48 NAUTICAL FEATS. 



this, immediately ran up the rigging, and 

 with great apparent ease and confidence, 

 stood upon the truck, and waved his hat in 

 defiance. This was not to be borne, for the 

 Dutch boy, with wonderful daring and ac- 

 tivity, turned himself over, and stood upon 

 his head, with his heels towards the heavens, 

 to the amazement of the crews of the other 

 ships, both English and Dutch. Deter- 

 mined not to be outdone, with more spirit 

 than discretion, the British youth attempted 

 the same exhibition, but not being so clever 

 at gymnastics as his rival, he toppled over 

 and fell, to the great momentary alarm of 

 his shipmates ; but first a stay, then a back- 

 stay or bowline, breaking his fall, he came 

 safe on deck ; when, jumping up and snap- 

 ping his fingers at the Dutch line-of-bat tie- 

 ship, with great presence of mind, he said, 

 "There, gentlemen, do that if you can!" 

 The ship was not within hearing, nor could 

 the crew have understood our language, 

 but the loud shouts of laughter and exulta- 



