"Because," was the reply, "you would run the risk of an introduction to Father Neptune."
"I remember," said Fred, "that is the ceremony they talk about in crossing the line for the first time."
"Yes," Frank responded, "they play all kinds of pranks on the greenhorns, or those who have never been beyond the equator."
"My first crossing of the line was on an English ship," said the Doctor, "and the custom was allowed in its full force. They fastened below all of the crew who were not old sailors, and also all of the passengers. The latter were let off by paying half a sovereign each, to be expended in drink for the crew; three-fourths of them complied at once, and were let up to see the fun. But the greenhorns of the crew were not excused, and we had a chance to see how the ceremony was performed."
"And how was it?"
CROSSING THE LINE ON A MAN-OF-WAR.
"Just about daybreak the ship was hailed by a hoarse voice that seemed to come from under the bows. The voice was followed by Neptune in person, and he was accompanied by several attendants blowing conch shells. Neptune was one of the old sailors in disguise; he had a long beard made of rope-yarn, and a tin crown, and he carried a trident in his right hand as he marched along the deck. His attendants were equipped with beards almost as long as those of Neptune, and, like their master, they were naked to the waist.
"He ordered the sailors to bring him a throne, and he was speedily mounted on the top of a cask. Then, one after another, the greenhorns were brought before him to be questioned and shaved.