The Bosun's Challenge.
A one-off version of a weird dream, I had recently..
A group of friends join the Navy. on their first trip at sea, they get invited to Xmas Eve nibbles in the officers' mess. The usual pleasantries, some rude jokes, but the captain saw them staring at a big tankard, hanging from the ceiling..
He calls out' "Aha, do we have new contenders, for the 'Bosun's challenge'?
Several cheers, then the room goes silent- All eyes on the new ratings..
'A week's pay to any of you, who can out-drink the bosun, from that tankard.. when it's full of rum!'
The new ones talk among themselves for a bit, then one steps forward..
"Sir. We bet all of our week's pay, against all pay of the fine officers here, that one of us can drink the whole thing'..
This caused much consternation in the room- No one had ever called out the captain, before...
"It's a bet", he replied. "But each of you have to drink down at least three lines, that are marked on the cup".
No one had ever managed more than two measures..
So, the cup was filled with rum. Someone from each group took turns, but only managed 1 or almost 2 measures, before gagging. Now, it was down to the ratings leader, and the bosun..
The bosun, a bit of an alcoholic, managed 4- A record, even for him. All the officers cheered, taunting the newbies. Up stepped the lead rating. The cup was refilled again..
Slowly, but surely, and with growing encouragement from his teammates, the rating drank down the whole tankard. TEN full measures! Gasps and cheers filled the room.
The officers were furious, but all paid up, to honour the captain's bet. Turning to leave, the group leader was stopped by the captain.
"Well done to you, young man- No one has ever beaten the bosun before.. let alone drain the full tankard!"
The rating replied: "Oh, I bet they have, sir- But only when no one else was watching.."
The end.