Punchinello, Volume 2, No. 32, November 5, 1870 by Various
page 28 of 77 (36%)
page 28 of 77 (36%)
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tendency to take the wind out of everybody's sails, and submit to remain
in the wake of these yachts during the continuance of the race. And I hereby challenge all fast-sailing yachts of over 100 tons burthen, and under 50, to a 15-mile race dead to windward and back again alive. (Signed) ASHBURY. Upon this your reporter manned the yard-arms, fired a salute of 100 guns, and directed the Oar-acular to back water; thereby giving the _Dauntless_ the lead, which she retained up to the end of the race. By the clever management of her Tacks she succeeded in completely Nailing the _Cambria_. On the home-stretch, however, the latter began "eating up" on her to such an alarming degree, that it was feared the provisions of the Dauntless would not hold out. By putting the crew on half-rations of champagne and sponge-cake this awful calamity was averted. Excited by the presence of danger, your reporter forgot his habitual caution, and giving his Oar-ist a hearing, made all sail for the mark-boat. The tow-line was passed from the bows aft, and there attached to the boat-hook, held by your representative. Upon this impromptu clothes-line was crowded all the canvas, velvet, linen, and other dry-goods appertaining to the gallant captain and his self-sacrificing crew. The latter gentleman might have been seen under this gay cloud of drapery working fitfully but energetically to and fro. But 't was all in vain! The _Dauntless_ passed the mark-boat, and the race was won. Won? But by whom? The daily papers, with their usual inaccuracy, have made it appear that the _Dauntless_ was the winner, but among thinking men there is but one opinion in regard to the matter, an opinion fully explained and |
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