Examples of Fiction: THE COMPASSIONATE GENTLEMEN

The Great War had just ended and veterans were enjoying their new found victory. Captain Jensen was overjoyed to see that on the chair facing the ocean, two men were seated on either side of ther taller companions.

"Shell shock," said the one in the white Panama hat.

Jensen, who was busy talking to his first mate, nodded.

"Any word on the London Waxworks robbery?" the mate asked.

"Yes. I have word from Scotland Yard that they might try to get away on the ship. We have everyone checking the cabins and the passenger's list.

The mate loosed his collar. "It's going to be a scorcher!" The captain agreeed that it was unusual for that time of year. They decided to go to the dining room.

An hour later, they returned. Shocked, he looked at the quartet. Were not the two in the center a little bit shorter and wider? Quickly, he sent for several burly seamen who surrounded the group.

"All right," said the captain, "turn around and stand up!"

The two on the end obeyed, causing the center figures to lurch forward, practically toppling into the ocean. As the seamen grabbed them, their hands became sticky with hot wax.

"The missing wax work dummies!"explained the captain and promptly placed the thieves in the brig.