BY LIEUTENANT E. W. STURDY, U.S.N.
It was impossible for our friend Master Tom Fairweather not to indulge in a chuckle when he opened his eyes upon the harbor of Bagdad the morning after his arrival at that ancient city.
The passengers of the Blosse Lynch were being carried ashore by the basketful in the kufas which swarmed about the steamer, and which, made of wicker-work, and round in shape, reminded our young friend of peach and strawberry baskets.
It was not long, however, before Mr. Jollytarre and himself were likewise progressing shoreward, whereupon the humor of the situation considerably diminished. It is never as funny to do a thing ourselves as to see other people do it.
Immediately on landing Mr. Jollytarre was presented with a note by an important personage, who in a fez cap stood by while the Lieutenant read the missive. Having done so, he said, "Tom, you are in luck. One of the most influential merchants of Bagdad has invited us to lunch with him at twelve to-day. We shall have lots of time before then to walk through the bazars, and get, in fact, a general idea of the city. After lunch we can do more sight-seeing. Would you like to go?"
"I suppose there are no ladies," demurred Tom, doubtfully.
"I am afraid not," and the Lieutenant shook his head sadly.
"Then I'd like to go," agreed Tom, cheering up.
The Lieutenant smiled at him. "You will hold different views one of these days. But let me see; here, I'll write a line on my card;" and pulling out his card-case he wrote with a flourish,
"Accept with pleasure.