190 Crossing the Line 



1939, continued 



the uninitiated, and also standing "dousing" watches in the canvas water 



tank. 



The night before the ship crosses the hne, it is the custom that Davy Jones 

 shall appear on board with a message to the Captain from His Majesty, Nep- 

 timus Rex, stating at what time he wants the ship hove to for the reception 

 of the Royal Party, and with particular summons for certain men to appear 

 before him. This reception of Davy Jones usually takes place at night and 

 may be made most impressive. The ship is stopped and, amid a glare of lights 

 and a whirl of water, Davy Jones emerges from the hawse or is hoisted over 

 the bows to deliver his message. He is usually received by the Captain and 

 OflBcer of the Deck on the bridge. 



A part of the customary dialogue follows: 



A Ritual for Ancient Order of the Deep 



Davy Jones comes aboard and hails the bridge. 

 Davy Jones to Officer of the Deck: Ship Ahoy! 

 O.O.D.: Aye, Aye, Sir. 

 Davy Jones: What ship? 

 O.O.D.: U.S.S.— . 

 Davy Jones: What course? 

 O.O.D.: State course. 

 Davy Jones : Very well. Sir, I have been waiting your arrival. You will notify 



the Commanding Officer that I, Davy Jones, have a message to dehver to 



him from His Royal Highness, Neptunus Rex. 

 O.O.D.: Aye, Aye, Sir. 



Permit a few minutes to elapse. 

 O.O.D.: Your Honor, the Commanding Officer awaits you. 

 Davy Jones (proceeding to place designated) : Very well, Sir. 



If the meeting takes place on the quarter-deck, all hands are permitted to 

 follow Davy Jones aß. 



Captain to Davy Jones: Greetings, Davy Jones. 

 Davy Jones: My congratiJations to you. Captain. Some few years since I 



saw you. 

 Captain: Yes, it was aboard the U.S.S. — . 

 Davy Jones : I have a summons to you from Neptunus Rex. 

 Captain: I will be glad to receive it. 



Davy Jones reads the summons. He then shakes hands with the Captain. 

 Davy Jones: I will await your pleasure tomorrow. Sir, and will see you when 



I return with my Royal Master, Neptunus Rex. Good night. Sir. 



Davy Jones walks forward. 



