Steam-boat Racing


SIR CHARLES LYELL, when in the United States, received the following

advice from a friend: When you are racing with an opposition

steam-boat, or chasing her, and the other passengers are cheering the

captain, who is sitting on the safety-valve to keep it down with his

weight, go as far as you can from the engine, and lose no time,

especially if you hear the captain exclaim, 'Fire up, boys! put on the

resin!' Should a s
rvant call out, 'Those gentlemen who have not paid

their passage will please to go to the ladies' cabin,' obey the summons

without a moment's delay, for then an explosion may be apprehended. 'Why

to the ladies' cabin?' said I. Because it is the safe end of the boat,

and they are getting anxious for the personal security of those who have

not yet paid their dollars, being, of course, indifferent about the

rest. Therefore never pay in advance; for should you fall overboard

during a race, and the watch cries out to the captain, 'A passenger

overboard,' he will ask, 'Has he paid his passage?' and if he receives

an answer in the affirmative, he will call out 'Go ahead!'



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