Fishy

The female species, deadlier than the male, swam the English Channel three times in seven days. Britain burbled with delight over the prowess of its mermaids; U.S. papers printed smaller and smaller notices; even of the feat of Dr. Dorothy Cochrane Logan, (Nom de mer Mona McLennan) in bettering Gertrude Ederle's time. To Dr. Logan was paid the $5,000 prize offered by Lord Riddell of the News of the World to any British girl who beat the record. She had grooved the dark wet miles in 13 hours, 10 minutes; 81 minutes faster than Miss Ederle.

Five days later Dr. Logan confessed. U. S. papers delightedly printed first page stories of the hoax. Dr. Logan admitted she had ridden most of the way across in her pilot boat; averred she had done so with a purpose of confessing to warn the world that many of the recent channel swims looked "fishy." Believing that channel swimmers lie, she advocated an official board of supervision for channel swimmers; returned the $5,000.

The day after Dr. Logan landed Mrs. Ivy Gill, 24, staggered up Dover beach, gasping "I can't stand." She, also English, had conquered the channel in 15 hours, 9 minutes. A week previous (TIME, Oct. 17) Miss Mercedes Gleitz had churned across the channel after many an unsuccessful effort. Confessions were forthcoming; no questions were asked.

Miss Gertrude Ederle, who sent Charles A. Lindbergh a telegram of congratulations, was not reported to have congratulated Miss Gleitz, or Miss Gill, or Dr. Logan, (before or after confession).