barmaid's eye, "I 'eard them Yanks a tarkin', But what the bloomin' ell'd they seye?" XXI THE FLEET