CAPTAIN DUNLEVY'S LAST TRIP [Pg 66] [Pg 66] [Pg 67] [Pg 67] III CAPTAIN DUNLEVY'S LAST TRIP It was against the law, in such case made and provided, Of the United States, but by the good will of the pilots That we would some of us climb to the pilot-house after our breakfast For a morning smoke, and find ourselves seats on the benching Under the windows, or in the worn-smooth arm-chairs. The pilot, Which one it was did not matter, would tilt his head round and say, "All right!" When he had seen who we were, and begin, or go on as from stopping In the midst of talk that was leading up to a story, Just before we came in, and the story, begun or beginning, Always began or ended with some one, or something or other, [Pg 68] Having to do with the river. If one left the wheel to the other, Going off watch, he would say to his partner standing behind him With his hands stretched out for the spokes that were not given up yet, "Captain, you can tell them the thing I was going to tell them Better than I could, I reckon," and then the other would answer, "Well, I don't know as I feel so sure of that, captain," and having Recognized each other so by that courtesy title of captain Never officially failed of without offense among pilots, One would subside into Jim and into Jerry the other. It was against the law, in such case made and provided, [Pg 68] It was on these terms, at least, Captain Dunn relieved Captain Davis When we had settled ourselves one day to listen in comfort, After some psychological subtleties we had indulged in at breakfast Touching that weird experience every one knows when the senses Juggle the points of the compass out of true orientation, [Pg 69] Changing the North to the South, and the East to the West. "Why, Jerry, what was it You was going to tell them?" "Oh, never you mind
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