When the troubled waters of the Bay of Biscay were reached, Max had given plentiful evidence of his love of practical joking, and showed that he fully deserved his sobriquet of Madcap. One of the passengers had on board an African monkey. This little, frolicsome animal became very fond of Max, and was easily induced to adapt itself to the ways of the fun-loving youth. One night Max took Jocko and dressed him in a lady’s nightcap, which he had obtained from a stewardess, and told Jocko he must lie in a certain bed. The stateroom was occupied by a snarling old bachelor, who declared that women and children were a nuisance. When the old fellow entered his room he saw, to his utter astonishment, a head resting on his pillow. Without staying to investigate, he rushed out of his room, shouting “Steward!” at the top of his voice. “What is it, Mr. Lawrence?” asked the first officer, startled by the frantic shouting. “Some one has placed a nigger baby in my bed.” “Nonsense, Mr. Lawrence!” “I say they have, and I’ll report every officer of the vessel if the offender is not punished.” “I will see that the matter is investigated,” said Officer Tunley. “Of course--but when? Why, in a week’s time, when everyone will have easily forgotten--no, sir, come at once.” “I will do so; but allow me to suggest, Mr. Lawrence, that it may have been the extra bottle of Bass’ ale----” “Do you dare, officer, to insinuate----” “Nothing, save that Welsh rarebit, highly seasoned, and three bottles of strong ale, are likely to disturb the vision.” “I’ll report you, sir--mark me, I’ll report you. Come, now, to my room, and if there is not a nigger baby there I’ll eat my hat.” “Very well, sir, I will come with you.” By the time the stateroom was reached, Jocko had fled the room, and Max had stripped the cap from its head. The monkey sat on the table in the saloon, grinning, as if it enjoyed the joke. The officer and Mr. Lawrence entered the stateroom. “By Jove!” exclaimed Lawrence, as he looked at his bed. “I was afraid you were romancing, sir,” said the officer, with proud indignation. “Take care, sir, that it does not occur again.” The passenger was speechless. Another day, when the steamer _L’Orient_ was being tossed about in the most fantastic manner, sometimes taking a swift pitch forward, then curving and twisting in a way which would bring joy to the heart of a baseball pitcher, Madcap Max thought the time had come for a pleasant diversion. A drove of pigs, with other animals, was on board, to enable the company to provide fresh meat for the passengers. Max quietly released the pigs from their quarters, and saw them, with one accord, make for the saloon. That was just what he wanted. A lady was tossed off her bed to the floor, but to her horror she fell on the back of a pig, who set up such a squeaking and squealing that, although the passengers were feeling sick, they were compelled to laugh.