3i8 CONFESSIONS OF A BEACHCOMBER 



Vue." He seems as proud of the new possession as a white 

 boy of his first pair of trousers, and soon forgets his original 

 name. " What name belonga you, your country ? " I asked 

 an alert boy. " I bin lose 'em ; I no find 'em. Boss, he 

 catch 'em alonga paper ! " 



The Knightly Growth 



Wallace, in his Malay Archipelago, gives an amusing 

 account of a native who was superbly vain of an isolated 

 tuft of hair on the one side of his chin, the only semblance 

 of beard he possessed. A black boy on one of the inland 

 stations left with a mob of travelling cattle for the south. 

 When he returned after many days, two hairs had sprouted 

 from a mole on his cheek, and he was for ever fondling 

 them with pride and pleasure. 



" Hello ! Jacky ! " exclaimed the manager of the station, 

 noticing him on his return for the first time. " You catch 

 'em plenty whisker now," and feinted to pluck out the twin 

 hairs. 



Jacky started back in dismay. " You no broke 'em ! 

 You no broke 'em ! " 



Another boy showed that the cruel edge of vanity which 

 prompts others to dye their hair is felt by the race. White 

 hairs began to mingle with the black of his moustache, and 

 one by one he plucked them out. The moustache became 

 thinner and thinner, until the lip was as bare as a baby's 

 cheek, while the fraudulently youthful appearance gave 

 obvious satisfaction. 



Honour and Glory 



As we sat enjoying the cool moonlight, Mickie an- 

 nounced that Jinny desired an interview. "All right, 

 Mickie, tell her come along." " No, bi'mby. When finish 

 wash 'em plate." That duty disposed of, Mickie — "Now 

 Boss." "Well, come along. Jinny. What you want?" 

 " No, Boss ; I no want talk alonga you, Mickie humbug 



