On board naval vessels marines are stationed as sentries on various parts of the upper deck. During the night they are obliged every half-hour, when the ship's bell is struck, to call out the name of their station, and then add the words, "All's well."

Some years ago the flag-ship Brooklyn was at anchor one stormy winter's night in Hampton Roads, Virginia. On the top-gallant forecastle of the frigate was stationed a German marine, whose familiarity with the English language was none too generous. For a long time he paced to and fro on the snow-covered platform, while the gale flung the big white flakes against his face, and the bitter cold numbed the hands that held the musket.

At last the sentry stood his rifle against the stay in order to beat his fingers and arms into warmth, and while engaged in that exercise the ship gave a lurch, the rifle slipped and pitched overboard. Frightened, and not knowing exactly how to report his loss, the poor fellow waited until the ship's bell sounded and it came his turn to report concerning his station. As the officer of the deck listened to catch the hail, a troubled voice floated out of the darkness forward,

"Port cathead, and all ish not very goot!"