_Q._ Was the display of these seamen of the Royal Navy particularly
impressive?
_A._ No, and I fancy that some of the audience who had paid an extra
sixpence to see it from the Grand Stand, were slightly disappointed.
_Q._ Besides the cutlass and gun drill, did you see these seamen
(wearing Her Majesty's uniform), take part in any other performance?
_A._ I did, and for this, too, an extra sixpence was charged for the
use of the Grand Stand. They waded about in a sort of tank or large
bath with models of ironclads on their heads.
_Q._ So far as you could see was this last display conducive to the
maintenance of strict discipline?
_A._ I should say not, the more especially as I noticed towards
the close of the display that the men seemed inclined to indulge in
larking.
_Q._ Has this raree show caused you to wish to enlist in the Royal
Navy?
_A._ Certainly not. The gun and cutlass drill before a paying audience
reminded me of _The Battle of Waterloo_ at Astley's.
_Q._ But would you not like to join the Royal Navy, so that you might
be qualified to perform in a tank?
_A._ No; for on consideration I think if I wished to do anything in
the "comic water-tournament line," I could make better terms with Mr.
SANGER than the Lords of the Admiralty.
* * * * *
QUEER QUERIES.--POPULAR PRICES.--Would any reader inform me what is
the lowest price at which _wholesome_ aerated waters are sold? I
have been drinking some "Shadwell Seltzer, special _cuvee_," at a
penny-halfpenny the syphon, and I fancy this may have something to do
with my present symptoms, which include partial paralysis of the left
side, violent spasms, an almost irresistible tendency to homicide,
together with excruciating pain in every part of the body.
Pages:
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36