“Guard, Dismiss!”

From a Special Correspondent.

Tulagi, Aug. 20.

IT was a tense moment in Tulagi.

The Acting Resident Commissioner, Mr. J. C. Barley, had arrived aboard the “Mataram,” and the heads of de partments, and a guard of native con stabulary assembled to greet him.

It usually rains when the steamer arrives; but, on this occasion, it poured. The Acting R.C. wisely re mained on the ship, awaiting a break in the weather. The unhappy officials, and the more unhappy policemen, stood around miserably in the rain.

At last the launch left the ship, and ran alongside.

“Shun!” barked the Commandant.

The dripping heads of departments as sumed welcoming smiles. The black bronze police stood stiffly to attention.

The launch curtains parted and out stepped the popular Government store keeper, Vic Shearwin, who also had arrived by the “Mataram.”

Vic stared: then, with pleased sur prise, he saluted the officials, and seemed about to inspect the troops.

“Guard, dismiss!” roared the indig nant Commandant. “Ass!” hissed the wet and angry heads of departments —and went home in disgust, to change their clothes.

But Vic Shearwin is still smiling.