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[Page 8]
am "some" actor too, especially as the 2nd Officer just now came in to my room in a very confidential mood & said "dont say anything, but its only a joke & we are all in it", but I wouldn't listen to him, that is to say, I ridiculed the idea of it being a joke.
Feby 19th (Friday) Crossed the Equator today & had a grand Concert & initiation ceremony at night, the whole thing passing off very successfully. From a list I had prepared of those who had not previously crossed the "line", a policeman announced the name & ordered them to be arrested & brought before Father Neptune & after hearing if they had any defence to make, as to why they should not be dipped & shaved, he ordered that they be given a bath. They were quickly handed over to the Barber & his assistants & seated on the end of plank overlapping a big Canvas bath full of salt water. After a generous lather of soft soft & soot mixed the Barber ran a large wooden razor over their faces & then the plank was tipped up & two policemen in the bath ducked them well under. Previously however, they were examined by His Marine Majesty's Doctor, who always prescribed a pill, which was a small soap one, which he pressed well in among the teeth. Whilst the ceremony was going on I was standing near & presently Neptunes Wife said "I wont mention any names but I can smell a "fresh", so I'll just point". He pointed at me & I