(_To be in force on or after the next Ultimo instant_)
_The Darkest Night._--Any man not knowing when the darkest night is will
be discharged.
Inquiries can be made any day at the Admiralty from 10 till 4, excepting
from 1 till 2, when all hands are piped to luncheon.
_The Rule of the Rowed_ at sea is similar to the rule of the sailed.
No ship must come into collision with another.
If two steamers are on the starboard tack, they must return to the
harbour and begin again.
Any steamship likely to meet another steamship must reverse and go
somewhere else.
Any admiral out after 12 o'clock will be locked up wherever he is.
Nobody, however high in command, can be permitted to sit on a buoy out
at sea for the purpose of frightening vessels.
All complaints to be made to the Admiralty, or to one of the mounted
sentries at the Horse Guards.
[Illustration]
An admiral is on duty all night to receive complaints.
Every mounted marine on joining must bring his own fork, spoon and towel
horse.
If two vessels are meeting end on, take one end off. The other loses and
forfeits sixpence.
Any infringement or infraction of the above rules and regulations will
be reported by the head winds to the deputy toastmaster for the current
year at Colwell-Hatchney.
N.B.--On hand a second-hand pair of gloves for boxing the compass.
Remember the 26th of December is near, when they may be wanted. The
equivalent of a chaplain-general to the forces has been appointed. He is
to be called chaplain-admiral to the fleet. The cockpits are being
turned into pulpits. If not ready by next Sunday he will deliver his
first sermon from the main-top gallant jibboom mizen. The Colney-Hatches
will be crowded.
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[Illustration: OUT OF IT
The eldest Miss Blossom thinks that the part of double gooseberry is
rather monotonous.]
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[Illustration: HOW LITTLE OUR DEAR ONES UNDERSTAND US
_Madge._ "My dear George, there you've been sitting with your camera
since breakfast, and you haven't taken anything."
_George (intent on his own feelings)._ "Don't ask me to, darling, I
couldn't touch it!"]
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